Overview

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A hands-on studio course modeled on the progressive development of artistic practice from simple mark-making to full scale installation. Through a process of continuous transformation, an original idea is developed in a sequence of methods, materials and scales. Some research is required. A course materials fee is required. Students with credit for FPA 160 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

CA 160 is a studio-based course that provides a practical and theoretical foundation for contemporary visual art. The course is organized through a series of projects concentrating on the fundamental aspects of the visual art process and the nature of materials. The projects guide the student through experimentation in a range of mediums in both two and three dimensions. Each project is a logical development from the one preceding it. The course readings and in-class discussions focus on developing the student’s ability to discuss art works with a critical awareness of issues of representation. As an integral part of their creative activity, students are expected to contribute to class discussions and critiques of each project through engaged, informed and constructive criticism. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with contemporary art through assigned readings and visits to galleries, museums and other exhibition sites.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

CA 160 is a unique visual art course where grades are calculated after all the projects in the course have been completed at the end of the semester. This approach emphasizes the studio process as an important element in the production of art. In other words, this class focuses on the evolution of projects, rather than merely the outcome. Each project is the basis for the next project, and thus projects become steps or increments in a whole studio approach, leading to the end of the semester.

Thus evaluation for this course is not on a project-by-project basis, but is based on an accumulation of each student’s work, as well as each student’s approach to working. Although students will only be assigned an official grade at the end of the semester, there will be midterm one-on-one meetings to discuss progress. The instructor will inform students if they are perceived as not meeting the expectations of this course.

Taken into consideration in the calculation of grades are a student’s:

• Growth and development over the course of the semester

• Resourcefulness (thoughtful and inventive problem solving)

• Tenacity (especially the ability to pull oneself out of a place of disappointment with a stage in the process and move on to a place of interest)

• Collaborative skills (using the classroom as a community of peers as part of problem solving and knowledge development

• Ability to keep up with projects by working outside of class when necessary.

• Timely completion of studio project and other assignments

• Proper handling of studio tools, equipment

Grading

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

REQUIRED READING NOTES: