COURSES

Core Courses

100	Drawing Studio I (Fall only)	3 cr
	No prerequisites.
	This required course focuses on drawing as a means of visual inquiry and builds skills for articulating both perceptual and conceptual visualizations. A variety of drawing media and processes heighten awareness of what we see and how we see it, and achieve confident and intelligently articulated visual responses. Students work primarily from observation, supplemented by rigorous critique and systematic exposure to historical and contemporary precedents for their practice.
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110	Digital Studio I (Fall Only)	3 cr
	No prerequisites. Wireless laptop and appropriate software required.
	Topics for this required course comprise an introduction to fundamental computing processes that are integral to contemporary studio practice. The three primary areas of focus are basic computing skills and programming, 2-D image generation and manipulation, and 3-D object generation and surfacing. By giving students hands-on experience with a variety of digital tools, the course aims to engender an appreciation for the computer’s potential as a creative tool/medium and provide a foundation of skills that will be developed further in more advanced courses.
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120	Tools, Materials and Processes Studio I: Construction (Fall only)	3 cr
	No prerequisites.
	This is one of a series of three required courses, which provide introductory exposures to a wide spectrum of the physical materials, tools, and processes germane to contemporary art and design practices. These introductions establish a practical base for future creative work. TMP I: Construction has three-dimensional focus.
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121	Tools, Materials and Processes Studio II: Messages (Winter Only)	cr
	ARTDES 120 is prerequisite.
	This is one of a series of three required courses, which provide introductory exposures to a wide spectrum of the physical materials, tools, and processes germane to contemporary art and design practices. These introductions establish a practical base for future creative work. TMP II: Messages has a two-dimensional focus.
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130	Concept Form and Context Studio I (Winter Only)	3 cr
	No prerequisites.
	One of a series of three required freshman/sophomore studio courses that focuses on problem identification, problem investigation and referencing, and subsequent development of creative responses. Each exercise and project incorporates reading, research and writing components. By integration of critical thinking and language skills, the students are challenged to develop personal expressions through both analytical and intuitive approaches. The courses focus on structured projects that encourage the development of transferable perceptive and formal skills in a world-view conceptual response.
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150	Art Design Perspectives I: The Creators (Fall only)	3 cr
	No prerequisites.
	One of a series of three required academic courses that casts a broad net to explore a variety of creative expressions from those collected by museums to those uncollected and taken for granted as objects of everyday life. This first course uses a case study approach to focusing on the concept of creators and creative work through time and across world cultures.
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151	Art Design Perspectives II : Society (Winter Only)	3 cr
	No prerequisites.
	One of a series of three required academic courses that casts a broad net to explore a variety of creative expressions from those collected by museums to those uncollected and taken for granted as objects of everyday life. This second course uses a case study approach to focusing on societies and the influence of societies on creators and creative work through time and across world cultures.
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160	Lecture Series I (Fall Only)	1 cr
	No prerequisites.
	Students attend the weekly Penny W. Stamps Distinguished Visitors Series each week, through which a variety of artists, designers, performers, critics and theorists give insight into their biographies, career paths, and ideas about contemporary practice.
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161	Lecture Series II (Winter Only)	1 cr
	No prerequisites.
	Students attend the weekly Penny W. Stamps Distinguished Visitors Series each week, through which a variety of artists, designers, performers, critics and theorists give insight into their biographies, career paths, and ideas about contemporary practice.
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220	Tools, Materials and Processes Studio III: Time (Fall only)	3 cr
	ARTDES 120 and 121 are prerequisite.
	This is one of a series of three required courses, which provide introductory exposures to a wide spectrum of the physical materials, tools, and processes germane to contemporary art and design practices. These introductions establish a practical base for future creative work. TMP III: Time has a four-dimensional focus.
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230	Concept Form and Context Studio II (Fall Only)	3 cr
	ARTDES 130 is prerequisite.
	One of a series of three required freshman/sophomore studio courses that focuses on problem identification, problem investigation and referencing, and subsequent development of creative responses. Each exercise and project incorporates reading, research and writing components. By integration of critical thinking and language skills, the students are challenged to develop personal expressions through both analytical and intuitive approaches. The courses focus on structured projects that encourage the development of transferable perceptive and formal skills in a world-view conceptual response.
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231	Concept Form and Context Studio III (Winter Only)	3 cr
	ARTDES 130 and 230 are prerequisite.
	One of a series of three required freshman/sophomore studio courses that focuses on problem identification, problem investigation and referencing, and subsequent development of creative responses. Each exercise and project incorporates reading, research and writing components. By integration of critical thinking and language skills, the students are challenged to develop personal expressions through both analytical and intuitive approaches. The courses focus on structured projects that encourage the development of transferable perceptive and formal skills in a world-view conceptual response.
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250	Art Design Perspectives III: Technology & the Environment (Fall only)	3 cr
	ARTDES 150 and 151 are prerequisite.
	One of a series of three required academic courses that casts a broad net to explore a variety of creative expressions from those collected by museums to those uncollected and taken for granted as objects of everyday life. This third course uses a case study approach to explore the relevance of technology and the environment to creators and creative work through time and across world cultures.
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260	Lecture Series III (Fall Only)	1 cr
	No prerequisites.
	Students attend the weekly Penny W. Stamps Distinguished Visitors Series each week, through which a variety of artists, designers, performers, critics and theorists give insight into their biographies, career paths, and ideas about contemporary practice.
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261	Lecture Series IV (Winter Only)	3 cr
	No prerequisites.
	Students attend the weekly Penny W. Stamps Distinguished Visitors Series each week, through which a variety of artists, designers, performers, critics and theorists give insight into their biographies, career paths, and ideas about contemporary practice.
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Integrative Project

400	Integrative Project	12 cr
	Registration restricted to senior Art & Design majors in the new 2002+ Curriculum.
	Description This yearlong undergraduate capstone course allows for the synthesis of the students' academic and studio work, developing an individual project proposal and culminating in a thoughtful presentation that demonstrates knowledge of specific issues, methods, and materials. Working with faculty advisors, the students will produce a series of works by organizing, planning, and investigating their concepts in contemporary contexts. The final presentation will engage the public (exhibition, publication, performance, or other appropriate means) and will be documented in a written and visual portfolio. Objectives Engage a theme by means of creative work Investigate the theme intelligently through critical and/or theoretical readings and writings Demonstrate meaningful use of tools and technical skills Develop and demonstrate an awareness of the context for which work is created Engage a public arena with the work through exhibition, performance, website, and/or other appropriate venues Prepare documentation of the project in the form of a written thesis statement of 1500 words that is supported by relevant printed visual images Prepare a website that includes the written thesis, visual documentation of the public engagement, current resume, short artist statement, one page written plan for the first five years following receipt of BFA Present the project to a faculty review committee that serves as the student's senior review committee Logistics and Format Students work with two faculty and two graduate students, who teach in collaboration. There are four faculty/graduate student teams each teaching approximately 20 students per section. Fall semester is a 6 credit course, which is divided between 3 credits for IP studio practice and 3 credits for class periods and workshops that include development of resume, websites, CD and/or DVD preparations, writing of artist statements and thesis, public speaking, portfolio documentation, publicity possibilities. Winter semester is a 6 credit course, which is divided between 3 credits for IP studio practice and 3 credits for class periods and workshops that include discussion of venue organization and portfolio preparation. Students are encouraged to choose advanced studios that relate to and support their IP creative work. Each student is assigned an individual Integrative Project studio space for independent studio practice.
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Non-Major Studio Courses

100	Drawing Studio	3 cr
	Offered every term. No prerequisites.
	The course introduces students to drawing as a means of visual inquiry and builds the skill to articulate both perceptual and conceptual visualizations; and introduces methods of analyzing concepts and visualizing ideas, as well as conventions of scale, time, and relationship as expressed in a wide variety of fields. Students work from observation, supplemented by rigorous critique and systematic exposure to historical and contemporary precedents for their practice; and explore graphs, maps, scores, plans, calendars, storyboards, instructions and forms that cannot yet be observed, to invent visual vocabularies capable of expressing personal thoughts, experiences, and beliefs. Students ultimately evolve their own definition of what drawing is by making drawing a vital part of their creative practice. Participation in group discussions and critiques is required.
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101	Print	3 cr
	Offered fall term only. No prerequisites.
	The course introduces students to the basic techniques of intaglio, relief, lithography, and monotype printing methods. Students learn the safe use and handling of the printmaking studio materials and equipment, develop an awareness of printmaking history, and learn to analyze prints through critiques and class discussions. Emphasis is placed on practice/production as well as content/concept. Students are encouraged to incorporate other materials and concepts based on academic major, interests, or expertise. Participation in group discussions and critiques is required.
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102	Painting	3 cr
	Offered every term. No prerequisites.
	The course introduces students to the tools, materials and techniques of painting. Problem solving assignments will encourage the studentʼs aesthetic development and demonstrate understanding of contemporary art and design practices relevant to acrylic painting. Participation in group discussions and critiques is required.
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103	Digital Photography	3 cr
	Offered fall term only. No prerequisites.
	The course introduces students to the technical and aesthetic components of digital photography. The goals for this class are to develop a working knowledge of photographic tools and processes; to achieve competence with digital cameras and processes; to learn the history and evolution of photography; and to engage critically and creatively with photography as a tool for problem solving through class assignments and critiques. The course includes specific assignments, opportunities for individual exploration, and an overview of photographic history. Students must have their own digital cameras, laptop computers, and Adobe Photoshop for manipulating images and generating prints. Participation in group discussions and critiques is required.
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104	Watercolor	3 cr
	Offered fall term only. No prerequisites.
	The course introduces students to watercolor techniques and media – primarily transparent watercolor. The use of opaque water-based paints such as gouache and casein are optional. Observational, abstract and non-objective content is encouraged. The course includes painting demonstrations, lectures, and assignments to be completed both in and outside of class time, as well as group and individual. Participation in group discussions and critiques is required.
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105	Life Drawing	3 cr
	Offered fall term only. No prerequisites.
	The course introduces students to drawing the human figure by observing its form, shape, contour, perspective, proportion, light co The course introduces students to observing, seeing, and drawing the human figure in terms of its form, shape, contour, perspective, proportion, light source, and resulting contrast of light and shadow. Students will learn a new way of viewing the human form, as well as other objects and physical matter, in terms of their physical relationship to themselves and objects around them. Participation in group discussions and critiques is required.
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106	Graphic Imaging	3 cr
	Offered fall term only. No prerequisites.
	The course introduces the principles and processes of graphic imaging - effective communication using typography and visual imagery. Course assignments stress the imaging process, the fundamentals of art and design, and methods for the production of graphic imaging projects. Students learn important aspects of design practice including design terminology, computer software, and how to interact with professional artists/designers. Participation in group discussions and critiques is required.
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107	Metals	3 cr
	Offered winter term only. No prerequisites.
	The course introduces students to a variety of techniques for creating objects in metals. Course content includes demonstrations and hands-on experience using many tools and machines including cutting, bending, rolling and drilling tools, welding, and soldering techniques. Students design and fabricate several small objects with aluminum, brass, and steel. Quality of ideas and concepts are as important as technique and craftsmanship. Participation in discussions and critiques is required.
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108	Animation	3 cr
	Offered winter term only. No prerequisites.
	The course introduces students to the theory & practice of animation through intensive hands-on, process-oriented studio practice in time-based media. Course content includes direct & handmade processes/techniques. Students develop animation concepts and skills through 8 areas of focus: zoetropes, flipbooks, spin cycle & pixilation, the exquisite corpse, underlight-sand, paper cut-out, collage, and claymation. Personal expression in both individual & group projects is emphasized. Participation in group discussion and critiques is required.
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109	Sculpture	3 cr
	Offered winter term only. No prerequisites.
	The course introduces students to foundational principles and communicative possibilities of materials and physical forms. Students explore the haptic, experiential qualities, language, and structural capabilities of materials. Course content includes the fundamentals of carving, casting, modeling, wood joinery, some steel fabrication, and potential new media. Emphasis will be placed on the interaction of material, context, concept, and design; as well as developing sensitivity to the intrinsic and extrinsic qualities of sculptural media. Instruction includes historical perspective and well as demonstrations. Participation in group discussions and critiques is required.
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111	Clay	3 cr
	Offered winter term only. No prerequisites.
	The course introduces students to the tools, materials and techniques of creative work using hand-building clay techniques for sculptural purposes. Course content includes historical presentations and demonstrations. Problem solving assignments will encourage the studentʼs aesthetic development and demonstrate understanding of contemporary art and design practices relevant to the use of clay as a creative medium. Participation in group discussions and critiques is required.
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112	Wood	3 cr
	Offered winter term only. No prerequisites.
	The course introduces students to the tools, materials and techniques of creative work using the medium of wood. Problem solving assignments encourage the studentʼs aesthetic development and demonstrate understanding of contemporary art and design practices relevant to woodworking. Students complete four projects: an abstract sculpture, a design project, a joinery project, and a final project. Each project includes group discussion and critique on the merits of techniques employed, sensitivity with the medium, formal strengths and weaknesses and the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of individual work in response to the assignment. Participation in group discussions and critiques is required.
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Graduate Courses

600	Graduate Seminars	3 cr
	No Prerequisites
	Course Numbers 600, 601, 700, 701, 800, 801 The School offers three graduate seminars each semester. During the fall semester, one of these seminars is designed for entering first-year students exclusively (600), one for second year students (700), and one for third year students (800). Three seminars offered each winter semester are topical in approach (601, 701, 801), addressing both the context and the process aspects of the program, and are open to all graduate students.
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610	Directed Studio Practice	3 cr
	No prerequisites.
	Course Numbers 610, 611, 710, 711, 810, 811 Supervised independent studio work completed each semester under the guidance of faculty advisors.
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898, 899	Thesis/Exhibition/Presentation	3 cr
	Third-year MFA graduate students.
	Course Numbers 898, 899 Supervised development of the final degree requirements, which include: 1) a public presentation of creative work, 2) a written and illustrated thesis submitted as an electronic file, and 3) an oral presentation of the thesis work.
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