Hybrid Course Proposal

Color & Design

COURSE OBJECTIVES

This course is an introduction to the fundamental concepts of two-dimensional design.  Students will deal with these concepts in a series of problem solving creative projects, supplemented by discussions, critiques, slides, and written assignments.  Specific goals will include:

*to explore the six basic design elements–color, line, shape, value, texture, volume–in relation to seven major design principles–balance, contrast, repetition, movement, emphasis, proportion, and economy

*consider form, craft, concept, and content where it applies.

*become acquainted with a range of methods and materials including drawing, painting, and collage

*work in representational and non-representational modes, and points in between.

*work from a variety of sources of creativity/ideation; find new ways to think about and start making art

*further develop hand-eye coordination, facility

*think in terms of spatial organization

*build on ideas from sketch stage through a developing process, to finished piece

*learn from relevant historical and contemporary references

*learn related ideas and professional vocabulary

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

There will be four major projects segmented into multiple parts.  Each project group relates to a chapter of the text Design Basics, and includes longer major assignments and shorter activities.  Work outside of class will be necessary—expect to spend at least 10 hours working on course work each week, including completing projects and reading text.  Participation will be expected in discussions and critiques, and a comprehensive final exam covering vocabulary and key ideas learned will be given at the end of the semester.  

Additional information

This is a class that I have experience teaching in a traditional studio setting, so I would like to see how it could be modified and adapted to fit a hybrid structure. I’m still a little unsure about the overall structure of the class and how to allocate the face-to-face time to make the most out of it, and I think that discussion (individual and group) would be the hardest aspect to try to replicate online so I plan on using our time together that way. Depending on how much time I will see the students each week, I could utilize that time to critique their work, answer questions, and discuss/clarify areas where the students would like more information. I think that it will be easy to upload course information, such as lectures and vocabulary onto an online platform, but I am concerned about students completing the studio component independently. I will need to create a system of formally and informally assessing my students to make sure they understand the objectives of the course and are able to apply these concepts within their artwork. I could possibly have students take photos of their work at different stages of completion so that I can make sure they are working in the right direction before they submit a completed piece for grading.

Translating the components of this class to a hybrid structure will require a lot of modification and consideration to make sure that students get a similar experience that they do in a traditional setting. This structure could offer many benefits for students, such as flexibility with scheduling. Because studio classes typically meet for 6 hours in class each week, students will be able to make up those hours on their own time and create a schedule to complete their work that works best for them.