Foundation Courses

Design Safety Lab

Course No. FNDN 107L  Credits: 0.0

Design Safety Lab class introduces woodshop safety and basic skills in machinery use. Students learn the fundamental characteristics of wood as a versatile medium, as well as appropriate construction methods for particular applications. Offered fall and spring.

2D Design

Course No. FNDN 110  Credits: 3.0
Faculty Jimmy Kuehnle | Kevin Kautenburger | Maggie Denk-Leigh | Meagan Smith | Sarah Kabot | Scott Goss

In this fundamental visual composition course, students learn the primary elements and principles of visual language and are introduced to a range of formal and conceptual problems which become increasingly complex as the course progresses. Students are challenged to explore core design principles of visual organization in unique and challenging ways, and to gain the ability to problem-solve through ideation processes, group dialogue, perceptual refinement and skills management. Developing analytical skills and the ability to effectively engage in an ongoing process of critique are also core components of the course. 2D Design involves the planning and organization of the parts within a whole, through a sense of experimentation, risk taking and discovery. This course focuses primarily on 2-dimensional forms but also gradually introduces some elements related to 3-dimensional forms. Material exploration and the development of strong manual skills in regard to visual acuity and craft sensitivity are a key aspect of every assignment. Knowledge and skills gained in concurrent Foundation program areas such as drawing and digital skills are fundamental for communicating ideas and are reinforced in 2D Design.

3D Design

Course No. FNDN 111  Credits: 3.0
Faculty Jessica Pinsky | Jimmy Kuehnle | Kathy Buszkiewicz | Kevin Kautenburger | Meagan Smith | Pam Spremulli | Sarah Kabot | Scott Goss

This course builds on the experiences of 2D Design with compositional and conceptual problems being explored fully in three dimensions. Form, mass, volume, spatial interactions, material qualities, and physical forces are key factors. Students continue to learn to perceive and control visual relationships within the design structures they make. The aesthetic and conceptual potential of materials and processes (craft) are also vital aspects of this studio course. Creative processes of problem solving through research, investigation and ideation, together with an attitude of discovery, are required for all concept and project explorations. Ideational drawing, model making, material studies, and prototypes contribute to developing ideas to a high and thoughtful level. Various methods and approaches to giving form (such as additive, subtractive, assemblage and joinery) are challenges for every concept explored. 3D Design projects have the potential to be explored as sculpture, functional design, or even as hybrid. Students are challenged to follow their passions and gain experience in self-directing project outcomes.

Digital I

Course No. FNDN 120  Credits: 3.0
Faculty Elena Masrour | Gerald Shamray | Jimmy Kuehnle | Matthew Brownstein | Meagan Smith | Pam Spremulli | Scott Goss | Steven Gutierrez

Digital 1 is a course that introduces foundational digital tools and concepts in art and design. Use of the computer, digital cameras, wacom pens, printers, scanners, and similar digitals tools will be covered. Topics include color in additive synthesis (light), color theory, perception, illustration, integration of digital work with non-digital work, file management locally and in the cloud, online communication, and digital presentations.

Digital II: Image & Sequence

Course No. FNDN 121  Credits: 3.0
Faculty Gerald Shamray | Scott Ligon | Steven Gutierrez

Digital Image & Sequence is a course that introduces foundational digital painting skills and principles of animation. Focus will be on digital painting and how classical painting translates to digital and how it has influenced modern art, and on fundamental animation principles while also having an opportunity to bring their drawings to life. Course structure consists of introductory concept lectures, technical instruction, lab time with guidance and group critique of finished assignments.

Digital II: Intermedia

Course No. FNDN 121  Credits: 3.0
Faculty Scott Goss

Intermedia is a course that introduces foundational digital applications and methods. Focus will be on integration of media into drawing, design, sculpture, expanded media and sound. Overarching themes will include visual culture viewed through the lens of digital media. Course structure consists of introductory concept lectures, technical instruction, lab time with guidance and group critique of finished assignments.

Digital II: Modeling & Fabrication

Course No. FNDN 121  Credits: 3.0
Faculty Jimmy Kuehnle

Modeling & Fabrication is a course that introduces foundational digital 3D applications and methods. Focus will be on 3D output including digital options and physical options. Various methods covered will include using CNC, laser cutters, casting/mold making, 3D printing, VR/AR, and Computer Graphics. Course structure consists of introductory concept lectures, technical instruction, lab time with guidance and group critique of finished assignments.

Digital II: Physical Computing

Course No. FNDN 121  Credits: 3.0

Physical Computing is a course introducing foundational digital applications and methods as they relate to the physical world. Focus will be on integration of digital media into physical interactive displays using code, programmable microcontrollers, sensors and other physical computing tools. Course structure consists of introductory concept lectures, technical instruction, lab time with guidance and group critique of finished assignments. Course will build on the Digital II Foundation Core concepts and then focus on physical computing, interactive displays, and sensors.