Visual Arts Department Course Offerings and Descriptions
651/2 Art Foundations
1 semester; 1 credit
Art Foundations is an introductory studio course in which students gain exposure to the visual culture through a variety of 2- and 3-dimensional media. Through the use of elements and principles of design, students will see, feel, and think about the world within a contemporary and historic perspective.
6831 Photo 1 - 35mm bw film
Semester 1 only; 1 credit
This class is the first course in the series of photography courses. Photo 1 students will learn how to use a fully manual 35mm SLR camera, how to develop black and white film, and how to process black and white prints. In this first semester course, emphasis is placed on understanding the functions of a manual camera and learning the basics of photography such as metering, shutter use, aperture control, composition, and techniques/skills necessary for traditional darkroom printing. Students must provide their own fully manual 35mm SLR camera in addition to any supplemental film and paper they find necessary to complete the semester.
6841/2 Photo 2-Film/Color
Prerequisite: Photo 1 - 35mm BW Film
Semester 2 only; 1 credit
This class is the second course in the series of photography courses. Photo 2 students will continue to improve their camera and printing skills using a fully manual 35mm SLR camera. Students will learn more advanced techniques and methods of creative expression. New techniques include special effects imagery, studio lighting, panoramic imagery, and an introduction to color film and Adobe programs as a photographic tool. Students will learn about creating a visual style or telling a visual story through research, discussion, and exposure to contemporary photographic works. Students must provide their own fully manual 35mm SLR camera in addition to any supplemental film and paper they find necessary to complete the semester.
6852 Advanced Photography - Film/Digital
Prerequisite: Photo 1 - 35mm BW Film and Photo 2 - Film/Color
Semester 2 only; 1 credit
This course is a continuation and advancement of the skills and techniques learned in Photo 1 and Photo 2, as well as a general introduction to developing communication skills through the artistry of photography. Photographic tools, cameras, Adobe Programs, and the darkroom are used to bring out expressive qualities of the graphic image. Advanced processes will be introduced in composition, technique, and multimedia imagery. Emphasis will be placed on communication and creative expression, both visually and verbally, as employed by contemporary media and graphic arts and on the creation of a body of work suitable for college admission and exhibition at the end of the term. Students will be required to provide their own fully manual camera (DSLR or 35mm SLR), paper, and film/media storage device.
660/2 Introduction to Sculpture
Prerequisite: Art Foundations
1 semester; 1 credit
Sculpture students will develop technical skill in a variety of media such as ceramics, wire, paper, found objects, plaster, wood, and paper-mache. Concept, process, and a resulting product will be synthesized in the process of identity-seeking and self-expression through sculpture. Historical and contemporary examples of sculpture will inform and inspire exploration of the media.
661/2 Beginning Wheel Throwing
Prerequisite: Art Foundations
1 semester; 1 credit
This course explores basic form development and material exploration using the potter’s wheel. Emphasis is placed on mastering basic techniques and exercising some aesthetic consideration. Specific assignments focus on developing the essential skills in the production of wheel thrown ceramic forms.
666/2 Intermediate Wheel Throwing
Prerequisite: Beginning Wheel Throwing
1 semester; 1 credit
Students develop technical skills acquired in Beginning Wheel Throwing and learn to produce more complex forms. Visual matters such as form, surface decoration, and personal style expand students' capabilities while taking into consideration the necessities of form and function. Hands-on experience in glaze formulation, firing methods, and finishing processes is provided.
6641 Metalworking/Jewelry
Prerequisite: Art Foundations
1 semester; 1 credit
In this introductory course in metalworking/jewelry, students gain exposure to basic sheet metal construction and soldering using copper, nickel, and brass. Students gain proficiency in sawing, drilling, sanding, forming, stamping, and other finishing techniques. More complex technical projects and stone setting are introduced using sterling silver. Additional assignments focus on silver casting using the lost wax technique and wire pulling/stretching. Students gain knowledge of metal fabrication and jewelry design. Exploration is encouraged while following specific, assigned projects.
667/2 Painting
Prerequisite: Art Foundations
1 semester; 1 credit
Students are introduced to a variety of techniques in acrylic painting through the use of the elements and principles of art. Styles and influences of the painting masters of the past and present are studied.
655/2 Drawing
Prerequisite: Art Foundations
1 semester; 1 credit
Introduction to the study of form and space on a two?dimensional surface, using various drawing techniques. Principles of visual organization and creative thinking are emphasized. Drawing media covered include pencils, ink, markers, conte, charcoal, graphite, and pastels.
6762 Printmaking
Prerequisite: Art Foundations
Semester 2 only; 1 credit
This course introduces the creative side of image making. Students build upon their previous drawing experience using various techniques of printmaking. The printing processes to be explored are Xerox transfer, relief printing, etching, lithography, collagraphy, monoprint, and serigraphy. The course familiarizes students with the long tradition of the print.
6681 Advanced Studio Art A: 2-Dimensional
Open to juniors and seniors
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art Foundations and Drawing or Painting
Semester 1 only; 1 credit
The student goal for this course is to develop an application portfolio which will be acceptable for art school/university entry requirements based on the student's interest in 2-Dimensional art making. This course is designed for the serious student of the visual arts and provides students the opportunity to develop their personal aesthetic through the guidance of the visual arts faculty. Each student will propose a plan of study which will include a written statement of his/her goals and objectives and concentrate on 2-Dimensional work during the fall semester.
6682 Advanced Studio Art A: 3-Dimensional
Open to juniors and seniors
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art Foundations and at least one of following courses: Intermediate Wheelthrowing, Metalworking/Jewelry, or Introduction to Sculpture
Semester 2 only; 1 credit
The student goal for this course is to develop an application portfolio which will be acceptable for art school/university entry requirements based on the student's interest in 3-Dimensional art making. This course is designed for the serious student of the visual arts and provides students the opportunity to develop their personal aesthetic through the guidance of the visual arts faculty. Each student will propose a plan of study which will include a written statement of his/her goals and objectives and concentrate on 3-Dimensional work during the spring semester.
948 Tabula/Photo Design Publication
Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Prerequisite: Photo 1 and 2 or Graphic Design 1 and Graphic Design 2. Student selection is by application.
2 semesters; 1 credit per year (maximum of 2 credits may be counted toward graduation)
Photography students learn to work as a group collecting images and representing/documenting student and school events for Tabula, the school yearbook. The cooperative effort of photographers, designers, and writers for the production of Tabula provides a real working environment and an opportunity to practice collaborative problem solving. Course may be used as either a Fine Arts credit or an Applied Arts credit.
6521/2 Entertainment Arts
Prerequisite: Graphic Design 1 or Drawing
1 semester; 1 credit
Entertainment Arts students will gain hands-on experience in stop-motion, motion graphics, and experi- mental media. The goal of this course is to allow students to demonstrate skills in storytelling. Artists will demonstrate this technique by using narrative flow and a variety of story structures for particular audiences. Students will hone skills in communication by articulating their voice and translating ideas through written, visual, and verbal communication in both traditional and digital media arts with a high level of craftsmanship and studio practice. They will practice conceptual skills-building by observing and absorbing the worked
as critical thinkers, analyzers, and by identifying technical elements to propel story, design, and innovation
in their art form. They will learn character development, expressive movement, and conflict conveyed with- in 2D ad JD applications. This class is a continuation of knowledge gained in the prerequisites Visual Arts courses of Art Foundations or Photography I. In addition, students must take Graphic Design I and Drawing is highlight recommend before enrolling in Entertain Arts, Sequential skills incorporated in the intermediate courses (Graphic Design I and Drawing) are preparation for the course.
653/2 Graphic Design 2
Prerequisite: Graphic Design 1
1 semester; 1 credit
This class introduces students to a wide range of the most current and relevant two- and three?dimensional imaging, graphic design, and web design software. The class, which integrates the elements of art and hand?drawn ideas into every assignment, provides comprehensive computer art exposure to students interested in pursuing more specialized and advanced digital concepts and techniques.
654/2 Advanced Graphic Design
Prerequisite: Graphic Design 2
1 semester; 1 credit
This class is an advanced computer course that challenges qualified students to integrate their computer knowledge and fine arts experience with the power and capabilities of leading computer art software. Students use hands?on techniques and a wide range of software in the fields of visual communication (two-dimensional imaging, design, and layout), web design, moving images (image manipulation), and editing and rendering (animation).
690 AP Studio Art
Open to juniors and seniors
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Art Foundations; Drawing or Painting
2 semesters; 2 credits
The “AP” notation included in this course title indicates “Advanced Placement.” This course affords students the opportunity to develop their personal aesthetic and makes it possible for highly motivated high school students to do college-level work. Students create a digital portfolio of their artwork which they submit through the AP website for possible college credit. The student’s AP portfolio consists of three sections: “Quality,” excellence demonstrated in original works; “Concentration,” an in-depth, personal commitment to a particular artistic concern; and “Breadth,” a variety of experiences in using the formal, technical, and expressive means available to an artist. The AP portfolio will be documented by the student in slide form, and the “Concentration” section is accompanied by a written statement supporting the student’s progress and rationale for his/her particular path of discovery. Prospective students are encouraged to take a wide variety of art courses in preparation for this class and must present a portfolio for review.
681 AP Art History
2 semesters; 2 credits
The "AP" notation included in this course title indicates "Advanced Placement." This course is a comprehensive study of art and the creative process throughout history and from around the world. The class is taught using a discussion- and writing-based approach so that students acquire the vocabulary, analytical skills, writing techniques, and self-confidence needed to communicate effectively the meaning of art. Students learn how works of art from all traditions and cultures, both Western and non-Western, are intertwined with their historical and social contexts.
678/2, 6788, 6784/6786 History of Film
1 semester; 1 credit
This course introduces the historical development of film as an art form through viewing, discussing, and researching contemporary and classic film in a variety of genres. Film structure, editing, and cinema-photography also are emphasized. Film as a social statement and as a reflection of cultural values is noted.