Studio

Introductory Courses

• FINA-F 100 Fundamental Studio—Drawing (3 cr.) CASE A&H Development of visual awareness and coordination of perceptual and manual skills; seeing, representing, and inventing on an experimental, exploratory level in two dimensions. Includes placement, scale, volume, light, formal articulation, and investigations of graphic tools and media.

• FINA-F 101 Fundamental Studio—3D (3 cr.) CASE A&H Volume, space, material, and physical force studies provide the basis for exploration of three-dimensional form; includes carving, construction, and modeling, using wood, plaster, clay, etc.

• FINA-F 102 Fundamental Studio—2D (3 cr.) CASE A&H Color, shape, line, and value structures are studied as the basis for exploration of two-dimensional spatial relationships; includes investigation of conventional and invented tools and media.

• FINA-N 110 Introduction to Studio Art for Nonmajors (3 cr.) CASE A&H Introduction to the visual language of the studio arts. Students learn and apply the basic elements of design and begin to understand the principles of organization. Through the exploration of a variety of two-dimensional and three-dimensional media (drawing, painting, wire, and clay) students become familiar with basic techniques used to develop art works.

Ceramics

• FINA-S 260 Ceramics I (3 cr.) CASE A&H A limited introduction to handbuilding, throwing, glaze mixing, and glaze application, including lectures on basic ceramic techniques. Critiques of student work.

• FINA-S 361 Ceramics II (3 cr.) CASE A&H P: S260. Continued practice in forming and glazing, with emphasis on wheel throwing, surface decoration, and kiln firing techniques. Instruction through lectures, demonstrations, and critiques. May be repeated once.

• FINA-S 461 Ceramics III (1-20 cr.) P: 6 credit hours in ceramics or consent of the instructor. Further practice in advanced ceramic techniques. Instruction through lectures, demonstrations, and critiques. Topics vary by instructor and semester. Consult the online Schedule of Classes for current information on content. May be repeated with different topics/instructors for a total of 20 credit hours.

• FINA-S 462 B.F.A. Ceramics (1-60 cr.) P: Admission to the B.F.A. program in ceramics. Directed advanced study and production of a body of work leading to an exhibition. Students meet independently with instructor and in groups for critiques and lectures to maintain a dialogue with contemporary issues and to provide technical advice. May be repeated for a total of 60 credit hours.

• FINA-S 469 B.F.A. Ceramics Seminar (1 cr.) P: Admission to the B.F.A. program in ceramics. Discussions, critiques, and research projects in ceramic art. Required each semester for B.F.A. candidates in ceramics. May be repeated for a total of 10 credit hours.

• FINA-R 478 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. No credit in History of Art.

Digital Art

• FINA-N 130 Digital Imagery for Nonmajors (3 cr.) CASE A&H Lecture course introduces nonmajors to the fundamental practice of creating art imagery using digital software. Demonstrations and optional hands-on lab sessions emphasize technical production in Photoshop and Illustrator. Art projects created in Photoshop and lecture topics focus on aesthetic approaches and issues facing artists working in contemporary digital imaging.

• FINA-D 210 Digital Art: Survey and Practice (3 cr.) CASE A&H Beginning class on digital media’s role in the world of art production and reception. Class emphasizes learning to use digital media to produce original, creative art work. Topics include digital imaging, communicative art, and interactivity. Credit given for only one of D210 or T230.

• FINA-D 310 Interactive Multimedia (3 cr.) P: D210 or T230, and portfolio review. A study of the principles and fundamental techniques for creating multimedia projects that explore their potential for critical artistic expression. The course will examine issues specific to onscreen interaction and time-based media. Tools such as Flash, Dreamweaver, and other supporting programs will be covered. Credit given for only one of D310 or T330.

• FINA-D 317 Video Art (3 cr.) CASE A&H P: F100, F101 or F102 or D210, or portfolio review. Exploration of the medium of video as an aesthetic expression. Time and sound are elements incorporated into visual composition’s traditional concerns. Emphasis on technical command of video camera and digital editing procedures in conjunction with development of a visual sensitivity. Readings and a research project are required. Credit given for only one of D317 or T320.

• FINA-D 318 3D Computer Graphics (3 cr.) P: Consent of the instructor. Hands-on studio course exploring the technical development of three-dimensional computer graphics for state-of-the-art display systems. Students will investigate user-interface design, create 3D graphical environments, and explore the parallel drives toward content creation and visual aesthetics. Credit given for only one of D318 or T340.

• FINA-D 410 Advanced Multimedia (1-6 cr.) P: D310 or T330, and permission of instructor. A broad range of aesthetic and conceptual issues related to digital material and electronic interactivity. Students are encouraged to develop art projects using digital multimedia, video, hypertext, or the incorporation of object-based media. Dialogue of timely issues through readings, screenings, websites, and gallery visits. May be repeated for a combined maximum of 20 credit hours in D410 and T430.

• FINA-D 411 B.F.A. Digital Art Seminar (1 cr.) P: Admission into the B.F.A. program in digital art. Weekly or biweekly seminar that includes critiques of student work, discussion of special topics, assigned readings, multimedia lectures, visiting artist lectures, and special research projects. May be repeated for a maximum of 10 credit hours.

• FINA-D 412 B.F.A. Digital Art (1-6 cr.) P: Admission into the B.F.A. program in digital art. Directed, advanced study and production of a body of work leading to B.F.A. exhibition. Students meet independently with instructor and in group critiques to maintain a dialogue and provide technical advice. May be repeated for a maximum of 60 credit hours.

• FINA-D 417 Digital Video (1-6 cr.) P: D317 or T320. Advanced study of video’s potential in contemporary fine art practice. Students will create a new visual vocabulary using the latest technology including high-definition video systems and interactive DVD authoring. Covers special effects and animation programs that allow artists to further explore the aesthetics of time-based media. May be repeated for a combined maximum of 20 credit hours in D417 and T420.

• FINA-D 418 Computer Graphical Environments (1-6 cr.) P: Consent of instructor. Students develop 3D graphic environments to visualize and conceptualize creative constructs for virtual environments, explore art and spatial simulation, including animation, interaction, lighting, and design. Dialogue of timely issues is encouraged based on readings, videos, CD-ROMs and visits to galleries, websites and alternative spaces. May be repeated for a combined maximum of 20 credit hours in D418 and T440.

• FINA-D 419 Special Topics in Digital Art (3 cr.) P: D210 or T230, and permission of instructor. Special topics in computer-related art production. May be repeated for a combined maximum of 6 credit hours in D419 and T338.

• FINA-T 439 Advanced Digital Media Project (2-6 cr.) Independent project of digital media under the supervision and consultation of the instructor. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credit hours.

Drawing

• FINA-S 200 Drawing I (3 cr.) CASE A&H P: F100, F101, and F102. Preliminary course for advancement in drawing, stressing basic visual awareness; seeing, representing, and technical command on a two-dimensional surface. Problems in handling placement, scale, space, volume, light, and formal articulation.

• FINA-S 301 Drawing II (3 cr.) CASE A&H P: S200. Intermediate course in drawing from the model and other sources. Emphasis on technical command of the media in conjunction with the development of a visual awareness. Continued problems in the articulation of space, scale, volume, value, and linear sensitivity. May be repeated once.

• FINA-S 401 Drawing III (1-20 cr.) P: S301. Advanced drawing. Continuation of S301. May be repeated for a total of 20 credit hours.

• FINA-S 403 Anatomy for the Artist (3 cr.) P: F100, S200. 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 3D mass conception, bone and muscle description, and joint description. Students draw from the skeleton, plaster cadaver casts, and the human figure.

• FINA-S 405 B.F.A. Drawing (1-6 cr.) Concentrated tutorial in the drawing craft. Craftsmanship, content, and personal style are stressed. May be repeated for a total of 60 credit hours.

Textiles

• FINA-S 220 Textiles I (3 cr.) CASE A&H An introduction to textiles and fiber-related techniques and concepts. This survey course investigates a variety of materials and processes including resist dyeing, printing, and felting, emphasizing the expressive potential of each of these techniques through demonstrations, lectures, and critiques.

• FINA-S 321 Textiles II (3 cr.) CASE A&H P: S220 or instructor permission. Expands students' technical, creative, and critical abilities when working with textile-related materials, processes, and concepts. Rotating semester topics include resist-dyeing, repeat-pattern design, screenprinting, weaving, pieced construction, single-line and off-loom construction. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours.

• FINA-S 421 Textiles III (1-20 cr.) P: S321. A continued exploration of textile-related materials, processes, and concepts with an emphasis on independent investigation and production. May be repeated for a total of 20 credit hours.

• FINA-S 422 B.F.A. Textiles (1-60 cr.) Intensive study in textile-related materials, processes, and concepts through the production of a body of work reflecting the student's individual interests. Regular individual meetings and group critiques are planned to foster dialogue and provide additional support. May be repeated for a total of 60 credit hours.

Graphic Design

• FINA-S 250 Introduction to Design Practice (3 cr.) CASE A&H P: F100, F101, F102. Drawing and perception in the history and practice of visual communication, including a basic introduction to the field and exercises with pencil, marker, computer, and other tools, to produce symbols, letter forms, and symbol-letter combinations.

• FINA-S 351 Typography I (3 cr.) CASE A&H P: S250 and consent of instructor. Studies in visual communication with an emphasis on typography, including measurement and structure, detail and refinement, hierarchy and legibility, tools, and application to various media in digital and print formats. An introduction to type history, aesthetics and analysis are also considered.
  

• FINA-S 352 Production for the Graphic Designer (3 cr.) CASE A&H P: S351 and consent of instructor. A thorough set of practical exercises that combine design projects with related information about both presentation of ideas and printing of finished designs.
  

• FINA-S 451 Graphic Design Problem Solving (1-20 cr.) P: S352 and consent of instructor. 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. May be repeated for a total of 20 credit hours.

• FINA-S 452 B.F.A. Graphic Design (1-60 cr.) Directed, advanced study in graphic design. See description of B.F.A. program for studio majors. May be repeated for a total of 60 credit hours.

• FINA-S 455 Practice and History of Graphic Design (3 cr.) P: S250, S351, S352, and consent of instructor. Examines the history of graphic design with a focus on Western Civilization and comparisons to other cultures. Design projects and reports by students provide graphic design experience and reflection on the historical topics covered.

• FINA-S 459 Graphic Design Advanced Seminar: Topics in History, Theory, and Criticism (3 cr.) P: FINA S352 and permission of instructor. Background on major graphic design movements, the design of the alphabet and type styles, the use of tools (printing press, wood cut, 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. Recommended for B.F.A. students in graphic design. May be repeated for a total of 12 credit hours.

Metalsmithing and Jewelry Design

• FINA-S 280 Metalsmithing and Jewelry Design I (3 cr.) CASE A&H P: F101, F102, or consent of instructor. Introductory course for exploring metalworking and jewelry design as a serious form of creative expression. Focuses on the basic techniques of piercing of metals, soldering, sheet metal construction, surface embellishment, mechanical joining, wire forming and forging, stretching of sheet metals, and various metal finishing techniques.

• FINA-S 381 Metalsmithing and Jewelry Design II (3 cr.) CASE A&H P: S280. Extensive designing and model making for exploring forms and ideas in metal and mixed media, either as jewelry, hollowware objects, flatware, tea strainers and infusers, boxes, or small-scale sculpture. Focus on techniques of angle raising, repoussé and chasing, forging of flatware, stone setting, and lost-wax casting, jewelry mechanisms, hinge making, and patination of metals. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours.

• FINA-S 481 Metalsmithing and Jewelry Design III (1-20 cr.) P: S381. Improves and expands knowledge and skill in metalsmithing and jewelry design. Guidance toward developing a personal direction of creative expression, artistic aesthetic, and art philosophy. Advanced techniques include large-scale vessel forming from sheet metal, large-scale soldering, die forming, jewelry mechanisms, chain making, chasing and repoussé, enameling, stone cutting, PNP etching, and working with alternative materials. May be repeated for a total of 20 credit hours.

• FINA-S 482 B.F.A. Metalsmithing and Jewelry Design (1-60 cr.) P: Admission to the B.F.A. program in metalsmithing, formal review of work. Mentor-directed, independent study in jewelry and metalsmithing leading to the development of a professional portfolio and a B.F.A. thesis exhibition. Creation of a cohesive body of work for application to graduate school or to begin working as a professional metalsmith or jeweler. May be repeated for a total of 60 credit hours.

• FINA-S 485 B.F.A. Metalsmithing Seminar (1 cr.) P: Admission to the B.F.A. program in metalsmithing. Seminar in metalsmithing and jewelry design that includes critiques of students’ work, discussion of readings, special projects, slide lectures, technical demonstrations, visiting artist lectures, and exhibitions. Guidance toward developing a personal direction of creative expression, artistic aesthetic, and art philosophy. May be repeated for a total of 10 credit hours.

Painting

• FINA-S 230 Painting I (3 cr.) CASE A&H P: F100, F101, and F102. Preliminary course for advancement in painting; exploring technical and visual aspects of color media. Emphasis on media command and structural problems in painting. Media: oil and acrylics.

• FINA-S 331 Painting II (3 cr.) CASE A&H P: S230. Intermediate course in painting from the model and other sources. Emphasis on technical command and understanding of the components of painting space, color, volume, value, and scale. Media: oil or acrylics. May be repeated once.

• FINA-S 431 Painting III (1-60 cr.) P: S331. Advanced course in painting. Continuation of S331. May be repeated for a total of 20 credit hours.

• FINA-S 432 B.F.A. Painting (1-60 cr.) P: S431. Concentrated studio projects within the framework of the B.F.A. painting program. (See description of the B.F.A. program.) May be repeated for a total of 60 credit hours.

• FINA-S 439 B.F.A. Painting Seminar (1 cr.) Advanced study in painting. Weekly review of student work with attention to content, craftsmanship, intent, and resources. Periodic discussions of art history with slide material to illustrate painting problems and concepts. Group participation stressed. Open to B.F.A. painters only. May be repeated for a total of 10 credit hours.

Photography

• FINA-N 198 Introduction to Photography for Non-Majors (3 cr.) CASE A&H A contemporary introduction to fine art photography. Covers technical, aesthetic and historical issues of quality image making. Assigned projects demonstrate and develop conceptual and technical understanding of materials. Discussions provide hands-on technical assistance and help in editing and critiquing visual assignments. Requires a digital SLR camera or a digital camera with full manual controls.

• FINA-S 291 Fundamentals of Photography (3 cr.) CASE A&H Basic practice of digital camera operation, exposure calculation, exposing, image file management, image optimization and digital printing. Guidance toward establishment of a personal photographic aesthetic. A digital SLR camera is required.

• FINA-S 392 Intermediate Photography (3 cr.) CASE A&H P: S291 or consent of instructor. Practice of black-and-white photography: camera work, darkroom practices, appreciation of photographs, and experience in expressive use of the medium.

• FINA-S 492 B.F.A. Photography (1-60 cr.) May be repeated for a total of 60 credit hours.

• FINA-S 493 Advanced Photography (1-12 cr.) P: S392 and consent of instructor. Emphasizes advanced conceptual and technical development in digital and traditional photographic media and the expansion of creative possibilities. Topics vary. May include such topics as alternative processes, advanced Photoshop, documentary and large format photography, photographic theory, installation art, and black and white darkroom practice. May be repeated for a total of 12 credit hours.

Printmaking

• FINA-S 240 Basic Printmaking Media (3 cr.) CASE A&H Introduction to printmaking. Emphasis on three basic media: intaglio, lithography, and silk screen. Problems in pictorial composition and drawing. Study of the interrelationships of all graphic media.

• FINA-S 341 Printmaking II—Intaglio (3 cr.) CASE A&H P: S240. Advanced study with emphasis on intaglio. Problems in pictorial composition and drawing stressed.
  

• FINA-S 343 Printmaking II—Lithography (3 cr.) CASE A&H P: S240. Advanced study with emphasis on lithography. Problems in pictorial composition and drawing stressed.
  

• FINA-S 344 Printmaking II—Silk Screen (3 cr.) CASE A&H P: S240. Advanced study with emphasis on silk screen. Problems in pictorial composition and drawing stressed.

• FINA-S 441 Printmaking III—Intaglio (1-20 cr.) P: S341. Advanced work in intaglio for qualified students. This course is also open for non–M.F.A. printmaking students on the graduate level. May be repeated for a total of 20 credit hours.

• FINA-S 442 B.F.A. Printmaking (1-60 cr.) Directed study in printmaking. May be repeated for a total of 60 credit hours.

• FINA-S 443 Printmaking III—Lithography (1-20 cr.) P: S343. Advanced work in lithography for qualified students. This course is also open for non–M.F.A. printmaking students on the graduate level. May be repeated for a total of 20 credit hours.

• FINA-S 444 Printmaking III—Silk Screen (1-20 cr.) P: S344. Advanced work in silk screen for qualified students. This course is also open for non–M.F.A. printmaking students on the graduate level. May be repeated for a total of 20 credit hours.

• FINA-S 445 Relief Printmaking Media (1-3 cr.) P: S240 or consent of instructor. Relief printmaking media: woodcut, linocut, monotype, and collograph. Students create prints in each medium in both black-and-white and color using a variety of traditional and innovative techniques such as photo and the computer. May be repeated for a total of 20 credit hours.

• FINA-S 449 B.F.A. Printmaking Seminar (2 cr.) Open to B.F.A. printmakers. Required each semester. Seminars will have different topics taught by printmaking faculty on a rotating basis. Special printmaking projects, critiques, and artists’ lectures related to the field of printmaking. Historical, technical, and conceptual issues discussed. Group critiques held once a month as part of the seminar. May be repeated with different topics for a total of 20 credit hours.

Sculpture

• FINA-S 270 Sculpture I (3 cr.) CASE A&H P: F101. Foundation in basic technical and formal methods of traditional and contemporary sculpture. Use of tools and equipment for additive and subtractive techniques including wood construction, steel fabrication, clay modeling, plaster mold making and cold casting, and assemblage. Emphasis placed on technical execution, conceptualization, and creative problem solving.

• FINA-S 271 Introduction to Figurative Sculpture (3 cr.) CASE A&H Figurative sculpture has been the traditional method of introducing students to form, space, and proportion in sculpture. Students work from the model with clay, creating sculpture from observation.

• FINA-S 371 Sculpture II (3 cr.) CASE A&H P: S270 or consent of instructor. Development of skills in both traditional and contemporary sculpture methodology. Rotating semester topics may include figurative sculpture, carving, casting, steel/wood construction, computer-aided machining and rapid prototyping, installation art, and public art. Emphasis on the exploration of ideas through the sculptural form and knowledge of materials and historical traditions. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours.

• FINA-S 471 Sculpture III (3-6 cr.) P: S371 or consent of instructor. 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. May be repeated for a total of 20 credit hours.

• FINA-S 472 B.F.A. Sculpture (1-7 cr.) Production of a body of work reflecting the student’s specific interests. Students meet independently with professor and in group critiques to maintain a dialogue and provide technical advice. Open to B.F.A. degree majors only. May be repeated for a total of 60 credit hours.

• FINA-S 479 B.F.A. Sculpture Seminar (1 cr.) P: Admission into the B.F.A. sculpture program. Weekly critiques, assigned readings, discussions, slide lectures, and special research projects. May be repeated for a total of 10 credit hours.

General

• FINA-G 400 B.F.A. Final Review (0 cr.) Final portfolio review for B.F.A. program.

• FINA-U 201 Special Topics in Studio Art (1-3 cr.) Selected introductory-level topics not ordinarily covered in other studio art courses. May be repeated once with a different topic for a maximum of 6 credit hours.

• FINA-U 301 Special Topics in Studio Art (1-3 cr.) Selected intermediate-level topics not ordinarily covered in other studio art courses. May be repeated once with a different topic for a maximum of 6 credit hours.

• FINA-X 373 Professional Practice in Fine Arts (1-6 cr.) P: Junior standing, approval of the undergraduate advisor. Supervised, career-related work experience in a cooperating institution, agency, or business. Evaluation by employer and the undergraduate advisor. Does not count toward Breadth of Inquiry or fine arts requirements. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours in X373 and Y398.

• FINA-U 400 Sources and Resources: Professional Skills in Fine Arts (1-3 cr.) P: B.F.A. major or advanced B.A. studio art major. Focuses on building professional skills for careers in art. Seminar format will be structured to foster individual growth and insight in understanding both conceptual and practical concerns of choosing to be an artist. May be repeated with different topics for a total of 6 credit hours.

• FINA-U 401 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.

• FINA-U 402 Technical Resources in Studio Art (1-3 cr.) Special aspects of studio training in the various disciplines focusing on technical and safety issues of equipment use and/or chemical substances. May include advanced aspects of technologies in studio areas and preparation for use of facilities in independent studio projects. May be repeated once with a different topic.

• FINA-R 408 Contemporary Art Issues and Cultural Themes (3 cr.) Focus is on artwork from 1980 to the present. Historical references and cultural theory are considered to provoke thoughts about the intersections between art and culture.

• FINA-U 450 Independent Studio Projects (1-3 cr.) Individual studio projects under guidance of faculty member or committee. Does not fulfill a specific course requirement for a fine arts major. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours.