IAIA - Institute of American Indian Arts

Sample Course Syllabus

The following syllabus is for one of the many courses offered by the Studio Arts Department.

COURSE NUMBER:  DRWG341
COURSE NAME:  Advanced Drawing: A Contemporary Exploration
CLASS TIME:  Tuesday + Thursday 2:30 – 5:00
CREDIT HOURS:  3
PREREQUISTES: FUND212 Drawing II + FUND221 Figure Drawing

INSTRUCTOR:  JEFF KAHM
OFFICE HOURS:  Tuesday + Thursday 1:00 – 2:30
PHONE: 505.424.2369
E-MAIL:  jkahm@iaia.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Development of critical and conceptual skills will be emphasized through exploration of contemporary drawing practices.  A broader definition of drawing will be explored through analyzing contemporary artists and their works.  Additional course content is comprised of studio critique, readings, discussion and a self-sustained thematic project developed by the student.

OBJECTIVES

  • Explore two-dimensional compositional structures and devices used in contemporary drawing;
  • Experience the importance of drawing recently experienced in the art world;
  • Explore the complexity, variety, and relevance of the practice of drawing today;
  • Understand that drawing today is established as a major discipline in its own right;
  • Through regular critique and class discussions students will examine art in context; the interaction of form, medium and meaning;
  • Students will explore formal and experimental drawing techniques to reinforce content for class-based projects and a self-sustained thematic project.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

  • Understand contemporary studio practices through readings, critique and studio production;
  • Understand the role of drawing in a contemporary context through slide lectures that survey contemporary art;
  • Use drawing as a means of communicating personal expression;
  • Increase knowledge of contemporary drawing and studio practices;
  • Develop a disciplined approach to the creative process.
  • Understand that drawing stands as a major discipline in its own right.
  • Students will understand the role of drawing in a contemporary context;
  • Develop thematic based work;
  • Explore various approaches to the creative process;

REQUIREMENTS

  • Timely completion of thematic works;
  • Participation in group and individual critiques;
  • Presentation of portfolios at mid-term and finals week;
  • Sketchbook/journal project;
  • Attendance and being on-time for every class.

ASSESSMENT

  • Student participation in individual and group critiques, classroom attitude, preparation for class and productive use of class time.
  • Students will be required to participate in the individual portfolio reviews
  • Demonstrated level of maturity and creative inquiry throughout the course
  • Attendance: please refer to the IAIA College Catalog 2010-2011 pp. 74-75
  • Classroom and studio conduct policy IAIA College Catalog 2010-2011 pp. 75-76

COURSE OULINE

Week 1: Introduction to course | syllabus, materials list, class procedures | discuss statement of intent & thematic proposal | what is a thematic project? | slide lecture | reading-handout | in-class exercises | the creative process: sketchbook/journal project, drawing-studies & compiling source material.

Week 2: Thematic proposal due: begin work | individual consultation: materials, media, form | studio time | slide lecture | reading-handout |

Week 3: Studio time
Group critique: Thematic #1

Week 4: Studio time | individual consultation/critiques |

Week 5: Studio time
Group critique: Thematic #2

Week 6: Studio time | individual consultation/critiques | slide lecture | reading-handout |

Week 7: Studio time
Group Critique: Thematic #3

Week 8: Mid-Term Week | Individual Portfolio Reviews | studio time |

Week 9: Studio time
Group Critique: Thematic #4

Week 10: Studio time | individual consultation/critiques | reading-handout |

Week 11: Studio time
Group Critique: Thematic #5

Week 12: Studio time | individual consultation/critiques | guest artist

Week 13: Studio time
Group Critique: Thematic #6

Week 14: Thanksgiving week | Studio time | individual consultation/critiques | field-trip: gallery/museum |

Week 15: Final Group Critique: All seven thematic series completed | Contemporary Master: research paper due | Drawing Exhibition (location pending).

Week 16: Finals Week | Individual Portfolio Reviews

EVALUATION PROCESS

  • Thematic project (minimum of seven drawings):  30%
  • Mid-term portfolio review: 15%
  • Final portfolio review: 15%
  • Sketchbook/journal: 10%
  • Critique/exercises participation: 10%
  • Attendance: 20%

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Brooks, Sandy. Drawing As Expression: Technique and Concepts.
Pearson, 2006 second edition, ISBN-13: 9780131940055

Brown, Clint. McLean, Cheryl. Drawing from Life.
Thomson Wadsworth 2004, third edition, ISBN 0-534-61353-5

Buster, Kendall. Crawford, Paula.  The Critique Handbook: A Sourcebook and Survival Guide.
Pearson Prentice Hall, 2007, ISBN: 0-13-150544-0

Enstice, Wayne. Peters, Melody. Drawing: Space, Form, and Expression.
Pearson Prentice Hall, 2003, third edition

Goldstein, Nathan. Figure Drawing, The Structure, Anatomy, and Expressive Design of the Human Form.
Pearson Prentice Hall, 2004 sixth edition, ISBN 0-13-183048-1

Goldstein, Nathan. The Art of Responsive Drawing.
Prentice Prentice Hall. 1999

Kaupelis, Robert. Experimental Drawing
Watson-Guptill Publications, 1992, ISBN 0-8230-1618-6

Mendelowitz. Wakeham. A Guide to Drawing.
Holt, Rinehart and Winston, NY. 1988

Micklewright, Keith. Drawing: Mastering the Language of Visual Expression.
Laurence King Publishing, Ltd., 2005, ISBN 13:978-1-85669-460-5

(Numerous Authors). Vitamin D:  New Perspectives in Drawing
Phaidon Press, Inc., ISBN 978-0-7148-4545-6

OcVirk. Stinson. Wigg. Bone. Cayton. Art Fundamentals: Theory and Practice.
McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2008, eleventh edition, ISBN-13: 9780073526522

Robinson, Jean. McDaniel, Craig. Painting as a Language: Material, Technique, Form, Content.
Wadsworth, Thomson Learning, 2000, ISBN: 13:978:0-15-505600-8

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) COMPLIANCE

Americans with Disabilities Act: If you anticipate barriers related to the format or requirements of this course, please meet with me so that we can discuss ways to ensure your full participation in the course. IAIA makes every effort to provide appropriate accommodations for students with documented disabilities. If you determine that disability-related accommodations are necessary, please register with the Director of Counseling Services/Academic Access Coordinator, Dr. James Jordan, and notify me of your eligibility for reasonable accommodations. We can then work together to plan how best to coordinate your accommodations.

SUGGESTED SUPPLIES

  • Paper or other surfaces: open           
  • Staedlter Graphite Pencils: 4H, 2H, HB, 2B, 4B, 6B
  • Charcoal Pencils: HB, 2B, 4B, 6B
  • Compressed Charcoal Sticks:  round: 4B, 2B
  • Sargent Charcoal Pastels: 12 black charcoal sticks in box
  • Chamois:        or suitable substitute
  • Erasers: white vinyl, gum, kneaded, magic rub, pink pearl, refillable-barrel.
  • India Ink: black & waterproof
  • Bamboo Brush: medium or large
  • Bamboo Pen: CC1 or larger
  • Pencil Sharpener: preferably one with a container
  • 2 Metal Clips get white or silver (not colored)
  • Masonite Board: ¼” thick to fit 22”x 30” paper (for home use)
  • Inexpensive Portfolio: to fit 22” x 30” paper or larger
  • Container for supplies: plastic tool-box at hardware stores less expensive
  • Optional only: sketchbook: 8”x10” Strathmore or 11”x14” Canson
    spray fixative
    bristle brushes
    watercolor
    acrylic paint
    conte’ crayons
    pastel colors

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