AVT+103+Syllabus


 * Fall 2017

 MW 9:30 am - 10:45 am

 MW 11:00 am - 12:15 am

MW 12:30 pm - 1:45 pm Art and Design Building L004 ||
 * Instructor: Brian Davis

 E-Mail: bdavis26@gmu.edu atimidmulestudio.wikispaces.com

Office: TBA

 Office Hours: By Appt.

Through projects, readings, class critiques, visuals, and field trips, students explore materials, techniques, concepts, and processes essential to understanding the language of visual arts and the artist’s role. Develops imaginative thinking and sensitivity to visual environment.

This class is designed to give non-art majors experience and insight into the methods, materials and concepts that visual artist’s use in making work and observing culture and the world around them. Students will learn these fundamentals of studio art practice through lectures, art making and observational exercises.

This course will investigate art through a variety of materials and techniques including 2D, 3D and New Media projects designed to give a broad experience of art making possibilities and approaches.

This class fulfills a Mason Core requirement for Arts. Arts goal: Courses aim to achieve a majority of the following learning outcomes: students will be able to identify and analyze the formal elements of a particular art form using vocabulary appropriate to that form; demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between artistic technique and the expression of a work’s underlying concept; analyze cultural productions using standards appropriate to the form and cultural context; analyze and interpret material or performance culture in its social, historical, and personal contexts; and engage in the artistic process, including conception, creation, and ongoing critical analysis.

Note: Experimentation is encouraged! Making good art takes time, thought, planning and the allowance of some extra time for mistakes. Though we will be working on projects in class, it is expected that you will spend some time outside of class to complete projects.

Critiques: Class critiques are very important and will be held at the beginning of class on the due date of each project. Be prepared to talk about your work during the critique. If your work is not complete for the critique your grade on that assignment will be lowered by one full letter grade for each day it is late. You are still required to participate in the class critique, even if your work is not being critiqued.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Projects and grading:

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">There will be 4 major projects and a series of technical exercises throughout the semester. In addition, there will be short writings and postings on the class blog. 20% of each major project grade will come from any preliminary sketches and models. Each assignment will be evaluated based on the following criteria.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;"> 1. Fulfillment of the project objectives <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;"> 2. Craftsmanship <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;"> 3. Conceptual and material inventiveness <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;"> 4. Physical investment: the sweat factor <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;"> 5. Overall aesthetic and conceptual quality of the work

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">The overall breakdown of the final grade: <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Projects-50% <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Tests-25% <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Writings/postings (Includes writings from museum/gallery visits)-25%

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;"> Grading:

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">A Work is characterized by outstanding achievement and understanding of critical analysis as reflected in solutions to assignments, technical competence and the critique process. Student must display preparedness and efficient dedication to scheduled studio time. Adherence to attendance policy.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">B Work is characterized by excellent competence and understanding of critical analysis as reflected in solutions to assignments, technical competence and the critique process. Student must display preparedness and dedication to scheduled studio time. Adherence to attendance policy.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">C Work is characterized by basic competence and understanding of critical analysis as reflected in solutions to assignments, technical competence and the critique process. Student must display adequate preparedness and dedication to scheduled studio time. Adherence to attendance policy.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">D Work is characterized by minimal effort and success. Lowest passing grade.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Studio Policies

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">1. Attendance Policy <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Attendance is mandatory. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">3 unexcused absences = final grade reduced by 1 letter (A becomes a B), <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">4 unexcused absences = 2 letters <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">6 unexcused absences = failure no matter your grade <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">8 absences (excused or unexcused) will result in failure EVEN IF YOU HAVE A VALID REASON FOR YOUR ABSENCE. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Tardiness <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">If a student is late to class, this will count as a ½ absence (unexcused). <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">If a student is more than 25 minutes late to a class, they will not be permitted in the classroom, which will result in a full unexcused absence—unless they have given prior and timely notice and justification to the Instructor. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">If a student leaves class 10 minutes or more early, this will result in a ½ absence (excused or unexcused). <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">2. Do not miss a critique; these are your exam dates and require total participation. Show up with your work and be prepared to think, ask/answer questions, and offer analytical criticism. Again, late work will not be critiqued and results in a lower grade. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">3. While I try to keep costs to a minimum, you are responsible for purchasing any materials you need for the class beyond the provided tools and machinery. Please be responsible and adhere to rules and safety demos concerning the studio. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">4. The gathering of materials will be done outside of scheduled studio time. There is no substitute for time spent in the studio with peers and the instructor. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">5. Do not remove any tools or other materials belonging to the studio. This is an Honor Code Violation. See Academic Integrity heading in syllabus. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">6. Remove all work after grading. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">7. Maintain your work area in a clean manner. Do not leave a mess for other classes. Violators are subject to losing studio privileges. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">8. General cleanups require all students to participate. Failure to do so will negatively affect the final grade. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">9. You will be instructed on the proper and safe way to operate tools. Safety is a must, seek assistance when in doubt. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">10. No cell phones. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">11. No food. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">13. Wear casual clothing and bring an old long sleeved shirt for protection. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">14. Do not spray paint in the studio!

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Safety: be aware that there are potential hazards regarding the work in this course. While I conduct thorough demonstrations, it is ultimately up to each student to be prudent and diligent. It is my desire to keep the studio open after scheduled course usage so that work can be completed in a timely manner. This can only happen if students exercise the most careful adherence to studio policies. Students working in studio outside of scheduled courses take full responsibility.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Materials:

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">You will be required to get a few basic items at the beginning of class as well as some items needed for any specific project you are working on. Places you can buy ART MATERIALS: Johnson Center Bookstore (on campus)/ Plaza, 3045 Nutley St, Fairfax: 703 280-4500/ Utrecht, 1250 I (eye) St, NW DC, 202-230-9097 [|www.dickblick.com], and Amazon.com

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Text: No book is required. Readings will be handed out on a per-project basis.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">You should have these supplies available for every class.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Hot Glue Gun that uses 1/2” round glue sticks. Get a “high temperature” gun.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">One bag of at least 20 glue sticks. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Razor/utility knife. This should be a large (6” x 1”), standard breakaway utility knife. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Package of replacement blades for your knife. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Small jar Rubber Cement <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">X-Acto Knife and assortment of blades. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Drawing tools: Drawing pencil set <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">12” or 24” metal ruler <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Sketch book or notebook: 8 1/2 x 11 (for this class only) <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Pad of Bristol Board 8 1/2 x 11 <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">2 black Sharpies, one fine tip, one wide. <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Tool box to carry it all.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Students with Disabilities and Learning Differences: If you have a diagnosed disability or learning difference and you need Academic accommodations please inform me at the beginning of the semester and contact the Office of Disability Services (SUB I room 234, 703-993-2474). You must provide me with a faculty contact sheet from that office outlining the accommodations needed for your disability or learning difference. All academic accommodations must be arranged in advance through the Office of Disability Services.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Technology: In accordance with George Mason University policy, please silence all cellular telephones and other wireless communication devices at the start of class. The instructor of the class will keep his/her cell phone active to assure receipt of any Mason Alerts in a timely fashion; or in the event that the instructor does not have a cell phone, he/she will designate one student to keep a cell phone active to receive such alerts.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Commitment to Diversity: This class will be conducted as an intentionally inclusive community that celebrates diversity and welcomes the participation in the life of the university of faculty, staff and students who reflect the diversity of our plural society. All may feel free to speak and to be heard without fear that the content of the opinions they express will bias the evaluation of their academic performance or hinder their opportunities for participation in class activities. In turn, all are expected to be respectful of each other without regard to race, class, linguistic background, religion, political beliefs, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, ethnicity, age, veteran’s status, or physical ability.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Statement on Ethics in Teaching and Practicing Art and Design: As professionals responsible for the education of undergraduate and graduate art and design students, the faculty of the School of Art adheres to the ethical standards and practices incorporated in the professional Code of Ethics of our national accreditation organization, The National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Open Studio Hours: SOA teaching studios are open to students for extended periods of time mornings, evenings and weekends whenever classes are not in progress. Policies, procedures and schedules for studio use are established by the SOA studio faculty and are posted in the studios.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Important University Dates: || <span style="color: #000000; font-family: &#39;Arial&#39;,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Martin Luther King Day (no classes) || <span style="color: #000000; font-family: &#39;Arial&#39;,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Mon Jan 15 ||
 * **<span style="color: #000000; font-family: &#39;Arial&#39;,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">First day of classes **<span style="color: #000000; font-family: &#39;Arial&#39;,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">; last day to submit Domicile Reclassification Application; Payment Due Date; full semester waitlists removed || <span style="color: #000000; font-family: &#39;Arial&#39;,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Mon Jan 22 ||
 * **<span style="color: #000000; font-family: &#39;Arial&#39;,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Last day to add classes **<span style="color: #000000; font-family: &#39;Arial&#39;,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">—all individualized section forms due

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: &#39;Arial&#39;,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> Last day to drop with no tuition penalty || <span style="color: #000000; font-family: &#39;Arial&#39;,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Mon Jan 29 ||
 * **<span style="color: #000000; font-family: &#39;Arial&#39;,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Last day to drop with a 33% tuition penalty ** || <span style="color: #000000; font-family: &#39;Arial&#39;,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Mon Feb 12 ||
 * **<span style="color: #000000; font-family: &#39;Arial&#39;,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Final Drop Deadline (67% tuition penalty) ** || <span style="color: #000000; font-family: &#39;Arial&#39;,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Fri Feb 23 ||
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: &#39;Arial&#39;,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Immunization Record Deadline || <span style="color: #000000; font-family: &#39;Arial&#39;,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Thu Mar 1 ||
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: &#39;Arial&#39;,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Midterm progress reporting period (100-200 level classes)—grades available via <span style="color: #006633; font-family: &#39;Arial&#39;,sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-decoration: none;">[|Patriot Web] || <span style="color: #000000; font-family: &#39;Arial&#39;,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Mon Feb 19 – Fri Mar 23 ||
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: &#39;Arial&#39;,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Selective Withdrawal Period (undergraduate students only) || <span style="color: #000000; font-family: &#39;Arial&#39;,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Mon Feb 26 – Fri Mar 30 ||
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: &#39;Arial&#39;,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Spring Break || <span style="color: #000000; font-family: &#39;Arial&#39;,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Mon Mar 12 – Sun Mar 18 ||
 * **<span style="color: #000000; font-family: &#39;Arial&#39;,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Incomplete work from Fall 2017 due to Instructor ** || <span style="color: #000000; font-family: &#39;Arial&#39;,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Fri Mar 23 ||
 * **<span style="color: #000000; font-family: &#39;Arial&#39;,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Incomplete grade changes from Fall 2017 due to Registrar ** || <span style="color: #000000; font-family: &#39;Arial&#39;,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Fri Mar 30 ||
 * <span style="color: #000000; font-family: &#39;Arial&#39;,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Dissertation/Thesis Deadline || <span style="color: #000000; font-family: &#39;Arial&#39;,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Fri May 4 ||
 * **<span style="color: #000000; font-family: &#39;Arial&#39;,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Last day of classes ** || <span style="color: #000000; font-family: &#39;Arial&#39;,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Sat May 5 ||
 * **<span style="color: #000000; font-family: &#39;Arial&#39;,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Reading Days **

<span style="color: #000000; font-family: &#39;Arial&#39;,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Reading days provide students with additional study time for final examinations. Faculty may schedule optional study sessions, but regular classes or exams may not be held. || <span style="color: #000000; font-family: &#39;Arial&#39;,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Mon May 7 – Tue May 8 ||
 * **<span style="color: #000000; font-family: &#39;Arial&#39;,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Exam Period **<span style="color: #000000; font-family: &#39;Arial&#39;,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">(beginning at 7:30 a.m.) || <span style="color: #000000; font-family: &#39;Arial&#39;,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Wed May 9 – Wed May 16 ||
 * **<span style="color: #000000; font-family: &#39;Arial&#39;,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Commencement ** || <span style="color: #000000; font-family: &#39;Arial&#39;,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Fri May 18 ||
 * **<span style="color: #000000; font-family: &#39;Arial&#39;,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Degree Conferral Date ** || <span style="color: #000000; font-family: &#39;Arial&#39;,sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Sat May 19 ||

__ ArtsBus Credit and Policies __ : You are responsible for knowing and following Artsbus policies and rules. Please go to the ArtsBus website: http://artsbus.gmu.edu "Student Information" for important information regarding ArtsBus policy. For credit to appear on your transcript you must enroll in AVT 300. This also applies to anyone who intends to travel to New York independently, or do the DC Alternate Assignment. * If you plan/need to go on multiple ArtsBus trips during a semester and need them towards your total requirement, you must enroll in multiple sections of AVT 300* Non-AVT majors taking art classes do not need Artsbus credit BUT may need to go on the Artsbus for a class assignment. You can either sign up for AVT 300 or buy a ticket for the bus trip at the Center of the Arts. Alternate trips must be approved by the instructor of the course that is requiring an ArtsBus trip. ArtsBus - Dates for Spring 2018: February 24 March 24 April 14

__ Visual Voices Lecture Series Spring 2018: __ Visual Voices is a year-long series of lectures by artists, art historians and others about contemporary art and art practice. Visual Voices lectures are held on Thursday evenings from 7:20- 9:00 p.m. in Harris Theater: [] January 24 – Brian Noyes February 1 – Teresa Jaynes February 22 – Sharif Bey March 1 – Juliet Bellow March 8 – John Henry

__ Students with Disabilities and Learning Differences __ If you have a diagnosed disability or learning difference and you need academic accommodations, please inform me at the beginning of the semester and contact the Disabilities Resource Center (SUB I room 234, 703-993-2474). You must provide your instructor with a faculty contact sheet from that office outlining the accommodations needed for your disability or learning difference. All academic accommodations must be arranged in advance through the DRC.

__ Cell Phones __ : School of Art Policies in accordance with George Mason University policy, turn off all beepers, cellular telephones and other wireless communication devices at the start of class. The instructor of the class will keep his/her cell phone active to assure receipt of any Mason Alerts in a timely fashion; or in the event that the instructor does not have a cell phone, he/she will designate one student to keep a cell phone active to receive such alerts.

__ Commitment to Diversity: __ This class will be conducted as an intentionally inclusive community that celebrates diversity and welcomes the participation in the life of the university of faculty, staff and students who reflect the diversity of our plural society. All may feel free to speak and to be heard without fear that the content of the opinions they express will bias the evaluation of their academic performance or hinder their opportunities for participation in class activities. In turn, all are expected to be respectful of each other without regard to race, class, linguistic background, religion, political beliefs, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, ethnicity, age, veteran’s status, or physical ability.

__ Statement on Ethics in Teaching and Practicing Art and Design: __ As professionals responsible for the education of undergraduate and graduate art and design students, the faculty of the School of Art adheres to the ethical standards and practices incorporated in the professional Code of Ethics of our national accreditation organization, The National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

__ Open Studio Hours: __ SOA teaching studios are open to students for extended periods of time mornings, evenings and weekends whenever classes are not in progress. Policies, procedures and schedules for studio use are established by the SOA studio faculty and are posted in the studios.

__ Official Communications via GMU E-Mail __ Mason uses electronic mail to provide official information to students. Examples include communications from course instructors, notices from the library, notices about academic standing, financial aid information, class materials, assignments, questions, and instructor feedback. Students are responsible for the content of university communication sent to their Mason e-mail account, and are required to activate that account and check it regularly.

__ Attendance Policies __ Students are expected to attend the class periods of the courses for which they register. In-class participation is important not only to the individual student, but also to the class as a whole. Because class participation may be a factor in grading, instructors may use absence, tardiness, or early departure as de facto evidence of nonparticipation. Students who miss an exam with an acceptable excuse may be penalized according to the individual instructor's grading policy, as stated in the course syllabus. __ Honor Code __ Students in this class are bound by the Honor Code, and are responsible knowing the rules, as stated on the George Mason University website’ Academic Integrity page ( [] ). “ To promote a stronger sense of mutual responsibility, trust, and fairness among all members of the Mason community, and with the desire for greater academic and personal achievement, we, the student members of the university community, have set forth this honor code: **// Student members of the George Mason University community pledge not to cheat, plagiarize, steal, or lie in matters related to academic work. //**  Mason’s Commitment: To create an environment that is innovative, diverse, entrepreneurial, and accessible-helping you avoid accidental or intentional violations of the Honor Code.” __ Writing Center __ Students who are in need of intensive help with grammar, structure or mechanics in their writing should make use of the services of Writing Center, located in Robinson A116 (703-993-1200). The services of the Writing Center are available by appointment, online and, occasionally, on a walk-in basis. The Collaborative Learning Hub Located in Johnson Center 311 (703-993-3141), the lab offers in-person one-on-one support for the Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, Blackboard, and a variety of other software. Dual monitor PCs make the lab ideal for collaborating on group projects, Macs are also available; as well as a digital recording space, collaborative tables, and a SMART Board. Free workshops are also available (Adobe and Microsoft) through Training and Certification; visit ittraining.gmu.edu to see the schedule of workshops and to sign up.