Course Syllabus
Course: ART 2600
Division: Fine Arts, Comm, and New MediaDepartment: Visual Art
Title: Sculpture I
Semester Approved: Fall 2019
Five-Year Review Semester: Summer 2024
End Semester: Summer 2025
Catalog Description: This course is an introduction to the basic materials, techniques, and philosophies of sculpture. Students will explore various methods of production, such as modeling, carving, casting, fabrication, mixed media, and installation. A lab fee is required.
Semesters Offered: TBA
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 3; Lecture: 3; Lab: 3
Justification: This course provides a necessary understanding of the materials and tools used in traditional and non-traditional media while emphasizing the expressive qualities of each sculptural process. This course is offered at every other college and university in the state. This course corresponds with similar classes at other USHE institutions. This course fills an elective for all art majors and is required for sculpture majors.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Material Proficiency: An improved understanding of the technical processes and materials involved in creating three-dimensional art will ultimately lead to a more capable and informed artist. Students will demonstrate a proficiency in materials and techniques through the production a number of sculptural works utilizing various processes and materials.
Conceptual Principles: Students will be instructed in the formal and conceptual approaches to sculpture, through: lectures, discussions, and demonstrations. This knowledge will enhance their formal and conceptual sensibilities. As students develop more refined sensibilities they will be better prepared to effectively communicate complex conceptual ideas by being fluent in the visual language.
Historical Context: Students who understand the factors affecting contemporary 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. The understanding of historical context will be manifested in class discussions and oral critiques at the completion of each project. Students will demonstrate fluency in historical content and context by articulating how approaches to sculpture have changed throughout history, and what influences both historical and contemporary are driving the sculptors of today.
Critical Analysis: This imperative aspect of the problem-solving process pushes students to improve at each level. Students who are capable of articulating complex ideas, and receiving critical feedback are better able to contribute to a rich and productive artistic dialogue preparing them to work as professional artists in the future. Students will demonstrate critical analyses of works of art by participating in oral group critiques and providing feedback on formal and conceptual issues associated with the production of sculptural works of art.
Content:
This course will include lecture, critical discussion, material demonstrations, independent and collaborative studio practice, critiques, and how each relates to the following topics:
• the design process and its application to the creation of sculptural objects;
• three-dimensional problem solving;
• materials and construction techniques;
• proper use and safety of a variety of tools used to construct three dimensional objects.
• Individual and group critiques, designed to promote constructive analysis of each student's own work, the work of their peers, and historical works of art;
• Professional standards and craftsmanship required in the industry.
Key Performance Indicators:
Each student will be evaluated on:
A comprehensive portfolio of original 3-dimensional works including evidence of research, design sketches, and maquettes 80 to 90%
Attendance, critiques, class participation 10 to 20%
Representative Text and/or Supplies:
TBD
Supplemental readings and research to be determined by the instructor
Supplies to be determined by the instructor
Pedagogy Statement:
This course will include lectures, class discussion, oral and written critiques, demonstrations.
Instructional Mediums:
Lecture/Lab
Maximum Class Size: 16
Optimum Class Size: 12