Arts/History & Studio (ARTS)
Visit the Course Schedule Search website to find out when courses will be offered during the academic year.
Read more about the courses within this subject prefix in the descriptions provided below.
ARTS 501 - Introductory Ceramics
Credits: 4
Theory and practice of basic ceramics; includes all methods of basic construction, decoration, glazing, and kiln firing. Emphasis on each individual's perceptual development. Lab.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
Special Fee: Yes
ARTS 510 - Principles of Design
Credits: 4
An introduction to the principles of design. Students will explore the foundational elements and processes of design principles found in the development of the fine and commercial arts. Lectures will explore the history of design concepts and movements, while studio/lab sessions will enable students to develop their own projects and animation designs. Students will develop basic proficiencies in design software programs.
Attributes: FinePerformingArts(Discovery)
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
ARTS 515 - Principles of Interior Design
Credits: 4
Students will explore the foundational elements and processes in the design of interior spaces. Lectures will explore the history of interior design; the fundamentals of workign with materials, objects, textures, colors and lighting; how to create plans, maps and diagrams; and how to work with clients. Studio/lab sessions will enable students to develop their own projects and designs. Students will develop proficiencies in related software programs.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
ARTS 520 - Principles of Architectural Design
Credits: 4
An entry level architectural design studio. Course assignments feature hand drafting, hand rendering, model building, and project presentations while developing skills in verbal, written, and graphic communication. Drafting, hand-rendering, and model making materials and tools are required for this course. Knowledge of CAD or 3-D computer modeling is required.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
ARTS 522 - Topics in Architecture Design Studio
Credits: 4
Topics in Architectural Design Studio presents foundational architectural design concepts through a rotation of courses. Each course will present unique concepts to contextualize foundational design skills and processes. Concepts such as the relationship between the built and natural environment, sustainable and regenerative design and topics in the use of new technologies in design are among some of the topics that will be considered through a rotation of Workshop course offerings. As students develop basic skills in drafting, model making and design thinking they will focus on addressing the challenges and concepts unique to the topic presented.
Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. May be repeated up to 3 times.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
View Course Learning Outcomes
- Develop understanding of architectural design within the context of the concepts offered within the specific Workshop course.
- Develop critical thinking in response to design concepts and their broader implication to their context, function and culture.
- Demonstrate "design thinking" concepts of experimentation and revision in addressing open ended questions.
- Develop both visual and verbal articulation of design concepts and personal design responses.
- Develop skills of drafting, model construction and presentation of architectural designs.
ARTS 525 - Introductory Woodworking
Credits: 4
This course introduces students to the process of designing and building furniture with wood as the primary material. Students think creatively to brainstorm and develop their own, individual designs and use a variety of hand tools, power tools, and machines to build their objects. This course is a prerequisite to upper level woodworking and furniture design workshop courses, which subsequently investigate more sophisticated furniture concepts and woodworking techniques. Studio.
Attributes: FinePerformingArts(Discovery)
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
Special Fee: Yes
ARTS 532 - Introductory Drawing
Credits: 4
This course is an introduction to the basic principles of studio drawing. Students work towards mastering the technical skills to produce drawings from observation, a working knowledge of the historical time line in drawing, and insight into the complexities of the creative process. A variety of materials are explored, pencil, charcoal, ink and collage. Art historical and contemporary drawing practices are shown in lectures and books to amplify the concepts introduced in the daily studio work.
Attributes: FinePerformingArts(Discovery)
Equivalent(s): ARTS 532H
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
Special Fee: Yes
ARTS 532H - Honors/Introductory Drawing
Credits: 4
This course is an introduction to the basic principles of studio drawing. Students work towards mastering the technical skills to produce drawings from observation, a working knowledge of the historical time line in drawing, and insight into the complexities of the creative process. A variety of materials are explored, pencil, charcoal, ink and collage. Art historical and contemporary drawing practices are shown in lectures and books to amplify the concepts introduced in the daily studio work.
Attributes: FinePerformingArts(Discovery); Honors course
Equivalent(s): ARTS 532
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
Special Fee: Yes
ARTS 535 - Introduction to Printmaking: Monotypes and Collagraphs
Credits: 4
Studio arts course in Printmaking. This course is an introduction to monotype and collagraph printmaking. Distinct from intaglio and relief printmaking, monotypes and collagraphs develop unique image prints with more direct application of ink and plate construction. Students will explore these concepts and techniques through the construction of plate surfaces and direct ink application. Course instruction includes: lectures, demonstrations, class critiques and direct, hands-on practice.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
ARTS 536 - Introduction Printmaking: Intaglio
Credits: 4
Study of intaglio printmaking techniques, including etching, dry point, and engraving. Lab.
Prerequisite(s): ARTS 532 with a minimum grade of C-.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
Special Fee: Yes
ARTS 538 - Introduction to Printmaking: Relief
Credits: 4
This class is an introduction to printmaking as an art form with emphasis on relief printing techniques. The history of print, both as a tool for communication and as an art medium, will be discussed. While this studio class will be comprised of project based, hands-on learning – lecture, live demos and the practice of documenting one’s process in a process notebook will also be included. Students will learn how to correctly use wood carving tools, oil-based ink and its modifiers, as well as safe handling of etching presses. We will be using nontoxic best-practices for using, storing and cleaning up printmaking ink as well as nontoxic studio maintenance. Students will engage with the relief printmaking techniques of block-print pattern design, multi-block woodcuts using a key block, 4-color reduction linocuts and printing with found objects. Each assignment will build on the last and all will include strategies for color printing, registration techniques and what it means to create an edition. They will also acquire skills in color separation, layering transparent colors to create a full spectrum, graphic depth and compositional considerations, planning a project in steps and safe studio practices. At the end of the semester students will have a solid foundation in the process of relief printmaking – as well as a buildable toolbox of skills that can be applied to other artistic mediums.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
View Course Learning Outcomes
- Basic skillset in a printmaking in general and relief/block printing in particular.
- Working knowledge of the tools and materials used in printmaking in general and relief/block printing in particular.
- Basic understanding of analytical thinking when making and talking about printmaking in general and relief/block printing in particular.
- Demonstrate development of artistry and the processes of design thinking.
ARTS 546 - Painting Design I: Perceptual Painting and Color Theory
Credits: 4
Color is the central formal issue in painting. This course explores in some detail all basic aspects of color, introducing color terms and examining the meaning of color contrast. Students become familiar with the color wheel and perform color-mixing assignments. Ideas about color are related to paintings done in class based on a variety of subjects. Students receive training on the essential vocabulary of color (as well as materials, techniques, etc.). Lectures on great colorist, critiques and outside assignments are also featured as part of the studio routine of this course.
Prerequisite(s): ARTS 532 with a minimum grade of C-.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
Special Fee: Yes
ARTS 551 - Introduction to Darkroom Photography
Credits: 4
This studio course introduces the fundamentals of photographic practice. Students learn technical aspects of exposure, developing and printing in the darkroom as they explore and respond to the visual qualities of the medium. The format includes class demonstrations, lab work, field assignments and critiques. Manual 35mm film camera will be provided.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
Special Fee: Yes
ARTS 552 - Introductory Digital Photography
Credits: 4
Introduction to the basic principles and applications of digital photography. The philosophical and technical relationship between camera and computer is an integral part of today's digital literacy needs. Techniques learned correspond to traditional darkroom processes and include creative shooting, editing and image manipulation. The students uses new skills and techniques towards developing a unique artistic vision. Digital camera required (point and shoot or DSLR).
Attributes: Environment,TechSociety(Disc)
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
Special Fee: Yes
ARTS 567 - Introductory Sculpture
Credits: 4
Introduces the beginning student to the theory and practice of designing three-dimensional compositions using a series of progressive assignments. The student develops a practical understanding of sculptural elements, including line, form, space, mass, and plane. Multiple materials are explored including clay, plaster, wire and wood. This course is a prerequisite to upper level sculpture workshop courses, which subsequently focus on in-depth investigations of a particular topic.
Attributes: FinePerformingArts(Discovery)
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
Special Fee: Yes
ARTS 596 - Special Topics in Studio Art
Credits: 4
Introductory level topics to be announced before registration. Topics can be either a lecture or studio course. May be repeated with different topics.
Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
ARTS 598 - An Artist's Life
Credits: 4
This course looks at the visual arts from the standpoint of artists. Biographies of artists and their environments are emphasized. Studio methods, professional activities, and ideas of historical and contemporary artists are also studied. The semester includes readings, discussions, and field trips. The course encourages students to develop ideas about the relationship of the visual arts to other disciplines in fine arts, literature and the sciences.
Attributes: Inquiry (Discovery)
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
ARTS 600 - Internship in Studio Art
Credits: 1-4
Internship can be taken for university elective credits or can be applied to a major concentration requirement with approval.
Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
ARTS 601 - Ceramics Workshop
Credits: 4
Application of new ceramic materials and techniques, with emphasis on ideas and their expression through form and content. Experimentation encouraged. Specific focus to be announced each semester. Lab.
Prerequisite(s): ARTS 501 with a minimum grade of C-.
Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 16 credits.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
Special Fee: Yes
ARTS 610 - Principles of Typography
Credits: 4
Introduction to the principles of typography. Students will explore the foundational elements and processes of typographic principles used in graphic design and publishing. Lectures will explore the history of typographic concepts and movements, while studio/lab sessions will enable students to develop their own projects and typographic designs. Students will develop basic proficiencies in design software programs.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
ARTS 611 - Animation and Motion Design
Credits: 4
This course is an introduction to animation and motion design, and will cover the history and aesthetics of animation and motion design, ways to think in time and space, techniques and methods for planning motion sequences, how to create and use storyboards and scripts, how to use live action video footage in your designs, and the use of motion-specific industry-standard software tools (AfterEffects, Flash, Premier and others).
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
ARTS 612 - Interaction & Game Design
Credits: 4
This course is an exploration of the principles of interaction design as they relate to physical and digital space, with a focus on designing user-centered artifacts, games, and experiences. Theoretical concepts like ethnography, user-testing, and the use of mapping in design will be explored. We will also examine the landscape of technology as it relates to interaction, and the use of appropriate tools and software to create prototypes and functioning digital designs.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
ARTS 613 - Design and Place
Credits: 4
This course is an exploration of designing objects and experiences for spaces and places, both physical and digital. This branch of design is known as experiential and/or environmental graphic design. Lectures will focus on wayfinding, sense making, accessibility and universal design, and others. Studio work will engage students in creating projects like signage systems, exhibition design, packaging and design for retail spaces, and 3-dimensional digital spaces.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
ARTS 614 - Design and People
Credits: 4
An exploration of designing with and for people and communities. How do designers create work for specific audiences, and how do they collaborate with people to make useful designs? Lectures will explore communication theory, user observation and ethnography, participatory design, modes of persuasion, system design, sustainability, how to design for niche audiences, and others. Studio work will focus on connecting students to specific audiences to create design projects that solve problems or address social issues.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
ARTS 625 - Wood/Furniture Design Workshop
Credits: 4
In this studio course students learn how to design and build furniture and non-functional objects using a variety of techniques, hand tools, and machines. Emphasis is on challenging and exploring creativity to examine preconceived ideas about what furniture forms should look like while developing a solid understanding of various techniques.
Prerequisite(s): ARTS 525 with a minimum grade of C-.
Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 16 credits.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
Special Fee: Yes
ARTS 636 - Printmaking Workshop
Credits: 4
Emphasis on development of the individual's imagery in lithography and/or intaglio, including an introduction to multicolor printmaking.
Prerequisite(s): ARTS 536 with a minimum grade of C- or ARTS 537 with a minimum grade of C-.
Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 16 credits.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
ARTS 640 - Drawing Workshop
Credits: 4
This is a studio course in drawing. This course will offer a range of conceptual, formal, material and technical content on a rotating basis. Each workshop will present a topic through which students will engage a variety of historical and cultural expressions as they develop their own work.
Prerequisite(s): ARTS 532 with a minimum grade of D-.
Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. May be repeated up to 3 times.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
View Course Learning Outcomes
- Conceptual, formal, material and technical understanding of drawing topics.
- Develop original works from research to design and execution.
- Develop a broad historical and cultural understanding of the drawing topics and subjects.
- Develop ability to articulate topic(s) through both visual and verbal expression.
- Engage in "design thinking" processes of experimentation and revision while addressing open-ended questions.
ARTS 651 - Photography Workshop
Credits: 4
Individualized projects involving creative methods, including color, manipulative, and documentary techniques. Students provide their own cameras. Lab.
Prerequisite(s): ARTS 551 with a minimum grade of C- or ARTS 552 with a minimum grade of C-.
Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 16 credits.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
Special Fee: Yes
ARTS 660 - Painting Workshop
Credits: 4
This is a studio course in painting. This course will offer a range of conceptual, formal, material and technical content on a rotating basis. Each workshop will present a topic through which students will engage a variety of historical and cultural expressions as they develop their own work.
Prerequisite(s): ARTS 546 with a minimum grade of D-.
Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. May be repeated up to 3 times.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
View Course Learning Outcomes
- Conceptual, formal, material and technical understanding of painting topics.
- Develop original works from research to design and execution.
- Develop a broad historical and cultural understanding of the drawing topics and subjects.
- Develop ability to articulate topic(s) through both visual and verbal expression.
- Engage in "design thinking" processes of experimentation and revision while addressing open-ended questions.
ARTS 667 - Sculpture Workshop
Credits: 4
Design and production of sculpture focusing on various materials and techniques and how they relate to composition and content. Emphasis on understanding visual language while developing an individual style. Lab.
Prerequisite(s): ARTS 567 with a minimum grade of C-.
Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
Special Fee: Yes
ARTS 780 - Advanced Studio Seminar
Credits: 4
Course provides a framework for individual art/design projects or to explore a specific topic within art/design, with a focus on interdisciplinary and/or hybrid making practices. The course will also cover professional practices within art/design (including portfolio development, social media practices, understanding job descriptions, creative resumes, and more). In-class sessions will include lectures about the creative process and professional practices, peer workshopping of project proposals and progress, critiques of work in progress, and discussions of related topics. Course is limited to studio art majors and minors; other advanced students may elect with instructor's permission. Any 3 studio arts (ARTS) courses, where 2 must be at the 600 level or above, required prior to taking this course.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
View Course Learning Outcomes
- Build and maintain a portfolio of creative work.
- Demonstrate the ability to conceive, plan and execute a complex semester-long project.
- Analyze job postings/opportunities and tailor resumes and cover letters to apply to those jobs.
- Differentiate and describe the differences between multiple types of creative careers/positions/opportunities.
- Demonstrate the ability to speak about creative work: that of other professionals and their own.
ARTS 791 - Art Education (Elementary)
Credits: 4
Children's creative growth as revealed through their visual expression. Development of elementary art education programs with emphasis on objectives, methods, materials and techniques to foster creativity. EDUC 500 is suggested to take prior to this course.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
ARTS 792 - Art Education (Secondary)
Credits: 4
The creative process in the visual arts in relation to the development and skills of middle and high school students in the public schools; mechanics of beginning and maintaining a secondary art program; exploring resources for art education programs on the secondary level. EDUC 500 is suggested to take prior to this course.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
ARTS 796 - Independent Study: Studio Art
Credits: 1-8
Open to highly qualified juniors or seniors who have completed the advanced level courses. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits with no more than 8 credits in a single medium. Same term multi-enrollment in different media only. A) Photography, B) Sculpture, C) Drawing, D) Painting, E) Printmaking, F) Watermedia, G) Design, H) Architectural Design, J) Ceramics, K) Wood Design. Special fee in some mediums. Written proposal and permission required.
Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
Special Fee: Yes
ARTS 798 - Seminar/Senior Thesis
Credits: 4-8
Readings and discussions oriented toward the intellectual premises of art. Culminates in mounting an exhibition of the student's work. Required of all students in the B.F.A program. Other advanced students may elect with instructor's permission. A year-long course; an IA grade (continuous course) will be given at the end of the first semester. Lab. B.F.A. majors must take 8 credits total. Special fee for Photography students.
Repeat Rule: May be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits.
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
Special Fee: Yes