Course Syllabus

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Semester & Location:

Fall 2024 - DIS Copenhagen
Type & Credits:

Fall Course - 3 credits
Major Disciplines:

Biology, Biomedicine / Environmental Science / Visual Arts
Related Disciplines:

Communication / Environmental Studies
Faculty Member:

Richard Jones

(current students please use the canvas inbox to contact)
Program contact:

Science and Health Department

shsupport@dis.dk
Program Director:

Susana Dietrich
Time & Place:

Tuesdays, 10:05-13:00  / Room 404, Fiolstræde 44

 

Faculty

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Richard Jones,         

Visiting Faculty

Science Illustrator and Director, Vassar College Artifacts Project

Rick Jones is a freelance artist. As a science illustrator, clients have included National Geographic, Scientific American, Science and the Natural Resources Defense Council.

He also works as a Lab Coordinator at Vassar College, Collections Manager for the Warthin Natural History Museum, and as co-director of the Vassar College Artifacts Project. 

 

Course Description 

In this introductory course, students will learn fundamental illustration techniques using pencil, pen and ink, and watercolor, and will apply principles of communication to convey scientific information visually. In the first half of the course, students will practice with a variety of subjects (for example, botany, zoology, biomedical) through field work and in the studio. In the second half of the course, students will develop a scientific illustration project of their own design, drawing on inspiration from their science courses, past scientific experiences, or experiences from their own life.

 

Intended student audience

This course will appeal to STEAM students who have a strong interest in the language and techniques of science illustration. Prior art experience is not required, only a willingness to participate fully in the process. 

 

Expected Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will:

  1. Gain a deeper facility of several media traditionally used for science illustration, specifically, pencil, pen and ink and watercolor. 
  2. Understand the history, conventions and language of science illustration
  3. Create multiple examples of work in three different techniques.
  4. Create a final illustration project, based on their interests.

 

Major Topics/Modules

  1. History, language and uses of Science illustration
  2. Practical techniques - Pencil, pen and ink, watercolor
  3. Botanical illustration
  4. Zoological illustration
  5. Illustrations of "processes" of science (i.e., Human digestion, processing of sugar cane, life cycle of a tick)

 

Materials

A list of materials provided (by DIS) and materials that the students will be responsible for will be updated soon.

 

Required Readings (to be determined, but may include)

The Guild Handbook of Scientific Illustration, Elaine Hodges

Painting Plant Portraits, a Step By Step Guide, Keith West

The Art of Field Sketching, Clare Walker Leslie

Science Illustration, Phyllis Wood

Watercolor Triads, Jane Blundell

Science Illustration: A History of Visual Knowledge from the 15th Century to today, Anna Escard

 

The required readings are available on Canvas under Modules, in the Classroom, or in the DIS Library.

 

Expectations

The expectations for the class are as follows:

- Participants will be on time and attend all class sessions- we are meeting once a week, as a class, so time is precious! 

- Participants will fully engage, in all group exercises and field trips. 

- Participants will do the work on time, as many of the exercises build off of the previous week’s work.

- Participants will complete all independent sketchbook work. A list of independent exercises will be given in the first class, and will be designed to advance our observational and drafting skills. 

- Participants will participate in classroom viewings, where all members of the class share their work. This is a time for feedback and critical thinking about our work. 

- Participants will bring all necessary materials to every class, ready for use.

-Participants will complete one Hot Topic exercise, choosing an illustrator from the last 400 years and highlighting their work in a verbal presentation to the class, as well as creating one illustration influenced by that artist. A list and some reference materials will be available for suggestions.

-The class will culminate in a Final Project, integrating techniques, media and communication skills acquired throughout the semester. 

Evaluation and Grading

Based on the Expectations, participants will be evaluated on their effort, both in class and in independent work. 

Grade breakdown:

Component

Weight

Attendance & Participation

 20%

Class work/Field studies

 25%

Independent sketchbook

 30%
Hot Topic Presentation 0%

Final Project

 25%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

**Note**:  To be eligible for a passing grade in this class you must complete all of the assigned work.  

 

Field Studies

These may include some or all of the below:

The Copenhagen Zoo / Zoologisk Have København

The Botanical Garden / Botanisk Have

Museum of Natural History / Statens Naturhistoriske Museum

The National Aquarium / Den Blå Planet

The Medical Museum / Medicinsk Museion

 

DIS Contacts

Science & Health Program Office: Vestergade 7-37 shsupport@dis.dk


Policies 

Use of Laptops or Phones in Class

Laptops and phones may be used for class reference, or work, but otherwise should not be a distraction for the class.

Policy on late papers and/or assignments

Late assignments will be accepted, but your grade will be reduced for each day that it is late.

 Academic Regulations  

Please make sure to read the Academic Regulations on the DIS website. There you will find regulations on: 

  DIS - Study Abroad in Scandinavia - www.DISabroad.org

Course Summary:

Date Details Due