Red Deer College
Department of Visual Art
ART 231 - C (Visual Fundamentals 2D)
Course Outline
Academic Term - Fall 2015
Instructor: Tanya Collard
Office: 2915-3
Class Room: 2502
CRN: 1677
Class Hours: (8.5 hours per week)
Class Times: Mon/Wed/Fri 2pm-4:50pm
Email:
[email protected]
[email protected]
Phone: Office: (403) – 343 – 4088
Studio: (403) – ____ – _______
Cell: (403) – 597 – 1579
Office Hours: Mon & Fri 9:30am-12:00pm
Academic Calendar Course Description: ART 231: A studio-based course concerned with the analysis of
information expressed visually in two dimensions.
Course Credits: 3
Learning Activities
ART 231 introduces the formal elements and principles of two-dimensional design. These principles and
elements form the foundation for all other studio areas and are critical to creative success. Art
fundamentals inform the overall practice of visual construction. The application of art fundamentals
provides students with a strong foundation in the development of their skills and the synthesis of ideas.
Students will learn about the Elements of Design and the Organizing Principles of Design and their
function in creative expression through problem solving. Students will use a variety of materials and
techniques when solving design problems focused on the fundamental understanding of concepts
relevant to art, artists, and designers. Some problems, such as colour theory and perspective, will be
technical in nature, while other problems will find definition only through the processes of perception and
imagination.
The course format will consist of a series of problems to be completed within a specified period of time,
varying from a single class to as much as four weeks. At the end of the specified work period there will be
a group critique/discussion of the results. There will also be Powerpoint presentations, videos and class
discussions at various times during the course. Students may be required to give short oral presentations
about topics related to the various elements of the course. Students will also be required to keep a
sketchbook for resource material and ideas related to the design projects that will be assigned.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course students will be able to:
 Identify and utilize the Elements of Design and the Organizing Principles of Design in
studio work
 Engage in creative problem solving
 Create 2D imagery utilizing a variety of media
 Understand and apply colour theory to studio work
 Engage in research and apply design knowledge to assignments and studio interests
 Effectively engage in the critique process in both written and verbal formats
 Demonstrate understanding of appropriate vocabulary, technical skills, and critical
feedback
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Course Topics
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Elements of Design: Line, Shape, Form, Texture, Colour and Space
Organizing Principles of Design: Repetition, Unity, Variety, Balance, Proportion,
Emphasis, Economy
Illusion of Space and the Illusion of Motion
Problem Seeking and Problem Solving
Cultivating Creativity and Constructing Meaning
Developing Critical Thinking
Criteria for Assessment
Evaluation will take place at Midterm and at the End of Term through the process of submitting a
midterm portfolio and a final portfolio. There is no Final Exam for this course. (Late assignments and/or
incomplete portfolios will drastically reduce your final grade). A student may rework any assignment
created for the midterm portfolio and submit it for remarking when the final portfolio is due.
Midterm feedback – Midterm feedback for the course will be available from the instructor following the
marking of the Midterm portfolios.
Midterm and Final Portfolio Deadlines
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The midterm portfolio will be due the week of: September 28 .
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The final portfolio will be due the week of: October 26 .
Midterm Portfolio: Class work + assigned homework / sketchbook = 50%
Final Portfolio: Class work + assigned homework / sketchbook = 50%
The following criteria will be used to determine student performance:
1. Resolution of work - does it fit the requirements of the assignment and is it finished
2. Presentation
3. Technique and technical mastery
4. Terminology and conceptual knowledge
5. Personal development and effort
6. Participation in lectures and critiques
7. Attendance and preparedness
8. Innovation and originality
The Letter Grading System will be:
Grade
Grade Point Description
A+
4.0
A
4.0
Excellent Performance
A3.7
B+
B
B-
3.3
3.0
2.7
Good Performance
C+
C
C-
2.3
2.0
1.7
Satisfactory Performance
D+
D
1.3
1.0
Pass
F
0.0
Fail
* Refer to the RDC calendar or website for more information regarding the grading policy.
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RECOMMENDED TEXTS/RESOURCES
*Texts are recommended and NOT required
1. Stewart, Mary. Launching the Imagination: A Comprehensive Guide to Two-Dimensional
Design. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015. Print.
2. Rossol, Monona. The Artist's Complete Health and Safety Guide. New York: Allworth
Press, 2001. Print.
3. Ocvirk, Otto G. Art Fundamentals: Theory and Practice. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill,
2013. Print.
Attendance Requirements and Late Assignments
Students are required to attend all classes and to work in class. Attendance will be recorded at the beginning of class.
Any late arrivals or early departures will also be recorded. More than two unexcused absences will seriously affect
your grades. Demonstrations and discussions will begin promptly at the start of the scheduled time for the class,
making punctuality a priority, as the information covered in the discussion will not be covered again. Since meaningful
participation in the class discussions of finished assignments presumes having your completed your work, unexcused
late assignments are accorded lower grades than those submitted on time.
Student Dispute, Appeal and Misconduct Processes
Please be familiar with what constitutes academic misconduct, as well as the consequences. Plagiarism involves
submitting work in a course as if it were the student’s own work. Plagiarism may involve the act of submitting work in
which some or all of the phrasing, ideas, or line of reasoning are alleged to be the submitter’s own but in fact were
created by someone else.
Student Resources, Rights and Responsibilities
This course may be eligible for Prior Learning Assessment. Students should refer to the RDC College Calendar for a list
of excluded courses. Classroom Learning Resources may be available to students in alternate formats. Students
should be aware that Personal Counseling, Career, Learning and Disability Services are provided by RDC. Inquire
about locations at Information Desk. It is the student’s responsibility to discuss their specific learning needs with the
appropriate service provider.
Course Outline
It is the student’s responsibility to be familiar with the information contained in the Course Outline and to clarify any
areas of concern with the instructor. Changes to the course outline may only be made through discussion and
negotiation between the instructor and the class with a majority of the class agreeing to the changes, and reviewed
by the Associate Dean. Students should refer to the Student Dispute, Appeal and Misconduct Processes Policy and
Standard practice should they have any questions or concerns about the Course Outline that cannot be resolved with
the instructor.
Health and Safety
Health and Safety are of primary concern and will be dealt with as part of this course. Students will be expected to
participate in assigned studio tasks such as regular studio clean up at the end of each class. Completed tasks will be
tracked and counted towards the participation mark. Eating and drinking in the studio areas at RDC is strictly
forbidden.
Studio Materials Fees
Studio materials fees are applied to studio courses to offset the cost of printed material, art materials, models, image
resources, video and equipment maintenance.
Required Materials and Tools
First year Drawing & Design kit and First year Painting kit or assemble the following:
Container for Supplies – Tool Kit
Compass and or geometry set
Sketchbook 8.5" x 11” minimum
Glue stick
Pencils – 2H, HB, 2B, 4B, 6B
Matte medium
Black Sharpie Marker
Masking or painter’s tape 1”
Micron pen
Water containers
A variety of brushes
Mixing containers
Metal/metal edged ruler 18 to 24 inches long
Spray Bottle
Utility knife & spare blades AKA Exacto Knife
Plastic palette
Scissors
2 mixing knives/palette knives
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TC ART231C F2015
Acrylic Paint: (60 ml tubes)
 Titanium white (150 ml tube)
 Iron oxide or Mars black
 Ultramarine blue
 Phthalo blue (green shade)
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Cadmium yellow medium
Cadmium yellow light or Hansa yellow (lemon)
Cadmium red medium or Azo red medium
Quinacridone red or Quinacridone violet
magenta
*Other materials will be required for individual assignments, and a material list will be provided at that time.
Studio Etiquette
Cell Phones
Making or receiving calls or text messages on personal cell phones during scheduled class times or visiting artist
lectures is strictly prohibited. Please turn your phone off during class or lecture times. Exceptions may be made for
individuals with pregnant spouses, young children, or family members in palliative care. Please speak to your
instructor if one of these situations applies to you. When class is not in session cell phones must be used with the
utmost discretion. Please be sensitive to those working around you and step out into the hallway to make or receive a
call.
Music
Personal stereos (iPods and MP3 Players) are not allowed while class is in session unless the instructor of the class has
given permission. During class sessions the instructor may allow the playing of music on the studio sound system.
Remember that the studios are cooperative workspaces; be considerate of those working around you during and
after class.
Personal Property
Please be respectful of other people’s property and possessions. To prevent unauthorized use, label all of your tools
and materials and lock them up when you are not around. Do not use tools and materials that do not belong to you.
Mess
If you make a mess it is your job to clean it up before you leave the space. Return all tools, equipment, tables, chairs,
and materials to their proper places before leaving the studio.
Respect
Please treat each other with respect and courtesy. RDC has a zero tolerance policy on personal harassment and
discrimination in any form.
Important Dates:
 Sept 9
 Sept 10
 Sept 16
First day of classes for Fall Term
Last day to apply for Fall 2015
Last day to register or add/drop Fall or Full year courses Last day to have tuition
refunded for Fall or Full year courses
 Oct 12
Thanksgiving Day College closed.
 Oct 28
Midterm feedback date
 Nov 11
Remembrance Day College closed.
 Dec 10
Last day to withdraw from Winter Term courses and receive a WD Last day of
classes for Fall term
 Dec 24
Final grades available
 Dec 25-31 College closed
 Jan 5
First day of classes for Winter Term 2016
Chairperson Approval:
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September 3, 2015
Associate Dean:
Date: 06 September, 2015
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