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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY
COURSE CODE: "AS 399"
COURSE NAME: "Special Topics in Studio Art: Contemporary Art and Design Practice"
SEMESTER & YEAR:
Spring 2025
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SYLLABUS
INSTRUCTOR:
Catherine Biocca
EMAIL: catherine.biocca@johncabot.edu
HOURS:
W9:00 AM 11:45 AM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS:
45
CREDITS:
3
PREREQUISITES:
One previous course in Studio Art. This class requires a materials fee of €75/$85 to cover all basic art supplies.
OFFICE HOURS:
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COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Specialized courses offered periodically on specific aspects of studio arts. Courses are normally topics on an area of current artistic or technical concern led by a specialist in the field.
May be taken more than once for credit with different topics.
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SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This interdisciplinary course is designed to encourage students to develop creative agency and pursue individual research projects. It aims to support students in honing technical and conceptual skills specific to their areas of interest. As a studio-intensive course, it provides an immersive environment for junior standing students who have completed several Art and Design courses. Through a variety of briefs, project prompts, lectures, screenings, and visits to galleries and museums, students will engage with relevant issues in Art and Design, positioning their work within contemporary debates. The course aims to help students define frameworks, materials, and techniques that will act as catalysts for their future development within the program.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
The course is structured around several key components to provide a comprehensive and immersive learning experience. Students will engage in intensive, hands-on studio projects tailored to their individual research interests, challenging them to explore and push their creative boundaries.
Thematic lectures and curated screenings will provide contextual knowledge and inspiration, helping students situate their work within broader contemporary debates in Art and Design. Regular visits to local galleries, artists´studios and museums will allow students to engage directly with contemporary artworks and exhibitions, fostering critical analysis and appreciation.
A series of project prompts will stimulate creative thinking and encourage students to tackle diverse artistic challenges. Structured critique sessions will generate constructive feedback, stimulating group learning and collaborative improvement. Additionally, one-on-one sessions with the professor will address individual progress, challenges, and strategies for further development.
Students will need basic art supplies, including a sketchbook, drawing materials, and a digital camera or smartphone for documenting work. Access to relevant software and digital tools, as required by individual projects, will also be necessary. Costs for mandatory study visits to museums will be estimated and communicated at the start of the course (or fee including the entrance to the museum).
Required Course Materials/Study Visits and Expected Expenditure for the Students:
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LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
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Develop and execute independent research projects in Art and Design and demonstrate an ability to analyze and evaluate both the individual creative process and, importantly, the work and practice of other professional artists of the field.
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TEXTBOOK:
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REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
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GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
| Assignment | Guidelines | Weight |
| Portfolio | A collection of completed studio projects demonstrating technical proficiency and conceptual development. | 40% |
| Research Sketchbook | Documentation of research processes, including sketches, notes, and reflections. | 20% |
| Participation | Active engagement in class activities, discussions, critiques, and visits. | 10% |
| Final Project | A major project synthesizing learned skills and concepts into a cohesive and professionally presented body of work. | 20% |
| Presentation | Oral presentation of the final project, articulating the research process, conceptual framework, and outcomes. | 10% |
-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality shows excellent mastery of the course content along with exceptional levels of technical skill, artistic awareness, originality, resourcefulness, commitment, quantity of work and improvement. There has been excellent collaboration and leadership in group projects, and there have been no attendance problems.
BA highly competent level of performance with work that directly addresses the content of the course, with a good quantity of work produced.
CAn acceptable level of performance: the work shows awareness of the course content, but is very limited in quantity, quality, commitment and skill.
DThe student lacks a coherent grasp of the course material and has failed to produce much work.
FNegligent in attendance, academic honesty, engagement with the course content, or production of work.
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Regular attendance is mandatory. More than two unexcused absences will result in a grade reduction. Participation in all scheduled visits and activities is required.
A major exam (midterm or final) cannot be made up without the permission of the Dean’s Office. Absences due to job interviews, family celebrations, or personal convenience will not be excused. Students must notify the Dean’s Office prior to any exam absence.
Any act of academic dishonesty will result in a failing grade on the work and may result in a failing grade for the course. Instances of dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A second report may result in summary dismissal from the University.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES:
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
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ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic
dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred.
In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment,
may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of
academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student
who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from
the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation
to the President, who will make the final decision.
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STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap.
Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning
of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
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SCHEDULE
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Course Schedule
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Week 1: Introduction to Contemporary Art and Design course
Overview of the course objectives, structure, and expectations. Introduction to key concepts and definitions in contemporary art and design. Students will begin thinking about their individual research projects. Course orientation, introductory lecture, and initial brainstorming session for project ideas.
Week 2: Research Methods and Project Development
Exploration of research methods specific to art and design. Discussion on how to develop a research question and formulate a project proposal. Lecture on research methodologies, examples of successful projects, and individual meetings to discuss project proposals.
Week 3: Conceptual Frameworks and Initial Sketches
Developing conceptual frameworks for individual projects. Students will begin creating initial sketches and conceptual drawings. Workshop on conceptual thinking, group discussions, and students´ feedback sessions on initial sketches.
Week 4: Techniques in Contemporary Practice I
Introduction to various techniques used in contemporary art and design. Emphasis on experimentation with different mediums and materials. Hands-on workshops with different techniques, such as mixed media, digital tools, and traditional methods.
Week 5: Gallery Visit/Studio Visit and Reflection
Visit a local gallery or/and a local artist in their studio to engage with contemporary artworks and exhibitions. Reflect on how these works relate to students' projects.
Week 6: Developing Technical Skills
Enhancing technical skills relevant to students' individual projects. Focus on mastering chosen mediums. Specialized workshops and tutorials to develop technical proficiency. Continued work on individual projects.
Week 7: Mid-term Critiques
Mid-term presentations and critiques of student projects. Emphasis on constructive feedback and identifying areas for improvement. Formal critique sessions where each student presents their work-in-progress.
Week 8: Lectures and Screenings on Contemporary Issues
In-depth exploration of contemporary issues in art and design through lectures and film screenings. Thematic lectures on current debates, followed by screenings of relevant documentaries or art films. Group discussions to contextualize these issues within student projects.
Week 9: Studio Work and Individual Tutorials
Intensive studio work period dedicated to advancing individual projects. One-on-one tutorials with the professor to address specific challenges and strategies. Studio time for project development, individual meetings with the instructor for personalized guidance.
Week 10: Museum Visit and Critical Analysis
Visit a major museum to study significant contemporary art pieces. Focus on critical analysis and how these works inform students' projects. Guided museum tour, critical analysis exercises, and reflective writing assignments.
Week 11: Advanced Techniques in Contemporary Practice II
Further exploration of advanced techniques and their application to individual projects. Workshops on advanced techniques, such as installation art, performance art, and digital media. Application of these techniques to student projects.
Week 12: Thematic Group Critiques
Thematic critiques based on specific aspects of the students' projects, such as conceptual clarity, technical execution, and creative innovation. Group critique sessions with thematic focus, peer feedback, and collaborative problem-solving.
Week 13: Final Project Development
Intensive work period focused on finalizing projects. Emphasis on refining details and preparing for final presentation. Studio work, individual consultations with the instructor, and peer review sessions.
Week 14: Final Presentations
Formal presentation of final projects. Students will articulate their research process, conceptual framework, and project outcomes. Final presentations and student evaluation.
Week 15: Course Review and Portfolio Submission
Final group critique and review of course content and learning outcomes. Submission of final portfolios and reflective essays.
OVERVIEW OF KEY BIBLIOGRAPHIC WORKS FOR THE COURSE:
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