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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "AS 211"
COURSE NAME: "Fresco Painting (Mandatory Materials Fee €50 or $70)"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring Semester 2012
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Pettit William
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: W 13:15-16:00
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course will provide students with the material techniques and art-historical context to understand Italian fresco painting. The art of fresco is particularly varied, and includes drawing, painting, color theory and plaster preparation.  Students will leave the course with knowledge of these techniques and be familiar with the history of the fresco and with its important artists and their work in Rome.      
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

A multi-media workshop, the course combines elements of art history and studio art. While the goal is to provide an introduction to the history of fresco painting in Italy from the Roman period to the Renaissance, it is also to study the traditional techniques of fresco painting and engage in the production of fresco work. Students will learn all phases of fresco making, from mortar mixing and surface preparation, drawing studies and transfer, to dry pigment preparation and application. Student projects may vary according to background and interest, from research projects to actual paintings, and, due to the scope of the subject, collaborations and group projects are encouraged.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Students will leave the course with knowledge of the material techniques of fresco painting and be familiar with the principal artists in the genre. 

-stages of fresco surface preparation, mortar and plaster mixing and application

-principles of drawing, design transfer, color preparation, mixing and application

-qualities and characteristics of materials

-recognition and understanding of principal fresco works in Rome

TEXTBOOK:
NONE
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberComments
The Artists Handbook...Ralph Mayer 978-0670136667  

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
 Grading will be done on a percentage basis: 92-100% = A, 90-91= A-88-89= B+, 82 - 87% = B, 80 81=B-,78-79=C+,72 - 77% = C, 70-71= C-,68 69=D+ 62-67% = D, 60-61=D- less than 60% will result in failure (no credit). EVALUATION Grading is based on attendance and completed work. Attendance (20%) is to include punctuality and class participation. Students are expected to be on time and present physically and mentally during critiques and studio time. Two absences will be penalized with subtraction of a letter grade from the final grade. Three absences may constitute failure for course regardless of quality of completed work or exams. Absences may be excused if a letter from JCU administration is presented. Completed Work (60%) Each student must complete four (4) frescoes measuring at least one meter square, or a 2 x 2 meter frescoed wall in total. Any or all of this work may be executed in groups. 

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:

Assessment Guidelines for assigning main letter grades: A, B, C,D, and F.

A:  Work of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensiveknowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.

B:  This is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.

There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.

C:  This is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.

D:  This level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.

Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.

F: This work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.


-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
as JCU policy.
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.
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.

SCHEDULE

CLASS Schedule 1. (1/18) Introduction to course and materials. General introduction to fresco and mural painting. Discussion of materials: use, handling, hazards. Reading: Vitruvius, and Mayer pp. 360-385 2. (1/25) Arriccio, surface and preparation. Some basics: materials, composition, perspective, process, and color. HW Sketching in pencil and watercolor. Reading: Vasari pp. 203-223, Cennini pp.20-57 3. (2/1) Visit Museo di Roma a Palazzo Massimo alle Terme ($)Reading: Doerner pp.264-314 4.(2/8) Plaster: sand coat and intonaco. HW Sketches and layout for Fresco I. Reading: Roettgen, vol.I, pp. 9-26 5. (2/15) Work in class on Fresco I, intonaco, color, application. Reading: Mayer, pp.29-199 (Pigments) 6. (2/22) review for midterm. Continue work of frescoes. 7. (2/29) Midterm Exam. Fresco I due. HW: cartoons for Fresco II, Reading: Bruce Cole, part I 8. (3/7) Studio. Layout and Cartoon transfer. Begin work on Fresco II Friday March 9, make-up for April 25 holiday 9. (3/14) Studio. Measuring, levels and plumb lines. Fresco II due. Reading Bruce Cole, part II 10. (3/21) no class, spring vacation 11. (3/28) Fresco III due. Egg tempera and secco painting. Reading: Bruce Cole, part III 12. (4/4) Visit Santa Cecilia and Villa Farnesina ($) 13. (4/11) Visit Santi Quattro Coronati and Basilica di San Clemente ($) 14. (4/18) Critique. All work due. Prepare for Student art show. 15. (4/25) Holiday, no class