Syllabus

Intermediate Social Practice:
Everyday Life as Art, Art as Everyday Life
Winter 2017
M+W 10:00-11:50AM

Instructor:
Ariana Jacob: ajacob@pdx.edu
Office hours by appointment

Description
This course will explore the long, rich history of using everyday actions and interactions as material for creating art. We will be looking at, thinking about and making art that both celebrates and thoughtfully questions our own everyday culture. 

Learning Outcomes
• Gain exposure to contemporary and historical examples of socially engaged art practices
• Gather and apply a toolkit of participatory art strategies and forms
• Explore methods of relational and participatory idea generation
• Explore connections between student’s creative interests and broader social and political topics
• Execute thoughtful social practice projects that utilize frameworks presented in class
• Gain experience with making and displaying art in public contexts
• Engage in mindful collaboration with peers and community

Schedule (Subject to change)
Week 1
Class activity: Introductions

Week 2
Monday Jan 16: MLK Day

Wednesday  Jan 18
Presentation: Everyday Life as Art Forms
Class Activity: Discuss framing and claiming life as art
Homework: Read Mierle Laderman Ukeles & Allan Kaprow
Assignment: Noticing Version #1 Due next Wednesday

Week 3
Monday Jan 23
Class activity: Speed Ideating, Discuss Readings
Presentation: Conversation Art

Wednesday Jan 25
Class activity: Show & Tell Noticing Version #1
Discussion: Documentation strategies
Homework: Paul Thek, Paul Ramirez Jonas, Gregg Bordowitz Questions Readings
Assignment: Noticing Version #2 Due next Wednesday

Week 4
Monday Jan 30
Class Activity: Discuss Question Readings
Presentation: Art as Research

Wednesday Feb 1
Class activity: Show & Tell Noticing Version #2, Group Research Activities
Homework: Make your list of Life/Art questions, 50 questions
Assignment : Noticing Version #3 Due next Wednesday

Week 5
Monday Feb 6
Class activity: Share Art/Life Questions, Question honing, Swap interviews

Wednesday Feb 8
Class activity: Show & Tell Noticing Version #3, Public Interviews
Homework: Conduct public Interviews
Assignment: Noticing Version #4 Due next Wednesday

Week 6
Monday Feb 13
Class activity: Individual Meetings/Sharing Interviews

Wednesday Feb 15
Presentation: Posters & Public Signage
Class Activity:  Show & Tell Noticing Version #4
Assignment: Public Poster Project, Due next Wednesday

Week 7
Monday Feb 20
Presentation: Collaboration in Art
Class activity: Work time on posters

Wednesday Feb 22
Class Activity: Show & Tell Posters
Homework: Walking as art readings

Week 8
Monday Feb 27
Presentation: Walking as Art
Class activity: Discuss Readings, Group walking exercises

Wednesday March 1
Class activity: Group brainstorm on walking projects
Assignment: Group Walk Due Week 10
Homework: Art & Labor readings

Week 9
Monday March 6
Presentation: Art as Labor
Class activity: Discuss Art & Labor, field work on walking projects

Wednesday March 8
Class activity: Group field work on walking projects

Week 10
Monday March 13
Class activity: Walking presentations

Wednesday March 15
Class activity: Walking presentations

Evaluation
Grades are determined by your quality of work, course participation, attendance, and ability to complete assignments on time. Initiative, risk taking/experimentation, ability to follow instructions, presentation skills, and independent research will also be considered. Creative projects will be evaluated on intent, craftsmanship, concept, and the fulfillment of stated requirements.
40% Coursework (assigned readings, activities, presentations)
30% Projects
30% Participation (attendance, engaged learning, thoughtful contributions to discussions/critiques)

Late Assignment Policy
Complete all class work on time and to the best of your ability. If you cannot complete an assignment on time contact your instructor before the deadline. Late assignments will lose a letter grade.

Course Attendance
Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class period. You are expected to be on time. Students are allowed 2 absences for illness or personal situations. Being late to class or leaving early three times is equal to one absence. You must email your instructor before class if you are going to be absent, late, or leave early. No incompletes will be given.

Classroom Behavior Guidelines
Contribute to a positive and productive learning atmosphere for all students by practicing these classroom behavior guidelines: Classroom discussions, critiques and interactions should be respectful, thoughtful and relevant to the topic or project we are discussing. Classroom conversations are meant to allow us to hear a variety of viewpoints. This can only happen if we listen and consider each other. Critiques are meant to be helpful and constructive. Be generous and thoughtful in the feedback you give. One’s words, attitude, and body language should be engaged and civil.

Cell Phone Policy
Cell phones, including texting, are not to be used during class time except during times designated for online research.

Academic Integrity
It is strongly advised that all students read the University’s Code of Student Conduct at www.pdx.edu/dos/conduct.html. Please pay attention to the policies regarding plagiarism and academic dishonesty.

Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities are responsible for contacting the course instructor and the Disability Resource Center (DRC) at the beginning of the term to arrange any necessary accommodations. Students must document their disability with the DRC in order to receive support and services.