Intro to Sculpture Syllabus Fall 2010

Ringling College of Art and Design Course Syllabus

Mission of the College:
Ringling College of Art and Design recognizes that artists and designers play a significant role in society.  The College’s primary mission is to provide programs leading to degrees that prepare students to be discerning visual thinkers and ethical practitioners in their chosen area of art and design.      Visual arts professionals must understand diverse aspects of past and present cultures, and develop their capacity for creative expression and effective communication.  Ringling’s curriculum, therefore, balances the teaching of technical knowledge and skills with the development of critical, conceptual and creative abilities and supports courses that provide historical, multicultural, global and future perspectives.  Ringling faculty consists of professionally active and teaching-oriented artists, designers and scholars.      Ringling College of Art and Design strives to enroll both full and part-time students from diverse backgrounds who intend to become professionals in the visual arts.  Through its policies and practices, the College supports excellence in teaching and fosters the aesthetic, intellectual, professional, personal, and social development of its students.  Academic programs and advising, career services, and an extensive co-curricular student life program prepare students for an art or design profession, or when appropriate, for continued studies on the graduate level.      In addition to its degree program, Ringling College offers courses, lectures, exhibitions and other art-related services to the local and regional community through its gallery, library, continuing education and community service programs.      Through the efforts of its Board of Trustees, administrators, faculty, support staff, alumni, and friends, Ringling endeavors to provide the necessary resources, services and environment to fulfill its institutional mission.      Founded in 1931, Ringling College of Art and Design is a private, independent nonprofit, four-year college.           Adopted by the Board of Trustees, April 11, 1991        Revision adopted by the Board of Trustees, October 24, 2002        Revision adopted by the Board of Trustees, April 12, 2007
Instructor:		Office phone:		Email:
Kim Litch		941.309.5018 C: 941-726-0403		klitch@c.ringling.edu
Course Prefix:		Course number:	Section:	Course Title:		Credit Hours:
FA		233/Studio	02	Sculpture: Introduction		3
Building:		Room:		Meeting days and times:
RCAD		Sculpt/08		M/W. 3:30-6:15
Course Description:
An introduction to sculpture, emphasizing an understanding and manipulation of three-dimensional space using form and scale. Students explore various processes, materials, techniques, tools and studio safety. Includes an historical overview of early Modernists. Prerequisites: CORE Studio Program or its equivalent.
Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course the student will be able to demonstrate a solid foundation in sculpture concepts and processes. Students will develop a visual and conceptual and written vocabulary that will accompany the students’ technical proficiency with the tools and techniques demonstrated and utilized in the studio.
Student Learning Outcomes:
• Understanding of basic design principles with an eventual emphasis on three-dimensional design. The development of solutions to aesthetic and design problems should continue throughout the degree program. Competence in basic drawing is essential. • Understanding of the possibilities and limitations of various materials. Skill in the use of basic tools, techniques, and processes to work from concept to finished product. • Develop visual, verbal, and written responses to visual phenomena, and organize perception both rationally and intuitively. Become familiar with and develop competence in a number of art or design techniques • Understand and evaluate contemporary thinking about art or design. Make valid assessments of quality and effectiveness in design projects and works of art, especially their own. • Continued practice in creating, interpreting, presenting, analyzing, and evaluating the visual arts and design. • Accumulating capabilities for independent work in the art and design professions. • The capacity to explain and defend one’s views effectively and rationally. • A personal artistic/ intellectual mission associated with one or more fields of art and design.
Course Outline:
The following is an outline of the course.  It is subject to alterations at the discretion of the instructor.  There will be working drawings and additional homework assignments that will follow the rhythm of the class. WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT #1 You are to write your expectations of the class in narrative form.  This includes what you expect from the class, the instructor, and yourself.  This should be a minimum of 500 words and typed. Use Spell-check. This assignment is due WED. AUG. 25 ARTIST PRESENTATION Choose two contemporary artists who use sculpture as their main creative process.  You are to research these artists and compare/contrast them to each other.  5-10 minute presentation to the class This assignment is due M/W Oct. 4 or 6 SCULPTURE ASSIGNMENT #1 READ: “Ars Ex Machina : Digital Sculpture”, by William V.Ganis; “The Digital Stone Project”, by William V.Ganis; “Formtography”, by Harry Abramsom. WRITE: 1- A one-paragraph summary of each reading. What would you tell someone who knows nothing about art what the article is about and what the author’s main points are—be sure to discuss the author’s main points. Make sure to include the title of the article, the author’s name, and the year it was written in your summary. 2- Write three discussion questions for each reading. These questions can be questions you actually have about the reading—things you don’t understand--or they can be devil’s advocate questions in which you challenge the author or the idea. 3- Write a one-paragraph discussion about how the grouping of readings relate, reinforce, challenge, or contradict each other. RESEARCH: Find 25 Digital sculptures or Sculpture that used some sort of digital technology that inspire you. Include artist Name, Title, Date. Also note what you like or don’t like about each piece. You will use 3D Wings (a three-dimensional modeling program) to create 5 Digital sculptures on the computer.  You can download this program for free. An alternate program to use is Google Sketch-up, which is also a free download. • The writing and research & this ASSIGNMENT is due MON AUG 30, Discussion SCULPTURE ASSIGNMENT #2: METAL READ: “Sculpture in the Age of Doubt, by Thomas McEvilley. Chapters 1 & 2 WRITE: 1- A one-page summary of each chapter. What would you tell someone who knows nothing about art what the article is about and what the author’s main points are—be sure to discuss the author’s main points. Make sure to include the title of the article, the author’s name, and the year it was written in your summary. 2- Write three discussion questions for each chapter. These questions can be questions you actually have about the reading—things you don’t understand--or they can be devil’s advocate questions in which you challenge the author or the idea. RESEARCH: Find 25 Images of Sculptures that inspire you and use metal as the main element or use a contrast of hard and soft. Include artist Name, Title, Date. Also note what you like or don’t like about each piece. Drawings/Ideas for your piece should also be include in research. You are to create a sculpture with metal as the main element.  Consider mixing the metal with soft sculpture, using metal as the main element and creating a piece that uses some form of soft sculpture, including, but not limited to, string, rope, fabric, canvas, cotton, thread, hair, etc.... the materials can be used together or separate in the final presentation. You will also turn in a ten point assignment that will demonstrate your ability to weld 3 types of joints (Due with on Oct. 6) • The writing and research for this piece is due Weds. September 1 • The critique is Wed. Sept.  29 SCULPTURE ASSIGNMENT #3: CASTING READ: Sculpture in the Age of Doubt, by Thomas McEvilley. Chapter 3; Watch: Rachel Whiteread: Ghost WRITE: 1- A one page summary of each reading and video. What would you tell someone who knows nothing about art what the article is about and what the author’s main points are—be sure to discuss the author’s main points. Make sure to include the title of the article, the author’s name, and the year it was written in your summary. 2- Write three discussion questions for each chapter. These questions can be questions you actually have about the reading—things you don’t understand--or they can be devil’s advocate questions in which you challenge the author or the idea. RESEARCH: Find 25 Images of Sculptures that inspire you and use casting as the main element or use a multiples. Include artist Name, Title, Date. Also note what you like or don’t like about each piece. Drawings/Ideas for your piece should also be include in research. Also look on You Tube for iron pours to give you ideas of what you will be doing 1. Plaster mold making - using a 2 part mold to create a piece that deals with multiples. Your piece should include at least 20 similar pieces that work together. You may use more than one mold to change the sizes if desired.  You may also combine them with other materials.  The materials for casting are open; you may use plaster, resin, cement, paper, silicone, wax, clay, jello, chocolate, etc… 2. Sand mold making- using a one or 2-part mold to create an iron piece. This may be separate from your plaster mold-making project or it can work in conjunction with it. IRON POUR: SAT OCT. 23, @ Master Craftsman Studios, FSU in Tallahassee. Please make arrangements now to have off from work to come to this amazing event! • The writing and research for this piece is due MONDAY Oct. 11 • The critique is MONDAY Nov. 1 SCULPTURE ASSIGNMENT #4: WOOD READ: Sculpture in the Age of Doubt, by Thomas McEvilley. P.67& EITHER CHAPTER 5, 6 OR 7 WRITE: 1- A one-page summary of each reading. What would you tell someone who knows nothing about art what the article is about and what the author’s main points are—be sure to discuss the author’s main points. Make sure to include the title of the article, the author’s name, and the year it was written in your summary. 2- Write three discussion questions for each reading. These questions can be questions you actually have about the reading—things you don’t understand--or they can be devil’s advocate questions in which you challenge the author or the idea. RESEARCH: Find 25 Images of Sculptures that inspire you and use wood as the main element or use scale as a focal point. Include artist Name, Title, Date. Also note what you like or don’t like about each piece. Drawings/Ideas for your piece should also be include in research. Using wood as the main element, you will create a sculpture using the additive method.  You may combine the wood with other materials.  Consider scale with this piece and how the size you choose influences the interpretation of the concept.  You may decide to be ironic, shocking, intimate etc… You will also turn in a ten point assignment that will demonstrate your ability to make3 types of joints (Due with project on ) • The writing and research for this piece is due WEDS. Nov. 3 • The critique is MONDAY Nov. 22 SCULPTURE ASSIGNMENT #5: ASSEMBLAGE READ: Sculpture in the Age of Doubt, Thomas McEvilley. P. 273, Chapter 19, 20 & 22. WRITE: 1- A one-page summary of each reading. What would you tell someone who knows nothing about art what the article is about and what the author’s main points are—be sure to discuss the author’s main points. Make sure to include the title of the article, the author’s name, and the year it was written in your summary. 2- Write three discussion questions for each reading. These questions can be questions you actually have about the reading—things you don’t understand--or they can be devil’s advocate questions in which you challenge the author or the idea. 3- Write a one-paragraph discussion about how the grouping of readings/videos relate, reinforce, challenge, or contradict each other. RESEARCH: Find 25 Images of Sculptures that inspire you and use FOUND OBJECT OR ASSEMBLAGE as the main element. Include artist Name, Title, Date. Also note what you like or don’t like about each piece. Drawings/Ideas for your piece should also be include in research. Found object / assemblage, using found objects whether found, bought, natural or manufactured combined with any of the processes and Techniques used in previous pieces to create a sculpture that focuses on the history of the objects themselves and the processes of manipulation. • The writing and research for this piece is due MON. NOV. 29 • The critique is WED. DEC. 8 The concepts for the sculpture assignments are open for you to choose those ideas and themes that interest you most.  The concepts behind the work will be an important part of this class and discussed throughout the process and during critiques.  The concept also plays a significant role in the final grade of the piece. BLOG: SEMESTER DOCUMENTATION & REASEARCH Over the course of the semester, you will be expected to create and maintain a blog for this class. It should include all research, drawings and written responses for each assignment, as well as documentation for each assignment—which includes process, and final piece. You are to turn in a written statement that reflects your accomplishments over the semester.  This should take into consideration the expectations that you outlined at the beginning.• TO BE COMPLETED BY MIDNIGHT FRIDAY DEC. 10
Grading Policies:
Attendance policy: This course involves experienced learning.  Attendance is mandatory.  You are expected to be in class the entire length of time.  Tardiness is unacceptable.  Critiques are viewed as exam days and you will receive a grade for your participation. You are expected to work in and outside of class. You are allowed 3 unexcused absences.  Each unexcused absence after that will lower your grade by one letter grade.  Excessive tardiness or leaving early will be counted as unexcused absences.  Tardiness more that 3 times is considered excessive.  If you do not come prepared, it will count as an unexcused absence. Adherence to deadlines: Late work will not be accepted Assignment completion: Throughout the semester, all work that is improved upon, incorporating suggestions from critiques, additions and/or subtractions will be considered for an improved grade. Assignment criteria: You are to create a minimum of 3 sculptures that will be significant additions to your portfolio. Attitude and effort: Attitude and effort make up 10% of your grade Classroom demeanor: Studios are community spaces and respect of others and workspace is critical. Classroom participation: You are graded on your participation in class discussions and critiques. Creativity/originality: 50% of the grade for each individual assignment comes from creativity and originality and 50% is derived from material choice, skill, fabrication, execution and presentation. Critiques and discussions: Critique and discussion participation make up 10% of your final grade Examination grades: N/A Homework assignments: Homework assignments make up 10% of your final grade Improvement over term: You are expected to improve in skill, knowledge and approach throughout the semester Portfolio Reviews: Will occur throughout the semester Project grades: The completed sculptures make up 70% of your final grade Other: You will receive extra credit for any additional sculptures at the discretion of the instructor.
Grading System:
Grade					Numerical Equivalent
A	Superior Performance				4.00
A-					3.67
B+					3.33
B	Above Average				3.00
B-					2.67
C+					2.33
C	Average Performance				2.00
C-					1.67
D+					1.33
D	Below Average				1.00
D-	Lowest Passing Grade				0.67
F	Failing				0.00
WF	Withdrew Failing				0.00
Grading System:
These grades are not computed in the GPA
P	Credit But No Grade
N	No Credit
W	Withdrew Passing
I	Incomplete (see policy below)
Required Text:
Sculpture in the Age of Doubt, Thomas McEvilley
Recommended Text:
Art 21, Sculpture Today by Judith Collins, Art and Today by Eleanor Heartney, One Place After Another, Miwon Kwon, Sculpture Magazine
Library and Learning Resources:
Disabilities Accommodations:
The Ringling College of Art and Design makes reasonable accommodations for qualified people with documented disabilities. If you have a learning disability, a chronic illness, or a physical or psychiatric disability that may have some impact on your work for this class and for which you may need accommodations, please notify the Director of the Academic Resource Center (Room 227 Ulla Searing Student Center; 359-7627) preferably before the end of the drop/add period so that appropriate adjustments can be made.
Health and Safety:
Ringling College of Art and Design is committed to providing students, faculty, and staff with a safe and healthful learning and work environment and to comply with all applicable safety laws and regulations and safe work practices.  Rules and safety guidelines for maintaining a safe working environment in this shop/studio/class will be provided to you at the beginning of the course (i.e. students must wear close-toed shoes, students must wear protective eyewear, students may not eat or drink in the studio, etc.).
Academic Integrity Policy:
Professional Behavior in the Classroom:
All students are expected to assist in maintaining the studio environment.  This includes cleaning up after every project, following all rules for proper disposal of materials, storage of artwork and cleaning of tools.  Respect for others, for the property of others and for the facility is a must.  Inappropriate behavior will result in a request to leave the class.
Incomplete Policy:
Incompletes are granted only by the direction of the instructor.