Montgomery College
Art Department Rockville Campus
Two Dimensional Design AR 103 CRN 30948 3 Credit Hours
Spring 2010 M/W 1:00 - 3:40 pm Room: TC 135
Instructor: Michael Farrell 240-567-7650
e-mail: michael.farrell@mongtomerycollege.edu
Web Site: www.montgomerycollege.edu/faculty/~mfarrell/public_html
Office: Room 200 ART Office Hours: Mon 4-5 pm
Tuesday 1-2 pm Thursday 1-2 pm
Course Description: The study and use of the elements and principles of art in two-dimensional composition relating to visual organization. Emphasis is placed on the analysis of design problems and their solutions.
Specific Outcomes: The objective of this course is to develop an understanding of ways of organizing visual information in order to communicate. Design derives from the planned arrangement of visual elements in ways that are not only visually effective, but which also convey ideas. Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. |
Demonstrate creative problem solving through the application of abstract theoretical concepts, development of observational skills, and the use of technical skills. |
2. |
Recognize and employ organization systems such as balance, direction, emphasis, spatial concepts, rhythm, and movement (Abstract theoretical concepts) |
3. |
Observe and analyze works of art using the language of design, both in written and oral expression. (Abstract theoretical concepts) |
4. |
Recognize the range of solutions available with boundaries of a specified problem. (Abstract theoretical concepts) |
5. |
Demonstrate an understanding of visual literacy. |
6. |
Identify and utilize the elements of shape, line, value, texture, and color. (Observational skill) |
7. |
Identify relationships of similarities and differences as found in art and our environment. (Observational skill) |
8. |
Demonstrate the ability to utilize a range of materials in crafting problem solutions. (Technical skill) |
9. |
Demonstrate the technical skills necessary to execute compositions |
There are no hard and fast rules that will insure a successful design, rather, the concepts presented in this course should be seen as guidelines that can be considered as you develop your ideas. Many of these terms may be familiar, and you may well be employing some of these concepts already, sometimes consciously, sometimes not. The goal is to sharpen your visual organization skills so that you have greater insight into why certain designs seem to work more effectively than others. While the creative process will always rely, to a certain extent, on an intuitive sense of what might "work" for a given idea, a prepared mind will more readily suggest visual solutions for communicating an idea in the most effective way.
Text: The required text is The Handbook of Visual Mechanics, by Edward Harvey. It is available in the bookstore.
Attendance: You are expected to attend all class sessions, since each class builds on what has come before. Excessive absence will negatively impact the quality of your work and this quality will be reflected in your final grade. Beyond 4 absences, you will fail the course. I do not distinguish between excused and unexcused absences - save them for true emergencies.
I recognize that there are occasionally unusual circumstances, regarding attendance, but it is your responsibility to speak with me about your situation. Please understand that this class moves very quickly, with something new introduced almost every class period. If you fall behind, it will be very difficult to catch up, and your work will suffer.
Any student who fails to attend the first three classes will be dropped from the course.
Tardiness: The class will begin promptly at 1:00 pm, and attendance will be taken at that time. Punctuality is critical, as issues concerning the entire class or a particular project will be discussed at the beginning of the class period. If you are late, you will be expected to get the relevant information from a classmate. If a student is late and/or leaves early three times, it will constitute an absence.
Requirements: You will be expected to complete each of the assigned in-class projects and exercises, the parameters of which will be outlined by the instructor. Each project will conclude with a critique, and each student will be expected to participate in the discussion of the projects. You will be assigned another student's work, for which you will be responsible in leading the class discussion. For critiques, each project must be matted. Craftsmanship, both in the execution of the project and in its presentation, is a critical component of your work.
You will be expected to complete all of the readings assigned in Visual Mechanics. There will be four quizzes on the concepts and vocabulary from the readings and from in-class lectures.
It is suggested that throughout the semester, you keep a folder in which you collect magazine advertisements and any other images (reproductions of paintings drawings, photographs, book or magazine covers, labels, etc.) that you find visually interesting. For one project, you will be required to complete a two page typewritten analysis of one of these images that looks at the way in which the issues that we are studying are employed in its design or composition.
In addition, you will maintain a sketchbook in which you will be required to record all in-class notes on topics presented in lectures and demonstrations (including all written information and handouts presented by the instructor), and all preparatory sketches and ideas for your projects. The more evidence of thought and experimentation in your preparatory sketches, the better. You will also be expected to record all of the instructor's critique comments in the sketchbook, so that you will have a written record of the strengths and weakness of your projects.
Grading: You will be evaluated in this course on the basis of:
The criteria for grading will be the lecture notes and parameters for the project as outlined by the instructor. All projects are weighted equally, and will be evaluated on the basis of creativity, craftsmanship, and the degree to which the project meets the requirements of the assignment. Letter grades will be reflect the following standards:
A= Outstanding, well executed work that reflects a full understanding of the parameters of the problem. Effort and work far exceed the minimum standards of the class
B= Very good work, above average understanding of the problem. Effort and work exceed the minimum requirements of the class, but room remains for improvement.
C= Average work that meets the basic requirements of the problem. Effort and work meet the minimum requirements of the class. There is considerable room for improvement.
D= Completed, but below average work that does not reflect an understanding of the problem. Effort and work do not meet the minimum requirements of the class.
F= Failure to complete the assignments in accordance with the parameters of the problems assigned. Effort and work do not meet the minimum requirements of the class.
The due dates for each project will be set at the time the project is assigned. Each project must be turned in on the critique date. Plan your time well, and do not leave your work to the last minute. Projects turned in late will be lowered one full letter grade. I will not accept projects during the semester later than two class periods past the due date, and the final project must be turned in by the final due date which will be set at the end of the semester.
There will be four quizzes on concepts and vocabulary from the readings and lectures. Missed quizzes must be made up at the beginning of the next class period.
The sketchbook will be evaluated based on the evidence of thought and consideration given to the preparatory project solutions and the organization and clarity of the classroom and critique notes. The sketchbook should be thought of as the place where your visual and analytical thinking takes place. I should be able to see the development of your ideas in sketches as the final form of the project takes shape.
Audit Policy: Students registered for audit are required to participate in all course activities unless otherwise agreed between the student and the instructor at the time registration for audit occurs. Failure to participate may result in the grade of "W" being awarded.
Withdrawals: The last day to drop the class with a grade of "W" is during the week of April 12th. Check MyMC for specific drop deadlines.
Classroom Policies: Students should familiarize themselves with the Student Code of Conduct located on MyMC, as you will be expected to abide by all academic, classroom and college wide policies. In class, I expect you to concentrate on the problem at hand. This means no conversations that are not connected with your project, no music, and no phone calls and no texting. We will take breaks as a class in order to allow you to see the progress of your fellow students on a regular basis. You will be treated respectfully in return for respectful behavior.
Communication: Student e-mail is an official means of communication for the College. It is expected that you will check your student e-mail regularly and frequently, as you are responsible for information and announcement that will be sent to you regarding this class, and from the College. For this class, e-mail will be used for situations where timing is essential. Most information is discussed in class, and all assignments will be turned in as hard copy during regular class time. I do not provide lecture materials on line or via e-mail. If you contact me though e-mail, you must use your student e-mail account.
Disability Support Services (DSS): A student who may need an accommodation due to a disability should make an appointment to see me during my office hours. A letter from Disability Support Services, authorizing your accommodations, will be needed. Any student who may need assistance in the event of an emergency evacuation must identify to the Disability Support Services office. Guidelines for emergency evacuation for individuals with disabilities are found at: http://www.montgomerycollege.edu/Departments/dispsvc/evacprocedures.htm.
The DSS office is located in the Counseling and Advising Building, Room 122. The phone number is 301-279-5058 (TDD 301-294-9672).
Reproduction of Student Work: Student work may be photographed or reproduced for educational purposes of for use in college promotional materials.
Final Exam: The date for the final exam is Wednesday, May 12th, from 12:30-2:30 pm. Attendance is mandatory. You must attend this class in order to receive credit for your final project.
This syllabus, course outline and supply list are subject to change as deemed necessary by the instructor. Notice will be given in such an event.