HomeMy WebLinkAboutART-125Bergen Community College
Division of Humanities
Department of Visual Art
Course Syllabus
Course Designation, Number, and Title:
ART-125 Illustration
Basic Information About Course and Instructor:
Semester and year: ___________
Section Number: ___________
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Instructor: ___________
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Departmental Secretary (optional): ___________
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Course Description:
Official Catalog Course Description:
This course is designed to develop skills in illustration based on drawing, painting, and digital
media to create visual interpretations of a text or idea. Different media, styles, and creative
solutions are explored along with strategies for visual problem-solving. Example projects include
editorial illustration, comics, and illustrations for objects and clothing.
Credits: 3 (2 lecture, 2 lab)
Pre-requisites: None
Co-requisites: None
Student Learning Outcomes:
As a result of meeting the requirements in this course, students will be able to:
1. Communicate using visual imagery.
2. Interpret texts and concepts into visual images.
3. Draw, construct, and invent illustrations.
4. Apply fundamental illustration techniques.
Means of Assessment:
● Graded homework assignments
● Class discussions
● Mid-semester and final projects
Course Content:
This course will cover strategies for ideation and creativity to help students develop a unique
artistic voice. Visual problem-solving will be emphasized for interpreting text and concepts.
Students will develop skills in drawing, painting, and digital media through projects such as
editorial illustration, comics, and illustrations for objects and clothing.
Special Features of the Course:
Students will engage in studio classes, lectures, and demonstrations that utilize images in
presentation software. Instruction will incorporate the Adobe Creative Suite, digital cameras,
drawing, painting, and other manual techniques.
Course Texts and/or Other Study Materials:
Required Text:
● The Education of an Illustrator by Arisman and Heller
○ Publisher: Allworth Press (2000)
○ ISBN-10: 158115075X
○ ISBN-13: 978-1581150759
Materials:
● Sketchbook/Notebook (9”x12” or 11”x14”)
● Drawing pad (18"x24")
● Tracing paper pad (18"x24")
● White cold press illustration boards
● Assorted pencils, erasers, pens
● Assorted paintbrushes
● Acrylic paint, gouache paint, watercolor
● Scissors, X-acto knife and blades
● Compass
● Rubber cement, glue stick, or double-sided tape
● Portfolio (optional)
● Tackle box or container for supplies (optional)
● Triangle, compass, metal ruler, workable spray fixative
● Additional materials as required
Research, Writing, and/or Examination Requirement(s):
Students will be expected to complete homework assignments such as creating illustrations for
texts, developing characters, and designing imaginative illustrations for objects.
Grading Policy:
A student's final grade will be determined based on the following criteria:
● Presentation: 20%
● Class Participation: 20%
● Mid-Semester Exam: 30%
● Final Exam: 30%
Late work and make-up exams will be allowed at the instructor's discretion.
Attendance Policy:
All students are expected to attend every scheduled class session punctually. Three unexcused
absences will result in the lowering of a full letter grade. Frequent absences or tardiness may
result in course failure.
Other College, Divisional, and/or Departmental Policy Statements:
Refer to official BCC policies on plagiarism, academic integrity, disability accommodations, and
student support services.
Student and Faculty Support Services:
Students may seek assistance from resources such as:
● The Tutoring Center (Room L-125)
● The Writing Center (Room L-125)
● The Online Writing Lab (OWL)
● The Office of Specialized Services (Room S-131)
● The Sidney Silverman Library (Room L-226)
Course Outline and Calendar:
Week 1 – Introduction to illustration history and methods
Week 2-4 – Drawing basics: Figures, objects, perspective, lighting, color, and composition
Week 5-7 – Editorial illustration and visual problem-solving
Week 8-11 – Narrative sequential illustrations (Fairy Tale Project)
Week 12-15 – Metaphor and imagination in illustration
Note: This schedule is subject to change depending on class progress.