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Course Syllabus

Course: ART 2680

Division: Fine Arts, Comm, and New Media
Department: Visual Art
Title: Écorché - The Muscles

Semester Approved: Summer 2018
Five-Year Review Semester: Summer 2023
End Semester: Summer 2024

Catalog Description: The focus of this course is the historic tradition of Écorché (or Flayed) human figure for the purpose of anatomic study, with the emphasis being the muscles of the human body. The majority of class time will be devoted to the production of a reduced life ecorche’ sculpture stressing the particular relationship of human muscle and bone. The main muscles of the body are explained using clay to understand their character and how they influence the surface form. Lectures and drawing assignments will reinforce the study of human anatomy and its importance to the practicing artist. A lab fee is required.

Semesters Offered: TBA
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 1; Lecture: 0; Lab: 2
Repeatable: Yes.


Prerequisites: Drawing I ART 1110

Justification: This course is an integral part of Figurative foundation curriculum programs. Its primary goal is to provide a sound foundation in the visual representation and construction of the human figure. It is offered at other state and private institutions throughout the country. Anatomical knowledge is a marketable skill, that animation studios as well as graphic design firms stress the importance of this ability in their job searches. It will also be a complementary course to BIOL 2150 Human Dynamics + 2155 LAB, offered to art majors through the Science Department.

General Education Outcomes:
5: A student who completes the GE curriculum can respond with informed sensitivity to an artistic work or experience. Each student who has completed this course should be able to evaluate any figure drawing, sculpture, or anatomical rendering and respond to it subjectively and objectively. This critical analysis should include a response to its formal and conceptual qualities, its historical context, and its production process. This knowledge will then be utilized to enhance the student's own work and sensibilities.


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 of Material Proficiency: Students will be introduced to the historic process of ecorche’ (which in French means flayed, or skinned) through the mediums of sculpture and drawing. Students will be instructed to use a variety of materials and techniques, through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations. Each student will gain proficiency by completing weekly assignments, and by participating in live sculpting sessions with the model. Each student will be required to maintain a portfolio documenting his or her development and progress. This portfolio will be reviewed at multiple points in the semester to provide feedback for improvement.

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 of Conceptual Principles: Students will be instructed in the formal approaches of the ecorche’ process, through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations. The overall intent or focus being to accurately portray the muscle systems of the human body. Each student will gain proficiency by completing weekly assignments, and by participating in live sculpting sessions with the model. Each student will be required to maintain a portfolio documenting his or her development and progress. This portfolio will be reviewed at multiple points in the semester to provide feedback for improvement.

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 of Historical Context: Students will engage in a dialog examining the historic practice and the contemporary application of ecorche’ through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations. Evidence of proficiency will culminate in their written proposal and production of their final project. This knowledge will enhance their creative sensibilities. The final proposal and project will be reviewed at multiple points in the semester to provide feedback for improvement.

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 of Critical Analysis: Students will learn the process of critical analysis (both orally and in written form) as it applies to ecorche’ through lectures, group critiques, and private interviews. To visually assess and verbally express your efforts is an integral part of the creative process. Evidence of proficiency will culminate in their written proposal and production of their final project. This knowledge will enhance their formal creative sensibilities. The final proposal and project will be reviewed at multiple points in the semester to provide feedback for improvement.


Content:
•Drawing & sculpting the flayed human figure
•Drawing & sculpting sessions with the undraped model
•Drawing & sculpting exercises designed to enhance the ability to understand human physiology
•3-dimensional rendering of the human form, starting from the skeleton and working outward
•Study of how light affects the human form and how to communicate this on a two-dimensional surface utilizing value relationships
•The use of Apps and Software to demonstrate the dynamics of human Physiology
•The visual dialog of critical analysis.


Key Performance Indicators:
Each student will be evaluated on:

Portfolio reviews  10 to 20%

Projects/assignments  40 to 50%

Critique/quizzes  5 to 10%

Attendance/participation  25 to 30%


Representative Text and/or Supplies:
No text is required for this course.

Materials and supplies to be determined at the discretion of the instructor.


Pedagogy Statement:
This course will include, lectures, class discussion, oral and written critiques, demonstrations, and applied studio projects and practices.

Instructional Mediums:
Lab

Maximum Class Size: 12
Optimum Class Size: 10