This is a course about linear perspective, a mathematical system invented by Renaissance artists to accurately represent three-dimensional space on a flat surface. We will develop an understanding of why parallel lines appear to converge and why objects appear smaller when viewed from a distance. We will learn some of the techniques for drawing scenes and objects in correct perspective, understand why they work, and discuss them in the context of Renaissance masters and their modern counterparts. Toward the end of the course we will see how these artistic ideas lead to a new branch of mathematics called projective geometry. Your grade is determined by five assignments, a final project and attendance/engagement. Details follow.

Assignments: There will be five assignments. They are due at the beginning of class on appointed days. Work that appears to have been created hastily and without thought will be graded accordingly. If you must miss class on day an assignment is due, please give me your work early or have a classmate turn it in for you. You may also submit work via email as a scanned copy or photo, but it must bear a timestamp showing that it was received by the beginning of class on the day it is due. I tend not to print emailed homework assignments, and therefore they may not receive any written feedback from me. If you must miss class on day an assignment is due, please give it to me early or have a classmate turn it in for you.


Project: Create an art object that uses the ideas discussed in this class. You may use any reasonable media. Everyone will present their work in a critique on the last day of class. See the course web page for more details and guidelines concerning the project.

Attendance/engagement: You are expected to attend and be intellectually engaged in each class. You can earn a total of 25 points for Attendance/engagement. If you have only one absence, it will not be counted against you. Beyond that, each additional absence results in 5 points deducted from the 25 points. Under normal circumstances I do not make the distinction between excused and unexcused absences. Any kind of absence may potentially affect your grade. Being in class physically but tuned out mentally can count as an absence! Things that could cause you to lose additional participation points include leaving your cell phone on, texting in class, and other rude behaviors. (Not that I expect you would do any of these things!)

As a matter of courtesy, you should arrive punctually and stay for the entire duration of each class you attend. Please inform me ahead of time if you must leave early.

At some point each day (usually at the beginning of class) I will take attendance by either calling roll or circulating a sign-up sheet. If you arrive after this happens, you may be counted as absent. Signing the roll sheet for someone else is considered an honor violation.

Late Work: If you turn in an assignment late, then I will take it but I will not grade it immediately. At the end of the course I will evaluate late work, though it may earn no more than half credit.

Grading:

Your final average will be computed as follows: Assignments: 50% Final project: 25% Attendance/engagement: 25% Total: 100%

The 10-point grading scale is used: A: 90–100 B: 80–89 C: 70–79 D: 60–69 F: 0–59

Supplies:

You will probably need the following supplies. (You do not need to bring them to class.) • Ruler or straightedge (18" or longer) • Assortment of drawing pens/pencils • Drawing paper (at least 18" wide) • 8.5 by 11" plastic transparencies (optional) • Compass (optional) • Masking tape • Plastic 45-45-90 or 30-60-90 triangle, T-square or some way of forming accurate right angles

The following information is required on all VCU syllabi:

Accommodations: Any student eligible for and needing academic adjustments or accommodations because of a disability should contact me within the first week of class. The VCU Disability Support Services web site is  http://www.students.vcu.edu/dss/.

VCU Honor System:  All VCU students are presumed upon enrollment to have acquainted themselves with and have an understanding of the Honor System. Therefore, it is a student's responsibility to ask course instructors to clarify expectations for each assignment in order to be in compliance with the Honor System. The 2007 - 8 VCU Honor System policy statement and purpose is located at http://www.provost.vcu.edu/pdfs/Honor_system_policy.pdf

Classroom Conduct: Professional conduct will be expected at all times.  A description of the VCU Student Conduct in Instructional Settings Policy can be found at: http://www.ts.vcu.edu/policies/studentconduct.html