Courses (Art 080, B.F.A. Visual Arts 081)

21:080:121 Introduction to Drawing (3) Basic studio course to develop skills in representational drawing; trains students in the perception of real-world form and space and the transfer of that perception into two-dimensional images; experience in drawing still life, land- and cityscapes, and the figure; materials include pencil, conté crayon, and other drawing media. Open to nonmajors. No previous art experience needed.

21:080:211 Ceramics I (3) Covers a wide range of ceramic techniques, including hand building and wheel techniques using clay and glazes. Open to nonmajors. No previous art experience needed.

21:080:223 Figure Drawing (3) Drawing from the figure using a variety of approaches ranging from the analytical and precise to the gestural and expressive; familiarity with the complexities of line, value, and texture, and with the various media approaches gained while drawing from life; materials include pencil, conté crayon, and other drawing media. Open to nonmajors. Prerequisite: 21:080:121 or permission of instructor.

21:080:236 Illustration I (3) Basic media and techniques with emphasis placed on conceptual and analytical thinking; projects include using the concept of transformation to develop solutions derived from real-life information; the purpose and history of illustration. One research paper; field trips. Open to nonmajors. Prerequisites: 21:085:102, 21:080:121, or permission of instructor.

21:080:245 Digital Studio (3) Explores digital painting and natural dry and wet media tools that bridge traditional media with advanced computing technology. Using software as a creative tool for painting, drawing, and image manipulation, this course also is an introduction to animation concepts and techniques. Open to nonmajors. Prerequisite: 21:080:121 or permission of instructor.

21:080:251 Introduction to Painting (3) Studio course introducing the fundamental concepts of painting; various materials and approaches, both abstract and representational, used to deal with form and image. Open to nonmajors.

21:080:252 Painting II (3) Studio course using a variety of materials and approaches to explore the ways of painting; work is primarily in modes arising from perceptual experience and emphasizes personal expression. Open to nonmajors. Prerequisite: 21:080:251 or permission of instructor.

21:080:261 Introduction to Photography (3) Introduces the fundamental principles of photography through directed projects with digital cameras. The focus is on the medium of photography as a means of visual thinking and creativity.  Experimentation with a broad range of approaches to photography will be covered using structured assignments and demonstrations. The student will gain a practical and conceptual foundation in the field of photography as a language of communication and expression. Open to nonmajors. No previous art experience needed.

21:080:262 Photography II (3) A continuation of the themes, techniques, and processes used in Introduction to Photography 21:080:261. The medium of photography will be explored in greater depth, exploring both analog and digital means at the discretion of the professor. This course will place emphasis on self expression as it can be explored through the medium of photography, as well as introducing the student to greater control over techniques that will help the student achieve his or her goal. Open to nonmajors. Prerequisite: 21:080:261 or permission of instructor.

21:080:263 Introduction to Digital Photography (3) This course develops an understanding of the technical and aesthetic foundations in the medium of photography through digital technology. Students work to express themselves in this medium by utilizing various digital photographic techniques; imaging scanning, color digital printing, and Adobe Photoshop. Creative, fine art assignment solutions will be emphasized. Open to nonmajors. No previous art experience needed.

21:080:264 Color Photography (3) Concepts and techniques involved in the use of color in photography; the relationship of color to ideas about reality and artifice; color as a vehicle for controlling the image, using a range of contemporary approaches. Emphasis on the psychological use of color and exploration of creative uses of color to enhance personal self expression. Open to nonmajors. Prerequisite: 21:080:261 or permission of instructor.

21:080:265 Experiments in Photography (3) Introduces students to a wide range of photographic processes and technologies as a means for executing their ideas. These approaches will be based in traditional film-chemical processes, many of which are historic in nature. It will also explore various camera formats from 35mm, pinhole, and plastic cameras to medium and large formats. Open to nonmajors. Prerequisite: 21:080:261 or permission of instructor.

21:080:273 Introduction to Printmaking (3) Studio introduction to printmaking, covering the techniques of screenprint, linocut, woodcut, monoprint, collograph, and digital applications. Emphasis on developing visual vocabulary and effective forms; history and contemporary roles of printmaking. Field trips. Open to nonmajors. Prerequisites: 21:085:102, 21:080:121, or permission of instructor.

21:080:276 Intaglio Printmaking (3) Studio introduction to etching, including various techniques of aquatint, hard and soft grounds, color applications; personal imagery developed while learning how to print and proof a limited edition; history and contemporary roles of printmaking. Field trips. Open to nonmajors. Prerequisites: 21:085:102, 21:080:121, or permission of instructor.

21:080:281 Introduction to Sculpture (3) Basic principles of sculpture introduced through slides, discussions, and projects; experience working in wood, modeling in clay, building armatures, making molds, casting, and direct plaster work; instruction in the use of power tools and safety procedures in the operation of equipment. Open to nonmajors. Prerequisite: 21:085:103 or permission of instructor.

21:080:283 Figure Sculpture (3) Workshop that deals with individual sculptural concerns and the function and structure of a sculpture studio; materials and processes determined by instructor and student. Open to nonmajors. Prerequisite: 21:085:103 or permission of instructor.

21:080:285 Seminar in Contemporary Art I (3) Focuses on the problems of the contemporary artist, architect, designer, filmmaker, and photographer in relation to modernist movements, socioeconomic institutions, and ideologies.
Prerequisites: 21:355:102; 21:082:350 or 21:082: 360.

21:080:286 Seminar in Contemporary Art II (3) Focus on the problems of the contemporary artist, architect, designer, filmmaker, and photographer in relation to modernist movements, socioeconomic institutions, and ideologies.

21:080:305, 306 Problems in Art (3,3) Seminar directed toward utilizing the mutual benefits of scholarship and studio creativity through activities such as lectures by visiting artists and scholars.

21:080:321 Drawing III (3) Studio course that continues the development of skills and of perceptual and imaginative responses in creative drawing; drawing from life and from the environment using a variety of drawing materials; emphasis on strong individual development. Open to nonmajors. Prerequisite: 21:080:121 or 223, or permission of instructor.

21:080:322 Drawing IV (3) Advanced development of skills, perceptions, and approaches to drawing the figure; investigation includes experimentation, new media, and improvisation. Open to nonmajors. Prerequisites: 21:080:121 and 321 or permission of instructor.

21:080:345 Intermediate Digital Studio (3) Advanced digital art projects, including 3-D image creation, computer animation, and human figure manipulation and animation. Emphasis upon the development of personal vision and its expression through advanced digital imaging technology. Open to nonmajors. Prerequisites: 21:085:103, 21:080:245, or permission of instructor.

21:080:351 Painting III (3) Further development of painting as a means of visual expression; conceptual approaches to painting; synthesizing visual ideas to form an individual style. Viewing exhibitions at museums and galleries included. Open to nonmajors. Prerequisite: 21:080:252 or permission of instructor.

21:080:352 Painting IV (3) Advanced problems in painting while integrating preceding disciplines and experiences with formal, directed approaches; emphasis on individual development and excellence of execution. Viewing exhibitions at museums and galleries included. Open to nonmajors. Prerequisite: 21:080:351 or permission of instructor.

21:080:354 Experiments in Digital Studio (3) Covers 2-D/3-D imaging formats within multiple platforms. Emphasis upon multimedia digital applications, including image, text, sound, motion graphics, and time-based media. Planning and initiating of digital projects for various uses, including internet delivery and the web. Examines history, theory, and understanding of digital media; concepts of interactivity and digital cultures. Open only to majors. Prerequisites: 21:080:245, 345, or permission of instructor.

21:080:355 Painting and Drawing Workshop (3) Studio course using wet and dry media. Introduction to the watercolor medium, collage techniques, and mixed media methods. These processes, as well as traditional oil painting and drawing techniques, are used to explore themes and concepts in the work.

21:080:361 Studio Photography (3) Concepts and processes involved in photography as manipulated in a studio setting; traditional and innovative approaches to artificial lighting, still life, and portraiture; experience with view camera and advanced light metering techniques. Open to nonmajors. Prerequisite: 21:080:261 or permission of instructor.

21:080:362 Photography Workshop (3) Advanced work in all areas of photography based on projects designed to fit individual needs; emphasis on development of aesthetic and critical dimensions in photography. Students carry out ideas and techniques independently. Open to nonmajors. Prerequisite: 21:080:261 or permission of instructor.

21:080:363 Digital Photography II (3) This is an intermediate course which continues from 21:080:263 Introduction to Digital Photography to present the digital processes and possibilities of contemporary photographic technology. Students will work exclusively on imagery that is photo based and progress to a level of sophisticated competence in the handling of digital photography files. The images will be taken by the students, then manipulated, enhanced, and printed through currently available techniques. Students will be exposed to advanced concepts and techniques of expression that enhance the content and value of their portfolio. Open to nonmajors. Prerequisite: 21:080:263 or permission of instructor.

21:080:365 Photographic Communication and Illustration (3) This advanced-level photography course will concentrate on the problem-solving and conceptual-based aspects of image making. This course is intended to instill in the student the need for reasoning behind their photographs and in the messages they create. An emphasis will be placed on visual research and a rigorous creative process. Similar to the commercial world, students will be asked to respond to a topic, establish a clear understanding of the issues presented, and communicate these through a visual narrative. This strategy, in addition to earlier technical courses within the photography sequence, will help prepare students for future endeavors within the discipline of photography. This course will examine the professional model where the artist, client, and audience are in collaboration with each other. Open to nonmajors. Prerequisite: 21:080:261 or permission of instructor.

21:080:373 Advanced Printmaking (3) Advanced studio in printmaking; emphasis on exploration of previously learned printmaking techniques to develop personal imagery. Proof and print a minimum of five prints; research paper on the history of printmaking; field trips. Open to nonmajors. Prerequisite: 21:080:273 or 276 or permission of instructor.

21:080:378 Book Arts (3) Studio course, embraces traditional bookbinding, on-demand printing, electronic publishing, desktop publishing, xerography, and conceptual/sculptural/performative explorations that expand the possibilities of the book form. Students will be guided to appreciate and understand artists' publications, and their dissemination, as a distinct genre of art. Image and text will be generated and incorporated from a range of different processes. Research on book design, artists' books. Field trips. Prerequisite: 21:080:273 or 276 or permission of instructor.

21:080:391,392 Individual Study in Studio (BA,BA) Special problems in original creative work. Independent studio work in any of the disciplines offered. Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.

21:080:393,394 Internship in Art (3,3) Opportunity to explore career experience in art and design; limited to students with highly developed skills. Placements, designed to ensure maximum benefit to the student, may be in graphic design studios as apprentices to artists or in arts management positions. Under departmental supervision. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

21:080:405 Problems in Contemporary Art (3) Examination of significant ideas and problems in contemporary painting, sculpture, and multimedia; emphasis on the current scene. Open to nonmajors.

21:080:445 Advanced Experiments in Computer Art (3) Continuation of experiments in computer art; covers advanced work in integrating multimedia digital applications including animation, audio/video, and time-based media. Covers HTML and web design. Emphasis on the aesthetic and critical understanding of digital technology. Students initiate and complete a final project. Open only to majors. Prerequisites: 21:080:245, 354, or permission of instructor.

21:080:483 Advanced Sculpture Workshop (3) Continues the development of individual expression in sculpture; production of a body of aesthetically consistent work by each student. Open to nonmajors. Prerequisite: 21:080:283 or permission of instructor.

21:080:497 Senior Studio Seminar I (3) Focuses on advanced studio work and the completion of a portfolio in area of graphic design specialization. Conducted under the direction of individual advisers. Open only to majors. Prerequisite: Completed coursework in area of specialization or permission of instructor.

21:080:498 Senior Studio Seminar II (3) Under the supervision of advisers, students produce, for an exhibition, a body of work in their individual areas of specialization. One research paper and slide documentation of work required. Open only to majors. Prerequisite: 21:080:497 or permission of instructor.