Art 440 Independent Study
Studio or Scholarly Focus
Spring 2008
(Meeker's Home Page)

Instructors:

Brian Baugh, Assistant Professor of Art (457-2108)

Tyler Hennings, Lecturer in Art (457-2206)

Stacy Lotz, Associate Professor of Art (457- 2359)

Cheryl L. Meeker, Professor of Art (457-2364)

  • Course Content and Objectives
    Independent Study is a course created by the student in collaboration with one of the art department instructors.  Departmental expectations may or may not apply depending on the focus of the independent study.  For instance, students who are engaged in studio focus and students who are engaged in scholarly focus (for example an art history project, art education project, or another scholarly project) may have different departmental expectations in regards to attendance at critiques, studio hours, field trips etc.   These details must be worked out with the teaching instructor and detailed in your contract.
  • Contract
    If you have not done so already, you should meet immediately with your instructor to create a contract explaining your reasons for taking this class, what goals you hope to accomplish this semester including the quantity of finished works to be graded, and how often you will be meeting with the instructor.
    The contract must be signed by the end of the first week of classes or else you will be dropped from the course. 

    Because the contract is especially important for students who are working in a scholarly focus make certain all the details are worked out ahead of time with the instructor.  Meeting times for the entire semester, length of project, expectations of the instructor for the quality of work expected etc.
  • Group Critiques (for Studio Focus)
    Attendance and participation are required at the group critiques for students who are engaged in studio work.  The dates for the critiques are listed in the calendar.
     
  • Set up:  Students must have the work for the critique set up in the appropriate space by no later than 12:00 noon on the day of the critique.  No exceptions.

    Before each group critique you are required to write a summary ('ticket') to give to your professor when you arrive for the critique.  Writing this summary will help you organize your thoughts so that during the critique you will more easily be able to talk about your work.  In both the summary and critique, describe your work, how you made the work, what ideas or emotions you are hoping to communicate through it, and discuss what problems you may be having.  Be prepared to ask the group questions about your work.  Be prepared to ask questions about the work of others.  Please be advised that you will not be allowed to participate if you do not have a written summary of efforts to turn in at the beginning of the critique.
  • Field Trip and other required events (Studio and/or Scholarly Focus)
    Sometimes we will take a trip to a museum, gallery, exhibition or other art viewing experience.  These could be on campus or elsewhere. 
    On campus openings, gallery talks, lectures are considered part of this area of the course. Once again, attendance is mandatory for students engaged in the studio focus and may be required for research students as well.  Make sure you check with your instructor on what is required.   Dates/details are listed in the calendar below others may follow as the semester progresses. Attendance at Monmouth College events is mandatory for students in 440 whether your contract is for the studio or the scholarly focus.
  • Final Evaluative Essay (Studio Focus):
    A final writing assignment is required for studio students.  Your final essay will be a reflective essay and it needs to be at least 6-8 pages in length.  You will summarize your efforts this semester and describe how you reached the goals outlined in your contract.  You will also need to mention historical and contemporary influences (at least two) that you discover in your artwork.  Mention how these influences are expressed in your work.  You will also need to describe in detail what you learned from making the work you did in this class.  The due date is listed in the calendar and again late papers will receive a significant drop in grade for the lateness or may not be accepted at all at the discretion of the instructor.
  • Evaluation
    The teaching staff will meet as a group to determine the midterm and final grades you will receive for the course.  The final grade will be determined with the following percentages:

Studio Focus

  • Critique Grades: Students will be given a grade after each critique.
  • Finished Artwork
    1. Quality-(completion of work proposed in contract/effort put forth to reach goals)
    2. Quantity - (success of finished pieces as resolved artworks, evidence of improvement)
  • Final Evaluative Essay
  • 60%
  • Attendance at Lectures - receptions and individual critiques with instructors.
  •  15%
  • Active participation in studio hours and individual studio and/or other responsibilities depending on instructor)
  •  25%
  • TOTAL
  • 100%
Scholarly or Research Focus
  • Contractual Research Project
  • 80%
  • Individual meetings with instructor, artist openings and field trips (if required)
  • 20%
  • TOTAL
  • 100%