Arts+105+Syllabus


 * Fall 2011**
 * Arts 105: Design Principles**
 * Instructor: Brian Davis**
 * brian.d.davis@gmail.com**
 * inadvisabledrain.com**
 * http://UMWDesign.wikispaces.com**
 * Office Hours-TBA**


 * ARTS 105: Design Principles**

Basic study of design elements and their use in the organization and construction of visual communication in both two and three dimensions. Introduction to basic writing and speaking skills.
 * 105 – Design Principles (3)**

This course is an introduction to Two and Three Dimensional Design. Students will explore the fundamental elements of design and will create works in a variety of media that utilize these elements. All assignments are informed by the context of twentieth and twenty-first century art and are supplemented through lectures, videos and field trips. Students are expected to execute work of the highest level of craftsmanship with the simplest of materials, but must also challenge materials throughout the semester. Assignments will be executed in both two and three dimensions.

This course will cover: -basic elements and principles of 2D and 3D design -color theory -form and content.

Student focus will be devoted to three activities: solving problems, creating works that are visually and conceptually provoking, and critiquing said solutions (works). All work must be removed after grading. Failure to do so will result in a lower grade.

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 considerable time outside of class to complete projects.

To develop: perceptual skills and visual/physical alertness a vocabulary and understanding of form and composition technical ability in a variety of media an understanding of the visual, perceptual, conceptual, and physical elements of design personal insight, invention, discovery and innovative expression.
 * Course Objectives:**

A series of assignments/problems will be given to address specific aspects of design. They will involve lectures, demonstrations and periodic group discussions. Critiques are scheduled and held on a regular basis. All students are required to attend critiques. Any late work will result in a lower grade. Work that is later than one week from due date will result in a F. Late work will not be critiqued.
 * Methods:**

Students must come prepared to work on assignments and utilize scheduled studio time in an efficient manner. Assignments will be completed on assigned dates. Class participation. Sketchbook/Digital activity must reveal inquiry. Any readings or written assignments are to be completed on assigned dates.
 * Course requirements:**


 * Grading:**

Grading reflects understanding and creative implementation of problems and assignments as demonstrated by student work. This includes the extent of creative investigation. Criteria for grading and percentages are as follows:

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.

B 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 preparedness and dedication to scheduled studio time. Adherence to attendance policy.

C Work is characterized by distinct 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.

D Work is characterized by minimal effort and success. Lowest passing grade.

Final grades are calculated by averaging project grades. Wiki contributions and writing assignments will count as one project. Project grades include all preliminary work and participation in critiques. Each project grade will be accompanied by a written rubric describing the components of that grade.

The Fine Print

1. Attendance is taken at the beginning of class and you are expected to arrive on time and remain until instructor dismisses the class. You are permitted three absences. Any further absences will lower your final grade by 1/3 of a grade, example: if the final grade is a B, a fourth absence will result in a B-, a fifth absence will result in a C+, and a sixth in a C, and so on. Three tardies or leaving class before the class is dismissed equal one absence. Missing a significant portion of a class will result in an absence. 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. 3. UMW does not charge the exorbitant art fees of most universities. 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. 4. The gathering of materials will be done outside outside of schedule studio time. There is no substitute for time spent in the studio with peers and the instructor. 5. Do not remove any tools or other materials belonging to the studio. This is an Honor Code Violation. See Honor Code heading in syllabus. 6. The course is demanding and moves quickly to cover the basics of two and three dimensional design. If you utilize your time efficiently, you may not have to expend large amounts of time outside of class. The key is good work habits. 7. Remove all work after grading. 8. Maintain your work area in a clean manner. Do not leave a mess for other classes. Violators are subject to losing studio privileges. 9. General cleanups require all students to participate. Failure to do so will negatively affect the final grade. 10. You will be instructed on the proper and safe way to operate tools. Safety is a must, seek assistance when in doubt. 11. No cell phones. 12. No food. 13. Wear casual clothing and close-toed shoes. Bring an old long sleeved shirt for protection. Do not spray paint in the studio. See me.
 * Studio Policies**


 * 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. It is advised that students have health insurance that covers injuries and sickness beyond the UMW Health Center. Any costs related to injuries occurring in the studio are the student’s responsibility.


 * Honor Code:** All work and written assignments produced by each student in the course is expressly his/her own and is completed according to the requirements for the specific assignment. Melchers 102 is open to all students enrolled in courses scheduled for said space. Tools and materials are to be used in the studio and not removed without instructor approval. Infringements of this policy will be referred to the Honor Council.


 * Disability Services:** The Office of Disability Services has been designated by the University as the primary office to guide, counsel, and assist students with disabilities. If you receive services through their office and require accommodations for this class, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible to discuss your approved accommodation needs. Bring your accommodation letter with you to the appointment. I will hold any information you share with me in confidence unless you give me permission to do otherwise. Refer to the UMW Directory and the UMW Academic Catalogue for more information.