Illustration

Surface, Space and Time is founded on the idea that visual design and its building blocks are universal across all creative applications. In this studio course students further their own ideas, experimenting with line, plane, shape, form, texture, value, color, space and time in relation to design principles. Students produce a range of projects diverse in media, acquire a broad set of basic studio skills and discover critical ways of thinking about their work. Students also encounter more mediums and applications through field trips and guest lectures (Course requires a $200 class fee)

Studio for Research and Practice introduces students to a focused and research driven coursework. Built upon foundations from Surface, Space & Time projects in this course are research and student driven to investigate contextual elements of language and image making as the language in various art forms including filmmaking. Projects will experiment with various image making/framing processes for investigation and interpretation of images as the language in different forms. (COR 101; Course requires a $200 class fee)

A critical and analytical study of significant events, personalities, and technological advances that have contributed to the global history of graphic design. This comprehensive course is a critical and analytical study of the factors contributing to the history of graphic design.

Through directed projects, this course will explore basic type design and its practical applications. Students will be introduced to expressive and conceptual use of type and will end the semester with an in-depth knowledge of typographic terminology, and an appreciation for the artistry of typographic forms. (COR 101; Co-requisite COR 102)

Through observational drawing this course explores the various historical methods used to describe the rhythms and structures of the human figure. The primary modes are: gesture, sighting and measuring, planar analysis (including linear perspective), contour drawing, anatomical analysis, and both optical and planar use of value. There will also be an introduction to the narrative use of the human figure in contemporary practices. (COR 102)

This course is an introduction to advertising design and focuses on developing strong creative advertising concepts. Through directed projects students will research, write creative objectives, and develop advertising that is highly conceptual and on target with creative work plans. (COR 102; GRD 121)

The introductory course provides an understanding of the illustration process and its role as an art form that reflects, serves, and advances contemporary culture. Class assignments parallel professional practice. (COR 102)

Art History Special Topic Series
Lecture 3 Credit HoursA lecture course covering specific areas of art history, allowing the exploration of topical issues too narrow for the broader concerns of survey courses. The subjects rotate on a yearly basis. (ART 102)

ART 222A        Contemporary Practices
Lecture 3, Credit Hours
This course is designed to address specific genres and trends in contemporary art theory as well as potential investigations and examinations of studio art practices. This course is broadly designed but may allow for specific investigations into fields of inquiry or a theoretical investigation into alternative studio practices. This course places emphasis on understanding works of art within their cultural, social, political, economic, and biographical contexts.

ART 222B New Media
Lecture, 3 Credit Hours
This lecture course examines theories of new media art and the attempts to delineate its history and presence in art and culture. This course explores a different proposition of new media art, one that understands its disruptive as well as transformative capacity by transgressing the convention of visual language. This course seeks an understanding of the unique position that new media art occupies within but also distinct from the broad scheme of contemporary art production and an understanding of its critical relevance and creative potential in articulating and advancing artistic and cultural inquiries in the context of a post-industrial, posthuman society.

ART 222C Social Practice vs. Disinterested Object
Lecture, 3 Credit Hours
This lecture course traces a history of social practice in art and investigate as a group the current critiques, debates and issues surrounding its current state in relation to its historical context. The course examines social practice from 1920 to present and touch on the key movements and artists including Dada, Situationism, Fluxus, Happenings, Social Sculpture, New Genre Public Art, art and activism, network art, Social Aesthetics and Relational Aesthetics.

ART 222D Non-Western Cultures
Lecture, 3 Credit Hours
This lecture course examines visual arts produced in non-Western cultures from prehistory to the present. Students follow the development of fine and popular art in select countries and geographical areas around the world, learning how to distinguish styles and movements. Social, political, religious, mythological, and economic factors are discussed, as well as instances of contact, influence, and cross-fertilization.

This is an introductory computer course with an emphasis on digital design, imaging, and publishing software. Students are introduced to Macintosh OSX and learn basic skills utilizing Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. (COR 102, GRD 121)

This is an intermediate computer course with an emphasis on digital design and imaging. Students learn advanced computer skills and techniques related to the graphic design industry utilizing Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. (GRD 230)

This is an advanced computer course with an emphasis on digital design and illustration. Students learn advanced computer skills and techniques related to the graphic design industry utilizing current software. (GRD 231)

During the spring semester of their Sophomore year Illustration majors will present portfolios containing projects from GRD 210, ILN 221, and GRD 231 for review by Watkins Faculty. (Co-requisites: GRD 210, ILN 221, GRD 231)

The course challenges students to develop theme-based visual solutions to problems targeting specific audiences and markets. Assignments parallel professional practice. (ILN 221)

The course will explore sequential imagery, character development, storyboards, and concept drawings essential in the production of successful picture book illustrations. Students will develop a cohesive body of work that represents a singular visual voice. (ILN 321. Formerly GRD 321)

An introduction to multimedia design with an emphasis on website creation. Students gain an understanding of the terminology, development tools, and fundamental skills (including learning HTML, CSS, etc.) related to designing a successful website. Current software applications such as Dreamweaver and Photoshop are learned as appropriate to the process. (COR 102; GRD 230)

Building on skills learned in Web Development I, students continue to gain an understanding of the terminology, development tools, and fundamental skills (including learning HTML, CSS, ActionScript, etc.) related to designing a successful website. Current software applications such as Dreamweaver, and Photoshop are learned as appropriate to the process. (GRD 341)

This course will cover production methods, standard business practices, pricing and ethical guidelines for the graphic designer. (Co-requisite GRD 310)

Building on learned skills and principles in beginning and intermediate level courses, students will produce an advanced, cohesive portfolio of work for deployment in print, digital media, and/or gallery environment. (ILN 322)

An analysis of art, archeology and history in the Pre-historic, Ancient World, Middle Ages, into the Early Renaissance. The focus is on art, architecture and relevant cultural context in the development of Western Art using contemporary methods and theories. Some non-Western history and themes will be included for context.

This survey of art begins in the High Renaissance and continues through the 1990s, focusing on European and American Art. Using current methods and theories in art history, specific artworks, artists and styles are discussed stressing the social, political, philosophic and individual influences.

Principles and practices of effective oral communication. Readings, lectures, and in-class exercises focusing on the preparation and delivery of four major presentations. Emphasis is on research and critical thinking to develop and support ideas, effective organizational and presentational techniques, ethics and responsibilities in public communication, effective listening, and insightful critique.

An overview of the conventions of grammar and an emphasis on effective expository and persuasive writing, with attention on the principles of research techniques and expressing thoughts and ideas clearly.

English Composition II is a continuation of English Composition I. This course emphasizes critical reading, writing, and analysis of texts with particular attention to research methods and writing. This course also provides an introduction to the study of literature and students are expected to demonstrate understanding and use of essay techniques in the form of literary analysis. (ENG 101)

A survey of the cultural, social, economic, and political aspects of significant civilizations from prehistory through the Seventeenth Century.

A survey of the cultural, social, economic, and political aspects of significant civilizations from the Eighteenth Century to the present. (HIS 101)

A study of basic mathematics, algebra, and geometry as these show demonstrated use in modern life with applications to art and design.

Natural Science Requirement (select one)*

SCI 310 History of Scientific Thought
Lecture, 3 Credit Hours
An examination of some of the breakthrough theories in the history of science and of the minds that conceived them. The effect upon society and culture of these thinkers as well as the general course of empirical thinking is addressed. (ENG 102)

SCI 315 Biology in the Visual Arts
Lecture, 3 Credit Hours
This course combines formal instruction in the core concepts of biology with artistic exploration of biological phenomena, ideas, discoveries, questions, or research techniques to be selected by each student individually. (ENG 102)

Social Science Requirement (select one)

ANT 101 Anthropology
Lecture, 3 Credit hours
An overview of key elements in the study of early cultures, with an emphasis on selected early societies, their basic belief systems, myths, and values thereby generating respect for diversity. Can fulfill social science requirement or serve as a General Education elective.

HUM 210 Gender Studies
Lecture, 3 Credit hours
This course is a historical investigation of how specific cultures represent gender difference. Students examine a variety of cultural forms and phenomena including film, television, literature, music, popular movements, and institutions. Can fulfill social science requirement or serve as a General Education elective. (ENG 102)

PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology
Lecture, 3 Credit hours
This course is an introduction of human mental processes and behavior. This course serves as an overview of the history of psychology and the major fields within psychology with an emphasis on developing an understanding of psychology as the science of human thought and behavior. Can fulfill social science requirement or serve as a General Education elective.

Painting I is a beginning painting course that emphasizes the manipulation of paint and visual form. Observational painting will introduce the student to traditional/historical uses of paint and painting tools. Research and experimentation expands the students’ painting vocabulary and begin to clarify historical and personal choices. (COR 102)

This intermediate typography course emphasizes expressive and experimental type. Students match type with message, manipulate type, and explore other creative uses of type. (COR 102; GRD 121)

This is an introduction to basic photography, providing a foundation in lens-based still photographic techniques and practices. Emphasis is placed on developing technical skills with digital and film cameras and digital printing, and with gaining a critical awareness of the photographic medium through assignments and critiques. A digital camera with manual exposure and RAW file capture is required. Film cameras may be loaned to students as needed. (COR 102)