The Art School at DePaul University

syllabus — ART 394 — PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE IN THE STUDIO



 

WELCOME TO OUR ARTS COMMUNITY!

 

 

 

Instructor: Jessica Larva

e-mail: jlarva@depaul.edu

Office: The Art School at DePaul, 1150 West Fullerton Avenue, room 321

In-Person Office Hours: Tues 1:00-2:00pm; email me for an appointment.

Virtual Office Hours: Via zoom.
Wednesday 10:30-11:30am by appointment or email me to schedule a different time.
Office Hours Zoom Link: https://depaul.zoom.us/j/800076417 (Password required)

 

 

Online Syllabus & Schedule:   http://jessicalarva.com/depaul.html (also linked on D2L)

Course Home on D2L: https://d2l.depaul.edu

 

Class Days & Times: Autumn Quarter 2023, Tuesday & Thursday, 11:20 to 12:50

Class Section: Art 394, section 102

Classroom: The Art School at DePaul,1150 West Fullerton Avenue, room 327

Alternate Classrooms: critique room 211 & production studios  (find us if you are late)

 

 

Syllabus Links: course information, important information for you, schedule and attendance, grading, reading, writing and citing sources, supplies
link to the full schedule and assignments page

 

 

 

 

Welcome Message:
I am looking forward to working with each of you! This class is focused on your future, so the more you share with me and ask questions on your own behalf, the better I can address your specific future goals and concerns. Please keep me in the loop about things so I can work with you, and feel free to reach out to me regarding any matter at all.

 

 

Course Information:

 

Course Catalog Information: An intensive art seminar introducing students to the professional, business, and legal skills needed to manage a career in Studio Art, Graphic Art or Photography and Media Art. Senior standing and status as an Art, Media and Design major or minor are prerequisites for this class. Juniors may attend with instructor's consent.

 

Prerequisites: Senior standing and status as an Art, Media and Design major or Art Minor are a prerequisite for this class. Juniors may attend with instructor's consent.

 

Additional Description and Objectives: This course sets the groundwork for success in ART392 Senior Studio Seminar (Exhibition Capstone) or ART393 Senior Project Studio. Therefore this course is a prerequisite for ART392, and it is strongly recommended that this course proceeds or coincides with ART393. This concentrated and rigorous course is designed to introduce and cultivate the fundamental skills and practices of professionalism necessary for the development and maintenance of a career in the field of visual arts.

We will discuss a broad range of practical and philosophical concerns including the following:

1.    Defining criteria for success in your work

2.    Determine the audience you want to reach

3.    Commercial and non-commercial venues for presenting your work

4.    Alternative, community-based and DIY models for artistic practice

5.    Writing bios, resumes, statements, and project proposals

6.    Studio spaces and safety

7.    Documentation, presentation, preservation and storage of works

8.    Digital archives and data management

9.    Researching and writing for grants, fellowships, and artists’ residencies

10. Graduate programs in the visual arts and design

 

Course Methods and Format: This demanding course utilizes lectures, demonstrations, group discussions, presentations, and workshops in combination with readings, writings, individual meetings, and assignments. A significant portion of in-class time will be devoted to discussion and will require preparation outside of class time. Assignments will require many hours of time spent outside of class. If you do not have time to devote to this type of work, I suggest that you consider dropping this class or taking it at another time.

 

Land use statement: The campuses of DePaul University are located on the traditional homelands of the Three Fires Confederacy: Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi, as well as a traditional place for trade, gathering, and healing for more than a dozen Native tribes.

 

 

 

Post-Pandemic Information:

 

DePaul COVID-19 Requirements: All members of the DePaul community (Students, Faculty, Staff, etc.) are expected to follow DePaul safety requirements at all times, including but not limited to mask-wearing in public buildings as directed. The requirements and recommendations may change as local, state, and federal guidelines evolve. Students who have a medical reason for not complying should register with DePaul’s Center for Student with Disabilities (CSD).

SEE: go.depaul.edu/covid for COVID-19 updates and guidance.

 

Changes to the Syllabus: The instructor reserves the right to make changes to the syllabus with regard to unanticipated events or concerns. If there are any changes to the syllabus, students will be notified via D2L and/or email.

 

Reporting COVID
If you test positive for COVID, please inform DePaul of your positive test result by clicking the link and following the steps here: go.depaul.edu/reportcovid.

 

University Information and Resources:

·      Visit go.depaul.edu/covid for COVID-19 updates and guidance and policies.

·      Visit https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/covid-dashboard.html for official city of Chicago covid-19 statistics.

·      Visit DePaul/DHUB DEN (Digital Engagement Network) for activities and events.

·      SEE: DePaul Students with Disability Services

·      SEE: DePaul Support Services and Mental Health Services

·      If you are in critical need of financial assistance for technology purchases, please contact Financial Aid at dpcl@depaul.edu or 312-362-8610.​

·      SEE: Dean of Students Office for help navigating the college experience, particularly during difficult situations such as personal, financial, medical, and/or family crises.

 

Technology for Class:
D2L (Desire2Learn) DePaul’s learning management system
Check the “Required: Course Schedule” link and “Required: Course Content” folder in D2L CONTENT regularly and submit items to appropriate DISCUSSIONS and SUBMISSIONS as outlined in class.
Visit: https://d2l.depaul.edu

ZOOM video conferencing
Visit: https://zoom.us for more information
NOTE: The software will download automatically when you click the link if it is not on your computer or mobile device already.
NOTE: If there is abuse of course links by members or non-members I will close them and set up something more restrictive (ex: zoom-bombing).
NOTE: Zoom links for the course and for virtual office hours are listed at the beginning of the syllabus. The course and office hours are different links because the office hours have a waiting room to ensure privacy.


DePaul Help Desk / Tech Support
Information Services Portal: https://depaul.service-now.com
HELPDESK:
(312) 362-8765 or (773) 325-HELP / (773) 325-4357
helpdesk@depaul.edu
or click “Get Help” on the information services website above
HOURS:
Mon-Thurs 8am-8pm
Fri 8am-5pm
Sat 8am-4pm
Sunday closed (for now)

 

 

Important Info for You:

 

Be active in your learning! This is your education; let me know what you need! If, during the course of the quarter, you feel that you need some extra help, advice, or feedback, let me know and we can schedule a time to meet remotely. If you have questions during class, ask me. Your active involvement and your communication with me help to ensure that you get what you need from this course.

 

Please provide me with the name you prefer to use: I would like to use your personal pronouns and preferred name or nickname. My roster provides limited information so please let me know if you suspect I do not have the information on my roster that you want me to use. I typically use she/her/hers pronouns but am also comfortable with they/them and I typically go by either Jessica or Prof. Larva.

 

Art School at DePaul Safety Statement:
Safety comes first! DePaul University is a learning community that fosters the pursuit of knowledge, transmission of ideas and development of skills in an environment that emphasizes accepting responsibility for oneself, for others and for society at large.

As a member of the DePaul community, you are expected to adhere to all University policies, including but not limited to the policies in the Code of Student Responsibility and the Academic Integrity Policy, and policies and procedures set forth by specific departments.

Specifically, by enrolling in a DePaul Art School (ART) art/studio course you agree to adhere to the ART Safe Use of Art Materials and Student Responsibilities requirements of the course(s) you are enrolled in for all art and related materials, tools, and equipment as per the specific course instruction. Failure to abide by and adhere to any of these responsibilities, procedures, policies, or requirements may result in an adverse impact on your grade in accordance with the syllabus, or in other sanctions through the Student Conduct Process or other university procedures.

Please see additional safety information related to COVID-19 under the heading: Post-Pandemic Information.

 

DePaul Students with Disability Services: Students seeking disability-related accommodations are required to register with DePaul's Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) enabling you to access accommodations and support services to assist your success. There are two office locations (availability of physical operations are subject to change due to virus mitigation):
Loop Campus - Lewis Center #1420 - (312) 362-8002
Lincoln Park Campus - Student Center #370 - (773) 325-1677
CSD email - csd@depaul.edu
CSD Virtual Office - www.tinyurl.com/CSDVirtualOffices

·      Please also feel free to contact me privately to discuss how I can assist in facilitating accommodations or simply so we are on the same page. It is best to speak with me early in the term and our conversation will remain confidential to the extent possible. This class focuses on creative solutions of every kind, and I assure you that we will be able to find an appropriate solution for any circumstance.

 

DePaul Support Services and Mental Health Services:
 
University Counseling and Psychological Services (UCAPS)
UCAPS offers a full range of confidential clinical mental health services at no cost to DePaul students.
Access the website at go.depaul.edu/ucaps
Email the office at DePaulUCAPS@depaul.edu with questions or to learn more
Call 773-325-CARE (2273)
* To speak directly to a therapist 24/7 call 773-325-CARE (2273) and Press "1" when prompted.

The Dean of Students Office (DOS), also has a network of support services which helps students navigate the college experience, particularly during difficulty situations such as personal, financial, medical, and/or family crises. For a list of support services and advocacy information, please visit DOS at http://studentaffairs.depaul.edu/dos.

SEE: additional Mental Health resources here. ***

 

Expectations for Academic Integrity: All work done for this course must adhere to the University Academic Integrity Policy, which you are required to read in the Student Handbook or online at http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu. Academic integrity violations warrant repercussions including failure of the course.

 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Statement as outlined by Academic Affairs, August 2023:
Policies: In this context, AI can be considered analogous to a person, and our relevant policies apply. DePaul’s Academic Integrity Policy defines “Plagiarism” as “Any use of words, ideas, or other work products attributed to an identifiable source, without attributing the work to the source from which it was obtained, in a situation where there is a legitimate expectation of original authorship.” In this way, content generated by AI is a “source” and should be cited appropriately; the policy is in the process of being updated to include AI as an example of a type of source that must be cited and cannot stand in for the student’s own work. Similarly, the Research Misconduct policy defines “Plagiarism” as “the appropriation of another person’s ideas, processes, results, or words without giving appropriate credit,” and it is reasonable to consider AI as analogous to “another person” in this context.

Use of AI in classes: Faculty have the discretion to allow or encourage students to use AI in class activities and/or assignments. Course syllabi should make clear how students may or may not use AI in class-related work. In the absence of a course–specific AI policy, the general Academic Integrity and Research Misconduct policies apply.

Citations: When in doubt, cite the AI source like any other. As Artificial Intelligence becomes more widespread, conventions for its proper use will likely evolve over time.

 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Course Policy: For the purpose of this course, all use of AI in any capacity must be indicated in a citation submitted at the same time or before the item utilizing AI is shared or submitted. Failure to disclose AI use in assignments or any other course work will be considered academic misconduct. Please speak to me if you have any questions or concerns with AI use, citation, formatting, or methodology.


In written work, citations must be clearly stated at the end of the written work or in a works cited document included with the written component. In this specific course we will be discussing and using AI as a writing tool; properly cited AI use is encouraged in many assignments.

AI use that is not written like images, graphics, video, audio, etc. must also be cited in a work cited document posted or submitted at or before the time work is shared or submitted (for example, when work is shared in critique). In this specific course properly cited use of AI non-written work may be appropriate for some assignments. Additionally, use caution to ensure that your use of AI does not mask your personal skill/technique development or ability to meet grading criteria for conceptual and creative rigor, etc.

 

E-mail Policy: I may use e-mail as a way to communicate with you regarding absence/tardy information, concerns for classwork or behavior, your project grades, or other class information. In this case you may not receive in-class follow-up or paper copies of this information. I will use the email account that you have on file with DePaul.

 

Access and Resources / Technology Access

NOTE: availability of physical operations are subject to change.

Richardson Library: Mac and PC, Adobe, other technologies.
List of general DePaul computer labs: organized by available software (here); some of the labs post open hours.

NOTES: If you use multiple versions of Adobe software, then you may choose to save in a legacy format that can be opened in prior versions (one example).
If you use fonts that may not be on other computers, save/export/package the font files (.OTF .TTF .FNT) as well as the Adobe file so you can load the fonts onto another computer or save your Adobe file in a format that flattens or outlines the fonts (this is not appropriate for editing).
 


The Art School at DePaul (Art Office)
(773)325-4889 | 3rd floor office suite | ART@depaul.edu
Monday-Thursday 9:30am-4:30pm, unless otherwise posted.
Virtual access Friday 9:30am-4:30pm.

Margie Griggs: Media Art & Communication Coordinator
(773)325-4889 | 3rd floor office suite | mgriggs6@depaul.edu

Ellie Wallace: Studio Manager
(773)325-4619 | 3rd floor office suite | ewallac1@depaul.edu

 

 

 

Schedule and Attendance:

 

Schedule: You must be in attendance to find out specifically that will be covered in class day-to-day. We will discuss detailed schedules and due-dates for individual assignments when they are assigned.
LINK TO: SCHEDULE & ASSIGNMENTS

 

Attendance & Phone Policy:
Please read in full:
Attendance: Studio courses have both intellectual and skill-building components that build throughout an academic term. Many classes have demonstrations and important critiques, which cannot be repeated outside of class. Therefore, class attendance is absolutely essential. For this course, which meets twice a week, a student may miss two classes during the term. For each additional absence a student’s grade will drop one complete letter; there is no way to pass this course if you accrue six unexcused absences (methods for excusing absences are listed below). Three tardy arrivals (over 5 minutes late) or early departures will be equal to one unexcused absence and will apply to the absence tally. Significantly late arrivals may count as full or partial absences.

Cell phone use (making or receiving calls, internet, apps, and texting) is not permissible in class. Students using cell phones or computers for content not pertinent to class will be counted as absent or may be asked to leave. Sometimes it is necessary to have access to a phone, so any student who might need to use a phone in class on any given day, should simply let me know before class. Cell phone use for music may be permissible for certain days and times if it is discussed and approved during class. Each student is responsible for any damage to his or her phone that results from an accident or contact with studio materials.

 

 

 

 

Grading:

 

Evaluation: Your grade will consist of assignments (55% of your total grade), participation including preparedness for readings and meetings (20% of your total grade), presentation (15% of your total grade), and attendance (10% of your total grade).

The assignments and presentation have multiple components and must be completed in a highly professional manner in accordance with the given specifications. Participation includes open and active involvement in class activities and preparation outside of class for reading discussions, feedback discussions, meetings, and other class components; due to the nature of this course you cannot earn an A in this course without consistent good participation. See attendance information above. Extra credit points may be available for participating in or attending specific arts events that arise during the course of the term and that are approved as extra credit.
SEE: SCHEDULE & ASSIGNMENTS for specific information that is linked to each project.

 

Grade Scale for this class:    100–96=A     95–91=A-      90–86=B+     85–81=B       80–76=B-      75–71=C+     70–66=C       65–61=C-       60–56=D+     55–51=D       50–0=F

 

Explanation of Grades: The “C” grade is a mark of satisfactory performance; to earn a "C" grade in this class you must attend class, work during studio time, participate in class discussions and critiques, and complete all assignments adequately. To earn an "A" grade in this class you must attend class, exhibit engaged productivity or experimentation during studio, and offer meaningful contributions during discussions and especially during critiques. You must also exhibit a highly developed understanding of the concepts and the ability to create well-crafted and conceptually strong projects.
SEE: General Evaluation Key
 

How to turn in physical & digital work:
All physical and digital work is due in the format requested by the start of class on the given due date unless otherwise noted. Early submissions are typically appropriate as well. Anything turned in over 5 minutes after it is requested is one full day late. An excused absence will not reduce your grade, but a tardy arrival will affect your grade.

If you will not be in class on a due date, I may accept a digital format as a temporary placeholder for physical work (images/photographs/presentations/papers submitted on D2L); some assignments are not appropriate for digital submission.

 

Turning in late work:
Unfortunately, life is full of deadlines and unexpected events that get in the way of those deadlines; we are influenced by numerous pressures and events that happen outside of school. I understand all of this and I respect your right to choose whether or not a class assignment is your first priority at any given time. However, professionalism is vitally important in this course and your grade will suffer if work is not completed on time and in full. I will accept some assignments late at a significantly reduced grade.

Please speak to me about how to submit late work and the timeframe for submitting. Generally, or if we have not spoken, late work must be physically submitted by the start of the next class meeting and will not be accepted after that session without my permission. Again, please speak to me about permission for an extension.

 

 

 

 

Reading, Writing, & Citing Sources:

 

Please See Artificial Intelligence (AI) Statement & Policy Above.

Reading: Our required class textbook is Art, Inc.: The Essential Guide for Building Your Career as an Artist by Lisa Congdon / OR / Art/Work: Revised & Updated: Everything You Need to Know (and Do) As You Pursue Your Art Career by Bhandari and Melber. You may choose either book but must follow assigned readings for your selected book. Art, Inc. has a broad arts focus and Art/Work is more tailored to the fine arts and academia paths. I will provide you with additional readings in printed format or digital format through the class website or D2L site (SEE: SCHEDULE & ASSIGNMENTS). Digital readings may be web links or PDFs. You will be expected to find and obtain your own research readings related to the specifics of your work.
information for the Chicago Public Library: http://www.chipublib.org/
information for the libraries at DePaul: http://library.depaul.edu/
LINK TO: supplies

 

Writing: Written assignments must follow the principles of composition, grammar, and spelling. Pages may be single or double-spaced, 10 to12-point Times-Roman (or similar) font, with standard margins. Please refrain from attaching pages with a dog‑eared corner and instead use a staple, a paperclip, or type your name on every page. Of course the university policy on plagiarism is enforced.

NOTE: DePaul’s Writing Center is a valuable FREE service that can help you plan, revise and edit written assignments, double check citations, and review other aspects of your writing. Booking an appointment online is recommended, but they also take walk-in requests at the Loop and Lincoln Park locations.

SEE ALSO: another great resource for university-level writing: The St Martins Handbook by Andrea Lundsford. (PDF linked here) Of course the university policy on plagiarism is enforced..

 

Citing Sources: You must cite all words or images you use from any outside source. Failure to do so can be seen as academic misconduct. Citation includes everything from Internet sources and images you’ve altered in Photoshop, to a digital snapshot taken by a friend. Often outside sources will not be allowed in visual assignments, but when permitted, sources must be appropriately credited (often in the assignment). Also, I will need a works cited document with the image appropriately cited and a copy of the original image. Sources do not need to be cited in journal entries or sketchbooks.
LINK TO: Academic Integrity

 

Links for citing image sources:

https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/09/

This covers everything, MLA style. Image citation information is located half way down the page.
Additional research information here. (including the Chicago Manual of Style)

 

http://guides.libraries.uc.edu/content.php?pid=285456&sid=2367919

MLA style, for citing images.

 

http://bcs.bedfordstmartins.com/resdoc5e/RES5e_ch04_o.html

Research and Documentation information.

 

 

Information for citing written sources:

Please use MLA standards.

Helpful information for citing sources: http://library.duke.edu/research/citing/
See both “citing sources within your paper” and “assembling a list of works cited.”


Example of using a works cited and citing sources in the body of the paper (multi-page PDF)

Citation Quick Guide:

https://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide/citation-guide-1.html


Use Owl at Purdue for additional writing help: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/purdue_owl.html

 

 

 

Supplies / Resources:

 

Supplies provided for you: Access to the Open Lab Hours in a Mac computer lab with Adobe Creative Suite Software (Creative Cloud), multiple flat bed scanners, and multiple high-end large-format printers; access to borrow selected items from the AMD audio/visual checkout; ability to sign up for scheduled documentation time in one of two documentation spaces.

Adobe Creative Cloud
DePaul and the Art School have arranged FREE at-home access to Adobe Creative Cloud on a temporary basis for some classes (including ours). Follow these instructions to register.
** information should have been emailed to you through the university as well.

 

Required Resources:
Please let me know if you do not have the ability to access some of these items. I am committed to working with you to figure something out.

 

Required Supplies:

 

 

Optional Supplies:

 

 

This is a great resource and is HIGHLY recommended.

 

NOTE: DO NOT WAIT UNTIL YOU GRADUATE to purchase your own hardware and software because you will miss out on student deals and you will pay significantly more for everything. You don’t need it for this class, but begin thinking about it and planning for it.

 

 

 

 

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