Course Syllabus
Course: ART 1120
Division: Fine Arts, Comm, and New Media
Department: Visual Art
Title: 2D Surface
Semester Approved: Spring 2022
Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2026
End Semester: Fall 2027
Catalog Description: This foundation studio course introduces students to the dynamics of the visual language through the application of the elements and principles of design. It will foster the development of compositional sensibility and promote the development of abilities in a variety of mediums, including analog and digital processes. Emphasis will be placed on the study of theory and application of two-dimensional structure through assignments designed to develop creative thinking, critical analysis, and visual problem-solving skills. A comprehensive portfolio will be required of each student. 2D Surface is one of a triad of design courses, including 3D Space and 4D Time, required in the curriculum for acceptance into the Snow College Visual Arts AFA degree program. A program fee is required.
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 3; Lecture: 3; Lab: 3
Prerequisites: None
Justification: This course provides theoretical study and application of the elements and principles of design as applied to two-dimensional media. The content of this course is an integral part of the core art curriculum for most visual arts programs in the country. The primary goal is to provide a sound foundation in visual composition and foster the development of creative thinking and problem-solving skills. 2D Surface is one of a triad of design courses, including 3D Space and 4D Time, required in the curriculum for acceptance into the Snow College Visual Arts AFA degree program. Its outcomes are offered at many higher education institutions in the state as an art major requirement during the freshman year of study and possesses a common course number in the USHE system.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Material Proficiency: Demonstrate a proficiency in materials and techniques Students will be exposed to an array of material possibilities for 2D design including the application of both analog and digital media. This proficiency in material and media, in addition to the application of the creative process, will be used as the catalyst to solve any visual problem. Each student will be required to maintain a portfolio documenting their development and proficiency in a broad range of two-dimensional materials and techniques. This portfolio will be reviewed at multiple points in the semester to provide feedback for improvement.
Principles of Concept: Demonstrate an integration of conceptual principles Students will be taught to discern between formal and conceptual principles. Formal application of media to solve conceptual issues will be emphasized. This understanding will be applied to assist in communicating effectively within the visual language and finding a balance between form and content. Evidence of proficiency will culminate with a physical portfolio of 2D design work documenting progress and providing a dialog to discuss potential for improvement. The final signature assignment will include a synthesized understanding of form and content both in the final visual presentation and in a critical written response to each of these outcomes.
Historical Context: Demonstrate a fluency in historical content and context Students will study the visual structure of work in relationship to the historical context of when it was created and in a variety of visual disciplines. These include, architecture, automotive design, fine arts, graphic design, fashion design, industrial design, photography, etc. This knowledge of, design trends, art historical movements, and major figures within, will assist in informing their formal creative sensibilities. Artistic influence and imitation are a revered and healthy part of the creative development of art students as evidenced in their final portfolio of creative work and in written assessments of their own work.
Critical Theory: Demonstrate the ability to critically analyze a work of art Students will learn the process of critical analysis (both orally and in written form) as it applies to two-dimensional creative work. Strategies for critically analyzing a student's own work, the work of their peers and that of historical figures, is a vital component of this course. Critiques are moderated by the instructor in an effort to extract the most effective insight from students. Utilizing the visual vocabulary, design sensibility, and knowledge of material and process, students will develop a critical eye to synthesize aesthetic qualities, examine effective visual communication, and determine conceptual merit. Through written quizzes, students will analyze both historical works and the work of contemporaries, as they develop their ability to apply this critical prowess to their own work within the creative process informing development, identify weaknesses, and foster improvement in current and future work.
Creative Process: Demonstrate the application of the creative process This course teaches strategies for cultivating creativity, visual problem-solving, and developing critical thinking skills in working with 2D media. Through applied studio projects in both analog and digital processes, students will engage the design process into their own practice. This will include the process of THINKING about the design parameters, LOOKING at what others have created prior, and DOING, applying what they have learned. Utilizing a sketchbook to record this process will be highly encouraged as part of the process. This course will culminate with the final design assignment where, in addition to the final tangible design created in both digital and analog processes, students will critically write and speak about their unique creative process as well as the other four outcomes. Integrating written and verbal critical analysis into the studio practice promotes a conscious awareness, enhancing the quality of current and future creative ventures.
Content:
This course will include, slide lectures, class discussion, oral and written critiques, demonstrations, and applied studio projects in both analog and digital processes. These inclusive and diverse teaching methods are tailored to accommodate unique learning styles that will culminate with a variety of rigorous experiential, creative projects. This course privileges a community studio environment. This course will include study of the following: • Aesthetic theory; • Articulation and application of the creative process; • Collaboration of form and content in visual communication; • Demonstrations of various studio processes;• Development of concept and meaning to limited works through guided prompts provided by the instructor;• Examples of design concept in the fields of architecture, automotive design, fashion design, fine arts, graphic design, industrial design, and photography; • Exploration of historical context, including the study of major figures and movements;• Formal application of the elements and principles of design;• Group critiques designed to promote a critical dialog between the artist, the artwork, and the viewer utilizing strategies designed to promote improvement as students critically evaluate their own work and that created by their peers;• Historical influence of artistic movements and trends as they apply to the fine arts, the creative industry, and industrial design; • Materials, process, tools, and craftsmanship;• Perception, illusion, expression, and interpretation of works of art; • Practical application of design concepts in both analog and digital arenas; • Readings from the text to supplement information provided during demonstrations and lectures;• Slide lectures directly related to design principles;• Study of representation (realism), abstraction, and non-representational art; • The visual dialog of critical analysis; • Vector and bitmap/rastor imaging and problem solving; • Visual structure as it applies to and is inspired by natural occurring phenomenon; • Written assessments.
Key Performance Indicators:
Each student will be evaluated upon the completion, artistic merit, conceptual application, innovation, and level of craftsmanship of each creative studio project. Quality craftsmanship in both analog and digital work will be expected. All work will be cataloged in a clear sheet professional portfolio which will be assessed at midterm and during finals. Written exams and quizzes will also assess each student’s understanding of formal elements and principles including material proficiency, principles of concept, historical context, critical theory, and the creative process. A final assessment module will prompt a written response to each of these areas as they pertain to their final studio project. Also, through attendance at and participation in various opportunities for lecture, demonstration, research and critical analysis, students will gain an informed ability to critique, ultimately enhancing their own work and the work of their peers.
Portfolio of completed design studies including a visual presentation and written response 75 to 85%
Written and verbal exams and quizzes 10 to 20%
Attendance and participation in class discussions and critiques 5 to 10%
Representative Text and/or Supplies:
Launching the Imagination: A Comprehensive Guide to Basic Design, Mary Stewart, McGraw-Hill Education, current edition.
*This text is used as the primary text in a triad of art foundation courses including, ART 1120 2D Surface, ART 1130 3D Space, and ART 1140 4D Time as well it is used as a supplemental text in ART 1100 Visual Culture.
Each student will be required to have a professional, clear sleeve portfolio, tools, supplies, and consumables at the instructor’s discretion in addition to what is provided through the course program fee.
Pedagogy Statement:
This course will include, applied studio projects, class discussions, critiques, demonstrations, and slide lectures, as they apply to the principles of 2D design. This diverse and multi-faceted learning environment promotes productivity and a high level of engagement and inclusion. It also promotes a meaningful and productive work ethic as students perform independently in the studio between each class.This course privileges a community studio environment. From the first day of class, students are encouraged to spend time collectively, not only within the structure of class time but outside of class, together in the studio working in an informal creative environment. This creative behavior is where ideas flow freely between student colleagues and trust and belonging is developed amongst members of a diverse and creative team. This prepares students for the highly-collaborative and creative industry where diverse ideas and brainstorming are combined to problem solve. During class, casual critical dialog is practiced between students and instructor. Formal group critique strategies are tailored to enhance the worth of each student’s creative vision and to critically evaluate the work of each student in a constructive manner. Prompts for each project are designed to promote a wide range of visual interpretation and inclusion of various conceptual insights, including but not limited to age, ethnicity, culture, gender, and religion. Visual art, in its essence, promotes inclusivity as students explore unique personal concepts.
Instructional Mediums:
Lecture/Lab
Maximum Class Size: 15
Optimum Class Size: 12
