Introduction to the Course:
In this course, students will explore the variety of styles, sources, and functions of visual imagery prevalent in contemporary culture. The course will include field trips, interpretation of imagery, discussion and analysis, readings and exercises in the art of seeing. It will also focus on identifying and utilizing the principles and elements of design while introducing students to a working vocabulary in design terminology.
Students will also maintain a blog which must be updated weekly with at least one example of a piece of visual culture that inspires them. Since the website http://blogsome.com allows users to manually manipulate css we will be using them. By utilizing the blog format throughout the course you will make new headers, banner ads, buttons, favicons, and logos. It is important to understand that your blog is at the heart of your learning experience, and all assignments must be finished in order for you to pass the class.
Assignments and tests for the duration of the course.
You will take one quiz on design terminology.
You will have one quiz on design history in the 20th century
You will be required to write 500 words on one topic relating to this class.
You will create and upload 1 new header image for your blog. (In conjunction with Introduction to Design Applications)
You will create 1 logo which will be present in your header image. (In conjunction with Introduction to Design Applications)
You will create one banner ad for another student’s blog. (In conjunction with Introduction to Design Applications)
1 “tag”. You name as design. utilizing the elements and principles of design.
1 collage design with text.
From Lascaux to Wall-e
What’s covered today.
Introduction to the course. Finding out what each student is interested in.
Beginning formal analysis of imagery.
You will be required to come up with three small design sketches which describe your country of origin. Discussion will follow.
Concept / Topic To Teach: Today we will be examining different examples of visual culture. Students will begin to understand the connection between visual culture and technological advances, image making, religion, and culture.
General Goal: Teaching students to begin to really “see” and interpret the imagery that surrounds them.
Specific Objectives: Students will learn what visual culture is, and begin to get an understanding of what cultural influences are present in certain imagery.
Required Materials: Pencil. Paper. Handouts of various imagery from varying cultures.
Step-By-Step Procedures: Every student will receive an image, and without knowing anything about the image, they will make up their own theories as to what type of a culture created that piece of imagery. They will have to guess as to what country the image comes from, who made it, what year it was made, what religion were these people, what symbolism is present, and why the author of the image chose the style which was implemented.
Plan For Independent Practice: Students will be encouraged to begin to look at and analyze the visual imagery they see as they travel to and from school.
Assessment: Students will be assessed on class participation.
Possible Connections To Other Subjects: The class will work in conjunction with Ryan Cole’s Introduction to Design Applications class. Students will also begin to understand the close connection between image making, culture, and their personal goals in becoming graphic designers/multi-media practitioners.
Homework: You must come up with a domain name for your blog. We will set them up next week during class.
Additional Materials
How did this,
Become This
By comparing and contrasting these two images we will look at the long history of drawing and it’s importance in creating visual culture.
