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Art and Graphic Design Course List and Descriptions
A 101 Art Appreciation (3) 
This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of the visual arts. The course focuses on the analysis, description, and interpretation of art, the importance of art in the contemporary world, and the historical aspects of art and its influence on western culture.
A 103 Two-Dimensional Design (3)
This course provides an introductory study of the elements and principles of two-dimensional design. Emphasis will be placed on two-dimensional spatial organization. A variety of materials and approaches will be explored and applied.
A 104 Three-Dimensional Design (3)
This studio design course covers the elements and principles of three-dimensional design. Course projects will deal with the linear and planar aspects of 3-D design as well as the structural concepts of volume, mass, and form.
A 105 Prints I (3)
This course provides an introduction to the tools, methods, and techniques used in intaglio and relief printing processes. Emphasis will be placed on the variety of ways to create an intaglio plate, such as etching, soft mezzotint, engraving, aquatint, and drypoint. Relief processes such as linocut and woodcut will also be included.
A 107 Drawing I (3)
This course will cover the fundamentals of drawing as applied to the realistic and expressive representation of objects through the use of various media, approaches, and techniques. Emphasis will be placed on composition, line, value, texture, and spatial relationships.
A 108 Drawing II (3)
Prerequisite: A 107
This class continues the investigation of various drawing media with an emphasis on creative expression. The course will cover techniques as well as compositional problems. Subject matter will include still life, landscape, the figure, and invented compositions.
A 110 Painting I (3)
This course will provide a brief history of painting and an introduction to the color wheel and various painting techniques. The course will emphasize the use of oil and acrylic paint, and projects will deal with line, color, form, texture, and space in both representational and non-objective subject matter.
A 111 Painting II (3)
Prerequisite: A 110
This course will provide a continuation of Painting I concepts and will also emphasize individual expression and exploration.
Syllabus • Locations and Class Schedule
A 112 Ceramics I (3)
This course will provide an introduction to the use of clay as an art medium. The course will cover traditional techniques used in hand-building and wheel thrown forming methods and will also introduce ceramic glazes, slips, stains, and firing methods.
A 113 Typography (3)
This course will provide a study of the principles of contemporary typographic design. The course will focus on size, form, contrast, color, spacing, and design of the printed word and printed page. Typography production from traditional letterpress through photomechanical processes will also be discussed. The course will provide an introduction to the Macintosh computer and the latest graphic design software.
A 114 Watercolor I (3)
This is a fundamental course in the use of color via the medium of watercolor. Skill development and color theory are areas of emphasis. A small amount of emphasis will also be given to other water-based media. Students will find a basic understanding of drawing concepts helpful. Drawing I recommended (not required).
Syllabus • Locations and Class Schedule
A 115 Watercolor II (3)
Prerequisite: A 114 Watercolor I
This is an advanced course in the use of color via the medium of watercolor. Personal development and color theory are areas of emphasis. Attention will be being placed on the development of personal skills and techniques. The course will also be concerned with a study of some of the experimental techniques, which can be used to produce a watercolor painting. Other water-based media may be explored at the discretion of the student.
Syllabus • Locations and Class Schedule
A 117 Ceramics II (3)
Prerequisite: A 112
This course continues the instruction and skill building begun in Ceramics I. The course will emphasize the development of sound clay design and form and will cover contemporary hand-building and throwing techniques, as well as kiln firing and glaze formulation.
A 121 Design Software Applications (3)
This course provides an introduction to computer hardware, software, and peripherals commonly used by graphic designers and professional artists. Students will complete projects using graphic design software.
A 201 Art History Survey: Prehistoric to Medieval (3)
This course provides an introductory survey of the art and architecture of the Western world from Prehistoric times through the Early Renaissance. Because of the extensive time period and the number of civilizations being examined, the course will focus on art objects and monuments that are most representative and significant for each historical period. A broad range of art forms will be examined, including monumental architecture, sculpture, ceramics, paintings (including frescoes, mosaics, and manuscripts), textiles, and metalwork.
A 202 Art History Survey: Renaissance to Contemporary (3)
This course provides an introductory survey of the art and architecture of the Western world from the Renaissance through Modern periods, ending with a survey of trends in contemporary American and European art. The course will explore the relationships between the art periods and styles as well as the achievements of individual artists. Because of the extensive time period and the number of cultures and styles being examined, the course will focus on art objects and monuments that are most representative and significant for each historical period. A broad range of art forms will be examined, including monumental architecture, sculpture, ceramics, paintings (including frescoes, mosaics, and manuscripts), textiles, and metalwork.
A 205 Art Methods (3)
This course will focus on the principles and practices of teaching art to children from preschool through middle school.
A 215 Graphic Design (3)
This course covers the resources, materials, and procedures of graphic design. The course will provide an introduction to problem solving, basic layout skills, and graphic design terminology. An introduction to the Macintosh computer with the latest graphic software will be included. Projects will emphasize color, form, and typography.
A 223 Computer Graphics Illustration (3)
Prerequisite: None (A 103 or A 121 recommended)
This course provides an introduction to contemporary illustration practice, including the use of traditional drawing, painting, and printmaking techniques supplemented with digital manipulation using the most recent version of Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop. The course also covers hand rendering, computer rendering, scanning, digital tablet use, image manipulation, and printing. The course will also focus on a client based approach to image creation, emphasizing the development of concepts and ideas concluded by finished images.
A 224 Computer Graphics Enhanced Photography (3)
This course provides experience in the use of high-tech enhanced photography software. Course projects will incorporate use of Macintosh computers and Adobe PhotoShop software for digital imaging and manipulation as well as image editing, scanning, and printing.
Syllabus • Locations and Class Schedule
A 240 Art Seminar (1)
This course is designed for students interested in research, discussion, and studio experience in various media within academic or vocational areas such as art education, art therapy, computer graphics, graphic design, interior design, drawing, painting, printmaking, watercolor, illustration, ceramics, sculpture, art theory, art criticism, or museum studies.
A 250 Advanced Studio I (1)
Prerequisite: Any previous studio course
This studio course is designed for the student with an interest in fine arts. The course will allow students to explore the possibilities of self-expression with media and materials of their own choosing.
A 251 Advanced Studio II (1)
Prerequisite: A 250
This studio course is designed for the student with an interest in fine arts. The course will allow students to explore the possibilities of self-expression with media and materials of their own choosing. Continues Advanced Studio I.
A 252 Advanced Studio III (1)
Prerequisite: A 251
This studio course is designed for the student with an interest in fine arts. The course will allow students to explore the possibilities of self-expression with media and materials of their own choosing. Continues Advanced Studio II.
A 260 Portfolio Preparation (1)
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
This course is intended to provide students with the skills and knowledge to design and prepare a portfolio that can be used for college admissions or scholarship applications as well as for pursuing employment opportunities.
Syllabus • Locations and Class Schedule
