ART 1503 - Freshman Seminar and Portfolio Review
Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section 01, CRN 41153,
Credit hours: 1
Course Meeting Times
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Instructor
Jonathan Sperry
Email: jdsperry@ysu.edu
Course Description
1503. Freshman Seminar and Portfolio Review. The Freshman Seminar helps students establish a solid foundation for success in the Department of Art. Students learn conventions and strategies within critical thinking, writing and research skills specific to success as an art and design student at YSU as well as being a creative professional. A mandatory Foundation Portfolio Review of work must be completed in the freshman Foundation Studio courses for students seeking the BFA in Studio Art degree. Students both complete the work in the seminar and pass the review to pass the course and continue in the program. Prereq.: ART 1501, ART 1502, and ART 1521. 1 s.h.
Course Readings
| Group | Title | Author | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Required | How to Be an Artist | Jerry Saltz | 978-0593086469 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wed | 8/26 | Course introduction | ||
| Wed | 9/2 | Portfolio Review: Joe D’Uva | ||
| Wed | 9/9 | Dérive: Butler Institute of American Art, Maag Library | ||
| Wed | 9/16 | Ask an Alumni Anything: TBD | ||
| Wed | 9/23 | Machines, Big and Small: Chauncey Hay | ||
| Wed | 9/30 | Advising: TBD | FPR Application | |
| Wed | 10/7 | McDonough Museum of Art: Claudia Berlinski | ||
| Wed | 10/14 | Interdisciplinary Studio Art Track: TBD | ||
| Wed | 10/21 | How to Be an Artist, Jerry Saltz | Defending the Hated Rules | POST Loved and Hated Rule(s) by Monday, October 19, NOON |
| Wed | 10/28 | Graphic and Interactive Design Track: Michelle Nelson, Amy Copeland, Sebastian | ||
| Wed | 11/4 | Ask an Alumni Anything: TBD | ||
| Wed | 11/11 | NO CLASS: Veteran's Day | Hang portfolio, on the wall by Tuesday, MIDNIGHT | |
| Wed | 11/18 | How to Be an Artist, Jerry Saltz | Defending the Hated Artwork List | POST: Hate List (with images) by Monday, November 16, NOON |
| Wed | 11/25 | NO CLASS: THANKSGIVING | ||
| Wed | 12/2 | Ask Dana Anything | ||
| Wed | 12/9 | Freshman Year Debrief |
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.