COURSE SYLLABUS
Through a sequence of site-based projects, this course explores how digital tools can be used to observe, transform, and augment the built environment. Working in Florence and other locations in Italy, students will develop a practice that moves from drawing on top of reality to placing new forms within it.

The course culminates in a collaborative augmented reality exhibition distributed across the city of Florence, where student works are experienced in the locations for which they were created.

Instructor:  Fernando Orellana

Email: orellanf@union.edu

American Cell: +1 614-370-2428

Class Time: M-W 2-5PM

Location and Lab: TBA

Course: DUOMO ARIGATO - Topics in Digital Art

Course Number: AVA-266

COURSE OBJECTIVES AND PROCEDURES:

Using iPad-based tools for drawing, imaging, 3D capture, and augmented reality, students will learn to:

• Learn how to use mobile hardware (iPad Pro and smartphone) to create digital artwork in the field and studio.  

• Develop drawing skills in Procreate by working from observation and imagination, including tracing and altering architectural space. 

• Use the mobile version of Photoshop to create digital collages by fragmenting and recombining photographed and drawn elements.  

• Explore animation and interaction through mobile-based tools and workflows.  

• Experiment with augmented reality using platforms such as Reality Composer, creating interactive and spatial experiences.  

• Capture and generate 3D assets through photogrammetry and AI-based tools.

• Develop site-specific, geo-located digital artworks that respond to real locations.

• Build a process that moves from observing reality to transforming and augmenting it. 

• Gain familiarity with Renaissance art and architecture in Florence and consider its relationship to contemporary digital practices.

CRITIQUES:
Class critiques are very important and will be held at the beginning of class on the due date of each project. You are required to attend critiques even if your work is not complete. Critiques are not for my benefit; instead, they are likely your best method to learn about art making - from your peers.

GRADING:
To receive a letter grade of "C", at the minimum, you must maintain regular attendance, complete in-class assignments and the four major projects, as well as participate in class discussions and critiques. An "A" in this course will require that you far exceed the minimum expectations for quality, concept and class participation. Your work should show a highly developed understanding of the techniques of mobile platform digital art production, as well as an innovative incorporation of this medium into your own developed aesthetic or narrative. Your contribution to class discussions and class critiques is vital for an "A".

Each student is evaluated on their own creative growth, which is crucial given the often extreme difference between students with minimal art experience and more seasoned art practitioners. In terms of grade weight, the first three major projects are equal, with the final project carrying the most as it is an opportunity to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the course materials and independent creative thinking.

Project 1 = %15
Project 2 = %15
Project 3 = %15
Project 4 = %15
Project 5 = % 30
Participation = %10

Grade Scale:

A   =   93 - 100

A - =   90 - 92.99

B + =   87 - 89.99

B =   83 - 86.99

B- =   80 - 82.99

C + =   77  - 79.99

C =   73 - 76.99

C - =   70 - 72.99

D =   60 - 66.99

F =   0 - 59.99

Class participation, in-class assignments and readings will not be evaluated, but can make a significant difference in your final grade if I do not witness that you are regularly taking part or completing them.

ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Don't miss class. Don't arrive late or leave early. You are expected to come to class on time, ready to work and with all necessary supplies and materials. Excused absences are: family emergencies, established religious holiday, illness or injury. To be excused, you must email me before class time or within 24 hours after the absence. If you have COVID or other contagious illness, please let me know as soon as possible as I may be able to accommodate your participation via zoom if circumstances allow and you feel well enough to do so. Otherwise, you are responsible to find out what you missed and complete any missed work.

Please note: three unexcused absences will result in a full letter grade reduction of your final grade.

HONOR CODE:
Union College has instituted an Academic Honor Code, available at  honorcode.union.edu. It is each student's responsibility to read and be familiar with it, and to ensure that submitted work is his or her own and does not involve any form of academic misconduct.

SUPPLIES:
Most of the supplies for this course will be provided for you, including medium format drawing paper, graphite pencils, associated software and an iPad Pro, keyboard, and Apple Pen that will be assigned to each of you. In addition it is highly recommended that you bring a personal smartphone, laptop or both as access to these technologies will amplify the possibilities of the content you can make.

Below are supplies that are required and that you must supply: 

• A notebook or sketchbook

• Pens and pencils for note taking or sketching

• A backpack or bag for carrying supplies to locations
  
  

LEARNING DIFFERENCES:

It is the policy of Union College to make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you are a person with a disability and wish to request accommodations to complete your course requirements, please contact the Office of Student Support Services at (518) 388-8785. Once you have received documentation from that office, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss your needs. Please be aware that no accommodations will be provided without documentation from the Office of Student Support Services.