VAFA101 2-D Design Fundamentals
Department of Arts and Communication: Visual Arts
- I. Course Number and Title
- VAFA101 2-D Design Fundamentals
- II. Number of Credits
- 3 credits
- III. Number of Instructional Minutes
- 4050
- IV. Prerequisites
- Corequisites
- None
- V. Other Pertinent Information
- Students work at least five hours weekly outside of class time on homework assignments. Students are required to invest at least $200.00 to purchase materials and supplies in addition to a course textbook. Students must submit a final portfolio for faculty review visually demonstrating an understanding of the semester's course work.
- VI. Catalog Course Description
- This course introduces students to abstract and representational two-dimensional design concepts. Projects emphasize creativity, conceptualization, problem-solving, skill-building, expression, execution, teamwork, research techniques, and presentation. Black, white, and gray media serve as the basis for learning the vocabulary, concepts, and principles of two-dimensional design.
- VII. Required Course Content and Direction
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Course Learning Goals
Students will:
- utilize the basic elements and principles of design as they solve design-based assignments;
- demonstrate an understanding of sensitivity to and facility with the materials and media used in two-dimensional design;
- practice applied techniques to enhance their visual perception, to develop skill, and to stimulate creativity;
- practice critical and self-assessment skills, including learning how to apply art and design vocabulary to assess the strength of individual visual solutions through analysis and evaluation;
- demonstrate an understanding of art and design history (including important practitioners and significant movements) and utilize visual art references as resource material for developing design solutions; and
- investigate and discuss the various aspects of image making (including content, psychological connections, and socio-political characteristics of the human condition).
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Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities
During the course of the semester, students will practice the concepts of two-dimensional design and develop their skills. Specifically, they will:
- manipulate the basic elements of design, including line, direction, shape, size, texture, and value;
- explore the basic structures of visual composition, including harmony, balance, unity, dominance or emphasis, gradation, contrast, opposition or conflict, variety, rhythm, repetition, alternation, alignment, and proximity;
- prepare a design journal demonstrating the development process from initial concept to the final product for all assignments;
- identify the process and conceptual basis of abstraction;
- distinguish spatial relationships as they relate to the picture plane;
- create the illusion of three-dimensional form and space on a two-dimensional surface;
- explore and discuss the effects of imagery and visual content as they relate to psychological and sociological factors;
- research the art of world cultures in order to find design and color resources;
- evaluate how individual artistic strengths can be recognized, developed, and nurtured;
- apply experimentation, exploration, analysis, evaluation, and synthesis to a continuous process of discovering visual solutions, creating images, and improving applied skills;
- practice various sketchbook techniques for generating multiple and sequential visual approaches to solving assignments;
- practice studio working processes for design development and visual problem-solving;
- apply techniques for using wet and dry media to develop facility, sensitivity, and draftsmanship skills in representing interiors, ideas, expression, and observations;
- manipulate traditional black, gray, white, and color media, including graphite, charcoal, ink;
- apply water-based painting techniques;
- explore color relationships based on historical and cultural references; and
- develop and practice cooperative working relationships within a group.
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Assessment Methods for Course Learning Goals
- Course learning goals are assessed with group critiques of all assignments, based on the successful design, execution, and completion of specific projects, and on the appropriate use of tools and shop safety practices.
- At least two individual critiques with the instructor are held each semester, to assess projects using the above criteria and to review students' overall progress.
- Students' finished work is assessed in its totality on overall aesthetic quality and progress.
- Projects are assessed through critiques, oral presentations, and discussions.
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Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Student:
Students will access learning and resource materials through the Internet, as well as through printed sources, including magazines, periodical references, and a required text. See course syllabus.
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Review/Approval Date - 12/04; Revised 6/09; Revised 4/2012; New Core 8/2015;Revised 5/20