SYLLABUS

Visual Language I SF 182-01 Lyssa Palu-ay
Massachusetts College of Art lhpaluay@mac.com 617.879.7782
3 credits-Fall 2007 Office Hours: Wed. & TH 11-12:30
3rd floor South Studio Foundation
Visual Language I

Emphasizes
2D [two-dimensional] Design Imagery Development by studying and applying 2D Design Fundamentals (Elements and Principles) and Vocabulary to assigned projects.

Introduces
-The basics of Digital Art Technology (Digital Photography and Photoshop), and Construction Processes (both tactile and digital) are introduced.
-Conceptual Development
-Research
-Critique & Critical Thinking

Course Description

Visual Language I will isolate a series of topics for examination, discussion, and development. These topics are fundamental to all of the disciplines within the fields of art and design.

The topics will include learning about the terms and concepts common to all the visual arts (for example, composition, space, content, color). We will be exploring materials, media and presentation skills (traditional and digital technologies), initiating a historical and contemporary context for art and culture and furthering a students’ own sense of direction in the arts.

Course Content:
➢ Language (vocabulary) introduced that applies to all art disciplines.
➢ Project Development: concept, idea generating, problem solving, research & execution
➢ Critique: evaluating works of art for concept, content & context
➢ Materials used: Digital Still Cameras, Apple g4, flatbed scanners, digital projectors
➢ Programs: Photoshop & Scanning software
➢ Lecture Series, Where: Tower Auditorium
When : 7:30-8:30 Mondays: 9/17, 9/24, 10/1, 10/15
Projects:
-Individual Student Blog (10-12 entries minumum)
-Research Presentation
-Image Development
-Color Analysis & Palette
-Extracting Interpretations

Required Text:
The Critique Handbook-Kendall Buster & Paula Crawford
Bones of My Master- George Crane

Grading Procedure:

Sign in before every class and if you are late write the time you arrived next to your name. More than 30 mn late = 1 absence; More than 2 absences = NC [no credit]; you may withdraw from the class if before the deadline. If you cannot attend class call or e-mail to let me know. Medical excuses will be required.

Your grade will be determined by class attendance, successful completions of ALL assignments, participation in class, improvement and grasp of materials and ideas presented as well as overall craftsmanship and content of your work. After two weeks, projects not turned in are grounds for failure.

A Pass, No Pass, or Honors grade will be assigned to your completed body of work at the end of the semester. Honors will be given if the work is exceptional consistently throughout the semester(work beyond expectations for every assignment, consistent attendance & class participation). If you receive an incomplete at the end of the semester it is up to you to contact me to make up the work.

Homework:
Expect to work at least 4.5 hours outside of class time

Project Deadlines:
All work due on time [get assignments from classmate / or class website or blog if you miss] Extensions can be given if discussed with the teacher before the class the project is due. [if not, it’s considered late]. 3 projects handed in late equals a no credit for the course

Revisions:
Faculty will ask students to revise and redo projects that do not meet the standards of the course. Faculty will offer specific deadlines for this work to be completed.

Text Assignments:
All written assignments must be typed and Spell-Checked !

Materials Needed:
1 Composition Notebook
1-4 CD RW (rewritable cds)
1 Flash Drive or other portable digital storage device

Drawing materials-charcoal, colored pencils, paint
Materials determined by individual project by project

* The above information is subject to change.