Cal State Northridge
Department of Art – Spring 2015
Art 141 3D Design
Monday/Wednesday 8am-10:45am
AC511
Instructor: Liz Nurenberg
Email: enurenberg@csun.edu (please include Art 141 in the subject line)
Office Hours: 7:30am-8am and 4:45pm–5:45pm Monday/Wednesday – or by
appointment
COURSE CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION:
“Study of the elements and principles of 3-dimensional design and their applications,
with emphasis on form in space, design systems, and contemporary art concepts.
Experimentation in both natural and synthetic material.”
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Art 141 is designed to allow students to explore the realm of three-dimensional art with
an emphasis on form and composition. The projects will require you to think critically
while employing the philosophies and vocabulary of the formal issues in art, such as line,
plane, mass, space, texture, balance, rhythm, economy, and emphasis. This course will
be a hands-on studio experience; much of the class will be work time. In art you learn
through making, experimenting, brainstorming and analyzing. In this class you will also
be required to do reading, some written work, group critiques, slide lectures and visits to
other departments on campus.
ART DEPARTMENT GOALS:
1. Acquire basic knowledge, theories and concepts about art; develop a foundation of art
skills and a high level of craftsmanship; communicate ideas and concepts through
writing, speaking and art making; acquire a competency with the tools and technologies
associated with the visual arts
2. Broaden knowledge of ancient through contemporary art; develop an understanding of
the theoretical, cultural and historical contexts of art
3. Apply processes of generating and solving problems in art; analyze, interpret and
question traditional methodologies and preconceived notions of art and art making
4. Explore and engage in interdisciplinary forms of art making
5. Develop an appreciation and tolerance of diverse perspectives dealing with art,
culture, teaching and learning
6. Engage in individual and collaborative art experiences with other students, faculty and
community
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
You must complete each assignment on time, complete reading assignments, learn and
utilize the vocabulary, engage in critiques, make good use of in-class work time (this
means planning ahead), and respect your fellow students and the school facilities. You
are expected to work outside of class time. Experimentation is encouraged and hard
work will be rewarded.
ATTENDANCE/PARTICIPATION:
Attendance is mandatory. More than 3 absences will result in your final grade being
lowered by one letter grade. Three times late (or 3 early departures) equals an absence.
This includes slide lectures, field trips and group critiques. DO NOT MISS CRITIQUES.
This is a studio class where activities and course work are done during class time. It
essential that you be in class with all the required materials and prepared to work. If you
come to class without supplies you will be marked late. Attendance will be taken at the
beginning of every class and after each break. If you arrive late it is your responsibility to
let me know you are present. Students are responsible for being informed about
information missed during their absence.
Students are encouraged to interact with each other. Please exchange phone
numbers/email addresses with at least 2 of your classmates, please contact your
classmates to receive missed assignments and notes.
Absences are only excused by a doctor’s note, a medical or family emergency and
should be discussed with me prior to missing a class. Contact me by email, in the event
of illness or other unforeseen problems affecting your attendance to arrange make-up
assignments. Additional Note: If, for any reason I need to cancel a class I will do my
best to email you and let you know in advance. It's always a good idea to check email
prior to coming to school.
WITHDRAWAL:
If this isn’t the course for you, please decide quickly, and let someone else take your
place. You have until (date) to drop by yourself via website or by phone. After this date,
withdrawing from the class requires “serious and compelling reasons”. Only serious
medical, legal, or family emergencies will be considered. You must obtain the
appropriate drop forms, and get approval from both the instructor and the department
chair. You will receive a W on your record.
GRADING:
Each major assignment will be given a mark. I maintain flexibility in that I give credit to
overall progress.
Criteria for grade assignment will include:
1) Fulfilling project goals (did you fulfill all of the project objectives in an interesting,
complex and imaginative manner?);
2) Rigor of exploration (did you consider many approaches, or just one – did you
experiment with materials, techniques or ideas you weren’t sure could work
before you started?);
3) Craftsmanship (craftsmanship is always related to the project intentions – Not a
result of lack of effort.)
4) Creativity (points for creativity indicate that the project successfully fulfills the
project objectives by exploring a quality that the rest of the class did not
consider).
Your Final Grade will be calculated as follows:
Projects
Proficiency in Vocabulary (Quizzes averaged)
Written Assignment/Research
Class Participation
-
60%
10%
10%
20%
LATE WORK:
Late work will be accepted up to 1 week late and the grade will automatically be lowered
by one full letter grade. Beyond this grace period, you will receive an F on the
assignment.
RE-DOING WORK:
IF the original was submitted on time and you want to improve on your project, you may
rework or redo the assignment (artists do this all the time – it’s a great way to overcome
problems and grow). Discuss your plans with the instructor. Remember that this must
be time spent on top of your regular weekly assignments.
Required Text:
Launching the Imagination: A Comprehensive Guide to Basic Design by Mary Stewart
Vocabulary Quizzes:
There will be quizzes on the relevant vocabulary discussed for each project. Reading
assignments from the text will highlight key words and students will be expected to fully
understand and utilize the terms.
Studio Rules
Closed toe shoes.
Clean up after yourself.
If you check out tools to use, return them.
Only use materials that produce dust in outside areas; if you are producing a large
amount dust, wear a dust mask.
Be considerate of your classmates.
Only use the classroom that we meet in; no use of the sculpture facilities or power tools
unless you are taking a sculpture class.
MATERIALS:
The materials for this class are not as specific/required as in two-dimensional classes.
Some projects will be center around a type of material, but it will often be left up to you to
figure out what projects are constructed out of based on the idea. The type of tools are
needed to manipulate will be defined by the choices of materials. Drawings and a certain
degree of experimentation will be necessary before getting into a project. You’ll be the
judge of what you need to get through a project.
SUPPLIES:
3 Sheets of Bristol Board 3ply 22x30
2 Sheets of Bristol Board 2ply 22x30
2 Sheets of mat board (If colored, they must both be the same color)
1 Spool of thread
1 needle
An old pillow or 12oz package of polyfil
Scissors
Needle nose pliers
Utility Knife or box cutter
A hot glue gun
Sketchbook
Pencil
Eraser
Sharpie Marker
18” metal ruler
Glue Stick
Safety Glasses
Tool box or tackle box or shoebox to transport your tools and supplies
COURSE CALENDAR
(Syllabus is tentative and subject to change)
Week 1
January 20: Introductions. Review the syllabus, materials and supply list, explore the
tool cabinet. Assign reading and vocabulary: Chapter 9, “Elements of 3D Design.” Begin
exercise 1.
Week 2
January 26: Exercise 1 due. Explanation Project 1 and Begin work
January 28: Work time for Project 1 (Paper)
Week 3
February 2: Vocabulary quiz. Work time for Project 1 (Cardboard)
February 4: Work time for Project 1 (Soft)
Week 4
February 9: Work time Project 1 (Wire)
February 11: Work time Project 1
Week 5
February 16: Assign reading: Chapter 10, “Principles of 3D Design.”
Explanation of Project 2
February 28: Vocabulary quiz. Work time Project 2
Week 6
February 23: Work time Project 2
February 25: Critique. Assign reading: Chapter 11, “Materials and Methods.”
Explanation of Project 3
Week 7
March 2: Work time Project 3
March 4: Work time Project 3, Vocabulary quiz
Week 8
March 9: Critique. Explanation of Project 4. Assign reading: Chapter 12, “Physical and
Cerebral”
March 11: Work time Project 4
Week 9
March 16: Work time Project 4
March 18: Critique Project 4. Begin Project 5
Week 10:
March 23: Work time Project 5
March 25: Work time Project 5
Week 11
March 30: Work time Project 5
April 1: Critique Project 5.
Week 12
April 6: Spring Break
April 8: Spring Break
Week 13
April 13: Cantilever Group Project
April 15: Explanation of Final Project
Week 14
April 20: Work time Final Project, Vocabulary quiz
April 22: Work time Final Project
Week 15
April 28: Work time Final Project
April 30: Work time Final Project, writing assignment due
Week 16
May 4: Work time Final Project
May 6: Final Project Due
EXAM WEEK: Final