SYLLABUS
ARTS 2326 Sculpture 1
Instructor: Joanne Brigham
Office: FAC 101
Office hours: By appointment
E-mail: joanne.brigham@hccs.edu
Learning Web: http://learning.cc.hccs.edu/members/joanne.brigham
Telephone: 713.718.6600
Course information: ARTS 2326 69832 Tues.-Thurs. 9:30-12:30
Textbook
None required.
Course description
Sculpture 1: This studio course will introduce the student to various materials, processes and elements of design. Media may include
plaster, wood, clay, and found materials.
Credit: 3 (2 lecture, 4 lab).
Course purpose
This course is a hands-on exploration of sculptural techniques, concepts, and materials. Projects are designed to provide ongoing
experience in additive (construction), subtractive (carving), modeling, casting, and assemblage (found object) techniques. Each
student will gain confidence from learning how to operate various tools and translating an idea into an object. An historical perspective
on art and sculpture will be drawn as students are introduced to various media and styles
Core Competencies
This course meets the basic intellectual competencies for core courses including reading, writing, speaking, listening, critical
thinking, and computer literacy.
Course objectives
1. To learn the basic methods of creating sculpture: additive (construction), subtractive (carving), modeling, casting, and assemblage.
2. To experiment with various media: wood, plaster, clay, wire, cardboard, and found objects.
3. To explore the elements and principles of design as they relate to working in three-dimensions.
4. To gain a working knowledge of how to operate power tools and shop safety.
5. To develop original and exhibition quality artworks that reflect your unique experiences and perspectives.
6. To learn the vocabulary associated with sculpture.
7. To develop critical thinking skills so as to intelligently discuss and analyze artworks in a critique with peers.
8. To conduct research in an effort to gather images or develop concepts.
Student requirements
1. Create a sculpture that uses the figure
2. Create a sculpture that uses plaster
3. Create a sculpture that uses wood
4. Create a sculpture that uses found materials
5. Create one project with an armature
6. Complete a minimum of 1000 words in writing assignments
7. Demonstrate safe studio habits, materials handling, and equipment operation
8. Demonstrate knowledge of sculptural presentation including: free standing in-the-round forms, pedestal works, bas-relief,
installations, outdoor works, and site-determined works
9. Demonstrate knowledge of various processes of sculpture: additive, subtractive, modeling, casting, kinetic, environmental, etc.
10. Prepare one work for an exhibition and participate according to instructor or individual college
11. Participate in end of semester studio clean-up
12. Explore a variety of subject matter and content
13. Explore a variety of styles (representational, abstract, non-representational)
14. Demonstrate knowledge of the medium from art historical and cultural contexts
15. Demonstrate proficiency with the processes and techniques presented in the class
16. Participate in class critiques and in the analysis of their work and the work of other students
17. Participate in trips to area museums or sculpture gardens
18. Attend class regularly, missing no more than 12.5% of class time
19. Arrive at class promptly, and bring all required materials for that day’s session
Grading and Evaluation
Projects (5 total)
Participation
75% (15% each)
30%
Sculpture projects
Students will create five art projects over the course of the semester. Each project will be related to concepts and media introduced in
class. These projects will be accomplished in the classroom and under the supervision of the instructor. Projects will be evaluated
based on the following criteria:
 fulfillment of project requirements
 experimentation of process and exploration of the media
 craftsmanship and mastery of technical processes
 originality
 level of ambition
 degree of completion
 aesthetics and attention to the elements and principles of art
 participation in individual and group critique
Participation
Students will be graded on participation daily including productive use of class time; activities and critiques, attendance, participation in
the student show, maintenance of tools and a clean workspace, and final clean-up. Participation counts 30% of the final grade.
Class Critiques
Critiques are probably the most important aspect of any studio course. All students are required to participate in the class critique, by
having work ready for the critique and by engaging with peers during the critique. Attendance is mandatory for all class critiques. Class
critiques will be scheduled on the same day that the work is due.
Student show
Art studio students are required to participate in the end-of-semester Student Exhibition by submitting one exhibition-quality artwork.
Work will be delivered to the gallery ready to hang on the wall or be installed on the floor or a pedestal, or hang from the ceiling. See
the calendar for date to drop off work at the gallery and for the date of the opening reception. Please plan to attend.
Grade scale
90-100
A (Excellent)
80-89
B (Above average)
70-79
C (Average)
60-69
D (Below average)
Below 60 F (Failing)
Incomplete
The grade of “I” (incomplete) is conditional and rarely given. A student receiving an “I” must arrange with the instructor to complete the
course work within one semester of the end of the incomplete term. After the deadline, the “I” becomes an “F.” Upon completion of the
coursework, the grade will be entered as I/grade on the student transcript. All “I”s must be changed to grades prior to graduation. A
grade of “I” is given only under unusual circumstances beyond the control of the student towards the end of the semester.
Tardiness
Because demonstrations and lectures are often given at the start of class, tardiness can mean not receiving valuable information. If
you are going to miss part of class, it is better to miss at the end than at the beginning. Please let me know when you arrive late for
class, so you can receive credit for partial attendance. Tardiness counts against the participation grade. Longer tardiness may be
counted as an absence.
Attendance
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. Attendance is checked every day at the start of class.
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). 12.5% of 96 hours is 12 hours in a studio class. Note:
it is the responsibility of the student to withdraw officially from a course. Administrative drops are at the discretion of the instructor. If a
student does not withdraw by the official deadline, it will result in the student receiving the grade they earned. For the deadline for
course withdrawal, check the current calendar.
Withdrawals
The state of Texas has begun to impose penalties on students who drop courses excessively. This has caused HCC to no longer allow
the grade of “W” to be given by an instructor after the last official date of withdrawal. It is your responsibility to officially withdraw from a
class and prevent an “F” from appearing on your transcript. When considering withdrawal from a course, remember that:
1. No grade is given and your transcript reflects no record of the course if you withdraw before the Official Date of Record.
2. A “W” (indicating withdrawal) appears on your transcript if you drop a course after the Official Date of Record and before the final
deadline.
3. The final deadline to drop a course is four weeks before fall or spring semester finals and one week before summer semester
exams. You will need to look on the semester calendar for the specific date.
4. There are two ways to withdraw from a course:
a. Complete an official withdrawal form available at any campus.
b. Write a letter stating your request to withdraw to the Office of Student Records.
5. The effective date of your withdrawal is the postmarked date of your letter.
Students with visas, or those receiving financial aid are expected to understand the consequences of receiving a grade of
“W”, “I”, or “F”. In some cases, such a grade could cause the loss of financial aid, or a change in student visa status.
Late work
It is important that each student completes his or her work in time for the announced critiques. Consequently, projects will be marked
down ten points (out of a possible 100) for each class day they are late. Students are encouraged to rework any projects that have
been submitted in order to achieve a higher grade. The higher grade will be the final grade for the project.
Work outside of class
Students are expected to work on their projects outside of class in order to satisfactorily complete the assignments. It is unrealistic to
expect all of the work necessary to complete the project can be done only in the time allotted for the class to meet. However, the
majority of the project should be completed within the class and not outside the class scheduled meeting time.
Lockers
Small lockers are available for materials and supplies. Students are required to furnish their own locks. Any lockers not emptied at the
end of the semester will have their locks cut and contents thrown out.
Studio keys and pass
To enter a locked studio, students will need to present a studio pass to the fine arts office secretary in exchange for a key. In addition
to a studio pass, you will need to present your student I.D. When a student checks out a studio key, they are not permitted to loan the
key to other students. Should the key become lost, there will be a charge of $65.00 to cover the cost of re-keying the locks. For
security reasons, it is recommended that students do not prop a locked door open when they temporarily leave the studio. Any
students who plan to work in a studio that has already been unlocked are asked to check in at the art office prior to entering the studio.
In order to check out keys for the large power tools, students must present a studio pass that has been stamped. A stamped pass
indicates that the student has been checked out by the instructor and had been trained in the safe operation of these types of tools.
Art office and open studio hours
Art office hours: M-Th from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; F-S from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; closed Sunday
Open studio hours: M-Th from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; F-S from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; closed Sunday
Studio policies
The following policies are dictated by safety and health:
 students must follow all safety rules and adhere to power tool instructions
 students are responsible for cleaning their work areas
 no smoking, food, or drink in the studio or courtyard
 studio tools and equipment are to be used only by students enrolled in the class
 students must only use clays that are approved by the ceramics department
 students are not allowed to operate power tools until properly trained in use
 no children in the studio or courtyard
 students are required to wear dust masks when working near sawdust or plaster dust
 students are required to wear protective goggles when operating power tools (no exceptions)
 no cell phones, personal stereos, or unauthorized recording devices
Any student who consistently disregards these studio policies could be dropped from the course.
Disabilities
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.
Academic dishonesty
The HCCS policy on scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion:
1. Cheating on a test includes:
a. Copying from another student's test paper; using during a test, materials not authorized by the person giving the test;
b. Collaborating with another student during a test without authorization;
c. Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in whole or part the contents of an unadministered
test;
d. Bribing another person to obtain a test that is to be administered.
2. 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 is especially true of work taken from sources via the Internet.
3. Collusion means the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work offered for credit.
Possible consequences 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 the College System.
Student insurance
The Fine Arts Department at Central College strongly recommends that all HCCS students carry some form of medical insurance to
cover illness and injury, both on and off campus. Information regarding low-cost insurance for students is available in the Fine Arts
office. Under Texas state statute, HCCS is immune to liability in the event of accident or injury.
Academic advising
Academic advisement concerning specific Fine Arts courses and degree plans for Art is available to Central College students during
the academic semesters. Please sign up in the Fine Arts office, FAC 101, to speak to a full time instructor in your area of interest.
Repetition of courses
Students who repeat a course for a third or more time may soon face significant tuition and/or fee increases at HCC and other Texas
public colleges and universities. Please ask your instructor or counselor about opportunities for tutoring and other assistance prior to
considering course withdrawal or if you are not receiving passing grades. Studio courses are exempt from this policy.
Restriction on the use of electronic or recording devices
Students are not permitted to use recording devices in the studio without permission from the instructor. This includes such things as
video recorders, cameras, cell phones with cameras, and voice recorders. Exceptions to this restriction are students with disabilities
who require such devices or students who are documenting the progress of their projects or are otherwise using the devices for
legitimate studio purposes.
Writing tutoring
Students are encouraged to take advantage of tutoring services offered by the English Department located on the third floor of the Fine
Arts Center next to the English office. Tutors will assist writing assignments and are especially helpful for students when English is a
second language. In addition, online tutoring is available 24/7 at www.askonline.net. Submissions are returned within 24 hours or less.
Required:
Mask suitable for particulate matter, used for sanding not for vapors
Rubber work gloves
Apron or work shirt
Lock for locker
Masking tape
Wire (baling)
Cheesecloth, 100% cotton (not polyester)
Utility brushes
Disposable container with lid (can is better than glass)
Screening
Found objects (for project)
Wood
Fasteners (nails, screws, hinges, nuts, bolts, hangers) as needed
Glue (Elmers)
Paint
Work gloves
Sandpaper (variety pack)
Vendors
Lowe’s
Home Depot
Southland Hardware
1822 Westheimer, 713-529-4743
Texas Art Supply
2001 Montrose Blvd., 713-874-5783
2237 S. Voss Rd, Houston, 713-780-0440
Art Supply
2711 Main, 713-652-4984
Ceramics Store
1002 W. 11th St., (713) 864-6442
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Tues. Jan. 18
Introductions.
Discussion of course syllabus, calendar, and materials list.
Tour of facilities.
Introduction to Sculpture
Thurs. Jan. 20
Work Project #1
Tues. Jan. 25th
Work on Project #1
Thurs. Jan. 27th
Work on Project #1.
Tues. Feb. 1st
Work on Project #1
Thurs. Feb. 3rd
Critique Project #1
Tues. Feb. 8th
Work on Project #2
Thurs. Feb 10th
Work on Project #2.
Tues. Feb. 15th
Work on Project #2. Priority Deadline Spring Degree Completion
Thurs. Feb. 17th
Work on Project #2.
Tues. Feb. 22th
Work on Project #2.
Thurs. Feb. 24th
Work on Project #2.
Tues. Mar. 1
Work on Project #2
Thurs. Mar.3
Week 8
Week 9
Week 10
Tues. Mar. 8
Work on Project #3.
Thurs. Mar. 10
Work on Project #3
Tues. Mar. 22
Work on Project #3.
Thurs. Mar. 24
Work on Project #3.
Tues. Mar. 29
Work on Project #3.
Thurs. Mar. 31
Week 11
Project #2 due; class critique*.
Tues. April 5
Work on Project #3.
Project #3 due; class critique*.
Thurs. April 7
Work on Project #4.
Week 12
Tues. April 12
Work on Project #4.
******************
Thurs. April 14
Work on Project #4.
Last day to drop classes by 4:30 P.M. *********
Week 13
Week 14
Week 15
Week 16
Tues. April 19
Work on Project #4.
Thurs. April 21
.
Work on Project #4.
Tues. April 26
Critique Project #4
Thurs. April 28
Class project
Tues. May 3
Work on Class Project.
Thurs. May 5
Final class meeting and last day to turn in late projects.
Comprehensive studio clean-up.
(Attendance mandatory and part of participation grade).
No Final Exam
* Even if work is incomplete, attendance and participation in all class critiques is mandatory.
This calendar is tentative and may be modified at the discretion of the instructor during the semester.