Syllabus


 * || Spring 2015
 * || Spring 2015

MT-Th 9-12, Smith 314 ||
 * || Instructor: Brian Davis

E-Mail: brian.d.davis (at) gmail.com

Office: Smith 305

Office Hours: Th 12-1 ||

Sculpture I is a survey course that will introduce the student to a range of contemporary sculptural techniques, materials and conceptual issues. The class will consist of a series of assignments/problems designed to address specific aspects of sculptural practice. Class time will include technical demos, lectures, discussions and time to work on projects.


 * Objectives: **

To learn to create meaning and function using space, structure, material, surface and context. To gain hands-on experience with sculptural techniques and brains-on experience with three-dimensional problem-solving skills. To develop an understanding of the relevance and relationship of three-dimensional design to all the areas of art study.

Projects in this class will include both additive and subtractive processes. We will use materials such as wood, plaster, cement and found objects. Projects can range in size from handheld to large outdoor installation. In our classroom, storage space is at a minimum, so projects will need to be removed promptly after grading.


 * Note ** : Experimentation is encouraged! Making good art takes time, thought, planning and the allowance of some extra time for mistakes. Though we will be working on projects in class, it is expected that you will spend some time outside of class to complete projects.


 * Critiques: ** Class critiques are very important and will be held at the beginning of class on the due date of each project. Be prepared to talk about your work during the critique. If your work is not complete for the critique your grade on that assignment will be lowered by one full letter grade for each day it is late. You are still required to participate in the class critique, even if your work is not being critiqued**. Final critique will be held on the scheduled exam day.**


 * Projects and grading: **

There will be 4 major projects and a series of technical exercises throughout the semester. In addition, there will be short writings and postings on the class blog. 20% of each major project grade will come from any preliminary sketches and models. Each assignment will be evaluated on the basis of the following criteria.

1. Fulfillment of the project objectives 2. Craftsmanship 3. Conceptual and material inventiveness 4. Physical investment: the sweat factor 5. Overall aesthetic and conceptual quality of the work

The over all breakdown of the final grade: Projects-50% Technical Exercises-30% Writings/postings-20%

**Grading:**


 * A ** Work is characterized by outstanding achievement and understanding of critical analysis as reflected in solutions to assignments, technical competence and the critique process. Student must display preparedness and efficient dedication to scheduled studio time. Adherence to attendance policy.


 * B ** Work is characterized by excellent competence and understanding of critical analysis as reflected in solutions to assignments, technical competence and the critique process. Student must display preparedness and dedication to scheduled studio time. Adherence to attendance policy.


 * C ** Work is characterized by basic competence and understanding of critical analysis as reflected in solutions to assignments, technical competence and the critique process. Student must display adequate preparedness and dedication to scheduled studio time. Adherence to attendance policy.


 * D ** Work is characterized by minimal effort and success. Lowest passing grade.


 * Studio Policies **

1. **Attendance Policy** Attendance is mandatory. 3 unexcused absences = final grade reduced by 1 letter (A becomes a B), 4 unexcused absences = 2 letters 6 unexcused absences = failure no matter your grade 8 absences (excused or unexcused) will result in failure **EVEN IF YOU HAVE A VALID REASON FOR YOUR ABSENCE.** If a student is more than 10 minutes late to class, this will count as a ½ absence (unexcused). If a student is more than 25 minutes late to a class, they will not be permitted in the classroom, which will result in a full unexcused absence—unless they have given prior and timely notice and justification to the Instructor. If a student leaves class 10 minutes or more early, this will result in a ½ absence (excused or unexcused). 2. **Do not miss a critique**, these are your exam dates and require total participation. Show up with your work and be prepared to think, ask/answer questions, and offer analytical criticism. Again, late work will not be critiqued and results in a lower grade. 3. While I try to keep costs to a minimum, you are responsible for purchasing any materials you need for the class beyond the provided tools and machinery. Please be responsible and adhere to rules and safety demos concerning the studio. 4. The gathering of materials will be done outside of scheduled studio time. There is no substitute for time spent in the studio with peers and the instructor. 5. **Do not remove any tools** or other materials belonging to the studio. This is an Honor Code Violation. See Academic Integrity heading in syllabus. 6. The course is demanding and moves quickly to cover the basics of sculpture. If you utilize your time efficiently, you may not have to expend large amounts of time outside of class. The key is good work habits. 7. Remove all work after grading. 8. Maintain your work area in a clean manner. Do not leave a mess for other classes. Violators are subject to losing studio privileges. 9. General cleanups require all students to participate. Failure to do so will negatively affect the final grade. 10. You will be instructed on the proper and safe way to operate tools. Safety is a must, seek assistance when in doubt. 11. No cell phones. 12. No food. 13. Wear casual clothing and closed-toed shoes. Bring an old long sleeved shirt for protection. 14. Do not spray paint in the studio. See me.
 * Tardiness **


 * Safety: ** be aware that there are potential hazards regarding the work in this course. While I conduct thorough demonstrations, it is ultimately up to each student to be prudent and diligent. It is my desire to keep the studio open after scheduled course usage so that work can be completed in a timely manner. This can only happen if students exercise the most careful adherence to studio policies. Students working in studio outside of scheduled courses take full responsibility.


 * Materials: **

You will be required to get a few basic items at the beginning of class as well as some items needed for the specific project you are working on. Make sure you have materials to work with during every class, or you might be given a day off (see attendance policy above.)

Text: No book is required. Readings will be handed out on a per-project basis.


 * You should have these supplies available for every class. **

Hot Glue Gun that uses 1/2” round glue sticks. Get a “high temperature” gun. One bag of at least 20 glue sticks. Razor/utility knife. This should be a large (6” x 1”), standard breakaway utility knife. Package of replacement blades for your knife. X-Acto Knife and assortment of blades. Goggles Wood Glue Drawing tools: #2 pencil and eraser Sketch book: 8 1/2 x 11 or 11x 14 (for this class only) Tool box to carry it all. *Plastic bucket and bowl *Rubber dish washing gloves *Vaseline

* You will need these when we use plaster


 * Academic Integrity **

I personally support the GW Code of Academic Integrity. It states: “Academic dishonesty is defined as cheating of any kind, including misrepresenting one's own work, taking credit for the work of others without crediting them and without appropriate authorization, and the fabrication of information.” For the remainder of the code, see: []

A note on plagiarism vs. appropriation…given the nature of the material in this course, we will be addressing art and scholarship that appropriates content from various sources. Issues of ownership, copyright, and fair use will be discussed, however, as a basic guideline, you should only appropriate material if the act of appropriation is conceptually relevant to your project. The meaning of any appropriated material should be significantly altered from its original intent. Boiled down, if you just want the image, and are not addressing where it came from it’s not okay. Find a way to make that image yourself. Additionally, art is often all about the fabrication of information – we will look at artists who employ this as a technique.

Students requiring special accommodations in this course should contact Disability Services and speak with the instructor. The information you share is confidential. Such arrangements will help the instructor facilitate, for the benefit of everyone, the full participation of every person in the course.
 * Disability Support Services (DSS) **

Any student who may need an accommodation based on the potential impact of a disability should contact the Disability Support Services office at 202-994-8250 in the Marvin Center, Suite 242, to establish eligibility and to coordinate reasonable accommodations. For additional information please refer to: []

If you require accommodation to fully utilize the computers in the FAAH digital lab, please speak with me about tailoring your account settings.

The University Counseling Center (UCC) offers 24/7 assistance and referral to address students' personal, social, career, and study skills problems. Services for students include:
 * University Counseling Center (UCC) 202-994-5300 **
 * crisis and emergency mental health consultations
 * confidential assessment, counseling services (individual and small group), and referrals
 * htt [|p://gwired.gwu.edu/counsel/CounselingServices/AcademicSupportServices]

Please don’t leave your things unattended in the lab. Theft is not rampant, but it does happen regularly. Be aware of your surroundings if you are working in the building late at night.
 * Security **

In the case of an emergency, if at all possible, the class should shelter in place. If the building that the class is in is affected, follow the evacuation procedures for the building. After evacuation, seek shelter at a predetermined rendezvous location.