Art – Art Studies (BA)

Working from supplies that can be found at the local hardware store, explores how manual and material modes of making can open up to creative thinking. Through a series of units that introduce the fundamentals of 3D construction, simultaneously looks at how such skills are being used in contemporary art and how they can become useful. This is achieved through weekly lectures, readings and hands-on studio assignments.

Introduces photography as both a social phenomenon and a creative expression. Explores personal and cultural relationships to photography and investigates the role that images play in our everyday experiences. Through readings, lectures, shooting assignments, peer critiques and discussions, students practice making images as well as interpreting photographs as a visual language. Introduces photography basics of vision, light, composition, camera controls and digital workflow. Class readings and lectures address contemporary and historical photographers and various philosophical and technical approaches to the medium. Encourages students to use whatever cameras they have access to and likely already use on a regular basis, be it a DSLR or an iPhone.

Effective, efficient, practical and innovative computer-aided visual communication has become essential for business in the contemporary art market. Serves as an introduction to computing in art and design fields. Students use computers to create, design, analyze and problem solve through the exploration of visual design software, fundamental elements of computer-aided design, and peer feedback.

Immerses students from a broad range of non-art disciplines in the practice of drawing. Considers and reflects on drawing in its most expanded form: as a primary tool of communication and creative problem solving, as movement, as sensory experience and as its own unique method of cognition. Divides class meetings among lectures, exercises, field excursions and opportunities for critical dialogue. Students leave with an appreciation of the unique power of mark-making and an improved understanding of its application in their lives.