In addition to gaining an understanding of the human body and its proportions, my students' figure drawings show an emphasis on relating the figure to its environment. This better prepares students in the long run for integrating the figure into a composition.
Linking the Figure to the Environment, charcoal on paper, 26"x18"
In this freshman drawing the human figure is seen as one with the environment. Notice how lines describing the figure detour into the wall off the shoulder, and the floor off the ankles...