Courses

Visual Thinking in Contemporary Photography

Course No. FVPA330.1  Credits: 3
Faculty Barry Underwood | Michael Wallace

In this course, photographic theories, modes and structures will be examined through the issues of narrative and aesthetics. Students will examine contemporary practices, which have emerged with respect toward photography, and hybrid digital media that transmute photographic theories, concepts, forms, and processes. The course will investigate the ways in which photography continues to affect (visual) culture and the way one perceives and understands. The work of selected photographers will provide a framework for comparing photographic philosophies. Required of Photo Majors and Open Elective. 3 credits.

Water+: An Exploration of Water-Based Media

Course No. PTG240.1  Credits: 3

This course explores the different materials and processes used in various water-based media such as acrylic, gouache, watercolor, ink, and other natural substances that can be used to make colors/washes. Various historical models will be examined such as Chinese scroll painting and watercolor from the Song dynasty to Renaissance architecture and figure studies to post-impressionist use of color and mark which will put contemporary use of water-based media into focus. The work of artists as varied as William Blake, Vincent Van Gogh, Charles Burchfield, and Paul Klee to more recent artists such as Francesco Clemente, Marlene Dumas, Amy Cutler, Shazia Sikander, and Franz Ackermann, will be examined within the context of the studentÕs personal practice. This course is open to all students.

Water+: An Exploration of Water-Based Media

Course No. PTG340.1  Credits: 3

This course explores the different materials and processes used in various water-based media such as acrylic, gouache, watercolor, ink, and other natural substances that can be used to make colors/washes. Various historical models will be examined such as Chinese scroll painting and watercolor from the Song dynasty to Renaissance architecture and figure studies to post-impressionist use of color and mark which will put contemporary use of water-based media into focus. The work of artists as varied as William Blake, Vincent Van Gogh, Charles Burchfield, and Paul Klee to more recent artists such as Francesco Clemente, Marlene Dumas, Amy Cutler, Shazia Sikander, and Franz Ackermann, will be examined within the context of the studentÕs personal practice. This course is open to all students.

Water+: An Exploration of Water-Based Media

Course No. PTG440.1  Credits: 3

This course explores the different materials and processes used in various water-based media such as acrylic, gouache, watercolor, ink, and other natural substances that can be used to make colors/washes. Various historical models will be examined such as Chinese scroll painting and watercolor from the Song dynasty to Renaissance architecture and figure studies to post-impressionist use of color and mark which will put contemporary use of water-based media into focus. The work of artists as varied as William Blake, Vincent Van Gogh, Charles Burchfield, and Paul Klee to more recent artists such as Francesco Clemente, Marlene Dumas, Amy Cutler, Shazia Sikander, and Franz Ackermann, will be examined within the context of the studentÕs personal practice. This course is open to all students.

Ways of Thought: Confucianism, Taoism, & Zen

Course No. HCS367.1  Credits: 3
Faculty Allen Zimmerman

This course is an introduction to systems of belief and action in China and Japan. It begins with a critical cross-cultural comparison of Confucianism, Taoism and Ch'an Buddhism in China and Zen Buddhism in Japan, concluding with a comparison between two representative systems, one Eastern and one Western. The aim of this course is twofold: to explore traditional philosophical, religious and psychological perceptions that have influenced life (ideal and otherwise) in China and Japan, and to provide a basis for understanding selected Asian cultures and, through perspectives gained, to reflect upon our own. 3 credits.

Ways of Thought: Hinduism & Buddhism

Course No. HCS366.1  Credits: 3
Faculty Allen Zimmerman

This two-semester course begins with an introduction to similarities and differences between Eastern and Western systems of belief and action. It proceeds with a critical cross-cultural comparison of Hinduism, Indian and Chinese schools of Buddhism, Taoism in China, and Zen Buddhism in Japan. It concludes with a comparison between two representative systems, one Eastern and one Western. The aim of this course is twofold: to explore traditional philosophical, religious, and psychological perceptions that have influenced life (ideal and otherwise) in India, China and Japan, and to provide a basis for understanding selected Asian cultures and, through perspectives gained, to reflect upon our own. 3 credits.

Weaving Patterns: Collective Activity

Course No. FIB275.2  Credits: 3
Faculty William Lorton

Students will learn to weave and explore the possibilities of the process on traditional floor looms (floor, tapestry, Computer-assisted Dobby) and alternative weaving devices (constructed from found objects or using architectural influences). Technical vocabulary and conceptual focus will be developed through an investigation of process, material, tools and the many and varied histories of weaving. The intersection between weaving and collaboration will be explored in discussions on the development of pattern/structure as a form of communication; looms built in situ; implication of globalization on craft production; traditional and contemporary practice of gifting; and social participation. Required sophomore FMS majors. Open elective. 3 credits.

Web Design/Interactive I

Course No. CDS305.1  Credits: 3
Faculty Pat Lally

Through this course, students will learn how to use different software tools to design, implement, and produce a Graphic User Interface. Our efforts will be mostly concentrated on creating web/internet/ interactive projects, as these will allow for the exercise of ideas and tools across the entire design spectrum. Students will have a grasp of the essential technology used for web applications: the Hyper-Text Markup Language (including HTML 5) and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). You will be introduced to several techniques that will allow you to begin making interactive applications, which include PHP, JQuery and Javascript, as well as looking at user experience and design of apps for smart phone and pads. The course will also include an introduction to designing and creating Epub formats.