Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

ART 1120 - Section FE1 - 2D Design

ART 1120-FE1

Course: ART 1120-FE1
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: ARTD
CRN: 30499

Course Description

The course is an introduction to the fundamentals of two-dimensional design with emphasis on the elements and principles of design.

A study of design fundamentals with an application in two-dimensional media. Presents the basic design principles and elements employed in all visual expression. Topics and skills taught are foundational preparation for students wishing to major in art and pursue careers within the film, art, and design industries. This course is for Filmmaking, Art, and Design majors and minors only. (Fall, Spring) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Registration Restriction(s): Filmmaking, Art, Design, and Theatre Design and Production majors or minors only; Intensive English Program majors may not enroll.

Required Texts

Required Text

Stewart, Mary*. Launching the Imagination: A Comprehensive Guide to Basic Design, Sixth Edition.* New York: McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2018.

Materials

All supplies (except for the textbook) are available in the campus bookstore. There are other local stores that may have variations of materials. Please, contact me if you have questions regarding substitutions.

See attached materials list.

Sketchbook

Students are required to keep a sketchbook for this class. Your sketchbook must be utilized for each project. A good sketchbook includes: class notes, initial brainstorming ideas, multiple preliminary ideas, working plans for the design, and reference materials that relate to your project (magazine clippings, information about specific artists, notes on media and techniques, etc.) Use the sketchbook for any ideas you have, even if it's not directly related to class. Make sketches of things that you find interesting. It should be a constant companion - a journal - an idea book.

Materials List

ART 170 MATERIALS LIST
PAPER
  • Mixed media paper or bristol board (11"x14" or larger)
  • Illustration board (optional, not required)
  • Black or white mounting board (foam core or mat board)
DRAWING MATERIALS
  • Pencil
  • Black India ink
  • Good quality eraser
  • Micron drafting pens or ultra fine point Sharpie
PAINTING MATERIALS
  • Soft nylon brush set
  • Plastic water container
  • Acrylic paint: black, white, primary red, primary yellow, and primary blue. Make sure it is acrylic, not oil!
CUTTING/EDGING/MOUNTING
  • X-acto knife with extra (many) #11 blades
  • Glue stick/double sided tape
OTHER
  • Metal ruler 18" or larger
  • Art supply box or other carrying case
  • Masking tape

Learning Outcomes

Upon the completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • Memorize the visual elements and principles of two-dimensional design and other design-based terminology
  • Express creative design-based problem-solving skills
  • Demonstrate competence with a variety of two-dimensional art media
  • Recognize and practice professional craftsmanship
  • Identify the visual elements and principles of design in their own work and the work of others
  • Demonstrate technical competence and safety with design tools

Course Requirements

Critiques

There will be formal critiques on each of your projects to enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills. You are required to verbally participate in critiques. The purpose of this is to train you in discussions of your work and the work of others. During critiques your work will be discussed in terms of the objectives of the assignment, including the conceptual, technical, and formal elements of the work.

Student evaluation

This is a project-based course. Each project will be evaluated on the preliminary work, the concept and design, craftsmanship and whether it meets assignment specifications. Your individual progress and ability to problem-solve and develop ideas prior to completion of projects will also be evaluated. This course is a combination of lecture, demonstration, critiques, and studio work time. Your grade will be based on your projects, quizzes, final exam, and class participation. You will complete several projects this semester. These will cover a variety of materials and concepts which correspond to the textbook. Craftsmanship is important - you are expected to submit work that is clean, neat, and professional. Each project will be graded on a rubric determined by the goals and objectives of that particular assignment. Rubrics will be included with each assignment; the goals for each assignment will be clearly indicated.

Come to our meetings on time and prepared to work. If you do not have supplies, you will not be given class credit toward assignments. Bring your textbook and sketchbook to each class meeting.

Grade Values

Projects (9 total)100 points (each)
Quizzes (9 total)10 points (each)
Final Exam100 pts.
Quarter total:1090 points

Grading Scale

  • A = 93-100%
  • A- = 90-92%
  • B+ = 87-89%
  • B = 83-86%
  • B- = 80-82%
  • C+ = 77-79%
  • C = 73-76%
  • C- = 70-72%
  • D+ = 66-69%
  • D = 60-65%
  • F = Below 60%

Course Outline

There will be 8 projects, 8 quizzes, and final exam.

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

Work is expected to be finished on time and ready for critique on the day that it is due. Late work will receive a 10% deduction for every missed meeting it is late.

Extra credit/Re-do assignment

Each student may redo one project but only if the original project was turned in on time. Extra credit opportunities will be discussed at midterm. Extra credit will not substitute assignments.

Attendance Policy

Attendance will be taken sometime near the beginning of each class period. You must be here when I call your name. I need to watch you work to be able to help you. If you come to the studio after attendance is called it is your responsibility to make sure that I change you from absent to tardy in my attendance book. Insist on watching me do it.

Studio art classes are different than lecture classes in that you must physically be in class to do the work, therefore poor attendance can significantly affect your grade.

0-3 unexcused absences: no penalty

4 unexcused absences: final grade is lowered by one letter grade

5 unexcused absences: final grade lowered by two letter grades

6 unexcused absences: this warrants automatic failure for the course.

Three tardies and/or leaving class early = 1 absence.

Extenuating circumstances will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Course Fees

ART courses have a $19.00 per credit fee.

Academic Credit

The rule for determining academic credit is “one credit represents a total time commitment of three hours each week of the quarter… The total time includes class time, studying, conferring with the instructor, writing, performing laboratory work, exercising, or performing any other activity required of students.” This is a 3 unit course, which means you will be expected to commit approximately 9 hours per week toward this course.

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.