Ringling College of Art and Design
MA 256 Creative Geometry Course Syllabus for Fall 2014
Mission of the College:
Ringling College of Art and Design recognizes that artists and designers play a significant role in
society. The school’s primary mission is to provide programs leading to a Bachelor of Fine Arts
degree that prepare students to be discerning visual thinkers and ethical practitioners in their
chosen area of art and design.
Visual arts professionals must understand diverse aspects of past and present cultures, and
develop their capacity for creative expression and effective communication. Ringling’s
curriculum, therefore, balances the teaching of technical knowledge and skills with the
development of critical, conceptual and creative abilities and supports courses that provide
historical, multicultural, global and future perspectives. Ringling faculty
consists of
professionally
active
and teachingoriented
artists,
designers
and scholars.
Ringling
College
of Art and
Design
strives to enroll
both full
and part-time
students
from diverse
backgrounds who intend to become professionals in the visual arts.
Through its
policies and practices, the College supports excellence in teaching and fosters the aesthetic,
intellectual, professional, personal, and social development of its students. Academic programs
and advising, career services, and an extensive co-curricular student life program prepare
students for an art or design profession, or when appropriate, for continued studies on the
graduate level.
In addition to its degree program, Ringling College offers courses, lectures, exhibitions and other
art-related services to the local and regional community through its gallery, library, continuing
education and community service programs.
Through the efforts of its Board of Trustees, administrators, faculty, support staff, alumni, and
friends, Ringling endeavors to provide the necessary resources, services and environment to
fulfill its institutional mission.
Founded in 1931, Ringling College of Art and Design is a private, independent nonprofit, fouryear college.
Ringling College of Art and Design
MA 256 Course Syllabus for Fall 2014
Instructor:
Office:
Office Phone:
E-mail:
Dr. James A. Condor
Faculty Office Building/RCAD
(941) 752-5496
jcondor@c.ringling.edu
Web Page:
http://faculty.scf.edu/condorj/256/MA256.htm
Office Hours: The instructor will be available to meet with students outside of class time by
appointment only.
Course:
MA 256/ICS/02 Creative Geometry 3 credits
Location: RCAD/Goldstein Village 3-4/104
Day/Time: Wednesday 12:30 PM – 03:15 PM 8-20 through 12-8
Course Description:
The Creative Geometry course develops creative approaches to visualizing and solving spatial
and geometric problems. Students learn geometric concepts, express them in formulas, and
analyze the geometric structure of and create works of art, architecture, design and the patterns
of nature. Creative Geometry is a 3 credit hour course.
Student Learning Outcome: Quantitative and Scientific Reasoning
Awareness of scientific reasoning: Students demonstrate a basic understanding of how scientists
approach the world and validate their hypotheses (scientific reasoning ). An informed
acquaintance with the mathematical and experimental methods of the physical and biological
sciences and with the main forms of analysis and the historical and quantitative techniques
needed for understanding the workings and developments of modern society.
Awareness of current environmental issues: Students show a consciousness of the impact of
their lifestyle and professional practices upon the contemporary ecosystem. Students can
describe (through written or spoken words and images) the “ecological footprint” of lifestyles
and professions (environmental awareness). Note: this competency concerns factual knowledge
concerning one’s connectedness to the eco-system and the consequences of one’s practices. See
the Social Responsibility rubric for a separate competency that concerns the level of ethical
reflection concerning these practices.
Basic arithmetical skills: Students are able to perform the basic computations common to
everyday life as citizens in contemporary society and professional practice (basic computation).
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Ringling College of Art and Design
MA 256 Course Syllabus for Fall 2014
Visual mathematical skills/quantitative literacy: Students can interpret and represent quantitative
reasoning in graphic form (quantitative representation).
Creative Geometry/Math Art Basic geometry skills: Students will be able to discuss the
contribution of, and applications of, geometry in art, architecture, and design. Students will be
able to construct, analyze, and interpret two- and three-dimensional figures with regards to
terminology, form, and function; including area, surface area, and volume.
Awareness of differences and commonalities regarding work in artistic, humanistic, and
scientific domains: This competency involves students' ability to make connections between the
three domains and also to see how each brings its own perspective
Competencies:
Students will be able to: Identify the golden ratio, construct a golden rectangle and Fibonacci
spiral, identify the four dimensions, identify types of symmetry, compute point and line
symmetry and the distance between two points, find area and perimeter of basic geometric
shapes, use the Pythagorean theorem to find any missing side of a right triangle, find the measure
of a central angle of a regular polygon, find the scale factor given two similar figures, solve
proportions, plot points on a coordinate plane, plot points on a polar coordinate plane, find the
measure of one angle of a regular polygon, find the lengths of corresponding sides of similar
figures, create modular arithmetic tables, compute volumes of basic geometric solids, construct
tessellations, regular polygons, and various types of historical artwork such as Islamic art,
Gothic art, Celtic knotwork, and modular art, using a compass, ruler and mathematical modeling
software.
Course Outline:
Date
Week
8-20
1
Topic
Class Activity
Course Introduction
Student Introductions
The Golden Ratio in 2D & 3D
Fibonacci Sequence
Proportioning Systems
Math Autobiography
Activity 1: Golden Ratio
8-27
2
Open Lab
Activity 1 due date
9-3
3
Fundamentals of Geometry/Dimension
Fourth Dimension Theories
Hypercube/Geometer’s Sketchpad
Cubist Activity
Activity 2: Fourth Dimension
Project 1 due date
Components of Mathematical Design: Dimension, Model, Cognition,
Grid(polar, x-y…), parameters, cognitive elements.
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Ringling College of Art and Design
MA 256 Course Syllabus for Fall 2014
9-10
4
Open Lab
Activity 2 due date
9-17
5
Fractal Geometry/Fractal Art
Complex Numbers
Activity 3: Fractals
Project 2 due date
9-24
6
Open Lab
Midterm Deadline for Activities and Projects
Activity 3 due date
10-1
7
Perception/Illusions
Mathematical Modeling
Illusion Constructions
Trigonometry
Activity 4: Illusions/I-dimensional space
Project 3 due date
( MIDTERM) Cognitive Illusion
Computer Activity: Geometric Illusions
10-8
8
Open Lab
Activity 4 due date
10-15
9
Celtic Art
Knot Theory
Repetitive Patterns/Transformations
Volumes/ Platonic Solids
Parametric Equations
Activity 5: Celtic Knotwork
Project 4 due date
Parametric Design?
10-22
10
Open Lab
Activity 5 Due date
10-29
11
Area constructions/Circles
Islamic Art/Constructions
Points and Line Symmetry
Symmetry Artist/My Oats
Polar Equations/Sri Yantra
Activity 6: Islamic Constructions
Project 5 due date
11-5
12
Open Lab
Activity 6 due date
11-12
13
Pencil to Pixel
Gothic Architecture
Poster Art
Activity 7: Gothic Constructions
Project 6 due date
11-19
14
Open Lab
Activity 7 due date
Project 7 due date
Thanksgiving Holiday
No Classes
Modern Circular Designs
Polar Equation
Modular Arithmetic
Activity 8: Modular Design
Activity 8 due date
End of Semester Deadline
for all activities and projects.
Presentation Activities
Course Evaluation
Project 8 due date.
Presentation Activity due date
11-26
12-3
15
16
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Ringling College of Art and Design
MA 256 Course Syllabus for Fall 2014
Grading Policies:
Attendance
Attendance on non-Open Lab days is required. Your instructor will lower your course grade by
one letter for every unexcused absence from class or every three lates to class on those
designated days. A student will be considered absent if they do not participate during required
class time. Actions such as, but not limited to, not bringing the required tools to class, doing
work for other courses in class, failing to take notes, failing to attempt in-class assigned
activities, failure to participate during student presentations, or leaving class early, will be
considered non-participatory actions.
Deadlines
Any work assigned during the first 6 weeks of the course turned in after the midterm due date
will not receive any credit. Any work assigned during weeks 7-16 of the course turned in after
the last class meeting will not receive any credit. The due dates are listed on the syllabus. Any
extensions to project and activity due dates must be cleared with the instructor.
In-Class There are 8 required class activities, 20 points each. The activities must be
Activities completed by the end of class on the due date listed on the syllabus. Activities will
be graded using the following rubrics.
Weekly Activity Rubric
Assignment
Possible Points
Points Assigned
Answer all activity questions.
4
4
Complete activity assignment 1.
4
4
Complete activity assignment 2.
4
4
Complete activity assignment 3.
4
4
Complete activity assignment 4.
4
4
Total Points
20
20
Projects
There are 8 required projects, 30 points each. Projects are due by the end of class on
the due date listed on the syllabus. All projects will be kept by the instructor for one
semester following the end of the course. The project will be graded using the
following rubrics.
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Ringling College of Art and Design
MA 256 Course Syllabus for Fall 2014
Weekly Project Rubric
Assignment
Possible Points
Points Assigned
List the title of the artwork and how it is a real-world
application.
How does the artwork relate to a program of study
and what activity concept was used.
Explain how the activity concept was applied to the
artwork.
List the materials used and where the activity concept
appears in the artwork.
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
Show in detail the mathematical computations used to
create the artwork.
6
6
Total Points
30
30
Presentation
Activity
There is one presentation activity required, 60 points. The presentation activity
guidelines are available at the course website. The following rubric will be used
for assigning scores to the student presentation activity.
Presentation Activity Grading Rubric
0 = No Response No presentation.
12 = Incorrect
Content
The presentation was completed but incorrect or irrelevant information
was provided. Indication of attempt, but no understanding of
assignment.
24 = Minimal
The presentation demonstrated a minimal understanding of the
problem posed, but does not suggest a reasonable approach. Although
there may or may not be some correct geometrical work, the presentation is
incomplete, contains major geometrical errors, or reveals serious flaws in
reasoning. Creative use of geometry into art is absent.
36 = Partial
The presentation contains evidence of a conceptual understanding of the
project in that a reasonable approach is indicated. However, on the whole,
the presentation is not well developed. Although there may be serious
geometrical errors or flaws in the reasoning, the response does contain
some correct geometry. Creative use of geometry into art is inappropriate.
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Ringling College of Art and Design
MA 256 Course Syllabus for Fall 2014
48 = Satisfactory The presentation demonstrates a clear understanding of the assignment and
provides an acceptable approach. The presentation also is generally well
developed and clear, but contains minor weaknesses in the development.
Creative use of geometry into art exits, but is not fully developed.
60 = Extended
The presentation demonstrates a complete understanding of the assignment,
is correct and the methods of creation are appropriate and fully developed.
The geometry used is logically sound, clearly displayed, and does not
contain any significant errors. Creative use of geometry into art is well
chosen and fully developed.
There will be 460 total points possible for the semester. A student's semester percentage is the
student’s total course points divided by 460.
Students are responsible for keeping a copy of all of their graded work to show course
accountability. Students are responsible for turning in all projects at the end of the semester.
Grading System:
Grade
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DF
WF
4.00
3.67
3.33
3.00
2.67
2.33
2.00
1.67
1.33
1.00
0.67
0.00
0.00
Superior Performance
Above Average
Average Performance
Below Average
Failing
Withdrew Failing
Semester Percentage
94 - 100
91 - 93
88 - 90
84 - 87
81 - 83
78 - 80
74 - 77
71 - 73
68 - 70
64 - 67
61 - 63
< 61
These grades are not computed in the GPA
P
Credit But No Grade
N
No Credit
W
Withdrew Passing
I
Incomplete (see policy below)
Required Materials:
Compass, protractor, scientific calculator, scissors, pencil, ruler and a notebook.
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Recommended Texts:
Optional textbook: Keys for Writers: A Brief Handbook, 3rd ed. Boston: Houghton Mifflin,
2002 by Raimes, Ann
Disabilities Accommodation:
The Ringling College of Art and Design makes reasonable accommodations for qualified people
with documented disabilities. If you have a learning disability, a chronic illness, or a physical or
psychiatric disability that may have some impact on your work for this class and for which you
may need accommodations, please notify the Director of the Academic Resource Center
(Room 227 Ulla Searing Student Center; 359-7627) preferably before the end of the
drop/add period so that appropriate adjustments can be made.
Health and Safety:
Ringling School of Art and Design is committed to providing students, faculty, and staff with a
safe and healthful learning and work environment and to comply with all applicable safety laws
and regulations and safe work practices. Rules and safety guidelines for maintaining a safe
working environment in this shop/studio/class will be provided to you at the beginning of the
course (i.e. students must wear close-toed shoes, students must wear protective eyewear, students
may not eat or drink in the studio, etc.).
Academic Integrity:
It is goal of the Ringling College of Art and Design faculty to foster a spirit of complete honesty
and high standards of academic integrity. Students must submit work that honestly reflects their
level of ability and accomplishment. Any work that is not a product of the student’s own efforts
is considered dishonest and is a serious offense which can result in academic sanctions, including
failure of the course and suspension from the college.
Professional Behavior in the Classroom:
Students are required to adhere to statements regarding student misconduct outlined in official
Ringling College of Art and Design publications including the Catalog and the Student
Handbook. Students are expected to assist in maintaining a classroom or studio environment
which is conducive to learning. In order to assure that all students have the opportunity to gain
from time spent in class, unless otherwise approved by the instructor, students are prohibited
from using cellular phones, beepers or other personal electronic devices; from eating or drinking
in class, making offensive remarks, texting, reading emails, working on assignments for other
courses, reading non-class related materials, sleeping, using the computers for activities not
related to the Creative Geometry course or engaging in any other behavior that is a potential
distraction. The minimal consequence of failure to adhere to these statements is withdrawal from
the course.
Incomplete Policy:
The instructor reserves the right to deny any student the option of an incomplete for a course
grade. The student must complete at least 85% of the course with a C grade or above and have a
documented excuse for non-completion of the course assignments.
Pass/Fail Policy:
Students cannot take Dr. Condor's MA256 course as a Pass/Fail.
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