Syllabus

Fall 2020  Syllabus 

Basic Illustration ARTC 1309 

Section 004, 05438

Tuesday / Thursday 12 - 2:40 pm

Online

 

How to Reach Me:  

Instructor’s Name – Sue Durban Bowden 

Office Hours: Tuesday / Thursday 2:45 - 3:15 pm

Office Location – online by email 

Email: sdurban@austincc.edu 

Visual Communication web site: https://sites.austincc.edu/viscom/our-program/

 

Course Description

Catalog Description: 

Introduction to drawing techniques, skills, and concepts using various black and white media. Emphasis on perspective, construction of the human figure, and principles of shading as they pertain to the illustration industry. Includes study of one and two point perspective, fundamental construction of the human head, figure, and the principles of shading. Emphasizes natural and technical drawing, and working in both the studio and the outdoor environment. Foundation laid for advanced courses in illustration. 

 

Course Prerequisites: 

Prerequisites: none required; this is a foundation course

Course Rationale/Objectives 

This class is a Foundation Course required for several degree plans. It provides students with a set of universal skills and knowledge in the fundamentals of drawing, which can be applied to any specialization in the visual communication industry. In addition it specifically lays the groundwork for the Graphic Design, Animation and Computer Illustration classes. 

Student Learning Outcomes

What you’ll learn to do by the end of this course: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 

• Demonstrate familiarity with basic drawing terminology, tools, media, and techniques 

• Illustrate using a full range of values with the intended media 

• Select, frame, and compose from reality to the paper

• Recognize and manipulate negative/positive shapes and space with edge control variables 

• Utilize high contrast of values for describing form 

• Change line quality to represent depth and space 

• Utilize basic principles of Renaissance linear perspective 

• Demonstrate knowledge of the human anatomy 

• Compose a well-designed drawing 

What you’ll learn to do by the end of this discipline 

• Use industry standard vector, raster, and layout software tools to produce graphic design for print and
digital media. 

• Apply the design process (define problem, define audience, research and gather ideas, create form, evaluate and assess, produce and explain final solution) in the production of graphic design for print and digital media. 

• Produce designs, concepts, and layouts based on current industry standards for print and digital media.

• Select appropriate color, typefaces, layouts, and concepts to produce graphic design for print and
digital media. 

 

What you’ll learn that will help in the workforce [on the job]: Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS): In 1989, the U.S. Department of Labor education jointly surveyed U.S. employers to find out the most important skills and competencies needed by workers. The results of that survey identified SCANS (Secretaries Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills). These are skills that employers need the most from their workers. SCANS skills are the predictors of success in workplace. The following is a list of SCAN competencies identified in this course. For expanded definitions of the listed SCANS, please go to: www.academicinnovations.com/report.html

 

RESOURCES 1.1 Manages Time 

INTERPERSONAL 2.3 Serves Clients/Customers 2.5 Negotiates 2.6 Works with Cultural Diversity 

INFORMATION 3.1 Acquires and Evaluates Information 3.2 Organizes and Maintains Information 3.3 Uses Computers to Process Information 

SYSTEMS 4.1Understands Systems 4.2 Monitors and Corrects Performance 4.3 Improves and Designs Systems 

TECHNOLOGY 5.1 Selects Technology 5.2 Applies Technology to Task 5.3 Maintains and Troubleshoots
Technology 

BASIC SKILLS 

6.1 Reading 6.2 Writing 6.5 Listening 6.6 Speaking 

THINKING SKILLS 7.1 Creative Thinking 7.2 Decision Making 7.3 Problem Solving 7.4 Mental Visualization 7.5 Knowing How To Learn 7.6 Reasoning 

PERSONAL SKILLS 8.1 Responsibility 8.2 Self-Esteem 8.3 Sociability 8.4 Self-Management 8.5 Integrity/Honesty

 

Instructional methodology 

Basic Illustration’s emphasis is on fundamental drawing techniques and principles used in art and illustration. Students are taught to visualize using simple geometric shapes and apply them in order to construct the illusion of three-dimensional objects on a two dimensional surface. Shading techniques and perspective theory are studied in order to create volume, texture and depth on a flat surface. Research and study outside the classroom is also required. 

 

Grading system Students will be given precise deadlines and must participate in group critiques after each assignment. Representative drawings will be submitted for grading throughout the semester. Each drawing will be graded with weight given to the following factors. 

 

Accurate rendering (shape & form / proportion).... ....25 pts. 

Presentation and follow criteria .................................15 pts. 

Composition...............................................................10 pts.

Application of theory / technique............................... 25 pts.  

Completing work / meeting deadlines ......................10 pts

Work performance / class participation ....................15 pts. 

        Total 100 pts.

 

Passing grades: 100-90=A 89-80=B 79-70=C 

Failing grades: 69-60=D Below 60=F 

Late submission of a project for grading will result in a loss of ten (10) points for each class period. Project will not be accepted after two (2) sessions 

Course Policies Official college policy is italicized. 

 

Student standards of conduct - Acceptable standards of conduct include behavior that is civil, courteous, and respectful of all members of the campus community, their property, and the property of the college; promotes mutual respect, equality, and safety of its members and opposes those acts that harass. intimidate, or haze its members. 

 

Illegal acts, include, but not limited to possession or use of firearms or other weapons; gambling; unlawful possession, use, and distribution of narcotics; assault or stalking. ACC’s policy on student standards and code of conduct can be found here in the current student handbook: www.austincc.edu/handbook

 

Classroom interaction Throughout the course of the semester, you will be interacting with me, fellow students and outside professionals in critiques and group discussion. You will be both giving and receiving feedback on your work. These critiques will be conducted in various ways, from one-on-one interactions to large group environments. In all instances, classroom behavior should support and enhance learning. I expect everyone to treat one another with understanding, dignity, and respect. 

 

I will not tolerate disruptive behavior, which may include:

 • Persistent speaking without permission 

• Side conversations 

• Engaging in activities not related to the class 

• Ringing cell phones or using a cell phone to talk or send text messages 

• Using PDAs or laptop computers in the classroom for non-course related purposes 

• Sleeping in class 

• Eating/drinking in class without permission 

• Monopolizing class discussion, refusing to defer to instructor, or listen to others; persisting when the instructor has indicated that the student’s remarks are off topic and it is time to move on 

• Reacting angrily or defensively to critique from guests, instructors, or classmates 

• Sighing, rolling eyes, or muttering when other people are talking 

• Refusing to participate in group activities such as group or peer-to-peer critiques 

• Chronically entering late/leaving early, moving about the classroom 

• Filming, photographing, or taping the class without the instructor’s prior permission 

• Disputing authority and arguing with faculty and other students 

• Yelling, arguing, swearing, bullying, or other harassing or intimidating behavior 

• Physically or verbally abusive conduct 

• Failure to adhere to the instructor’s rules or instructions 

• Vulgar or obscene language, slurs, or other forms of intimidation 

• Showing up to class under the influence of alcohol/drugs 

• Threats of any kind

• Destruction of property 

• Any behavior that puts the health or safety of the instructor or other students in the classroom in jeopardy 

If you engage in disruptive behavior, I may file a Student Discipline Report and refer you to the Dean of Student Services. The Dean will investigate the case, and based on the investigation, s/he may put sanctions into place, 

including but not limited to withdrawing you from the class. If the behavior is severe, I will call Campus Police, who may immediately refer you to the Dean of Student Services.

 

Attendance and participation - Regular and punctual class and laboratory attendance is expected of all students. If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class. If you receive financial aid, your attendance must be certified in order to maintain your financial aid eligibility. 

 

Absences If for any reason you’re unable to come to class, you will be counted as absent. You are allowed 3 absences. I make no distinction between an excused or unexcused absence, so use your absences meaningfully and sparingly. I will count you absent if you: 

• are not in class 

• leave the class extremely early 

• disappear in the middle of the class for a significant length of time 

• get to class extremely late 

At your fourth absence, I will drop your course grade by a letter grade. I will drop your grade a further letter grade for each subsequent absence thereafter. 

 

Arriving late Don’t be late. It’s unprofessional to keep others waiting. A continual pattern of late attendance will count against your final grade. 

 

Leaving early If you must leave class early, please make arrangements with me ahead of time, so you'll know what material we'll be covering for the rest of the class period. Leaving class early will count as an absence. 

 

Withdrawal Policy - It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the roll should he or she decide to withdraw from the class. The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary. If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is submitted before the Final Withdrawal Date. The student is also strongly encouraged to retain their copy of the withdrawal form for their records. 

Students who enroll for the third or subsequent time in a course taken since Fall 2002, may be charged a higher tuition rate, for that course. 

State law permits students to withdraw from no more than six courses during their entire undergraduate career at Texas public colleges or universities. With certain exceptions, all course withdrawals automatically count towards this limit. 

Dropping or withdrawing from a course can have serious consequences that affect your financial aid, veterans’ benefits, international student status. Details regarding this policy and others can be found in the ACC college catalog.

 

Missed or late work - Assignments are due at the beginning of class periods. If you turn an assignment in after that, your project is late. I will lower a project one letter grade for each class day that it is late. 

 

Incomplete - An instructor may award a grade of “I” (Incomplete) if a student was unable to complete all of the

objectives for the passing grade in a course. An incomplete grade cannot be carried beyond the established date in the following semester. The completion date is determined by the instructor but may not be later than the final deadline for withdrawal in the subsequent semester.

If you are unable to complete all of the objectives for the passing grade in a course due to extraordinary circumstances—such as illness or death in the family—I may grant an “incomplete.” Generally, to receive a grade of “I”, you must have completed all examinations and assignments to date, be passing, and have personal circumstances that prevent you from completing the course. Finally, these circumstances must have occurred after the deadline to withdraw with a grade of W. 

 

Academic Misconduct - Academic misconduct refers to any activity that compromises academic integrity or subverts the educational process, including but not limited to the following: Violation of rules contained in the course syllabus; Violation of College rules regarding the use of academic facilities, including labs and testing centers; Using or providing unauthorized information during exams; Using or providing unauthorized materials or devices during exams; Using or providing unauthorized assistance in labs, on field work, in scholarship, or on a course assignment; Submitting plagiarized work for an academic assignment or requirement; Falsification, fabrication, or dishonesty in creating or reporting laboratory or research results; Falsification, fabrication, or dishonesty in creating any assignment; Serving as, or enlisting the assistance of, a substitute for a student in any assignment, exam or course requirement; Alteration of grades in an effort to change the earned or assigned grade or credit; Alteration or unauthorized use of academic records or forms; Engaging in activities that unfairly place other students at a disadvantage, such as taking, hiding, or altering resource materials. 

 

Copyright – The software programs used in the labs are licensed to the college, which is the original purchaser. Thus students cannot duplicate the software for their personal use. Do not use college equipment to duplicate software for other students or to produce work-for-profit. 

Do not download, copy or scan copyrighted material for use in your projects unless it meets the Fair Use guidelines below and the copyright holder is properly credited. 

Fair Use is an important element of U.S. copyright law that allows for the use of copyrighted work without asking permission of the copyright holder, especially when the copyrighted work is used for criticism, scholarship, and education. Under the Fair Use guidelines students may: 

• Incorporate portions of copyrighted materials when producing a project for a specific course; and 

• Perform and display their own projects and use them in their portfolio or use the project for job interviews or as supporting materials for application to other schools. For more information on Fair Use see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fair_use 

 

Students Rights and Responsibilities - Students at the college have the rights accorded by the U.S. Constitution to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition, and association. These rights carry with them the responsibility to accord the same rights to others in the college community and not to interfere with or disrupt the educational process. Opportunity for students to examine and question pertinent data and assumptions of a given discipline, guided by the evidence of scholarly research, is appropriate in a learning environment. This concept is accompanied by an equally demanding concept of responsibility on the part of the student. As willing partners in learning, students must comply with college rules and procedures. 

 

Privacy policy – The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act protects confidentiality of your educational records. Grades cannot be given over the phone, posted over non ACC e-mail, or through a fellow student. 

Statement on Students with Disabilities - Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented disabilities. Students with disabilities who need classroom, academic or other accommodations must request them through Student Accessibility Services & Assistive Technology (SAS). Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of the semester, otherwise the provision of accommodations may be delayed. 

 

Students who have received approval for accommodations from SAS for this course must provide the instructor with the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from SAS before accommodations will be provided. Arrangements for academic accommodations can only be made after the instructor receives the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from the student.

 

Students with approved accommodations are encouraged to submit the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ to the instructor at the beginning of the semester because a reasonable amount of time may be needed to prepare and arrange for the accommodations. 

 

Additional information about Students Accessibility Services is available at www.austincc.edu/support-and-services 

 

Safety Statement - Austin Community College is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for study and work. You are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies. Additional information on these can be found at www.austincc.edu/ehs

 

Because some health and safety circumstances are beyond our control, we ask that you become familiar with the Emergency Procedures poster and Campus Safety Plan map in each classroom. Additional information about emergency procedures and how to sign up for ACC Emergency Alerts to be notified in the event of a serious emergency can be found at www.austincc.edu/emergency/ Please note, you are expected to conduct yourself professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual will be dismissed from the day’s activity, may be withdrawn from the class, and/or barred from attending future activities.

 

Official Communications - The college uses ACCmail as the preferred means of communicating with students for most circumstances. You are assigned a personal ACCmail account that can be accessed through any web-based browser. It is your responsibility to receive and read email communications. Communications are considered properly delivered when they are sent through ACCmail. The college periodically mails items to the physical address listed on your student record. It is your responsibility to keep the address updated to ensure proper delivery. Instructions for activating an ACCmail account can be found at www.austincc.edu/accmail/ 

 

As your instructor, I will email you only at your ACC account. Likewise, you should use your ACC account when communicating with instructors and staff. 

 

For this course, I will: 

• answer emails by 5:00pm of each day. If I get your email after 5:00pm you will get a response on or before 5:00pm of the following day. 

• not normally answer emails over the weekend from 5:00pm Friday to 8:00am Monday. 

• only answer questions from your ACC email account to mine; or from the official class blog. 

 

Cell phone policy - Please silence your phone during scheduled class times. Please do not check your phone or text during class time; you may check messages during your break. 

 

Student and Instructional Services – ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services. Information on these services and support systems is available at: www.austincc.edu/support

 

Links to many student services and other information can be found at: www.austincc.edu/current/ 

 

ACC Learning Labs provide free tutoring services to all ACC students currently enrolled in the course to be

tutored. The tutor schedule for each Learning Lab may be found at: www.austincc.edu/tutor 

For help setting up your ACCeID, ACC gmail, or ACC Blackboard, see a Learning Lab Technician at any ACC Learning Lab. 

 

Concealed Handgun Policy - The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy. It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times. Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 222 from a campus phone or 512-223-7999. 

 

Materials 

Note: a KIT is available through Asel Art Supply & they will deliver the kit the 2nd day of class. Purchasing the kit is OPTIONAL and NOT REQUIRED. They give a student discount and it is a service provided for the students.

 

 

Art Supply Stores

 

Jerry’s Artarama – 6010 N IH-35 (Hwy 290 & I-35 - close to Highland mall)

. 

Asel Art Supply – 510 West MLK - 10% student discounts unless items are on sale. Lots of supplies are on sale at the beginning of each semester. Acrylics and brushes on sale 25% all year. Golden brand acrylics.

 

Hobby Lobby and Michaels – (various locations). Note: Hobby Lobby is often cheaper than Michaels except when Michaels has sales). Daily there are 40% coupons online or printed for both Michaels & Hobby Lobby. 

 

Course Outline/Calendar 

 

Week	Topic/Assignments	Reading
Week 1	Drawing Process and materials review. Virtual Classroom Session Introduction, study of Basic Elements the Drawing Process with an Emphasis on line and negative, positive space.  Independent Assignment Continue Study of Line, Space & Shape Blind Contour Drawing, Simple line placement, scale & proportion	Handouts
Week 2	One Point Perspective Virtual Classroom Session One Point Perspective Lecture on fundamentals of perspective Independent Assignment Complete One Point Perspective drawing assignment	Handouts
Week 3	Two Point Perspective Virtual Classroom Session Two Point Perspective Lecture on fundamentals of perspective Independent Assignment Complete Two Point Perspective drawing assignment
Week 4	Construction, Line & Sighting Techniques Virtual Classroom Session Study of line and its use in describing shape with contour line Study of sighting techniques for proportion, placement and angles. Drawing through the form. Structural drawing of objects. Independent Assignment	Handouts
Week 5	Construction, Line & Sighting Techniques Study of sighting techniques for proportion, placement and angles. Drawing through the form. Structural drawing of objects. Independent Assignment	Handouts
Week 6	Line & Value Virtual Classroom Session Introduction to light and value using line (Geometric Shapes) Shading and creating volume on simple shapes and Intuitive Perspective Independent Assignment Still Life, building Value though use of hatching & cross-hatching	Handouts
Week 7	Line & Value Independent Assignment Still Life, building Value though use of hatching & cross-hatching Combine line and Continuous Tone	Handouts
Week 8	Transparent & Metallic Objects Virtual Classroom Session Introduction to drawing Transparent & Metallic Objects Independent Assignment Drawing transparent and metallic objects
Week 9	Composing a Visual Design Layout • Apply composition structure, text, images and hierarchy • Demonstrate a style of representing human figure in layout • Demonstrate techniques in sketching headlines, body copy, paragraphs, gutter and using space	Handouts
Week 10	Drawing the Human Figure - Hands Virtual Classroom Session Independent Assignment • Draw hands from handouts • Understand and apply drawing hands technique Independent Assignment • Notational Drawing	Handouts
Week 11	Drawing the Human Figure - Proportions Virtual Classroom Session Draw the model, Sighting the Human Figure Gesture  & Mass Gesture Drawings Independent Assignment • Notational Drawing	Handouts
Week 12	Drawing the Human Figure – Proportions (cont.) Assignment Explanatory Sketching • Use Gesture Line Technique to draw the Human Figure • Understand various figure drawing styles and develop an individual style
Week 13	Explanatory Sketching • Apply individual drawing styles to the Human Figure in action pose and proper proportions.
Week 14	Explanatory Sketching (cont.) • Apply individual drawing styles to the Human Figure in action pose and proper proportions.
Week 15	Design Sketching Fundamentals • Understand and apply multiple frame, narrative layout • Apply composition structure, text, images and hierarchy • Apply a consistent figure representation style  • Demonstrate the use of Value and Color to enhance, form and depth
Week 16	Design Sketching Fundamentals • Understand and apply multiple frame, narrative layout • Apply composition structure, text, images and hierarchy • Apply a consistent figure representation style  • Demonstrate the use of Value and Color to enhance, form and depth to objects emphasis and visual flow.	Handouts
Week 15	Capstone Assignment – Visual Narrative Design Apply sketching fundamentals to organize and create a visual presentation that emphasizes the human experience. This being a culmination of all previous assignments to develop a visual story-sketches that use narrative structure to tie multiple aspects of an idea into one unifying layout.	Handouts
Week 16	Complete & Critique Final Illustration Presentation and preparation of Final Portfolio No Online Work Assignment

 

*THIS OUTLINE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE ACCORDING TO CLASS PROGRESS AND ACTIVITIES. NEW PROJECTS OR ACTIVITIES MAY BE SUBTITUTED WITH OR WITHOUT NOTICE, WHICH MAY BE MORE BENEFICAL TO THE INDIVIDUAL CLASS.

 

 

Visual Communications Open Lab Policy 

What is Open Lab? When does it take place? 

 

• Open labs are available during various time slots in VisCom classrooms and provide additional 

practice time for students to work on assignments. Open lab hours and available software listed here: viscom.austincc.edu/lab-info. Please note: not all software is provided in all open labs. 

 

• Open lab locations: 

SAC: 1210, 1211, 1212 

NRG Building 4000: 4206, 4262, 4265, 4269

 

• Tutoring is available in some labs. Please check the schedule for subject and availability.

 

Sign in and out of the lab. 

• Sign in sheets are by the door — please use them each time you come to lab. 

 

Lab rules: 

• Know the Open Lab hours (posted on all classroom doors and web site). 

• Please bring a flash drive or external hard drive to class so you can save all of your work to it. Note: All media are scanned in accordance with ACC policy. 

• Do not view or download inappropriate material. VisCom Tech Support Staff tracks internet use. 

 

Top tips for easier work in the lab: 

• Before working on a file, drag it from a flash drive to the desktop. 

• If you would like to bring your own fonts for your project, load them into the Universal 

Type Client. If you need help, ask VisCom Tech Support staff. 

• If you need help with the computers, scanners, printers, or flash drives, ask VisCom Tech Support staff. 

 

Using printers and scanners: 

• Limit your time with printers and scanners. Take turns. 

• For draft prints, use black-and-white printers only. 

• For final prints, you may use the color printer. 

• Ask VisCom Tech Support staff if you need to print on any special paper. 

• Please do not try to fix paper jams yourself. Contact VisCom Tech Support Staff.

 

Treat the lab like a learning space: 

• Keep food and drink away from the computers. 

• Do not plug personal equipment (such as laptops) into Ethernet ports. 

• This lab is only for Visual Communication class assignments; please don’t use it for other classes, personal, or outside work. 

• Since this is an open lab, computers are first-come first-served. 

• Be sure to logout before you leave the lab. 

 

Be kind and considerate: 

• Silence cell phones and take phone calls in the hallways. 

• If you listen to music, use headphones or earbuds. 

• If you argue, talk loudly, call people names, refuse to follow faculty and staff requests, or demand exceptions to these rules, you will be asked to leave. 

 

Tech Support Offices: 

NRG Building 4000: 4263.3         South Austin: 1213.5         Tech Support Contact: 512-223-4862 

 

 

 

Course Requirements

 

See the Syllabus for the General Weekly Work Schedule.

Readings

Textbook 

Recommended: "Drawing Ideas, Baskinger/Bardel, ISBN 9780385344623

Course Subjects

See "Course Requirements" for a general description of the subject matter.

Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

Course Rationale/Objectives

This class is a Foundation Course required for several degree plans. It provides students with a set of universal skills and knowledge in the fundamentals of drawing, which can be applied to any specialization in the visual communication industry. In addition it specifically lays the groundwork for the Graphic Design, Animation and Computer Illustration classes.

Student Learning Outcomes

What you’ll learn to do by the end of this course:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate familiarity with basic drawing terminology, tools, media, and techniques

• Illustrate using a full range of values with the intended media

• Select, frame, and compose from reality to the paper format

• Recognize and manipulate negative/positive shapes and space with edge control variables

• Utilize high contrast of values for describing form

• Change line quality to represent depth and space

• Utilize basic principles of Renaissance linear perspective

• Demonstrate knowledge of the human anatomy

• Compose a well-designed drawing

What you’ll learn to do by the end of this discipline:

• Use industry standard vector, raster, and layout software tools to produce graphic design for print and digital media.
• Apply the design process (define problem, define audience, research and gather ideas, create form, evaluate and assess, produce and explain final solution) in the production of graphic design for print and digital media.
• Produce designs, concepts and layouts based on current industry standards for print & digital media.
• Select appropriate color, typefaces, layouts and concepts to produce graphic design for print and digital media.