Syllabus

University Course Catalog Description

A foundational level, hands–on course introducing the theoretical application of the elements and principles of 2-D design and the practical applications of color theory. Exercises in visual thinking and the use of traditional principles of composition and two-dimensional media are emphasized through sequential, skill building projects.

General Education Area IIc Description
This course is designed for students who wish to gain hands on skill development as well as acquiring a greater appreciation for the history and practice of the visual arts. Two Dimensional Design is open to all students across disciplines where they may learn to understand in a greater capacity how they solve problems. This hands on course gives students the opportunity to learn about the Elements and Principles of Design and their application through various media. Observation and critical analysis are also a key components in understanding how compositions function visually and are skills applicable to all disciplines.

This course is a requirement of students pursuing a BFA in Studio Art, BFA Graphic Design and Minor in Studio Art. Students pursuing a Minor in Graphic Design may choose this class OR Arts 5: Drawing.

Course Prerequisites

None

Course Overview

Two Dimensional Design and Color is a foundational course focusing on the creative use of the elements and principles of design and practical color theory. It aims to build both a working and a conceptual understanding of the ways in which an artist organizes, or designs, visual art. Exercises in visual thinking and the use of traditional design principles of composition and media are emphasized. Analytical and critical thinking skills will be developed as they pertain to visual art. The course will be comprised of lectures, studio assignments, readings, writing, research, and critiques.

The emphasis is on active discovery and exploration, in a way appropriate to the needs of the learner. In line with this emphasis, the main mode of learning will consist of first-hand experience through structured practical exercises rather than lectures. Students will experiment with diverse materials, line, form, color, texture, text/image interaction, typography, composition, and structure. The underlying goal is for the student to explore different media, techniques and processes of visual creation.

TENTATIVE CLASS EXERCISES AND PROJECTS
100% coursework and in-class participation:

• Line Dynamics
• Line Abstraction
• Value Structure
• Color wheel
• Color schemes
• Portfolio

An average of the above projects will be used to calculate the final grade.
I reserve the right to adjust the projects as I see fit for the students’ learning benefit.

RETENTION OF STUDENT WORK

Student work may be retained for assessment purposes. It may be used in teaching and in publication by the instructor. Students will submit a comprehensive PDF containing all projects and papers completed during this course at the conclusion of the semester to assess how the learning objectives of the course are being met. I reserve the right to adjust the projects and percentages as I see fit for the students’ learning benefit.

COURSE OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

1. Develop strategies for seeing, designing, and working with two-dimensions.
2. Recognize the basic visual forces that can be used to activate and organize a composition.

These forces are the elements of design (line, space, color, value, balance, texture, time/ movement,
and space) and the principles of design (unity, variety, balance, scale/proportion, emphasis, rhythm, repetition, and the Gestalt principles of perception.)

1. Recognize and apply of psychological, emotional, intuitive, spontaneous,
   and rational judgments in the process of visual organization.
2. Develop and enhance visual literacy, cultural awareness, and aesthetic sensitivity.
3. Develop design vocabulary, methodology, and the judgment skills that will allow you
   to pursue further visual art studies.
4. Enhance the basic technical skills needed for the execution of well-crafted and technically sound creative work.

The objectives will be achieved by:

1. Completing projects of increasing complexity based on developing
   skill with a particular media and one or more design concepts
2. Analysis and critique one’s own work and then application of the skill to the work of others
3. Readings, lectures, slides, discussion of readings, and a visit to a gallery or museum.
4. Successful completion of all homework assignments
5. Positive attendance and attention to all course lectures and demonstrations

Purpose
The undergraduate degree in graphic design is intended to prepare you, the student, specifically in the common body of knowledge and skills required for entry as a professional graphic designer. You should additionally possess the education necessary to move toward management and/or leadership positions within the field and also be ready for advanced graduate study in the field of graphic design.

BFA IN GRAPHIC DESIGN LEARNING OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES AND UNIVERSITY CORE COMPETENCIES

Critical Thinking, Written Communication, Oral Communication, Information Literacy

Core Competencies and Program Learning Objectives	Class Project	Mastery Level
CRITICAL THINKING, INFORMATION LITERACY, WRITTEN COMMUNICATION Solve communication problems, including the skills of problem identification, research and information gathering, analysis, generation of alternative solutions, prototyping and user testing, and evaluation of outcomes.	Line Dynamics, Line Abstraction, Value Structure, Color schemes	Introduce
CRITICAL THINKING, INFORMATION LITERACY Describe and respond to the audiences and contexts, which communication solutions must address, including recognition of the physical, cognitive, cultural, and social human factors that shape design decisions.	Line Dynamics, Value Structure, Color schemes	Introduce
CRITICAL THINKING, INFORMATION LITERACY, WRITTEN COMMUNICATION Create and develop visual form in response to communication problems, including an understanding of principles of visual organization/ composition, information hierarchy, symbolic representation, typography, aesthetics, and the construction of meaningful messages.	Line Dynamics, Line Abstraction, Value Structure, Color wheel, Color schemes, Portfolio	Introduce
CRITICAL THINKING, WRITTEN COMMUNICATION Understand design-related tools and technology, including their roles in the creation, reproduction, and distribution of visual messages. Relevant tools and technologies include, but are not limited to, drawing, offset printing, photography, and time-based and interactive media (film, video, computer multimedia).	Line Dynamics, Line Abstraction, Value Structure, Color wheel, Color schemes, Portfolio	Introduce
ORAL COMMUNICATION, INFORMATION LITERACY Demonstrate proficiency in communication, presentation, and business skills necessary to engage in professional practice in graphic design including the ability to organize and manage design projects and to productively collaborate with others in a team. This competency is based on an understanding of organizational structures and working patterns in design, intellectual, economic, technological, and political contexts.	Project Critiques, group discussions	Introduce
CRITICAL THINKING, INFORMATION LITERACY Demonstrate ability to form and defend value judgments about graphic design and to communicate art ideas, concepts, and requirements to professionals and laypersons related to the practice.	Project Critiques, group discussions	Introduce
CRITICAL THINKING, ORAL COMMUNICATION, INFORMATION LITERACY Identify the major historical achievements, current issues, processes, and directions in the graphic design field as well as in art in general.	Class discussions, Line Dynamics, Value Structure, Color schemes	Introduce
CRITICAL THINKING, ORAL COMMUNICATION, INFORMATION LITERACY Identify current intercultural and global issues as they relate to visual communication. Apply ethical reasoning to create sustainable, and socially and environmentally responsible design solutions.	Class discussions	Introduce

Recommended Texts & Learning Materials

Please organize all class materials in a three-ring binder. You will be expected to bring it to every class.

Purchase following required supplies as needed
You may get the materials at the bookstore, Hobby Lobby, or order them online. Here are a few resources that are very good: Utrecht: utrechtart.com; Dick Blick: dickblick.com; Daniel Smith: danielsmith.com

Paper
11x14” Bristol Pad

Drawing Materials
Pencils: HB, 2B, 6B

Paint (wait till you need them, I will have some to share)
Sargent Art Time Tempera 
16oz bottles from Hobby Lobby
$1.33-$1.89 depending on whether they have a sale

1 Blue
1 Turquoise Blue
1 Yellow
1 Red
1 White

Lab Fee

There will be a lab fee of $30 to cover purchase of consumable some materials maintenance, printing costs, & upkeep of computer facilities. There will be no refund of this fee if the course is dropped after the drop deadline, third week of the semester.

Grading

Grading scale:

A          Minimum 95%
A-         Minimum 90%
B+        Minimum 87%
B          Minimum 83%
B-         Minimum 80%
C+         Minimum 77%
C          Minimum 73%
C-         Minimum 70%
D+        Minimum 67%
D          Minimum 60%
F          Below 60%

Below is university policy followed when administering letter grades on projects, papers, & other tasks that do not utilize a point or percentage system.

A: Exceptional, means objectives of the assignment are fully understood as applied to the particular assignment & an intriguing balance exists between clear communication of the message & creativity. The assignment is executed with impeccable craftsmanship, accuracy, & neatness & exists as part of the complete design development of thumbnail, rough, & finished comp; a quality piece of work. Minimum 95%

B: High, objectives are met & design principles are primarily well understood. May be lacking in overall quality, craftsmanship, clarity, or design development; good overall effort. Minimum

C: Average, the minimum requirements of the assignment have been met but not exceeded. Extra effort & insight into development of the basic assignment are necessary to produce higher quality work.

D: Below average, there exist problems in completely understanding the concept or objectives of an assignment. Incompleteness in several areas of craftsmanship, design, creativity, clarity, or development is also apparent; see instructor.

F: Unacceptable, please see instructor immediately for further clarification.

Areas of evaluation: Professionalism, Process & Realization:

Project grades are the result of three areas of evaluation: Professionalism, Process & Realization. At any time during the semester, you may meet with the instructor for evaluations of current grades or dissatisfactions with a grade that you received on any project & how it may be improved upon.

Professionalism: Your grade in the area of professionalism will focus on issues of attendance, preparation, deadlines, critique participation, personal attitude & articulation - the ability to speak & write clearly about ideas/concepts presented in class. Projects for this course will be assigned similar to the way that professional designers receive "design briefs" detailing the specific requirements for a project. The student will then be expected to document the creative process, which they follow in developing individual design solutions. Successive projects will be assigned for the class, & modified or customized to a certain degree based on the overall understanding of previous assignments.

Process: Faculty rely on classroom observation in evaluating a student’s process in developing a project. It will focus generally on how thoroughly the student pushes visual exploration & concept research through such processes as sketching/thumbnails & creative/thoughtful writing. Students, who attend class, make visible their process investigations & are prepared for the scheduled activities/discussions, reveal valuable information about their performance. In the absence of such information, faculty must resort to an unsatisfactory rating in evaluating the student’s process. When handing in an assignment, you may be required to include photocopies of relevant pages from the journal & other process materials in addition to the actual assignment.

Realization: The final evaluation of work (realization) involves more than totaling the grades on individual projects &/or determining that all assignments have been completed. Faculty assess student’s abilities in realizing concepts & controlling the visual elements of communication throughout the semester. This includes such issues as craftsmanship & the improvement & progressive mastery of increasingly complex material are evaluated.

Grade Dissemination: For each project & assignment, you will receive a detailed rubric that will break down the grade according to your performance within the areas of Professionalism, Process & Realization. Each area will be customized to the project’s specifications & learning objectives.

Late Work Policy: All projects & exercises are due on the day & time given, always at the beginning of class unless otherwise noted. A late accommodation is given only with the understanding that emergencies & unforeseen circumstances occasionally arise. A late project must be turned in by the following class & will be marked down one letter grade accordingly. A later submission will not be accepted. Missing a scheduled critique or presentation will result in an “F” for that project.

Grades of "Incomplete": The current university policy concerning incomplete grades will be followed in this course. Incomplete grades are given only in situations where unexpected emergencies prevent a student from completing the course & the remaining work can be completed the next semester. Your instructor is the final authority on whether you qualify for an incomplete. Incomplete work must be finished by the end of the subsequent semester or the “I” will automatically be recorded as an “F” on your transcript.

Technology & Media

Email: Email is the preferred communication tool. Please check your university email regularly since I may send out important announcements pertaining to the class. When emailing me, please follow standard email conventions including addressing me & signing your communications. I check my email regularly & will try answer your questions within one day (with the exception of weekends or holidays.)

Cell Phone Usage: Per university policy & classroom etiquette; mobile phones, iPods, etc. must be silenced during all classroom & lab lectures. Those not heeding this rule will be asked to leave the classroom/lab immediately so as to not disrupt the learning environment

Course Policies/Student Expectations

Student Requirements & Responsibilities:

• A minimum of six studio hours in class & three hours outside of class per week.
• Active participation in all phases of the course, attendance, lecture / demonstrations / critiques
• Materials described in the attached materials list.
• Projects for this course will be assigned similar to the way that professional designers receive "design briefs" detailing the specific requirements for a project. The student will then be expected to document their creative process, which they follow in developing individual design solutions.

Expectations & Work Load: The basic structure of this course will revolve around assigned studio problems. There will be time given to lecture & class discussion, practical tutorials, exercises, & assignments. A significant amount of time will be also spent in critique of student work.

It is very important that all students engage themselves in a discourse of the work at h&. In turn I will give each of you conscientious feedback on as much of your work as is possible. All students should be prepared to spend a significant amount of time outside of class time for research, process & final production of assigned projects.

Students are expected to think creatively & critically as well as participate thoughtfully in class. As a good portion of this class is based in critique of student work, it is expected that all students will participate in this dialogue so that we may all benefit from the feedback. All comments are expected to be constructive & honest. It is the group dynamic that will inform & educate our individual projects. Be open to the critique process, as your lack of participation will impact your final grade.

Class Preparation: Students are expected to arrive to class on time & be prepared for work with the requested supplies/materials/assignments. Class preparation is essential to receiving feedback on one’s work. Lack of preparation on a continual basis will affect your final grade. If you happen to miss a class or lecture, please make arrangements with a fellow student who can either take notes for you &/or get the required handouts, etc. While I will be happy to clarify information for students who are confused, I cannot repeat lectures or elaborate project descriptions on an individual basis.

Controversial Content: Since a portion of the course will include studying art/design throughout history, there may be times when some of this art may have nudity in it. If you feel uncomfortable with this, please let me know & we can make accommodations.

Attendance Policy: No more than three absences are allowed per semester. Students are required to make prior arrangements with the instructor whenever possible. Students are expected to be on time & to participate for the duration of the class. The student’s grade will be negatively affected & lowered one full grade point for each absence exceeding the three allowed. So, for example, if you were to earn a B+ & had four absences, your final grade will be C+.

Students should be informed that the allotted absences are to accommodate routine illness, weddings, transportation troubles, etc. Doctor appointments, advisor conferences, trips to supply stores & labs, employment, etc. should not be scheduled to conflict with class. Religious Observances cited in the handbook will be followed.

Tardiness is defined as being fifteen minutes late for class or departing before class has been formally dismissed by the teacher. Three tardies will be counted as one absence. Tardiness that exceeds one hour will be counted as an absence. Each student is responsible for his/her own recorded attendance. If you are late it is your responsibility after that class period to make sure the teacher has you added to the roll.

Open Studio Hours Policy:
Studio Hours are:

M, T, W, TR 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
F 8:00 a.m.to 5:00 p.m.
(Sat) Sun 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Plan your schedule so that you will be able to complete your assignments during these hours. If you have exhausted these times & need additional time to finish projects or have extenuating circumstances that keep you from finishing during these scheduled hours you must receive written permission to stay in the studio beyond the normal hours. You must obtain this permission by 5:00 p.m. on the day in question. This written permission will allow you to work until midnight only. No students will be allowed in the building after 12:00 midnight.

Honor Code: The University Honor Code is an essential element in academic integrity. It is a violation of the Honor Code to give or receive information from another student during an examination; to use unauthorized sources during an examination; or to submit all or part of someone else’s work or ideas as one’s own. If a student violates the Honor Code, the faculty member may refer the matter to the Office of Student Life. If found guilty, the student may be penalized with failure of the assignment or failure of the course. The student may also be reprimanded or suspended from the University. A complete statement of the Honor Code may be found in the Student Handbook, Tiger Lore. Section 1.1 – 1.3

A violation of the principle includes, but is not limited to: Plagiarism: Intentionally or knowingly presenting the work of another as one’s own (i.e., without proper acknowledgment of the source). The sole exception to the requirement of acknowledging sources is when the ideas, information, etc., is common knowledge. Artists & designers occasionally work from photographs or other imagery. This is allowed & is sometimes necessary, however the artist’s intent must be clear that the new work was not made to merely duplicate someone else’s artwork in another medium or form & claim it as one’s own.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities: If you are a student with a disability, who requires accommodations, please contact Mr. Daniel Nuss, Coordinator of the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities in McCaffrey Center, First Floor, Room 137 and Room 115 for information on how to obtain an Accommodation Request Letter. Contact: SSD@pacific.edu or (209) 946.3221. Then please schedule a meeting with me during office hours or some mutually convenient time to arrange the accommodation(s). These services may include, but are not limited to, extended time for completing exams, alternative testing procedures, note takers, & transportation to & from classes. The Policy Manual can be found at: http://www.pacific.edu/Campus-Life/Student-Services/Disabilities-and-Accommodations---Services-for-Students-with-Disabilities/Resources-for-Students/SSD-Student-Policy-Manual.html

University Student Writing Center: The University Writing Center is a free resource for student, where a trained writing consultant will work individually with you on anything you are writing (in or out of class), at any point in the writing process from brainstorming to editing. The Student Writing Center is located on the 2nd floor of the Main Library. Email Melanie at mhash@pacific.edu or call (209) 932-2969 if you have any questions.


IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER
Last Day to Add/Drop Classes: September 8
Withdrawal Deadline: October 30
Final Examination: Wednesday, Dec 6 (you need to attend to pass the class.)

 

Please retain a copy of your syllabus. It is not only an outline of the course it represents a contract between you, the instructor & the University.