Description:

This is an introductory study of the principles of visual perception, two-dimensional space organization and the visual elements of line, shape, texture and space. Concepts, materials and processes necessary to an understanding of two-dimensional form are explored using traditional and digital tools and techniques. Working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator is required. 6 hrs. lecture and studio/wk.

Associated Costs: These are additional (out-of-pocket) expense considerations that students should expect in addition to the course tuition, fees, and textbooks. $200 to $400.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Define the visual elements of line, shape, texture and space and demonstrate an understanding of the visual relationships that exist between them in class exercises/projects.
2. Define the underlying principles of visual perception and form organization that provide the compositional foundation of all 2-dimensional images and demonstrate an understanding of them in class exercises/projects.
3. Express and communicate abstract ideas using the design elements and principles using traditional, electronic and digital media.
4. Explore, develop and demonstrate skills with a variety of traditional, electronic and digital tools, equipment, materials and techniques that are utilized by the visual designer.
5. Demonstrate mastery of the specialized vocabulary relating to the course content by discussing class work in these terms.
6. Demonstrate a level of problem solving skills that allow for the identification and generation of alternative solutions as well as the selection of an appropriate course of completion.
7. Recognize and demonstrate productive attitudes and work habits in the studio/lab.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. The Visual Elements of Art and Design
   A. Demonstrate an understanding of, and visual sensitivity to, the
following elements of art and design by identifying, defining and using
them in class exercises/projects.
      1. Line
         a. Historic development as an element of art and design 
         b. As symbolic communication of both objects and abstract
concepts
         c. Physical characteristics of line: length, measure, type,
color, value and texture
         d. Linear directions: straight, angular, curved
         e. Natural and man-made lines: functional and imaginative
      2. Shape
         a. Kinds of shapes:  representational and non-representational,
natural and man-made, 2-dimensional and as illusions of 3-dimensional
forms, organic and geometric
         b. The process of abstraction
         c. Closure
         d. The meaning of shapes as signs and symbols
         e. The emotive qualities of shapes both active and static
         f. The compositional importance of the placement, balance,
texture, color and value of shapes
      3. Texture
         a. Kinds of texture: actual, simulated or imitative, man-made or
natural, invented and expressive
         b. The distinction between texture and pattern
         c. Principle factors in our perception of textures: variations in
reflection and absorption of light, differences in value and color, and the
degree of opacity, translucency or transparency
         d. Uses of texture in two-dimensional design: to describe
objects, to stimulate tactile response, as surface enrichment, as
clarification of spatial cues and to control the relative dominance of
pattern.
      4. Space   
         a. Spatial cues:  relative position in visual field, textural
density, relative size of elements in visual field
         b. Linear perspective
         c. Perspective of parallax:  binocular and motion
         d. Perspectives that are independent of the position or motion of
the observer including: aerial perspective (changes in color intensity,
value and detail,) perspective of blur, continuity of outline
(overlapping,) and transitions between light and shade.

II. The Principles of Visual Perception and Organization
   A. Demonstrate an understanding of, and visual sensitivity to, the
following principles of visual organization by identifying, defining and
using each of them in class exercises/projects. 
      1. Pictorial formats
         a. Picture plane
         b. Picture frame 
         c. Pictorial area
      2. Visual grouping 
         a. Proximity of visual grouping
         b. Similarity of elements
         c. Common movement
         d. Visual continuity of elements
         e. Closure
      3. Visual separation 
         a. Contrast
         b. Figure-ground
      4. Perceptual integration 
         a. Principles of good figures
         b. Principles of perceptual constancy
         c. Optical illusions
         d. Perception of movement
      5. Balance 
         a. Types of balance: physical versus ocular, symmetry versus
asymmetry
         b. Factors contributing to the relative weight of elements: size,
shape, texture, color, value and position
      6. Rhythm
         a. Rhythmic patterns: simple or repetitive, alternative,
progressive and flowing
      7. Pattern   
         a. Uses of pattern: as underlying pictorial structure, beat or
accent, figure-ground relationships, transitional patterns and motif
      8. Movement
         a. Indicators of movement: directional use of art elements,
tracing the path of a volume or shape, blurred contours, combining
multiple points of view, multiple images within one image, sequence and
transition within a series of images shape
      9. Contrast and emphasis 
         a. Methods of attaining contrast and emphasis: through line
quality and variation,  shape and textural variation, contrast of size,
color and value and changes in directional movement of elements

III. Tools, Materials and Techniques
   A. Demonstrate skills in the use and applications of the following by
identifying, and using each of them in class exercises and projects.
      1. Traditional tools  
         a. Artograph
         b. Compass
         c. T-square and triangle
         d. French curves and templates
         e. Ruling pen or Rapidograph pens
         f. Cutting tools
         g. Erasers
      2. Electronic and digital tools 
         a. Photocopier
         b. Computer
         c. Laser printer
         d. Scanner
      3. Materials
         a. Papers and boards
         b. Ink and goauche
         c. Adhesives and thinners 
         d. Protective sprays
      4. Techniques
         a. Overlays
         b. Refinement
         c. Scaling
         d. Transferring
         e. Computer software techniques

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

Projects and tests   60 - 85% of grade
Studio performance   15 - 40% of grade
Total                  100%   
                      
Grades for projects will be based on project objectives and competencies
evaluated in class critiques, evaluation forms and individual
conferences.

Studio performance grade is based on the student's attendance record,
degree of productivity, ability to work independently and level of
participation in class critiques. 

Grade Scale:
      4.0  = A
      3.75 = A-
      3.25 = B+
      3.0  = B
      2.75 = B-
      2.25 = C+
      2.0  = C
      1.75 = C-
      1.25 = D+
      1.0  = D
below 1.0  = F

Semester Grade: total grade averaged to A, B, C, D, or F.

Caveats:

1. Working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator is required.

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.