ART 1501 - Fundamentals of 2D Design
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 04, CRN 40516,
Credit hours: 3
Course Meeting Times
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Instructor
Joseph D'Uva
Email: jduva@ysu.edu
Course Description
1501. Fundamentals of 2D Design. The fundamental ideas and principles of 2-dimensional form. Emphasis on basic design concepts, pictorial composition, color theory, vocabulary, media and processes. Slide lectures, directed readings and studio problems. 3 s.h.
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required | Launching the Imagination | Stewart, Mary | 978-0073379241 |
| Required | Design Language | McCreight, Tim | 978-0961598464 |
There are a variety of relevant studio art texts in our university's library (or through Ohio LINK) and available through your preferred book vendor; many focused on specific media, techniques, and great artists...so go and check them out!
The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.
Assignments/Assessments
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Schedule of Topics and Assignments
| Day | Date | Reading(s) | Proposed Topic | Due/To Prepare for Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | 8/24 | No Readings | Introduction of course / Syllabus Overview / Studio Induction Lecture / Demo: Assign-1 • Figure-Ground Relationships |
Be prepared to take notes |
| Wed | 8/26 | Assignment Technical Handouts Assigned Launching the Imagination & Design Language Reading |
Review Sketches Studio Work Session |
Sketches Be prepared to take notes |
| Mon | 8/31 | Assignment Technical Handouts Assigned Launching the Imagination & Design Language Reading |
Studio Work Session | Supplies for Assignment 1 |
| Wed | 9/2 | Assignment Technical Handouts Assigned Launching the Imagination & Design Language Reading |
Demo: Risograph Studio Work Session |
Design Finalized Supplies for Assignment 1 |
| Mon | 9/7 | Legal holiday – University closed – NO CLASS | Legal holiday – University closed – NO CLASS | Legal holiday – University closed – NO CLASS |
| Wed | 9/9 | Assignment Technical Handouts Assigned Launching the Imagination & Design Language Reading |
Studio Work Session | Design Elements Prepared for Proofing Supplies for Assignment 1 |
| Mon | 9/14 | Assignment Technical Handouts Assigned Launching the Imagination & Design Language Reading |
Critique Lecture / Demo: Assign-2 • Rendering Language |
Assignment 1 Due @ beginning of class Be prepared to take notes |
| Wed | 9/16 | Assignment Technical Handouts Assigned Launching the Imagination & Design Language Reading |
Review Sketches Studio Work Session |
Sketches Supplies for Assignment 2 |
| Mon | 9/21 | Assignment Technical Handouts Assigned Launching the Imagination & Design Language Reading |
Studio Work Session | Supplies for Assignment 2 |
| Wed | 9/23 | Assignment Technical Handouts Assigned Launching the Imagination & Design Language Reading |
Studio Work Session | Supplies for Assignment 2 |
| Mon | 9/28 | Assignment Technical Handouts Assigned Launching the Imagination & Design Language Reading |
Studio Work Session | Supplies for Assignment 2 |
| Wed | 9/30 | Assignment Technical Handouts Assigned Launching the Imagination & Design Language Reading |
Critique Lecture / Demo: Assign-3 • Chromatic Abstractions Artist Book |
Assignment 2 Due @ beginning of class. Be prepared to take notes |
| Mon | 10/5 | Assignment Technical Handouts Assigned Launching the Imagination & Design Language Reading |
Review Sketches Studio Work Session |
Sketches |
| Wed | 10/7 | Assignment Technical Handouts Assigned Launching the Imagination & Design Language Reading |
Studio Work Session | Supplies for Assignment 3 |
| Mon | 10/12 | Assignment Technical Handouts Assigned Launching the Imagination & Design Language Reading |
Demo: Creating Accordion Book Format Studio Work Session |
Supplies for Assignment 3 |
| Wed | 10/14 | Assignment Technical Handouts Assigned Launching the Imagination & Design Language Reading |
Demo: Creating Accordion Book Cover Studio Work Session |
Supplies for Assignment 3 |
| Mon | 10/19 | Assignment Technical Handouts Assigned Launching the Imagination & Design Language Reading |
Studio Work Session | Supplies for Assignment 3 |
| Wed | 10/21 | Assignment Technical Handouts Assigned Launching the Imagination & Design Language Reading |
Studio Work Session | Supplies for Assignment 3 |
| Mon | 10/26 | Assignment Technical Handouts Assigned Launching the Imagination & Design Language Reading |
Critique Lecture / Demo: Assign-4 • Value, Texture, & the Multiple |
Assignment 3 Due @ beginning of class. Be prepared to take notes |
| Wed | 10/28 | Assignment Technical Handouts Assigned Launching the Imagination & Design Language Reading |
Present Research & Sketches Studio Work Session |
Research Findings & Sketches Supplies for Assignment 4 |
| Mon | 11/2 | Assignment Technical Handouts Assigned Launching the Imagination & Design Language Reading |
Studio Work Session | Supplies for Assignment 4 |
| Wed | 11/4 | Assignment Technical Handouts Assigned Launching the Imagination & Design Language Reading |
Studio Work Session | Supplies for Assignment 4 |
| Mon | 11/9 | Assignment Technical Handouts Assigned Launching the Imagination & Design Language Reading |
Studio Work Session | Supplies for Assignment 4 |
| Wed | 11/11 | Legal holiday – University closed – NO CLASS | Legal holiday – University closed – NO CLASS | Legal holiday – University closed – NO CLASS |
| Mon | 11/16 | Assignment Technical Handouts Assigned Launching the Imagination & Design Language Reading |
Studio Work Session | Supplies for Assignment 4 |
| Wed | 11/18 | Assignment Technical Handouts Assigned Launching the Imagination & Design Language Reading |
Presentations Lecture / Demo: Assign-5 • Movement & Transformation: A Zoetrope Animation |
Assignment 4 Due @ beginning of class. Be prepared to take notes |
| Mon | 11/23 | Assignment Technical Handouts Assigned Launching the Imagination & Design Language Reading |
Review Sketches Studio Work Session |
Sketches Supplies for Assignment 5 |
| Wed | 11/25 | NO CLASS – University offices open | NO CLASS – University offices open | NO CLASS – University offices open |
| Mon | 11/30 | Assignment Technical Handouts Assigned Launching the Imagination & Design Language Reading |
Studio Work Session | Supplies for Assignment 5 |
| Wed | 12/2 | Assignment Technical Handouts Assigned Launching the Imagination & Design Language Reading |
Studio Work Session | Supplies for Assignment 5 |
| Mon | 12/7 | Assignment Technical Handouts Assigned Launching the Imagination & Design Language Reading |
Studio Work Session | Supplies for Assignment 5 |
| Wed | 12/9 | No Readings | Critique | Assignment 5 Due @ beginning of class. |
The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.