Syllabus

You can download a PDF of our syllabus here.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This studio course expands on printmaking techniques from Beginning Printmaking (ART 230) and includes screenprinting, letterpress and relief printing, and polyester plate lithography. This is a community-engaged course. That means that in addition to learning new print methods, improving our imagery, and generally stepping up our print game, we will be working with the Boys + Girls Club of Green Bay (on the east side) to host collaborative art workshops with and for their members. In conjunction with that collaboration, we will reflect on the value of art, art as service, and our call to serve.

As in Beginning Printmaking, we will work to maintain a welcoming, clean, and productive print shop. This 4-credit course will meet four hours a week in studio for lectures, demonstrations, and discussions. You will be expected to complete 4 – 6 hours of studio and prep work outside of class each week. We will have designated days off to accommodate the time outside of class you will spend working with the Boys + Girls Club. We will discuss in class the logistics of getting to the Boys & Girls Club.

COURSE OVERVIEW

In this course, we will learn new printmaking techniques and use those methods to explore conceptual themes including but not limited to: value, public art, collaboration, class and race, authorship, and service.

Our community partner for the course is the Lutsey Boys & Girls Club of Green Bay. In consultation with Hannah Shimek, the Program Director at the Lutsey Boys and Girls Club, we’re going to offer a series of workshops for the club members. Part of our work this semester will be to design, test, and run those workshops. We will talk about these details in class, but I’d like you to start thinking now about how we can share art with people (club members, your peers on this campus, etc.) in a way that is truly collaborative and engaging This can be a different kind of work than making our “own” art, but I believe pursuing it will help us become stronger makers and more empathetic citizens.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students who successfully complete this course will:

  • contribute positively to our communal studio setting through word and action both in and outside of the classroom
  • manage their time well to handle the demands of studio work
  • improve and expand their technical ability in printmaking
  • produce many excellent prints
  • demonstrate the ability to create sophisticated and well-composed original imagery
  • use the assignment prompts in the course to expand on themes in their other work
  • develop and articulate verbally and in writing thoughtful ideas about the value of art, the nature of service, and the context of our work  
  • contribute thoughtfully, joyfully, and authentically to our collaborative work with the Boys & Girls Club

Additionally, this course fulfills the Expression & Interpretation and Advanced requirements of the Core Curriculum (C-EI). More specifically this course seeks to fulfill these two learning objectives:

Understanding the world and one’s place in it, which includes:

  • The natural world, its relationship to human activity, and stewardship of the environment
  • Human nature, human relationships, and society
  • The commonality, diversity, and continuity of human experience and culture
  • The influence of religious heritages
  • Personal and social responsibility, social justice, service, pluralism, and the tradition of peace and reconciliation

The development of creativity and self-expression, which includes:

  • Understanding literature and the fine and performing arts
  • Nurturing creativity and self-expression as dimensions of the whole person by actively engaging in the creative process
  • Developing the ability to make creative contributions to knowledge, society, and culture

EVALUATION CRITERIA

You will earn your final grade through the following work:

Three Print Projects                         60%
Screenprint, letterpress + relief, polyester plate lithography

Boys + Girls Club Workshop          20%
Researching, designing, and hosting a collaborative creative workshop w/ B+G GB

Writing                                               10%
Reflective writing posts to slack and 330.art.knight.domains

Participation                                      10%
Please show up ready to work, every time we meet. We will take attendance with 2-minute self-portraits.

ACADEMIC SERVICE LEARNING + COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

            As I hope you know, this is a community-engaged course. The Norbertine mission of our college calls us to “respond to the needs of our global and local communities.” My hope is that through our work in this class, we will be able to respond to the specific needs of the Boys + Girls Club and to their members. I think the first part of that comes from asking and listening to our community partners. A second important element of our service is addressing for ourselves the issues of race and class and how they inform our ideas of who we are and how we serve. To that end we will be doing readings and reflective writing about service, race, representation, and our experiences working with club members.

THE WORK OF PRINTMAKING

For most of us, these techniques are new. They’re also specific and time-intensive. Unlike working on a digital illustration on your laptop, most of this work has to happen in the printshop. This can contribute to a sense of it taking more time and/or overwhelmed-ness. That’s normal. While I don’t want you to be overwhelmed, I think the not-knowing-where-this-is-going is an important part of making ART! To that end I try to structure the assignments so that the steps and criteria are clear and manageable. If you feel that either is not manageable (for you) please come talk to me. I want to help you make (great) prints and to feel good while you do it.

REQUIRED MATERIALS

Please read this document detailing our required materials.

SCHEDULE

This schedule may change. If it does, we will discuss it in class and in writing.

WEEK                                                TOPIC + EVENTS

1                    1/28 – 1/30                  Introduction, Get Materials, Stamp Printing
2                    2/4 – 2/6                  Stamps, Screenprinting
3                    2/11 – 2/13                  B+G Club Tour, Screenprinting
4                    2/17 – 2/21                  Screenprinting
5                    2/25 – 2/27                  Screenprinting, B+G Work Day
6                    3/3 – 3/5                      CRITIQUE Screenprints, B+G Work Day
7                    3/10 – 3/12                  Letterpress + Relief
8                    3/17 – 3/19                  SPRING BREAK
9                    3/24 – 3/26                  Letterpress + Relief
10                  3/31 – 4/2                    CRITIQUE Letterpress, Lithography
11                  4/7 – 4/9                      Advising, Lithography
12                  4/14 – 4/16                  Lithography, B+G Work Day
13                  4/21 – 4/23                  CRITIQUE Litho, Exhibition
14                  4/28 – 4/30                  Exhibition
15                  5/5 – 5/7                      Shop Clean Up, Exhibition
EXAM          5/12                          Wednesday, 9:15 – 11:15 AM

Studio Rules Image Description: Studio Rules – Inspired and modeled after those of Lynda Barry. The image shows a four x four grid of loosely drawn squares with studio rules in them. The rules are: - We greet each other by name when we cross paths on campus. - We address what is THERE rather than what we think SHOULD BE when we talk about work. - We do not sign our sketchbooks or the front of our work. (Sign things in December if you must.) - We sit in a different seat for each class beside different classmates. (Except for when we do still life drawing.) - We do not activate any electronic devices in class or use these to complete assignments, except…. - Sometimes we will work on computers and use our phones for good, ok? Ok. - Like this: We notice things in the world. We draw them, smell them, read/eat/use them and share our experiences with each other on slack. - We begin each class by drawing a timed 2-minute self portrait on an index card. Turn it in dated and signed = attendance. - We CLEAN UP the studio every time we leave for the day. - The Cameron Rule: If the question starts with “What if I…” the answer probably starts with “Try it and see.” - We are here in this time and place to make things, to love one another, and to push beyond. - We do not use: open flames, live animals, bodily fluids, toxic, hazardous, or illegal materials for work in this class. (You can use these. Just not in this class.)

ATTENDANCE + TARDINESS POLICY

In the past, I’ve had an attendance policy that allowed for 3 excused absences. Reading this thread on Twitter(!) has inspired me to let go of that. I recommend scrolling through the thread.

I ABSOLUTELY expect you to be at every class, but I don’t think it serves any of us for me to police your presence. Please treat this work seriously and show up when people expect you. Please don’t be late a lot.

If there are things going on in your life that are preventing you from coming to class regularly, or getting your work done on time, and you feel comfortable sharing details with me, please let me know about it.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT STATEMENT

GRADING

Every artist was first an amateur.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Bear in mind that grades reflects your success meeting assignment parameters and deadlines, not your worth as a person. That said, this work takes a lot of time. If you would like to make a passing grade in this class, plan to spend a minimum of six (6) hours outside of class, each week. Talent is very helpful, but it doesn’t guarantee you an A. Some of the most successful artists and designers are not the most talented, but the most persistent and diligent. Assignments will be graded using the following scale:

A         100 – 93
AB       92 – 87
B         86 – 81
BC       80 – 75
C         74 – 69
CD       68 – 63
D         62 -57

GRADE DISPUTES

If you receive a grade you believe is in error, please contact me about it. I ask that you follow the 24/7 rule: wait 24 hours before you contact me, but no longer than 7 days. Please use the assignment guidelines and rubric to let me know, in writing, the grade you feel your work deserves. If you and I cannot resolve our differences, we can begin a formal grade appeals process. You can read the full process here: https://www.snc.edu/registrar/policiesprocedures/gradeappealsprocess.html

REVISING WORK

If you are dissatisfied with your work and would like to rework and resubmit it for a different grade you may do so. You may do this at any time throughout the semester before May 1st. Any resubmitted piece should be accompanied by a typed statement explaining the changes you’ve made and how you feel the piece has improved. Re-submitting a piece is not a guarantee of an improved grade.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

Unless explicitly assigned by your instructor, is not appropriate for you to use class projects and assignments to make reproductions of previously made and/or copyrighted work. This includes but is not limited to using photographs taken by others; characters from film, TV or video games; or other visual elements created by anyone other than you. When in doubt, ask.

Appropriation of visual elements not made by the student should be handled with an awareness of Fair Use and Copyright, both of which we will discuss in class.  If you are turning in a drawing or print in this class, you are asserting that the imagery satisfies the above requirements. If you are in doubt about the use of an image, please ask.

In this course, all students are expected to adhere to the College’s academic policies regarding academic integrity (please refer to the “St. Norbert College Academic Honor Code” listed in The Citizen, or see the Honor Code website for the text of the Honor Code process, procedures and penalties). For further details – or if you have any questions, see the link for The Citizen on the judicial affairs website: www.snc.edu/judicialaffairs or contact the Honor Code Facilitator at x3047 or the Associate Academic Dean’s Office at x4044.

CRITIQUES

Critiques are an important part of learning to talk about and make better art. It is of vital importance that you engage critically (which is not the same as negatively) with the work of your peers. The ability to kindly deliver clear and honest feedback is one that will serve you well in whatever field you pursue. We will talk in class about the specific parameters of each critique, but you should consider critiques to carry the same weight that a test would in a non-studio course. Please make every effort to attend all critiques.

LATE WORK + MISSING ASSIGNMENTS

Any work turned in after the published due date will be counted late. Late work will drop one full letter grade for every class session it is late (for example a project that earns a B, would get a C if turned in the next class period). Sometimes it is better to take the penalty and have additional time to finish your work rather than turn in incomplete or shoddy work. Judge carefully.

You may not pass this class without turning in all of the assignments. After Friday May 1st, you may not turn in missing or reworked assignments. An “Incomplete” will be given only for exceptional cases and only if the bulk of the work is in. In these exceptional cases, you and I will establish, in writing, a deadline by which the course work will be completed. Let’s avoid going this route if at all possible. Please also note that your final grade will be withheld until you fully clean out your printmaking supplies, including reclaiming screens.

PRINTING + DRY TIME

All prints must be dry before they’re turned in. We will be working primarily with oil-based inks. These inks dry slowly which means you will need to build in extra time to allow your prints to dry before you turn them in. Soaked paper will likewise need time to dry in the blotters before it is ready to turn in. It may be helpful to write out a schedule for your projects so you can be sure to build in dry time. DO NOT PLAN TO PRINT YOUR WORK THE NIGHT BEFORE CRITIQUE. Please don’t.

CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE + POLICIES

Print shops are communal workspaces. We will benefit from sharing ideas, seeing each other’s work, and maintaining the shop together. As a gesture of respect for your classmates, for our work, and in the spirit of St. Norbert College, I ask that you please respect the following rules in the print shop:

  1. Please arrive on time and ready to work in closed toe shoes.
  2. You are responsible for reading and understanding the course syllabus and handouts.
  3. Only individuals enrolled in the class are allowed in the classroom during class time. Outside of that time if you want to host visitors, that’s great. Visitors should not use presses or course materials.
  4. No food is allowed in the shop. Drinks must be in sealable containers.  
  5. Turn off and do not use your cellphones in class save for playing music.
  6. Thoroughly clean all work surfaces and tools when you finish. Put away all tools. Leave time (at least 10 minutes) for this.
  7. Do not use anything you have not been trained to use. If you don’t know, ask!
  8. Never ever use any of the equipment in the studio/shops if you are exhausted or under the influence of any illegal or behavior altering substance (with the exception of caffeine).
  9. The following elements should not be used in any artwork made at SNC: live animals, open flames, bodily fluids, toxic, hazardous, or illegal materials.
  10. Take notes on all demonstration and presentations and ask lots of questions. I am happy to answer all questions, but I do not repeat demonstrations.
  11. Please help and kindly correct fellow students when you see them using equipment or materials incorrectly. It keeps us all safer and happier!
  12. Do not use headphones or ear buds during class time.
  13. Whenever possible, please ask questions in class as opposed to using email outside of class. Please be aware that some instructors only access their SNC email on campus. I will try to respond to all emails within one business day.
  14. On the subject of email, please always begin your academic email correspondences with an appropriate greeting, use complete sentences, and then sign off with some sort of salutation (e.g. Respectfully, Best regards, Thanks, etc.). The stuff we write on slack.com can be more informal.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES

In keeping with the St. Norbert College mission to help students develop their full potential, and in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the College provides supportive services to students with disabilities. For enquiries and further details, please visit the Academic Support Services Office located in Todd Wehr Hall, room 211 or contact Carole Basak, Associate Director of Academic Support (ph: 403 -3875) or visit the website: https://www.snc.edu/academicsupport/accommodation/

STUDENT ATHLETES

Student-athletes are responsible for meeting all their academic obligations, even if they are engaged in college-sponsored activities (for example, theatre, athletics, or field trips). Students participating in approved SNC sports programs are reminded to share their course schedules with their coach(es). In the event that you will miss more than three (3) classes for practice or games, consultation with the Director of Athletics will be required. Please note also that Studio Art classes are time-intensive. Successful student-athlete art students will need to manage their time well. If you will be absent for a critique for a sports-related event, you may turn your work in early to avoid a late penalty.

MENTAL + PHYSICAL HEALTH

Take time for yourself and ask for what you need

            There will likely be times in the semester when you feel overwhelmed. While stress is a normal part of modern life, you know best what you can handle and what your breaking point is. As much as you can, prioritize your health, eating and sleeping especially. If you need to take a mental health day or a sick day and not come to class, do that. Giving yourself the time and space to be well, however that looks for you, is sometimes worth the headache of having to catch up later. You’ll still have to find out what we covered and make up the work you missed, but that inconvenience seems worth the benefit of holding it together, fending off the flu, or whatever else you’re facing.

            As noted above under Attendance, you do not have to tell me the specifics of why you miss class. However, if you are dealing with extenuating circumstances and I can help, don’t be afraid to ask for what you need. I won’t know how to help you or that you need help unless you ask.

TITLE IX STATEMENT

St. Norbert College is committed to an educational environment founded on respect for all individuals. As part of this commitment and in compliance with our Title IX efforts to ensure that all students who have experienced sexual violence or harassment are informed of their options and resources, faculty are required to inform the college should they become aware of instances of sexual violence or sexual harassment as part of their mandatory reporting responsibilities.

            Students who have experienced or witnessed any form of gender/sex discrimination, sexual violence, or harassment can reach out to the following resources for assistance or reporting:

Confidential resources:
o   SNC Counseling and Psychological Services (920-403-3045)
o   SNC Health and Wellness (920-403- 3266)
o   SNC Ordained Clergy (920-403-3011)
o   Brown County Sexual Assault Center Hotline (920-436-8899)

SNC Title IX Coordinator, Marie Billie (920-403-3039)
SNC Campus Safety (920-403-3299) or the De Pere Police (920-391-7450)
Additional information and resources are available at: www.snc.edu/titleix/.

ST. NORBERT COLLEGE MISSION STATEMENT

Respecting the dignity of all people is one of the Core Values of St. Norbert College. In this measure, it will be the expectation of all participants in this class to conduct themselves in such a way as to not embarrass, harass, or degrade one another. The classroom is a safe space where all voices are valued, all experiences can enrich the conversation, and all questions are honored as sincere attempts to deepen awareness and understanding. Behavior that seeks to silence or ridicule the full and active participation of anyone in the classroom will not be tolerated. Please see the instructor at any time for further clarification of either the College Mission Statement or the instructor’s interpretation of the St. Norbert College Mission Statement.