GASP 10 Drawing I
This course develops techniques of basic drawing. Themes covered are not limited to skills
required for becoming an artist. To draw is to understand how the human hand understands
perception of space and object on an abstract, two-dimensional surface. Translating data into a
composition is not a mere art of imitation but a rigorous synthetic process that generates
images that become part of human communicative action. Students will learn that as images go
through various levels of representations, our perception of surrounding space and matter
constitutes only a part of our understanding.
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course students will:
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Use and describe basic technical and aesthetic aspects of drawing (PLO 1).
Understand the basic conflict and connection between perception and manual
production (PLO 4).
See how drawing is a complex cognitive activity that requires problem solving skills (PLO
1, 3, and 4).
Describe how drawing generates meaning through lines, shadings, and volume (PLO 1).
Analyze how drawing communicates meaning (PLO 3).
Utilize different approaches to creating images (PLO 2).
The Program Learning Outcomes for GASP major are:
1. Describe visual texts in technical and
theoretical terms.
2. Become familiar with multiple schools of thoughts in art history/visual
studies. 3. Analyze cultural, visual, aural, and spatial procedures within their historical and
conceptual contexts.
4. Integrate theory into creative practices.
The content of this course addresses the following UC Merced General Education Guiding
Principles:
Decision Making: The content of this course involves critical analysis and problem solving in the
use of photographic materials while exploring the practices of photography.
Communication: Photography is a form of communication that includes personal, cultural, and
social aspects.
Aesthetic Understanding and Creativity: The principles of aesthetics and creativity are
embedded in each assignment, inclusive of research and writing.
Development of Personal Potential: Students enrolled in courses that teach art technique
develop their creative capabilities. They also learn to appreciate the potential that artistic
technical proficiency has to enrich their lives.
Assignments and Grading
Assignments may include visual essays, reading, presentations, participating thoughtfully and
respectfully in critique sessions, tests, and creating a final portfolio of images at the end of the
semester. Students are expected to spend eight hours a week outside of classroom working on
assignments. Grading will be based on objective assessment of individual student’s completion
of assignments, not subjective estimation of artistic merit.