ART 1024 - Foundation 2D Design

Credits: 3
Hours/Week: Lecture 1 Lab 4
Course Description: This course is a foundation-level study of the principles and elements of 2D design. This course provides opportunities to explore the concepts of 2D composition through guided projects and demonstrations. Topics include an introduction to a variety of media, digital, and art techniques, creative methods for problem solving in two-dimensions and a general overview of historical and cultural design issues. Open studio hours are available for outside class work if needed.
MnTC Goals
6 Humanities/Fine Arts

Prerequisite(s): Course placement into college-level English and Reading or completion of ENGL 0950 with a grade of C or higher OR completion of RDNG 0940 with a grade of C or higher and qualifying English Placement Exam OR completion of RDNG 0950 with a grade of C or higher and ENGL 0090 with a grade of C or higher OR completion of ESOL 0051 with a grade of C or higher and ESOL 0052 with a grade of C or higher.
Corequisite(s): None
Recommendation: None

Major Content
1. Definitions of 2D Design 

1. Making symbols on a plane 
2. Projection/Digital 
3. The visual field

2. Cultural and Historical Overview 

1. Art Making and Culture: Why is Art important?
2. Brief history of design
3. Cultural significance and origins
4. Inter-cultural nature of design in the 21st Century
5. Design application and purpose

3. Visual Elements: 

1. Line
2. Shape
3. Texture
4. Value
5. Illusion of Space
6. Color

4. Design Principles:

1. Gestalt
2. Unity and Variety
3. Balance
4. Scale and Proportion
5. Repetition and Rhythm
6. Emphasis
7. Spatial Devices
8. Directional Forces
9. Determining Priorities

5. Two-Dimensional Materials and Methods

6. Introduction to Digital Design Programs and Processes

1. Adobe Illustrator
2. Adobe Photoshop
3. or equivalent

7. Introduction to Color Theory

1. Defining Color
2. Color Theory
3. Color Physics
4. Color Balances/Harmonies
5. Color Composition and Meaning

8. Concepts and Critical Thinking

1. Cultivating Creativity
2. Creative Process
3. Developing Critical Thinking
4. Problem Seeking and Solving
5. Sketch Process/Ideation 
6. Meaning: Subject, Form, and Content, Visual Metaphor
7. Critique

1. Apply formal elements of art and principles of 2D design including theories of color, spatial relationships, and perception to works of arts.
2. Manipulate 2D materials in order to explore a variety of methods and effects.
3. Identify the elements of 2D design in various works of art and in a variety of media.
4. Produce a series of art works to illustrate exposure to and competency in 2D art making.
5. Evaluate the visual impact of works of 2D art using the basic principles of 2D design
6. Explain the vital role and value the fine arts and humanities have on the development of culture.
7. Critique the effectiveness of 2D design principles as applied in personal works and works of others.
8. Apply health and safety practices within the discipline.
9. Apply the terms and concepts common to 2D design.
10. Develop effective solutions to 2D design problems using research, process sketches, and idea generation.
11. Develop effective solutions to 2D design problems using the basic tools found in computer-aided design programs.
12. Develop individual creative process, idea generation, and personal expression.

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