Welcome to the 3rd dimension

Welcome to making art that you can walk around and trip over. In this class we will talk about the fundamentals of making sculpture and experiment with a variety of processes from found objects to mold making and metal casting. A sketchbook like none you've ever kept will be an important part of the art you make in this class. It may turn out to be the best piece of art you've ever made. I can't wait to see it.


Art 1020 Three Dimensional Design
Spring 2011
T,TH- 11:10am-2:10pm Rm 104-Trahern

Professor: Mike Mitchell(aka mikewindy)
Office: Trahern 207
Phone: 221-7333
Office hours: Tuesday-Thursday 10am-11am

Catalog Description
Fundamental experience in three-dimensional design, with emphasis on the elements and principles of design and creative development, and media-skills training.

Course Objectives
This is an introductory level course in three-dimensional design. It is intended to give a basic and broad understanding of composition in three dimensions using the elements and principles of design. The course will focus on technical skills and creative processes equally: you will acquire a vocabulary of abilities and design strategies on which to build for the rest of your career. To succeed in this class you must exercise visual and conceptual problem solving skills; I hope that you will learn to take the assignments apart and put them together in new ways. You will also learn art terminology that will make talking about and looking at sculpture easier, which is something we will do together a great deal. You will also become familiar with a variety of tools and their proper use.

Grading
Grades will be based on a point system according to the following:

250 Exercises (5 at 50 each)
500 Projects (5 at 100 each)
100 Final Exam (Vocab and skills test)
150 Attendance, having your sketchbook, participation in discussions, class activities and critiques (4 points per day)
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1000 Points possible

900-1000 = A
800-899 = B
700-799 = C
600-699 = D
Below 600 = F

All work must have a cover sheet attached and be ready for critique at the beginning of class on the due date. If it is not ready at the beginning of class, it will be counted late. Late work will receive a 10 point deduction for each class period it is late. Work that is late due to a documented excused absence will not be penalized.


A mid-term grade shall be awarded for all students in this course. The grade awarded may not necessarily be based on 50% of the course requirements and may or may not differ from the final grade. Your mid-term grade will be posted on AP Web.

*All work that is originally submitted on time may be reworked and resubmitted at any time throughout the semester, for a possible grade change.

Attendance
Attendance will be taken sometime near the beginning of each class period. You must be here when I call your name. I need to watch you work to be able to help you. And you need to watch each other work to save yourself some trouble. If you come to the studio after attendance is called it is your responsibility to make sure that I change you from absent to tardy in my attendance book. Insist on watching me do it.

You will receive daily attendance/participation points. Failure to attend class will result in a lowered attendance grade that may adversely affect your final grade. You will not be penalized for excused absences. An excused absence is one that cannot be avoided, and with documentation (medical reasons, jury duty, etc.) I will not excuse absences for alarm clock malfunctions, misplaced car keys, or other preventable circumstances. Talk to me if you are unsure if an absence will be excused or not. If you come to class late or leave early, you will receive half attendance points for that day.

We will take breaks during class. With the exception of emergencies, you are not allowed to leave the classroom without my permission. I must know where you are at all times to be accountable for you.

Misconduct
The University’s policies on academic and classroom misconduct will be strictly enforced. Academic and classroom misconduct will not be tolerated. Please refer to your copy of the student handbook for all matters pertaining to misconduct. Persistent disruption of the learning environment will result in my asking you to drop the course or automatic failure.

Disability Policy
Any student who has a disability that my affect his/her academic performance is encouraged to make an appointment with me to discuss this matter or you may contact Disability Services at 221-6230 or 221-6278 tty or 221-7102 fax.

Minors in the Classroom
Minors (any non-student under the age of 18) accompanying staff, faculty, students, or visitors on campus are not permitted in the classroom.

Class Etiquette
Be respectful. Put your cell phone on vibrate or turn it off before class. If you have an emergency, please exit the classroom quietly. Respect the professor, respect the other students, and you will receive respect. If you are addicted to texting and checking emails, do it during breaks, not during class. IPODs may be used during work time with these restrictions: one ear must remain unplugged so you can hear announcements, and the volume must be so low that your neighbor cannot hear it.

Shout Out
Thanks to Rachel Hall-Kirk for this syllabus as a jumping off point. Kell sent it to me and it’s pretty rad!



*The above policies and procedures are subject to change, at the Professor’s discretion, in the event of extenuating circumstances.



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Materials and tools:

Some materials for this class will be provided by me and the others we will all discuss before each project. I take great pride in not having the artist that take my classes not spend any more money than they have to.
As far as tools go I would suggest that every artist start a basic tool box: hammer, pliers, utility blade, pull saw , tape measure, speed square, level, screw drivers etc. Let’s see what you’ve got and what’s available before we spend a dime but you will need to tool up at least a little.