Transforming ideas into three-dimensional form through essential sculptural techniques — mold making, casting, modeling, and construction, while examining how materials and processes shape form and meaning. This course builds technical proficiency and conceptual awareness through hands-on projects and critical discussion.
Athena Title
Fundamentals of Sculpture
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall and spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
Students will be able to apply foundational sculptural processes and techniques across a range of materials and methods to create three-dimensional artworks, as demonstrated through completed studio projects and participation in class critiques.
Students will be able to analyze how materials, tools, and processes shape sculptural form and meaning through engagement with lectures, visual presentations, and readings, as demonstrated in discussions and short written responses.
Students will be able to develop creative solutions to sculptural problems by experimenting, revising, and responding to project constraints, as demonstrated through iterative project development and critique-based refinement.
Students will be able to critically evaluate their own work and the work of others using appropriate visual and technical vocabulary, as demonstrated through active participation in group critiques and project revisions.
Students will be able to incorporate basic historical and contemporary references into sculptural practice through introductory research using library and other academic resources, as demonstrated in project proposals and reflective statements.
Topical Outline
Students will complete 3–5 sculptures over the course of the semester.
Each project emphasizes foundational sculptural processes, material exploration, and the development of personal creative approaches.
Instruction and practice in the skillful use of a range of materials, hand tools, and machinery.
Assessment based on appropriate material selection, craftsmanship, and safe studio practices.
Students will create multiple developmental drawings before, during and following each project assignment.
Drawings serve as a tool for conceptualization, problem-solving, and refinement of sculptural ideas.
Regular participation in group critiques and discussions is required.
Students must present, explain, and evaluate their own work and the work of peers.
Feedback from critiques should inform revisions and future project development.
Institutional Competencies Learning Outcomes
Creativity & Innovation
The capacity to combine or synthesize existing ideas, images, or expertise in original ways and the experience of thinking, reacting, and working in an imaginative way characterized by innovation, divergent thinking, and risk taking.
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
