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Course Syllabus

Overview

In this course, students will learn the elements and principles of design and basic color theory, which are used to solve visual design problems. Through hands-on projects, students will explore concepts such as balance, contrast, rhythm, and unity to create visually compelling compositions. Emphasis will be placed on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills to analyze and apply design principles effectively. By the end of the course, students will have a foundational understanding of how to use color, shape, and composition to communicate ideas visually.

Prerequisites

No prerequisites.

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Supplies

Textbook

Picture This: How Pictures Work—August 16, 2016 by Molly Bang. Available as a hardcover, softcover, or e-book.

Software (PowerPoint)

Microsoft Office is free for all students at BYU-Idaho through the University Bookstore. Learn how to download Microsoft Office by visiting the Download Microsoft Office page.

Art Kit

Paint:

• Art Advantage Acrylic Paint 4oz Titanium White (2 Tubes)
• Art Advantage Acrylic Mars Black 4 Oz.
• Art Advantage Acrylic Cad Red Lt Hue 4 Oz.
• Art Advantage Acrylic Deep Magenta 4 Oz.
• Art Advantage Acrylic Cad Yellow Lt Hue 4 Oz.
• Art Advantage Acrylic Cad Yellow Med Hue 4 Oz.
• Art Advantage Acrylic Cerulean Blue 4 Oz.
• Art Advantage Acrylic Ultramarine Blue 4 Oz.

Brushes:

• Princeton Synthetic Sable Brush Round 3
• Princeton Brush 1/2" Wash/Hi-Light
• Princeton Synthetic Sable Brush .25 in. Stroke

Paper:

• Strathmore Bristol Pad Vellum Finish 300 Series 9x12
• Black and White Cardstock Paper 8.5x11 (Singles)
• Strathmore Tracing Pad (40 Sheets)

Miscellaneous:

• Glue Stick Small White
• Knife #1 Carded With Cap
• Art Advantage Blades #11 (5/Pk)
• Sharpie Marker Black Fine
• General Pencil No. 2
• Scissors
• 18 in. Cork Stainless Steel Metal Ruler
• Paint Cups (1 oz., 50 count)
• Paper Towel Roll
• Mesh & Vinyl 15x18 Inch Bag with Handle & Zipper

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Structure

Course Outcomes (CO)

• Design within the compositional format
• Create an even 9-step value scale
• Match value to color
• Compose with meaning
• Develop a high level of craftsmanship
• Explore color harmonies

Major Assignments

There are five major projects that you will be working on throughout the semester:

• Project 1 (W02): Shape & Meaning
• Project 2 (W04): Value & Rhythm
• Project 3 (W06): Transparency & Depth
• Project 4 (W08): Representational, Abstract, and Non-Objective
• Project 5 (W13): Final Composition Mother Color

The Design Process:

Completion of all process steps is mandatory for final project credit. The process includes initial concept development, thumbnail sketches, rough drafts, critique and revision, and final execution. Each step is crucial in refining ideas, enhancing creativity, and ensuring a polished final result. Skipping any step will result in a zero for the final project.

Traditional Work Only:

All work must be completed using paint or cut paper. Digital work will not be accepted and will result in a zero. This course emphasizes the importance of traditional methods to develop foundational design skills, encourage a hands-on, creative process, and foster a deeper understanding of physical materials. Working with traditional media allows students to engage with design principles in a tangible way, enhancing observation, patience, and craftsmanship. The tactile nature of working with physical materials helps to cultivate a more deliberate and thoughtful approach to design. Any attempt to submit digital work will not be considered and will impact your final grade.

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Weekly Patterns

The table below displays typical weekly activities, due dates, and activity descriptions. This course has three deadlines a week; Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The days and times listed in the table below are in Mountain Time. Please use the Calendar function adjusted to your time zone to see deadlines in your time zone.

Due Date	Learning Model	Activity Title	Description
Tuesdays	Teach One Another	Master's Study and Critique	Analyze an assigned piece and discuss this piece with your peers and instructor. Initial post due Tuesday, follow-up posts due Saturday.
Tuesdays	Prepare	Principles, Elements, and Concepts Study Content	There will usually be a short video and short reading describing the principles being learned during the week.
Tuesdays	Teach One Another	Peer Feedback	Using a discussion board, you will post a picture of your work in progress and your peers will give you feedback on what is working well, and what you can improve before your final submission. The turnaround time on this discussion board will be two days. Your initial post will be due on Tuesday and your follow-up posts will be due on Thursday.
Thursdays	Prepare	Concept Pages	Complete the concept pages that will help you practice and apply the concepts being taught.
Saturdays	Ponder and Prove	Project Submissions	Projects are due periodically in the semester. Some will start and finish in one week, while others will span more than one week. The final submission for each of these will be due on Saturday.

*Set your time zone within user preferences so the dates and times for course activities will display correctly for your time zone.

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Expectations

Workload:

Plan on spending at least nine hours per week on this class. This estimate is based on a formula that students should spend three to four hours each week for each credit. That translates to 3 credits x 3-4 hours = 9–12 hours.

Key Areas of Focus:

• Project development and execution. This involves generating initial ideas, refining concepts through iterative sketches, and creating a final polished piece. Students are expected to dedicate time to each phase, ensuring a thoughtful and well-executed final project.

• Concept worksheet completion. These worksheets reinforce the weekly concepts and principles taught in class. They provide structured opportunities for students to explore and apply design elements practically.

• Peer feedback and collaboration. Students will engage in constructive critiques, offering and receiving thoughtful feedback that enhances their understanding and application of design principles.

• Reading and analyzing course materials. Students must thoroughly read assigned materials, take notes, and critically analyze the content to deepen their understanding and prepare for class discussions.

• Active participation in discussions. Engaging in discussions provides an opportunity to share perspectives, ask questions, and contribute valuable insights that enrich everyone's learning experience.

Late Work Policy:

• No late submissions for peer discussion boards. These assignments are time-sensitive and designed to foster collaboration and iterative improvement. Timely participation allows for constructive feedback and ensures all students stay on track with the project timeline. Late posts will not be considered and will result in a zero.

• Instructor discretion applies to project deadlines. Extensions may be granted in extenuating circumstances such as illness or emergencies. Students must communicate with the instructor in advance and provide appropriate documentation if required.