Department of Visual Arts

A foundations course introducing principles of two-dimensional design, such as line, shape, texture, value and color. Designed to promote understanding through hands-on projects exploring composition, balance, contrast, rhythm and unity for effective visual communication. Students will engage in a variety of media such as drawing, painting, collage, and participate in individual and group critiques to enhance their ability to analyze, interpret and refine their work.

An exploration of drawing with a foundation in observational studies. Throughout the course a broad range of drawing materials and applications will be introduced. Various methods of critique allow students to receive constructive feedback and gain confidence in their ability to use drawing methods. 

An introductory studio experience, this course examines both technical and aesthetic relationships specific to three-dimensional forms as well as creative problem-solving various media and techniques. This course also emphasizes tool and wood shop usage and studio safety.  Fee: Additional fee required.

An introduction to the history of visual art across cultures and time periods. Students will have the opportunity to engage with key artistic movements, styles and techniques from ancient civilizations to contemporary art. Emphasis will be placed on understanding art in context and how art reflects and shapes cultural, social and religious values. Through lectures, readings and discussions, students will gain an appreciation of art’s role in human history, and gain confidence to critically engage in a discussion about visual art.  

A studio-based course designed to introduce students to the various basic forming, decorating, glazing, and firing techniques used in the medium of clay. Fee: Additional fee required.

Coursework will be based on observation of the live model and will be carried out as an exploration in various traditional and non-traditional 2D media and methods for representing the figure. Offered alternate years. Fee: Additional fee required.

An introductory course in illustration with an emphasis on developing conceptual skills, individual expression, and technical expertise in a variety of media. Students will focus on the process of taking a project from thumbnails and roughs, through to finished art. Fee: Additional fee required.

An introduction to graphic design with emphasis on the roles and responsibilities of design in contemporary culture. Students will explore through hands-on projects that focus on graphic problem-solving through the use of symbols, type, and imagery.  

An exploration of lettering and typography as a vehicle for expressive communication. Visual hierarchy, principles of contrast, verbal messages, and the consideration of communication models will all be emphasized. Students will practice these concepts by creating a variety of media such as posters, and books based on design history. 

An introduction to the fundamentals of oil painting. This course is designed to develop the student's ability to accurately translate color and effectively organize pictorial space and compositional ideas. 

Unleash your creativity in the world of design with this hands-on introduction to Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, and After Effects. Learn how to design maps and logos, enhance your photographs and create seamless composite images, and explore the basics of motion graphics. Students will build skills that bring ideas to life. Fee: Additional fee required.

An introductory course in the fundamentals of black and white photography and the medium as a means of visual expression. Students will learn 35mm camera operation, film developing and darkroom printing. Basic design principles are reinforced through assignments. Students should have a 35mm SLR camera. Fee: Additional fee required.

Further exploration, development, and refinement of individual projects in the medium of clay. This course is designed to explore both traditional vessels and sculptural ceramic forms. Contemporary issues as well as the use of other media along with clay are explored. Fee: Additional fee required.

Discover the art of printmaking and the history behind it, with a special focus on screen printing. In this hands-on course, you’ll create eye-catching designs in multiple colors for posters, cards, apparel, and more. This class lets you explore your creativity in a fun and practical way, perfect for both artistic and commercial projects. Offered alternate years. Fee: Additional fee required.

Students will explore a variety of book structures as well as an introduction to letterpress printing. Students will learn to handset type in the letterpress studio. Book forms that may be explored are folded, pop-up, soft and hard cover structures. A variety of sewing techniques will be included. Fee: Additional fee required.

Survey of visual art and architecture from its prehistoric origins through the Gothic period. Offered alternate years.

Introduces elementary education majors to theoretical and practical experiences necessary for incorporating a discipline-based art education program into the elementary school curriculum. This course includes a 10-hour field experience. (See EDUC3330)

Design is everywhere. From French posters to iconic logos of NBC and I Love NY, explore the fascinating history and evolution of design, from the 18th century to the modern day. Discover groundbreaking designers, and cultural movements that shaped the design profession. Dive into how design connects with art, architecture, culture, science, and industry, to influence the world we live in today. 

Master advanced graphic design techniques in this course! Tackle multifaceted communication problems through professional-level projects and a critical analysis of historical and contemporary graphic forms. Emphasis will be placed on developing professional production skills, building a portfolio to impress future employers. Fee: Additional fee required.

A continuing exploration of painting including more contemporary materials and processes. Historical and contemporary approaches will be analyzed. Emphasis on the individualization of each student's visual vocabulary and their understanding of contemporary issues in painting. Offered alternate years. Fee: Additional fee required.

Students will explore techniques for taking better photos, while understanding the fundamentals of digital camera operation. Explore the basics of photography including lighting, exposure, and composition, to capture high-quality images. Confidently edit your own photographs using Adobe Lightroom, understand the Exposure Triangle, File Formats, lighting and color. Hands-on projects will range from portraits to landscapes, with time in the studio for continuous lighting demos. Students should have a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) or mirror-less camera for this course. Fee: Additional fee required.

Jump into the world of web design with this beginner-friendly course! Learn to create and style websites using HTML, CSS, and top-notch tools and software. Exploring topics like buying a domain name to setting up hosting and building a site with drag-and-drop editing, you’ll dive into SEO basics to help you create a professional website. Gain the skills to turn your vision into a functional, eye-catching website. 

Fee: Additional fee required. 

Cross-emphasis studio course structured to develop professional studio practice through rigorous critique, individuated expression, and criticality regarding relevant issues in contemporary art production. Course normally taken in the junior year, may be repeated for credit. 

An examination of pragmatic techniques and philosophical approaches necessary to design, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive discipline-based art education program at the secondary school level. Additionally, both historical and contemporary art education issues are examined, discussed, and evaluated. Field experience: 20-40 hours. (See EDUC3530.)

Delve deeper into the art of typography in this advanced course that pushes creative boundaries. Build on typography fundamentals as you explore the history of type and refine your skills in using grids and layouts to create dynamic designs. Experiment with innovative letter creation techniques and take on the challenge of designing your own custom typeface. This course offers hands-on projects and critical insights to elevate your understanding of typography and help you build strong portfolio pieces. Perfect for those ready to take their design work to the next level. Fee: Additional fee required.

Introduction to alternative photographic processes and medium format cameras. Skills learned in Photography 1 are applied with more advanced opportunities for self-expression and conceptualization. Students will gain a working knowledge of the history of photography. Topics may include: cyanotype, VanDyke brown, digital negatives, medium format, handmade pinhole cameras, encaustic, and bookbinding. Offered alternate years. Fee: Additional fee required.

The history of visual art from the turn of the 20th century to the 21st century, including a survey of art criticism and theory. Focused on the development of modern and contemporary art and its relationship to experience as a defining factor, this course is an exploration of the impact and implications for current art production and reception. Exposure to contemporary art through field trips to galleries and museums. Offered alternate years. Fee: Additional fee required.

This advanced design course blends creative exploration with professional development. Students will build a compelling portfolio featuring diverse projects, including book design, packaging, logo creation, and corporate identity campaigns. We'll go beyond the sketchbook, focusing on the crucial skills of self-promotion, including effective presentation techniques and building a strong online presence to showcase your talent. Get ready to build your brand and launch your design career. Fee: Additional fee required.

Combine human centered thinking along with web design. This advanced course dives deep into creating dynamic, professional websites. Master industry-standard software while exploring the key principles of user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design, interactivity, and front-end design. Prepare to build stunning, functional websites and launch your career in the world of web design. Fee: Additional fee required.

Prepare to launch your design career. This course provides hands-on experience developing comprehensive media campaigns across print, digital, and social media platforms to help you go from an idea to your first sale. You'll learn to craft dynamic visual systems tailored to specific target markets, culminating in real-world projects for local and regional clients. Gain the practical skills and portfolio-building experience you need to succeed in the competitive design industry. May be repeated for credit. 

A course in professional practices for the studio artist and designer. Students will learn the practical skills necessary to promote, design and carry out an exhibition or portfolio presentation of their work culminating in a solo or group exhibition in the Friesen Galleries. Fee: Additional fee required.

A senior-level capstone experience in which students concentrate on class readings that engage their faith perspective with their art and design practice. The nature of the fine arts disciplines lends itself to servant leadership, therefore servanthood through the visual arts will be a component in this course. Course will include discussions, writings and projects that engage the campus and/or local community through service.

A survey of the process, forms, and techniques for writing screenplays for video and film production. This includes fiction and non-fiction processes for video content, short films, documentaries, and feature films. Course includes lecture, scriptwriting, exercises, labs, and analysis and critique of student work.

An introduction to the processes involved in video production and time-based media. Includes the technical and creative aspects of producing, directing, camera, lighting, sound, editing, graphics, and basic engineering for digital production. Course includes traditional lecture, lab exercises, and individual and group video projects. Fee: Additional fee required.

A lab course involving student production of voice, music, and sound effects projects. Includes a study of microphone selection and placement, signal processing and shaping, and field and studio recording as they specifically relate to video production and post production. Fee: Additional fee required.

Survey of narrative and documentary motion pictures, from Edison and Lumiere to the present. Course covers the structural and aesthetic trends of motion pictures through the viewing and analysis of selected films. Offered Alternate years. Fee: Additional fee required.

An introduction to the processes and products of animation and motion graphics. Experiments in stop motion and 'cell' animation lead to the integration of animation software and motion graphics. Fee: Additional fee required.

A lab course designed to familiarize the student with the advanced tools and techniques of animation, concentrating on visual narrative, development of environment/atmosphere, and post-production. Fee: Additional fee required.

A lab course designed to familiarize the student with the advanced tools and techniques of animation, concentrating on visual narrative, development of environment/atmosphere, and post-production. Fee: Additional fee required.