Syllabus

Studio Research

SPRING 2023

Thursdays 5:50-7:50pm

Prof. Doris Cacoilo      

*CLASS MEETINGS WILL BE HELD ON ZOOM until FEB 1 AND CLASS ASSIGNMENTS WILL BE POSTED TO A CLASS BLOG. CLASSES WILL RESUME IN-PERSON on FEB 9TH.

CLASS BLOG:

https://studioresearchsp2023.blogspot.com           

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course will introduce students to the fundamental strategies of studio research, project planning, studio practice and exhibition. Students will cultivate their own creative identities through investigating art historical, cultural, political and sociological issues and resources. Through a variety of experiences: lectures, class readings, visiting artists, gallery visits, class presentations and critiques students will develop an understanding of the larger methods, systems and structures in which art is created, collected, exhibited and implemented. Students will pursue a professional understanding of these processes through the development of through a five-part a semester-long project culminating in a presentation of the project.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING

The class time will be split between discussion, lecture, and presentations. Students will be required to meet for class in-person, on Zoom and off campus for field trips. The exact schedule will be determined and shared with the class at the beginning of the semester but is subject to changes that will be announced in class and on the blog.

Class discussions are important. While in discussion please be respectful of the opinions of others even if they stand diametrically opposed to your own. You must do the readings each week, be in class on time and prepared for class each week. Failure to do so will be reflected in your participation grade. Failure to do so consistently can lead to failure in the course.

REQUIRED TEXTS

There are no required texts for this course. All class readings will be shared on Blackboard http://blackboard.njcu.edu/ and linked to resources online. These will be specified on the class blog each week.

READINGS AND CLASS PARTICIPATION Various weekly reading assignments are due each week and will be specified and distributed on the class blog. All readings are REQUIRED unless otherwise stated. For each week’s readings you must select two quotes or passages from each of the readings and write a brief reaction to each quote. Please have them typed up each week for class discussion and often they will be required to be posted to blog.

ATTENDANCE Attendance is mandatory. More than one unexcused absence in the class will begin to count against your grade. Attendance and participation in the class discussions make up your attendance/participation grade. Each absence beyond one will count against this average.

WRITING ASSIGNMENTS Two short essay assignments that draw on the class readings in response to our in-person visits to the art galleries at NJCU will be due during the semester. These will be explained in class and will be described in detail on the class blog. These assignments will be submitted by posting to the class blog.

FOUR PART RESEARCH PROJECT In four parts, you will research and propose a project. Practice refers to what you make and how. Research refers to how you inform your practice through study and your critical approach to the continued development of the work. The project can be executed and exhibited as part of the process but this is not required. The proposal is the final presentation.

Part 1 Influence Research various art movements, artists and curated exhibitions and find inspiration and connection to your own practice. In researching other artists’ work, practice and exhibition, clear standards, messaging and technical strategies will emerge to help inform project proposals, studio practice and exhibition ideas. Find five artists that you feel inspire your own studio practice at the moment. How might these connect to and shape your existing portfolio/body of work. Create a short presentation about these artists and how they connect or influence your own work. Be sure to take note of material, medium, process, messaging, formal and functional connections, techniques, context and content, exhibition strategies and implementation of the inspiring artists work. Consider how your existing portfolio may be influenced or connects to these 

-short presentation/post on the class blog

Part 2 Identifying the message/mission What is the meaning, idea, message of your work? What is the solution to a problem you see in the world? How can you communicate this visually? What is a problem that your work plans to solve? Using the class readings and building on Part 1 of the project, create a short “pitch” to the class about the messaging of your work. What is important to convey? How do you want your audience to feel? How do you imagine the work will be received? What does the work accomplish? Focus on an issue that you want to resolve/address with the project.

-short presentation/post on the class blog

Part 3 Research and art historical context Building on Part 1 and 2, dive deep into the issue(s) that you have chosen to concentrate on for your work. Looking back to your influences, other artists, the historical connections, contemporary context and other art examples create a picture of how this issue has been addressed, framed and tackled by other artists. Consider the ways in which this research can shape your own plan for a project. 

-short presentation/post on the class blog

Part 4 Proposal Create a plan for your project. Drawing from your research thus far, propose a plan for your project. Be specific in the methods, materials, techniques, timelines, budget, scale, audience and exhibition. Sketch out as many details as possible. This is an important exercise as many projects must first be proposed for commissions, awards or client approval. Consider how this work fits into your larger body of work/portfolio. You must present these proposals to the class in a final presentation “pitch” to the class and guest artists.

-FINAL presentation/post on the class blog

GRADING

Attendance is mandatory and all assignments must be finished and handed in on time to receive a passing grade for this course.

60% 4 part semester project

20% gallery response essay(s)

20% attendance/participation (Contributions to class discussion + attendance)

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Students will:

·       Understand works of art and design as they relate to material and visual culture.

·       Engage in critical assessment of artwork.

·       Understand art as a social practice within the local, regional and global community. 

·       Pursue an independent line of studio inquiry and research.

·       Integrate knowledge of art criticism and theory with a personal visual art practice. 

·       Maintain a significant level of engagement with their field of professional practice.

 

HEALTH AND SAFETY

You are not to risk the health or safety of yourself or any of the other people in the Art department. To ensure safety strictly follow all safety procedures explained to you as well as the New Jersey City University regulations. If you have any concerns or questions or are ever unclear about proper safety and health procedures, then ask the instructor or appropriate authority.  

If you feel you have any special concerns or problems that you would like to address please feel free to bring them to my attention. If there are any health concerns, either physical or psychological, that may affect your ability to fully participate in the class or complete assignments I am available to discuss possible solutions or address any of your concerns. If you have health or disability concerns that you would like to address but do not feel it is appropriate to discuss them with me there are services on campus available to address your concerns; contact Student/Health Services (Vodra Hall, Suite 107, 201-200-3456), the Art Department Office, or feel free to see me for contact info.