info@michaeljryan.com
Skyline College
ART 204 – Drawing I
CRN: 51030 Credits: 2.0
Tuesday and Thursday 6:00 – 10:05 PM
Building 1 Room 1320
Summer 2009 Syllabus
Michael Ryan
Office – 1101B
Email: ryanm@smccd.edu
Website: www.michaeljryan.com
Phone: 650-738-7301 extension: 19428
Office Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 5 – 6,or by appointment.
Course Overview: This class is an introduction to the basic mechanics of drawing. Class time will consist of exercises, demonstrations, discussions, and critiques. In addition to techniques and methods of drawing we will also explore the intellectual/philosophical concepts that pertain to the subjects, materials, and processes. Exercises will involve (but are not limited to) the use of line, value, gesture, perspective, and composition. Students will be working with a variety of materials and employing a broad range of techniques, with an emphasis on individual growth.
Prerequisites: None
Text: Your sketchbook. You will be expected to keep a sketchbook/journal (this is part of your grade) in which drawings and notes will be required from each student. Each research/homework assignment will be orally presented; you will be expected to transcribe these assignments within your journal. So that when you do an assignment within your journal I can see which assignment the drawing pertains to. This will be your text.
Course Objectives:
• Heighten visual perception and awareness; develop observational skills and
techniques through a variety of drawing methods and materials.
• Experiment with different processes and media for expressive purposes
• Demonstrate understanding of composition for aesthetic and communicative
purposes.
• Develop the ability to articulate and discuss concepts/ideas of visual language.
• Professional presentation of artwork and/or ideas
Course Requirements:
• Attend class in compliance with the stated attendance policies
• Actively participate in daily classroom activities and studio work
• Follow given directions and instructions during structured exercises
• Actively and respectively participate in class discussion and critique
• Make sure all work is presented in a professional manner
• Maintain all necessary materials and supplies and replace any that become
exhausted
• Visit and utilize local facilities and resources such as museums, galleries and
libraries for research
• Comply with Studio format, policies, and etiquette
Studio Format:
This will be a rigorous studio production class. Students will draw for a minimum of 3 hours each class period. Homework is assigned regularly and includes reading and occasionally writing as well as drawing exercises. Class critiques are held as well as individual student-teacher critiques and will be administered by every student with the utmost importance and respect. (see Studio Etiquette below).
Attendance:
• Three tardies, early departures, extended breaks or any combination of such is
recorded as one absence.
• At four absences, the final grade is lowered one letter grade.
This is a studio course, lessons are demonstrated and observed primarily within the CLASSROOM, and therefore consistent student presence is necessary during these scheduled class hours. Attendance, because it is required and expected, will not improve a student’s grade. Attendance will only affect the grade of a student by lowering it. Individual as well as class critiques will also occur periodically and will be reflected within a substantial portion of the overall grade.
Studio Etiquette:
Cell Phones: The studio area is a cell-phone free zone. No cell phones are to be seen or heard at any time in or around the art studios. Evidence of cell phones or cell phone usage (checking, ringing, vibrating or answering before, during or immediately after class) is DISRUPTIVE. If you need access to your phone in the event of an emergency, you must receive permission to do so prior to the class period. Otherwise it must be turned off and stowed!
Behavior and Conduct: Studio practice requires much concentration and consideration, and therefore it is important to respect those around you. This is a very full class and space will be an issue. The ‘space’ of the studio is a special environment dedicated to the promoting learning and growth. Fellow classmates are valuable assets in developing techniques and understanding, so cultivating a gracious and mindful environment will benefit all. Student conduct that disrupts the learning process is not tolerated and may lead to disciplinary action and/or removal from class.
Facilities: Students are responsible for their own work area/space(s). This means you clean up after yourself before leaving the classroom. Students will also be responsible for any other equipment or tools that pertain to the studio or teacher/school. Drinks will be permitted so as they are contained in a sealable bottle/cup. Food is not allowed into the studio, however substantial breaks will permit eating outside of the classroom.
HEALTH AND SAFETY: In general the use of this classroom space and the required materials for this course are considered low risk when common sense is observed. It is important that you read and understand product labels for any media before use. When purchasing materials such as acrylic paint, compressed charcoal, drawing ink and so forth, look for the label that identifies compliance with the ASTM (American Standards for Testing Materials). Wash hands thoroughly after the use of media (especially before eating) and avoid skin contact with paint containing cobalt or cadmium. I will demonstrate the appropriate use of equipment when necessary. Clean up after yourself; when cleaning brushes make sure all traces of ink are out of the sink and down the drain.
Grading:
You will be graded as a student of art and not as an artist. A student’s work ethic is a crucial factor in determining a grade and this is determined through the individual student’s effort and involvement: physical (attendance) as well as participation in class exercises, discussions and critiques, as well as invested efforts in completing homework and research assignments. This will include practicing and improving upon technical skills, and openness to new ideas and approaches, the development in quality and quantity of your work. Grades are given once at midterm and then again at the end of the semester, and are based upon portfolio and sketchbook review.
• Classwork (exercises and discussions): 50%
• Homework (sketchbook and research assignments): 30%
• Critique (thorough participation and active observational skills): 20%
Assignments:
All students will be required to complete and retain all in-class and homework assignments. These drawings will be part of your portfolio and will be reviewed during midterm and at the end of the semester. Each assignment will have different parameters and deadlines and will be distributed with each particular assignment. Late assignments will drop a letter grade for every day late.
Individual drawings are evaluated by the following standards:
A – Exhibiting exceptional growth and development while meeting the challenges of the assignments and exercises. Displaying high degree of skill in execution, concept and technique, as well as composing a professional presentation.
B - Exhibiting substantial growth and development while meeting the challenges of assignments and exercises. Displaying some degree of excellence in skill in execution, concept and technique, as well as composing a professional presentation.
C - Demonstrating competence and considerable effort towards the challenge of assignments, but the need for further development is apparent. Concepts and technique/skills are underdeveloped and presentation needs more consideration and attention.
D or F – Failure to meet at least some consistency of attempt or achievement. Failure to be attentive to classroom instruction, to correct noted and repeated problems and in ability to meet any standard of professional presentation.
Final (Cumulative) Grade
A• Near perfect attendance, including no late arrivals
• Active participation during exercises and critiques
• High marks (grades) on most assignments – evidence of improvement will
relieve earlier low grades)
• Exceptional Journal/Sketchbook – all class and homework assignments and
notes. Journal should be nearly full by semester’s end.
B• Good attendance, few late arrivals
• Active participation during exercises and critiques
• High marks (grades) on most assignments – evidence of improvement will
relieve earlier low grades)
• Good Journal/Sketchbook – all class and homework assignments and
notes. Journal should be nearly full by semester’s end.
C• Adequate attendance, or grade lowered through lateness or the like
• Physically present during exercises and critiques.
• Average or inconsistent marks (grades) on assignments, no clear aim or focus
evident
• Incomplete Sketchbook
D• Poor attendance
• Missed critiques
• Inconsistent work and effort
• Poor attitude and/or behavior
• No Sketchbook
F• Poor attendance
• Missed or disrupt critiques
• Poor effort and attitude
• No Sketchbook
AMERICAN WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) ACCOMMODATION
The Disability Programs and Resource Center provides university academic support services and specialized assistance to students with disabilities. Individuals with physical, perceptual, or learning disabilities as addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact them for information regarding accommodations. Please notify me so that reasonable efforts can be made to accommodate you.
Pass / No Pass
To choose the Pass/No Pass grade option, students must complete a Pass/No Pass Contract. This can be done via paper form, or electronically through WEBSMART. By filling out this contract the student agrees to request one option for a grade, which means P = Credit or NP = No Pass. A “P “ grade is equivalent to a letter grade of A, B, or C. An “NP” grade is equivalent to a D or F. Once the deadline has passed to elect the pass/no-pass grading option the course cannot be reverted back to a letter grade. The paper form is available from the Skyline College website, as well as at the admissions office. There is a deadline for submitting the Pass/No Pass form. Check with the admissions office for more details.
Locker: Make certain you obtain a locker card from me. You must return it to me with your full name, phone number, and email address. You will need to furnish your own lock. Each student will be individually responsible for his or her locker and dutifully maintaining its condition and organization.
