Courses
70.100 | Artbotics
This course is designed for students in a variety of majors to explore the intersection between Art and Computer Science, especially Robotics, through community-based public exhibitions and service-learning experience. In this project-driven class, you will learn founding principles in both the fields of Art and Computer Science, and put them into practice by creating interactive, tangible exhibits that are displayed in public settings. The knowledge and experience gained during the class will be further deepened by the service learning experience of mentoring high school students in the community. The course will also include guest lectures from practitioners in Art and Computer Science. 4 credits.
70.101 | Art Concepts I
Art Concepts I will focus on learning the visual language of the creative process through an examination of the principles of two-dimensional visual organization. These fundamental basics form the underlying structure of all studio and communication arts. Through slide lecture, guest lecturers, field trips, and studio projects, students will begin to understand the many forms that visual expression takes. The course will develop creative problem solving skills and students will learn to respond to personal challenge. Students will also be instructed in the principles of professional execution and be introduced to diverse modes of thought, media, and aesthetic expression. Fall and Spring. 3 credits.
70.102 | Art Concepts II
Art Concepts II will focus on learning the visual language of the creative process through an examination of the principles of three-dimensional visual organization. These fundamental basics form the underlying structure of architecture, environmental graphic design, product design and sculpture. Through slide lecture, guest lecturers, field trips, and studio projects, students will begin to understand the many forms that three-dimensional expression takes. The course will develop creative problem solving skills and students will learn to respond to personal challenge. Students will also be instructed in the principles of professional execution and be introduced to diverse modes of thought, media, and aesthetic expression. Art majors only. Fall and Spring. 3 credits. Pre-Requisite: 70.101 Art Concepts I (studio).
70.111 | Art Colloquium
The colloquium component of Art Foundations will introduce the student to the major occupations in the fields of art and design and continue to introduce diverse modes of thought, media, and aesthetic expression. The course will also give students exposure to the art resources of the region, including museums, galleries and art supply stores. Through a series of slide lectures, visiting artists, films, field trips, studio projects and writing assignments students will develop critical and analytical observation and thinking skills. Art majors only. Fall and Spring. 3 credits.
70.113 | Digital Foundations
This course explores the computer as a tool of the visual language. Topics included are raster and vector-based image making, art for the internet & mobile devices, and current image capture and output methods. This course will introduce Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash and a basic programming with the aim of expanding the artist's toolkit. Lectures, readings, and discussions will provide an overview of history and contemporary ideas on the use of computers in art. Art majors only. 3 credits
70.201 | Form and Content
Form and Content is considered the capstone course of the Art Foundations Requirement. Through a variety of studio assignments and individual projects students will explore the integration of humanities related concepts and develop an understanding of how visual artists think, live and function in the twenty first century. As part of the course requirements students will participate in the foundations exhibition at the end of the semester. Art majors only. Fall and Spring. 3 credits. Pre-Requisite: 70.101 Art Concepts I (studio).
Every student in our BFA Program automatically gets a minor in Aesthetics and Critical Studies. Over six courses students are introduced to Art History and Contemporary Art in practice and theory. They explore issues critical to working artists and designers today such as the impact of visual culture on everyday life, how new media such as digital photography and computers have effected the traditional arts, as well as the role of images in contemporary globalization from mass media to marketing. In these courses they become literate in visual culture, a necessary tool in their future careers.
Courses
79.221 | Aesthetics And Critical Studies of Contemporary Art
A study of late 20th Century movements in painting, sculpture, architecture, cinema, design, and multi-media and how they relate to 21st Century contemporary culture. 3 credits.
79.255 | Aesthetics & Critical Studies of Photography
The course Aesthetics and Critical Studies of Photography is a survey and analysis of the history of photography that concentrates on the aesthetic development of the medium from a scientific discovery to an artist’s tool. European as well as American photographers will be studied ranging from Talbot, Nadar and Cameron to today’s contemporary masters. 3 credits.
79.352 | Aesthetics & Critical Studies of Contemporary Art
and Culture
This course will be a study and examination of content, theory, and criticism in contemporary art and culture. 3 credits.
79.360 | Aesthetics & Critical Studies of Graphic Design
This course will be a study and examination of the aesthetic theories and practices of graphic design. Significant practitioners of the art will be highlighted. 3 credits.
79.361 | Aesthetics & Critical Studies of New Media
This course will be a study and examination of the aesthetic theories and practices of new media art. Significant practitioners of the art will be highlighted. 3 credits.
79.490 | Aesthetics and Critical Studies Seminar
This course will be an advanced study and examination of particular aesthetic concepts. Prerequisite: permission of instructor and department. Topics vary. 3 credits.
Directed study courses are available only to art majors and may be elected provided that 1) the material to be covered is not available in departmental course offerings, 2) instructor is willing to undertake a directed studies course, and 3) no more than three hours of credit in the major field is acquired through directed studies Aesthetics and Critical Studies enrollments.
Courses
79.494 Directed Study in Aesthetics and Critical Studies
This course provides the opportunity for an individual supervised research project relating to questions of aesthetic interpretation and understandings. Prerequisite: permission of instructor and Department. Fall and Spring. 3 credits.
79.496 Practicum/Internship in Aesthetics and Critical Studies
A program of on-campus and/or off-campus experiences for art majors only. Specific requirements will vary depending upon department policies and the nature of the program undertaken by the student. The intent of the practicum experience is to provide an occasion for investigation of a community, social, cultural or artistic area and for applying techniques of problem solving and/or credits. Students will be graded “satisfactory” or “unsatisfactory.” Prerequisite: permission of the Department and instructor. Fall and Spring. 3 credits.