Class Information

Tuesday and Thursday, 9:30 am - 12:20 pm, Fain C110

Credit Hours: 3

Contact Hours: 6 per week 

Work at Home: 4-6 per week

Course Description

This course is designed as a study of the elements and principles of design as they relate to the organization of the two-dimensional surface.  The focus of the course is formally based with additional exploration of creative problem solving techniques, content, and contemporary art issues.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the student will have executed various abstract, non-objective, and representational designs in value and color, using wet, dry, and digital media.  The student will have gained an understanding and appreciation of the formal aspects of 2D compositions and concept development.   The student will be able to describe and analyze designs and images using appropriate terms and vocabulary.  The development of good craftsmanship skills is integral to the course.  

Desire-to-Learn (D2L)

Extensive use of the MSU Texas D2L program is a part of this course. Each student is expected to be familiar with this program as it provides a primary source of communication regarding assignments, examination materials, and general course information. Work will be turned in through this program as well. Please make sure to take good quality photos of your work. 

You can log into D2L through the MSU Homepage. If you experience difficulties, please contact the technicians listed for the program or contact your instructor.

Student Handbook

Refer to:  Student Handbook

Student Expectations

Studio Projects: Designs and images addressing and illustrating the elements and

principles of 2D surface design will be the emphasis of the course. All work submitted

must be original and created only for this class. Assignments will be collected for

grading on their assigned due dates.All studio projects will be viewed and discussed

by the class. These critique sessions are important opportunities to exchange

thoughts and ideas and should always be considered professional and not personal.

In-process critiques will be conducted one-on-one during class time, as well as small

group critiques leading to the due date.

Writings and Sketchbooks: You will be required to keep a sketchbook (approximately

9" x 12") with white, blank pages - no lined paper. It is important to keep your

sketchbook neat and organized with dates, assignment criteria, and no loose pages.

Sketchbook Tips:

● This will contain thumbnail sketches for projects, visual and/or written responses

related to exhibitions articles, studio projects, videos, etc.

● Use it daily to build discipline.

● Experiment with a variety of tools and techniques.

● Include notes, questions, and inspirations to make it personal and meaningful.

● Treat it as a safe space for trial and error - perfection isn’t the goal.

Homework Environment: Students should create a studio environment in which to

execute homework. In an ideal studio, a student should be able to work at various

distances, heights, and angles from the subject; move away from the work to view it

at a distance; control lighting; work at various sizes, and create a desired

environment – loud or quiet, bright or dark, etc. Working outside of class is an

essential factor in successful completion of this course.

Work Ethics: Personal motivation and discipline are keys to a student’s success in this

course. These qualities are demonstrated to me by actions - such as preparation for

each class, thoughtful inquiry, involvement in projects, discussions, and critiques, and

the successful resolution of various problems and challenges presented throughout

the course. Students should expect to spend at least six hours per week on

homework in addition to studio/class time. Further, all work should be stored and

transported in a manner that preserves it for critiques and portfolio reviews. Late

work will be lower in grade.

Attendance, Absence, and Late Policy

Students enrolled in the Juanita and Ralph Harvey School of Visual Arts must comply

with the following department-wide Attendance, Absence, and Lateness Policy:

● Students arriving 10 minutes after class begins will be considered late, and will

be counted absent.

● Three late arrivals count as a single absence.

● Students may be absent from class 3 times without penalty and without

providing any documentation regarding the absence.

● If a student incurs a 4th absence, his or her final course evaluation will be

reduced by a full letter grade.

● If a student is absent 5 times, whatever the reason, he or she will receive a

failing grade (F) for the course, dropped from class roll, and be asked to stop

attending class

● Students are required to remain in class for the entire class session. Students will

earn an absence if they leave before the professor has dismissed class.

● Excused absences must be brought before me prior to the absence, or if later,

the student must have supporting documentation (academic, medical, or

family emergency) in the case of excessive absences.

Late work will be counted against; one letter grade for each class period after it is

due. Ex: An A grade is lowered to B after one period late, after two periods late the

A is lowered to C, etc.

Students should never miss a class critique. Apart from late grades on projects, this

counts against overall participation.

Plagiarism is unacceptable and will result in a 0 for the project. No exceptions. Any

student found guilty of academic dishonesty is subject to disciplinary action as per

the student handbook.

Late Work

Ideally, everything will be completed in time. Some tasks are more flexible than

others, but if more time is needed to work on the task extra hours or adjustments can

be made.

Make Up Work/Days

Make up work will be allowed as long as there is clear communication between

student and instructor prior to excused absence.

Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception.

Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters.

We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student.

We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed.

Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, (940) 397-4140.

The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MSUTexas e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Obligation to Report Sex Discrimination under State and Federal Law

Midwestern State University is committed to providing and strengthening an educational, working, and living environment where students, faculty, staff, and visitors are free from sex discrimination of any kind. State and federal law require University employees to report sex discrimination and sexual misconduct to the University’s Office of Title IX. As a faculty member, I am required to report to the Title IX Coordinator any allegations, personally observed behavior, or other direct or indirect knowledge of conduct that reasonably may constitute sex discrimination or sexual misconduct, which includes sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating violence, or stalking, involving a student or employee. After a report is made, the office of Title IX will reach out to the affected student or employee in an effort to connect such person(s) with resources and options in addressing the allegations made in the report. You are also encouraged to report any incidents to the office of Title IX. You may do so by contacting:

Laura Hetrick

Title IX Coordinator
Sunwatcher Village Clubhouse
940-397-4213

laura.hetrick@msutexas.edu

You may also file an online report 24/7 at Maxient 

Should you wish to visit with someone about your experience in confidence, you may contact the MSU Counseling Center at 940-397-4618. For more information on the University’s policy on Title IX or sexual misconduct, please visit MSU Texas Title IX

Senate Bill 11 passed by the 84th Texas Legislature allows licensed handgun holders to carry concealed handguns on campus, effective August 1, 2016. Areas excluded from concealed carry are appropriately marked, in accordance with state law. For more information regarding campus carry, please refer to the University’s webpage at https://msutexas.edu/campus-carry/rules-policies.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact MSU Chief of Police at police@msutexas.edu.