Arts 304

ARTS 304: Sculpture II

Credit Hours: (3)

Prerequisites: ARTS 204: Sculpture I or permission of instructor.

Intermediate-level course reinforces the fundamental processes, investigates techniques and methods used in sculpture. Students are expected to expand greater proficiency in the use of hand tools and some power tools with a variety of materials. 

 

Detailed Course Description

Sculpture II is an intermediate-level studio course that meets twice each week, including demonstrations, lectures, or critique sessions, and dedicated studio time for individual project development. This course is designed to expand students' technical skills and conceptual understanding through the use of both hand tools and select power tools across a variety of sculptural materials, ranging from traditional materials such as wood and plaster to repurposed elements and found objects.

Over the semester, students will explore how form, space, and structure function within three-dimensional art, with an emphasis on both traditional and contemporary approaches to sculpture. Group and individual critiques will take place regularly, encouraging students to articulate their ideas, reflect on their process, and consider multiple perspectives. These discussions are essential in helping students develop a personal sculptural language and critical vocabulary.

Students are also encouraged to incorporate relevant art history terminology, references, and research into their creative process, enriching both the context and content of their sculptural work.

In addition to scheduled class time, students are expected to work independently in the studio to further develop their projects. Through continuous research, material exploration, and documentation—including sketches, maquettes, and written reflections—students will engage in a complete artistic process from proposal to final presentation. Completed works will be presented professionally with attention to installation/display, craftsmanship, and artist intent.

 

Student Learning Outcomes

Sculpture II: Course Objectives

1. To introduce students to a wider range of materials, deepening their understanding of form, space, and structure.
2. To emphasize both traditional and contemporary approaches to sculpture.
3. To help students expand their technical proficiency and conceptual thinking.
4. To help students develop their personal sculptural language and critical vocabulary.

Sculpture II: Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Utilize tools and equipment with greater precision and safety in a sculpture studio setting.
2. Learn intermediate-level technical skills and apply them in a range of sculptural media by understanding of their physical properties and potential.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the form, space, and structure through the creation of three-dimensional artforms.
4. Increased awareness of craft as a physical and conceptual artistic endeavor.
5. The generation and development of visual ideas and conceptual concerns.
6. Incorporate research and art historical references into the development of their work.
7. Document the artistic process through sketches, maquettes, photos, and written reflections.
8. Plan and execute multi-stage projects from proposal through final presentation.
9. Prepare and present finished works professionally, including considerations for display, installation, and statement of intent.
10. Increased confidence in the discussion of visual and conceptual concerns.

 

Assessment Measures

1. Technical skill and Craftsmanship- ability to work with materials
   
   1. Precision in construction, joining and finishing
   2. Effective and safe use of tools and materials
   3. Evidence of skill progression from previous level
2. Sensitivity- ability to perceive the problems and make visual judgments.
3. Creativity: conceptual development, process and experimentation- ability to develop unique solutions.
   
   1. Depth and originality of ideas
   2. Clear connection between concept and form
   3. Ambition and effort: engagement with ideas/themes
   4. Evidence of research, sketching, maquettes, and/or planning
   5. Willingness to take creative risks
   6. Iteration and refinement of ideas
4. Critique participation and articulation- ability to give and receive constructive feedback, use of appropriate vocabulary 
   
   1. Thoughtful self-assessment and reflection
5. Final presentation and Documentation- preparatory work
   
   1. Quality of final works: aesthetic, structural, and conceptual
   2. Professionalism in display and installation
   3. Submission of statement of intent & reflection
   4. Documentation of work: photos

Additional Expectations:

Respect for shared spaces, tools, and peers.

 

Other Course Information

This course serves as a foundation for students to further develop their personal sculptural practice through independent research and experimentation. Building on the technical skills acquired in prerequisite courses, students will explore a broader range of materials and sculptural techniques, encompassing both traditional and contemporary approaches.

Projects may include the use of various hand tools and select power tools, experimentation with diverse sculptural forms, and the incorporation of mixed media. Students are encouraged to work in series or explore thematic variations to deepen their understanding of form, space, and structure.

Research is a vital component of the course. Students are expected to engage with relevant art historical references and contemporary sculpture practices to inform and enrich their work. This research will be facilitated through library resources, instructor-led presentations, and guest speakers, providing historical context and contemporary perspectives tailored to each student’s individual interests.

 

Review and Approval

February 23, 2026