Photography and video have been rapidly evolving in recent years. The Photography + Video Art curriculum straddles the worlds of film and digital to help you discover all you really need to know—how to make an arresting image come to life.
Fine Arts Core Requirements: 27 credits
FA 1150 Introduction to Painting 3 credits
FA 1150 Introduction to Painting 3 credits
An introduction to the tools, materials, and processes of painting including: building stretcher frames, stretching and preparing the canvas, and paint application with various brushes and tools. Topics include the cultivation of self-expression through exploring basic painting techniques, and developing art literacy, including terminology; through critical review and discussion. Upon completion of this course, students will be technically prepared to undertake projects in higher level painting courses. Students will demonstrate in critiques and projects their knowledge of canvas and panel construction, painting techniques, light and color, and an introductory knowledge of contemporary art trends.
FA 1250 Introduction to Sculpture 3 credits
FA 1250 Introduction to Sculpture 3 credits
This course is an introduction to a wide variety of the processes, materials, and conceptual aspects of 3-D art making. Students learn to engage their art making in a three-fold approach: critical thinking as a process, attention to materials, and knowledge and exposure to contemporary and historical artists through lectures. Students investigate formal aspects of sculpture, as well as the development of ideas. They expand written and oral communication skills regarding aesthetics and art as they develop and employ research methods by which to nourish their art making. They also explore a variety of new working methods: individual, small group, and class collaboration. At the conclusion of this course, students will have worked with wood, fibers, metals and other alternative forms to create a coherent body of work.
FA 1410 Basic Photography 3 credits
FA 1410 Basic Photography 3 credits
This course is an introduction to black and white photography; from a working knowledge of the camera through film processing and printing in a darkroom using traditional light-sensitive materials. Students will be introduced to the history of photography – its approaches and trends – resulting in a basic knowledge of photography and its relationship to contemporary art. They will begin to 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 will have a broad understanding of B&W photography and its relationship to contemporary art, and will have created a thoughtful portfolio of photographs. Students will need a manual 35mm camera and should expect to spend $100-$150 in materials for this class.
FA 2015 Seminar in Modern + Contemporary Art 3 credits
FA 2015 Seminar in Modern + Contemporary Art 3 credits
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, but are not limited to, 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. Course work includes a research project covering contemporary artists and issues.
FA 2020 Form and Content 3 credits
FA 2020 Form and Content 3 credits
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.
FA 4660 Experimental Studies 3 credits
FA 4660 Experimental Studies 3 credits
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, student projects will exhibit awareness of current art practices, increased art literacy, and the role of technology and experimentation in contemporary art.
FA 4990 Professional Practices 3 credits
FA 4990 Professional Practices 3 credits
This course prepares fine art majors with essential knowledge and practical strategies necessary to effectively seek out venues for their own art, which include gallery representation, co-operative and alternate spaces, commissions, government grants, competitions, residencies, and graduate schools. The class visits area artists’ studios, galleries, art centers and museums. Students are exposed to working professionals such as critics, art administrators, gallery directors, and museum curators. At the conclusion of the course, students will have created a professional-grade portfolio, which includes artist statement, resume, and photography of artwork. Students use their portfolios to submit applications to exhibitions, residency programs, grants, and graduate schools. Students also learn how to properly display, store and ship art using sound archive methods.
FA 4991 Senior Studio 3 credits
FA 4991 Senior Studio 3 credits
This course allows students to work independently with the instructor assisting as needed. Personal interpretations of the meaning of art are encouraged. Emphasis is placed on incorporating design elements, material handling, technique, concept development and expression, and in the meaning of the work presented. In-depth individual and group critique analysis is expected.
FAC 1265 Ceramic Sculpture 1: Handbuilding 3 credits
FAC 1265 Ceramic Sculpture 1: Handbuilding 3 credits
Students explore basic hand-building techniques using ceramic materials to make sculpture and vessels. Emphasis is placed on individual style and how clay can be used as a vehicle for expression. Students make work from low-fire clay using a combination of coil, slab, and texturing techniques, surface slips, and glazes. An introduction to ideas about sculpture, the vessel, and the Raku process are presented through slide lectures and research assignments. At the conclusion of this course, students will be well-versed in hand-building techniques, basic glaze formulation, and firing of electric and Raku kilns. Students will learn to develop strategies to translate an idea into sculptural form.
Photography + Video Art Core: 15 credits
FAV 2245 Photography 2 3
FAV 2245 Photography 2 3
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 2 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.
FAV 2570 Digital Color Photography 3 credits
FAV 2570 Digital Color Photography 3 credits
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.
FAV 2320 Introduction to Video Art 3 credits
FAV 2320 Introduction to Video Art 3 credits
This course introduces video as a medium for artistic expression and social inquiry. In this introductory course in digital video production and non-linear editing, students produce short works and are introduced to a range of approaches including experimental, documentary, and installation. Recent and historical trends in the medium are covered through the viewing of work by media artists of the past 40 years. At the conclusion of this course, students have a working knowledge of this medium and its history.
FAV 3100 Photo/Video Soph/Junior Portfolio Review 0 credits
FAV 3100 Photo/Video Soph/Junior Portfolio Review 0 credits
Students who have completed over 60 credit hours (junior year) are required to participate in a mid-career portfolio review before reaching 90 credits (senior year). This review is designed to identify students’ strengths and weaknesses so that they may address both in their upcoming major course work.
FAV 3480 Intermediate Video Art 3 credits
FAV 3480 Intermediate Video Art 3 credits
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.
FAV 4000 Photo/Video Senior Portfolio Review 0 credits
FAV 4000 Photo/Video Senior Portfolio Review 0 credits
All seniors who are ready to graduate are required to participate in a departmental senior portfolio review. This pre-graduation portfolio review is an initial step in preparing students for both their graduation exhibition and their movement from the academic environment into the professional world.
FAV 4991 Advanced Photo-Video: Senior Studio 3 credits
FAV 4991 Advanced Photo-Video: Senior Studio 3 credits
This course allows students to work independently with the instructor assisting as needed. Personal interpretations of the meaning of art are encouraged. Emphasis is placed on incorporating design elements, material handling, technique, concept development and expression, and in the meaning of the work presented. In-depth individual and group critique analysis is expected.
Studio Electives: 21 credits
A minimum of 12 credits must be in upper division (3000 or 4000 level) courses. Studio electives may also include any non-required FAP or FAS Core courses.
Liberal Studies: 39 credits
Communication + Critical Thought 6 credits
Foundation Studies: 18 credits
FD 1010 Digital Image Making 3 credits
