BFA Coursework in Fine Arts (Photography + Video Art)

This course is an introduction to black and white photography; from a working knowledge of the camera, through film processing, and to printing in a darkroom using traditional light-sensitive materials. Students are introduced to the history of photography—its approaches and trends—resulting in a basic knowledge of photography and its relationship to contemporary art. They explore the relationship between this acquired knowledge in photography and the individual, and then begin to apply this knowledge to a realized personal vision through critical thinking and seeing. At the conclusion of this course, students have a broad understanding of black and white photography, and have created a thoughtful portfolio of photographs. Students need a manual 35mm camera and should expect to spend $100 – $150 in materials for this class.
Prerequisite: none

Students thoroughly analyze the total organic structure of a work of art and its meaning. The class also studies light and space in relation to both two and three dimensions. Psychology, theory, history, design, and aesthetics are investigated as tools to develop a visual vocabulary. At the conclusion of this course, students are expected to demonstrate knowledge of visual vocabulary, formally and in relationship to content in class projects.
Prerequisite: none.

Students explore definitions and applications of contemporary sensibilities. The merging of existing art forms into innovative and experimental approaches, including the utilization of new technologies, also blends into considerations of site and audience in this multi-dimensional course. At the conclusion of this course, the students project exhibits awareness of current art practices, increased art literacy and understanding of the role of technology and experimentation in contemporary art.
Prerequisite: none

This course is a continuation of the Basic Photography class. Students are expected to have a working knowledge of beginning photographic techniques (camera operation, exposure, developing, printing, finishing, and presentation). Photography II focuses on controlling all aspects of photographic image making. Designed to put the student firmly in command of the mechanics of photography, this course explores contrast control, the zone system, exhibition size and scale, different papers and film, toning, studio lighting, and alternative cameras. At the conclusion of this course, students have focused their personal creative vision and presented this knowledge in a refined and thoughtful portfolio.
Prerequisite: FA 1410 Basic Photography

This course is designed for students to learn to make, control and manipulate photographs with the aid of a computer. Students will need a digital camera to produce their own images, and the use of scanned and appropriated imagery is explored. Attention is given to refining technical skills in Adobe Photoshop but the major concern will be the ongoing development of skills in critical thinking and the realization of a personal vision. At the conclusion of this course, students will have a working knowledge of the history of color fine arts photography and its application to their personal vision.
Prerequisites: FA 1410 Basic Photography and FD 1010 Digital Image Making

This course continues the practice of video as an artistic medium; expanding the use to include longer format pieces, installation and interdisciplinary strategies. Further refinement of digital editing techniques and studio production are emphasized. At the conclusion of this course, students are expected to have achieved a level of technical competence necessary to undertake a more ambitious work.
Prerequisite: FAV 2320 Introduction to Video Art

This course introduces Adobe After Effects as a tool for media artists, allowing students to incorporate and layer moving graphics, type and imagery during the editing process. Students learn a wide range of post-production digital techniques, including 2D animation, compositing, time manipulation and creating visual effects for video. In the first half of the term, students investigate the possible applications of this sophisticated image enhancement tool that is the current industry standard for motion design. At the conclusion of this class, students will present a collection of time-based art, using the technology of motion graphics as an enhancement to their personal conceptually-based work.
Prerequisites: Must be a junior or senior; FAV 2320 Introduction to Video Art; and Prerequisites: FAV 2320 Introduction to Video Art and DM 3130 Digital Editing

This lecture course focuses on issues, art movements, and criticism from 1950 to the present. Students investigate art through the writings of artists and critics that correspond with movements that include: Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, Minimalism, Earth Art, Process Art, Conceptual Art, Feminist and other political art movements, video, and multimedia work. Students study important issues and philosophies in contemporary art. Discussions are led by visiting lecturers, and field trips are taken to museums, galleries, and artists’ studios. Coursework includes a research project covering contemporary artists and issues. (Formerly FA 2015)
Prerequisite: AH 1020 Art History II: Renaissance to Contemporary