Speical Topics in Graphic Design: Social Practice
Arts 390 _ 03
3 Credit hour studio
January 23-May 11, 2012
9:30–11:50
Monday/ Wednesday
Rockefeller Arts Center 323 / 307
Jason.Dilworth@fredonia.edu
Office
Rockefeller Arts Center 304
Hours
Tuesday / Thursday 10:00 – 12:00, 15:30–16:00
Monday / Wednesday / Friday: Online & by appointment
Rules for making social practice art. Think of it. Do it.
“One should, each day, try to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and, if possible, speak a few reasonable words.” Goethe.
“I was raised up believing I was somehow unique; like a snowflake distinct among snowflakes unique in each way you can see. And now after some thinking I’d rather say i’d rather be a functioning cog in some great machinery serving some great beyond me.”
Mission Statement
The mission of the Department of Visual Arts and New Media is to provide a balanced, comprehensive undergraduate education within the complex world of artistic disciplines. Our goal is to advance studio practice as well as theoretical and historical studies through the development of creative, practical and conceptual skills. This encourages student understanding of cultural, philosophical, and historical settings for contemporary art.
Department Objectives
Whether the goal is a career or advanced study in the visual arts or simply a greater understanding of art and technology’s cultural impact, the curriculum includes a dynamic mix of studios, lectures, and seminars. Our graduates in the Department of Visual Arts and New Media possess a unique set of hybrid skills that provide a critical edge for leadership positions in the competitive and evolving marketplace. Many Visual Arts and New Media graduates have successful careers in corporate and public settings as art directors, working artists and designers, teachers, creative freelancers and owners of pottery studios, photo studios and design firms. Others work as photographer’s assistants, web designers, gallery directors and curators, and in the special effects industry. Visual Arts and New Media students have also continued their education in graduate programs around the country.
Department Learning Objectives
ice giving you a new arsenal of tools to peruse your career in the visual arts. In this course we believe that through art the artist can affect the environments where she/he lives.
Work in this course
Collaboration: (1) The act of working with someone to produce or create something. (2) Traitorous cooperation with an enemy. In order for this course to deliver the highest quality of work it is imperative that all participants carry their weight. Each student will be expected to contribute meaningful content to critiques seminar discussions and field trips. Weekly reading assignments will be assigned and failure to read them will leave you uninformed and make you a very boring person. And while this is a course is taught as a special topics course in graphic design no prior knowledge in design is required. Instead, this course is meant to build off the talents and expertise of the participants. Sculpture, writing, dance, economics, tap dancing every special skill and ability will make work in this course more interesting. The only important rule to remember is to WORK.
Supplies and Materials.
Dedicated sketchbook/journal.
A good pair of shoes or boots capable of walking in several inches of snow.
A warm winter coat.
1 pair of gloves
1 hat
A willingness to improvise and create
Required Text
July, Miranda and Harrell Fletcher. Learning to love you more:
http://www.learningtoloveyoumore.com/book.php
PSU MFA Social Practice. We Need To Know Where We Have Been To Know Where We Are Going.
Ebook: $1.49
http://www.lulu.com/product/ebook/we-need-to-know-where-weve-been-to-know-where-we-are-going/17381015?productTrackingContext=product_view/recently_viewed/left/1
Paperback: $12.23
Class Policies
Attendance
Attendance for all courses in the Department of Visual Arts + New Media is mandatory. Students will be allowed three absences without penalty. Each absence in excess of three will result in 1/2 a letter grade reduction of the final grade for the course. Any special medical or personal problems that occur, where absenteeism will exceed the allowed three, will require verification by the Vice-President for Student Affairs and may require course withdrawal or “incomplete” status on the final grade. Seven absences mandates an automatic grade of F.
Attendance will be taken during each class. Students are required to be on time and to remain for the entire scheduled time. Three late arrivals will equal one absence; early departure without faculty approval will also result in an absence. These allowed absences are for emergencies and not freebies. You may be asked to drop the course if you have accumulated more than three absences.
Grading
The primary method of evaluation will be periodic individual and group critiques of performance and projects, including daily participation. Oral presentations of work in progress will also be required. Mandatory critiques will occur at midterm and finals week.
Estimated weight of evaluations:
Writing / Sketchbooks / Daily Grades 20%
Oral Presentations: 20%
Projects: 60%
Grades in general and for particular assignments will be determined by a combination of three criteria.
process. this involves how you made what you made, and the path that took
you there. this includes your; research methods, diversity of idea generation, verbal presentations of ideas, visual presentation of these ideas in sketchbooks, documentation of the conceptual development, general problem solving skills, and your motivational attitude while working on course projects. process work will be evaluated through the semester and official documentation will be required for each assignment.
realization. how well you made what you made. work should be: visually interesting and of the highest
through projects and exercises you will be expected to meet the following department objectives.
— To utilize and expand critical thinking skills, the ability to comprehend and to analyze information through the careful consideration of evidence and the application of reasoned argument.
— To practice and improve analytical writing, the appropriate, accurate and effective use of written words to communicate ideas, explain evidence, and support assertions.
— To promote effective oral communication through the practice of various kinds of public speaking such as classroom presentations as well as individual and/or group critiques.
— To enhance visual sophistication and interpretation though the development of craftsmanship, the refinement of conceptual issues, and the expansion of artistic awareness.
— To advance scholarly expertise and professional preparation through the practice of in-depth research, the application of knowledge to one’s own body of work, and the improvement of professional readiness and sophistication.
Mission Statement of Graphic Design Area
The mission of the Graphic Design area is to provide students with a solid foundation in the practice and theory of Graphic Design. To achieve this projects and courses are structured to build off one another teaching principles and practices that are requisite to create designers who are capable of meeting industry requirements while also adhering to rigorous academic study. Historical perspectives and traditions are taught while looking forward to where design is going. The area is housed within the department of visual arts and new media and our students are encouraged to collaborate with all areas in the department, and across the entire Fredonia campus.
This course
This course will address two issues that share a medium of audience. These two areas are design thinking and the area of art best defined as social practice. These topics will be explored in depth by addressing historical context and precedents. Projects will be completed collaboratively. And issues topics will be generated by the diversity of experiences from the participants. This course will be a work of art.
Rationale
Your neighborhood. Your family. Your experiences. For many years the boundaries of what has been described of as the art world have been expanding, challenging what can be defined as art. This course is meant as a way to introduce you to some of the new ways of thinking and working in this changing world. Grounded in academia this course wishes to provide you with a truthful working knowledge of the field of social practquality you are capable of. it should contain a clear message, be appropriate for your specified audience, and fulfill the parameters of the given assignment. it should also be clear to me that you know how to work with the various elements used to in the final piece. pay special attention to all the elements; color, image, illustrations, and typography. remember craft and cleanliness matter.
professionalism. in addition to teaching you the theory of graphic design this class is also meant to prepare you for a job in the industry and as a result your demeanor and attitude as evidenced from you participation in class will be at least 1/3 of your project grade. class attendance, meeting deadlines, contributing during critiques and discussions, maintaining a positive attitude, responding to constructive criticism, and making effective use of class time will be a major part of this grade.
you will be graded daily. failure to show progress throughout the semester will result in a lower grade.
Plagiarism / deceit
From the opening statement of the Academic Integrity Policy*
The State University of New York at Fredonia holds that the life of the mind and personal integrity go hand in hand, and are inseparable. Adherence to this philosophy is essential if we are to facilitate and promote the free and open exchange of ideas upon which our college mission relies. An essential component of the academic experience at SUNY Fredonia is the conviction that academic goals must be achieved by honorable means. It is expected, therefore, that all students attending the State University of New York at Fredonia will support and abide by all provisions of the following Academic Integrity Policy. It is further understood that by enrolling in courses, students are agreeing to the rules and regulations set forth below.
http://www.fredonia.edu/StudentAffairs/JudicialAffairs/policies.asp#academic
As per the Academic Integrity Policy Plagiarism will not be tolerated and will result in an automatic failure. It will be assumed that all projects unless otherwise noted and documented are the sole work of the student(s). Make art.
To avoid any issues on the subject students will be required to submit an intellectual property report with each project outlining clearly that they have the rights and licenses for all assets used.
Safety
Safety is of the upmost concern for us in graphic design area. While most of the materials and supplies you will be working with are not hazardous careful consideration must be given while working. Heed warning labels and lab safety protocols at all times.
Get in the habit now to take care of yourself. Get enough sleep, take breaks often, exercise regularly, and eat healthy foods.
No smoking, alcohol or drugs are permitted in the building.
Report any broken or missing tools and or computers.
Do not use any equipment that you have not had instruction as to how to use it.
Should you be involved in an accident in Rockefeller Arts Center use the Red Phones in the hallway to contact security.
Studio area 323/321
Studio areas are to be kept clean. Use proper equipment, i.e., sharp blades. Never use spray mount and or adhesive in the studio areas. Please be respectful and keep the space clean for yourself and others.
Computer Labs 307/309
All of the computers within our labs have been loaded with the appropriate licensing of applications and fonts that will be in use during our semester. Follow all posted rules regarding use of the computer lab. No smoking, No food, No Drink. Computers are dedicated for course work, research, and other academic purposes. Recreational and personal use of lab computers will adversely effect your grade. Facebook is not allowed during course time. If at anytime you experience a problem with any machine do not hesitate to notify me or the help desk via Fredquest.
Data Storage
You are responsible for backing up and organizing your digital files. Hardware troubles i.e., disk failures, hard drive crashes, corrupt files will occur and will not be acceptable excuses for failure to hand in work. Back up regularly and frequently. Labs are climate controlled, please keep doors closed to keep them that way.
Printing
For proofing, each lab is equipped with 1 black and white and one color printer. Print frequently but not in excess. For final prints please follow the instructions from the print techs.
At the beginning of each semester a portion of your lab fee will be dedicated to printing cost. Not all your projects will be covered by this and you will be responsible for covering the extra cost. Plan appropriately for your projects and never rely on the printers to work the day of a critique. Notify faculty if there are any problems regarding printing.
Communication
Announcements and instructions will be given verbally during lectures and work time. Deadlines are subject to change and it is up to you to keep track of these dates and ensure that you meet them. I will use your Fredonia email account if you have another account that you would prefer to use notify me today. I will not use angel.
Final Schedule
Friday May 11, 2012 8:30–10:30am
Miscellaneous
If you are or become aware of any situation or circumstance that you feel is interfering with your ability to meet course requirements do not hesitate to ask for assistance either from the appropriate campus service or me personally. Situations will be handled on a case by case basis.
http://www.fredonia.edu/counseling/
http://www.fredonia.edu/tlc/dss/
http://www.fredonia.edu/healthcenter/
department student handbooks and external links to campus services
http://www.fredonia.edu/department/art/pdf/10-11vanmstudenthandbook.pdf
student affairs
http://www.fredonia.edu/studentaffairs/student_handbook_2011_12.pdf
Special requirements
If you feel anything has been left out notify me. jason.dilworth@fredonia.edu.