Faculty Syllabus

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Introduction to drawing techniques, skills, and concepts using various black and white media.
Emphasis on perspective construction of the human figure and principles of shading as they
pertain to the illustration industry. Introduction to drawing skills using various media. Includes
study of one and two point perspective, fundamental construction of the human head figure, and
the principles of shading. Emphasizes natural and technical drawing. Foundation laid for advanced courses in illustration.

Course Rationale
This class is a Foundation Course required for several degree plans. It provides students with a
set of universal skills and knowledge in the fundamentals of drawing, which can be applied to any
specialization in the visual communication industry. In addition it specifically lays the groundwork
for the Graphic and Web Design, Animation and Computer Illustration classes.
Course Prerequisites

Prerequisites: none required

Required Texts & Materials

• No Textbook is required for this course. All reading will come from class handouts.

• Materials & Supply List – a detailed list of all required supplies is locate on our class Blackboard Homepage site.

Instructional methodology

I teach the fundamentals of drawing as universal tools in combination with the principles and elements of design to equip students with greater creative problem solving skills, with an understanding that these skills and knowledge are applicable to all areas of the visual communication industry. My curriculum is organized in a building-block method starting with the basics and gradually building on that foundation week to week.

Grading system

Students will receive a minimum of 6 grades equally administered throughout the semester. These grades provide students with the opportunity to evaluate their standing in the class. Students can contact the instructor during the office hours listed at the beginning of this document if they need to discuss their progress, or to seek additional help.

The student will be graded on projects according to individual performance and execution of assignments.  Below is a general list of areas of criteria that will be evaluated:

An individual grading rubric will be provided for each group of drawings.

Grading Scale: A=90-100%; B=80-89.99%; C=70-79.99%; D=60-69.99%; F= under 60%

Passing Grade Policy-Effective September 2005, D’s are not accepted as a passing grade within the Visual Communication Department courses. Students receiving a grade of D must retake the course to receive credit and to advance to the next level course.

Course Rationale/Objectives

This class is a Foundation Course required for several degree plans. It provides students with a set of universal skills and knowledge in the fundamentals of drawing, which can be applied to any specialization in the visual communication industry. In addition it specifically lays the groundwork for the Graphic and Web Design, Animation and Computer Illustration classes

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate familiarity with basic drawing terminology, tools, media, and techniques

• Illustrate using a full range of values with the intended media

• Select, frame, and compose from reality to the paper format

• Recognize and manipulate negative/positive shapes and space with edge control variables

• Utilize high contrasting of values for describing form

• Change line quality to represent depth and space

• Utilize basic principles of Renaissance linear perspective

• Demonstrate knowledge of the human anatomy

• Compose a well-designed drawing