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Fine Arts | FINA

Pictured | Samuel Miller | Graphic Design | Mishawaka, Indiana (hometown)
Background artwork credit | Samuel Miller


Fine Arts | FINA

P Prerequisite | C Co-requisite | R Recommended
I Fall Semester | II Spring Semester | S Summer Session/s


  • FINA-A 100 An Introduction to Art (3 cr.) Introduction to the world of images, with emphasis on how to see and understand works of art within the context of the period that produced them. Students will learn how to look at paintings and sculptures and become familiar with art terminology.
  • FINA-A 101 Ancient and Medieval Art (3 cr.) A survey of major styles and monuments in art and architecture from prehistoric times to the end of the Middle Ages.
  • FINA-A 109 Ways of Seeing: Visual Literacy (3 cr.) This survey provides an overview to assist students in their appreciation and understanding of visual culture throughout human development.  It investigates the nature and culture of "seeing":  how we see ourselves and our world as influenced by physiological, environmental and cultural conditions.
  • FINA-A 190 Art, Aesthetics, and Creativity (3 cr.) Explores artistic disciplines and associated forms, materials, and practices. Develops students' making, looking, and listening skills. Through the creative process students will explore relationships to other individuals and cultures, and will review the implications of their learning for their personal, academic, and professional pursuits.
  • FINA-A 300 Topics in Art History (1-3 cr.) Specialized topics in the study of Art History. May be repeated for up to 6 credits.
  • FINA-A 303 Art Since 1945 (3 cr.) Investigates individual artists as dynamic forces whose works reflect socio-political, technological, psychological and aesthetic developments since the end of World War II.  Examines how world events, the political realignment of artists, the shifting social status of the art buyer's market, and the art movements since 1945 have influenced art today.
  • FINA-A 306 Women in the Visual Arts (3 cr.) The works and life of western female artists will be discussed. The relation to and difference of female artists approach to art historical traditions will be analyzed. Feminist theories in art history will be employed for analyzing the production of art by women in the west as to how it reflected and, at the same time, affected its political and cultural milieus.
  • FINA-A 307 Introduction to Non-Western Art (3 cr.) Introduction to Non-Western Art will introduce students to the cultural art of Non-Western societies.  The course will discuss how art is categorized in Non-Western cultures.  The historical, social and cultural role played by the arts in Non-Western cultures will be analyzed.
  • FINA-A 308 Modern Art 1900-1945 (3 cr.) The class will follow a chronological development of early twentieth century art in the west. The relationship between modern art and its relevant historical, political and cultural milieus will be studied. The response of artists to, and the effect of art on, western societies will be analyzed.
  • FINA-A 340 Topics in Modern Art (3 cr.) Special topics in the history and study of nineteenth- and twentieth-century European and American art.
  • FINA-A 399 Art, Aesthetics, and Creativity (3 cr.) Explores, in an interdisciplinary way, culture, cultural artifacts and the role of art in the formation and expression of a particular culture. A historical perspective on the intellectual tradition, reveals both change and deeper continuities in social and spiritual values underlying art making. Issues of practice of the craft will receive greater emphasis at this level.
  • FINA-A 409 Capstone Course (3 cr.) P: Fine Arts major and consent of instructor required. The Capstone focuses the critical and analytical skills applied to visual knowledge during the student's academic career to provide a culmination and assessment of these skills. Visual Arts seniors investigate ideas about art and artists in preparation for the BFA Exhibit and to refine the intellectual tools of independent exploration.
  • FINA-F 100 Fundamental Studio-Drawing (3 cr.) 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 investigation of graphic tools and media.
  • FINA-F 101 Fundamental Studio-3D (3 cr.) Volume, space, material, and physical force studies provide the basis for exploration of three-dimensional form; includes carving, construction, modeling, and casting using wood, plaster, Styrofoam, clay, etc.
  • FINA-F 102 Fundamental Studio-2D (3 cr.) 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-M 330 Foundations in Art Education and Methods I (3 cr.) In Foundations in Art Education and Methods 1 students will explore how to create and implement an art curricula for elementary level classes (grades K-6). Students will learn about different theories of child development as well as different theories and movements in art education to create lesson plans that are meaningful, relevant, and meet Indiana state teaching standards. In addition to developing lesson plans for elementary art classes, students will learn about a range of classroom management procedures that will aide in the implementation of lesson planning. Field placements with elementary school art teachers done via FINA-M 301 Field Experience will further situate methods and theories by giving students the opportunity to teach their curricula in schools.
  • FINA-P 273 Computer Art and Design I (3 cr.) Emphasis will be placed on the exploration of digital art and design. This beginning course acquaints students with raster and vector graphics and the manipulation of peripherals such as scanners and printers. Students will be encouraged to explore personal imagery in solving assigned problems.
  • FINA-P 323 Introduction to Web Design (3 cr.) P: Must earn grade of C- or better in FINA-P 273 to enroll. Can be currently enrolled. Transfer credit accepted. This course covers the technical and design fundamentals and principles of web design.
  • FINA-P 324 Intermediate Web Design (3 cr.) P: Emphasis will be placed on the exploration of digital art and design. This beginning course acquaints students with raster and vector graphics and the manipulation of peripherals such as scanners and printers. Students will be encouraged to explore personal imagery in solving assigned problems. Continued exploration of web design, with emphasis on efficient, user-friendly interfaces.  Both web authoring and web animation software programs will be utilized.  Focus on multimedia - video, sound, and motion graphics to communicate information effectively over the Internet, while retaining a strong aesthetic quality.
  • FINA-P 374 Computer Art and Design II (3 cr.) P: FINA-P 273. A continuation of P273. Emphasis will be placed on two-dimensional and three-dimensional graphic software, web page design and on-line publication.
  • FINA-P 453 Graphic Design III (3 cr.) P: Must earn grade of C- or better in FINA-S 351 and S 324 (or P 374) to enroll. Can be currently enrolled. Transfer credit accepted. Approaches to solving diverse problems in increasingly practical applications. Students draw on their knowledge of design principles as well as utilizing their technical skills. An investigative approach is emphasized.
  • FINA-P 454 Graphic Design IV (3 cr.) P: Must earn grade of C- or better in FINA-S 351 and S 324 (or P 374) to enroll. Can be currently enrolled. Transfer credit accepted. Professional problem solving in graphic design.
  • FINA-P 455 Advanced Lettering and Typography (3 cr.) P: Must earn grade of C- or better in FINA-S 324 to enroll. Can be currently enrolled. Transfer credit accepted. Projects address topography as the primary vehicle for communicating information and supporting text content. Students will consider the formal aspect of type-setting, scale, form and legibility. A research paper will be required.
  • FINA-P 461 Graphic Reproduction Methods I (3 cr.) P: Must earn grade of C- or better in FINA-S 324 to enroll. Can be currently enrolled. Transfer credit accepted. This course utilizes design projects to explore and perfect techniques for preparing visual images for reproduction. Students learn basic traditional hand techniques as well as digital techniques.
  • FINA-P 475 Computer Art and Design III (3 cr.) P: Must earn grade of C- or better in FINA-S 324 to enroll. Can be currently enrolled. Transfer credit accepted. Focus on advanced problems in computer graphics (interactive/multimedia authoring) will be determined by the skills and interests of each student.
  • FINA-P 495 Independent Study in Fine Arts (3 cr.) P: Consent of instructor. Bachelor of Fine Arts graphic design students only. May be repeated twice for credit.
  • FINA-S 200 Drawing 1 (2-3 cr.) P: Must earn grade of C- or better in FINA-F 100 to enroll. Can be currently enrolled. Transfer credit accepted. 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 230 Painting 1 (2-3 cr.) P: Must earn grade of C- or better in FINA-F 100 to enroll. Can be currently enrolled. Transfer credit accepted. 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 240 Basic Printmaking Media (3 cr.) Introduction to printmaking. Emphasis on three basic media: intaglio, lithography, and silkscreen. Problems in pictorial composition and drawing. Study of the interrelationships of all graphic media.
  • FINA-S 250 Graphic Design I (3 cr.) P: FINA-F 102. Emphasis on visual communication through the perceptive use of line, form, and color. Elementary study of letter forms and typography. Introduction to basic tools, drawing disciplines of graphic design, and computer graphics.
  • FINA-S 260 Ceramics 1 (3 cr.) A limited introduction to handbuilding, throwing, glaze mixing and glaze application, including lectures on basic ceramic techniques. Critiques of student work.
  • FINA-S 270 Sculpture 1 (2-3 cr.) P: Must earn grade of C- or better in FINA-F 101 to enroll. Can be currently enrolled. Transfer credit accepted. Foundation in basic technical and formal methods of traditional and contemporary sculpture. Use of tools and equipment for additive and subtractive techniques include: wood construction, steel fabrication, clay modeling, plaster mold making and cold casting, and assemblage. Emphasis placed on technical execution, conceptualization and creative problem solving. May be repeated twice for up to 6 credits.
  • FINA-S 271 Introduction to Figurative Sculpture (3 cr.) P: Must earn grade of C- or better in FINA-F 101 to enroll. Can be currently enrolled. Transfer credit accepted. Figurative Sculpture has been the traditional method of introducing students to form, space, and proportion in sculpture. Students work from the model in clay, creating sculpture from direct observation.
  • FINA-S 291 Fundamentals of Photography (3 cr.) 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 300 Video Art (3 cr.) 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 ½" VHS camera and editing procedures in conjunction with development of a visual sensitivity. Readings and a research project are also required.
  • FINA-S 301 Drawing 2 (2-3 cr.) P: FINA-S 200. Intermediate course in painting 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, and linear sensitivity.
  • FINA-S 302 Printmaking II Book Arts (3 cr.) A comprehensive introduction to basic book forms. Non-adhesive structures include basic pamphlets, as well as pleated, folded and tabbed forms. Adhesive structures include portfolios, Japanese stab binding, open-spine chain link binding, binding on tapes/cords and clamshell box construction.
  • FINA-S 304 Digital Imaging (3 cr.) P: Must earn grade of C- or better in FINA-S 291 to enroll. Can be currently enrolled. Transfer credit accepted. This course combines contemporary image making and digital image processing taught together in the context of photography.
  • FINA-S 305 Graphic Design Internship (1-12 cr.) P: Fine Arts Major and consent of instructor required Bachelor of Fina Arts graphic design students only. Graphic Design Internship:  is a supervised experience where students work for clients in a professional graphic design environment. May be repeated four times for up to 12 credits.
  • FINA-S 323 Intermediate Photoshop (3 cr.) P: Must earn grade of C- or better in FINA-P 273 to enroll. Can be currently enrolled. Transfer credit accepted. Photoshop beyond the basics. Emphasis on collage techniques - layers and channels, layer modes, paths and clipping paths. Preparation of images for print, multimedia and web - scanning, retouching, optimizing images, as well as a variety of special effects applied to type and imagery.
  • FINA-S 324 Page Layout and Design (3 cr.) P: Must earn grade of C- or better in FINA-P 273 to enroll. Can be currently enrolled. Transfer credit accepted. Comprehensive coverage of page layout. Strong emphasis on typography, including formatting, style sheets, and combining text with imagery. Files will be prepared for print, including preparation of collect-for-output reports and management of images and fonts. Features such as templates, libraries, and managing large documents will be covered.
  • FINA-S 326 Computer Art and Video (3 cr.) Survey course in computer graphics and video production intended to introduce students to design industry best-practices and popular, industry-standard software for the purpose of creating art and video for print and digital distribution. Intended specifically for non-design majors to understand basic design terminology, technology, and methods.
  • FINA-S 329 Manuscript Arts and Illumination (3 cr.) This course will begin with a brief history of writing and calligraphic styles. Various decorative techniques will be studied, such as Italian white vine foliate and Celtic motifs for initial capitals. Contemporary and traditional materials will be covered, and will include working with vellum (calf skin). A history of illumination techniques (embellishing with gold leaf) will be followed by hands-on experience working with flat and raised gilding.
  • FINA-S 331 Painting 2 (2-3 cr.) P: FINA-S 230. 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 twice for credit.
  • FINA-S 337 Watercolor Painting I (2-3 cr.) P: FINA-S 200. An introduction to watercolor working from still life, portrait, and the figure; stressing technical competence.
  • FINA-S 338 Water Color Painting 2 (2-3 cr.) P:  FINA-S 337. Further work in advancing technical skill in watercolor and achieving stylistic individuality.
  • FINA-S 341 Printmaking II Intaglio (3 cr.) P: FINA-S 240. Advanced study with emphasis on intaglio. Problems in pictorial composition and drawing stressed. May be repeated twice for up to 6 credits.
  • FINA-S 343 Printmaking II Lithography (3 cr.) P: FINA-S 240. Advanced study with emphasis on lithography. Problems in pictorial composition and drawing stressed.
  • FINA-S 344 Printmaking II Silkscreen (3 cr.) P: FINA-S 240. Advanced study with emphasis on silkscreen. Problems in pictorial composition and drawing stressed.
  • FINA-S 351 Typography I (3 cr.) P: Must earn grade of C- or better in FINA-S 250 or INMS-S 250 to enroll. Can be currently enrolled. Transfer credit accepted. 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 361 Ceramics 2 (3 cr.) P: Must earn grade of C- or better in FINA-S 260 to enroll. Can be currently enrolled. Transfer credit accepted. 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 twice for up to 6 credits.
  • FINA-S 371 Sculpture 2 (3 cr.) P: FINA-S 260 or FINA-S 270 or FINA-S 271 or FINA-S 280. Can be currently enrolled. Transfer credit accepted. Development of skills in both traditional and contemporary sculpture methodology. Rotating semester topics 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. Must be repeated twice for a total of 6 credits.
  • FINA-S 381 Metalsmithing and Jewelry Design II (3 cr.) P: Must earn grade of C- or better in FINA-S 280 to enroll. Can be currently enrolled. Transfer credit accepted. 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.
  • FINA-S 392 Intermediate Photography (3 cr.) P: Must earn grade of C- or better in FINA-S 291 to enroll. Can be currently enrolled. Transfer credit accepted. Practice of black and white photography: camera work, darkroom practices, appreciation of photographs and experience in expressive use of the medium.
  • FINA-S 401 Drawing 3 (1-20 cr.) P: Must earn grade of C- or better in FINA-S 301 to enroll. Can be currently enrolled. Transfer credit accepted. Advanced drawing. Continuation of S301. May be repeated for up to 20 credits.
  • FINA-S 402 Pastel Drawing (3 cr.) P: Must earn grade of C- or better in FINA-F 100 to enroll. Can be currently enrolled. Transfer credit accepted. This studio class will explore different techniques used with chalk pastel and will briefly examine the history of pastel use by several important painters from Chardin through Manet, Redon and Degas.  More contemporary artists will also be examined.
  • FINA-S 403 Anatomy for the Artist (3 cr.) P: Must earn grade of C- or better in FINA-F 100 to enroll. Can be currently enrolled. Transfer credit accepted. Artistic Anatomy is an 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 castes and the human figure.
  • FINA-S 405 Bachelor of Fine Arts Drawing (1-6 cr.) P: Fine Arts Major and consent of instructor required. A concentrated tutorial in the drawing craft. Craftsmanship, content, and personal style are stressed. May be repeated for up to 60 credits.
  • FINA-S 406 Artificial Lighting (3 cr.) P: Must earn grade of C- or better in FINA-S 392 to enroll. Can be currently enrolled. Transfer credit accepted. Course work will include a study of technical and formal aspects of artificial lighting applied in a studio or on location. Assignments will emphasize the use of light as a visual language influencing the content of an image
  • FINA-S 407 Alternative Processes Photography (3 cr.) P: FINA-S 392 or consent of instructor. Advanced film exposure and development techniques will be studied in conjunction with alternative photographic processes. Course work will include critique and discussions toward the development of an understanding of these processes in a historical and aesthetic context.
  • FINA-S 417 Hand Papermaking I (3 cr.) This class will introduce students to various handmade paper techniques including recycled paper, sheet forming, pulp painting and molding.
  • FINA-S 423 Large Format Photography (3 cr.) P: Must earn grade of C- or better in FINA-S 392 to enroll. Can be currently enrolled. Transfer credit accepted. Student will learn advanced photographic techniques of exposure and printing using a 4 x 5 view camera and further develop an aesthetic and conceptual understanding of photography.
  • FINA-S 431 Painting 3 (1-20 cr.) P: Must earn grade of C- or better in FINA-S 331 to enroll. Can be currently enrolled. Transfer credit accepted. Advanced course in painting. Continuation of S331. May be repeated for up to 20 credits.
  • FINA-S 432 Bachelor of Fine Arts Painting (1-60 cr.) P: Fine Arts Major and consent of instructor required. Concentrated studio projects within the framework of the B.F.A. painting program. May be repeated for up to 60 credits.
  • FINA-S 437 Water Color Painting 3 (3 cr.) P: FINA-S 338. Continuation of Watercolor Painting 2. May be repeated three times for credit.
  • FINA-S 442 Bachelor of Fine Arts Printmaking (3 cr.) P: Fine Arts Major and consent of instructor required. Directed study in printmaking. Must be repeated twice for a total of 6 credits.
  • FINA-S 445 Relief Printmaking Media (1-3 cr.) 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.
  • FINA-S 447 Printmaking 3 (3 cr.) Advanced work in intaglio and/or lithography for qualified students.
  • FINA-S 471 Sculpture 3 (3-6 cr.) P: Must earn grade of C- or better in FINA-S 371 to enroll. Can be currently enrolled. Transfer credit accepted. 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. Must be repeated three times for a total of 9 credits.
  • FINA-S 472 BFA Sculpture (1-7 cr.) P: Fine Arts Major and consent of instructor required. 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. May be repeated for up to 60 credits
  • FINA-S 490 Advanced Photography I (3 cr.) P: FINA-S 392 and consent of instructor. Repeatable for 60 hours.
  • FINA-S 491 Advanced Photography 2 (1-20 cr.) P: FINA-S 392 and consent of instructor. May be repeated for a total of 20 credits.
  • FINA-S 492 Bachelor of Fine Arts Photography (1-60 cr.) P: Fine Arts Major and consent of instructor required. Creation of photography portfolio and senior thesis exhibition. May be repeated for up to 60 credits.
  • FINA-S 495 Advanced Photo Systems (3-5 cr.) Junior-level course. P: Must earn grade of C- or better in FINA-S 392 to enroll. Can be currently enrolled. Transfer credit accepted. The photographic process as a system, study of the nature and behavior of its several components, and the manner and means of their interaction.
  • FINA-S 497 Independent Study in Studio Art (1-6 cr.) P: Fine Arts Major and consent of instructor required. Advanced independent work in studio area of student's choice. Emphasis on self-motivation and self-direction in addition to intensive furthering of skills and concepts already obtained in studio classes. May be repeated for up to 21 credits
  • FINA-S 499 Bachelor of Fine Arts Review (0 cr.) P: Integrated New Media or Fine Arts Major and consent of instructor required. Final portfolio review for B.F.A. program.
  • FINA-T 390 Literary and Intellectual Traditions (3 cr.) Interdisciplinary exploration of a humanistic tradition regarding one of the following themes:  ideas of self, truth, beauty, community, nature, or conflict.  Writing intensive, discussion-focused. Attention to primary texts and research materials.
  • FINA-U 401 Special Topics in Studio Art (1-3 cr.) Special topics in studio art not ordinarily covered in other departmental courses. May be repeated twice for credit.
  • FINA-Y 398 Professional Practice in Fine Arts (1-6 cr.) Supervised, career related work experience in a cooperating institution, agency, or business. Evaluation by employer and School of Fine Arts. May be repeated for up to 6 credits.

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2017-2018 Campus Bulletin
2016-2017 Campus Bulletin
2015-2016 Campus Bulletin
2014-2015 Campus Bulletin

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