Course Syllabus

Spring 2026 | ART-1011-VO02 - Drawing I

Online Class

Online courses take place 100% online via Canvas, without required in-person or Zoom meetings.

Faculty

Susannah Gravel
View Faculty Credentials
View Faculty Statement
Hiring Coordinator for this course: Dana Lee

General Education Requirements

Arts and Aesthetics

Note

Many degree programs have specific general education recommendations. In order to avoid taking unnecessary classes, please consult with additional resources like your program evaluation, your academic program catalog year page, and your academic advisor.

Courses may only be used to meet one General Education Requirement.

Course Description

This course introduces students to the use of pencil, charcoal, pen and ink, and other drawing mediums with a focus on observational drawing skills. Students develop a deeper understanding of drawing as a way of seeing, organizing ideas, and recording perceptions of the world around them.

Essential Objectives

1. Explore the use of a variety of drawing mediums and different drawing surfaces including a variety of paper types and sizes.
2. Draw a variety of subjects such as still life, landscape, and human forms.
3. Develop a drawing vocabulary that includes elements of art (line, shape, color, value, texture, form, and space) and principles of design (balance, contrast, emphasis, movement, pattern, rhythm, and unity/ variety) through discussion and critique.
4. Apply elements of art and principles of design in one's own drawing.
5. Examine, discuss and critique artwork that includes the art/design historical, social, and cultural context with emphasis on the impact of global and/or cultural diversity on the development of drawing as an art form.
6. Design and complete individual projects.
7. Create a portfolio of drawings and display finished works in a professional manner.

Required Technology

More information on general computer and internet recommendations is available on the CCV computer recommendations Support page.

Please see CCV's Digital Equity Statement (pg. 45) to learn more about CCV's commitment to supporting all students access the technology they need to successfully finish their courses.

Required Textbooks and Resources

This course only uses free Open Educational Resources (OER) and/or library materials. For details, see the Canvas Site for this class.

Artificial Intelligence(AI) Policy Statement

CCV recognizes that artificial intelligence (AI) and generative AI tools are widely available and becoming embedded in many online writing and creative applications.

Prohibited: The use of generative AI is not allowed in this course, with the exception of spellcheck, grammar check and similar tools. This course rests in the value of students engaging in the learning process without relying on AI-generated content. Students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills independently, owning their learning journey from start to finish. If you use these tools, your actions would be considered academically dishonest and a violation of CCV's Academic Integrity Policy.

In this course, students are expected to develop their own original thoughts, analyses, and insights when discussing and comparing artworks within a historical context. The goal is for you to engage critically with the material, demonstrate independent thinking, and build connections between historical and cultural influences on art.

While AI tools can be helpful for brainstorming or clarifying concepts, any written work generated entirely or substantially by AI technology is not acceptable and will result in a grade of zero for the assignment.

Students are encouraged to:

• • Think critically and independently about the course material.
  • Use their own voice and perspective in all written and drawn work.
  • Properly cite any external sources, including AI-generated ideas, if they are used for inspiration or minor support.

If you’re unsure about the appropriate use of AI tools, please reach out to me before submitting your work. This policy is in place to ensure academic integrity and to help you grow your skills in analysis, comparison, and historical understanding.

Methods

This drawing I course involves both studio work as well as homework assignments. Students can expect to spend three hours watching demos, practicing the studio assignment in their sketchbook, participating in the online forum, and reading through any additional materials. Nine hours of homework each week is expected, and the minimum time necessary to see development. A variety of examples will be offered in video demonstrations to illustrate a range of approaches and techniques. Students will be expected to participate in critique by posting in the online forum and offering constructive feedback to their peers. Professionally working artists will be presented during the week to reinforce learned skills.

Evaluation Criteria

• 60% Weekly Studio Cycle
  This includes demo practice, planning sketches, peer feedback, gratitude and reflection, and final drawings. Together, these form the student’s developing portfolio and studio practice.
• 20% Midterm Project
• 20% Final Project, Artist Statement, and Portfolio Presentation

A: Superior to excellent work. The student has completed all assignments thoughtfully, creatively, and diligently. The outstanding amount of skill and care put into their work. The student has created an extensive body of work. Strong voice during discussions. Creative and sensitive feedback during discussions. Overall, effort and attitude are superb.

B: Good to excellent work. All assignments have been completed and show significant effort and care. The student grasps most of the concepts introduced in class and thoughtfully applies them to their work. The student is a willing and active participant in class discussions.

C: Partial to good work. The student does not exhibit the amount of care required for this topic. The student grasps some ideas but needs to put forth the full effort to practice them.

D: The student meets the assignment's expectations marginally. They need more comprehension of concepts, poor critical thinking and attention to detail, and difficulty articulating their learning.

F: The student did not meet the expectations of this class. There were incomplete assignments, irregular attendance, little or no growth, and a lack of discussion participation. The effort was minimal, and attendance may have been unacceptable. Students are strongly urged to discuss this grade with their instructor and advisor.

Grading Criteria

CCV Letter Grades as outlined in the Evaluation System Policy are assigned according to the following chart:

	High	Low
A+	100	98
A	Less than 98	93
A-	Less than 93	90
B+	Less than 90	88
B	Less than 88	83
B-	Less than 83	80
C+	Less than 80	78
C	Less than 78	73
C-	Less than 73	70
D+	Less than 70	68
D	Less than 68	63
D-	Less than 63	60
F	Less than 60
P	100	60
NP	Less than 60	0

Weekly Schedule

Attendance Policy

Regular attendance and participation in classes are essential for success in and are completion requirements for courses at CCV. A student's failure to meet attendance requirements as specified in course descriptions will normally result in a non-satisfactory grade.

• In general, missing more than 20% of a course due to absences, lateness or early departures may jeopardize a student's ability to earn a satisfactory final grade.
• Attending an on-ground or synchronous course means a student appeared in the live classroom for at least a meaningful portion of a given class meeting. Attending an online course means a student posted a discussion forum response, completed a quiz or attempted some other academically required activity. Simply viewing a course item or module does not count as attendance.
• Meeting the minimum attendance requirement for a course does not mean a student has satisfied the academic requirements for participation, which require students to go above and beyond simply attending a portion of the class. Faculty members will individually determine what constitutes participation in each course they teach and explain in their course descriptions how participation factors into a student's final grade.

Participation Expectations

Instructor Expectations for a Successful Course

This course is designed to let me work at my own pace with the same level of professionalism expected. It is not the softer, easier way. Please remember that weekly deadlines for discussion participation, assignments, and examinations must be met to ensure maximum credit for a student’s final grade.

To be considered present for a given week, a student must:

• • Submit demo practice and planning sketches by Tuesday.
  • Provide peer feedback by Wednesday.
  • Complete gratitude and reflection by Thursday.
  • Submit the final drawing by Saturday.
  • Missing any of these components may result in being marked tardy or absent for the week.
  • Class attendance counts as 60% of your final grade. Each week, a record of your logins is documented in Canvas.
  • All absences must be excused before the start of the week. Please email me at smc05271@ccv.vsc.edu if it is an emergency call or text my phone at 802-591-1894. Leave your name, what class you are enrolled in, the reason for your absence, and any support you will need.
  • You are allowed up to two absences per semester. Two absences will lower your final grade.
  • Three absences will result in immediate failure of this course. Please reach out often and early when struggling with anything in this class. I am here to support your success.
  • We only have 14 classes together this semester. Each class covers a significant amount of learning, scaffolded intentionally to strengthen your skills for each additional course.

FORUM AND STUDIO CYCLE EXPECTATIONS

Each week in this course follows a Studio Cycle. This cycle mirrors how artists work in real studio practice: observing, experimenting, receiving feedback, revising, and completing work thoughtfully.

Each weekly Studio Cycle includes four parts:

1. Practice and Planning
   By Tuesday at 11:59 pm, students will:

• Complete the assigned demo practice in their sketchbook.
• Develop a planning sketch for the weekly drawing project.
• Label the planning sketch with written notes about materials, composition, value structure, and areas of focus.
• Upload clear photos of both demo practice and planning sketch.

2. Peer Feedback
   By Wednesday at 11:59 pm, students will:

• Respond to two classmates’ planning sketches.
• One response must be to a peer who has not yet received feedback.
• Feedback should be specific, constructive, and use drawing vocabulary.

3. Gratitude and Reflection
   By Thursday at 12:00 pm, students will:

• Thank peers who offered feedback.
• Reflect briefly on what feedback they plan to use and what revisions they will make.

4. Final Drawing
   By Saturday at 11:59 pm, students will:

• Upload their completed drawing.
• Demonstrate how feedback and planning informed the final work.

Students should plan to log in multiple times each week to participate meaningfully in this process.

Missing & Late Work Policy

Late assignments will be graded only after all on-time work has been reviewed. Because on-time submissions take priority, it may take more than a week to receive feedback on late work. I’ll do my best to return all assignments as promptly as possible, but please plan for delays if your work is submitted past the due date.

Barriers to Completing Work

1. Have contingency plans for computer problems. To stay current with weekly responsibilities, students should seek out friends, family, and even coworkers who have internet services in the event of a computer crash.
2. Online learning happens in real-time. The online student must function regardless of life’s challenges (births, deaths, travel, family emergencies, work issues, military deployment, etc.). Success is contingent upon the student’s ability to master course content while simultaneously mastering life’s challenges. If work is not submitted on time, the instructor will assume that an unforeseen event has occurred and that the student will be back on track as soon as possible, thus eliminating the need for an apology or excuse.
3. Communication is vitally important! A student should always contact the instructor to let them know what’s going on in their life if the student needs to be away from the course for any reason. It is possible that suitable arrangements could be made so the student can continue in the course.

Accessibility Services for Students with Disabilities:

1. Provide disability documentation to the Accessibility Coordinator at your academic center. https://ccv.edu/student-support/accessibility-services/
2. Request an appointment to meet with accessibility coordinator to discuss your request and create an accommodation plan.
3. Once created, students will share the accommodation plan with faculty. Please note, faculty cannot make disability accommodations outside of this process.

Academic Integrity

Apply Now for this semester.