Houston Community College Southwest
http://southwest.hccs.edu/departments/fine-arts/
Course Syllabus: 3-Dimensional Design
HCC Academic Discipline: ART
Course Title: 3-Dimensional Design (Foundation Design II)
Course Rubric and number: ARTS 1312
Semester with Course Reference Number (CRN): Spring, 2014. CRN 80356
Campus and Room Location with Days and Times: West Loop, Room C234, 8:00 - 9:30 am.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thurdsay.
Course Semester Credit Hours (SCH): 3 credits
Course contact hours per semester: 96
Course length: Select: Regular Term, 16 weeks;
Type of Instruction: Lecture/Lab 2/4
Instructor: Maryellen June Hill
Contact Information: Office phone: 713-718-5732
Art Department Phone: 713-718-6913 or 713-718-7700
email address: maryellen.hill@hccs.edu (please put name and class in subject box)
Learning web address: http://learning.hccs.edu/faculty/maryellen.hill
Instructor Scheduled Office Hours and location:
Stafford: Learning Hub room 305 or Fine Arts Building, Room 118, MW, 11:00 AM -1:00 PM
West Loop: room C256, C235, or C241, T 12:30–2:00 pm., MW 9:30-10:30 am.
Other times by appointment
Course Description:
1. Elements and principles of art using three-dimensional concepts. As defined in the Academic
Course Guide Manual (AGCM) produced by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board,
2009 (THECB)
2. This beginning studio course explores the fundamentals of three-dimensional design: line,
plane, mass, surface, light and color in space. A variety of media will be used. Recommended
but not required to be taken before Sculpture, Ceramics or Jewelry. This course satisfies the
fine arts component of the HCC core (As listed in the 2009-2011 HCC Catalog.)
Course Prerequisites: none
Course Goal:
In this course beginning students will explore the fundamentals of 3-D design as they undertake a
series of projects, or problems. Each of the projects will address one of the following design
elements: line, plane, mass, and the combination of the three for a final project. A variety of
materials and processes will be experienced. Design principles such as rhythm, repetition, balance,
harmony, etc. will be introduced. This course will examine the interdependence of medium and
image.
Program Student Learning Outcomes:
1. Create an original work of art using the studio skills taught.
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2. Identify the formal Elements and Principles of Design
3. Apply critical thinking when comparing works of art
4. Create an exhibition-quality, display-ready, work of art.
Course Student Learning Outcomes:
1. Identify, define and understand the formal elements of art and the principles of design. (Level 2)
2. Demonstrate the ability to produce and present finished works of exhibition quality. (Level 3)
3. Produce and critique projects that coordinate descriptive and expressive possibilities of design
(Level 5)
4. Create three-dimensional images which integrate and critique elements and principles of art.
(level 5)
Design Two Student Learning Objectives ~ related to each Learning Outcome
Learning Outcome One: Identify, define and understand the formal elements of art and the
principles of design. (Level 2)
The Supporting Learning Objectives:
1.1. Identify the formal elements and principles of design.
1.2. Compare and contrast selected formal elements.
1.3. Compare and contrast selected principles of design.
1.4. Comprehend all the sub-categories of all the formal elements and principles of design.
(for example, analytic or expressive line or symmetrical, radial or asymmetrical balance, etc.)
1.5. Express selected sub-categories of all the formal elements and principles of design.
Learning Outcome Two: Demonstrate the ability to produce and present finished works of
exhibition quality. (Level 3)
The Supporting Learning Objectives:
2.1. Produce exhibition-ready artworks.
2.2. Prepare entry labels.
2.3. Present completed exhibit entries before the entry deadline expires.
2.4. Select an artwork (made during the course) to be included in the student art exhibition.
2.5. Participate in the student exhibition.
Learning Outcome Three: Produce and critique projects that coordinate descriptive and expressive
possibilities of design. (Level 5)
The Supporting Learning Objectives:
3.1. Safely participate in the necessary practical tasks (safety and proficiency of handling of
tools, supplies and equipment, etc.) involved with the course media.
3.2. Organize the formal elements and principles of design in course projects.
3.3. Establish artistic roles for course projects.
3.4. Summarize artistic themes for course projects.
3.5. Judge course projects.
Learning Outcome Four: Create three-dimensional images which integrate and critique elements
and principles of design.
The Supporting Learning Objectives:
4.1. Produce nonobjective (or representational) 3D forms that explore the formal elements
(line, space, light, color, texture, pattern, time and motion.)
4.2. Produce nonobjective (or nonrepresentational) 3D forms that explore the principles of
design (balance, emphasis, focal point, proportion, scale, rhythm, repetition, unity and
variety).
4.3. Incorporate the formal elements into 3D images.
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4.4. Incorporate the principles of design into 3D images.
4.5. Synthesize the formal elements and principles of design in 3D images.
Core Curriculum Statement:
This course fulfills the following core intellectual competencies: reading, writing, speaking, listening,
critical thinking and computer literacy. A variety of teaching and testing methods are used to assess
these competencies.
This course fulfills the core competencies:
Reading: Reading at the college level means having the ability to understand, analyze and interpret
a variety of printed materials: books, articles, and documents.
Writing: Writing at the college level means having the ability to produce clear, correct, and coherent
prose adapted to a specific purpose, occasion, and audience. In addition to knowing how to use
correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation, students should also become adept with the writing
process, including how to determine a topic, how to organize and develop it, and how to phrase it
effectively for their audience. These abilities are acquired through practice and reflection.
Speaking: Effective speaking is the ability to communicate orally in clear, coherent, and persuasive
language appropriate to purpose, occasion, and audience.
Listening: Listening at the college level means having the ability to understand, analyze, and
interpret various forms of spoken communication
Critical Thinking: Critical thinking embraces methods for applying both qualitative and quantitative
skills analytically and creatively to subject matter in order to evaluate arguments and to construct
alternative strategies. Problem solving is one of the applications of critical thinking used to address
an identified task.
Computer Literacy: Computer literacy at the college level means having the ability to use computerbased technology in communicating, solving problems, and acquiring information. Core-educated
students should have an understanding of the limits, problems, and possibilities associated with the
use of technology and should have the tools necessary to evaluate and learn new technologies as
they become available.
HCC Calendar:
Classes Begin
Official Day of Record
Holidays and Breaks
Priority Deadline to file for graduation
Last day to drop classes with a grade of W
Instruction ends
Final examination
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Monday, January 13
Monday, January 27
MLK Day – Monday, January 20
President’s Day – Mon. Feb. 17
Spring Break – March 10-16
Spring Holiday – April 18-20
Friday, February 14
Monday, March 31 – 4:30 PM
May 4
May 5 - 11
CALENDAR
The following is a tentative schedule for the material we will cover in chronological
order. We may get a day or two ahead of or behind schedule, and the assignments may
change.
Class
And
Date
Week 1
1/13 – 1/16
Week 2
1/20 – 1/23
Week 3
1/27 - 1/30
Week 4
2/3 – 2/6
Week 5
2/10 – 2/13
Week 6
2/17 – 2/20
Week 7
2/24 – 2/27
Week 8
3/3 – 3/6
3/10 – 3/13
Week 9
3/17 – 3/20
Week 10
3/24 – 3/27
Week 11
3/31 – 4/3
Week 12
4/7 – 4/10
Week 13
4/14 – 4/17
Week 14
4/21 – 4/24
Week 15
4/28 – 5/1
Week 16
Finals
Week
Lectures / Topics / Assignments / Projects / Critiques
ARTS 1312 3-Dimensional Design
Class orientation, syllabus, supply list, etc
Define Visual Design
General Introduction to Elements and Principles of 3D Design
Introduce Project 1: Relief
No class Mon. 1/20 – MLK Holiday
Studio work: explore medium, content , form
Studio work: explore medium, content , form
CRITIQUE Thurs. 1/30 – Relief due at the beginning of class
Introduce Project 2: Line
Studio work: explore medium, content , form
Studio work: explore medium, content , form
No lass Mon. 2/17 – President’s Holiday
CRITIQUE Wed. 2/19 – Line project due at the beginning of class
Introduce Project 3: Plane
Studio work: explore medium, content , form
Assign Menil Field Trip and related Essay
Studio work: explore medium, content , form
CRITIQUE Tues 3/4 – Plane Project due beginning of class
Introduce Project 4: Modular Form
No class this week – Spring Break
Studio work: explore medium, content , form
3/19 – Menil Essay Due at the beginning of class
Studio work: explore medium, content , form
Assign MFAH Field Trip and related Essay
CRITIQUE Mon. 3/31 – Modular Project due at the beginning of class
Introduce Project 5 - Armature/Skeleton-and-Skin
Studio work: explore medium, content , form
Studio work: explore medium, content , form
SHOW PREP.
Mon 4/14 - MFAH Essay Due at the beginning of class
Studio work: explore medium, content , form
CRITIQUE Thurs 4/17 – Armature/Skeleton-and-Skin
Introduce Project 6: Project of Choice
Studio work: explore medium, content , form
Studio work: explore medium, content , form
5/1 – Studio Clean-up
Final Critique – Specific Day TBA
Please Note: It is possible that these dates might change slightly due to various circumstances.
You will be notified of changes and requirements
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Critique Dates: Critique dates are the due dates of all projects. It is imperative that your work be
completed and ready for the class critique. Your participation in the critique is mandatory. The Fine Arts
Department philosophy is that verbal discussion enhances the student's awareness of art concepts and
his/her growth and direction.
Exhibition Schedule:
 Faculty Exhibition – Feb 20 – March 20 – Fine Arts Center, Stafford. Reception
Thursday, Feb 20, 6-8 pm.
Level 1 Student Exhibition – April 17 – May 1 – Fine Arts Center, Stafford. Reception
Thursday, April 17, 6-8 pm.
 Level 2 Student Exhibition at West Loop - April 24 – May 23 - West Loop
Gallery. Reception Thursday, April 24, 6-8 pm.
Instructional Methods:
Methods of instruction may include: explanations, demonstrations, hands-on art studio work time, inclass critiques, slide presentations, video/film presentations, lectures, and/or readings (from
textbooks, peer-reviewed articles, books, original source seminal texts). Class time may include
demonstrations, field trips, assignments, introductions, studio time for projects, and critiques.
This course will provide you with a strong foundation in 3-Dimensional visual composition,
which we will explore using the elements (line, mass/volume/form, value, color, etc.) and the
principles (unity, balance, proportion, etc.) of design. Most of this will be done with a handson approach, in which you actually use design skills to create studio projects, using a variety
of materials and methods. Through museum field trips and the use of slides and
reproductions, we will also look at and analyze existing works of art, and learn to discuss
their formal qualities. Additionally, there will be two tests and two written essays over the
course of the semester. Finally, there will be a student exhibition in which participation is
expected. Class time might include lectures, demonstrations, field trips, assignments,
introductions, studio time, and critiques. This course is the recommended prerequisite for
students preparing for classes in drawing, painting, and printmaking.
Design is the "bones" underlying all creative efforts. It is a way seeing, choosing, and
organizing in an effort to create a dynamic whole. In this course students will explore the
fundamentals of 3-D design as they undertake a series of projects, each aimed at teaching a
certain set of design elements or design principles. A variety of materials and processes will
be introduced, and craftsmanship in constructing the resulting projects will be stressed.
Student Assignments:
Assignments/Activities may include: individual creative projects, written critical responses, group
projects, critiques, exams or quizzes, hands-on studio workdays/times, occasional gallery visits,
various assigned readings from textbooks, peer-reviewed articles, books, original source seminal
texts; mandatory discussions based on various topics related to the major areas of study in Art and
Design; writing papers including critiques, essays, analyses, reviews, research, comparing and
contrasting artistic or design theories and perspectives; service learning projects; presentations;
group and/or individual projects; portfolios. This course requires a minimum of 1000 words in a
combination of writing assignments and/or projects.
This is a studio course, meaning it is primarily concerned with the creation of works of
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art. Therefore, most of our class time is spent working on visual projects, and it is imperative
that you come to class prepared and that you use class time effectively. You will probably
need to spend additional time working at home but this does not replace working in class. I
cannot help you improve if I'm not there while you work, and your best instruction is one-onone with me, discussing your personal artistic concerns. You will also benefit greatly from
the input of your peers. Some class time will be spent on lecture, slides, critiques, and
demonstrations. We will also view actual works of art at museums, and write about them.
Projects: Projects are designed to give you experience in working with the design elements
and principles. Generally, they focus on one or two specific things, but your knowledge is
cumulative, and so your overall structures should improve as we go. A supplies list for the
projects is attached. Projects are due at the beginning of class and should be presented in
a complete state. Late projects drop by 5 points (1/2 letter grade) for each missed period
(measured from the beginning of class). After a project is more than three class periods late,
it may receive a grade of zero.
Critiques: Throughout the semester we will have critiques, during which we will discuss, as a
class, the completed assignments. Critiques will be held on the day your project is due. You
are required to be an active participant in the discussion, both when your work is being
discussed and when it is someone else's turn. Speaking about your work as well as the
work of others will help you to clarify your artistic ideas and to communicate intelligently.
Feedback from me and from your peers will give you suggestions, ideas, and inspiration.
Also, the comments made by and about other works of art will point you in new directions.
Please keep and criticism constructive.
Field Trips and Essays: For learning about art, there is no substitute for viewing the real
thing. Slides and reproductions used in class are helpful, but they can't replace looking at
genuine works of art. Therefore you will take two field trips, one to the Menil Collection, and
one to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. There will be no class on these days. Instead you
will go to the appointed museum. For each field trip you will turn in a written essay (typed,
500 words) on a specified topic. Unfortunately, because the museums open later than we
begin class, they cannot correspond exactly in terms of time. If you have other obligations
that prevent you from going on the field trip with the class, you need go on your own at a
more convenient time. You are still responsible for writing your essay and turning it in on
time. Please make every effort to attend the field trips with the class. Interaction with others
in the class will help you to notice things you might miss on your own.
Field trip dates:
 Menil, Week 7
 MFAH, (Bring assignment and student ID) Week 10
Late essays are treated the same as late projects: they lose 5 points for each period late,
and receive a grade of zero after three missed periods. Attendance credit for field trip days is
given when your paper is turned in, provided I am convinced you went to the museum. If no
paper is turned in, or if the paper is more than three periods late, you are counted as absent.
Please note that the curriculum guidelines require you to write 1000 words to get a
grade of "C" or higher in the course. Your essays must be of sufficient length!!!
Essays Due:
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

Menil – 3/19
MFAH – 4/14
Student Exhibition: All students are expected to prepare one of their class projects for
submission to the student show. We will spend some class time working on this, but
ultimately, each student is responsible for properly preparing his or her own piece for
hanging, completing the required paperwork, delivering work to the show and collecting the
work after the show closes.
Level 1 Student Exhibition: FAC Gallery, Stafford. April 17 – May 1, 2013
Work will be due a week or two IN ADVANCE.
Student Assessments:
Methods of Assessment/Evaluation may include: portfolios, creative projects, tests and quizzes
which may include: definitions, matching, multiple choice, true/false, short answer, brief essay,
essay, lists; writing assignments, in-class discussions and/or critiques; written papers including
critiques, essays, analyses, reviews, research, comparing and contrasting artistic or design theories
and perspectives; service learning projects; presentations; group and/or individual projects; other
methods as may be determined by individual instructors.
Graded work will include visual art projects, written essays, and participation.
Daily Grade/Participation: Every day, you will be given a daily grade which includes
attendance (being in class, being on time, and staying until the end), preparedness, studio
habits, clean-up, and participation in class critiques and discussions. On studio days,
participation grades are determined as follows:






5 - No problems with any of the above
4 - 1 minor participation, punctuality, or supplies problem
3 - More substantial participation, punctuality, or supplies problem
2 - Unprepared OR 2 punctuality/participation problems OR failure to completely
clean up after yourself (a big mess can get you a D or F depending on the "mess
level") OR disruption (cell phone ringing, etc.)
1 - 2 or 3 preparedness/punctuality/participation/clean-up/disruption
problems.
0 - absent or any other combinations
Please note that the amount of class missed when arriving late or leaving early will be taken
into account. For example, if you are 45 minutes late, you have missed half the class, and
you will receive a maximum of half credit (2 points).
On Critique days, your daily grade includes participation in the critique (presentation of
completed work and discussion of other students work as well as the above).
Daily grades are averaged together and this average is worth two times the weight of an
ordinary project grade (200 points, see grading profile). At the end of the semester, the daily
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grades are averaged using a 5 point scale: 5=100%, 4=80%, 3=60%, 2=40%, 1=20%, 0=0.
To calculate your daily grade: your points /# of class days = your 5 point average. Your 5
point average X 20 = your % grade. Your % grade is counted twice
Instructional Materials:
There is no book required for this course.
There is an extensive list of supplies and materials required which can be found on the last
page of this document. We suggest that you separate the page and take it with you when you
shop for the materials.
HCC Policy Statement: Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)
Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.)
who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the Disability Services Office at the
respective college at the beginning of each semester. Faculty is authorized to provide only
the accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office.
If you have any questions, please contact the Disability Counselor at your college, Dr. Becky Hauri
at 713-718-7909, or the District Disability Office at 713-718-5165.
To visit the ADA Web site, log on to www.hccs.edu,
Click Future Students
Scroll down the page and click on the words Disability Information. http://www.hccs.edu/hccs/futurestudents/disability-services
HCC Policy Statement: Academic Honesty
You are expected to be familiar with the College's Policy on Academic Honesty, found in the catalog
and student handbook. Students are responsible for conducting themselves with honor and integrity
in fulfilling course requirements. Penalties and/or disciplinary proceedings may be initiated by
College System officials against a student accused of scholastic dishonesty.
“Scholastic dishonesty” includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion.
Cheating on a test includes:
 Copying from another student’s test paper;
 Using materials during a test that are not authorized by the person giving the test;
 Collaborating with another student during a test without authority;
 Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in whole or part the
contents of a test that has not bee administered;
 Bribing another person to obtain a test that is to be administered.
Plagiarism means the appropriation of another’s work and the unacknowledged incorporation of that
work in one’s own written work offered for credit. This also applies to visual materials in studio
projects.
Collusion means the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work
offered for credit.
Violations: Possible punishments for academic dishonesty may include a grade of “0” or “F” on the
particular assignment, failure in the course, and/or recommendation for probation or dismissal from
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the College System. A recommendation for suspension or expulsion will be referred to the College
Dean of Student Development for disciplinary disposition.
Students who wish to appeal a grade penalty should notify the instructional supervisor within 30
working days of the incident. A standing committee appointed by the College Dean of Instruction
(Academic or Workforce) will convene to sustain, reduce, or reverse the grade penalty. The
committee will be composed of two students, two faculty members, and one instructional
administrator. A majority vote will decide the grade appeal and is final.
All projects for this class should be created by the student specifically for this assignment,
this semester. Work created for other classes or in previous semesters is not acceptable.
Official HCC Attendance Policy:
Students are expected to attend classes regularly. Students are responsible for material covered
during their absences, and it is the student’s responsibility to consult with instructors for makeup
assignments. Class attendance is checked daily by instructors.
Although it is the responsibility of the student to drop a course for non-attendance, the
instructor has the authority to drop a student for excessive absences.
A student may be dropped from a course for absenteeism after the student has accumulated
absences in excess of 12.5 percent of the hours of instruction (including lecture and laboratory
time).
For example:
For a three credit-hour lecture class meeting three hours per week (48 hours of instruction), a
student may be dropped after six hours of absences.
Administrative drops are at the discretion of the instructor. If you are doing poorly in the
class, but you have not contacted your professor to ask for help, and you have not withdrawn by
the official withdrawal date, it will result in you receiving a grade of “F” in the course
NOTE: LAST DAY FOR STUDENT/ADMINISTRATIVE DROP THIS SEMESTER:
Monday, March 31, 4:30 pm.
Course Withdrawals-First Time Freshmen Students-Fall 2007 and Later:
Effective 2007, section 51.907 of the Texas Education Code applies to first-time in college freshman
students who enroll in a Texas public institution of higher education in the fall semester of 2007 or
thereafter. High school students currently enrolled in HCC Dual Credit and Early College are waived
from this requirement until they graduate from high school.
Based on this law, HCC or any other Texas Public institution of higher education may not
permit students to drop after the official day of record more than six college level credit
courses for unacceptable reasons during their entire undergraduate career.
Course Withdrawals:
Be sure you understand HCC policies about dropping a course. It is the student’s responsibility to
withdraw officially from a course and prevent an “F” from appearing on the transcript. If you feel that
you cannot complete this course, you will need to withdraw from the course prior to the final date of
withdrawal. Before, you withdraw from your course; please take the time to meet with the instructor
to discuss why you feel it is necessary to do so. The instructor may be able to provide you with
suggestions that would enable you to complete the course. Your success is very important
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If you plan on withdrawing from your class, you MUST contact a HCC counselor or your professor
prior to withdrawing (dropping) the class for approval and this must be done PRIOR to the withdrawal
deadline to receive a “W” on your transcript. **Final withdrawal deadlines vary each semester and/or
depending on class length, please visit the online registration calendars, HCC schedule of classes
and catalog, any HCC Registration Office, or any HCC counselor to determine class withdrawal
deadlines. Remember to allow a 24-hour response time when communicating via email and/or
telephone with a professor and/or counselor. Do not submit a request to discuss withdrawal
options less than a day before the deadline. If you do not withdraw before the deadline, you will
receive the grade that you are making in the class as your final grade
Early Alert Program:
To help students avoid having to drop/withdraw from any class, HCC has instituted an Early Alert
process by which your professor may “alert” you and HCC counselors that you might fail a class
because of excessive absences and/or poor academic performance. It is your responsibility to visit
with your professor or a counselor to learn about what, if any, HCC interventions might be available
to assist you – online tutoring, child care, financial aid, job placement, etc. – to stay in class and
improve your academic performance.
Repeat Course Fee:
The State of Texas encourages students to complete college without having to repeat failed classes.
To increase student success, students who repeat the same course more than twice, are required to
pay extra tuition. The purpose of this extra tuition fee is to encourage students to pass their courses
and to graduate. Effective fall 2006, HCC will charge a higher tuition rate to students registering the
third or subsequent time for a course. If you are considering course withdrawal because you are not
earning passing grades, confer with your instructor/counselor as early as possible about your study
habits, reading and writing homework, test taking skills, attendance, course participation, and
opportunities for tutoring or other assistance that might be available.
Individual Instructor’s Requirements Statement
As your Instructor, it is my responsibility to:
 Provide the grading scale and detailed grading formula explaining how student grades are to be
derived
 Facilitate an effective learning environment through class studio activities, discussions, and
critiques
 Provide a clear description of any special projects or assignments
 Inform students of policies such as attendance, withdrawal, tardiness and make up work
 Provide the course outline and class calendar which will include a description of any special
projects or assignments
 Arrange to meet with individual students before and after class as required
To be successful in this class, it is the student’s responsibility to:
 Attend class, be on time, and be prepared with the proper materials for each session.
 Use class studio time wisely by focusing on assigned projects
 Keep copies of all paperwork, including the syllabus, articles, and handouts.
 Respect the space and materials of other class members.
 Clean up thoroughly after each studio session
 Be prepared for critique sessions: have complete assignments ready for display and be prepared to
participate in the verbal critique process
Tardiness: I will take roll ten minutes after the scheduled start of class. Students who arrive
after roll is taken will be considered late. If you must arrive late, please join the class without
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disrupting it. Also, please see me at the end of class to make sure I have marked you late
instead of absent. This is your responsibility - I will not change your attendance record after
the class period is over. Leaving early is treated the same as leaving late.
Disruptions: Adult behavior is expected, and disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. While I
expect and encourage you to participate in discussions, ask questions, and express
opinions, you should do so in an appropriate manner and at an appropriate time. Students
who interfere with my ability to teach the class or with fellow students' ability to learn will be
removed from class and/or will have their participation/daily work grade lowered. Depending
on the severity and/or frequency of such disruptions, such students may be administratively
withdrawn from the course without refund. PLEASE DO NOT BRING CELL PHONES TO
CLASS or TURN THEM OFF as they are disruptive! I will make exceptions to people "on
call" for work or for special home circumstances, but please tell me ahead of time.
Studio Clean-up Policy: At the end of each class, you are required to completely clean up
after yourself. This includes replacing any school equipment or supplies, cleaning your
workspace and table, throwing out your trash, storing your work and materials in the proper
place, etc. You are collectively responsible for maintaining the sink area. Please bring your
own soap and paper towels. Failure to clean up will affect your daily grade.
Dress Code: Since we are working with art supplies, the possibility always exists that you
will get dirty. Bring a smock/apron or dress accordingly. It is wise to tie back long hair as
well. If you remove your jewelry, please put it in your pocket, purse, or backpack so you
don’t forget it. I have no control over the temperature in the room (usually too cold or too
hot). Please dress in layers if you want to be comfortable.
Safety: While most of the materials required for this class are safe and non-toxic when used
properly, you do need to be careful and use common sense. Paints, solvents, adhesives and
fixatives can be toxic and should never be ingested, inhaled, or allowed to make contact with
an open wound. Products that are in aerosol form or that create fumes must be used
outside. Always exercise extreme caution when handling sharp knives, blades sharp tools
and power tools. When cutting matt board or cardboard, make sure the cutting board is
entirely supported on the table. When handling the staple gun, be sure you know which end
the staple will be ejected from. Always read any enclosed safety materials that come with
your supplies. Also, be alert for allergic reactions - they are unusual, but they do happen. If
there are children in your home, be sure to keep supplies and away from them unless you
know they are safe, and you are supervising them. This also applies to pets. Finally,
pregnant and nursing women should be extremely careful with all chemical supplies, and
should avoid exposure to cadmium, a pigment often found in red and yellow paints. Choose
non-toxic supplies whenever possible.
Guests/Children: Because of the less-structured climate of a studio class, people are often
tempted to bring "friends" with them to class. Please refrain from doing this, as it is a
distraction to you and to others. If you want to show others what you are doing, this can be
done before and after class. According to the HCCS Faculty Handbook: "The College
System does not allow children into the collegiate educational process. The campus is a
workplace, and while conviviality is encouraged, the purpose of our presence here is the
business of educating students; the purpose of students here is to be educated. The
presence of children is not appropriate to this situation." Occasionally, if there is room, we
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allow art students from other classes to work quietly in the studio during class.
Disclaimer: This is a college course for adults. As such, students need to understand that
there may be information that they find disagreeable. Nudity and controversial subjects are
not uncommon in works of art. Also, religion has inspired countless art works, and will be
discussed to put the work in context. This is not meant to challenge or change your
personal beliefs.
HCC Art Discipline Requirements
. By the end of the semester the student who passes with a final grade of “C” or above will have
demonstrate the ability to:
 Complete and comprehend the objectives of all graded assignments
 Attend class regularly, missing no more than 12.5% of instruction (12 hours)
 Arrive at class promptly and with the required supplies for that day’s session
 Participate in the shared responsibilities for studio clean-up
 Exhibit safe studio habits
 Be prepared for and participate in class critiques
 Demonstrate the ability to communicate orally in clear, coherent, and persuasive language
 Demonstrate the ability to use computer-based technology in communicating, solving problems,
and acquiring information
 Complete a minimum of 1000 words in a combination of writing assignments and/or projects
 Demonstrate the ability to present works of exhibition quality
 Advance the skills acquired in Design I
 Complete a non-representational 3-D image exploring line in space
 Complete a non-representational 3-D image exploring plane in space
 Complete a non-representational 3-D image exploring mass/volume in space
 Complete a non-representational 3-D image incorporating linear, planar, and mass elements
 Complete a non-representational 3-D image exploring texture in space
 Complete a non-representational 3-D image exploring color in space
HCC Grading Information:
Grading percentile: the official HCC grading rubric is as follows:
90–100 percent
A
80–89 percent
70–79 percent
60–69 percent
Below 60
percent
B
C
D
F
Exceptionally fine work; superior in presentation, visual observation,
comprehension and participation
Above average work; superior in one or two areas
Average work; good, unexceptional participation
Below average work; noticeably weak with minimal participation
Clearly deficient in presentation, style and content with a lack of
participation
The grade of "I" (Incomplete) is conditional. It will only be assigned if at least 80% of the course work
is complete .Students receiving an "I," must make an arrangement with the instructor in writing to
complete the course work within six months. After the deadline, the "I" becomes an "F." All "I"
designations must be changed to grades prior to graduation. Changed grades will appear on student
record as "I"/Grade (example: "I/A").
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The grade of "W" (Withdrawal) appears on grade reports when students withdraw from a class by the
drop deadline. Instructors have the option of dropping students up to the deadline. After the deadline,
instructors do not have that option — not even when entering final grades.
Instructor Grading Criteria:
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Project grades are determined by:
Completion of assigned preparatory work, such as sketches, media experiments, gray
scales, color wheel, etc. (5% to 20% of your project grade).
Fulfillment of project goals and requirements; following project directions.
Cumulative use of the design elements and principles we have covered in class.
Craftsmanship; use of materials; construction.
Sufficient time and effort spent on the project. Ambitiousness applied in constructing
the work.
Creativity and exploration of ideas, techniques, etc. within the bounds of the project.
Personal improvement.
Overall composition (design of the overall image).
Studio habits: being prepared, utilizing class time effectively, cleaning up after
yourself, participating in critiques, interacting with me and your peers
Essay grades are determined by:
Fulfillment of project goals and requirements; following project directions.
Sufficient length.
Writing quality, including spelling and grammar
Content: accuracy and completeness of analysis; level of insight and creativity
Instructor’s Final Grading Legend:
Grading Profile: These are the assignments and essays I expect that the class will complete,
along with their corresponding point values. This list is subject to change, and the class will
be told in advance of any such changes.
6
2
1
Projects
Museum Essays
Participation
100 points each
100 points each
200 points
600 points total
200 points total
200 points____
1000 points total
Your Grade (%) = your total points/1000
Online Student Evaluation of Instruction:EGLS3 -- Evaluation for Greater Learning Student
Survey System
http://www.hccs.edu/district/students/egls3/
At Houston Community College, professors believe that thoughtful student feedback is
necessary to improve teaching and learning. During a designated time, you will be asked to answer a
short online survey of research-based questions related to instruction. The anonymous results of the
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survey will be made available to your professors and division chairs for continual improvement of
instruction. Look for the survey as part of the Houston Community College Student System online
near the end of the term.
Student Supply List
Students are required to have a #2 yellow pencil and a blue or black ball point pen
with writing paper available in class at all times. The following is a supplemental list
of helpful on hand items for this class:
Large shirt or smock to use when needed on projects using ink, paint and charcoal, etc.
2 yellow pencils on hand at all times
Soft rubber eraser on hand at all times
Lined notebook paper available at all times
Plain paper for sketching
Elmer’s glue and other adhesives (glue sticks are really not useful for this class)
Tape: masking, artist’s, clear, etc.
Look for things at home that will enhance your ability to be more creative in class such as:
Wire cutters, scissors, utility knife, x-acto knife
Objects from home that might enhance a particular on- going project, such as:
Linear materials: various typed of wire, rope, string, yarn, thread, ribbon, raffia, straw,
Wooden or metal rods, plant fibers, sticks and twigs…
Planar materials: papers, cardboard, foam core, mattboard, illustration board, fabric,
wall paper, screening, cellophane, sheets of plastic…
Masses/Volumes: Boxes, wood blocks or pieces, tubes…
Modular objects
Nails, nuts and bolts, washers, fishing weights
For the best project grade, think of what you might bring from home to complete your
projects.
Please put your name on tools and supplies you bring from home.
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STUDIO ART SUPPLY LIST
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