VAFW100 Fine Woodworking Fundamentals

Department of The Arts: Woodworking

  1. Course Number and Title

    VAFW100 Fine Woodworking Fundamentals

  2. Number of Credits

    3 credits

  3. Minimum Number of Instructional Minutes Per Semester

    4050

  4. Prerequisites

    None

    Corequisites

    None

  5. Other Pertinent Information

    Safe shop practices are emphasized. In addition to class studio time, students work five hours outside of class each week in the woodshop under the supervision of a Lab Assistant or at home.

  6. Catalog Course Description

    This studio course focuses on structural, functional, and sculptural properties of wood, together with the traditional studio techniques of professional woodworkers. Emphasis is on a variety of design approaches, the execution of working drawings, and completing wood projects.

  7. Required Course Content and Direction

    1. Learning Goals:

      1. Course Learning Goals

        2. Students will

        1. demonstrate a basic knowledge of woodworking techniques;
        2. design and document ideas for projects through technical drawings;
        3. demonstrate an understanding of the properties of wood and select the type of wood for each project;
        4. demonstrate the proper maintenance and safe use of selected hand and power tools;
        5. execute the necessary sequence of steps to successfully complete a sculpture, container, and a piece of wood furniture; and
        6. analyze projects through critiques, oral presentations, and discussion.

      2. Core Learning Goals (if applicable)


        3. This course is not included in the Core.

    2. Planned Sequence of Topics and/or Learning Activities:

      1. create technical drawings for each project
      2. identify a variety of wood species and their properties
      3. safe use of selected hand and power tools
      4. use joinery and other woodworking techniques to projects
      5. sand and finish projects
      6. develop skills for sharpening, repairing, and maintaining tools
      7. introduce and apply appropriate vocabulary for evaluation and criticism

    3. Assessment Methods for Core Learning Goals:

      1. Assessment Methods for Course Learning Goals

        1. Course learning goals are assessed with group critiques of all projects, based on successful design, execution, and completion of assigned woodworking projects.
        2. At least two individual critiques with instructor are held to assess projects using the above criteria and to review student’s overall progress.
        3. Instructor evaluation of tool and shop safety practices through observation and quizzes.

      2. Assessment Methods for Core Learning Goals (if applicable)


        3. This course is not included in the Core.

    4. Reference, Resource, or Learning Materials to be used by Students:

      See course format. Slides, video, and/or digital technology are incorporated.

  8. Teaching Methods Employed

    Section VIII is not being used in new and revised syllabi as of 12/10/08.

Review/Approval Date - 2/05; Core Goals/Objectives added 7/04; Revised 6/09; Revised 4/2012