Courses Courses

Experiments in Drawing: Cartoon as Contemporary Art

Course No. DRG 230  Credits: 3.0

Contemporary artists often make projects in response to the concept of the cartoon. As a form, this concept is drawn from a history spanning hundreds of years from 14th c. preparatory cartoons for history paintings to contemporary time-based manifestations including gifs and narrative media. In this course students explore various low-tech 2D drawing approaches to this genre, making both still and time-based projects. Rather than industry-focused models, coursework focuses on exercises and experimental studio-based practices with an emphasis on producing works that reflect the artist’s personal vision. Themes to be examined include imaginative figuration, violence, and abstraction. Students will consider the relationship between cartoons in popular culture and less mainstream approaches to the media. Through studio and seminar each student will develop a personal understanding of “cartoon culture� as seen through a contemporary art-making lens. 3 credits.

Drawing Beyond Observation

Course No. DRG 321  Credits: 3.0

This course will explore strategies for representation beyond direct perception, moving past the use of the traditional still life, landscape, or model as subject. How can a drawing describe the world that is beyond the range of our common visual observations? Different approaches to drawing, including free-association, metaphor, and mapping are explored to help define and circumvent personal barriers. Required for Junior Drawing Majors. 3 credits.

Hybrid Approaches to Drawing & Painting: Digital Media

Course No. DRG 327H  Credits: 3.0

Emphasis is on integrating digital processes into studio practice and production. The class deals with a spectrum of digital applications in a studio practice including straight forward digital output, using digital as a means of producing source material as well as actually integrating digital processes into the production of work. Through slide presentations, viewing actual work, discussions and readings, students will be introduced to the place of the digital in contemporary studio practice. In studio production, students will use varied media and subjects, both traditional and non-traditional, to further develop their analytical and expressive means in their creative practice. Students are encouraged to draw from many disciplines incorporating them in the projects presented to the class for group critiques. Open to all Students â€" required of Printmaking and Drawing juniors. 3 credits.

Systems Drawing

Course No. DRG 360  Credits: 3.0

This course will investigate the means by which various systems of drawing and representation function as methods of communication. How do historical, cultural and social contexts frame an artist’s ability to send messages through their work? And, like in a game of telephone, in any system of communication it is inevitable that potential problems may occur- misunderstandings, errors, and falsehoods. Can these be absorbed into the content of the work? Illusionistic, abstract, allegorical, diagrammatic, mathematical and idiosyncratic systems of drawing and representation will be investigated through this course, through studio practice, readings, critique and in-class discussion. Required of all junior Drawing majors. 3 credits.

Drawing: Images: Series, Episodes + Time

Course No. DRG 37X  Credits: 3.0

Through the many permutations of the discipline such as drawing as narrative, drawing as process, and drawing as animation, the concept of the sequential will be explored. The course will include readings, in-class discussion and critiques, as well as an examination of the practices of diverse artists including William Kentridge, Matthew Ritchie, Judith Bernstein, William Anastasi, and Marjane Satrapi. Assignments will be given that address various methods of describing time through the medium. This course is open to all majors and is cross-listed with Visual Arts. 3 credits.

3-Dimensional Drawing: The Psychology of Space

Course No. DRG 38X  Credits: 3.0

Through a theoretical understanding of drawing as mapping students will be asked to deal with problems of three-dimensionality in relationship to movement and time through space. Of particular interest will be concerns of mapping, spatial location and relative positioning and the ideas of fourth dimensionality or the “hidden�. Students will be asked to consider ideas of trace, residue, and rhizomatic or non-linear vs. linear progressions. Questions will include: How does the student navigate both three-dimensional and conceptual spaces? How can space be explored, mapped, studied both as a physical location and a spatial event. 3 credits.

Drawing: Internship (EP)

Course No. DRG 399-499  Credits: 3.0

Elective credit can be given on a case-by-case basis for student internships developed through the Career Services Office, with advance permission of instructor and department chair. Fulfills Engaged Practice requirement.

Drawing Major Day: Drawing in Context

Course No. DRG 415M  Credits: 3.0

What provides the context for a contemporary drawing? Is it the graphic novel or a classical form of figurative representation? Does it find its place in the space of the gallery or on the street? Students will explore the ways in which form and style contribute to the content of their work. Projects are student driven with an emphasis on working with each student to develop his or her ideas through research, exploration, and experimentation. Museum and gallery excursions and visiting artists are regularly scheduled to expose students to historical and contemporary artwork and practice. Required for senior Drawing majors. 3 credits.