First Class, 8/30/12, Class Syllabus

Class Syllabus:

This class is a seminar, defined as a meeting for discussion. The artwork we see, what you’re thinking and reading about re. art’s connections to current politics, social trends, economics, family dynamics, the environment, globalization, issues of public vs. private—anything relating to art (even tangentially) can be discussed in this class.

Class Requirements and Grading: Your grade will be based on the following areas:

1. Weekly, on-time attendance.

Any absence must be discussed with me, and you are responsible for any information and assignments missed. Note that you should be ON TIME for class. I will have class assignments, field trips, gallery lists, etc. posted at wilkinsonseminar.blogspot.com. Please sign up as a follower of this website and feel free to make posts yourself.

A good part of your grade for this class depends on classroom participation.  While it is difficult for some people to speak in public, please understand that we need your thoughts and comments.

2. Preparation and class participation.

Read the web article links, and be prepared for discussion of these, and discussion of our field trips. Your input is vital.

3. Field trips and reviews.

Field trips will be announced (at least) the week before they happen, and on field trip days, be aware that the class might meet at a designated address, not necessarily in the classroom. The field trips will be followed up the next week by classroom discussion and you will hand in a 400-500 word written review two weeks later about what was seen. There will be three reviews due by the end of the semester—if any one is missing, it will lower your grade, usually one grade lowered per missing review.  (See the review-writing handout for more information.)

4. Openings and Art Events

One extra-curricular essay of  a minimum of 150 words will also be due.  This should be about an art gathering of some sort, such as an art opening or lecture that happens off of the Pratt campus.

5. Artist’s Statement

This is a vital part of every artist’s life—you will be continually updating it for various purposes:  competitions, exhibitions, grant proposals, press releases, catalogues, internet sites, etc.   During the semester there will be a tutorial on writing a 3-paragraph artist’s statement. You will write one during that class, revise and polish it to hand out to the class during your final presentation.

6. End of semester oral/visual presentation with artist’s statement

There will be a 15-20 minute digitally-projected presentation by each student at the end of the semester. You should have digital photographs of your work that can be brought to the class on a flash drive, hard drive, computer, or disk (flash drive preferred). This presentation will be a minimum of 12 images including your own work and can also include the work of artists who inspire you.  You may also refer to books, writers, philosophers and any other influences on your work. You will also have ready an artist’s statement and have copies to hand out to the rest of the class for reference during your presentation.

There may be a presentation on artist’s websites and online resources at some point during the semester.

Most information about the class will be posted on the blog (wilkinsonseminar.blogspot.com) prior to the class. Please check it regularly.

Check list of things to do during the semester: 

___ Field trip essay 1 -  400 words minimum

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___ Field trip essay 2 -  400 words minimum
___ Field trip essay 3 -  400 words minimum 

___Art event essay – 150 words minimum

___Artist statement and digital presentation during the last four weeks of semester – there will be a sign-up sheet.

REVIEW SPECIFICATIONS

Three reviews, each a minimum of 400 words, due two weeks after field trips to see artwork in NYC.

There will be four or five field trips—you may choose which to write about. 

Be aware that each review is due two weeks after the relevant field trip, whichever one you choose, i.e., if you write about the first field trip and hand it in a month later, it will be considered late.

The 150 word art-event essay is meant to be a summing up of your experience  - where, what, when, who - and what you thought of it.

Emailing Policy:

I prefer to get your reviews on paper, handed to me during class.  But if you have to email me a review:

1.  Put your last name and “Pratt Review” in the title of the email.

2.  Send it to jwilkins@pratt.edu .

 Three part grading process:

1. Timely completion of assignment

Early:   + (plus);   On due date: ok;     Late:  — (minus)

2. Technical aspects (letter grade)

Word length, Grammar, Spelling, Composition/organization

Watch out for run-on sentences and using non-descriptive words and superlatives like “interesting,” “powerful,” “really,” “incredible,” “enjoyed,” etc. 

As in “I really enjoyed this incredibly powerful and interesting show.”

3. Concept/Creativity (letter grade)

Personal (could anyone have written this?)

Descriptive (can I see the artwork in my mind?)

Connections (how does the work described relate to other artists, writers, philosophers, trends?)

Interesting to read

Be specific. Name the artist, gallery, and artwork.  Single out an artwork and discuss it; bring in specific connections and references to individual pieces or to the body of work.  Compare and contrast the artist and artwork with other works.  Read other reviews to see how artwork is discussed and judged.

Be descriptive.  What does the art look like?  What are the formal qualities of the work?  How does the artist use his/her materials? 

Be perceptive.  What are the expressive qualities of the work—does the art cry, yell, chat, murmur, stay silent?  Does it invite you in, push you away?  Is it saying anything to you personally?  Can you feel the artist in the work?  Does s/he have an agenda—political, social, personal—that comes through the art?  Do you think about the artist when you look at the work, or is the work making its own statement?

Be accurate.  Check your spelling, and use correct grammar.  If you have any questions about your writing, or would like to polish your skills, contact the Writing and Tutorial Center at North Hall,
1st floor
(across from the bank),
(718) 636-3459,
wtc@pratt.edu.  They are very helpful and friendly.

Avoid using the first person, as in “I think that…”; or “It seems to me…”   

Read art reviews for ideas about how to construct your essays.  There are numerous art sites on the web and in newspapers and magazines.

Analyze, theorize, make your writing come alive!