HomeMy WebLinkAboutART-123Bergen Community College
Division of Arts and Humanities
Department of Visual Art
Course Syllabus
ART-123 – Life Drawing I
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Course Description:
Official Catalog Course Description:
Life Drawing I is a studio course focused on drawing the human figure from a live model.
Students will engage with various media, including pencil, charcoal, and ink, emphasizing value,
structure, line, form, spatial relationships, composition, and personal expression. Coursework
includes in-class sessions, discussions, critiques, and required drawing practice outside of
class.
Credits: 3 (4 hours studio)
Pre-requisites: None
Co-requisites: None
Student Learning Outcomes and Assessments:
Student Learning Outcome Means of Assessment
Demonstrate proficiency in drawing the human form with proper
proportions and anatomical accuracy
Portfolio Review, Class
Assignments
Utilize grayscale and value studies to create depth and volume
in drawings
Observational Drawings,
Critiques
Apply design principles such as composition and spatial
relationships
Sketchbook Exercises,
Final Project
Develop a personal drawing style through experimentation with
different media
Creative Projects, Peer
Review
Effectively articulate artistic concepts and critique works using
professional terminology
Class Discussions,
Written Analysis
Course Content:
● Contour drawing, gesture drawing, and weight/mass/volume studies
● Structural understanding of the human form
● Application of light and shadow
● Composition techniques, including figure/ground relationships
● Figurative and portrait work from a live model
● Homework assignments including self-portraits, still life, and landscape studies
Course Texts and Materials:
Required Texts:
● Sandy Brooke, Drawing as Expression, Prentice Hall, 2002
● Mendelowitz, Wakeham, and Faber, A Guide to Drawing, 7th Edition, 2007
Materials List:
● 18x24 drawing pad (newsprint & Bristol board)
● Portfolio case
● Assorted drawing pencils (2H-6B)
● Erasers (kneaded, gum, pink pearl)
● Vine and compressed charcoal (soft, medium, hard)
● X-Acto knife and sandpaper board
● Heavy clips, drafting tape, pushpins
Research, Writing, and Examination Requirements:
● Portfolio submissions throughout the semester
● Weekly sketchbook assignments
● Midterm and final critique
● Written reflection on personal artistic growth
Grading Policy:
Category Percentag
e
In-Class Artwork Portfolio 40%
Homework Artwork Portfolio 40%
Meeting Deadlines 10%
Attendance and Participation 10%
Attendance Policy:
● One unexcused absence allowed without penalty
● Each additional absence lowers attendance grade by one full letter
● Excessive absences may result in course failure
Additional Policies:
● Plagiarism & Academic Integrity: Adherence to BCC’s policies on academic honesty is
expected.
● ADA Statement: Accommodations are available through the Office of Specialized
Services (OSS).
● Use of AI Tools: AI-generated work must be approved by the instructor before
submission.
Course Outline & Calendar:
Week Topic Activity Assignment
1 Introduction &
Materials
Syllabus Review, Basic
Techniques
Sketchbook: Line Studies
2 Gesture Drawing Quick Poses Homework: Gesture
Sketches
3 Value & Shading Grayscale Studies Shading Exercises
4 Structure & Proportion Human Anatomy Basics Proportion Drawings
5 Light & Shadow Dramatic Lighting Shadow Studies
6 Midterm Review Portfolio Critique Midterm Submission
7 Portraiture Facial Proportions Portrait Drawing
8 Expressive
Techniques
Mixed Media Experimentation Creative Self-Portrait
9 Composition Figure/Ground Relationship Homework: Composition
Study
10 Experimental Drawing Abstract Approaches Experimental Piece
11 Final Project Planning Proposal Discussion Final Project Proposal
12 Independent Work Final Project Progress Final Sketches
13 Peer Review Group Critique Refined Artwork
14 Final Project
Completion
One-on-One Review Prepare for Final
Submission
15 Final Review Portfolio Presentation Submit Final Portfolio
Note: The course schedule is subject to change at the instructor ’s discretion.