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Course Syllabus

Course: ART 2690

Division: Fine Arts, Comm, and New Media
Department: Visual Art
Title: Figure Sculpture

Semester Approved: Spring 2016
Five-Year Review Semester: Spring 2021
End Semester: Spring 2022

Catalog Description: This course is an introduction to modeling the human figure in clay. Students will construct portrait and figure sculptures while working from the live model. Armatures, human proportions, anatomy, and types of clay and modeling techniques will be explored. This course is one of a triad of classes that revolve around the human form including, BIOL 2150 Human Anatomy for Artists and ART 2900 Figure Drawing.

Semesters Offered: TBA
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 3; Lecture: 3; Lab: 3

Justification: This course provides a necessary understanding of the visual representation and composition of the human figure.It corresponds with similar classses at other USHE institutions. This course fills an elective for all art majors and is required for sculpture majors. It will also be a complimentary course to BIOL 2150 Human Anatomy for Artists and ART 2900 Figure Drawing for Art Majors. Sculpting the Human figure also reflects an area of expertise for one of the faculty members in the Department of Visual Art.

General Education Outcomes:
5: A student who completes the GE curriculum can respond with informed sensitivity to an artistic work or experience. This course gives context to contemporary and historical sculptural styles. Students will be familiar with these styles and be able to identify evidence of them in sculptures they encounter. Students will better respond to three dimensional works of art having learned the difficulties and possibilities involved in the sculptural processes.


Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate an understanding, proficiency and fluency in the following Snow College Visual Arts Student Learning Outcomes: MATERIAL PROFICIENCY: Demonstrate a material proficiency through the production of sculptures based on the human head and figure. An improved understanding of the human form will ultimately lead to a more capable and informed artist, and a better prepared student in many creative disciplines. 

HISTORICAL CONTEXT: Demonstrate fluency in historical content and context by articulating how approaches to figurative sculpture have changed through history, and what influences both historical and contemporary are driving the aesthetic decisions of sculptors today. Students who understand the factors affecting contemporary figurative sculpture will be able to find their place as an active contributor to visual culture, and will be better prepared to thrive in the competitive art market. 

CRITICAL ANALYSES: Demonstrate critical analyses of works of art by participating in oral group critiques and providing feedback on formal and conceptual issues associated with sculpting the human form. Students who are capable of articulating complex ideas, and receiving critical feedback are better able to contribute to a rich and productive artistic dialogue.  


Content:
This course will include: Illustrated lectures and discussions on various facets of historical and contemporary figurative sculpture; Demonstration of armature construction; Demonstration of clay modeling techniques; The creation of sculpture based on observation of both male and female live models in the studio; Individual and group critiques.

Key Performance Indicators:
A comprehensive portfolio of original figurative sculpture, including evidence of research, sketches and plaster cast studies. (80-90% of the final grade)  

Attendance, critiques, class participation (10-20% of the final grade) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Representative Text and/or Supplies:
Modeling and Sculpting the Human Figure, Edouard Lanteri, Dover Books, current edition; Materials and supplies to be determined at the discretion of the instructor.


Pedagogy Statement:


Maximum Class Size: 16
Optimum Class Size: 12