Academic Catalogs

ART G142: Sculpture 1

Course Outline of Record
Item Value
Eff Term Fall 2026
Curriculum Committee Approval Date 11/05/2024
Top Code 100220 - Sculpture
Units 3 Total Units (Lecture Units 1.5;  Lab/Other Units 1.5)
Hours 108 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 27; Lab Hours 81)
Total Outside of Class Hours 54
Total Student Learning Hours 162
Course Credit Status Credit: Degree Applicable (D)
Material Fee No
Basic Skills Not Basic Skills (N)
Repeatable No
Open Entry/Open Exit No
Grading Policy Standard Letter (S), 
  • Pass/No Pass (B)
Local General Education (GE)
  • Area 3 Arts and Humanities (GC)
California State University General Education Breadth (CSU GE-Breadth)
  • CSU C1 Arts (C1)

Course Description

This course is an introduction to sculpture using beginning-level materials, construction techniques, aesthetic concepts, and elements and principles of design to create three-dimensional works of art. Students will utilize a wide range of sculptural media such as clay, cardboard, found objects, paper mache, wire or other materials to develop their technical skills, personal artistic vision, and aesthetic expression. Student will also learn about historical concepts related to sculpture. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC.

Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)

  1. Employ various hand-building techniques and materials in developing three-dimensional works of art.
  2. Use a broad range of vocabulary related to sculpture and three-dimensional artworks.
  3. Apply the elements and principles of design when creating a work of three-dimensional art.

Course Objectives

  • Use various three-dimensional materials to express aesthetic and/or conceptual intents.
  • Construct three-dimensional projects using the basic tools and construction techniques of sculpture.
  • Design a three-dimensional work of art using the elements and principles of design.
  • Create sculptural works that demonstrate understanding of representational, abstract, or contemporary imagery.
  • Examine historical and contemporary developments, trends, materials and approaches as related to sculpture.
  • Maintain sculpture studio equipment and materials.

Lecture Content

  1. Definition of sculpture 
    1. Vocabulary
    2. Historical overview of sculpture prior to the 18th century
    3. Overview of sculpture from the 18th to the 20th century
    4. Contemporary trends in sculpture
    5. Analysis and criticism of contemporary work
    6. The elements and principles of design
    7. Introduction to representational, abstract, non-objective and conceptually based imagery
  2. Health, safety, tool usage, and maintenance
    1. Drills
      1. Hand
      2. Drill press
    2. Saws (electric and hand)
      1. Band saw
      2. Chop saw 
      3. Table saw
      4. Hand saw 
    3. Sanders (electric and hand)
      1. Sanding blocks
      2. Belt sander
      3. Disc sander
    4. Pliers, hammers, and other hand tools
  3. Terminology and layout of the sculpture studio
  4. Construction methods using critical thinking, problem solving, and decision-making skills
    1. Plaster
      1. Subtractive
      2. Casting
    2. Wood
      1. Additive
      2. Subtractive
      3. Constructions
    3. Metal
      1. Additive
      2. Subtractive
      3. Fabrication
    4. Wire
    5. Paper
    6. Found objects
      1. Assemblage
      2. Installation
  5. Critique and analysis of completed artwork

Lab Content

  1. Demonstrate various materials appropriate to sculpture
  2. Create sculptures using representational, abstract, non-objective and conceptual imagery in the following media:
    1. Wood
      1. Subtractive
      2. Additive
      3. Problem solving exercises that require exploration and manipulation of the material
      4. Fabrication
    2. Plaster
      1. Casting
      2. Subtractive through carving
      3. Problem solving exercises that require exploration and manipulation of the material
    3. Metal
      1. Fabrication
      2. Addition
      3. Subtraction
      4. Problem solving exercises that require exploration and manipulation of the material
    4. Wire, paper, found objects, other appropriate sculptural materials
      1. Fabrication
      2. Addition
      3. Subtraction
      4. Problem solving exercises that require exploration and manipulation of the material
  3. Group and individual critiques on in-progress and finished works
  4. Portfolio of completed work

Method(s) of Instruction

  • Lecture (02)
  • Lab (04)

Instructional Techniques

-

Reading Assignments

Read and respond to assigned readings with information about the physical properties and conceptual properties of three-dimensional artworks. Additional Instructor provided materials including readings on sculpture.

Writing Assignments

Written reports on sculptural pieces observed at a gallery or museum. Written exams on knowledge of sculptural processes, vocabulary and problem solving. Written artist's statements.

Out-of-class Assignments

Visiting galleries or museums as they relate to sculpture. Students will work on creating designs for their sculptures, implementing their designs, and researching historical and contemporary sculptors and their works.

Study Non-Contact Hours Recommended

54

Methods of Student Evaluation

  • Midterm Exam
  • Final Exam
  • Short Quizzes
  • Written Assignments
  • Essay Examinations
  • Objective Examinations
  • Report
  • Projects (Individual/Group)
  • Problem Solving Exercises
  • Oral Presentations
  • Skills Demonstration

Demonstration of Critical Thinking

The student will demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving by applying the elements and principles of design to various sculptural techniques and materials in the creation of three-dimensional works of art. They will also evaluate their work and the work of their peers and express reasoned judgments during oral and written critiques.

Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration

Students will construct a series of sculptures exploring various building techniques and materials. Students will have written assignments that include the critical evaluations of sculptures presented in class.

Resources Subscreen

  • Textbook: Oliver Andrews. Living Materials: A Sculptor's Handbook. University of California Press (1988 (Classic)).
  • Textbook: Herbert George. The Elements of Sculpture: A Viewer's Guide. Phaidon (2014 (Classic)).
  • Textbook: Cristina Cordova. Mastering Sculpture: The Figure in Clay: A Guide to Capturing the Human Form for Ceramic Artists. Quarry Books (2022).

Eligible Discipline(s)

  • Art: Master’s degree in fine arts, art, or art history OR bachelor’s degree in any of the above AND master’s degree in humanities OR the equivalent. NOTE: “Master’s in fine arts” as used here refers to any master’s degree in the subject matter of fine arts, which is defined to include visual studio arts such as drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, textiles, and metal and jewelry art; and also, art education and art therapy. It does not refer to the “Master of Fine Arts” (MFA) degree when that degree is based on specialization in performing arts or dance, film, creative writing or other non plastic arts.