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:
Advanced Drawing
Course Number:
ART 310
Credits:
3 (repeatable to 18)
Prerequisites:
ART 110, Drawing I or equivalent
Maximum Class Size (face-to-face): 22
Maximum Class Size (online):
(Choose which one is appropriate or both if applicable)

B.

Objectives of the Course:
1. The students will have studio activities, instruction, demonstrations, and
assignments that will improve their performance in academic rendering
skills using traditional drawing media.
2. The students will work from a model and will learn the structure and
anatomy of the human body as it affects the rendering of the surface
information of the human form.
3. The students will experiment with materials and techniques to explore the
aesthetic and expressive potential of non-traditional drawing media.
4. The course shall provide an instructional atmosphere and open-ended
assignments that will encourage students to combine traditional and nontraditional drawing media and techniques as a search for a personal
expressive "language".
5. The course shall provide the opportunity for the students to accumulate a
body of work, and will teach the methods of presentation of that work for
inclusion into a portfolio appropriate for application to graduate school.

C. Catalog Description:
This advanced drawing course explores expressive drawing techniques and drawing
media, and is a continuation of work to improve performance of academic drawing
skills. Emphasis is placed on drawing from a model to develop knowledge of human
anatomy and to understand its affects on the surface information of the human form.
Basic drawing skills are required. This course is repeatable for up to 18 credits.
Prerequisite: Drawing I or an equivalent course.
D.

Outline of the Course:
Approximately half of the semester will stress visual analysis and the
anatomically accurate rendering of the human form using traditional drawing
media. This includes the following:
a)

The rendering of form using charcoal, chalks, and pencil.

b)

Study of the basic proportions of the human figure and
proportions as age and gender affect them.

c) Study and practice dividing the figure into its major planes and
facets.
d)

Study and rendering of major areas and muscle groups of the
figure: head, back, torso, legs, feet, arms, hands

Approximately half of the semester will explore various drawing techniques, and
traditional and experimental media used to render the human figure in order to
increase the students' understanding of the aesthetic potential of their work as it
relates to the selection of media.
a)

This includes such figure-drawing problems as foreshortening,
contrapostto, gesture drawing, contour/cross-contour drawing,
high contrast rendering, and full tonal rendering.

b)

The use and combination of such media as: Charcoal, Pastel,
Pencil, Pen & Ink, Ink Wash, Conte Crayon, Litho Crayon.

c)

The encouragement of invention and exploration of new
materials.

A portion of the classes will cover:

E.

a)

Matting work for portfolio presentation

b)

Taking slides of work for presentation and competition

Teaching Methodology:
Traditional Classroom Methodology
This is a studio course in which students look at and discuss selected
contemporary and historical pieces of work, watch demonstrations of techniques
and methods, then use and practice this information working in class from a
model, under the supervision of a skilled instructor. Their performance is
reinforced through out-of-class assignments.
A normal class proceeds as follows:
a) Instructor lectures and demonstrates the topic to be covered.

F.

b)

Model is posed, lighting is set, students draw.

c)

Instructor circulates among the students and provides individual
instruction.

Text
Atlas of Human Anatomy for the Artist, Peck

G.

Assessment Activities:
Traditional Classroom Assessment
Assignments are made as objective as possible so that students understand the
specific goals of each class and assignment. The instructor, on the basis of their
performance as demonstrated through their drawings, evaluates students.
Attendance is required and absences beyond 3 classes can result in lowering the
final grade.
Students are expected to increase their degree of proficiency in the methods and
techniques that are covered. Although learning takes place during the classroom

sessions, extensive practice is required by the students outside of the classroom.
Pretests and post-tests are used at the discretion of the instructor.
Because the course is repeatable, students will enter at various skill levels, thus
the growth and performance level of each student must be assessed on an
individual basis.
H.

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.

The college library has extensive reference materials to aid this course including:
a)

Book section dealing with general Art, drawing, and anatomy.

b)

Slide library of contemporary and historical drawings and paintings.

c)

Ten volume videos on anatomy for the artist, by Hale.
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 is an advanced drawing course that assumes students possess basic
competency in drawing and composition, and are familiar with the discussion
and critique of artwork. Slide lectures will attempt to expand the definition of
drawing, and will address a broad range of concepts and practices in
contemporary art and art history. Students will engage in all aspects of art
making, from research to critique, presentation, exhibition, and documentation of
artwork. The course is intended to help students to develop a cohesive body of
work while they are also acquiring skills in researching, speaking, and writing
about art. This course will prepare them for graduate school and the world of
professional fine arts.

L.

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

3.)
4. )
5.)
6.
7. )
8.)

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 supplemented 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
Digital Projector
Flat files for the storage of paper and student work.

9.)
Storage closet or cabinet for drawing props and art supplies purchased
through SAI
10.)
Sink with wall-mounted soap and paper towel dispenser.
11.)
Wall-mounted pencil sharpeners
M.

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

3.
4.
5.
6.

Does the course require additional human resources? (Please explain)
No it does not.
Does the course require additional physical resources? (Please explain)
Drawing must be done on horizontal as well as vertical surfaces.
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
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 for advanced Art and Design students, it is
suitable for the General Education menu. 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 contemporary art and art history. Students will apply drawing
concepts and perspective theories necessary to create the illusion of 3dimensional 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 other courses.