DePaul University Department of Art, Media, and Design

syllabus — ART 395 — SPECIAL TOPICS IN STUDIO PRACTICE

Screen Printing: The Voice of the Activist

LINK TO: SCHEDULE & ASSIGNMENTS

Instructor: Jessica Larva

e-mail: jlarva@depaul.edu

Department: (AMD) Art, Media, and Design

Office: 1150 West Fullerton Avenue, room 321

Current Office Hours: Tues/Thurs 5:30-6:30pm or email me to see if we can schedule a different time.

Online Syllabus: http://jessicalarva.com/depaul.html

Class Days & Times: Spring 2017, Tuesday & Thursday, 2:40 to 5:25pm

Class Section: Art 395, section 301

Classroom: 1150 West Fullerton Avenue, room 201
Alternate Classrooms: critique room 202 and labs (find us if you are late)

Syllabus Links: course information, important information for you, schedule and attendance, grading, reading, writing and citing sources, supplies

Course Information:

Special Topics in Studio Practice Catalog Information: The series of Special Topics in Studio Practice courses focuses on studio specialties and techniques not encompassed by the general art curriculum.

Course Description: The voice of liberation takes form in the hands of screen printers! Numerous revolutions in thought and movements in social change have been conveyed in screen printed signs and images. Screen printing’s accessible process for making multiples allows messages to be distributed widely, while the dramatic aesthetics of the medium help increase the impact of the message. This class will explore the diazo-emulsion screen printing process as a tool to enable students to express and amplify their own voices.

Prerequisites: NONE. Some ability to draw OR some knowledge of digital imaging software like Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator can be helpful but is not necessary.

Objectives:

1. Learn the history of screen printing and its function in revolutions and movements in social change.

2. Research contemporary issues that impact individuals on a local, regional, national, international, or global scale.

3. Learn the emulsion-based screen printing process.

4. Develop hands-on screen printing skills and techniques.

5. Explore the relationship between the printed form and its meaning.

6. Plan meaningful visual responses addressing specific contemporary issues.

7. Refine art and design competencies to convey a powerful message to a viewer.

8. Execute original screen printed works for both gallery and public settings.

Course Methods and Format: This class predominantly utilizes lectures, demonstrations, studio work, presentations, hands-on assignments, and critique to convey information and demonstrate learning outcomes. The class will also use a combination of readings, writing, class discussions, and video components as secondary elements. You are expected to spend a great deal of time outside of class working on projects; most of this time will be spent during open studio hours in the classroom where you have access to the necessary materials and equipment. 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.

Additionally, please note the safety information below. Each student in this course will learn the safety procedures for this course and will sign a Printmaking Student User Agreement Form confirming an understanding of safety procedures.

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 outside of class to meet. 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.

AMD 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 Department of Art, Media, and Design (AMD) art/studio course you agree to adhere to the AMD 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.

Course Safety Statement: Every effort has been made to maximize use of non-toxic materials both for health and environmental reasons, however this course does utilize some potentially harmful materials. Safety practices, procedures and equipment will be covered throughout the semester and these procedures must be followed at all times.

· Familiarize yourself with Safety Data Sheets: SDS explanation

· Each student in this course will sign a Printmaking Student User Agreement Form confirming an understanding of safety procedures.

• NO eating in the classroom/studio.
• When using chemicals, wear appropriate safety items including goggles, rubber gloves, masks, and protective aprons; exercise caution.

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:
Loop Campus - Lewis Center #1420 - (312) 362-8002
Lincoln Park Campus - Student Center #370 - (773) 325-1677

· Please also feel free to discuss your challenges with me privately so 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. 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: DePaul has a large network of support services including The Dean of Students Office (DOS), 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.

Expectations for Academic Integrity: Work done for this course must adhere to the University Academic Integrity Policy, which you can review in the Student Handbook or online at http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu. Academic integrity violations can warrant repercussions as severe as failure of the course.

• Appropriation and authorship are important issues in contemporary art and are particularly relevant in digital art. That said, use of another’s writing or images in the university setting can be a violation of academic integrity (among other things) and outside of the university it can be a copyright or legal violation. If your work could be construed as violating academic integrity, copyright, or legality in any way, please talk to me about your concept and process before you begin or submit your work.

E-mail Policy: I may use e-mail as a way to communicate with you regarding absence/tardy information, concerns for classwork or classroom 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

• ACCESS TO DIGITAL CLASS MATERIALS
  Website: http://jessicalarva.com/depaul.html
  D2L site: https://d2l.depaul.edu (there are limited materials and readings for this course on D2L; the FULL course site is the website listed above ^)
  Connecting to the AMD computer lab network to share files: network info
  
  
• OUT OF CLASS STUDIO ACCESS
  Classrooms/studios are only for students enrolled in classes in those spaces. Hours are posted on the doors of each classroom every quarter. Building hours and access can be found here.
  
  
• LIST OF COMPUTER LABS
  AMD 311: Macs with Adobe CS6 or Creative Cloud, regular printers, large format photo-quality printers, scanners

OPEN LAB HOURS are posted on lab doors every quarter.
PLEASE REMEMBER:
(1) Food and drinks are not permitted in AMD labs except in instances where there is a designated shelf for drinks; these items cannot leave the shelf area.
(2) Lab Monitors are wonderful and allow the labs to be open for use. They are fellow students, not IT professionals or the class Teaching Assistant. If you have questions, please contact me or set up a time to meet during office hours.
AMD 330: (see above)
Richardson Library: Mac and PC, Adobe CS6 or Creative Cloud, other technologies, close to AMD, usually open MTWR 7:30am to 2am and shortened hours FSS. If using Adobe Creative Cloud, remember to save in a legacy format that can be opened in CS6.
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 (for example Creative Cloud and a prior version of Creative Suite) then 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 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).

• LOCKER STORAGE
  Hallway lockers are available for storage. Sign up for a locker in the AMD office on the 3^rd floor. NOTE: read the department’s locker policy!
  
  
• (NOT) STORING ITEMS IN THE STUDIOS/LABS
  We are not the only class working in this classroom, so in addition to cleaning up after ourselves, it is also not advised to store items in the classroom. Furthermore, at the end of the quarter classrooms will be cleaned and personal items or projects will be discarded.
  
  
• EQUIPMENT RENTAL
  AMD Student AV Checkout is in room 330A.
  Hours are posted on the door after the quarter begins.
  Rental is contingent on specific course access and permissions. If your course access does not allow you to use equipment that you deem necessary for course work, please talk to me to explain your needs. Please note that AV Checkout workers cannot make exceptions to the rules for any reason.
  
  
• PEOPLE
  Contact me about anything:
  (773)325-7133 | room 321 | jlarva@depaul.edu
  For the fastest response: find me in person or send me an email.
  
  Department of Art, Media, and Design Office (AMD):
  (773)325-4889 | 3^rd floor | M-F 9:30am to 5:30pm
  
  Alexx Smith: Administrative Assistant
  (773)325-8237 | room 312A | ebonovic@depaul.edu
  
  Ellie Wallace: Studio Manager
  (773)325-4619 | room 322 | 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:
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. Three tardy arrivals or early departures will be equal to one absence.

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. As a courtesy to your classmates cell phones should not be visible during critique or student presentations unless you have cleared an exception with me prior to class.

• Approved excused absences will not count toward missed days of class.
  
  
• To submit an absence as an excused absence, please complete the DePaul Absence Notification Process through the Dean of Students Office (located in room 307 Student Center LPC, and room 11001 DePaul Center LC) Absence Notification Process information is at the bottom of the linked page (here).
  
  
• You may also petition an absence as an excused absence by discussing it with me within two weeks of the end of the missed class(es). I may take up to one week to deliberate before excusing or not excusing the absence. Routine doctor appointments will not be excused; please schedule them outside of class time.
  
  
• Students are responsible for all material missed during a tardy arrival, early dismissal, or an absence. I may or may not be able to provide the material for you outside of class, so you may need to meet with another student for demonstrations or to catch up.
  
  

• If you feel you have fallen behind due to an absence or for other reasons, please contact me right away so I can help get you back on track. Often it is too late by the time students contact me, so don’t be shy or embarrassed—the earlier you let me know, the better.

Grading:

Evaluation: Your grade will consist of 3 project assignments with multiple components, a studio service role, in-class support projects, and in-class participation. Support projects may include readings, writings, presentations, and studio projects; in-class participation may include verbal contribution in critique and discussions, general participation in studio work, bringing supplies to class, studio clean up, quizzes, and attendance. 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 work—
All work is due at the start of class on the given due date unless otherwise noted.
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.

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 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.

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; it may be submitted in class or delivered to my office (or to the art office with instruction that to be given to me) 1150 W Fullerton Ave, 3^rd floor; my office is 321. Please speak to me about permission for an extension.

Emailed work (temporary solution)—
In some instances I may be willing to temporarily accept papers or images via email so they do not loose as much credit (remember to “CC” yourself so you will also have a record of when you sent the email). If you send an email I will still need the physical assignment by the next class meeting. I will not grade emailed images or papers.

Reading, Writing, & Citing Sources:

Reading: I will provide you with class readings in printed format or digital format through D2L or linked to the class website in the section labeled: SCHEDULE & ASSIGNMENTS. Digital readings may be web links, PDF downloads or digital library reserves. You will be expected to find and obtain your own research readings related to the specifics of your projects.
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 great (free) service that can help you plan, revise and edit written assignments, double check citations, and review other aspects of your writing. It’s best to make an appointment (SEE: “how appointments work” link half way down page), but they also take walk-in requests at the Loop and Lincoln Park locations.

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:

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

MLA style, from the University of Cincinnati.

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

MLA style, image citation information is located half way down the page.

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

Research and Documentation information.

• If you have already gained SPECIFIC PERMISSION to use a photograph (for example a photograph taken by a friend or family member), then you can cite the image less formally.
  (rotten apple image) photo credit: Jessica Larva, 2011
  (description of image used) photo credit: Name, Year photograph was created
  Please also include a copy of the original image in the documentation you turn in to me.
• If you are using an online image, then the Google search term or an Internet site where you found the image is NOT enough information and will not be accepted as a fully documented source.
  See links above for information on how to properly cite an online image.
• WARNING: ADVICE AGAINST USING INTERNET IMAGES.
  In addition to major concerns of legal and copyright issues, Internet images usually lack quality because they are often small and compressed in terms of resolution and color. The grainy texture created by Internet images is often a negative element when appropriated for high-quality work. Furthermore, student use of Internet images is often linked with a lack of understanding, a lack of effective communication, and a lack of originality.
• Speak to me if you wish to purchase/utilize STOCK IMAGES for a project. You will be able to use them for some work if you clear it with me in advance. Failure to clear it with me before using work by another person can be seen as academic misconduct.

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)

Supplies:

We don’t have an expensive book for this class, so plan to spend your “textbook money” on supplies, especially paper for your projects. (You may have some of the basic materials from prior courses.) There may be a few supplies at the DePaul Barnes & Noble bookstore, but not many. General supplies can be purchased at an office supply store or craft store, but I’d suggest an arts supply store for most items like Blick or (Genesis) Art Supply or even online stores like Anthem if you order ASAP and items are in stock to ship. Sometimes discounts are available in store with student ID.

Supplies provided for you: mesh screens, hinge boards, exposure unit, wash-out booth, drying unit (screens), drying rack (prints), squeegees, ink plates, stencil paper (freezer paper), scoop-coaters, screen filler, screen filler remover, transparency printer, transparency rolls, mac computer with Adobe creative suite software (Creative Cloud), screen printing separation software, a flatbed scanner, emulsion, emulsion remover, degreaser, a multitude of additional studio supplies, cleaning tools, and cleaning products. Most of your ink and some of your test paper are provided as well.

Required Supplies:
* On the second day of class we will use: 2 coins, packing tape, painter’s tape, X‑Acto knife with new(ish) blade. The coins and tape are the most important supplies to have ASAP because it is hard to share those items. You may get ink on your clothes, so dress appropriately or bring an apron.

• TIME you will need to spend hours outside of class to finish projects. Most of this time will be spent during open studio hours in the classroom where you have access to the necessary materials and equipment.
  
  
• Something for notes and sketches
  
  

• USB Storage Device you will need a convenient USB storage device to quickly transfer images and documents to and from Mac computers on campus. Please do not rely on cloud storage or anything requiring an Internet connection for use during class time.

• $0.70 * in the form of 2 dimes and 2 quarters to use as “off-contact”
  
  
• Tape (Packing – multiple rolls) * Colored translucent tape is best because you can see it on your screen easily (I like the brown/tan plastic packing tape) but you can also use clear packing tape. You can also buy specialized screen printing tape, but it costs more. You will use A LOT of plastic packing tape in this class.
  
  
• Tape (Painter’s) * One roll of 1-inch painters tape (white or blue varieties) or masking tape. You may need a second roll later in the quarter.
  
  
• X-Acto Knife with #11 Blades * The #11 blade is the standard blade that comes with the knife.
  
  
• Sharpie Marker, Black
  
  
• Pencil with hard “lead” (#H, 5H, etc.) used to edition prints
  
  
• (2+) Paint Brushes Synthetic bristles, avoid the high-cost brands and if possible use what you already own. You will need one brush for fine detail work and at least one brush that you enjoy using to paint. Link to brush bristle styles.
  
  
• Printmaking Papers Some of your projects will require specialty printmaking papers and others will be open to printmaking papers or non-traditional materials. Selecting printmaking paper for screen printing:
  Look for something listed as printmaking paper
  Printmaking paper is often sized (“sized” means a filler is added) for absorption; sized paper is great, but it is not required for screen printing
  Smooth surface works best, especially for detail
  Acid free/pH neutral makes the work more archival
  Sold in individual sheets or packs of sheets
  Usually 22 by 30 inches and ripped down to the size you need
  Paper often features deckled edges on 2 sides
  Paper weight is by grams per square meter (gsm) and often 250-300gsm
  Variety of tones (often neutral colors)
  Variety of paper pulps (100% cotton rag, mulberry, etc.)
  Printmaking papers are more expensive than many drawing papers
  Suggestions:
  Arches 88, Rives BFK, Coventry Rag, Somerset Satin, Stonehenge
  Sample list of papers at Graphic Chemical & Ink (search for silk screen)
  Sample list of screen printing papers at Legion
  *You can find these papers locally at Blick or (Genesis) Art Supply as well.
  
  
• Additional Supports: Many people enjoy using Bristol board pads. Most flat items can be printed like wood, metal, plexi, leather, fabric, canvas, etc. However, if an item is too thick to use the hinges in class it will be harder to register multiple layers.

Optional Supplies:

• OPTIONAL: Book: The Design of Dissent: Socially and Politically Driven Graphics by Milton Glaser and Mirko Ilic, forward by Tony Kushner
  
  
• OPTIONAL: Book: Visual Impact: Creative Dissent in the 21st Century by Liz McQuiston
  
  
• OPTIONAL: Book: Print Liberation by Nick Paparone and Jamie Dillow

• Ink / Specialty Ink You may have an idea that requires an ink or specialty ink that we don’t have available in the classroom. We use water-based inks in class, so check with me before purchasing any ink that is not water-based. There could be chemical safety concerns to consider or additional curing/cleaning processes that we may not be set up to do in class.
  
• Additional papers or Non-Paper Supports You may choose different qualities of paper or other paper products like maps, sheet music, magazine pages, origami paper, photographs, color-aid, books, translucent specialty papers, etc. A smooth surface is best for detail, but a rough texture can produce interesting results if detail is not important to the concept and design of your work.
  NOTE: Some materials require specialized inks or processes so ask me if you have something in mind.
  
  
• Glassine to place between prints to keep them from smudging or sticking
  
  
• Stencil Paper * Freezer paper at your local grocery store works great, but you can also use waxy gift-wrapping tissue paper in lighter colors. You can also purchase specialized screen printing stencil paper.
  
  
• Water-Based Pallet Adhesive This is applied to a hinge-board with a brush/blue plastic spreader to adhere your paper to the board instead of allowing it to stick to the screen. It is a little harder to find than some of the other supplies so here are some links: screen adhesive from Ryonet/screenprinting.com, probond adhesive at Anthem, top bond at Nazdar.
  
  
• Spray Tack / Temporary Spray Adhesive This must be used in the designated spray booth! It will temporarily tack your paper to the hinge board or tack a cut stencil to your screen. Note that spray tack is different from spray mount; do not use spray mount or any permanent adhesive on the hinge boards or screens.
  
  
• Ink Knife / Palette Knife It would also be possible to use a small kitchen silicone spatula.
  
  

• Smock or Apron You will end up wearing ink at some point
  
  
• Gloves
  
  
• Container for supplies
  
  
• Lock for locker Read the locker policy before signing up for a locker
  
  
• Ruler I suggest a metal-edged ruler or T-square
  
  

· Registration Guides We have some registration tabs / brackets in the classroom, but you can also use registration pins and hole-punch your paper

• Paint marker / Rubylith Pen for making hand-drawn stencils
  
  
• Transfer Items for sketches like graphite transfer paper or tracing paper
  
  

• Digital Tutorials (FREE): Lynda.com is free for DePaul use! (More info here.)
  This is a great resource and is HIGHLY recommended.
• Digital Tutorials (FREE): Adobe TV for Photoshop and Illustrator, more online.
  
  
• Your own laptop We will use the AMD laptop cart (mac laptops, Adobe software, Microsoft office software) in class, however you may prefer to use your own laptop if it has appropriate software for the task at hand.
  
  
• OPTIONAL: Hardware Get a discount on your Mac through Apple Education and Demon Discounts: http://store.apple.com/us_edu_288791
  
  
• OPTIONAL: Software Get a discount on Adobe products and other software for your personal computer through DePaul’s Academic Software Center: https://depaul.onthehub.com/WebStore/Welcome.aspx

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