CORE STUDIO I – syllabus information


This course will concentrate the exploration of the elements of two-dimensional design (line, shape, texture, value) and their relationship to the principles of design (unity, variety, balance, scale, proportion. emphasis, and rhythm).  Stress will be place on visual thinking through the use of various problem-solving structures.  Various media – from traditional to untraditional media – will be used to execute these ideas and craftsmanship and presentation will be emphasized.  Through group critique and class discussions, you will learn to discuss, interpret and evaluate (two-dimensional) art. These discussions will be an important enhancement of all projects. You will learn to verbally articulate ideas and responses to your and fellow students’ work.  

A large part of this class’s success is dependent on your participation. This doesn’t only refer to your attendance and drive towards your work—but also includes your critical attitude, willingness to be expressive, openness to experiment, and ability to act as a community member. Therefore be open to change and prepared to affect this community in a positive way.  This is your class – become a key player and make it work for you

CATALOG DESCRIPTION
This studio based course introduces incoming students to a broad range of contemporary forms of art making relative to surface based media. Its curricula incorporates visual and critical thinking with formal and the experimental projects. Students are exposed to a wide variety of historical and contemporary models of artistic production, participate in the CORE Connect thematic programing, and learn how to utilize research methods that will be essential to their future studies and artistic practice. CORE STUDIO II is a companion course focusing on mediums related to space and time.

COURSE OBJECTIVES
  • To develop an ability to effectively seek out and evaluate research sources that relate to assignments and the students creative interests.
  • To develop an ability to locate the student’s audience and communicate information to that audience effectively in a clear and well-crafted form.
  • To develop a comprehension of copyright law, plagiarism, and the ethics correlated to these principles.
  • To develop an understanding of the importance of research in the creative process.   
  • To develop critical thinking, observation, thinking, and problem-solving skills.
  • To develop a grasp of two-dimensional concepts and become familiar with how basic elements and principles can be used various ways.
  • To develop methodologies for experimentation and process that will produce complex and original art forms.
  • To develop your own critical thinking skills and become acquainted with vocabulary and critical analysis through critique participation and written explorations.
  • To put into your practice the gained critical thinking skills through oral and written criticism as applied to the visual arts.
  • To develop a grasp of aesthetic concepts -- historical and contemporary.

CORE Connect is a program that threads through all Core classes. Each semester a single theme is chosen and introduced in all Core course through relevant lectures, workshops, articles, and resources..  You can access information related to the theme, lectures, and other CORE related content on this website.

CULTURE CARDS All students taking either Core Studio I or Core Studio II need to fill out one Culture Card per semester. This card is the equivalent to 5 percent of your final grade. You must keep your Culture Card for the BFA Portfolio Review, so keep them safe after your class is complete. Speak with your Core instructor about the acceptance of music and other non-visual arts events. Slocumb gallery openings and events required to attend for class such as the Zoom Core Lecture series do not count as Culture Card events.

GRADING POLICY
Core Studio I is a studio intensive course. I will grade your performance in this class by what I see as your effort to challenge yourself in terms of your thinking, your ability to look at your work critically, and your motivation to pursue your ideas to their fullest extent including your perseverance to see them through.

Assignments – 80 percent
Verbal Participation Grade  – 10 percent
Culture Cards – 10 percent

A : Pushes the boundaries of the assignment, exhibits excellent craftsmanship, and   
      demonstrates a successful move toward more independent thinking.
B : Completes and addresses all assignment criteria, has good craftsmanship, and a good aesthetic  
       development.
C : Barely completes the specifications of the assignment, average to poor craftsmanship    
       and execution.
D : Attempt to satisfy the specifications of the assignment but fall short on multiple levels.

Grading Scale:
100 – 93                        A
  92 – 90                        A -
  89 – 87                        B +
  86 – 82                        B
  81 – 79                        B -
  78 – 76                        C +
  75 – 68                        C
  67 – 65                        C –
  64 – 62                        D +
  61 – 55                        D
  54 -                             F

BFA PORTFOLIO REVIEW
Students interested in the BFA program of study should retain all sketchbooks and completed artwork for BFA Portfolio Review at the end of your sophomore or beginning of your junior year. This review is required for entry into the BFA program. For the review you must have at least 10 strong pieces showcasing your understanding of the material covered in all 4 foundation classes, along with other work from your 2000 level coursework. For more information on the BFA Porfolio Review, see the handout and checklist available from the art office, and/or speak with your area advisor. An informational meeting for all BFA candidates taking BFA Porfolio Review will be announced each semester. Completed artworks may also be used in applications for departmental scholarships.

STUDENT CONDUCT
CELL PHONES: No cell phone usage is allowed in class under any circumstances! If you need to use your cell phone please excuse yourself from the class and go in the hallway when needed.

ATTENDANCE: Every class missed after three unexcused absences will result in one full letter grade down for the semester. I will consider excusing any absences for the case of a family or medical emergency (including COVID), which MUST be accompanied by physical documentation.  If it does not fall under this description of an emergency (including COVID), please do not try to present reasons for why you should be granted exceptions; each student is expected to adhere to the policies of the class. 

TARDINESS:. Any student more than five minutes late for class or leaves early will be considered tardy. The accumulation of two tardies will be grounds for an absence.

SAFETY: By enrolling in this class, you are agreeing to work with safety for yourself and for others as the most important consideration.  Do not use tools with which you are unfamiliar and have not received instruction on how to use

COVID / Health / Attendance
If you feel sick or have a fever, it is recommended that you not attend class in-person and take a COVID test. Contact your professor via e-mail to alert them of your absence and follow COVID-19 guidelines provided on the ETSU Bucs are Back website. Should you need to miss additional classes due to illness or quarantine/isolation, communicate with your professor to establish a plan to complete coursework.
 
It is the responsibility of the student to contact and continue a line of communication with their professors regarding any instance of needing to miss class due to COVID. All students are expected to adhere to the universities policies regarding COVID.  If you need to quarantine / isolate, you must provide your professors with a beginning and end date (currently 5 days).  If you must miss class due to a positive COVID test, you must also provide those test results as evidence for any request excused absences.
https://www.etsu.edu/coronavirus/documents/modified-stage-4-bucs-are-back-frequently-asked-questions.pdf  

ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
It is the policy of ETSU to accommodate students with disabilities, pursuant to federal law, state law and the University's commitment to equal educational opportunities. Any student with a disability who needs accommodations, for example, note taking assistance, exam time adjustment or seating placement, should meet with Disability Services.Faculty accommodation forms are provided to eligible students and should be shared with the instructor as early in the semester as possible.Disability Services can be reached via telephone at 439-8346, or web at https://www.etsu.edu/students/ds/Additional info pertaining to ETSU policies: https://www.etsu.edu/policies/

TEXTBOOKS
REQUIRED: Launching the Imagination by: Mary Stuart (available at bookstore)

RECOMMENDED: 50 Contemporary Artists You Should Know by: Brad Finger and
Christiane Weidemann