Southern Utah University

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Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Basic Drawing (Face-to-Face)

ART 1020-04

Course: ART 1020-04
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: ARTD
CRN: 30101

Course Description

A studio class which explores the elements and compositional principles of visual art through drawing.  Assignments are designed to encourage creative solutions, develop drawing skills, and apply the basics of line, value, edge control to communicate ideas through illustration.

Required Texts

This course does not have any required texts. Lessons will taught orally; crucial learning points will be provided through print-outs or through canvas files. Students will be expected to take notes from in-class presentations.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will gain a broader understanding and appreciation of drawing.
  2. Students will develop skills, competencies, and points of view needed by professional artists. Learn to see & draw the 3-D world on a 2-D surface with accurate proportion, perspective, & value.
  3. Students will develop creative capacities in visual art.
    Recognize and demonstrate effective visual communication and beauty in composition, line, shape, value, and texture.
  4. Students will recognize the importance of critique in the artistic development process.
    Respectfully give appropriate critique to the artwork of others and openly receive appropriate critique of personal work.

General Education
This is both a General Education and an Art and Design Foundation course. As a General Education class, SUU's Essential Learning Outcome "Creative Thinking" will be assessed.

Course Requirements

A. Participation in all class sessions, drawing activities and critiques is critical and required. 
For illness and other extenuating circumstances, 3 excused absences will be allowed.  Additional or unexcused absences will reduce your final course grade. Absence penalties are 1/2 letter grade reduction per absence. Examples: 

4 Absences—Highest Grade Attainable: A-    (A final course grade of A would be reduced to a A-)
5 Absences—Highest Grade Attainable: B+    (A final course grade of A would be reduced to a B+)

* 2 Tardies or "Leave-earlies" equal 1 absence.
* If you are employed—remember that work is NOT an excused absence.

Given the nature of this course, attendance is required and adjustments cannot be granted to allow non-attendance. However, if you need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy due to a disability, please contact the Disability Resource Center. DRC will work with us to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

B. Timely completion of all assignments is mandatory.

Course Outline

Basics of drawing utilizing graphite, conte, charcoal, and other mediums. Assignments will start with the basics of light and shadow, contour line, volume, shading techniques, and more. We will learn through drawing simpler objects and progressing to more detailed subjects like plaster statue busts. Finally we will learn the basics of perspective and utilize 1 point perspective/2 point perspective through the drawing of buildings and organic forms. Class Attendance is Required: Studio courses are experiential in nature and rely heavily on in-class instruction, collaboration, and critique. As such, attendance is mandatory.

Art Class Content Disclaimer
In the study of art, students can expect to encounter and critically appraise materials that may differ from and perhaps challenge familiar understandings, ideas, and beliefs. Art classes frequently include physical nudity, content, and imagery that may be considered controversial, offensive, or in conflict with some ethical or religious beliefs. Diverse ideas will be discussed with civility and cooperation. Students are encouraged to meet with a faculty member to express specific concerns. When not in conflict with the academic goals of the course, the faculty member will attempt to address these concerns and the applicable course requirements.




Grading Criteria

Projects & Grade Weight
20 %    Sketchbook
You will be expected to take notes during class and draw along with all of the exercises in-person and on instructional videos. You will then need to photograph your drawings and upload them before the next class to earn your points. 

80 %    Drawing Projects
These will be done both in-class and outside of class. For the most part they will be turned in on paper and not submitted online. There will be a few exceptions to this, so keep your eyes and ears open.


Grades will be based on the student's effort inside and outside of class, the quality of their work, and the improvement they show throughout the semester.
Come to class, make the most of in-class work time, and turn your assignments in on time.
Not everyone in this class is an artist, but everyone is a student. Treat this class and it’s assignments as you would any other course.


* I reserve the right to modify or reduce the number or scope of assignments. In such cases, I will discuss my reasons with you well before the start of any assignment. In the event that a modification results in more work, the entire class in attendance will need to unanimously approve.          

Grading Criteria for Drawing Notes, Exercises, Challenges, and Projects

100 A= Drawings show outstanding application of concepts and display effort above and beyond requirements.
95   A= Drawings show an excellent understanding and application of ALL concepts.
85   B= Drawings show a satisfactory understanding and application of MOST concepts.
75   C= Drawings show some understanding and application of SOME concepts.
65   D= Drawings show a lack of understanding and unsuccessful application of most concepts.
55-  F= Missing a majority of the assigned work.

Grading System

This course will use the +/- grading system.
                             A  100 – 94       A– < 94 – 90 
B+ < 90 – 87        B < 87 – 84       B– < 84 – 80 
C+ < 80 – 77        C < 77 – 74       C– < 74 – 70 
D+ < 70 – 67        D < 67 – 64       D– < 64 – 61
                             F < 61

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

All assignments must be turned in on time. Assignments turned in after the scheduled deadline will be considered late and will receive one grade reduction per day late. Projects turned in on time may be reworked to attempt to improve the grade (an improved grade is not guaranteed).

Attendance Policy

Participation in all class sessions, drawing activities and critiques is critical and required.

For illness and other extenuating circumstances, 3 excused absences will be allowed.  Additional or unexcused absences will reduce your final course grade. Absence penalties are 1/2 letter grade reduction per absence.

Example:
4 Absences—Highest Grade Attainable: A-    (A final course grade of A would be reduced to a A-)
5 Absences—Highest Grade Attainable: B+    (A final course grade of A would be reduced to a B+)

* 2 Tardies or "Leave-earlies" equal 1 absence. 

*If you spend too much time on your phone in class, you will be marked tardy.

* If you are employed—remember that work is NOT an excused absence.

Given the nature of this course, attendance is required and adjustments cannot be granted to allow non-attendance. However, if you need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy due to a disability, please contact the Disability Resource Center. DRC will work with us to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

* Students that miss more than 25% of class sessions must repeat the class—regardless of other considerations. A student who misses more than 25% of scheduled class time (including unexcused absences and tardiness) will receive a final grade no higher than a “C–”, and may fail the course, regardless of performance on assignments.

* Excused absences—such as those due to documented illness, university-sponsored activities, or other legitimate circumstances—may be made up with appropriate documentation (e.g., a doctor's note or official university communication). It is the student's responsibility to inform the instructor before the absence when possible and to make arrangements to complete missed work promptly.

Consistent attendance and active participation are essential to your success in this course and in your academic development.

The Department Attendance Policy for studio classes can be found here: https://catalog.suu.edu/preview_entity.php?catoid=26&ent_oid=1489&returnto=

Classroom Management and Maintenance

  1. Texting, cell phones, or head phones are allowed in class ONLY when instructor permits their use. (We will have short breaks in class when you can be on your phone, but I should never catch you scrolling on your phone for more than a few seconds during our work time. Anyone who is on their phone for extended amounts of time will be marked as tardy or even absent.)

  2. Clean up after yourself at the end of each class, you will have the last 5 minutes of class to clean up. (This is not an excuse to leave class 5-10 mins early.)


ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.