Course Description: An introduction to the fundamental concepts and techniques of drawing using a variety of black and white media. Includes drawing from observation and invention leading to an interpretation and evaluative approach to drawing. Emphasis on descriptive drawing techniques from geometric and organic objects. Course includes vocabulary development, critical analysis activities, and reference to contemporary and historic models of drawing.Credit Hours: Three (3) A studio class meeting six (6) contact hours per weekMedia: Emphasis on black and white media: Graphite - Conte Crayon - Charcoal - Ink - Markers - Grounds - Various Papers - options may include digital media. Color content should be no more than 15% of the course.Concepts and skills typically include but are not limited to:• Value• Contour/Line• Marking Techniques• Rendering Surface Qualities• Space• Organizational Principles• Mass/Volume• Perspective• Form• Proportion / Scaling• Gesture Note: It is strongly recommended that students maintain sketchbooks in this classCritical Analysis: Class and Individual Critiques providing for understanding of the criteria and standards used in assessing performanceDiverse and Inclusive Historical and Contemporary Reference: Connect various contemporary, historical, and multi-cultural models to this particular studio/aesthetic practice in the development of visual literacy. Diverse and inclusive historical and contemporary references must be an easily identifiable statement in a major section of the course syllabus (i.e. learning objectives or student outcomes) or as a stand-alone statement. This statement shall address all expectations outlined in the panel’s course approval criteria and descriptor.Health and Safety: Students must be instructed on all safe studio and/or shop practices as well as the correct handling, disposal and environmental impacts of materials, and safe operation of tools and/or media used in this course. A Health and Safety statement must be an easily identifiable statement in a major section of the course syllabus (i.e. learning objectives or student outcomes) or as a stand-alone statement. This statement shall address all expectations outlined in the panel’s course approval criteria and descriptor.Suggested References/Texts: NAREVISED: 04/01/2026 - Panel revised the wording for expectations on Health and Safety and Diverse and Inclusive Historical and Contemporary Reference as it should be evidenced within course syllabus/submission information. Effective Fall 2026Previous Revision: 03/19/2025 - Clarified expectations for Historical and Contemporary Reference. Effective Fall 2025Previous Revision: 10/23/2024 - "Typical" wording regarding content revised. Reworded Health and safety statement to include environmental language and a required single statement.
Previous Revision: 04/2/2024 - panel made a revision to the Historical and Contemporary References information. Effective Fall 2024 Previous Revision: 03/22/2023 - Clarification of Contemporary References with addition of criteria statement on diverse references. Also clarifies Health and Safety. Effective Fall 2023Revision: 10/27/2021 – “Clock” hours changed to “Contact” hours. Health and Safety statement strengthened from “should” to “must.” Remainder of description remains unchanged. - effective Spring 2022Revision: Minor Revision on amount of color content 11/18/2020 - effective Spring 2021