Delaware County Community College

Three Dimensional Design
GRA / ART 122, Room 2331
Three Credit Course
Lecture Hours: 4

PREREQUISITE: GRA/ART 121, Two-Dimensional Design
Suggested Textbook: Design Basics, David A. Lauer / Stephen Pentak.

Instructor: Assistant Professor Jaime Treadwell
E-MAIL: jtreadwe@dccc.edu
www.jaimetreadwell.com -use as a course resource to view student work / projects
Office Hours: Located on www.jaimetreadwell.com, click on student page

Course Description:
This course is an introductory course that entails deliberate decision making based on the elements and principles of design within a three-dimensional space. A variety of media including traditional and non-traditional materials may be utilized through additive and subtractive methods. Historical and contemporary references may be used to investigate techniques and stimulate discussion toward conceptualizing, visualizing and execution. Demonstration, discussion and formal critiques will augment studio work.

Compentencies / Learning outcomes

• Demonstrate the ability to apply the general principles of design including unity/variety, balance (symmetrical, asymmetrical, radial and crystallographic), emphasis, rhythm, repetition, proportion/scale, and figure/ground relationship within three dimensional space.
• Manipulate and fabricate a variety of materials.
• Articulate how design elements and principles may influence perception conceptually and aesthetically.
• Utilize site-specific location, light and space.
• Integrate critical thinking skills through completed artworks.
Homework:
Homework will be assigned every week or is a continuation of a current project. It is your obligation to obtain missed information. We will have group critiques on your homework, so it is imperative your work is complete on the due date. A 9 x 12-inch spiral sketchbook should be used to draw preliminary sketches for projects and to peruse ideas outside of class. I will randomly check your sketchbook.

Attendance:

If you miss more than two classes your grade will be lowered one full letter grade from your final grade. If you miss more than three classes you risk failing the course. Please speak to me if personal issues affect your attendance. BLOGGING!! Experiment: www.dcccarts.blog.com (the intention of this blog is for student questions answered by students in the class, ex: Question: what is due next week? Answer: a lot of stuff).

Punctuality: Make sure you are not late. Each week, at the beginning of class, I will collect an answer to a question I will ask you in the previous class. Your answer is your attendance.

Homework:

Homework will be assigned each week or is a continuation of a current project. It is your obligation to obtain missed information. We will have group critiques on your homework, so it is imperative your work is complete on the due date. A 9 x 12-inch spiral sketchbook should be used to draw preliminary sketches for projects and to peruse ideas outside of class. I will check your during desk critiques.

Presentation:

Attention will be given to proper use of professional grade artist's materials and clean, neat presentation. All projects should conform to the original assignment specifications in terms of size and medium. Students may also be expected to present their projects verbally to the class. Learning to work an idea through the stages of the design/drawing process is an important part of design. Therefore, thumbnails, roughs and/or preliminary sketches are to be submitted when the project is due.

Grading:

I take into account the student’s growth, work ethic, attendance, and the ability to receive and use criticism. Assignments are very particular and the grade reflects your ability to meet the specifics of that assignment. I measure student’s class work, homework, and quantity / quality of work as evidence of development. The assignments will be viewed and graded on the due date and at the end of the semester in a portfolio. Sufficient use of sketchpad will add a bonus to your final grade. The assignment grade will be lowered one full letter grade each class day the assignment is late. When the assignments are returned, each student will receive a “grading sheet” explaining the grade. We will have student / teacher meetings throughout the semester so students understand their current progress.

70% Assignments:
Assignments must be submitted on the due date (at the beginning of class) to receive full credit. Each week the assignment is late your project will be lowered one full letter grade (if you earn a C, you will receive a D).

20% Preparation:
Each week students are expected to arrive to class well prepared. Preparation includes sketches (various visual ideas), possible materials to be used in a project, and research. How to research will be demonstrated in class. I will evaluate your preparation each week.

10 % class participation:
during group critiques students are expected to contribute to analyzing and critical review of student work.

A…90-100
B…80-89
C…70-79
D…60-69
F…59-or below

Students with Disabilities: Students with learning, physical or psychological disabilities who require accommodations for this course must contact Ann Binder, Director of Special Needs Services, in room 320 in the Career and Counseling Center or call 6 0-325-2748. Please meet with me to discuss your accommodation letter.

Materials

Material list will be announced with each project. Most materials can be purchased at Home Depot or a craft store like Michaels and AC Moore.

Weekly Content, (subject to change)

Week 1-4: Paper Constructions (2 projects). Each student must have their own materials by next class to work.

Week 4-7: Unit Form Project. Balsa Wood

Week 7-10: Representation Project

Week 10-13: Multiples Project

Week 13-16: Reconstruct Deconstruct Project

Mold Project: concrete, plaster, or structure-lite. Depending on time left in the course.

About the Working Process
Successful solutions often come from responsive working. Heighten your awareness during the process of working. What alternative solutions present themselves? Constantly develop your idea. Ideas evolve; ideas do not plateau. A creative mind is always aware of possibilities. A creative mind demands work and effort. Carry your sketch book with you at all times. You will not remember an idea as vivid as you do in the present. Write or draw it down. This approach allows you to develop your idea further than your original idea. Push beyond your expectations in all that you do. This process is vital to success within all disciplines.

PROFESSIONALISM: CLASSROOM ETTIQUITE AND SUCCESS

• Cell phones: Your ringer must be turned off during class. There are several breaks in class to check calls and text; however, you may use an internet phone for class research when allowed.
-Texting in class is not tolerated.

I do not tolerate inappropriate behavior:
Do not participate in any behavior that may distract or disrupt a learning environment. In other words, be respectful to your neighbor’s ability to learn.

• Professional behavior: We are preparing you for the professional world; now is the time to practice “professionalism”.
-Be Punctual
-Attend Class
-Do not distract or interrupt the others
-Be Helpful and respectful to your peers
-Participate in a healthy learning experience
-Practice a strong work ethic
-Improve time management skills.

-What are your academic goals?

- How many hours do you think you are expected to spend working outside of class for each week?

Grading Definitions

A- Superior, B- Above Average, C- Average, D- Below Average, F-Failure
A. Superior work of the highest quality. The "A" level student goes beyond what is
expected or required. The work demonstrates consistent creative and original
design solutions with the highest technical ability showing mastery of the tools
and techniques. The work demonstrates a sense of confidence. The "A" level
student understands artistic/historical strategies and concepts used in graphic
design/digital processes and can articulate those ideas in their work and class
discussion. The work of the "A" level student shows obvious evidence of thinking;
it conveys a sense that it is about something and involves risk-taking and informed decision making.
B. Confident, above-average work. The "B" student demonstrates professionalism in
both attitude and approach to assignments with a sound level of technical ability
that demonstrates evidence of critical-thinking skills. The "B" student contributes to class discussion and understands artistic strategies associated with graphic design and/or digital processes. Assignments are completed on time. Scores on written and practical examinations are consistent with the grade of B. Inconsistencies in concept, composition, and technique cannot warrant a higher grade.
C. Average effort and quality. The "C" student demonstrates a basic understanding
of technical control and artistic ability with a sense of real effort, but problems are not successfully resolved. Erratic technical skills with little or no sense of challenge becomes obvious. Contributes to class discussions and understands concepts used in design/digital environments. Assignments are usually completed on time. Scores on written and practical examinations are consistent with the grade of C.
D. Below Average. The "D" student meets the minimum course requirements.
Concepts are weak, lacking critical-thinking skills and technical skills are poor
requiring remedial work. Assignments are below average and/or not completed
in a timely manner. Contributions to class discussions are minimal. Scores on written and practical examinations are consistent with the grade of D. D is a passing grade, not a failure.
F. The "F" level student either does not meet all course requirements, or performs
inadequately, or both. F is a failing grade.
DCCC