School of Art, Architecture + Design

College of Arts and Sciences

Curriculum
Courses
Faculty

Studio Art

Ceramics

• SOAD-S 560 Graduate Topics in Ceramics (3 cr.) Further practice in advanced ceramic techniques. Instruction through lectures, demonstrations, and critiques. Topics vary by instructor and semester.
• SOAD-S 561 Graduate Ceramics (1-12 cr) Studio techniques: advanced practice in the use of clay for expression or functional ceramics purposes. Theory: clay and body compositions glaze; materials, oxides, glaze compositions and calculation, firing procedures.
• SOAD-S 564 Basic Glaze Composition (3 cr.) An investigation of the effect of high-oxide glaze materials and their mixtures in terms of fusibility, transparency temperatures on single and multiple opacity, surface, and other qualities. Will include much weigh­ing, applying, and firing of glaze test batches. Also blending systems, glaze calculations, and compositional charting.
• SOAD-S568 Graduate History of Ceramics (3 cr.) Emphasis on the historical development of pottery in individual cultures, as well as how one culture's pottery has influenced another's.
• SOAD-S 569 M.F.A. Ceramics Seminar (1 cr.) P:  Discussions, critiques, and re­search projects in ceramic art. Required each semester for M.F.A. candidates in ceramics.
• SOAD-S 760 Ceramics Adv Studio Projects (1-6 cr.) Directed gradu­ate-level independent study in ceramics. Requires authorization of the instructor.
• SOAD-S 860 M.F.A. Thesis in Ceramics (1-12 cr.) Final semester of MFA program and creation of Thesis Exhibition. Open to M.F.A. students in graphic design only. Requires authorization of the instructor.

Digital Arts

• SOAD-S 510 Graduate Topics in Digital Art (3  c.) Opportunity for stu­dents to investigate the computer as an interactive tool in the process of art making while examining aesthetics and processes of major artists working in this field. Provides the opportunity for exploration of the computer’s potential use in the art work of each class member.
• SOAD-S 511 Graduate Digital Art (1-12 cr.) Through advanced studio projects in digital art, the student will create a body of work involving experimentation with technology incorporating installation, multimedia, networks, virtual environments, and/or portable media. Topics of relevance to contemporary digital art will be considered, such as interaction, time-based media, location, and virtuality.
• SOAD-S 519 MFA Digital Art Seminar (1 cr.) Investigates the relationship between art, aesthetics, and technology. Topics can include virtual environments, screen-media, sound art, time-based media, networked art, and locative media, as well as related history, criticism, and theory. Coursework includes readings, discussions, and research-based projects, papers, or presentations.
• SOAD-S 710 Digital Art Advanced Studio Projects (1-6 cr.) P: Consent of instructor. Independent study in computer art. Faculty and student consultation will determine project and credit hours.
• SOAD-S 810 M.F.A. Thesis in Digital Art (1-12 cr.) Final semester of M.F.A. program and creation of Thesis Exhibition. Open to M.F.A. students in digital art only. Requires authorization of the instructor.

Drawing

• SOAD-S500 Graduate Topics in Drawing (3 cr.) Advanced drawing for graduate students.
• SOAD-S 501 Graduate Drawing (1-12. cr.) Concentrated and advanced work in drawing for graduate students in the School of Fine Arts. Advanced problems in drawing for graduate fine arts majors. Work is done under supervision in the classroom or independently at the discretion of the instructor.
• SOAD-S 503 Anatomy for the Artist (3 cr.) Intensive lecture/studio course describing all of the bones and muscles of the body. The emphasis is on joint movement and proportion. The areas of the body are divided into 3-D mass conception, bone and muscle description, and joint description. Students draw from the skeleton, plaster cadaver casts, and the human figure.
• SOAD-S509 Graduate Drawing Seminar (1-3 cr.) Intensive directed study in Painting. For students admitted to the M.F.A. program in Painting.

Graphic Design

• SOAD-S 550 Graduate Topics in Graphic Design (3 cr.) Professional problem solving in graphic design. Using a variety of mediums to communicate messages, students apply processes from printing to multimedia as appropriate for directed projects.  
• SOAD-S 551 Graduate Graphic Design (1-12. cr.) Graphic design as an integral element of all visual communication media. Self-defined and assigned study to assure as wide as possible exposure to the problem-solving process.
• SOAD-S552 Graphic Design for Graduate Non-Majors (3 cr.) This studio course provides an introduction to the practice of visual communication for graduate students with no prior design background. Topics will include visual design theory, creative and technical processes, form giving, aesthetics, and typography. Content will be presented through lectures and discussion, and demonstrated through studio exercises.
• SOAD-S 559 Graphic Design Seminar (1 cr.) Provides background on major graphic design movements, the design of the alphabet and type styles, the use of tools (printing press, woodcut, engraving, camera, airbrush, computer). Social and political forces such as industrial development and nationalism will be considered. Writings of theorists and historians will be reviewed.
• SOAD-S 750 Graphic Design Adv Studio Projects (1-6 cr.) This course is eligible for a deferred grade. Directed graduate-level independent study in graphic design. Requires authorization of the instructor.
• SOAD-S850 MFA Thesis in Graphic Design (1-12 cr.) Final semester of M.F.A. program and creation of Thesis Exhibition. Open to M.F.A. students in graphic design only. Requires authorization of the instructor.

Jewelry Design and Silversmithing

• SOAD-S 580 Graduate Topics in Metalsmithing and Jewelry Design (3 cr.) Improves and expands knowledge/skill in metalsmithing/jewelry design. Guidance toward developing a personal direction of creative expression, artistic aesthetic, and art philosophy. Advanced techniques include large-scale vessel forming, large-scale soldering, die forming, jewelry mechanisms, chain making, chasing and repoussé, enameling, stone cutting, PNP etching, and working with alternative materials.  
• SOAD-S 581 Graduate Jewelry Design and Silversmithing (1-12 cr.) Creative designing and drawing of two- and three-dimensional forms for jewelry, hollowware, flatware, enamel­ing and casting (e.g., bracelets, pins, necklaces, rings, chains); stone setting. Experiments in texture and repoussé; filigree, gilding, and granulation. Stretching, krimping, coursing, and seaming techniques in silversmithing. Cloisonné, champlevé, plique-à-jour, and sgraffito enameling.  
• SOAD-S 589 Graduate Seminar in Jewelry Design and Silversmithing (1 cr.) Weekly critique, assigned readings, discussions, slide lectures, and special research projects for graduate students enrolled in the M.F.A. program in metalsmithing and jewelry design.
• SOAD-S 780 Metalsmithing Adv Studio Projects (1-6 cr.) Directed graduate-level independent study in metalsmithing and jewelry design. Requires authorization of the instructor.
• SOAD-S 880 M.F.A. Thesis in Metalsmithing and Jewelry Design (1-12 cr.) Final semester of M.F.A. program and creation of The­sis Exhibition. Open to M.F.A. students in metalsmithing and jewelry design only. Requires authorization of the instructor.

Painting

• SOAD-S 530 Graduate Topics in Painting (3cr.) Advanced course in painting for graduate students.
• SOAD-S 531 Graduate Painting (1-12 cr.) Intensive directed study in Painting. For students admitted to the M.F.A. program in Painting.
• SOAD-S 539 Graduate Painting Seminar (1 cr.) Weekly critical review of student work. (Open to M.F.A. painters only.)
• SOAD-S 730 Painting Adv Studio Projects (1-6 cr.) Directed graduate-level independent study in painting. Requires authorization of the instructor.
• SOAD-S 830 M.F.A. Thesis in Painting (1-12 cr.) Final semester of M.F.A. program and creation of Thesis Exhibition. Open to M.F.A. students in painting only. Requires authorization of the instructor.

Photography

• SOAD-S590 Graduate Topics in Photography II (3 cr.) Emphasizes advanced conceptual and technical development in digital and traditional photographic media and the expansion of creative possibilities. Topics vary. May include topics as alternative processes, advanced Photoshop, documentary, artist book making, photographic theory, installation art, and darkroom practice.   
• SOAD-S 591 Graduate Photography (1-12cr) Intensive directed study in photography. For students admitted to the M.F.A. program in photography.  
• SOAD-S 599 Graduate Photography Seminar (1 cr.) Primarily for graduate students in photography. Oral and written study of significant topics in the history, criticism, and theory of photog­raphy. Topic varies.
• SOAD-S 790 Photography Adv Studio Projects (1-6 cr.) Directed graduate-level independent study in photography. Requires authorization of the instructor.
• SOAD-S 890 M.F.A. Thesis in Photography (1-12 cr.) Final semester of M.F.A. program and creation of Thesis Exhibition. Open to M.F.A. students in photography only. Requires authorization of the instructor.

Fibers

• SOAD-S 520 Graduate Topics in Fibers (3 cr.) A continued exploration of textile-related materials, processes, and concepts with an emphasis on independent investigation and production.
• SOAD-S 521 Graduate Fibers (1-12cr.) Intensive directed study in Fibers. For students admitted to the M.F.A. program in Fibers.
• SOAD-S529 Graduate Fibers Seminar (1 cr.) Primarily for graduate students in Fibers. Oral and written study of significant topics in the history, criticism, and theory of textiles.. 
• SOAD-S 720 Fibers Adv Studio Projects (1-6 cr.) Directed graduate-level independent study in Fibers. Requires authorization of the instructor.
• SOAD-S 820 M.F.A. Thesis in Fibers (1-12 cr.) Final semester of M.F.A. program and creation of Thesis Exhibition. Open to M.F.A. students in Fibers only. Requires authorization of the instructor.

Printmaking

• SOAD-S 541 Graduate Printmaking (1-12 cr.) Intensive directed study in printmaking. For students admitted to the M.F.A. program in printmaking. 
• SOAD-S 542 Graduate Intaglio (3. cr.) Advanced work in intaglio for graduate students.
• SOAD-S 543 Graduate Lithography (3. cr.) Advanced work in lithography for graduate students.    
• SOAD-S 544 Graduate Silkscreen (3. cr.) Advanced work in silkscreen for graduate students.   
• SOAD-S 545 Relief Printmaking Media (3 cr.) Advanced work in relief media for graduate students.
• SOAD-S 549 Graduate Printmaking Seminar (1 cr.) Deals with both theoretical and practical issues in contemporary art. Discus­sions will be based on selected readings, including relevant suggestions from the participants. Students will make slide presentations on the influences and development of their work as well as a collaborative project.
• FINA-S 740 Printmaking Adv Studio Projects (1-6 cr.) Directed graduate-level independent study in printmaking. Requires authorization of the instructor.
• SOAD-S 840 Thesis in Printmaking (1-12 cr.) Final semester of M.F.A. program and creation of Thesis Exhibition. Open to M.F.A. students in printmaking only. Requires authorization of the instructor.

Sculpture

• SOAD-S 570 Graduate Topics in Sculpture (3 cr.) Advanced work in sculpture for qualified students working in the chosen materials. The course focuses on the development of ideas as manifest in sculptural form.
• SOAD-S 571 Graduate Sculpture (1-12 cr.) Students working on an ad­vanced level develop a body of work while working under the guidance of a faculty member.
• SOAD-S 579 Graduate Sculpture Seminar (1 cr.) Group critiques sessions and readings of contemporary sculptural issues. Students will engage in activities to prepare them for professional practice as sculptors. These activities will include preparing for job applications and proposals for commissions, residencies, or other professional activities.
• FINA-S 770 Sculpture Adv Studio Projects (1-6 cr.) Directed grad­uate-level study in sculpture. Requires authorization of the instructor.
• SOAD-S 870 MFA Thesis in Sculpture (1-12 cr.) Open to MFA students in Sculpture only. Students must attend a mandatory meeting prior to their show, usually held in the fall.   

General

• SOAD-U 500 Contemporary Art Issues and Cultural Themes (3 cr.) Focuses on modern and recent art movements.
• SOAD-U 590 Seminar in the Visual Arts (2 cr.) Examination of issues posed by recent art and criticism. Topics vary with the instruc­tor and year. Consult Schedule of Classes for current informa­tion on content.
• SOAD-U 695 AI Training Seminar (1 cr.) Topics include effective com­munication of ideas about the visual arts; health and safety regulations relevant to studio courses; grading; critiquing; and a number of course-specific teaching issues. Students also will make practice teaching presentations, which will be reviewed by the class.
• SOAD-U 501 Special Topics in Studio Art (1-3 cr.) Selected topics in studio art not ordinarily covered in other departmental courses. May be repeated once with a different topic.
• SOAD-U 700 Graduate Study Projects (1-12 cr.)
• SOAD-G 800 M.F.A. Thesis (arr. cr.) This course is eligible for a deferred grade.
• SOAD-G 901 Advanced Research (6 cr.) Available to graduate students who have completed all course requirements for their doctorates, have passed doctoral qualifying examinations, and have the requisite number of degree credit hours, this course provides the advanced research student with a forum for sharing ideas and problems under the supervision of a senior researcher.

Apparel Merchandising and Interior Design

• SOAD-M 504 International Textiles and Apparel Trade (3 cr.) P: Graduate standing. Research and analysis of economic is­sues that affect the development of textiles and apparel at the global level. Critical analysis of labor and development theories and international relations will be included. Global sourcing, production, and import/export strategies will be addressed.
• SOAD-F 506 Dress Studies: Theory and Analysis (3 cr.) P: Graduate standing. In-depth study and critical analysis of classic and modern fashion theories, with emphasis placed on postmodern fashion theory development. Students are expected to make signifi­cant progress toward new theoretical development of fashion theory.
• SOAD-M 510 Apparel Entrepreneurship (3 cr.) P: Graduate standing, AMID H413 or equivalent. R: Accounting and research methods. Research and development of individualized plans for decision making, problem solving, and opening a small apparel-related retail business. Developing, implementing, and analyzing entrepreneurial strategies; financial goals; methods of accounting and control; and merchandising, operation, and management skills.
• SOAD-F 511 Dress Studies: Behavioral Analysis (3 cr.) P: Graduate standing, Theories from social psychology will be employed in research examining clothing and appearance and their effects on the self and others.
• SOAD-M 512 Recent Developments in Textiles (3 cr.) New develop­ments in textiles; analysis of quality control and production standards; evaluation of current problems.
• SOAD-M 519 Special Problems: Textiles and Apparel (1-3 cr.) P: Con­sent of department. Independent work in analysis and interpre­tation of various aspects of textiles and apparel field. Topic may vary. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.
• SOAD-M 550 Research Methods in Apparel Merchandising and Inte­rior Design (3 cr.) Evaluating and understanding of research; identifying needed research; planning a research problem.
• SOAD-D 567 Trends in Interior Design (3 cr.) P: H475 or H476 or equivalent, or consent of department. Changing patterns in inte­rior design.
• SOAD-D 568 Contemporary Issues in Design (3 cr.) P: Graduate stand­ing. Contrast between traditional and emerging views in interior design.
• SOAD-D 573 Special Problems: Interior Design (1-3 cr.) P: Consent of department. Independent work in advanced interior design problems. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.
• SOAD-D 575 Diverse Problems in Design I (3 cr.) P: Graduate standing. Research and design of nonresidential interior environments.
• SOAD-D 576 Diverse Problems in Design II (3 cr.) P: Graduate standing. Design of interior spaces that enhance individual needs and lifestyles.
• SOAD-M 580 Seminar in Consumer Issues (3 cr.) P: Consent of de­partment. Varying topics dealing with consumer interests and family economics.
• SOAD-M 590 Workshop in Apparel Merchandising and Interior Design (1-3 cr.) P: Consent of de­partment. Workshop in current issues, trends, programs. Emphasis varies and is announced in work­shop title. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.
• SOAD-M 597 Projects (1-4 cr.) P: H550 and consent of department. In­dividual application of student's area of study to the solution of a problem under supervision of an approved advisor; not open to students who select a thesis program.
• SOAD-M 598 Research (1-3 cr.) P: H550, a course in statistics, and consent of department. Independent investigation in area of interest under supervision of advisor. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.
• SOAD-M 599 Thesis (1-6 cr.) P: H550 or equivalent; one course in statistics. Individual research under supervision of an approved advisor.

Architecture

• Z-501 Architectural Studio 1 (6 cr.) This course is the fundamental design studio. A series of interrelated hands-on exercises is the basis for teaching students the fundamentals of architectural design. Students focus on application of design fundamentals, acquisition of analytical and drawing skills, and understanding of computer technology, basic drawing programs, and digital fabrication.
• Z 502 Architectural Studio 2 (6 cr.) This intermediate studio focuses on critical inquiry and design creativity through projects incorporating issues of technology, materiality, abstraction, tectonics, precedent and theory. A broad array of issues in design including: sustainability, precedent, and the social/urban context will be considered. Projects will be small to medium in scale and scope.
• Z-511 Visual Studies Studio 1 (6 cr) This course is the first introductory level visual studies studio for the student of architecture. Students in this sequence will study beginning aspects of expression in two and three dimensional experimentation.
• Z- 512 Visual Studies Studio 2 (6 cr) This course is the second introductory level visual studies studio for the student of architecture.  Students in this sequence will study more complex aspects of expression in two and three dimensional experimentation.
• Z-521 Structures 1 (3 cr) Z521 Structures 1 is the first course in a two part sequence focusing on the study of statics and strength of materials for architects. Students will investigate the behavior of structural systems and materials through design exercises, case studies, and load testing of models.
• Z-522 Structures 2 (3 cr) Z522 Structures 2 is the second course in a two part sequence focusing on the study of advanced statics and strength of materials for architects. Students will investigate the behavior of advanced structural systems and materials through design exercises, case studies, and load testing of models.
• Z-531 Built Cultural Environment 1 (3 cr) This course consists of the first of four courses introducing concepts of architectural design through study of precedents and contexts. Lectures and field studies will lead students to develop visual and written skills of analysis and synthesis and apply them directly to small scale projects in parallel architectural studios.
• Z-532 Built Cultural Environment 2 (3 cr) Built Cultural Environment 2 is the second of four courses introducing concepts of architectural design through study of precedents. Combinations of lectures and field studies will lead students to develop visual and written skills of analysis and synthesis and apply them directly to medium scale projects in parallel architectural studios.
• Z-600 Architectural Studio 3 (6 cr) This intensive program introduces students to the rich intersections of architectural, artistic, urban, and cultural practices of both historical and contemporary cities. Students learn the principles and methods of exploring architectural problems unique to the environments chosen for study. The studio focus and location will vary by section and year.
• Z-601 Architectural Studio 4 (6 cr) This vertical studio focuses on advanced critical inquiry and design creativity through projects incorporating issues of technology, materiality, abstraction, tectonics, precedent and theory. A broad array of issues in design including: sustainability, precedent, and the social/urban context will be considered. Projects will be large in scale and scope.
• Z-602 Architectural Studio 5 (6 cr) This vertical studio focuses on advanced critical inquiry and design creativity. Projects incorporate complex issues of technology, materiality, abstraction, tectonics, precedent and theory. A broad array of issues in design including: sustainability, precedent, and the social/urban context will be considered. Projects will be large scale, focusing on complex urban problems.
• Z-611 Visual Studies Studio 3 (6 cr) Visual Studies 3 is the first of two intermediate level visual studies studios for the student of architecture.  The sequence delves into advanced experimentation in two and three dimensional work.  Work may relate to the design studio project.
• Z-612 Visual Studies Studio 4 (6 cr) Visual Studies 4 is the second of two intermediate level visual studies studios for the student of architecture.  The sequence delves into advanced experimentation in two and three dimensional work.  Work may relate to the design studio project.
• Z-631 Built Cultural Environment 3 (3 cr) Built Cultural Environment 3 is the third of four courses introducing concepts of architectural design through study of precedents. Combinations of lectures and field studies will lead students to develop visual and written skills of analysis and synthesis and apply them directly to large scale projects in parallel architectural studios.
• Z-632 Built Cultural Environment 4 (3 cr) Built Cultural Environment 4 is the final course introducing concepts of architectural design through precedent study. Field studies are the primary focus. The course will be the analytical and synthetic component of the Nomadic Studio and outcomes will become the basis for developing the Capstone Studio project.
• Z-641 Energy and Environmental Systems 1 (3 cr) Z641 is the first in a two-part sequence focusing on NAAB required topics including: thermal evaluation, lighting, acoustics, water and waste, electrical, communication, vertical transportation, and security and fire protection systems. The course examines sustainability, scientific principles and a range of technologies and analyses for designing indoor and outdoor environments.
• Z-642 Energy and Environmental Systems 2 (3 cr) Z642 is a continuation of Z641 and focuses on similar topics of energy, environmental systems, and the environment and sustainability. Together the two courses will meet the requirements for NAAB accreditation and will function together to cover all required topics.
• Z-651 Coalition and Community Building (3 cr) Coalition and Community Building will teach the student of architecture how to engage communities through a unique stakeholder engagement process. Students will learn the benefits of developing a common language and a common approach for solving complex community problems.
• Z-661 Professional Practice (3 cr) This course will introduce students of architecture to the complexities of professional practice. It will explore education and licensure, roles of the architect, ethical and legal standards, the economics of the office, project design and delivery, alternate careers and global and local markets.
• Z-701 Architectural Studio 6 (6 cr) The Nomadic Studio focuses on advanced critical inquiry and design. Projects focus on global and regional intersections between architectural and urban design and relate to a broad array of contemporary issues. Projects will be large-scale and complex in scope. The studio focus and location will vary by section and year.
• Z-702 Architectural Studio 7 (6 cr) This is the capstone architectural studio in the Master of Architecture program. Students choose independent projects of significant scale and scope. The final project will be comprehensive and demonstrate the ability to develop a complex, articulate, integrated, and complete architectural solution. The capstone project will build on previous studio work.
• Z-711 Visual Studies Studio 5 (6 cr) Visual Studies 5 is the first of two advanced level courses where the student is expected to initiate a level of self-directed work.  The student will explore themes and subjects in a variety of mediums that relate to their exposure to the urban, historical and architectural contexts of their Nomadic Studio.
• Z-712 Visual Studies Studio 6 (6 cr) Visual Studies 6 is the final advanced level of self-directed study. Ideas and themes explored in this studio are reviewed by faculty and visiting fellows and are expected to be related to the comprehensive capstone architectural project.
• Z-771 Urbanism (3 cr) This course is part of the Nomadic Studio sequence and will focus on the study of urban form and culture. Examples and precedent studies, current issues of urban form in relation to city-making, social structure, and physical design will be discussed and analyzed in relation to the design studio.
• Z-781 Architectural Design Theory (3 cr) The course focuses on discussion of major concepts and theories of architectural design discourse both past and present. The course will terminate in a discussion of the challenges of architectural theory as it relates to urbanism, architecture, design, and art in the global context of the modern world.
• Z-801 Special Topics in the Built Cultural Environment (3 cr) This is an advanced variable topics course focusing on the analysis of current trends in design theory and the analysis and critique of contemporary architecture and the present day urban environment.
• Z-802 Special Topics in Energy, the Environment, and Sustainability (3 cr) This is an advanced variable topics course focusing on topics associate with the study of energy, the environment, and sustainability as these topics relate to the built environment and architectural design.
• Z- 803 Special Topics in Structures and Strength of Materials (3 cr) This is an advanced variable topics course focusing on topics allied with emerging technologies in structural design, computer analysis, and the development of new materials and systems related to architectural design.
• Z-804 Special Topics in Coalition and Community Building (3 cr) This is an advanced variable topics project based course using the case study method to focus on topics allied with community building and stakeholder development.
• Z-805 Special Topics in Professional Practice (3 cr) This is an advanced variable topics course using the case study method to focus on topics allied with real estate development, office structure and advanced legal issues of construction, the office and the field of forensics in architecture.
• Z-806 Special Topics in Urban Design (3 cr) This is an advanced variable topics, project-based course using focusing on topics allied with urban design and site development. The case study method will be used to discuss all aspects of urban design.
• Z-807 Special Topics in Theory and Critique (3 cr) This is an advanced variable topics course using the case study method to focus on topics allied with theory and criticism across the disciplines of architecture, art and design.
• Z-808 Special Topics in Fabrication and Digital Design (3 cr) This is an advanced variable topics course focusing on topics related to fabrication and digital design.  This is a project based class.