Lecturer II
Stamps Pre-College Anytime
6 Modules
18 Hours
3 hrs per module (approx.)
About Stamps Pre-College Anytime
“Stamps Pre-College Anytime” introduces you to the field of art and design, by providing insight into the historical and cultural value of visual communication. Through lectures and exercises, you’ll practice different drawing techniques and gain an understanding of the professional strategies used by professional artists and designers. In addition to building technical skills, you will learn how to build an engaging and insightful portfolio to submit to colleges and universities.
Begin by learning fundamental drawing techniques and concepts, including visualization and observational drawing. Each drawing type will be explored through lectures, demonstrations, and exercises where you follow along to build your skills. By reviewing the elements and principles of design practice, you will be able to establish a solid vocabulary to present your work in workshops and other professional settings.
You’ll also explore different methods of creating studio space, tools and media, and best practices for documenting and presenting your work. During this portion of the course, you'll have the unique opportunity to present their creative work to a community of learners.
While prior experience in art and design may be helpful in this course, it is not required. This course is designed to accommodate those at various skill levels, with an emphasis on fostering your growth.
To succeed in this course, it is essential for you to actively engage with all course material and to dedicate time to practice and reflect on creative work.
Course-Level Learning Objectives:
- Develop a conceptual and technical understanding of art and design through drawing
- Use photo documentation techniques to present your artwork
- Reflect on the history of art and design, the cultural value of visual communication, and contemporary art and design practice
- Exhibit creative work in a supportive community of peer creators
- Learn how to develop a portfolio of creative work
- Learn about opportunities at the Stamps School of Art & Design and University of Michigan
Skills You'll Gain
- Art History
- Drawing
- Graphic Arts
- Studio Arts
- Visual Arts
What You'll Earn
- Certificate of Completion:
- Certificates of completion acknowledge knowledge acquired upon completion of a non-credit course or program.
Welcome Message
Welcome to Stamps Pre-College Anytime, an introductory course that explores art and design through drawing, visual communication, and creative practice. You will build foundational drawing skills while learning the cultural and historical significance of art and design. Through hands-on exercises, demonstrations, and reflection, this course helps you develop visual vocabulary, creative confidence, and strategies for presenting your work in academic and professional contexts.
This abbreviated syllabus description was created with the help of AI tools and reviewed by staff. The full syllabus is available to those who enroll in the course.
Course Schedule
Module 1: Introduction to Art School and Fundamental Drawing Concepts
- Course Introduction
- Why Art and Design? (3 Questions)
- Why Drawing?
- Drawing Types (2 Questions)
- Preparing a practice (2 Questions)
- Preparing tools and materials for
Module 2: Design Drawing
- Introduction to Visualization Drawing (5 Questions)
- Lines
- Planes
- Ellipses
- Perspective
- Volumes
- Additive and Subtractive Processes
- Portfolio Prep
Module 3: Observational Drawing
- Introduction to Observational Drawing / Segment 1 (3 Questions)
- Introduction to Observational Drawing / Segment 2 (2 Questions)
- Composing Your Drawing
- Lines
- Value Using an Egg
- Still Life Value
- Portfolio Prep
Module 4: Documentation
- Introduction to Documentation
- Why does documentation matter? (3 Questions)
- Key Factors for Documentation (4 Questions)
- Exhibiting Work
Module 5: Description Techniques and Creating an Effective Portfolio
- Introduction to Descriptions
- Contextualize Through Descriptions (3 Questions)
- Conclusion to Module
Module 6: Conclusion and Stamps Preview
- Studio Art & Design
- Why Stamps?
Grading Policy
Learners are assessed through weekly assignments and quizzes designed to measure understanding and skill development. The course grade is based on assignments and quizzes in each of the five modules, worth 20% per module. To pass the course, learners must earn 80% or higher on all required assignments. Course materials remain available for self-paced learning.
Pre-College Programs Coordinator
Director of Pre-College Programs & Outreach
Lecturer II
Course content developed by U-M faculty and managed by the university. Faculty titles and affiliations are updated periodically.
Beginner Level
While prior experience in art and design may be helpful in this course, it is not required. This course is designed to accommodate learners at various skill levels, with an emphasis on fostering each student’s individual growth.
