Visual
Language
Course Number: STDO 1410 (A06)
Credit Hours: 3
Derek Brueckner
Office
Hours:
After class on Fridays until 12:30 pm
or feel free to e-mail instructor to
arrange for mutually agreeable time. If possible it would be best to contact
instructor to schedule a meeting during office hours.
Course schedule: Friday 8:30 am - 11:20
am (in Art Lab 360)
[Hours of out-of-class
work should be expressed 2x contact hours]
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.
Course assignments and
content 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
·
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 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 their skills
with 2D and 3D materials. At the conclusion of the course participants will
have increased their visual awareness 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.
Instructional Methods
This course’s structure allows for individual and class discussions that
assist in forming the direction of the studio work. As well the ongoing
dialogue between the instructor, the individual student, and the class is
developed to create a sense of community. Discussions will address problems of
interpretation, methods of representation, materials, scale, historical and
contemporary aesthetic issues, etc., and will provide the opportunity for
dialogue concerning ideas within the work.
Making provisions for an open mind will be
essential for this course. It will be required that
when analyzing your work in progress allow for an expansion in your own
understanding of philosophies regarding the purpose or function of art. You
will be encouraged during your working process to allow for “mistakes” and to watch
out for unexpected directions that you can use to your advantage. For the
duration of this course people do not have to agree with certain philosophies
or ideologies, but are required to research and demonstrate a comprehension of
certain philosophies and ideas in relation to specific assignments. Presentations
may be scheduled periodically to enhance the above concerns. In all aspects of
the course structure it will be important to be ready to take notes in this
class on a daily basis.
Required Readings and Recommended Readings
Reading List and Links will be submitted
Syllabus/Course schedule
Week
|
Date
|
Topic
|
Resources
|
Assignment
|
1
|
Sept
6
|
Introduction
of Course: Presentation of Course Outline, Supply List and first assignment
|
See
Optional Reading List
|
Black
and White Abstract Assignment
|
2
|
Sept 13
|
Black and White Abstract
Assignment (continued)
|
||
3
|
Sept 20
|
Black
and White Abstract Assignment Group Critique
|
||
4
|
Sept 27
|
Double
Primary Colour Wheel Assignment Collaging grids with Found/Recycled Materials
and Paint
|
||
5
|
Oct 4
|
Group Critique
|
||
6
|
Oct 11
|
No classes due to
Minneapolis Field Trip
|
||
7
|
Oct 18
|
Group Review and
Documentation of Assignments from Sept 6 to Oct 4 for Final Evaluation
|
||
8
|
Oct 25
|
Constructing
Modular Folding Box
|
||
9
|
Nov
1
|
Constructing
Modular Folding Box
|
||
10
|
Nov
8
|
Painting
of Interior of Modular Folding Box
|
||
11
|
Nov
15
|
Group
Critique
|
||
12
|
Nov
22
|
Group
Critique
|
||
13
|
Nov
29
|
Group
Review and Documentation of Assignments from Oct 18 to Nov 22 for Final
Evaluation
|
Grading/Evaluation Criteria used for Course Credit
Work will be weighted according to the number of days spent working in
class on each assignment.
Each Assignment will be broken down in terms of:
concept 45%
execution 45%
overall challenge 10%
Notification
of Grades for Art Assignments
Grades for all assignments will be posted on Desire2Learn: https://universityofmanitoba.desire2learn.com
Students must ensure they are registered with Desire 2 Learn in order to
access their art assignment grades.
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
Letter Grade System
All School
of Art students are expected to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5. If the student’s
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 Hounours Degree Programs must maintain
a GPA of 3.0.
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
E-mail
Beginning September 2013, official 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.
Return of Student Work
The retention period for unclaimed
student work is as follows:
Studio Projects for the Fall Term:
December 9
Unclaimed
academic papers or studio projects will, after the deadline, become property of
the School of Art and will be disposed of at its discretion.
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.
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.
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 which 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/student/records/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 Disability
Services, located at 155 University Centre (Phone: 204 474-6213; TTY: 204
474-9790; Fax: 204 261-7732; E-mail: disability_services@umanitoba.ca)
Student Services
Offers services that may be
helpful to you as you fulfil the requirements for this course. Through the LAC, you may meet with a study
skills specialist to discuss concerns such as time management, reading and
note-taking strategies, as well as test-taking strategies. You may also meet
one-on-one with a writing tutor who can give you feedback at any stage of the
writing process, whether you are just beginning to work on a written assignment
or already have a draft. Writing tutors can also give you feedback if you submit
a draft of your paper online. Please note that the online tutors require 48
business hours (i.e. Monday to Friday) to return your paper with comments. (201
Tier Building)
Work on both the Fort Garry
and Bannatyne Campuses. Tutors on the Fort Garry campus work in the Elizabeth
Dafoe Library and the Learning Assistance Centre (201 Tier Building). Tutors on
the Bannatyne campus work in the Basic Science Building (245 “T” wing). Check
scheduled hours of availability on-line through the Learning Assistance Centre
site (www.umanitoba.ca/student/u1/lac), or call 480-1481 (Fort Garry Campus) or
272-3190 (Bannatyne Campus).
A unique learning and social networking site at the University of
Manitoba. Students can access a variety of Learning Assistance Centre resources
on-line at www.umanitoba.ca/virtuallearningcommons. Of special interest are
several links to excellent, brief, on-line tutorials on integrity in academic
work (i.e. What is plagiarism? How do you paraphrase? What are appropriate
citation formats?) and an Assignment Manager program that automatically creates
a timetable for the completion of each step in the writing process.
Student Accessibility Services
(SAS) provides support and advocacy for students with disabilities of all
kinds: hearing, learning, injury-related, mental health, medical, physical or
visual. Students with temporary disabilities such as sprains and breaks are
also eligible to use our services. SAS acts as a liaison between students and
the faculty and staff of the University of Manitoba as well as support agencies
within the province of Manitoba. Please phone: 474-6213 (voice) or 474-9690
(TTY) for service.
Student Counselling and Career
Centre (SCC) offers individual, couple or family counselling in individual and
groups formats. Please phone: 474-8592 or visit SCCC (474 University Centre).
Of the many libraries available to you on campus, the
Architecture & Fine Arts Library will be your main research hub (206 John
A. Russell Building). The Architecture/Fine Arts Library houses the largest
collection of information on art, design, and planning in the province of
Manitoba. For Reference/Research Assistance contact Liv Valmestad, Art
Librarian at (204) 474-8447, liv_valmestad@umanitoba.ca.
Has workshops and programs in advanced academic
and health-sciences English. (520 University Centre)
Important
Dates Calendar
FALL 2013
|
|
September 3 & 4
|
New Student Orientation
|
September 4
|
Last day to pay fall term fees without
financial penalty
|
September 5
|
First day of classes for most faculties and
schools
|
September 18
|
Last day to add fall or spanned courses
Last day to drop fall or spanned courses for
full refund
|
October 14
|
Thanksgiving Day – University closed
|
October 9-12
|
First Year Field Trip to Minneapolis
|
November 11
|
Remembrance Day – University closed
|
November 13
|
Last day to VW from fall term courses (no
refund)
|
December 2
|
Course outlines due for courses starting in
January
|
December 4
|
Last day of fall term classes
|
December 6-18
|
Exam period
|
December 21 – January 1
|
University closed for seasonal break
|
January 3
|
Fall term grades due
|
WINTER
2014
|
|
January 2
|
University opens
|
January 6
|
First day of classes in winter term
|
January 7
|
Last day to pay winter term fees
|
January 17
|
Last day to add winter term courses
Last day to drop winter term courses for full
refund
|
February 17
|
Monday Louis Riel Day – University closed
|
February 18-22
|
Midterm break – no classes scheduled
School of Art Open House
|
March 19
|
Last day to VW from fall/winter (spanned)
courses and winter term courses (no refund)
|
April 9
|
Last day of winter term classes
|
April 11 – 25
|
Examination Period
|
April 19
|
BFA Grad Exhibition 2013
|
|
Winter term grades due
|