Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Fall Semester 2025

Life Drawing and Anatomy (Face-to-Face)

ART 3110-01

Course: ART 3110-01
Credits: 3
Term: Fall Semester 2025
Department: ARTD
CRN: 30808

Course Description

A study of the bones and subcutaneous muscle structure of the human body with an emphasis on the needs of the artists. Objective and interpretive drawing. (Fall, Spring) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Prerequisite(s): ART 1120 and ART 2110 - Prerequisite Min. Grade: C Repeatable for Add’l Credit? Yes - Total Credits: 15

Required Texts

Required Materials


You will be expected to have the following on hand throughout the semester: 
This course is taught in a way that allows you to use whatever medium you choose. Traditionally, life drawing courses use something like charcoal on paper. If you choose this method, I recommend using:
    • Smooth Newsprint 
    • compressed charcoal stick (generals)
    • soft charcoal pencil (2B, 4B, or 6B)
    • Vine charcoal
    • kneaded rubber & nylon eraser 

Program Fees


Your program fee will provide
:
    • Model/Reference Fees
    • 3D Printed Skeletal Armature
    • Modeling clay 
    • Wood sculptural base and hardware and support for armature.
    • Use of various sculpting tools
    • Tracing paper if required

Recommended Books

    • Anatomy for Sculptors anatomy4sculptors.com
    • Atlas of Human Anatomy for the Artist by Stephen Rogers/Peck
    • etc. etc. There are potential libraries full with terrific Life Drawing & Anatomy books.

Learning Outcomes

    • Students will develop a three-dimensional understanding of the muscular and skeletal system. 
    • Students will memorize the names, locations, and proportional relationships of the major bones and muscles, and acquire the ability to identify specific anatomic forms when observed from the live model.
    • Students will be able to execute a powerful gesture drawing that demonstrates a mastery of the basic forms, functions, and rhythms of the human figure.  
    • Students will learn to group and simplify anatomical structures for deliberate artistic effect.

Course Requirements


In the end, hard work is more important than talent. Grading will reflect this belief. 

Outside of Class:
  Sketchbook assignments will consist of assigned drawings. These may include specific strategies and techniques to use when drawing the figure. These drawings will also include assignments to develop mastery of specific anatomical structures, features and landmarks.

In Class:You are expected to be in class — prepared and on task. Grades for this portion will be result of your completion of an écorché sculpture (with credit given at weekly checkpoints), various in-class drawings and exercises. In class, you will be expected to demonstrate this mastery of the specific anatomical forms from your homework.

Grades will be weighted as follows:

  • In Class
    • 30%             In-Class Drawing/Sculpting 
    • 30%             Écorché  Checkpoints 
    • 10%             Final Écorché Sculpture
  • Outside of Class
    • 30%             Sketchbook Assignments 

Course Outline

Week 1 | Course introduction and overview
Week 2 | Introduction to drawing from the live model, gesture, balance, simplification
Week 3 | Introduction to the Skeletal System
Week 4 | Focus - Skeletal: Skull
Week 5 | Focus - Skeletal: Axial
Week 6 | Focus - Skeletal: Appendicular Part 1, Shoulder/Pelvis
Week 7 | Focus - Skeletal: Appendicular Part 2, Limbs
Week 8 | Focus - Skeletal: Appendicular Part 3, Hands/Feet
Week 9 | Focus - Skeletal: Complete 
Week 10 | Introduction écorché sculpting and to the superficial muscles
Week 11 |  Focus - Muscular: Limbs, Drawing and Sculpting
Week 12 |  Focus - Muscular: Torso Part 1, Drawing and Sculpting
Week 13 |  Focus - Muscular: Torso Part 2, Drawing/Sculpting
Week 14 |  Focus - Sculpting
Week 15 |  Focus - Refinement 

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

Late Work Policy

Sketchbooks. Late sketchbook assignments will not be graded. 

Unexcused late work, or work turned in after critiques have begun without prior communication, will not be accepted and will receive a grade of zero. Arriving late to a critique without prior notice will result in being marked absent, and your project will not be reviewed.

Students are responsible for managing their time and anticipating potential conflicts. If you’re facing unexpected circumstances, reach out early—I’m happy to work with you when communication is proactive.

Make up work will be handled on a case by case basis, with appropriate documentation for excused absences.

Attendance Policy

Participation in all class sessions, drawing activities, and critiques is critical and required. I do not post my presentations on Canvas—class attendance is 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.

  • 4 Absences — Highest Grade Attainable: A- (A final course grade of A would be reduced to an 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.

Art majors that miss more than 25% of class sessions must repeat the class—regardless of other considerations. This means 6.25 absences out of 25 classes will result in a "no pass" situation. The Department Attendance Policy for studio classes can be found here: https://catalog.suu.edu/preview_entity.php?catoid=26&ent_oid=1489&returnto=

Course Fees

Studio courses require a $19.00 fee per credit hour.

Methods of Instruction

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.
Drawing from the Live Model
Classes will present the students with a variety of opportunities to apply their newly acquired anatomical knowledge to the visual interpretation of a live model or digital reference.  Additionally, students will explore a variety of strategies, mediums, and techniques.
Anatomical Study/Écorché
Anatomy sessions will typically consist of an anatomical review and discussion. Students should expect demonstration of the anatomical structures tactically through sculpture/drawing and visually through study of models (digital, live). Regardless of what students are able to finish during class, the sculpture and sketchbook assignments are required to be finished to an acceptable level to be reviewed at the beginning of the following anatomy session. Sessions will conclude with a brief lecture and introduction to the anatomic structures to be drawn as homework over the weekend and sculpted the following session.  

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.