2 Fort Road • South Portland, Maine 04106 • 741-5500 Midcoast Campus • 29 Sewall Street • Brunswick, Maine 04011 • 729-0273

Title: Introduction to Visual Art Thursday 3:00–5:45 Catalog Number: ARTH 105 Instructor: Michael Branca Total Contact Hours: 48 Contact Info: [email protected] Credit Hours: 3 Office hours by appointment

Introduction to Visual Art Syllabus: Spring 2017

Course Description: The class serves as an introduction to the world of visual art. Through the use of a unique thematic approach we will explore topical threads that cross cultural and historical boundaries, leading from cave drawings to the present. Each class will feature a different inspirational theme—memory, structure, play, etc.—which will be explored through presentations, readings, writings, field trips, and studio projects in a variety of different media.

Course Objectives  Recognize and articulate an understanding of the concepts of visual art in academic and studio settings.  Employ comprehension and vocabulary of visual art concepts to engage in critical discussions.  Develop skills and experience working in a variety of art media.  Produce a portfolio of studio art work and a collection of critical writings.  Present and display finished artwork in a professional manner.

Course Requirements  Spend at least three hours per week working on homework.  Complete studio projects for critique deadlines.  Complete required readings and demonstrate comprehension in class discussion.  Complete a weekly journal of writing about art; participate in discussion about writings.  Actively participate in studio work, discussions and critique.  Deliver a research presentation/project.

“A lot of the art I happen to like ...involve(s) a suddenness that I associate with the effort to be aware, to be awake.” —Laurie Anderson, Time and Beauty

COURSE OUTLINE

Date Week# Topic Project Due Things to Bring Journal Due 1/19 1. INTRODUCTION - - - 1/26 2. LOOK WHAT I FOUND Recipe for art - #1 2/2 3. FIELD TRIP #1 Meet in our classroom first Found object sculpture Small sketchbook and pencil Bowdoin College Museum of Art Readymade (with title) 9400 College Station, Brunswick www.bowdoin.edu/art-museum 2/9 4. DRAWING Self portrait (if you say so) Pictures/supplies for grid portrait #2 2/16 5. TRANSFORMING SPACE Start grid portrait - #3 2/23 6. FIELD TRIP #2 Meeting place TBA Complete grid portrait Small sketchbook and pencil - 3/2 7. EARTHWORKS Collaboration proposal - #4 3/9 8. PLAY Earthwork - - 3/16 SPRING BREAK: NO CLASS 3/23 9. STREET ART / STORIES Collaboration prep - #5 3/30 10. COLLABORATIVE GROUP PROJECT Sequential narrative Tools/supplies for group project - 4/6 11. COLLABORATIVE GROUP PROJECT Vexillological design Tools/supplies for group project - 4/13 12. FIELD TRIP #3 Meeting place TBA Collaboration prep/TBA Small sketchbook and pencil - 4/20 13. COLLABORATIVE GROUP PROJECT TBA Tools/supplies for group project #6 4/27 14. FINAL PROJECT PRESENTATIONS I Final presentation - #7 5/4 15. FINAL PROJECT PRESENTATIONS II Final presentation - - 5/11 16. FINAL CRITIQUE Final project - -

ART PROJECTS To receive full credit, all work must be completed by the start of class the day it is due. Late work may be turned in for reduced credit. You may also fix-up or redo any assignment at a later time for increased credit. Individual assignments will be assessed as follows: 33.3% Project follows the parameters of the assignment in form and spirit and is completed on time. 33.3% Project demonstrates a working understanding of the specific concepts and learning objectives of the assignment. 33.3% Student challenged his/herself to get the most out of the assignment and executed it to the best of his/her ability.

A Recipe for Art. Create a collage, drawing, painting or digital image following the rules you are given in class. Your work should be approximately 18x24” and the entire surface should be utilized (no blank space!). You may use any materials you can think of, including traditional art supplies, photographs, magazines, cloth, natural items, found objects, etc. It may be on paper, cardboard, wood, or any other material at your disposal. It does not have to be flat. You will be given a description of certain images you must include, beyond that you are free to be as creative as possible.

Found Object Sculpture. Create a found object sculpture using common things found around the house, workplace, or outdoors. Remember form and function – your piece will be most successful if the materials you choose relate to your subject matter.

Readymade. Find and present an “unassisted readymade” from the world around you, in the spirit of Marcel Duchamp. Once you (the artist) select the item and remove it from its original context, it becomes a work of art. Give it a new title to help complete the transformation.

Self Portrait (If You Say So). Create a conceptual self portrait which tells us something about you without focusing on what you look like. Use any materials (traditional or nontraditional).

Grid Portrait. Using the grid technique (as explained in class), draw an 18x24” portrait in the spirit of Chuck Close. Bring to class your big pad of paper and one or more photos of your face, a friend’s face, or a famous person’s face printed in black & white on printer paper. Try to find or create an image that has dramatic light and shadow. Make your printout at least 5x7” and be sure the resolution is good enough to draw from.

Collaboration Proposal. Prepare visual materials and a verbal explanation of your idea to present to the class. Visuals may include drawings, 3-D models and/or digital materials (such as a Powerpoint presentation). You will be given five minutes to present your idea.

Earthwork. Create and document an Earthwork in the spirit of Andy Goldsworthy. Photographs should be printed on high-quality photo paper.

Sequential Narrative. Create a series of photographs, drawings, paintings, collages, digital images, or 3-dimensional constructions which tell a story using no text. Photos should be printed on high-quality photo paper. Presentation is key. Particular attention should be placed on how the images are arranged and presented to best convey your idea.

Vexillological Design. Design (or redesign) a flag for the community (real or fictional) of your choice. Follow the rules of effective design as described by Roman Mars in his TedTalk, “Why city flags may be the worst-designed thing you’ve never noticed” at ted.com. If there is an existing flag for your community, please show it with your design.

Contribution to Collaboration. The collaborative project comprises a significant amount of our semester. As we work towards our goal, you are expected to find ways to contribute. This may include working on part of the project at home, meeting with classmates outside of class, purchasing, scavenging or arranging for the donation of materials, and/or other tasks. Please document your involvement in order to receive credit for the work that you do.

Final Project and Presentation: Your Final Project and Presentation shall include the following: 1. PRESENTATION: A presentation of between ten and fifteen minutes on an approved art topic of your choice. Your presentation must consist of equal parts factual information and your own opinions on your topic. Presentations are required to have a visual component (such as a Powerpoint presentation) including 15 projected images of works of art. Topics may include a comparison of two or more artists; an art movement; a group of artists who work(ed) together or who inspired each other; art created during a particular historical period; art from a specific region; a philosophy or theory of art; art that deals with a specific topic of your interest. Projects must focus on more than one artist. 2. ARTWORK: An original work of art of your own design and creation inspired by your research. It should not be a direct copy of another artist’s work. Your project may be done in the style of another artist’s work, may be an homage to an artist or art movement, may reinterpret a particular work of art in a different medium from the original. This might include a sculptural reimagining of a painting, etc. Your work does not need to be done in the same materials as your subject, and in fact may be more interesting if it uses a wildly different medium. 3. BIBLIOGRAPHY: Properly formatted in a standard format (MLA, APA or Chicago) and including at least three sources (not Wikipedia). Please do not just submit a list of websites. Grading Breakdown (subject to change):

50% Artwork Artwork relates and contributes to theme of project 10% Idea is carried though and sufficiently ambitious for the assignment 30% Originality of concept 10% 40% Presentation Depth of research 25% Organized presentation (including 15 images of appropriate resolution) 15% 10% Other Timely selection of subject and other deadlines 5% Bibliography (organized, properly formatted, turned in on time) 5%

JOURNAL ASSIGNMENTS Each journal paper should be approximately 500 words in length. Writings may be printed on paper or submitted via email. If emailing, please put your response in the body of the message, not as an attachment. Essays are worth 2 final grade points. Late writings will be penalized 20 points.

1. Read the following article and give your response to Marcel Duchamp’s “Fountain.” Consider its power and importance both as a physical object and as an idea. How does context affect how we respond to an object? Why do you think this work had such an effect on the art that has come since? http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/art/3671180/Duchamps-Fountain-The-practical-joke-that-launched-an-artistic- revolution.html (If you go to telegraph.co.uk and type “DUCHAMP’S FOUNTAIN” in the search bar, the article should come up.)

2. Write a review of the field trip. It may be helpful to revisit the venue online while working on your essay. You might also wish to read more about the artists you mention in your paper. Describe what you saw and your reaction to it. Be sure to cite the artist, title, medium of any works you mention.

3. Write a review of a work of art or collection of artworks that you encounter in a public space. This could be a work of public art such as a mural or monument, an exhibition of art in a coffee shop, restaurant or other space, or a work of graffiti or other street art. Consider how the artwork contributes or detracts from the space in which you find it and take note of how other members of the public react to it (you may wish to interview others for this). If possible, include pictures with your writing.

4. Review of field trip #2.

5. Write a proposal for your final project and presentation. Explain which art or artists you intend to study, what aspects of the work interests you and what you hope to learn. If your research will focus mainly on one person, you must come up with at least two other relevant artists to include in your presentation. Also write your plans for the creative project, including what materials you intend to use and how your idea relates to the artists you are studying. This written proposal should be accompanied by initial concept sketches for your final art project as well and may also include any source imagery, such as pictures of artworks by your selected artists or other images which will inform your work. This is a preliminary proposal designed to get you started thinking and working. It is understood that ideas will evolve or change over the process of doing the research and other work. The full assignment is explained above.

6. Review of Field Trip #3.

7. Critique of the Group Project. ______

MATERIALS There is no kit of supplies for this class but you are required to provide all of your own materials. Please budget at least $30 for the semester. The materials you need will vary depending on how you approach the different assignments.

Required Materials: * A sketchbook with unlined, blank paper of any size you find comfortable. * 4B or 6B drawing pencils * Artist’s erasers: Grey kneaded eraser and white plastic eraser

Other materials such as glues, acrylic paints, charcoal, pastels, watercolors, colored pencils, artist’s pens, wood, canvas, posterboard, cardboard, etc. might be useful, but should only be acquired as needed for a particular project. A portfolio case (purchased or homemade) for protection, storage and transport of flat artwork is very useful.

______“But your real responsibility is the one that you discover. However you work. Your best work is what you yourself discover.” —Laurie Anderson

GRADING Grades are assigned based on participation in discussions; completion of assignments; self-challenge; time and effort spent; quality of work; understanding of concepts; and growth and development.

A Highest level of commitment, effort and enthusiasm, demonstrated by working independently and carrying through ambitious and challenging projects. All assignments are complete, often taking more than the expected three hours per week. B A high level of effort and enthusiasm. The student demonstrates a sincere level of commitment and a devotion to learning the skills of the class. All or most assignments are complete. C A sufficient level of achievement in quantity and quality of work. Multiple assignments are incomplete or rushed. D Deficiency in commitment and accomplishment. Many assignments are incomplete or rushed. F Extreme deficiency in commitment, understanding and accomplishment. Very few assignments are attempted.

Attendance Policy: All class meetings are mandatory. Showing up and playing an active role in discussions, exercises and critiques are essential. With no textbook, it is next to impossible to make up lessons missed. If you do miss class, it is your responsibility to obtain and complete all in-class and homework assignments. You are also responsible for knowing all deadlines and being aware of what you will need in class. Two unexcused consecutive absences or three total absences may yield an Academic Failure or you may be advised to drop the course. Late arrivals and early departures beyond 15 minutes may be considered as absences. Three late arrivals or early departures within 15 minutes may be totaled and considered an absence.

Your grade will be calculated as follows: Class Participation/Preparedness...... 36% Writing Journal (2 points each)...... 14% Art Projects...... 36% Recipe for Art 3% Found Object Sculpture 3% Readymade 1% Self Portrait (If You Say So) 3% Grid Drawing 6% Collaboration Proposal 2% Earthwork 2% Sequential Narrative 3% Flag 3% Contribution to Collaboration (Homework) 5% Contribution to Collaboration (In-Class) 5% Final Project (Presentation)...... 7% Final Project (Artwork)...... 7% TOTAL...... 100%

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SMCC POLICIES End-of-Course Evaluation Students complete evaluations for each course attended at SMCC. Evaluations are submitted online and can be accessed through the student portal. Students can access the course evaluations beginning one week before the end of classes. The deadline for submission of evaluations occurs Monday at 5 PM following the last day of the class. You will receive an email to your student email account when course evaluations are available.

ADA Syllabus Statement Southern Maine Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution and employer. For more information, please call 207-741-5798. If you have a disabling condition and wish to request accommodations in order to have reasonable access to the programs and services offered by SMCC, you must register with the Disability Services Coordinator, Sandra Lynham, who can be reached at 741-5923. Further information about services for students with disabilities and the accommodation process is available upon request at this number. Course policies about online testing are modified to suit each individual’s accommodations.

SMCC Pay-for-Print Policy In an effort to control the escalating cost of supplies and to encourage students to conserve resources, SMCC charges for printing. Students receive a $20 credit every semester. This credit resets for each semester and extra credit is not rolled over to the next semester. Per page costs are as follows: • 8.5"x11" black and white: $0.10 per page • 8.5"x11" color: $0.50 per page • 8.5"x14" and 11"x17" black and white: $0.20 per page • 8.5"x14" and 11"x17" color: $1.00 per page Duplex (two-sided) pages are discounted 50% from the listed page costs. Students can monitor their remaining credit and number of pages printed by visiting the IT Help tab on MySMCC or by checking the Printing Information icon in the lower right corner of the screen while logged in to an SMCC computer. More information about the Pay-for-Print Policy is available on the IT Help tab on MySMCC.

Add-Drop Policy Students who drop a course during the one-week “add/drop” period in the fall and spring semesters and the first three days of summer sessions receive a 100% refund of the tuition and associated fees for that course. Please note any course that meets for less than the traditional semester length, i.e., 15 weeks, has a pro-rated add/drop period. There is no refund for non-attendance.

Withdrawal Policy A student may withdraw from a course only during the semester in which s/he is registered for that course. The withdrawal period is the second through twelfth week of the fall and spring semesters and the second through ninth week of twelve-week summer courses. This period is pro-rated for shorter-length courses. To withdraw from a course, a student must complete and submit the appropriate course withdrawal form, available at the Enrollment Service Center (no phone calls, please). The designation “W” will appear on the transcript after a student has officially withdrawn. A course withdrawal is an uncompleted course and may adversely affect financial aid eligibility. Failure to attend or ceasing to attend class does not constitute withdrawal from the course. There is no refund associated with a withdrawal.

Plagiarism Statement Adherence to ethical academic standards is obligatory. Cheating is a serious offense, whether it consists of taking credit for work done by another person or doing work for which another person will receive credit. Taking and using the ideas or writings of another person without clearly and fully crediting the source is plagiarism and violates the academic code as well as the Student Code of Conduct. If it is suspected that a student in any course in which s/he is enrolled has knowingly committed such a violation, the faculty member should refer the matter to the College’s Disciplinary Officer and appropriate action will be taken under the Student Code of Conduct. Sanctions may include suspension from the course and a failing grade in the course. Students have the right to appeal these actions to the Disciplinary Committee under the terms outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.