1.12.2016

Course Syllabus

Click below for the full text of the course syllabus:


ART 300 – Introduction to Sculpture – 3 Semester Hours
Spring 2016
TR 3:00-4:15 PM, DFAB 130
Bethel University
Instructor:  Jason Cole
Office Hours:
DFAB 113 – MWF: 10-11am;  MW: 2-3PM; TR: 8-9am, 11am-12pm.

Course Prerequisites/Co Requisites:
ART 111, 113

Course Description:
Introduction to Sculpture emphasizes the understanding and manipulation of three-dimensional space using form and scale. Students will explore sculpture using various processes, materials, techniques, tools and studio safety.

Course Goals:
The student will:
1)     Demonstrate a solid foundation in sculptural concepts and processes.
2)     Demonstrate the use of form and scale in the design of three-dimensional compositions.
3)     Gain technical proficiency with specific tools and techniques used for sculpting and assembling.
4)     Develop skills of observation, personal expression, and abstract thinking.
5)     Learn to use the elements and principles of design to create a work of art.

Relationship of this Course to Content Area Knowledge and Skills:
This course is not used to address TN Matrix knowledge and skills.

Course Objectives:
The student will:
a)     Develop problem-solving skills.
b)     Gain an understanding of the possibilities and limitations of various sculpture materials.
c)     Observe, research, and learn from the work of other artists.
d)     Develop and enhance his/her proficiency in the vocabulary of the artist.
e)     Actively engage in constructive critique.

Units of Study:
Unit 1     Subtractive Sculpture
Styrofoam Carving
Unit 2     Additive Sculpture
Casting
Silicone Molds
Creating Multiples in Plaster
Unit 3     Wood Carving
Subtractive sculpture using soft wood
Unit 4     Assemblage
Additive sculpture using pre-existing materials and objects to construct a sculpture.

Required Reading/Viewing:
Various handouts, online videos, and online tutorials which will be given throughout the course.

Suggested Reading/Viewing:
Websites:

Methods Of Instruction:
Lecture, discussion, in-class work, outside assignments, online blog, critique.

Course Requirements:
1)     A personal sketchbook/journal is an important requirement of this course.  It is a depository for ideas, visual observations, and written responses to anything (in-class or outside).  Include practice, sketches, and thumbnails in preparation for EVERY assignment and intended composition.  Drill yourself on in-class skills.  WRITE.  Don’t do ANYTHING in the sketchbook without also writing some notes about what you did.
2)     Completion of weekly in-class and homework assignments is required for the course.
3)     Attendance at, and participation during, all critiques is required.

Attendance Policy:
o    If you miss SEVEN classes you will immediately fail the course.  Seven absences means too much information and work has been missed for anyone to legitimately pass the course. The only excused absences are for students who must miss class due to approved scheduled university extracurricular activities.  Medical absences can be discussed on an individual basis, but it is not guaranteed that they will be excused.
o    If you are unable to submit an assignment on its due date because of an approved scheduled university extracurricular activity, that assignment can be submitted at the beginning of the next class without penalization.
o    If you are having trouble with the course or have problems outside the class that are affecting your performance please talk to me about it so that we can work out a solution.  Do not wait until it is too late.  I will be glad to help you in any way I can.
o    Lateness is not acceptable.  It is disruptive and frankly disrespectful not only to me but to your fellow students to enter the classroom in the middle of a lecture, demonstration, or critique.  Three late arrivals to class will count as an absence.
o    All students will work for the entire class period.  The class runs from 3:00 to 4:15 p.m.  Students will not leave the classroom unless excused.  I am tolerant of discussion among students during class to a point.  However, excessive talking, walking about or leaving the room will be noted in my grade book and counted against your final grade.
o    If you miss an assignment because of lateness or absence get it from another student. If you then have questions come and see me.

Methods of Assessment/Evaluation/Grading System:
Each assignment will be collected on a specific due date and time.  Persons not handing in work on time will be penalized one full grade.  (See the exception rule above.)  The work will be graded and returned as soon as possible.  At times it may be necessary for me to hold some of the work for exhibitions or photographing.  In cases like this, I will notify you.

All assignments that have been submitted PROPERLY and graded may be re-worked and resubmitted for the possibility of a better grade.

Final grades reflect accomplishment in three areas:
o    Portfolio (50%)
o    Sketchbook (20%)
o    Class performance/participation/attitude (30%)
Final grades will be determined by:
o    Completion of all assignments.
o    Consistency of effort
o    Development of skills in seeing and thinking.
o    Presentation and craftsmanship.
o    Participation in critiques and discussions.
o    General attitude.

Individual assignment grade definitions:
o    A - Excellent. Assignment is completely and creatively fulfilled.  No significant problems.
o    B - All aspects of assignment are completely fulfilled and well done.  A few problems remain to be solved.
o    C - Work fulfills the requirements of the assignment to the letter and is generally successful.  Work is completely finished.  Craftsmanship is acceptable.  Some problems remain to be solved.
o    D - Work is not yet completely finished or has obvious technical or conceptual flaws.
o    F - Unacceptable in technique or craft or concept (or any combination of these).
o    X - Assignment not handed in.  This assignment may not be re-submitted.
Final letter grade definitions:
o    A – The student earning an A has shown great effort and near-perfect success in all aspects of the class.  Only students absolutely excelling far above expectations will be awarded this grade.
o    B - A very good job.  The person earning this grade has worked very hard; has pushed his/herself to go beyond the mere fulfillment of each problem and has shown strong advances in technical and conceptual skills.
o    C - The student earning a C has fulfilled the requirements of the course, has a positive attitude, worked hard, shown growth in skills and thinking, and did an overall good job.
o    D - Below par.  This grade indicates that the student has obvious difficulties with basic drawing skills and/or trouble in fulfilling the requirements of the class for some other reason.
o    F - This grade indicates a severe problem in one or more of the following categories:  lack of interest, bad attitude, failure to complete assignments, excess lateness, or absence. 

Clinical/Laboratory/Field Experiences:
None

Critical Thinking Statement:
Critical thinking is the art of analyzing and evaluating thinking with a view to improving it.  In this class we will raise vital questions and problems, formulate them clearly and precisely; gather and assess relevant information, by using abstract ideas to interpret it effectively.

General Requirements:
o    You are required to bring your binder and sketchbook to EVERY CLASS!  It will be IMPOSSIBLE for you to participate in class on most days if you do not have these two books.  Anyone arriving without the sketchbook or binder WILL LEAVE THE CLASSROOM AND WILL BE COUNTED AS ABSENT FOR THE DAY.  Make a habit of carrying these items with you every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
o    On days when we will be working on projects, you are required to bring all the necessary materials with you to class.  Anyone arriving without the required materials WILL LEAVE THE CLASSROOM AND WILL BE COUNTED AS ABSENT FOR THE DAY.
o    All students are expected to participate during critiques.  Failing to engage in discussions will be noted in the gradebook.
o    Prohibited from my classroom: Cell phones (you may have it pocketed, but silence it and DO NOT ANSWER IT), any device with headphones, tobacco of any kind, drugs or alcohol, Internet social networking sites, and laziness.

Required Materials & Supplies
Different materials will be required for each individual assignment, but a general list includes:

o    Sketchbook (spine- or spiral-bound, no specific size)
o    Styrofoam block
o    Soft wood (pine or basswood)
o    Carving tools, scissors, knife
o    Sandpaper
o    Silicone sealant
o    Calking gun
o    Plaster
o    Cellulose insulation
o    Epoxy, superglue, wood glue
o    Wood stain, varnish, acrylic medium
o    Acrylic paint
o    Various objects for constructions and assemblage
o    Miscellaneous options: matches, scraps of wood or metal, wooden dowels, textured items, self-hardening clay, etc.




Artists to Consider

Alexandros of Antioch
Praxiteles
Donatello
Michelangelo Buonarroti
Gian Lorenzo Bernini
Sylvia Shaw Judson
Auguste Rodin
Constantin Brancusi
Martin Puryear
Claes Oldenburg
Richard Serra
Eva Hesse
Louise Bourgeois
Elizabeth Catlett
Bettye Saar
Alison Saar
Judy Chicago
Yayoi Kusama
Alexander Calder
Juan Gris
Henry Moore
Don Gummer
Alberto Giacometti
Andy Goldsworthy
Anish Kappor
Louise Nevelson
Edgar Degas
Robert Rauschenberg
Hans Bellmer
John Chanberlain
Duane Hanson
Eduardo Paolozzi
Harriet Hosmer
Joseph Beuys
Ron Mueck
Janice Lowry
Jeff Koonz
Damien Hirst
Tamar Abakelia
Ann Christopher
Raoul Hausmann
Edith Woodman Burroughs
Kyoko Asakura
Rebeca Trevino
Michael Hunt Wilson
Marjorie Steele
Ruth Asawa


_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Class Schedule


Week 1
1-12
Introduction
o    Review syllabus
o    Review materials list
1-14
Lecture: Concepts of 3-dimensional Space in Art
Safety Discussion
Outside Assignment:
·          Sketch out 3-4 concepts for Styrofoam carving.

*MLK HOLIDAY – JANUARY 18*

Week 2
1-19
Styrofoam Carving
o    Subtractive sculpting using Styrofoam
o    Carving an extremely soft material with simple tools
o    Translating 2D conceptual sketches into 3D form
o    Materials
·          Styrofoam block, carving tools
  1-21
Continue Styrofoam Carving

Week 3
1-26
Continue Styrofoam Carving
1-28
Critique Assignment #1 - Styrofoam Carving
Outside Assignment:
o    Bring an assortment of small objects to class for casting
o    Gather materials for casting

Week 4
2-2
Casting
o    Additive sculpting using silicon and plaster molds
o    Materials
·          Casting item, silicone, calking gun, plaster, cellulose insulation
2-4
Continue Casting
Outside Assignment:
o    Sketch out concepts for a construction for casting.
o    Begin gathering objects for construction


Week 5
2-9
Continue Casting
2-11
Assignment #2 - Small Cast Pieces Due
Begin Constructing an Object for Casting
o    Using existing and casted items to create an object for casting
o    Materials
·          Assortment of objects and casting items, silicone, calking gun, plaster, cellulose insulation, epoxy, super glue.
Outside Assignment:
o    Continue to sketch out concepts

Week 6
2-16
Continue Constructing Object for Casting
2-18
Continue Constructing Object for Casting

Week 7
2-23
Creating Multiples
o    Using the object you built over the past week, create a silicone mold more making multiples.
o    Create 4 copies of your original construction
o    Add color/design
o    Materials
·          Casting object, silicone, calking gun, plaster, cellulose insulation, paint, acrylic medium/varnish.

2-25
Continue Creating Multiples

Week 8 MID-TERM
3-1
Continue Creating Multiples
3-3
MID-TERM SKETCHBOOKS DUE
Continue Creating Multiples

*SPRING BREAK March 7-11*


Week 9
3-15
Continue Creating Multiples
3-17
Critique Assignment #3 - Casting Object & 4 Multiples
Outside Assignment:
o    Sketch out concepts for wood carving

Week 10
3-22
Wood Carving
o    Subtractive sculpting using soft wood
o    Materials
·          Block of soft wood (pin or basswood), carving tools, sandpaper, wood glue.
3-24
Continue Wood Carving

*GOOD FRIDAY – MARCH 25*

Week 11
3-29
Continue Wood Carving
3-31
Continue Wood Carving

Week 12
4-5
Continue Wood Carving
Discuss Assemblage
Outside Assignment
o    Finish Wood Carving
4-7
Critique Assignment #4 - Wood Carving
Outside Assignment
o    Sketch out ideas for assemblage
o    Gather items and materials for assemblage

Week 13
4-12
Assemblage
o    Additive sculpture using pre-existing materials and objects to construct a sculpture.
o    Materials
·          Various items, objects, and raw materials, nails, screws, wood, epoxy, super glue, paint, varnish, etc.
4-14
Continue Assemblage

*EASTER HOLIDAY April 18-20*

Week 14
4-19
Continue Assemblage
4-21
Continue Assemblage

Week 15
4-26
Continue Assemblage
4-28
Continue Assemblage
Outside Assignment
o    Finish Assemblage

FINALS WEEK
Tuesday, May 3 – 12:30-2:30 PM
FINAL CRITIQUE: Assemblage




Month And Year Of Syllabus Revision:
January 2016

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