IAT 208 - Drawing As Inquiry

Download PDF: IAT208-Fall2006.pdf
Credit Hours: 3
Instructors: Julian Wang
Location: SFU Surrey, Room 3875
Semester: Fall 2006

Course Description:

This course presents an overview of the various forms and languages of drawing as both a critical and creative research tool. Activities and projects in each unit offer opportunities to understand and apply drawing as a medium for visual thinking and conceptualization. Students will first learn perspective rendering techniques through studies of architectural forms and spaces. Building upon this foundation, students will then apply these fundamental skill sets to the representation of human forms and identities. An overview of anatomical structures and proportions will prepare students for pursuits in character animation and storyboarding. Related social and gender concerns are investigated to contextualize figurative representations within a broader cultural framework. The final component of this course addresses drawing in the context of a digital environment. Students will transfer their knowledge of traditional drawing techniques to computer imaging software and hardware. This shift affords students the opportunity to begin explorations in time-based media and two-dimensional animation.


Course Objectives:

In this course students will learn to:

• Identify and discuss the historical and cultural functions of drawing
• Apply principles of visual reportage and documentary observation to the study of architectural environments, human subjects, and cultural phenomena
• Render architectural and human forms using a variety of mediums and techniques through a series of gesture, contour, and value studies from life
• Create proportionate anatomical drawings, in preparation for applications in character animation and storyboarding
• Demonstrate an understanding of how compositional principles – emphasis, contrast, proportion, balance – may be used to define forms
• Discuss representations of difference – culture, gender, sexuality – as illustrated in examples from art and design
• Apply storyboarding techniques and narrative principles to depict movement in space, and passage through time
  

Delivery Method:

Studio Lab (SL)

Several learning methodologies including lectures, workshop demonstrations, film screenings, visiting guests, and field trips are used to develop practical skills.
Assignments are designed to apply in-class lessons to practical applications. Students are expected to critically analyze their processes, methodologies, and project outcomes, as well as those of their peers.

Learning Activities + Evaluation:

• Web Presentations -1 hour
• Lecture sessions - 1.5 hours
• Workshop sessions - 1.5 hours
• Activities and Assignments - 3.5 hours
• Total Hours - 7.5 hours
• Visual Research and Documentation Project 1: 30%
• Visual Research and Documentation Project 2: 30%
• Visual Research and Documentation Project 3: 30%
• Participation and Attendance: 10%

Texts, Resources + Materials:

There are no textbook requirements for this class. However, students are required to purchase a materials package from the SFU bookstore (approximate value $40.00).


Prerequisites:

TECH 101, IAT 101, CMPT 120, CMPT 125, TECH 114, or equivalents.




Last Updated: January 31, 2008

These course outlines are drafts and are subject to change.