Course Syllabus
Course: ART 2680
Division: Fine Arts, Comm, and New MediaDepartment: Visual Art
Title: Écorché - The Muscles
Semester Approved: Fall 2024
Five-Year Review Semester: Summer 2029
End Semester: Summer 2030
Catalog Description: The focus of this course is the historic tradition of Écorché (or Flayed human figure). Class time will be devoted to the production of a reduced life écorché’ sculpture stressing the relationship of human muscle and bone. Lectures and assignments will reinforce the study of human anatomy and its importance to the practicing artist. A lab fee is required.
Repeatable for credit
Semesters Offered: TBA
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 1; Lecture: 0; Lab: 2
Repeatable: Yes.
Justification: This course is an integral part of Figurative foundation curriculum programs. Its primary goal is to provide a sound foundation in the visual representation and construction of the human figure. It is offered at other state and private institutions throughout the country. Anatomical knowledge is a marketable skill, that animation studios as well as graphic design firms stress the importance of this ability in their job searches. It is a complementary course to BIOL 2150 Human Dynamics + 2155 LAB, offered to art majors through the Science Department.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate an understanding, proficiency, and fluency in the following Snow College Visual Arts Student Learning Outcomes of Material Proficiency:
Students will be introduced to the historic process of ecorche’ (which in French means flayed, or skinned) through the mediums of sculpture and drawing. Students will be instructed to use a variety of materials and techniques, through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations. Each student will demonstrate proficiency by completing weekly assignments, and by participating in sculpting sessions. Each student will be required to maintain a portfolio documenting their development and progress. This portfolio will be reviewed at multiple points in the semester to provide feedback for improvement.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate an understanding, proficiency, and fluency in the following Snow College Visual Arts Student Learning Outcomes of Conceptual Principles:
Students will be instructed in the formal approaches of the ecorche’ process, through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations. The overall intent or focus being to accurately portray the muscle systems of the human body. Each student will demonstrate proficiency by completing weekly assignments, and participating in class discussion and critiques. Each student will be required to maintain a portfolio documenting their development and progress. This portfolio will be reviewed at multiple points in the semester to provide feedback for improvement.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate an understanding, proficiency, and fluency in the following Snow College Visual Arts Student Learning Outcomes of Historical Context:
Students will engage in a dialog examining the historic practice and the contemporary application of ecorche’ through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations. Evidence of proficiency will be demonstrated through a weekly quiz and assignment. These projects will be reviewed at multiple points in the semester to provide feedback for improvement.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate an understanding, proficiency, and fluency in the following Snow College Visual Arts Student Learning Outcomes of Critical Analysis:
Students will learn the process of critical analysis (both orally and in written form) as it applies to ecorche’ through lectures, group critiques, and demonstrations. To visually assess and verbally express your efforts is an integral part of the creative process. Evidence of proficiency will be demonstrated through a weekly quiz and assignment. These projects will be reviewed at multiple points in the semester to provide feedback for improvement.
Content:
Content and skill development will include:
•Drawing & sculpting the flayed human figure
•Drawing & sculpting exercises designed to enhance the ability to understand human physiology
•3-dimensional rendering of the human form, starting from the skeleton and working outward
•Model and cadaver imagery to highlight the construction of human anatomy
•The use of Apps and Software to demonstrate the dynamics of human Physiology
•The visual dialog of critical analysis.
Instructor will present content from a range of perspectives and approaches to cater to various student skill sets and needs.
Key Performance Indicators:
Each student will be evaluated on:
Portfolio reviews 10 to 20%
Projects/assignments 40 to 50%
Critique/quizzes 5 to 10%
Attendance/participation 25 to 30%
Representative Text and/or Supplies:
No text is required for this course.
Materials and supplies to be determined at the discretion of the instructor.
Pedagogy Statement:
This course will include, lectures, class discussion, oral and written critiques, demonstrations, and applied studio projects and practices.
Instructional Mediums:
Lab
Maximum Class Size: 12
Optimum Class Size: 10