Saturday, August 13, 2011

Fall Semester 2011 Syllabus & Schedule


INTRO TO SCULPTURE
SPRING 2011 TTh 3:00-5:30 PM


University of Miami, College of Arts & Sciences
Department of Art & Art History
Christy Gast
Lecturer, Sculpture
Email: c.gast@miami.edu
Phone: 305-284-2145


BULLETIN DESCRIPTION
Integrated approach to concept development, craftsmanship and appropriate use of materials. (3 credits) Prerequisites: ART 101 and 104 or permission of instructor.


RATIONALE & COURSE OBJECTIVES
This course is an introduction to issues of sculpture and the sculptural process. It will consist of lectures, discussions, demonstrations, critiques, problem-solving assignments, and primarily, supervised studio work which will broaden your understanding of object making and the role it occupies in the contemporary art world. During this course, you will complete four projects, which will introduce you to a variety of materials, processes, and techniques, and a research presentation on a contemporary sculptor.


ATTENDANCE & GRADING POLICY 

The University of Miami has no provision for unexcused absences. Attendance at all classes is expected. All excuses are to be submitted in writing for the instructor's approval. This is a studio class- you will receive 3 credit hours for 6 attendance hours per week, which means that attendance is paramount. More than 2 absences will seriously affect your grade. Each absence after the 2 will result in deduction of half a letter from your final semester grade. In addition, students are expected to spend time outside of class (approximately 6 hours per week) in order to successfully resolve the projects. Late projects will also cause grade deflation, as it is unfairto those who do stay within the set boundaries. I would encourage you to not miss classes unless you really have to; your projects will reflect the time you invest and you are more likely to excel if you attend class regularly and use your time well. You will receive a mid-term evaluation and a final grade for this course. Your final grade will be a compilation of your class participation, technical execution, artistic development throughout the semester, and creative problem-solving abilities. Much of this will be based upon our interactions in class, so I encourage you to attend class, assert yourself regarding questions and ideas, and embrace the projects with attention, imagination, and enthusiasm. The following are some of the criteria I will use in evaluating your projects:

1. DESIGN: the visual and conceptual aspects of the work
• Originality, inventiveness, innovation
• Concept; level of complexity; effectiveness of solutions, creative problem solving
• Appropriate use of chosen materials
• Composition/form
• Marriage of concept and form
2. TECHNIQUE: the physical aspect of the work
• Quality of construction
• Effective use of materials and techniques; mastery and appropriate use of techniques
• Attention to details; finishing touches; purposeful finish


EXPECTATIONS
Students are expected to come to class on time and ready to work. Students who leave class to get materials they need for their projects will be counted as "absent." Reading assignments will be handed out the day prior to discussion in class. I will keep track of each student's participalion in classroom discussions and critiques as well as attendance. Just showing up is not enough; you must be present in mind as well as body.


House rules:
1) Be on time.
2) No phones, iPods, sleeping, or disruptive behavior.
3) Be responsible; clean up after yourself. This is a community studio.
4) Work safely.
 

If you have any problems, questions or special needs, please make an appointment to speak with me immediately. 

SAFETY INFORMATION
Students in this course may find themselves working in the shop using a variety of power and handheld tools, which may cause injury. Students should use the shop only after having received an orientation in the use of such equipment and when supervised by faculty or shop personnel. Other students cannot train you on the use of the machinery. Students or other persons not enrolled in this course will not be allowed to use the equipment. You must wear enclosed shoes at all limes when working in the studio, and you must wear leather shoes when using the welding equipment. Bring shoes to keep in your locker, because you will not be allowed to work without proper footwear. Also, you must wear eye protection when working with any tool. Gloves must not be worn when using any power tool.


HONOR CODE
Students will be bound by the University of Miami Honor Code. All artwork must be original and created in this class during this term.


DISABILITIES
Reasonable accommodation will be made for those with documented disabilities.


SCHEDULE

WEEK 1
Thursday 8/25                   Intro to course

WEEK 2
Tuesday  8/30                   Intro to 1st project: Conjoined Structures (Wood)
                                          Wood shop demo

Thursday 9/1                   Work day
          Project sketches due

WEEK 3
Tuesday 9/6                    Work day

Thursday 9/8                   Work day

WEEK 4
Tuesday 9/13                  Work Day
                                        Student Presentation

Thursday 9/15                 Critique Conjoined Structures projects

WEEK 5
Tuesday 9/20                   Introduce 2nd Project: Soft Sculpture (Self Portrait)
                                        Sewing & textile demo, practice sewing
          Student Presentation


Thursday 9/22                  Work Day
                                         Sketches due

WEEK 6
Tuesday 9/27                    Work Day
                                         Student Presentation

Thursday 9/29                  Work Day

WEEK 7
Tuesday 10/4                    Work Day
                                         Student Presentation

Thursday 10/6                  Work Day

WEEK 8
Tuesday 10/11                 Critique Soft Sculpture (Self Portrait)

Thursday 10/13                Introduce 3rd project: Body Bridge
                                         Welding demo (oxy-acetyline)
                                         Practice welding

WEEK 9
Tuesday 10/18                  Work Day
          Sketches due
                                         Student Presentation

Thursday 10/20                Work Day
                                   

WEEK 10
Tuesday 10/25                  Work Day
                                         Student Presentation

Thursday 10/27                Work Day


WEEK 11
Tuesday 11/1                  Work Day
                                       Student Presentation

Thursday 11/3                 Work Day

WEEK 12
Tuesday 11/8                   Critique 3rd Project: Body Bridge
                                        Intro to final project: Multiples

Thursday 11/10               Intro to mold making: Press molds and two-part molds
                                       Work Day
WEEK 13
Tuesday 11/15                  Work Day
           Sketches Due

Thursday 11/17                 Work Day

WEEK 14
Tuesday 11/22                   Work Day

Thursday 11/24 no class, Thanksgiving break

WEEK 15
Tuesday 11/29                  Work Day

Thursday 12/1                   Work Day

FINAL EXAM


STUDIO CLEANUP  DATE TBD  (Participation is mandatory)

NOTE: Attendance at the final critique and cleanup is required. Make sure you do not buy your plane ticket to go home before the final exam.

© 2011 University of Miami. All rights reserved. It is a violation of Federal law to copy, duplicate, sell, and/or distribute in any manner, including, but not limited to the Internet, any copyrighted materials authored and/or produced by the course instructor.


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