CCS 125, The Apparatus: Investigations in Performative Sculpture and Performance, Spring 2017
ARTS 0641 T/Th 9:00 - 11:50pm Emily Baker [email protected] & www.theapparatus.weebly.com Studio located next to paper-making. Email to set up an appointment, afternoon is best.
Course Description and Structure In this class, students will create a working definition of what an apparatus is in relation to their body and relate it to the study of ergonomics. We will study the plasticity of the word “apparatus” while pursuing the craft of performance and of construction. From this broader understanding, students will explore construction methods in building their first apparatus, a simple box, which will serve as their stage. Based on the of embodied memory, ritual, and range of motion, students will evolve their understanding of the apparatus as they interact with it as their performance partner. We will focus on the bookends of performance, timing, and how to engage the audience, as well as how to display performative ephemera and residue.
Attendance and Grading You are expected to be here every class. Do not miss more than one class without a doctor’s note. If you miss more than three classes, you cannot get full units. Missing a critique day will count as 1.5 of an absence. Three late arrivals/early departures is equivalent to one absence. Absences will be excused on a case by case basis and need written documentation. If you know you are going to be absent, communicate with me well in advance, this shows respect and commitment. If you arrive late, be sure to check in. I do not give grades (units), I report the grade (unit amount) that is earned. I want to report a grade/unit that reflects the work that you have put forth. Help me record a positive grade by being present and aware. Grading is purely based on your level of engagement, the progress you’ve shown in your work throughout the course and completing all assignments on time and up to a high academic standard. Breakdown: Projects 60% (2 units) Attendance/Participation 15% (1 unit) Exercises 15% .(5) Sketchbook 5% (.25) Events 5% (.25) As part of your Sketchbook engagement, you must attend art events, do three presentations, and keep up with a sketchbook dedicated to this class. Events my be on or off of campus. Complete a typed, two paragraph reflection of each event. You must complete one event for every unit that you are registered for. These are due by the end of the quarter, in your sketchbook, labeled with a post-it. Art events can be exhibition openings, lectures, events at the MCC or at the A,D & A Museum, etc. Check in with me for suggestions and to verify your choice. There will also be one 1-2 page analysis of a peer’s work due at the end of the class. Everyone will make three presentations this quarter. You will choose an artists to present on who is a performance artist (that title is open for interpretation). For the second presentation you will be leading an activity or a happening. For the third presentation you must present an apparatus to us. It can be something new to you or maybe very familiar. All of these can be a broad interpretation of each, but must be cleared with me prior to presenting. Details to follow in an additional assignment sheet.
Participation Art making requires consistent, focused engagement. Students must be on time, fully present, properly dressed and ready to work each day at the beginning of the class period. You are expected to be prepared for class with all necessary materials and to demonstrate a rigorous work ethic during class studio time. Coming to class late and leaving early is disrespectful and disruptive to your peers and the class as a whole. In addition, presentations and demonstrations commence at the very start of class and will not be repeated. At least 10 hours a week should be dedicated to this course outside of class.
Critiques A very important component of the class will be group discussions, both of artwork and ideas. Please come to class with a respectful and supportive attitude towards your peers and the ideas and work presented. Please keep an open mind, and be forgiving and mindful of others’ experiences and newfound understandings. Absences on critique days will negatively effect your units given.
Screens Phones and computers are not to be used. It’s a good practice to turn it off before you walk in.If you are expecting an important phone call, let me know ahead of class, and don’t abuse this courtesy. If you are using your phone as a translator, communicate this with me prior to class. Using phones in class will be recorded as a late and will effect your participation. -unless I specifically include your phones in an exercise -using it for documentation purposes/sending me a picture of your work, at the end of class only
Safety Safety above all will be stressed. Wear proper clothing and shoes. Wear correct eye protection and hair should be properly secured. Do not get in the habit of compromising your health.
Studio Maintenance It is of the utmost importance to properly clean up after yourself in the atrium. Proper cleanup is not only considerate but most importantly it effects safety. You must clean your area as you go; do not move on to another work area until you have cleaned up your current workspace thoroughly. Disregarding the importance of studio maintenance will negatively effect your participation grade, and in the worst case you could get removed from the class. Label your crap. If you leave, write your name, phone number and time that you are returning on your pile.
Materials Your course fee covers the 1st assignment’s wood, miscellaneous consumable supplies, and the 2nd assignment’s materials from the Restore. Aside from some general required tools, you will need to acquire your own materials for the 3rd assignment. You’ll need to purchase the items on our materials list in addition to project-specific supplies. Depending on your choice in materials, you can expect to spend approximately $75. Talk to myself and/or Ken prior to ordering anything -we may already have some things available. Required Materials
grubby clothes, closed toed shoes, clothes that you can move in (leave them here)
sharpie
utility knife
sketchbook (unlined, must be dedicated to this class only)
combination or key lock
masking tape 3/4”
access to a printer (preferably double sided)
a camera/picture making device
18” stainless steel ruler
Optional Materials
snacks to keep in your locker (nuts, trailmix, granola bars, chips, water)
Biographical Statement A one to two page paper introducing your background. Write freely about your life, education, or art. Consider: How long and for what reason have you made art? (Requires you to consider your definition of art.) What were your major interests in high school? What major themes appear in your work? What are the sources of your ideas? What do you want to accomplish in this course? What do you believe the most challenging element of this course will be for you? Under what conditions do you learn the most? What gives you the most confidence/motivation? What, if any, types of performance do you have experience with? Think broadly about this. Must be typed and printed. > Due: 4/6
Academic Integrity at UCSB There is zero tolerance for any plagiarism in this course. Any student breaking the academic code of conduct will immediately fail the course and be reported to Judicial Affairs with the recommendation for expulsion from UCSB. For more information visit https://judicialaffairs.sa.ucsb.edu.
UCSB Department of Art Policy on Intellectual Challenge Intellectual challenge and academic rigor are among the foundations of our program. Our faculty foster communities of inquiry and free speech based in self-awareness, individual responsibility, and an informed world view. We encourage divergent opinion and cogent argument, believing lively debate, exposure to differing viewpoints, and a certain level of discomfort are essential to intellectual and artistic growth. In our classes, students will be shown work and introduced to theories and practices that may challenge their beliefs and assumptions. Students are expected to think critically rather than react impulsively; to consider opposing viewpoints and others’ opinions and experiences with openness and thoughtfulness; and to engage in a manner befitting themselves as artists and scholars in this university, an institution of higher learning. This course is run on a strict Honor Code. No student shall break the law, nor unduly threaten, harm, or harass any human or animal in relation to this class or any of its assignments. The use of any electronic communications or recording devices during lecture or section without expressed written permission will result in immediate dismissal and course failure. Similarly, plagiarism will result in course failure and reporting to Judicial Affairs for disciplinary action.
This course is run on a strict Honor Code. No student shall break the law, nor unduly threaten, harm, or harass any human or animal in relation to this class or any of its assignments. The use of any electronic communications or recording devices during lecture without expressed written permission will result in immediate dismissal and course failure. Similarly, plagiarism will result in course failure and reporting to Judicial Affairs for disciplinary action. I have read, understand, and agree to all of the above course guidelines and syllabus.