Syllabus
Leave a commentART105 Two Dimensional Design
Professor: Lucas Kelly
kellyl@mccc.edu
Introduction:
ART 105 addresses the essential concepts and language associated with two-dimensional design. It is upon a foundation of these visual concepts that good art can be built. With exercises, projects, and demonstrations I will teach you to work your specific interests into compelling art projects. You will finish this course able to develop your own visual ideas and know that the elements of design are essential to seeing and communicating in a dynamic and compelling way.
Course Goals and Objectives:
- Complete all assignments and exercises on time and in a professional manner.
- Improve your current skill level and confidence in interpreting and employing specific design elements.
- Comprehend and utilize the basic techniques, vocabulary and concepts associated with design.
- Develop the ability to communicate your individual ideas into two-dimensional images that use core design concepts
This course is deliberately weighted to meet the needs of Art Majors and related disciplines. I do realize that there is a diversity of students (majors) enrolled in this course. Because this is an introductory class, we will be using the most fundamental concepts of the medium, so I will expect everyone to be on the same page as we work through a number of exercises and
studies. It is natural to have a range of skill levels in every class and hopefully you will all gain as much from each other as you will from my course instruction. Good Luck.
Late Projects
You will be allowed to hand in 1 project late without penalty. A late project is defined as a project that is not up for critique on the due date. To receive any credit the piece must be handed in before the next class meeting. After the next class the piece will receive a zero. Any other late projects after that one will receive a zero. No exceptions.
It is always better to hand in something rather than nothing. An F is better than a zero.
When averaging your grade if you have 4 grades and all of them are 100% you get an average of 100% (an A.)
If 3 of your grades are a 100% and one is a zero, your average is a 75% (a C.)
If 3 of your grades are a 100% and one is a 55% (an F,) your average is 88.75% (a B+.) You cannot pass a class if you do not do the assignments.
Class Meetings
Students are expected to arrive early or on time for each class meeting with the necessary equipment for completing that day’s assignments. The work area should be set up quickly at the beginning of class and should be thoroughly cleaned at the end of class.
Cell phones and headphones are prohibited during class. Checking or sending messages poses a significant distraction and headphones likewise interfere with instruction. We will be listening to music in class.
Attendance
If you’re not in class, you can’t pass. My attendance policy is simple. No matter what happens if you miss class, you miss out on class time, which is lecture and discussion on projects and other related issues. There are no excused absences. No Exceptions.
Coming to class unprepared, unable to work, or refusing to work/sleeping is an absence.
15 Week Classes meet once a week (Summer Sessions as well)
Attendance allowance
1st absence: No penalty
2nd absence: No penalty
3rd absence: Final Grade is an F
15 Week Classes meet twice a week
Attendance allowance
1st absence: No penalty
2nd absence: No penalty
3rd absence: No penalty
4th absence: No penalty
5th absence: Final Grade is an F
Lateness will not be tolerated. Two late appearances will count as one absence. Arriving late, or leaving early, one or more hours will be considered an absence
Contact information: You are required to activate your MercerMail account. All of your project sheets and grade reports will be delivered via email. I will send a lot of information via email, this is not optional.
Cell phones are not permitted. Turn them off or don’t bring them to class. If your phone rings in class I will consider your presence as being late to class. If I catch you text messaging, or making/taking a call, in class I will consider this to be an infraction. Call voicemail, family and friends before class, during breaks, or after class. (Use of headphones, iPods, Mp3 players, CD players will be treated in the same way.)
In the same way we are expected to be working in class. If you are unprepared or not using this time to work I will consider this to be an infraction. Don’t waste your time in class chatting or staring off into space waiting for inspiration. If you are “thinking” then think with your hands…like with a pencil and a sketch pad. And if you want to chat during work sessions that is not only acceptable but encouraged…just work while you are talking. Remember, our class is a community. Conversations need to take into consideration everyone in the class. Obviously, there is no talking during a professor or student presentation.
The combination of infractions effect your grade the same way lateness does.
GRADING BREAKDOWN
PERCENTAGE OF FINAL GRADE:
40% = (avg.) Projects
10% = Final Project
20% = (avg.) Vocabulary quiz grades
20% = Artist Presentation/Paper
10% = Daily participation/Homework
100% = Final Grade (A-F)
LETER GRADE EQUIVALENTS:
(Grade /Percent/ Performance)
A (100-93%) = Outstanding
A- (90-92%)
B+ (89-87%)
B (86-83%) = Good
B- (82-80%)
C+ (79-77%)
C (76-70%) = Satisfactory/ Average
D (69-60%) = Below Average
F (59-0%) = Failing
GRADING AND RETURNING ASSIGNMENTS:
I, the instructor, will make every effort to return each project or quiz within one week of its submission. A numeric value that translates into a single letter grade will be given for each assignment (A-F with +/-). At the discretion of the instructor, a mid-term portfolio check may be required. Please see the following page for a break down and explanation of the grading I use to evaluate your skills.
SPECIFIC EVALUATION CRITERIA:
Please read the MCCC catalog for an explanation of Academic Policies and Regulations.
The grade of “A (+/-)” will be earned by a student demonstrating mastery of the essential elements of two dimensional design, as well as excellence and originality in the completion of all in-class course work and out-of-class assigned homework. .
The grade of “B (+/-)” will be earned by a student demonstrating a strong understanding of the essential elements of two dimensional design; as well as above average achievement in the completion of almost all of the in-class course work and out-of-class assigned homework.
The grade of “C (+/-)” will be earned by a student demonstrating an average understanding of the essential elements of two dimensional design, as well as average achievement in the completion in a majority of the in-class course work and out-of-class assigned homework.
The grade of “D (+/-)” will be earned by a student demonstrating little understanding of the essential elements of two dimensional design, as well as below average achievement in the completion of most of the in-class course work and out-of-class assigned homework.
The grade of “F” will be earned by a student demonstrating a weak understanding of the essential elements of two dimensional design, as well as not completing a majority of either the in-class course work and/or the out-of-class assigned homework. You will also fail if you get 5 or more absences.
*To receive full credit for this homework assignment you must look at the schedule and tell me when the Space Project is due.
Accessibility Statement
Mercer County Community College is committed to ensuring the full participation of all students in all activities, programs and services. If you have a documented differing ability or think that you may have a differing ability that is protected under the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, please contact Arlene Stinson in LB 216 stinsona@mccc.edu for information regarding support services.
If you do not have a documented differing ability, remember that other resources are available to all students on campus including academic support through our Academic Learning Center located in LB 214.
If you are eligible and currently receive accommodations I need to see documentation from Academic Support Services, I cannot just take your word for it.
Academic Integrity
Cheating will not be tolerated and may result in a zero grade on an assignment, quiz, or for the course and/or your expulsion from the course. All submitted and presented work must be your original work and any material used as source must be properly attributed to the author or source. Refer to your student handbook for your responsibilities and information on Academic Integrity.
Academic Integrity Statement: http://www.mccc.edu/academic_policies.shtml
A Few Notes to Remember.
First, this is an art class, but you are not making “art.” You are working on projects that are designed to help you in the future pursuits of “art” making. Technically speaking this is a design class. Design is functional and there are specific qualities to successful design that make it function. You are learning tools for design. I have specific objectives that I need to see that you have accomplished. Follow the directions, if you have a good idea on a variation on the project that’s great, do it on your own time, at home.
Second, follow the directions. They are written to help you figure out how to do this stuff. I give you credit just for following the directions, it’s a no brainer. In the professional world you will need to follow the directions of a client or an employer. This is a very useful tool to learn.
Third, Composition! Pay attention to where your design is on the page, its size, and its relation to the negative space. You are responsible for the entire page, so think accordingly. You orchestrate the viewer’s experience.
Fourth, Neatness and Craftsmanship! I’m sorry for yelling. But really, any drawing you hand me is a presentation of your effort. Be fair to yourself and treat your drawings with
respect. Clean up stray marks, don’t fold or crease your paper, don’t rip your paper, because in the long run if you don’t care about it, why should anyone else…including me. This is a great tool to master. Make excellent craftsmanship a habit and you will master presentation at every level. And…Don’t ever use white out.
Fifth, try, try, and try again. It’s only a drawing, it’s ok to start over. If it isn’t going right maybe you need to take a deep breath and start from scratch. Don’t complain that “It’s hard” or “I can’t do this” or “I’m not an artist.” Of course it’s hard, life is hard, and frankly learning how to do something totally different than you are used to doing is hard. There is no “A for Effort,” so don’t expect any gifts, but frequently effort creates a better product.
One last thing: RESPECT ME, EACH OTHER, AND THE CLASSROOM. WE ARE ALL ADULTS AND WILL ACT THAT WAY.
And above all else: Respect your privilege.
Remember: “A teacher is not a giver of truth–he is a guide, a pointer to the truth that each student must find for himself. A good teacher is merely a catalyst.” -Bruce Lee
This syllabus is subject to change without notice, in written or oral form, by the discretion of the professor. It is the student’s responsibility to keep up to date
2D Design 