COURSE SYLLABUS
Course: Design
1 (black and white design)
Course
Number: Art 125
Professor: Rebekah
Higgins
Semester: Spring
2008
Office: M2-18
Office
Hours: TBA
Phone: 215
751 8298
e-mail: rhiggins@ccp.edu
Overview
Whenever a visual statement is made, whether by a painter, an illustrator,
a photographer or filmmaker, a crafts person, an architect, an interior or
graphic designer, certain universal elements of a visual language are shared.
All good designers must organize, unify, orchestrate, compose, arrange and put
together their respective elements to form a comprehensive whole.
The purpose of this design course is to make you aware
of those universal visual elements and the principles which will enable you to
successfully realize your abilities as an artist—no matter what profession you
choose later.
One of your goals will be to master the Elements of
Design which are:
Line
Shape
Tone
Submission
of Work
In the professional world, lateness
is never tolerated. I might add, neither is it at the next level of your
transferred school. It is expected that work will be submitted on time and in
complete form.
Work 1 class late or less will have
10 points (1 letter grade) deducted from the assessed grade. If late work is
handed later than 1 week past its due date, it will no longer be accepted for a
grade and will be considered a missed assignment (A big Fat ZERO).
Grading
Criteria
Students will be individually assessed and
evaluated. Their performance in achieving objectives will be rated by the
standard A,B,C,D,F grading system. (See grading scale, below.) The measures of
student performance are as follows:
1) Assignments. Successful completion
of weekly assignments and a final project, which counts for as much as 15% of
the final grade, are a primary measure of success in this course. The quality
of the design concept, the completeness of the work, and its craftsmanship will
be equally weighted for each piece handed in. Each project has its own criteria
and grades are assigned based on the meeting of these criteria. Know the
objectives and criteria for each project.
2) Attendance, punctuality, and
preparedness. Attendance in class is extremely important. There is no
substitute for interaction with and feedback from the instructor during class
work; nor can the benefits derived from informal learning from peers be
underestimated. These aspects of the course provide an invaluable immediate,
ongoing resource that cannot be duplicated in any other way. In addition,
College policy states that missing more than the equivalent of two weeks class
can result in a student’s being dropped from the course. Thus, completion of
successful assignments may not be sufficient for a passing grade in this
course. Good attendance, punctuality, and coming to class with the required
materials are also required of each student. Missing three classes or more can
seriously affect a student’s overall outcome, lowering it one letter grade, 6
missed classes is an automatic failure. 2 lates are counted as absence.
3) Critique Sessions. Students are
expected to have work completed on time and present it for our weekly wall
critique. They are further expected to be able to talk about their designs in a
clear and articulate manner, as well as be willing and able to discuss the work
of their fellow classmates. They will be observed and evaluated in how effectively
they perform this task.
The
following breakdown reflects the criteria stated above:
Projects/Exercises 85% (with the
final project counting for up to 15% of the 85%)
Critique/Participation 15%
Attendance
Three classes missed = grade lowered
one letter grade
Six classes missed = mandatory
failure or withdrawal from course
Grading Scale
Student’s
performance will be evaluated using the following grading scale which reflects
the dual nature of all art classes, blending evaluation of skills and aesthetic
judgments.
A = Student understands and shows mastery
over the techniques and concepts being taught; can apply these techniques and
concepts to well conceived pieces of art and design. Student shows progress and
makes conscientious effort to risk, question, and understand various techniques
and concepts and consistently bring this knowledge to bear on the produced
work. Student devoted great effort and time to class work and assignments so
that the work submitted is of the highest possible quality in both
concept
and execution; meets all the deadlines for assignments; arrives on time; has an
excellent attendance record, and participates in critiques.
B = Student has good facility with the
techniques and concepts being taught. Application of techniques and
understanding of concepts is very good, but while. Good or excellent in one
area, the student is weak in another, for example in execution. Completed
assignments show progress and good effort in work. Meeting deadlines, attendance,
punctuality and participation in critiques also Influence this grade.
C = Student demonstrates average facility
with the techniques and concepts being taught, shows progress and development
in using them, but while good in one area, the student is significantly weak in
another. Meeting deadlines, attendance and punctuality and participation in
critiques also influence this grade.
D = Student displays difficulty with the
techniques and concepts being taught; needs more practice to develop skills;
expression of techniques and understanding of concepts is weak; exerts minimum
effort on class work and assignments; misses classes or is tardy; comes to
class without work and shows no progress or desire to improve.
F = Student has no aptitude for the
techniques and does not exhibit understanding of concepts that have been
taught. Combined display of techniques and understanding of concepts is poorly
demonstrated; exerts little effort.
Studio/Classroom
Policies
The
The
following guidelines and policies are designed to foster mutual respect,
promote harmony and to ensure a healthy, creative environment for continued
success in our program. To encourage a professional atmosphere, the following
standards must be maintained.