core studio concepts
spring 2013 syllabus
AR 112 Core Studio
Concepts
2-credit freshman
course
Section 1 – Rob Rhee rrhee@cornish.edu Monday 9:00 - 11:50am MCC 603
ALL Sections
Thursday 6:30 – 7:20 VATER 104
(or on location)
Fab Lab Hours: TBA
course
description & semester focus
First-year students explore the underlying
principles for making art. Notions of what art is, what it does, and what it is
made of are investigated and challenged. Contemporary art practice is
introduced through artist lectures, screenings, field trips and reinforced by
assignments. The course explores concept generation and development including:
research, drawing, writing and exercises. Projects incorporate concepts, media,
and techniques from all freshman coursework and will explore inter-media
solutions. Responsive critical thinking is applied to both observation and
working processes. In addition, students will document their process and work, and
begin to learn about presentation.
Spring semester concentrates our focus on
INTER-MEDIA work. Contemporary Art is full of examples where different mediums,
processes, and techniques collide: Allan McCollum makes computer-generated
drawings and makes objects to create installations, Andrea Zittel sews, knits,
and designs space to realize her concepts, Janine Antoni uses video, sculpture,
and performance, William Kentridge draws, photographs and makes animations,
Bruce Nauman uses neon, video, sculpture and projections to create
installations. There is no end to the inventive ways artist cross media boundaries.
These collisions often act as cross-fertilization not just in what is
physically possible but to our ideas and thinking as well. You will have the
opportunity to bring together approaches from your different Studio X classes
in this semester’s projects. Our focus will be invention and opening ourselves
to new possibilities.
reference materials
ESSENTIAL READINGS:
Twyla Tharp, “Rituals of Preparation,” chapter 2
from The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use
It for
Life, 2003.
Thierry de Duve “When Form
Has Become Attitude – And Beyond” (1994), essay from
Theory in
contemporary art since 1945, Malden, MA: Blackwell, 2005.
Other readings will be
assigned related to projects.
objectives & learning outcomes
CONTEMPORARY ART PRACTICE: establish a context for the understanding of your
role as an artist and what is available to you as an artist.
§ reflect and utilize an
understanding of contemporary art and its context
§ exercise combinations of art
materials, techniques, and processes in a single work
STUDIO PRACTICE: develop an artistic practice and work ethic that
reflects integrity, dedication to professional growth, the confidence to take
risks, and social responsibility.
§ ability to integrate
technique, materials, and ideas
§ gain confidence in
articulating the intention and motivation of a work
CONCEPT GENERATION AND DEVELOPMENT: utilize multiple strategies to
recognize inspiration and develop that inspiration to artistic conclusions.
§ develop processes that
support artistic practice: journals, process books, blogs
§ employ drawing & model
making as a generative tool
CRITCAL THINKING: develop a capacity to think critically and write and
speak clearly about the visual arts.
§ gain ability to assess
quality and impact of final works, yours and others
§ successfully utilize
expository & narrative writing as a means of greater understanding
DOCUMENTATION & PRESENTATION: initiate the practices necessary for sharing work
with a larger community.
·
advance ability to photograph completed works at a quality for sharing
· utilize writing as a means
of enriching presentation
·
increase familiarity with preparing and hanging work for viewing
teaching and learning methods
PROJECTS combine formal teaching and independent
study on a focused task with a defined outcome. They may be initiated by
faculty, or jointly between faculty and students. The outcomes of projects vary
according to courses; for example, it may be a slide presentation, a written
report or a product or a combination of these. Each project culminates in some
form of review or critique. Practical work projects will be set in a practical
workshop situation, using materials, processes and techniques to generate
research and an understanding of theoretical principles. Depending on the equipment
and processes used, this may involve an introduction to safe working practices
through technical demonstrations that you must attend before commencing
personal practical work.
LECTURES are the principal teaching method used for
the presentation and discussion of historical/theoretical issues. They are used
to focus on issues central to a course and are often used in conjunction with
seminars to extend and examine the issues raised. Your lecture notes are a
valuable adjunct to other information sources and may prove useful to you long
after completion of your course.
SEMINARS provide an opportunity for dialogue and
interaction between faculty and students. Seminars may be used to support
lectures, or may be central to practical delivery. You may also be required to
run student-centered seminars.
PROJECT PROPOSALS make it possible to focus your
work in a way, which reflects your own interests and aspirations, within the
scope of the course. Project proposals are one way of helping you to negotiate
and plan your studies with faculty, agreeing the aims of your work.
STUDY VISITS may involve organized visits to any of
the following: buildings, stores, companies and organizations, design
practices, trade fairs, exhibitions, museums and galleries. They may take place
in Seattle, the Northwest or further afield and may require financial
contribution from you, in which case you will be notified of any costs well in
advance of the visit.
CRITIQUE is an exploratory and speculative approach,
and is used to encourage active participation and exchange of views and
opinions. In addition, these forums will provide the opportunity for you to
research, prepare and present your work in a structured manner. This approach
will further develop your investigative skills, enhance confidence when
presenting and communicating orally to others, and foster open-minded and
critical attitudes to a broad spectrum of topics. You are encouraged and
expected to develop your communication skills in these forums and actively
engage in dialogue and criticism.
WORKSHOPS are practical periods of instruction that
are delivered by faculty as a means of ‘hands on’ experience.
assessment requirements & criteria
STUDIO PRACTICE,
PRESENTATION & DOCUMENTATION 70%: completion of all assignments including:
exercises, research, proposals, presentations, and projects. You are expected
to dedicate time outside of class to the pursuits of this course including: research,
searches for subject matter and materials, and independent studio work. Additionally
you will tracking your ideas, process, progress, inspiration, and completed
works. Proposals, project statements, and quality photo-documentation will be
emphasized. Blog Postings will be required.
·
create work that conveys your intent utilizing considered composition, inventive
use of materials and processes as well as intended craft
· engage in adequate prep work
(research, experiments, explorations) to fully develop your work
· reflect an understanding of
contemporary art practice and context in your work
· bring together more than one
studio practice
· successfully articulate a
proposed work visually and in writing to convey your idea
· ability to expand on the
intent of your work orally and in writing
·
quality photo-documentation that conveys the reality of your art work
CRITICAL THINKING 20%: assignments
will include: Thursday night responses, reflective writing and critical reviews
of others work. Includes blog writing, papers, and class discussion.
·
thoughtful consideration of proposed topic conveyed fluently in writing
and speaking
· ability to observe,
describe, interpret and evaluate art work independently and in a group
·
contributing to discussions and actively
engaging with your peers
PARTICIPATION & ENGAGEMENT and SEMESTER
CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT 10%: self-generated commitment to all aspects of
pushing your process: knowledge, skill, creative problem solving
·
coming
to the studio prepared with the supplies, ideas, and materials called for
· a significant
investment of time and concentration in the increased quality of your work
· willingness to
take risks in service of developing your work
· contribution to
group studio environment
lab fees
The course
requires a $50 lab fee. This fee covers general adhesives, fasteners, some
general studio supplies for in-class experimentation and maintenance of the FAB
LAB tools. Additionally, you will need to supply the materials of your choosing
to complete your projects.
supplies
You are
responsible for replenishing your fall semester kit, additionally you will
supply materials of your choosing for your specific projects.
freshman studio & fab lab
The studio supervisor and lab assistants are here to
assist you in your process and keep the studio running for everyone, but not
clean up after you.
·
Be sure that whatever
tools and materials you have touched find their way back home.
·
Dispose of unused
materials properly and conscientiously.
·
Clean your work
area: wiping down the tables and sweeping the floor.
·
Keep all
work-in-progress in your cubby, locker, or take it with you, unless it is being
displayed or other arrangements have been made with your instructor.
·
At the close of
each project critique, all work should be removed from the classroom.
general safety
Please inform yourself of all
safety procedures for the classroom, including emergency evacuation routes and
the location of the nearest first aid kits and fire extinguishers. Consult the Health and Safety Procedures booklet
posted near the doors. Detailed information is also provided in the Cornish
Student Handbook.
department wide
This is a brief summary.
For more information consult the Art Department Handbook.
attendance policy
ATTENDANCE is paramount, as
lectures, seminar discussions, in-class exercises and class critiques cannot be
replicated for absentees.
·
You are expected
to be on time and participate fully.
·
If you arrive 30
minutes late or depart 30 minutes early, you will receive a one-day absence.
·
If you miss a
class it is your responsibility to find out what you missed and what is
required to prepare for the next class.
·
Attendance is
taken at the beginning of every class.
·
If you are unable
to attend, you must contact your instructor via email or phone.
·
Excused absences
will be considered on a case-to-case basis by the instructor (injury,
emergencies, etc.)
·
Prolonged illness
beyond one week will require a doctor’s note to be excused.
ABSCENCES
· Classes that meet twice a week
o
Three unexcused
absences = drop one grade (i.e. B+ to B)
o
Five unexcused
absences = drop two grades (i.e. B+ to B-)
o
Six unexcused
absences = failure or recommended withdrawal, meeting with Art Department Chair
grading
In adherence with college policy Cornish faculty
confer letter grades (A—F) for each student in each class at the end of every
semester. Your instructor will assess your submitted work, and determine
whether the course learning outcomes have been met using the stated assessment
criteria on your course syllabus. Once recorded
in the Registrar’s office, a grade can only be
changed if an instructor notifies the Registrar that an error has occurred.
GRADE DESCRIPTORS
A 95
–100% 4.0
A- 90 – 94% 3.7
B+ 85
– 89% 3.3
B 80
– 84% 3.0
B- 75 – 79% 2.7
C+ 70
– 74% 2.3
C 65 – 69% 2.0
Quality threshold for
progression: students are required to maintain a 2.0 minimum career grade point
average during the course of their studies.
C- 60 – 64% 1.7
D+ 55
– 59% 1.3
D 51
– 54% 1.0
D- 50% 0.7
F 49% 0.0
GRADE
CRITERIA
A Outstanding
work; self-motivated; significant time invested; increased quality; takes
risks; contributes to group; excellent attendance.
B Above average effort in all of the above; a realistic
understanding of one’s strengths and willingness to reach beyond to improve.
C Basic completion of projects; satisfactory understanding of
course objectives; satisfactory to poor attendance; minimal participation in
class dialogue.
D Below
average; incomplete work; should consider carefully if this is the right
direction.
F Failure to pass the course.
academic dishonesty
The College
expects a high level of artistic integrity and academic honesty on the part of
students. No form of academic dishonesty (for example, cheating
and plagiarism) will be tolerated. If an instructor demonstrates to
the Department Chair that a student is guilty of academic dishonesty, the
student will be assigned a failing grade for the entire course.
The Academic Standards Committee reviews all cases of academic
dishonesty. The Academic Standards Committee depending on the circumstances of
the particular case may determine disciplinary action. Further disciplinary
actions may include warning, probation, suspension, and expulsion.
If you ever feel you don’t understand what
is being expected of you or the grading process is unclear, refer to this
document and feel free to talk with the instructor.
college wide
This is a brief summary.
For more information consult the Cornish Student Handbook.
student services
LIBRARY: Librarians are available
to help you find materials to support your general assignments, studio work and
research papers. Visit the library and
talk to a librarian or go to the Library’s web page at http://www.cornish.edu/academics/library// to search the Library Catalog or
access the Library’s research databases at any time. They can help you find digital images,
streaming video and music, DVDs, CDs, books, and articles. Whenever you need more information, but
aren’t sure what the next step should be, they will be happy to work with you.
THE WRITING CENTER is a free
resource for all Cornish students, faculty and staff who are interested in
developing their writing and reading. Located in room 311 of the Main
Campus Center, the Writing Center is a place where students come to work
on their writing and receive individual guidance at any phase of the writing
process, regardless of their level of development. Drop-ins are welcome
during posted hours. Contact Amanda Hill at ahill@cornish.edu or 206-726-5166 for appointments and information.
DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES: If you are a student with a
documented disability and you need accommodations, please make an appointment
with the Student Affairs Program Coordinator to discuss these
accommodations. Student Affairs Program Coordinator Cheryl Coatney is
located in Room 301 of the Main Campus Center. All discussions will remain
confidential. You can contact Cheryl by phone at (206)726-5098 or via
email at ccoatney@cornish.edu.
ADA (AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT) INFORMATION: If you are a student
with a documented disability and you need accommodations, please make an
appointment with the Director of Student Affairs.
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