Metals/Jewelry 100
At this level emphasis is placed upon development of technical competency in craftsmanship and fundamental skills (sawing, filing, soldering, riveting, tool-making and finishing) in addition to an applied understanding of basic design principles, emphasizing both two- and three-dimensional design. This is achieved through the development of solutions to design problems with specific technical requirements. Each project will begin with a demonstration of technical exercises and samples. Through presentation of images and discussions of readings, students will begin to gain an appreciation for historical and contemporary metalwork. Assessment includes group critiques and one-on-one discussions during class time.
Metals/Jewelry 200
Through the exploration of hydraulic forming, raising, chemical patination, and casting, emphasis at this level is placed on individual expression in both bodily adornment and small-scale sculptural/utilitarian forms. Students will also be expected to refine their attention to craftsmanship and application of design principles as they develop solutions to assignments. Each project will lead off with an image presentation of works by relevant historical and contemporary makers. At the end of the semester, each student will also give a presentation and written paper discussing the work of a contemporary maker. This research project, in addition to coursework and participation in group critiques and one-on-one discussions during class time will contribute to overall assessment.
Metals/Jewelry 300
Contemporary metalsmithing and jewelry-making lends itself to experimentation with materials and the combining of metal and non-metal materials. At this level students will explore and develop a basic level of competency with cold-connections, mold-making, casting liquid plastic and resins, electroforming, powder-coating, enameling, and computer-assisted construction. At this level there will also be a more emphasis on the idea behind each student work and a more thorough examination of color as an element of overall design solutions. Each student will be responsible for researching, interviewing and making a presentation about a contemporary artist whose work exemplifies learning at this level.
Metals/Jewelry 400
At this level emphasis will be on the creation of a small body of work and preparation for the final project. Students will propose an idea for this series of three or more pieces and will be expected to complete refined application of two- and three-dimensional design principles, a high level of craftsmanship, and unique design solutions that reflect the proposed idea. Readings pertinent to the relationships between design, craft and art will be given on a regular basis and will be discussed as a group in class. Examples of artists who create bodies of work will be presented. Instruction will be more individualized. Assessment will include participation in group critiques, discussions, and the artist statement accompanying the body of work.
Ceramics 100
At this level students will be introduced to the high-fire ceramic process using handbuilding and wheelthrowing techniques. Students will learn technical processes involved in forming while developing an understanding for the material and how to apply the principles of three-dimensional design. These techniques will be explored in the context of historical ceramic concerns by studying museum collections, historical media, and texts. Group projects and exercises will begin to guide students through the process of thinking, verbalizing, and expressing their ideas using visual language.
Ceramics 200
At this level students will continue to develop technically in forming methods as they solve three-dimensional design problems with an emphasis in industrial applications, low-fire ceramic slip-casting techniques, and electric kiln firing processes. Color theory, as it applies to ceramics, form, and surface will be a conceptual starting point as students begin to develop their personal ideas. These techniques will be explored in the context of contemporary ceramic practice, and students will also achieve competence with electric kilns, mold-making processes, casting, and 3d technology.
Ceramics 300
A technical understanding of the chemistry of glaze formulation, raw material experimentation, and advanced firing methods will be emphasized at this level while students develop the conceptual ideas behind their work. Experimentation in various firing ranges will enhance the student’s color and surface possibilities leading to a personal direction. Individual and peer critiques accompanied by discussions will prepare students to develop and defend value judgments about their practice. Students will be encouraged to relate their work to ideas and experiences outside of the studio.
Ceramics 400
At this level students will develop a small body of independent work and prepare for their final project. Discussions of critical readings as they pertain to contemporary ceramic issues within the larger context of art, design, and culture will take place regularly. Students will also have the opportunity to discuss their progress, content, and process both in group critiques and individually with faculty and guest artists/critics.
Painting 100
At this level students will receive an introduction to fundamentals of various paint media including watercolor, acrylic and oils. The elements and principles of pictorial composition will be explored. Demonstrations, discussion, and specific assignments will emphasize how materials may be used separately or in combination. Starting with supports, students will learn techniques and tools of how to build a painting structurally including traditional methods such as underpainting, glazing, impasto, and new and/or experimental techniques. Students will receive the basics of critical aesthetic judgment through examples and critique, while they develop their technical compentencies.
Painting 200
At this level students will develop a greater understanding and sensitivity to painting as a language of expression, including representation, illusion, and meaning. Assignments will emphasize varied approaches to painting and students will initiate individual exploration into ideas and subject matter, including historical and contemporary painting issues. Students will learn to identify and express specific aesthetic intent through assignments that stress observation, invention, problem-solving, technical skill, and experimentation. Reports and discussion of individual artists as well as group critique and discussion will be ongoing.
Painting 300
Emphasis at this level will be on the development of personal ideas and experimental approaches to painting through individualized projects. In less structured lab time students will pursue individual concepts and direction and will deepen their knowledge of the technical and critical skills necessary for creating a body of work. Instruction will expand possibilities for student exploration and experimentation by introducing non-traditional approaches. Students will research and present reports on contemporary painting, though contemporary works other than painting will begin to inform their work.
Painting 400
At this level, the student will develop a body of work and a written statement of intent in preparation for their senior project. Readings, discussion and individual or group critique will further expand understanding of contemporary and historical art issues. The emphasis will be on individual exploration of technique, subject matter, and ideas with ample opportunity to work independently. Students will be expected to explore an idea in a related body of work.
Printmaking 100
The elements and principles of pictorial composition will be explored at this level with technical development in the basic printmaking techniques of relief, monoprints/monotype, and intaglio. Through specific assignments, discussion and critique, a foundation for personal expression and critical aesthetic judgment will be formed. Demonstrations and assignments will advance technical and creative skills. Students will learn to produce small like editions and variable editions. This course will provide a historical, technical, visual and conceptual foundation for printmaking.
Printmaking 200
At this level instruction in the basic printmaking techniques of silkscreen and stone lithography will be added. Through specific assignments, discussion and critique, the students will develop their expressive abilities in these forms. They will also learn some digital integration methods employed in printmaking. Students will learn to produce small editions as well as unique expressive prints. This course will also include opportunities for discussion, lectures and demonstrations related to the historical, technical and conceptual components of silkscreen and stone lithography.
Printmaking 300
At this level students will focus on one or more of the major techniques and develop their printmaking skills. Emphasis will be placed on further development of visual, conceptual and technical abilities including digital and photographic methods. Individualized assignments will also stress experimental research leading to innovative visual results. Students will begin to develop personalized concepts and imagery, and combine various techniques. Students will research and present reports on contemporary printmaking and examine contemporary works other than printmaking to inform their work.
Printmaking 400
At this level, the student will develop a body of work and a written statement of intent in preparation for their senior project. Readings, discussion and individual or group critique will further expand understanding of contemporary and historical art issues. The emphasis will be on individual exploration of technique, subject matter, and ideas with ample opportunity to work independently. Student work will be directed toward the creation of a mature and consistent body of work. Students will also create a trade portfolio that allows them to collect a print from each participant and be a part of the printmaking department collection.
Paper and Book Arts 100
At this level students will learn fundamental skills in both papermaking and book arts. Exercises will include both two and three-dimensional projects that will focus on becoming familiar with the materials while applying design principals. Students will gain an understanding of the history of paper and the book learning vocabulary and some of the history of both crafts. Book projects will offer the opportunity to use the handmade paper made earlier in the course. Work in both studios will focus on learning fundamental skills needed to use tools found in each studio along with the vocabulary needed in each medium. Through lecture and discussion, students will learn about contemporary artists who work in these mediums, the various qualities of paper and how to look and talk about paper and books.
Papermaking 200
Using the skills and knowledge learned at the 100 level, students at this level will advance their skills in papermaking using a variety of fibers including cooking and preparing raw fibers. Emphasis will be on the individual expression of ideas with paper while investigating ways to push the material in both two and three-dimensional ways. Group critiques, readings and discussion will be included along with examples of paper and paper art. Students will increase their understanding of technical processes such as how to prepare pulp for specific purposes.
Papermaking 300
At this level the student will experiment with different approaches to paper and may choose to concentrate in either two or three-dimensional projects. Assignments will be given individually and collectively based on each student’s needs. Group and individual critiques will be conducted regularly. Emphasis will be on expressing a unique idea in the format of their choice. Through reading, discussion and lecture students will learn about contemporary artists using paper and other medium related to their area of interest.
Papermaking 400
Students at this level will concentrate on creating a body of work that gives expression to a conceptual idea for their senior project. Students will be expected to spend extended time in the studio working independently in either two or three- dimensional format to develop a consistent body of work. Courses will include group and individual critiques. Selected readings and research may be assigned according to the needs of the student.
Book Arts 200
At this level students will practice the skills learn in the 100 level class while increasing their knowledge of book arts with the study typographic design and letterpress. Emphasis will be on the individual expression of ideas while completing letterpress and book projects. Through readings, discussion and group critique of projects students will gain the ability to speak knowledgably about book arts and about their work.
Book Arts 300
At this level experimentation will be the focus of book structure and letterpress projects through both class and individual assignments. Students will be encourages to work with a variety of materials to create artist’s books and to learn a variety of structures by making quick mock-ups of different structures to express the same idea. Readings concerning contemporary book arts and artists will be assigned and discussion of contemporary book arts will be an important part of this class. Students will be encouraged to look at a wide range of sources for project concepts.
Book Arts 400
At this level, students will work independently to create a body of work for their senior project. Beginning with mock-ups developed in earlier courses or with fresh ideas, students will be expected to spend concentrated time in the studio creating work that weds concept with material and structure. Individual and group critiques will be conducted throughout the semester. Readings, critique and discussion will be both group and individual and will include historical and contemporary art issues. Students will be given and encouraged to seek out opportunities to show and discuss their work with artists and others from outside of the class.
Photography 100
Designed to familiarize the student with the art of traditional 35mm film photography, the emphasis at this level will be the fundamentals of camera operation, black- and-white film development and printing processes, vocabulary, as well as practicing critical evaluation. Students will develop an understanding of visual formats and their aesthetic functions as they relate to basic design principles. In addition to assignments designed to help students understand the visual language of photography, they will spend time looking at examples from the historical and contemporary worlds of fine art. Students will each create a portfolio of class assignments.
Photography 200
A sequential continuation of the introductory course, this level emphasizes the exploration of concepts, critical evaluation and dialogue, and standard museum/archival presentation. The focus at this level is equally on technical skills, the development of creativity and conceptual understanding, and problem solving. Advanced skills will be demonstrated and practiced with the goal of increasing the quality of the work. Further explorations into historical and contemporary art issues via presentations, visiting artists, and readings will increase awareness. Students will each create a portfolio of class assignments.
Photography 300
At this level students will further develop their own approach to ideas and process by developing a body of work. Instruction will expand the technical possibilities available to students by introducing large format cameras, alternative printing processes, experimental, candid and contrived images, and documentary. Assignments will focus on specific processes and experimentation. Further explorations into historical and contemporary art issues via presentations, critique, visiting artists, and readings will develop the students’ ability to talk about their work.
Photography 400
At this level students will concentrate on defining a personal direction through a cohesive body of work in preparation for the senior project. Students will also explore the commercial applications of photographic techniques and participate in a trade portfolio that allows each to acquire a print from every member of the class. Group and individual readings and critiques, class discussion of historical and contemporary art issues, presentations, and visiting artists will be included.
Art History
Survey I
This course is a historical survey of architecture, painting, sculpture, and functional objects in Western and non Western cultures from Paleolithic cave paintings through the Renaissance, with special emphasis on the social and cultural underpinnings.
Survey II
This course will cover the Baroque period to mid 20th century, including such artistic movements as Neoclassicism, Romanticism, Impressionism, Cubism, Fauvism, Surrealism, and Abstract Expressionism. The emphasis will be on the stance of the individual artist.
Material Culture
The aim of this course is to explore some of the ideas, objects, and images that have influenced or have been influenced by their times and the cultures out of which they have arisen. Using texts, literature, and actual objects from various periods in history, students will study the conceptual frameworks, modes of classification, and the multiple meanings embedded in objects.
Contemporary
A survey of world art from 1960 to the present, this course provides an overview of the major movements and artists of this period, as well as a critical analysis of the contexts in which the works were produced. The course incorporates artist’s statements and other readings, music, poetry, and film in order to examine the significant events and issues that art of this period reflects.
Special Topics in Art History
This course may change from year to year in order to offer classes of special interest. The course may focus on an area outside usual course offerings or it may be a concentrated course on a specific area touched on more generally in other classes. For example: The Art of Latin America or Asia, Gender and Representation, Artists as Activists, or Street Art.
Supportive
2-D Design
The basis of this course is studio projects that explore the fundamental language and materials of the 2-dimensional plane such as positive and negative space, line, value, pattern, point. Students will develop a thorough understanding of the elements, principles, and vocabulary through diverse projects using multiple materials and tools with emphasis on the development of their studio skills, aesthetic perception, and visual analysis.
Drawing 1
This course will involve students in the use of drawing as a tool to communicate ideas and as a first step for both 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional projects. With emphasis on observational drawing, students will develop technical understanding of the effective use of line, mass, value, composition and perspective.
Traditional Media + Practice
This course provides a foundation and environment for learning about the materials, processes, tools, motivations, of traditional media such as weaving, ceramics, glassblowing, metalworking, and how and why contemporary artists are using them in the creation of new work. The course will include some hands-on experiences, readings, gallery and studio visits, and artists discussing their work.
3-D Design
With emphasis on the fundamental principles of 3-dimensional design, this course will consider concepts of space, movement, mass, volume, and the qualities and properties of materials. Students will construct 3- dimensional objects using diverse processes and materials with some attention to time-based work and serial or sequential modes. Focus will be on the processes of thinking and planning plus thoughtful articulation of form, aesthetic perception and visual analysis.
Critical Inquiry
This class facilitates the acquisition of academic skills through critical thinking, reading, and writing, independent and group learning, research methods, and information management. The course content will include a variety of discourse in the visual arts and diverse analytical methods such as psychoanalytic, Marxist, feminist, structuralist, deconstructivist, post-colonial, among others.
New Media + Practice
This course provides a foundation in the methods, tools, and ideas behind new media including the use of digital processes and imagery in interdisciplinary works, video, computer animation, internet-based projects, and sound art. It will also offer a critical examination of the rise of the information age and its impact on art. The course will include readings, gallery and studio visits, and artists discussing their work.
Drawing II
This course will further develop the student’s abilities within a broader conceptual range and will emphasize finding a personal approach to drawing as a communicative and expressive medium. Various drawing methods and styles will be investigated through assigned projects focusing on the figure, abstraction, narration, and various tools and materials will be used.
Applied Design
This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of architectural, graphic, product, and landscape design with an emphasis on the impact of design on individuals and societies. While much of the class will focus on specific design problems, it will also include readings, discussion with professional designers, and visits to relevant studios and spaces.
Professionalism I: Marketing Skills
Covering the marketing skills artists need, this course will include writing a marketing plan, resume and portfolio development, documentation and storage of images, artist statements, gallery protocol, sales and pricing, merchandising, publicity and promotion, website development and maintenance, and applying for grants and residencies.
Professionalism II: Business Skills
This course covers basic business skills for artists including the various forms of business organization and business law, writing a business plan, taxes, studio safety and insurance, bookkeeping and other record-keeping, the use of contractual agreements, zoning and other studio considerations, computer resources and software.
Senior Project and paper
This course guides the student through the process of developing a final project, including the writing of a related research paper that is thesis-driven and could be submitted as part of a grant or graduate school application.
