Undergraduate
Online Academic Catalog
Art Courses
Quick Links
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.
70.101 Art Concepts I (studio)Credits: 3
Art Concepts I will focus on learning the visual language of the creative process through anexamination 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.
70.102 Art Concepts IICredits: 3
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 todiverse modes of thought, media, and aesthetic expression. Art majors only. Fall and Spring.
Pre-Req: 70.101 Art Concepts I (studio).
70.105 Tangible Interaction DesignCredits: 3
Tangible Interaction Design focuses on understanding how people interact with the designed things in the everyday world around us. The course is project-oriented with two significant projects and a series of smaller lab assignments. Through these assignments, students will learn elements of graphical communication and principles of interaction in computationally-enabled devices.
70.111 Art ColloquiumCredits: 3
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 theregion, 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.
70.113 Digital FoundationsCredits: 3
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.
Artbotics focuses on exploring the intersection among art, computer science, and robotics. The course is project-driven, and includes public exhibitions and service learning. Students 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. In the service learning component, students will mentor local high school students in the same topics. The course will also include guest lectures from practitioners in the fields.
70.201 Form And ContentCredits: 3
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 theintegration 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.
Pre-Req: 70.101 Art Concepts I (studio).
70.229 Typography IICredits: 3
70.230 TypographyCredits: 3
The study of lettering concepts and techniques, including the history of letters, styles and families of type, letter design, hand-drawn to computer-based lettering approaches and their effect and uses in communication. Emphasis will be on creative and aesthetic communication. Fall, alternate years.
Pre-Reqs: 70.101 Art Concepts I (studio), and 70.102 Art Concepts II.
70.231 Typography IICredits: 3
Continuation of 70.230
Pre-Req: 70.230 Typography.
Introduces students to the complexities involved in preparing their designs for print: electronic page layout and design, proofing, specifying inks, trapping, cropping, overprinting, printing separations, proofing, and more. Students will learn about the differences between preparing their design work electronically or manually and will learn more about the different printing processes that are available. Printing terminologies and printing industry standards will be covered. Field trips may be made to area printing companies for demonstrations on the print production process.
70.255 Drawing - Form and SpaceCredits: 3
Provides a foundation in basic drawing concepts using a variety of media and approaches. The emphasis is on building visual literacy and its application to the realm of ideas. A wide range of assignments are given to develop graphic expression.
70.259 PapermakingCredits: 3
The papermaking course is designed to explore paper, not just as a surface to receive an image, but as a material capable of being an artistic expression in and of itself. The course will explore the processes and techniques of making images in handmade paper, making images on handmade paper, making visual designs out of handmade paper and casting handmade paper into three-dimensional sculptural forms. Spring, alternate years.
Pre-Reqs: 70.101 Art Concepts I (studio), and 70.102 Art Concepts II.
70.261 Photography ICredits: 3
A foundation course that covers the basic camera and darkroom techniques as well as aesthetic principles. Emphasis will be on black and white film and paper emulsions. Students learn to develop and print their own photographs. Fall and Spring.
Pre-Reqs: 70.101 Art Concepts I (studio), and 70.102 Art Concepts II.
This course will offer the student a transition between traditional photographic imaging and digital photographic imaging. The course will cover the fundamentals of digital scanning, digital capture and image manipulation. Image preparation for other media will also be explored. Basic familiarity with the Mac OS and/or Windows platforms required.
6 Contact Hours required for Day School students.
Co-Req: 70.265 Computer Art I.
70.264 Computer Graphics & IllustrationCredits: 3
Students will produce a number of illustrations, starting with the traditional approach to illustration and then rendering their concepts using computer illustration and imaging software. Topics include methods for rendering artwork, capturing an expressive illustrative style, and portraying different moods or messages within the illustration. Students will learn to illustrate effectively using the many tools available to them within several software applications.
70.265 Computer Art ICredits: 3
An aesthetics and communications course using the computer as the primary tool for translating art ideas into physical form. The emphasis will be on practical usages of existing Macintosh software as a means of creation.
70.266 Alternative Photo ProcessingCredits: 3
Pre-Req: 70.261Photography I.
70.267 PrintmakingCredits: 3
An introduction to basic printmaking processes and aesthetics with the emphasis on etching. The approach is concept oriented, emphasizing experimentation and exploration on an individual level to communicate ideas. Fall.
Pre-req: 70.101, 70.102, 70.113, 70.201, 70.255, and 70.355
A course in the systematic study of color and color theory to sharpen visual acuity, stimulate creativity and develop a greater facility in the use of color. Spring.
Pre-Reqs: 70.101, 70.102, 70.201, 70.255 and 70.355.
70.271 Painting ICredits: 3
Presents oil painting techniques as vehicles for serious creative expression. A variety of assignments will be given to help the student build proficiency in the use of color, paint handling, and subject matter.
Pre-Reqs: 70.255 Drawing I and 70.355 Drawing II.
70.273 Water Media StudioCredits: 3
The technical and creative use of water based media as they apply to fine arts and graphic design. Assignments in acrylic, gouache, watercolor, and ink are designed to stimulate independent thinking. A final self-assigned project is required.
The exploration of three-dimensional form through the use of basic materials, methods and approaches. Assignments will include expressive problems based on human and non-objective form relationships. Spring.
Pre-Reqs: 70.101 Art Concepts I (studio), and 70.102 Art Concepts II.
70.279 Introduction To Graphic DesignCredits: 3
70.281 Ceramics ICredits: 3
Introduces the student to the basic hand-building techniques, wheel throwing, and ceramic sculpture. The course will also examine clay, the material, glaze techniques, and firing processes.
70.291 Graphic Design ICredits: 3
Exercises, lectures and projects will introduce students to graphic design principles and techniques. Course will begin with a fundamental study of image, form, and space relations, then cover such topics as working with grids, typography basics, page layout, the introduction of color, rendering techniques, history, and more. Students will be assigned a series of projects to enhance their visual communication skills.
Pre-Reqs: 70.255 Drawing I and 70.355 Drawing II.
70.297 Studio WorkshopCredits: 3
Presents a study of studio problems in visual structures and organization, as well as an exploration of various media and techniques. Topics will vary. This course may be repeated.
70.299 Studio WorkshopCredits: 3
In this course you will learn how to develop your own ideas and artistic voice. Using the tools available to graphic designers and artists, you will work independently on several projects. You will explore visual representation through literal applications, metaphors, visual poetry, and studies in abstraction. The theme for the semester being autobiography, you will gather information from your personal lives to inform each project. Research and project development are important components of the course.
Pre-req: 70.101, 70.102, 70.113, 70.201, 70.255, and 70.355
70.325 Ceramics IICredits: 3
Building on Ceramics I as an introductory course, Ceramics II will ask the student to explore functional and nonfunctional ceramic form. Students will be expected to challenge themselves with scale, advanced glaze methods and they will become familiar with kiln firings. Historical and contemporary issues in ceramics will be covered through lectures, slide presentations and critiques.
Pre-Req: 70.281 Ceramics I.
70.345 Sonic ArtsCredits: 3
70.355 Drawing IICredits: 3
The emphasis is on giving form to ideas through building a solid sense of visual literacy. Assignments include a wide range of color media, surface, and subject matter with the focus on the psychological and structural use of color, creative experimentation, and the development of personal style. Fall and spring.
Pre-Req: 70.255 Drawing I.
70.359 Sculpture IICredits: 3
A course allowing the student to further develop his or her techniques and understanding of sculptural form, leading to a more personal vocabulary. Conventional techniques will be extended to cover more contemporary materials and methods. Spring, alternate years.
70.360 Aesthetic/Critical Graphic DesignCredits: 3
70.361 Photography IICredits: 3
An advanced course in black and white photography that includes instruction in technique and vision. Emphasis will be on development of a cohesive body of work in photography.
Pre-Req: 70.261Photography I.
70.365 Computer Art IICredits: 3
Designed to focus on advanced projects using the Macintosh platform. Focus is on design, layout, animation and video.
Exploration of the one-of-a-kind "painter's print ". Emphasis is on the development of personal expression through a variety of assignments and techniques. Three portfolios of prints are required, two with assigned topics, and one with a self-assigned theme. Fall, alternate years.
Pre-Reqs: 70.255 Drawing I and 70.355 Drawing II.
70.370 Figure DrawingCredits: 3
The study of the draped and undraped figure from life, stressing both sound observation and the creative use of human form as a vehicle for personal expression. A variety of assignments, graphic media, and approaches will be given in order to help explore both philosophical and aesthetic issues. Fall, alternate years.
70.371 Painting IICredits: 3
Designed to allow students to develop individual style and approach to content through a series of self-initiated paintings. Students will work closely with the instructor to develop a cohesive series that has a sound philosophical and aesthetic basis. Spring, alternate years.
Pre-Req: 70.271 Painting Form & Space.
70.372 2D AnimationCredits: 3
This course will provide students with the fundamental understanding about the process and the concepts in animation for narrative and experimental expression. Preproduction including scripting and storyboarding will be especially emphasized. Hybrid techniques in both traditional and digital animations including hand-drawing, stop-motion, rotoscoping, pixilation as well as tweening will be introduced. Static and kinetic aesthetics of moving images will be explored through the review of historic and contemporary animations, and through the production. Students from this course will make a much smoother transition to 3D animation courses, Language of Video, Interactive media as well as Web Design/Art. The course will also introduce the student to historical and contemporary perspectives related to the discipline.
Pre-Reqs: 70.101, 70.102, 70.111, 70.201, 70.255, 70.355 and 70.265, or Instructor permission.
70.373 Professional PhotographyCredits: 3
A professional level course in advertising product and studio portrait photography. Students willlearn view camera techniques as well as principles of lighting using strobe equipment. Fall, alternate years.
This course will focus mainly on the forms, materials, and composition of 3D computer grahics in the various environments. Students will explore the possibility of 3D computer graphics for creative expression as well as innovative visual communications such as animation, game, sculpture, print and design. Rendering, lighting and camera as well as material and texturing techniques will be also explored. The course will also introduce the student to historical and contemporary perspectives related to the discipline.
Pre-Reqs: 70.101, 70.102, 70.111, 70.201, 70.255, 70.355 and 70.265, or Instructor permission.
70.375 Language of VideoCredits: 3
An introductory course in video camera principles and editing functions. Utilizing writing and still photography, students will explore the language of video in both images and sound as they produce factual documents and/or personal fiction.
Pre-Reqs: 70.113 Digital Foundations,71.101 Art Concepts I (studio), 71.102 Art Concepts II, and 71.201 Form & Content.
70.376 3D Animation ICredits: 3
Students will learn the fundamentals of computer generated 3D modeling and animation. the emphasis will be on virtual sculpting, digital cinematography as well as the fundamental process of animation production including script & concept development, storyboarding, modeling, animating, rendering and post-production. Various independent short animations will be screened for aesthetic and critical inquiry along with the lectures dedicated to the production techniques. The course will also introduce the student to historical and contemporary perspectives related to the discipline.
Pre-Reqs: 70.101, 70.102, 70.111, 70.201, 70.255, 70.355 and 70.372, or Instructor permission.
70.377 Advanced AnimationCredits: 3
This advanced-level course is designed for students who have completed 3D Computer Animation and who are interested in exploring the narrative possibilities in animation. Conceptual drawings and storyboarding will be required. The course will cover advanced sequencing, motion paths, editing, audio, and virtual environments. Special effects compositing will be introduced. Other course topics will include media preparation for output to film, video, and CD-ROM. Basic familiarity with Mac OS and/or Windows platforms required.
70.378 Interactive MediaCredits: 3
This course will introduce the student to the processes of game conceptualization and game prototyping. Immersive and interactive media will be explored. Interactive, engaging game design will be emphasized. Conceptual drawings, storyboarding, 3D modeling and multimedia authoring will be employed. Proficiency in 3D model building and familiarity with Mac OS and/or Windows platforms required.
Pre-Reqs: 70.113 Digital Foundations,71.101 Art Concepts I (studio), 71.102 Art Concepts II, and 71.201 Form & Content.
70.379 Website DesignCredits: 3
This course will focus on the creation of visual content for the web and will explore what constitutes a visually exciting and engaging site. Other topics that will be covered are: file formats, compression, web color strategies, and platform standards. Basic familiarity with Mac OS and/or Windows platforms required.
Pre-Reqs: 70.113 Digital Foundations,71.101 Art Concepts I (studio), 71.102 Art Concepts II, and 71.201 Form & Content.
70.381 Advanced Game DesignCredits: 3
This advanced level course is designed for students who have completed Interactive Game Design and who are interested in exploring interactive game strategies and multilevel game design. Basic familiarity with Mac OS and/or Windows platforms required.
70.384 Advanced Web DesignCredits: 3
This advanced-level course is designed for students who have completed Website Development (90.238) and Website Design (70.379). The course will cover advanced topics such as user-centered design, information architecture, testing, and usage analysis. Students will have the opportunity to further develop their design, development, and conceptualization skills.
Pre-Req: 70.379 Web Design.
70.385 Streaming Media for the WebCredits: 3
This is an advanced course for those with intermediate or advanced ability in World Wide Web technology who want to explore the use of continuous feed, streaming audio, video, and 3D virtual worlds. The course will examine current technologies with special attention to emerging protocols and standards for audio and video publishing. Basic familiarity with Mac OS and/or Windows platforms required.
Pre-Req: 70.379 Web Design.
70.389 Web Design IIICredits: 3
Pre-Reqs: 70.379 Web Design and 70.384 Adv Web Design.
70.390 Illustration StudioCredits: 3
This course provides students with a variety of experiences involving skills and techniques including computer use related to the execution of illustrations for children's books, fashion drawings, record albums, book jackets, folders, posters, and magazines. Field trips, discussions related to job opportunities and preparation of portfolios are integral parts of the instruction. Fall.
70.391 Graphic Design IICredits: 3
Students will be assigned a variety of advanced-level projects dealing with areas such as logo design, publication design, interactive screen design, direct mail projects, corporate identity systems, poster design, and more. Projects in this class are designed to better develop the students' ability to take a project to its final stage and render it as a professional portfolio piece.
Pre-req: 70.291 Graphic Design and 70.230 Typography.
70.395 Advertising Design StudioCredits: 3
Instruction in lettering, layout of commercial media as well as in the creative aspects of advertising is an integral part of the course. Practical problems, field trips, and technical guidance from preliminary layouts to finished work will help prepare students for the commercial art field. Spring.
Pre-Reqs: 70.291 Graphic Design I and 70.391 Graphic Design II.
70.397 Art and CopyCredits: 3
The real world of advertising incorporates selling words and memorable images in a dynamic visual/verbal design unit. As copywriters and art directors, students learn to think pictures and see words as they prepare advertising campaign concepts for a variety of products and media, including print and television. Spring, alternate years.
Pre-Reqs: 70.291 Graphic Design I and 70.391 Graphic Design II.
70.398 Documentary ImageCredits: 3
In a world of increasing manipulation, documentary photographs still astound us with their visual truths. In this course, students will utilize words and images "the primary tools of the photojournalist " to explore the significant issues of our time. Works by Fenton, O'Sullivan, Gardner, Riis, Hine, Bourke-White, Lange, Smith, Davidson, Salgado, Mark and others are studied for content, style, and inspiration. Fall, alternate years.
70.399 Web Design IIICredits: 3
70.400 Portfolio Production SeminarCredits: 3
This course is designed to help students to organize their work into a professional package and prepare it for presentation. Students may decide to rework existing portfolio pieces or complete additional design projects to enhance their existing portfolios and fully demonstrate their design capabilities. Mock interviews will be conducted in which students will have an opportunity to discuss their work. Includes an end-of-semester portfolio review.
70.425 Ceramics IIICredits: 3
Ceramics III will require students to develop a personal visual voice in clay, resulting in a focused coherent body of work. Students will be expected to develop productive studio habits, continue to explore advanced glaze methods and participate in kiln firings.
Pre-Req: 70.281 Ceramics I.
70.461 Photography WorkshopCredits: 3
Pre-Req: 70.261Photography I.
70.471 Painting IIICredits: 3
70.475 Sculpture IIICredits: 3
70.490 Graphic Design IIICredits: 3
Pre-Reqs: 70.291/391 Graphic Design I & II and 70.230/231 Typography I & II.
70.491 Advanced StudioCredits: 3
In order to enable students to expand expression in areas of their choice, they may repeat any studio course that is the most advanced offered in that given subject. They will be given more freedom within assignments and be expected to perform on a more advanced level.
70.492 Advanced StudioCredits: 3
In order to enable students to expand expression in areas of their choice, they may repeat any studio course that is the most advanced offered in that given subject. They will be given more freedom within assignments and be expected to perform on a more advanced level. Fall and Spring.
70.494 Directed StudyCredits: 3
A special problem in studio art is investigated through conferences and studio work.
70.495 Advanced TutorialCredits: 3
A program of directed studies which affords the advanced students an opportunity to pursue a previously explored problem in greater depth. The purpose is to sharpen and refine skill, content and presentation.
70.496 Practicum/InternshipCredits: 3
The Practicum/Internship is an on-campus or off-campus learning experience. Specific requirements will vary depending on department policies and the nature of the program undertaken by the student. The practicum experience is to provide an occasion for practical experience in an area of particular interest to the student.
70.497 Senior StudioCredits: 6
This course is designed to culminate four years of art experience for the BFA studies. The development of personal approach to media and idea is emphasized. Each student will be responsible for developing a self-assigned thematic concern. No assignments will be made by the instructor who will act only as an advisor and coordinator. Course evaluation is by the Senior Studio Review Committee. Enrollment restricted to majors in BFA program. Fall and Spring.
Academic Plan Fine Arts (BFA) and Level Senior Standing.
79.203 Survey of Art: Prehistoric to MedievalCredits: 3
79.225 Photography: Past to PresentCredits: 3
79.255 Aesthetics Critical Study PhotographyCredits: 3
Examination of issues of content, theory, and criticism in contemporary and traditional art and culture. Topics vary.
Pre-Reqs: 58.203 History of Art:Preh-Med and 58.204 Hist of Art II: Ren-Mod.
Examination of the aesthetic theories and practice of graphic design. Significant practitioners of the art will be highlighted.
Examination of the aesthetic theories and practice of new media. Significant practitioners of the art will be highlighted.
This film theory seminar has several main objectives: to study the production of meaning in films; to analyze how moving images are used in social representation; and to introduce students to the visual and critical language of cinema. In this course, we will view a series of films by international authors. These address some of the most pressing issues of today's global world such as identity, subjectivity, difference and otherness, race relations, representations of gender and sexuality, immigration, war, colonialism and post-colonialism, poverty, and social inequalities. The films that we watch will be studied not as isolated cinematic texts but as illustrations and examples of theories of representation. Students will develop their critical analysis skills by being introduced to theoretical concepts such as "the gaze" in art and cinema as well as formal elements such as mise-in-scene, cinematography, editing, and sound.
Pre-req: 42.102 College Writing II, This is a 300 level course intended for Junior and Seniors.
79.490 Aesthics and Critical Studies SeminarCredits: 3
79.494 Directed Study in Aesthetic ConceptsCredits: 3
An individual supervised research project relating to questions of aesthetic interpretation and understandings. Fall and Spring.
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". Fall and Spring.