University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh
Department of Fine Arts
Spring, 2013
Course: Sculpture 1
Time: M W, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: ACS22 Sculpture
Professor: Michael Beitz
Office: AC511
Office Hours: by appointment/ 920 424 0761
E-mail: beitzm@uwosh.edu
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course develops basic skills in sculpture while investigating concepts and practices of sculpture as a form of expression in contemporary art making. Students will learn basic fabrication skills with wood and metal as well as mold making and casting techniques. Group discussions, critiques and reading assignments place the process and product of sculpture within a wider contemporary scope. Students are expected to engage in the discourse surrounding three-dimensional production that aids them in making, thinking and speaking critically.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Attendance Policy:
Attendance is mandatory. Being in a class is being part of the culture of the class. Poor attendance is
guaranteed to affect your grade! No exceptions. The maximum allowed absences is 3. Beyond this number, the effect on your grade is as follows:
1-3 Absences – OK
4-5 Absences – grade reduction
5 or more absences – Dismissal from course
 Three or more unauthorized absences will result in a grading penalty. After three absences grade is dropped by one letter grade, each additional absence will cause an additional ½ letter grade off.
 Legitimate reasons for absence are illness, emergencies, funerals, which must be documented.
However, these too, will affect you grade and make-up work is required for all missed classes.
 It is the responsibility of students to keep themselves aware of all assignments, procedures and due dates, to produce make-up work unprompted, and to catch up on missed lectures, discussion, etc.
 If possible, students should inform the instructor of upcoming absences.
 Students are expected to be punctual and prepared (with all materials) for every class and to stay for the class’s duration. Chronic Lateness, early leave-taking, or abuse of break time will also result in a grading penalty (3 lateness/early leave-taking = 1 absence).
Academic/ Studio Course Requirements
 Critiques: Students are expected to be present at and to fully participate in all formal and informal critiques and class discussions (many of which will be student led). Formal critiques are indicated on the course schedule, or as the class schedule demands. Unexcused absence at a
critique will result in a full letter grade reduction on the assignment.
 Informal critiques of works in progress occur spontaneously on a regular basis.
 Familiarization of course content through required readings is mandatory.

 Attendance at all group outings and visiting artist lectures is essential, as well, students are encouraged to attend, on their own, similar events at area institutions.
 Sketch Book: The maintenance of a notebook/sketchbook/journal is essential. Sketchbooks trace the development of an artist. They are used to collect ideas, record observations and reflections, develop research, and make quantities of preparatory studies, especially for ideas and compositional approaches. Many times you will be writing down possible ideas in a verbal format as well as sketching, and making thumbnails. Sketchbooks aid the student in the habit of recording both visual and conceptual ideas for artistic growth. The sketchbook is to be used on an ongoing basis and as an aid for discussing different project ideas with the instructor. The sketchbook is submitted for evaluation both at midterm and at the end of the semester.
 Weekly Assignment: each week I will ask one student to give a very brief 5 minute presentation of a contemporary scultor of their own choice. Please try to surprise us with an artist we are not familiar with.
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Basis for Grading: Assignments and class work are required to be completed and submitted on time.
Completed work can be reworked for re-grading, except at the very end of semester. Assignments handed in late are graded down by ½ a letter grade or more. Unexcused absence at a critique will result in a full letter grade reduction.
Assignment submitted on time - full credit
Student not at Crit/Assignment submitted late- full letter grade reduction
All Assignments must be completed for students to pass this course.
Grading/ Evaluation is based upon:
Concept/ Development:
Progress made during the semester, witnessed though the imaginative exploration of ideas and materials, the process of working, the extent of research, the manipulation of media, the understanding of concepts and terminology presented.
Resolution/ technique/ presentation:
The completion of works and execution of ideas. Quality of craft and professional presentation.
Commitment/ Effort/ Originality of Approach:
Willingness to explore and experiment beyond what is already established, to exceed basic requirements and expectations.
GOALS OF CLASS
 Conceptual- idea generation
 Development of basic sculpture skills including use of shop tools
 Assignments submitted in a timely manner
 Skillful craft and presentation
 Thoughtful experimentation with assignments
 Understanding of both formal structures and conceptual emphasis of each assignment
 Innovative, independent thinking
 Research and exploration of art, art movements, and artists
 Sketches and models of three dimensional forms

TOOLS
Only use those tools the instructor has demonstrated in the class. Keep in mind safe tool use at all times. Please ask if you forget or are unsure of how to use a tool as this will keep you from putting yourself and others in danger. Respect all tools in the shop; they are an extension of your hand and creativity. Do not take any tools from the shop.
SAFETY
Your complete attention will be demanded during the instructors demonstrations of tool
use and methods in reference to the projects. You are to develop a strong safety conscious attitude
while working on any project as we proceed through the semester. Unsafe and reckless actions will
Not be tolerated.
OTHER CLASS INFORMATION
 Students are asked to have all cell phones turned off during class times. iPods may not be used during work sessions.
 Students with a diagnosed disability that affects class participation and course work should advise the instructor at the beginning of the course in order for accommodations to be made..
Suggested Texts
The Eyes of the Skin, Architecture and the Senses, Juhani Pallasmaa, Wiley-Academy 2005
There will be reading assignments from various sources that may include:
The Production of Space, Henri Lefebvre, Wiley-Blackwell, 1992
Of Other Spaces, Michel Foucault, Jay Miskoeiec, Diacritics Vol.16, No.1., Spring1986
Simulations, Jean Baudrillard, Semiotext(e) and Jean Baudrillard, 1983
Mythologies, Roland Barthes, Hill and Wang, 1972
The Post Modern Turn, Steven Best, Douglas Kellner, The Guilford Press, 1997
Sensory Design, Joy Monice Malnar and Frank Vodvarka, University of Minnesota Press, 2004
Critical Vehicles, Krzysztof Wodiczko, MIT Press, 1999
A Pattern Language, Christopher Alexander, Oxford University Press, 1977
Screenings may include:
One Week, directed by Buster Keaton, 1920
Mon Oncle (my uncle), Directed by Jacques Tati, 1958
Krzysztof Wodiczko: Projections, directed by Derek May, 1991.
Maya Lin, A Strong Clear Vision, directed by Freida Lee Mock, 1995.
Robert Irwin: The Beauty of Questions, directed by Leonard Feinstein, 1997.
Metropolis, directed by Fritz Lang, 1927
Brazil, directed by Terry Gilliam, 1985
Conical Intersect, Gordon Matta-Clark, 1975
Materials List
- hard cover, unlined notebook/sketchbook, additional materials will be requested during class