COURSE INFORMATION

CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION

Principles of visual design and techniques of representation. Exploration of visual ideas through analysis. Introduction of terminology and vocabulary. Coreq. 172.

OBJECTIVES

CONTENT

Such understanding is realized through an investigation of both the quantitative and qualitative properties of both natural and man-made phenomena as conveyed primarily through the acts of writing, drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, and architecture. All aspects of inquiry ultimately attempt to focus upon the essential features, qualities, and ideas that contribute to an understanding of the language of design and the poetics of place.

Students will be exposed to readings, illustrated lectures, and assignments that investigate principles of visual design and theories of their representation. These subjects include the following content:

• sign-symbol, image, and object

• visual language and generative syntax

• developmental psychology and the artistic conscience

• continuum of artistic endevour, perceptual shifts

• quantitative and qualitative strategies

• envisioning information, organizational means and ordering phenomena

EVALUATION

Evaluation for the JOURNAL [40%] of your final grade and will be determined by the thoroughness of the work submitted. A primary text/notepage and collage are required per week and must be turned into your TA prior to the start of EACH Tuesday’s class (formats vary and will be specified for each assignment).

Submissions will be evaluated on your ability to clearly summarize material covered in lectures and assigned readings as well as provide thoughtful responses to questions posed by weekly lectures and readings. The journal is a DESIGN PROJECT and must be composed in a meaningful way. You should consider each sketchbook entry as a precise visual argument.

In addition to the evaluation of the written and visual content of the digital journal, each student will be evaluated on TWO QUIZZES [60% TOTAL].

We realize that the demands of an undergraduate scholar in the School of Architecture are intense and that you are routinely held to the highest standards. The expectations for this class are no exception. All students are required not only to attend the weekly lectures and exercises and complete the readings but to be an active participant. This means that sleeping or engaging in any form of communication, texting or otherwise, not directly related to this course during class will have an adverse effect on your grade. The ultimate goal of this course is to empower you to be the best student you can be. As such, the course strives to provide you with the tools necessary to understand the foundation of complex visual arguments and thereby take a critical stance.

Incomplete or “I” grades will only be assigned when students are absent from class with a University approved absence and are unable to make up the work by the end of the term.  Projects are expected to be completed in the time allowed. Late work will be penalized with a lower grade.  In accordance with the University Academic Policies, the following grade standards will prevail:

A Superior (4.0) / A- Intermediate Grade (3.7) / B+ Very Good (3.5) / B Good (3.0) / B- Intermediate Grade (2.7) / C+ Fair (2.5) / C Satisfactory (2.0) / C- Unsatisfactory (1.7) / D+ Unsatisfactory (1.3) / D Unsatisfactory (1.0) / D- Unsatisfactory (0.7) / F Failure (0.0)

Class attendance is assumed to be a prerequisite for successful completion of the course.  Course grades are subject to attendance and participation in discussion groups. After one unexcused absence, each successive unexcused absence results in a lowering of one letter grade- i.e. the highest grade a student can receive with two unexcused absences is an A-... three B+

CIVILITY STATEMENT