Foundations Three Dimensional Design
Course Control Number: FD130A
3 Credits Hours, 5.16 Hours Class
Zark Strasburger, Assistant Professor of Foundations and Design
Office Hours: 3:35-5:05pm, Tuesday in The Sleaze, Studio 3, or the Shop and by appointment via Skype or iChat or in person
Email: zstrasburger@mca.edu
iChat: strazbot (via AOL) or strazbot@gmail.com (via Google)
Skype: zark.strasburger
Course Description:
This class is an introduction to the basics of understanding 3-D design, including vocabulary, mechanical drawing, pattern making and model building.
Course Objectives (Student Learning Outcomes):
- Upon successful completion of the course the student's work will demonstrate a student's:
- Basic ability in the use of drawing and layout tools (compass, ruler, triangles)
- Basic ability in the use of cutting and joining tools (xacto, tape, glue).
- Ability to employ the drawing, layout, cutting and joining skills to make model constructions (paper, poster board, foamboard, cardboard)
- Ability to make drawings and models to represent ideas of one's own design.
- A basic understanding of 3-D design terminology and vocabulary.
- Basic woodworking skills.
- Basic formal and functional problem solving skills.
Course-Relevant Foundations Program Objectives (Student Learning Outcomes):
The above specific course objectives, and 3D Design as a whole, contribute to reaching the following more general Foundations Program Objectives (SLOs). Upon successful completion of the Foundations Program the student's work and or the student herself will demonstrate:
1.1 Basic design skills
1.2 Basic observational drawing skills
1.3 A fundamental level of craft
2.1 Basic skills of content development
2.2 Creative intent in various forms of art.
3.1 Fundamental proficiency in verbal communication as it relates to art
3.2 Fundamental proficiency in written communication as it relates to art
4.1 Basic research skills as they relate to art
Professional Practices Student Learning Outcomes (MCA Quality Enhancement Plan):
- Students will demonstrate the ability to write an artist statement
- Students will demonstrate the ability to digitally document their class work
- Students will demonstrate the ability to research to stay current in their field.
Methods:
- Overview of materials and methods used, including utilizing traditional drawing tools (compass, ruler, triangles) and design layout.
- Class demonstrations, use of tools, discussions and critiques. Three areas of study: mechanical drawing, pattern making, physical modeling/prototyping
- There will be an on-going sketchbook assignment: You will be required to record two objects out of class per week using the parallel projection drawing method discussed in class.
Attendance Policy:
- There are no excused absences. Missed class-time cannot be "made-up". If you miss three classes you will immediately fail the course. There will be no exceptions. The reasons behind the absences are not important. Doctor’s excuses and notes from parents are not necessary. You will not be excused from this class to do work for another. Three absences means too much information and work has been missed for anyone to legitimately pass the course.
- If you are having trouble with the course or have problems outside the class that are affecting your performance please talk to me about it so that we can work out a solution. Do not wait until it is too late. I will be glad to help you in any way I can.
- Lateness is not acceptable. Excessive (in my judgment) lateness will result in a lower final grade or dismissal from the class.
- All students will work for the entire class period. The class runs from 9a.m. to 3:35 p.m. Students will not leave the classroom unless excused. Excessive talking, walking about or leaving the room will be noted in my grade book and counted against your final grade.
- If you miss an assignment because of lateness or absence get it from another student. If you then have questions come and see me.
Grading Policy:
Grades will be determined by:
- On-time attendance and participation in discussions and critiques.
- Ability to develop skills and technique in seeing, thinking, and making.
- Quality of craftsmanship and presentation.
- Creativity and quality of concepts.
- Quality and quantity of sketchbook.
- Participation in critiques and discussion.
- General attitude.
Late assignments will be accepted up to one week late and will result in a grade reduction of one full letter grade, assignments turned in later than one week will count as a zero.
Required Materials:
Sketchbook (8.5”x11”), Xacto w/(#11 blade). metal ruler, good quality compass, #2, #4, #6 pencils and portable pencil sharpener (or equivalent mechanical pencil & leads), eraser, masking tape, glue, self healing cutting board, sandpaper, safety glasses. Optional: 30/60/90 and 45/45/90 triangles, T-square, large newsprint, respirator. Additional materials will be required based on assignments.
EPA Mandate:
Memphis College of Art students and faculty are required to follow the standards detailed in the “EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Materials Handling Protocols—September 2007”
Learning Accommodations:
Reasonable accommodations for students with documented learning disabilities will be made. Please inform the course faculty of any relevant learning disability for which you are requesting accommodation as soon as possible. For more information please refer to the Student Handbook.
School and Class Policies:
The faculty will not tolerate academic dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, etc.) in any form. Please refer to the Student Handbook for detailed information on this and other school policies. Ignorance of the policies listed in this syllabus or in the Student Handbook does not constitute a valid defense for failure to follow said policies.
Additional Class Rules:
No cell phone calls in class
No texting in class
No headphones in class (except with permission)
Disrespect and disruptiveness will not be tolerated
Related Texts:
Platonic & Archimedean Solids – The Geometry of Space, Daud Sutton, Wooden Books
Order In Space – A Design Source Book, Keith Critchlow, The Viking Press
Geometry and the Visual Arts, Dan Pedoe, Dover
Sketching – Drawing Techniques for Product Designers, Koos Eissen and Roselien Steur, BIS Publishers
Principles of Form and Design, Wucius Wong, Wiley
