Often a single example of work may not demonstrate all the required objectives for a particular assignment. Instead students should collectively consider: the required objectives for each assignment, the multiple examples presented on this blog and during in class presentations. As well ideas discovered through a student's independent research in combination with various examples and ideas presented by instructor will ultimately be the best approach for synthesizing ideas and reaching the requirements (and unique outcome) for any particular course project.

Visual Langauge Course Syllabus & Outline Fall 2015


School of Art - Studio      University of Manitoba

Course Title: Visual Language
Course Number:  STDO 1410 (section A04)  
Credit Hours:  3hrs

Instructor: Derek Brueckner
Email: derek.brueckner@umanitoba.ca  (response time to emails may require 24 hrs and on weekends emails may require 48hrs)
Office: 332A Art Lab
Office Hours: preferably before class or schedule another mutually agreeable time.

Visual Language Course Website
Pertinent information from course will be posted on the course website. Updates will be made on a regular basis. It is advised that students check and consult the website on a regular basis. If students have questions regarding course website information/assignments print out text and consult instructor with text in question.

Course schedule: Wednesday 6:00 pm - 8:15 pm
Hours of out-of-class work: 6 hours per week minimum

Course Description
An introduction to communication in contemporary visual art through traditional and experimental 2D and 3D modes. Prerequisite for further study in fine arts studio courses. May not be held with STDO 1200 (054.120) or STDO 1220 (054.122).

Course content and assignments will explore:
·       Investigation of a variety of line and shapes
·       Light, shadow and value
·       Colour applications and colour systems and theories in relation to 2D and 3D materials
·       Space (Optical and 3 Dimensional)
·       Investigations of a variety of textures (illusionistic and tactile surfaces)
·       Logics of Composition that include analytical and intuitive processes of composing 2D and 3D elements
·       Considerations of scale in relation to composition and 3 Dimensional space
·       Introduction of historical and non-traditional art materials, which could potentially include interdisciplinary approaches, and/or non-euro centric ideas (i.e.: technology and or current issues)


Course Objectives/Outcomes
The objectives of this Open Studio course are:
·       The purpose of this course is to focus on formal design and concepts in relation to historical and contemporary Art. Through this course it is anticipated that participants will be able to enhance skills with 2D and 3D materials. At the conclusion of the course participants will have broadened their visual awareness, curiosity and visual literacy as well as conceptual and critical thinking. Overall participants will learn to develop their unique vision through intuitive and analytical processes of experimentation, research and discovery.

·       Through research of various: texts, art examples and art processes people will progressively learn to expand a studio practice that emphasizes developed concepts synthesized with an experimental art material practice.

·       Overall the studio work will strive for independent research, which uses a hybrid of materials, ideas and eventually involving interdisciplinary methods to resolve each project at the highest formal and conceptual levels possible.





Visual Language                                                                                                                             Instructor: Derek Brueckner


Instructional Methods
Methods of instruction will include the presenting of art examples (artists and student work), hard copy and on line assignment texts and images, class discussions, individual discussions with students while studio work is in progress, one on one critiques, group critiques of completed work. See syllabus/course schedule for dates of group critiques.

During each in class work-day, each person’s art making processes of projects in progress will be an important in class contribution to the course. These contributions will be an important part of the learning experience for each person in the course. In class informal discussions with each other will be important.

Art making processes will entail thorough research of ideas and materials, an open mind, curiosity, risk taking and desire/confidence to resolve problems. Process will also involve a balance between craftsmanship and allowing for intuition, “mistakes” and unexpected directions to take place.

Often new discoveries during research while projects are in progress will cause the choices of concepts and materials to evolve and expand.  Through this evolutionary process sometimes people will need to be open minded to take unexpected directions from the original plans. Often unexpected directions can be key to eventually clarifying subject matter and direction of thematic/metaphorical content at a later point in the art making process.

Overall instructional methods are used to facilitate each student’s independent research and art development in order to discover the power of their unique vision with in the parameters/objectives of each assignment.


Recommended Readings
A separate bibliography will be handed out later.

Materials List
See Supply List given in class


Evaluation/Grading for Each Assignment
Each Assignment will be broken down in terms of:
Layers of Concepts/Themes                                                                               40
Formal/Visual Language/Technical Skill                                                       40                                                     
Synthesis of the concepts/intention with formal/visual language                                                        20

Each assignment will be weighted in course according to the number of days spent working in class on each assignment and for number classes spent on for group critique.

Evaluation and feedback of work in course will be provided to student prior to the voluntary withdrawal deadline of November 18, 2015.

Notification of Grades for Art Assignments
Grades for all assignments will be will posted on UM Learn

Students must ensure they are registered with UM Learn in order to access their art assignment grades.






Visual Language                                                                                                                             Instructor: Derek Brueckner

Syllabus/Course schedule

Week
Date
Topic
Resources
Assignment
1
Sept 16
Introduction of Course: Presentation of Course Outline, Supply List and
Assignment 1: DIY Black and White Abstract Booklet Assignment
2
Sept 23
DIY Black and White Abstract Booklet Assignment working with assignment in class
3
Sept 30
DIY Black and White Abstract Booklet Assignment Group Critique
4
Oct 7
Assignment 2A: Double Primary Colour Wheel Assignment
5
Oct 14
Group Critique Assignment 2A: Double Primary Colour Wheel Assignment and Presentation for Assignment 3: Constructing Modular/Collapsible Box Project
6
Oct 21       Minneapolis Field Trip – No Class (Work on Assignment 3 if not participating on field trip)

7
Oct 28     
Portfolio Submission for Documentation and Final Evaluation
Presentation of completed Assignments 1 & 2A for Documentation and Final Evaluation
Work on Assignment 3: Constructing Modular/Collapsible Box Project

8
Nov 4     
Work on Assignment 3: Constructing Modular/Collapsible Box Project
9
Nov 18     
Assignment 4: Painting/Depiction of the Box Assignment Interior
10
Nov 25
Group Critique of Assignments 3 & 4. Evaluation of course by students (SEEQs)
11
Dec 2
Group Critique of Assignments 3 & 4.
12
Dec 9
Portfolio Submission for Documentation and Final Evaluation
Presentation of completed Assignments 3 & 4 for Documentation and Final Evaluation.



NOTE Regarding Deadlines:
1) Any work not presented during documentation and final evaluation will receive a zero.

2) Any assignment missing or incomplete during group critiques will receive one letter grade deduction.

3) Missing any group critiques or documentation for the evaluation of work in a studio course is equivalent to missing an exam or test in lecture courses.

E-mail
University communications will only be sent to a student’s U of M account. The full policy is available at umanitoba.ca/governance.

It is mandatory that all students maintain and regularly monitor a University of Manitoba email account. Critical information from the registrar, instructors, and the School of Art will be relayed to you through the Web mail, Jump, and Aurora electronic notification systems.

To get your free U of M account visit: http://umanitoba.ca/computing/ist/accounts/claimid.html.
For more information, visit: http://umanitoba.ca/computing/ist/.

Students without personal computers can use computers in Information Services and Technology labs in a variety of locations on campus including the Dafoe Library. More information is available in your orientation package or by calling IST at 474-8600. It is your sole responsibility to continually monitor your class site(s) for information such as class announcements and email correspondence.




Visual Language                                                                                                                             Instructor: Derek Brueckner


STRUCTURE for GROUP CRITIQUES and INDIVIDUAL CRITIQUES

Group or Individual Critiques (Crits) will become a very important component in the student’s learning process for this course. The group critique is loosely structured in a way that allows the class as a group to discuss and build a consensus as to what each artist or art student's work is conveying to the viewer (classroom audience). Not attending a group critique is equivalent to missing a test – grades will be deducted. The individual critique will involve an intensive one on one consultation.

During a group critique usually the audience (class piers) will view and be required to speak first about the presented work. The artist who is presenting work then responds to remarks made by classmates and may also discuss ideas that were missed by their classroom peers. Usually group critiques will last approximately 10 minutes per student. Each critique will offer advice and constructive criticism regarding such ideas as intent, level of formal and conceptual content, context and overall professionalism. Critiques of work (Group and Individual) will offer as many options as possible to strengthen the artist’s/art student's work. There are many variables and possible solutions, a person will be required to research, explore and investigate many options to discover the applicable solution(s).

Due to the instructor having more experience than the students within the visual arts at times during group and individual critiques the instructor will strongly challenge a student’s or a student group’s value systems, preconceived ideas and interpretations of various course issues.

Ultimately the purpose of group critiques and individual critiques can be pared down into these following points: generating ideas and new ways of thinking, creating a class culture that has a positive and productive dialogue, and assisting the person to grow, expand and improve their work. As well the group critiques and discussions are also about developing a person’s attention span and their ability to focus on discussions.

Note that the work presented during group critiques will not be given a final evaluation (grade) until the work is videotaped at the end of each quarter.  However it is still extremely important and compulsory to have the work completed for group critiques.  If the work is deemed too incomplete the work will not receive a group critique and the student’s grade will be penalized. Students are strongly encouraged to continue to utilize comments from the group critiques and individual critiques with the instructor. Following any critique, students will always be required to rework and quite often significantly modify assignments outside of class until it is time to videotape work for final evaluation. (See course syllabus for videotaping/documentation dates)

During the group critique students will be evaluated on your class participation, this evaluation will be part of your overall class participation grade. This class participation includes complete attention to all discussions during crits, general professional and respectful behavior, actively viewing work at a very close range and offering comments. Due to the nature of most assignments, group crits will be emphasized more for the latter part of the course.

Please keep in mind the instructor’s criticisms during individual and group critiques is always intended to assist the artist/student in improving their work. The ability to apply these criticisms is also firmly connected to a student’s evaluation (grade) in the course.

Statement on Student Participation in the Presentation or Discussion of Art
At the School of Art, numerous required and elective courses contain content that includes working from the nude model and some language, imagery, or dialogue that may offend students. In particular, the School of Art provides comprehensive art training that requires use of the nude model in some courses. In viewing and discussing works of art, the School of Art encourages the broadest possible tolerance consistent with Canadian law.






Visual Language                                                                                                                             Instructor: Derek Brueckner

Evaluations and Grading

Projects/assignment evaluations are based on the following grading rubric:

Letter Grade Matrix
All   School of Art students are expected to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. If the student’s term or degree GPA falls below 2.5 the student will receive a warning letter from the student advisor indicating they have one year to improve or they will be placed on Academic Probation. Students in the BFA Honours Degree Programs must maintain a GPA of 3.0.

Grading Rubric
A+/A: Reserved for Exceptional performances and normally achieved by a minority of students. These grades indicate a student who is self-initiating, exceeds expectation and has an insightful grasp of the subject matter.

A+           93-100         Exceptional
                                           Works in this range:
                                           - challenge the current boundaries of the field
                                           - show evidence of a high level of contextual awareness
                                           - show full command of chosen materials or technology
                                           - present a remarkable example of progress and development
A              88-92.9       Excellent achievement
                                           Works in this range:
                                           - show awareness of the current boundaries of the field
                                           - show thorough contextual awareness
                                           - show confident use of chosen materials or technology
                                           - present an excellent to outstanding example of progress and development

B+/B: indicate a Very Good performance. Normally achieved by the largest number of students. These grades indicate a good grasp of the subject matter or excellent grasp in one area balanced with satisfactory grasp in the other area.

B+           80-87.9       Very Good achievement
B              75-79.9       Good achievement
                                           Works in this range:
                                           - are consistently within the current boundaries of the field
                                           - reveal commendable awareness of context for evaluation
                                           - show a reasonable ability with chosen materials or technology
                                           - present a good to very good example of progress and development

C+/C: indicates Satisfactory, or minimally satisfactory performance. These grades indicate a satisfactory performance and knowledge of the subject matter.

C+           68-74.9       Satisfactory
C              60-67.9       Adequate
                                           Works in this range:
                                           - readily accept known boundaries of the field
                                           - reveal partial contextual awareness
                                           - show limited ability with material and technology
                                           - are intermittent in its progress during the term

D: indicates Marginal performance. A student receiving this grade demonstrated a superficial grasp of the subject matter.
D              50-59.9       Marginal Pass
                                           Works in this range:
                                           - provide very limited understanding of limits of the field
                                           - have unsubstantial contextual awareness
                                           - have low level of competence with materials and technology
                                           - very limited development of work within the term




Visual Language                                                                                                                             Instructor: Derek Brueckner

Evaluations and Grading (continued)

Letter Grade                          Grade Point Value        Percentage
A+                                                                  4.5                             93-100%                                 Exceptional
A                                                                     4.0                             88-92.9%                                Excellent
B+                                                                  3.5                             80-87.9%                                Very Good
B                                                                     3.0                             75-79.9%                                Good
C+                                                                  2.5                             68-74.9%                                Satisfactory
C                                                                     2.0                             60-67.9%                                Adequate
D                                                                     1.0                             50-59.9%                                Marginal
F                                                                     0                                 Below 50%                             Failure  
P                                                                                                                                                               Pass
S                                                                                                                                                               Standing


Assignment Deadlines:
1) Any work not presented during documentation and final evaluation will receive a zero.

2) Any assignment missing or incomplete during group critiques will receive one letter grade deduction.

3) Missing any group critiques or documentation for the evaluation of work in a studio course is equivalent to missing an exam or test in lecture courses.

Please note that the School of Art will not accept assignments at the office. Arrangements have to be made with the instructor in advance of assignment deadlines to submit late assignments.

For an exception to the late deduction or a zero grade a Doctor’s note with signature must be submitted clearly indicating specific dates effected by illness, which should obviously include and encompass any pertinent assignment deadline. If the Doctor’s note does not specify and encompass the pertinent dates the assignment will not be eligible for an extension without repercussions of a zero grade or deductions.

If there are any questions or comments regarding the above grading criteria feel free to talk to the instructor during class, or after class, or schedule a meeting outside of class.

Return of Student Work
The retention period for unclaimed student work is as follows:

Studio Projects for the Fall Term: December 9, 2015

Unclaimed studio projects and art assignments after the deadline will become property of the School of Art and will be disposed of at its discretion.


Class Attendance Policy
Regular attendance is expected of all students in all courses. Letters of warning may be issued for unexcused absences of three classes in one term reminding the student of academic consequences of not attending classes. Students who do not attend or submit assignments but do not withdraw will receive a final grade of F.

Material and Process Restrictions
Flammables, poisons, potentially bio-hazardous materials, aerosol sprays, and high-temperature processes are strictly prohibited in the School of Art classrooms, adjoining hallways, and the vicinity of the ARTlab. The instructor must be consulted before any materials or processes not on the class materials list are used. If there is any doubt as to the safety of work to be undertaken, work must be halted until the instructor has been consulted.





Visual Language                                                                                                                             Instructor: Derek Brueckner

Plagiarism and Cheating Policy
To plagiarize is to take ideas or words of another person and pass them off as one’s own. In short, it is stealing something intangible rather than an object. Obviously, it is not necessary to state the source of well-known or easily verifiable facts, but students are expected to acknowledge the sources of ideas and expressions they use in their written work, whether quoted directly or paraphrased. This applies to diagrams, statistical tables and the like, as well as to written material, and materials or information from Internet sources. To provide adequate and correct documentation is not only an indication of academic honesty but is also a courtesy that enables the reader to consult these sources with ease. Failure to do so constitutes plagiarism. It will also be considered plagiarism and/or cheating if a student submits a term paper written in whole or in part by someone other than him/herself, or copies an answer or answers of another student in any test, examination, or take-home assignment. Plagiarism or any other form of cheating in examinations, or term tests (i.e. crib notes) is subject to serious academic penalty (i.e. suspension or expulsion from the faculty or university). A student found guilty of contributing to cheating in examinations or term assignments is also subject to serious academic penalty.

Similarly, to copy parts, or to reproduce everything from an artist’s individual artwork and pass them off as one’s own is also considered a form of plagiarism. When completing assignments or presenting work done in self-directed studio art projects, students should avoid this practice, since it is expected that you will originate the ‘look’ or ‘style’ of the work from your own responses to the subject or ideas in question. To do otherwise, through the knowing use of printed or internet reproductions of published artist’s work, would be academically dishonest, except in cases where making a direct copy was a requirement of the assignment by an instructor, or that an idea required such a response. In those cases it is clear as to the intent to copy and is a public aspect of the meaning of the work.

Policies Related to Student Discipline
Policy on Respectful Work and Learning Environment
Inappropriate and Disruptive Student Behaviour
Accessibility Policy for Student with Disabilities
http://umanitoba.ca/admin/governance/governing_documents/students/281.html
Appeals
Students wishing to appeal a grade given for term work are expected to discuss matters relating to the grading of that work with their instructor first, as an attempt to resolve the issue without the need to submit a formal appeal.

For further information on grade appeals, please go to the Appeals Policies, Procedures and Regulations on the School of Art website at: umanitoba.ca/schools/art/media/UG_Policies_GradeAppeals2012.pdf

More information related to appeals can be found at: umanitoba.ca/registrar/grades/691.html

Academic Accommodation
Please approach your instructor as soon as possible should you need some form of academic accommodation. Students with disabilities should also contact Accessibility Services, located at 155 University Centre (Phone: 204 474-6213; TTY: 204 474-9790; Fax: 204 261-7732; E-mail: student_accessibility@umanitoba.ca)












Visual Language                                                                                                                             Instructor: Derek Brueckner


Important Dates Calendar

FALL 2015

September 8 to 9                               
New Student Orientation
September 16                                     
Last day to pay fall term fees without financial penalty
September 10
First day of classes for most faculties and schools
September 23                                     
Last day to add fall or spanned courses
Last day to drop fall or spanned courses for full refund
October 12
Thanksgiving Day – University closed
October 21-24
First Year Field Trip to Minneapolis


November 11
Remembrance Day – University closed    
November 18
Last day to VW from fall term courses (no refund)
December 9
Last day of fall term classes
December 11 to 23
Exam period
December 24 – January 4
University closed for seasonal break
Jan 6, 2016 (to be confirmed)
Fall term grades due