Department of Visual Arts

A foundations course designed to promote an understanding of and appreciation for the various technical and aesthetic qualities fundamental to the visual arts. Fee: Additional fee required.

An exploration of drawing with a foundation in observational studies. Throughout the course a broad range of drawing materials and applications will be introduced. Includes lecture and discussion on the history of drawing and the nature of drawing in contemporary art. Fee: Additional fee required.

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

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 exploring the roles and responsibilities of design in contemporary culture. Studio projects will focus on graphic problem-solving through the use of symbols, type, and imagery, with additional emphasis on the exploration of design applications, techniques, issues, and media fundamental to the graphic design profession.

An exploration of typography as a vehicle for expressive communication. Visual hierarchy, principles of contrast, verbal messages, and the consideration of communication models will all be emphasized.

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

An introductory digital design course emphasizing industry standard drawing, photo editing and layout computer applications, especially the Adobe Creative Suite. Students will gain foundational technical skills that are applied through relevant projects. 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 vessel and sculptural ceramic forms. Contemporary issues as well as the use of other media along with clay are explored. Fee: Additional fee required.

An introduction to the processes and history of printmaking with an emphasis on screen printing for artistic and commercial purposes. Processes may include screen printing and block printing techniques. 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 hand set 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)

Advanced applications of graphic design including multifaceted communication problems, professional-level assignments and critical analysis of various historic and contemporary graphic forms. Emphasis will also be placed on the development of professional production techniques. 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 digital imaging techniques and applications of acquiring, manipulating and outputting digitized photographic images using Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. Students should have a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera for this course. Fee: Additional fee required.

Introductory experiences in the creation and production of web-based graphic forms through the use of HTML, CSS, and industry-standard software applications including Adobe Dreamweaver and Photoshop. Students will learn the basics of setting up a website from start to finish, including buying a domain name, signing up for a hosting service, and creating a website on WordPress. 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.

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, Fuji film, digital negatives, handmade pinhole cameras, encaustic, liquid emulsion, and bookbinding. Fee: Additional fee required.

The history of visual art from Impressionism in the 19th century to contemporary art in 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 every spring semester. Fee: Additional fee required.

Advanced design course emphasizing the development of a working portfolio and other self-promotional materials. Additional projects may include books, CD jackets, packaging, logotypes, and corporate identity campaigns. 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.

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.