Course Syllabus

JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "AS 211"
COURSE NAME: "Fresco Painting"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2014

SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: William Pettit
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: W9:00 AM 11:45 AM
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.

TEXTBOOK:

NONE

REQUIRED RESERVED READING:

NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:

NONE

GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:

Assignment	Guidelines	Weight
see below	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. Three absences will result in an F for the course. Completed Work (60%) Each student must complete a fresco measuring at least one meter square. Any or all of this work may be executed in groups. . Midterm Exam. (20%) The midterm is a written exam and will consist of questions on fresco technique, site visits, and project presentation to date. There may be slide identification and analysis of artwork. There may be questions on the assigned reading.	see below

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge 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
BThis 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.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis 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.
FThis 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:

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

1. 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. 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. Visit Museo di Roma a Palazzo Massimo alle Terme ($)Reading: Doerner pp.264-314

4. Plaster: sand coat and intonaco. HW Sketches and layout for Fresco I. Reading: Roettgen, vol.I, pp. 9-26

5. Work in class on Fresco I, intonaco, color, application. Reading: Mayer, pp.29-199 (Pigments)

6. review for midterm. Continue work of frescoes. Drawings and measurements.

7. Midterm Exam. Fresco I due. HW: cartoons for Fresco II, Reading: Bruce Cole, part I

8. Studio. Layout and Cartoon transfer. Sinopia. Begin work on Fresco II

9. Studio. Measuring, levels and plumb lines. Fresco II due. Reading Bruce Cole, part I

10. Fresco, part II due. Reading: Bruce Cole, part III

Semester break

11. Work in class.

12. Visit Santi Quattro Coronati and Basilica di San Clemente ($)

13. egg tempera e secco painting.

14. Critique. All work due. Prepare for Student art show.