California University of Pennsylvania
Guidelines for New Course Proposals
University Course Syllabus
Approved: 2/4/13
Department of Art and Design
A.

Protocol
Course Name:
Drawing I
Course Number:
ART 110
Credits:
3
Prerequisites:
None
Maximum Class Size (face-to-face): 22
Maximum Class Size (online): N/A
(Choose which one is appropriate or both if applicable)

B.

Objectives of the Course:
Students will study and practice the techniques and skills needed to render
complete compositional drawings from life, in linear and tonal media. The
practice will include the development of skills in visual acuity, and drawing
techniques stressing line, contour and value studies and the study of linear and
areal perspective.

C.

Catalog Description:
A beginning course in the development of drawing skills and techniques
stressing line, contour and value studies and the study of linear and areal
perspective. The course stresses rendering techniques and the visual skills
necessary for the student to draw what he sees.

D.

Outline of the Course:
1.

Outline of Course Content
a.

Lecture/demonstrations and studio/lab practice covered in the
course.
(1). Value system to create the illusion of form.
(a.)
Renaissance system of Chiaroscuro

(2). Linear systems to create the illusion of form.
(a.) Contour line.
(b.) Cross Contour line.
(3). The Illusion of Distance
(a.) Linear Perspective
(b.) Areal Perspective
(4). Tools and techniques of visual analysis.
(a.) Proportion and measuring techniques
(5). Techniques of expressive drawing
(a.) Clarity and Ambiguity
(b.) Distortion and Simplification
(c.) Affect of media
(6). Presentation of art works.
(a.) Matting
E.

Teaching Methodology:
Traditional Classroom Methodology
The primary methods of teaching are through lectures and
lecture/demonstrations followed by lab assignments. During the lab session,
students work on assignments and individual instruction is given to each student
as needed. Off campus visits to museums and local galleries are an important
part of the instruction of this course, and these field trips are made when
appropriate. Students are expected to attend art exhibits on campus at our
gallery.

F.

Text
There is no text required for this course. Students are expected to take
comprehensive notes during lectures and lecture/demonstrations and to keep
records of comments made by the instructor during lab sessions. Students are
also expected to make use of the handouts given to them throughout the
semester.

G.

Assessment Activities:
1)
2)

H.

Traditional Classroom Assessment
Online Assessment

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities:
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities:
• Reserve the right to decide when to self-identify and when to request
accommodations.
• Will register with the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD) each semester to
receive accommodations.
• Might be required to communicate with faculty for accommodations, which
specifically involve the faculty.
• Will present the OSD Accommodation Approval Notice to faculty when
requesting accommodations that involve the faculty.
Requests for approval for reasonable accommodations should be directed to the Office for
Students with Disabilities (OSD). Approved accommodations will be recorded on the
OSD Accommodation Approval notice and provided to the student. Students are expected
to adhere to OSD procedures for self-identifying, providing documentation and requesting
accommodations in a timely manner.
Contact Information:
• Location:
Azorsky Hall – Room 105
• Phone:
(724) 938-5781
• Fax:
(724) 938-4599
• Email:
osdmail@calu.edu
• Web Site:
http://www.calu.edu/current-students/studentservices/disability/index.htm
I.

Supportive Instructional Materials, e.g. library materials, web sites, etc.
1.
2.
3.
4.

Library source materials as needed.
Handout sheets composed by the instructor covering appropriate
materials, principles and methods.
Departmental slide library of drawings.
Collection of original drawings by professionals and former students.
Additional Information for Course Proposals

J.

Proposed Instructors:
Any qualified faculty member of the Department of Art and Design.

K.

Rationale for the Course:
This course was designed as a foundations class for freshman Art and Design
students. At the beginning of their undergraduate studies, students will acquire
skills in close visual observation that will be applicable to a wide range of

disciplines in addition to the Fine Arts. Students will apply drawing concepts
and perspective theories necessary to create the illusion of 3-dimensional space
on a flat surface. They will also acquire a vocabulary of art-specific terms,
technical skills, and working habits that will allow them to succeed in upper
level arts courses. Slide lectures will expose students to the history of art.
L.

Specialized Equipment or Supplies Needed:
Classroom/Studio
1.)
2.)

3.)
4. )
5.)
6.
7. )
8.)
9.)
10.)
M.

There should be adequate floor space such that 22 students are able to
stand at easels and draw objects on 4-6 tables from various angles.
Natural lighting with directional light sources. Existing fluorescent
lighting must be supplemented with wall and ceiling mounted
adjustable lights or floor lamps. Adequate outlets and extension cords
must be available if directional lights are not wall mounted.
Window blinds must allow room to be darkened enough for correct
color viewing of projected images.
Wall mounted monitor with internet connection.
Walls onto which drawings can be tacked for critique
Printer, or access to printer and copy machine.
Wall-mounted pencil sharpeners
Flat files for the storage of paper and student work.
Storage closet or cabinet for SAI supplies and drawing props.
Sink with wall-mounted soap and paper towel dispenser.

Answer the following questions using complete sentences:
1.
2.

3.
4.

Does the course require additional human resources? (Please explain)
No, it does not.
Does the course require additional physical resources? (Please explain)
The class will be moving between 211 Old Main and Vulcan Loft 301 as
the floorspace in these rooms does not allow 22 students to stand at easels
and also sit at tables. Students will stand and work at easels in Vulcan
Loft, and they will sit and work at tables in 211 Old Main.
Does the course change the requirements in any particular major?
(Please explain)
No it does not.
Does the course replace an existing course in your program? (If so, list the
course)
No it does not.

5.
6.

How often will the course be taught?
The course will be offered every semester.
Does the course duplicate an existing course in another Department or
College? (If the possibility exists, indicate course discipline, number, and
name)
No, it does not.

N.

If the proposed course includes substantial material that is traditionally taught
in another discipline, you must request a statement of support from the
department chair that houses that discipline.

O.

Please identify if you are proposing to have this course considered as a menu
course for General Education. If yes, justify and demonstrate the reasons
based on the categories for General Education. The General Education
Committee must consider and approve the course proposal before
consideration by the UCC.
Yes, Fine Arts
Though this course was designed as a foundations class for Freshman Art and
Design students, it is suitable for the General Education menu. At the
beginning of their undergraduate studies, students will acquire skills in close
visual observation that will be applicable to a wide range of disciplines in
addition to the Fine Arts. Learning to sketch and observe details carefully will
be of practical value to science, anthropology, or medical students who may
require drawing skills in research and fieldwork when photographs are
unsuitable for recording complex observations. Slide lectures will expose
students to the history of art. Students will apply drawing concepts and
perspective theories necessary to create the illusion of 3-dimensional space on
a flat surface. They will also acquire technical skills and working habits
involving patience and discipline that will allow them to succeed in upper level
courses.