Course Syllabus
Course: ART 3100
Division: Fine Arts, Comm, and New Media
Department: Visual Art
Title: Figure Drawing
Semester Approved: Spring 2023
Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2027
End Semester: Fall 2028
Catalog Description: This course is an introduction to the practice of figure drawing. Priority is placed upon direct observation of the live model for the purpose of creating representational drawings. Students will explore a variety of approaches to figure drawing, which include, short pose gesture drawings, and long pose diagrammatic drawings. This exploration will include the study of form, volume, structure, and anatomy, and how it relates to the superficial appearance of the model. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate basic competence in developing life drawings involving the human form. This course is repeatable for credit. A lab fee is required.
Semesters Offered: Spring
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 3; Lecture: 3; Lab: 3
Repeatable: Yes.
Prerequisites: Art 1110
Justification: This course is an integral part of the art foundation curriculum for all visual arts programs throughout the country. Its primary goal is to provide a sound foundation in the visual representation and composition of the human figure. It is offered at every other higher education institution in the state as a core requirement during foundation studies in visual art. Figure drawing is a marketable skill. Animation studios as well as graphic design firms stress the importance of this ability in their job searches. It is also a complementary course to BIOL 2150 & LAB 2155 Human Dynamics, offered through the Biology Department.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate an understanding, proficiency, and fluency in the following Snow College Visual Arts Student Learning Outcomes: Material Proficiency Students will be introduced to a variety of life drawing materials and mediums through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations. Each student will gain proficiency by completing weekly assignments, and by participating in life drawing sessions with the model. Each student will be required to maintain a portfolio documenting their development and progress. This portfolio will be reviewed at multiple points in the semester to provide feedback for improvement.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate an understanding, proficiency, and fluency in the following Snow College Visual Arts Student Learning Outcomes: Conceptual Principles Students will be instructed in formal and conceptual approaches to figure drawing through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations. Evidence of proficiency will culminate in their written proposal and production of their final project. This knowledge will enhance their formal and conceptual sensibilities. The final proposal and project will be reviewed at multiple points in the semester to provide feedback for improvement.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate an understanding, proficiency, and fluency in the following Snow College Visual Arts Student Learning Outcomes: Historical Context Students will engage in a dialog examining the historic practice and response to figure drawing through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations. Evidence of proficiency will culminate in their written proposal and production of their final project. This knowledge will enhance their creative sensibilities. The final proposal and project will be reviewed at multiple points in the semester to provide feedback for improvement.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate an understanding, proficiency, and fluency in the following Snow College Visual Arts Student Learning Outcomes: Critical Analysis Students will learn the process of critical analysis (both orally and in written form) as it applies to figure drawing, through lectures, group critiques, and private interviews. The ability to verbally assess your efforts is an integral part of the creative process. Evidence of proficiency will culminate in their written proposal and production of their final project. This knowledge will enhance their formal creative sensibilities. The final proposal and project will be reviewed at multiple points in the semester to provide feedback for improvement.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate an understanding, proficiency, and fluency in the following Snow College Visual Arts Student Learning Outcomes: Creative Process Students will be instructed to the technical approaches of figure drawing through lectures, discussions, demonstrations, and critiques. Evidence of proficiency will culminate in their production of their final project. A working knowledge of the creative process will enhance their formal and conceptual sensibilities.
Content:
Students will be introduced to the process of figure drawing through a variety of inclusive and diverse means, which include lectures, discussions, demonstrations, and art critiques. These teaching methods are tailored to accommodate unique learning styles that will culminate with the completion of a variety of creative projects. In this course students will explore the formal elements and principles of design. The relationships between angle, size, and positional shape relationships. Students will explore a variety of technical approaches to figure drawing. Conduct a critical study of light logic and how it defines the human form. Historic and contemporary practices to life drawing and their applications. Students will also be introduced to the critical analysis process and develop a means to discuss and write about art.
Key Performance Indicators:
Each student will be evaluated on:
Portfolio reviews 10 to 15%
Projects/assignments 50 to 60%
Attendance/participation 20 to 25%
Final Project/Written Proposal 15 to 20%
Representative Text and/or Supplies:
No text is required for this course
Materials and supplies to be determined at the discretion of the instructor
Pedagogy Statement:
This course is tailored to accommodate unique learning styles. Students will be introduced to the material through a variety of inclusive and diverse means, which include: discussions, critiques, and demonstrations. The lecture/lab structure promotes the implementation of high impact practices, hands on training, and personal instruction and feedback.
Instructional Mediums:
Lecture/Lab
Maximum Class Size: 16
Optimum Class Size: 12
