Art Studio Courses (ARTS)

Related Catalog Entry: Institute of the Arts

Related Mason Website: Institute of the Arts (http://www.gmu.edu/cfa/ioa.html)

200 Introduction to the Artist's Studio (3:3:0). For nonmajors only. Through a series of projects, readings, class critiques, videos, CD ROMs, slides, and field trips, students are encouraged to explore materials, techniques, concepts, and processes that are essential to the understanding of the language of the visual arts and the role of the artist. Students also develop imaginative thinking and sensitivity to their visual environment.

202 Studio Fundamentals I (4:2:4). The first half of a two-semester course concerning basic visual decision-making and the choices involved in ordering elements of a visual vocabulary into unified, coherent whole. Focusing on two-dimensional design and color in a variety of media, the course establishes a basis for comprehension and use of a visual language.

203 Studio Fundamentals II (4:2:4).Prerequisite: ARTS 202. The second half of a two-semester course concerning basic visual decision-making and the choices involved in ordering elements of a visual vocabulary into a unified, coherent whole. Continues the study of color and extends the study of methods and media into selected areas in two and three dimensions.

204 Visual Thinking (3:3:0). Also ARIN 204, DANC 204, and THR 204. Not open to students who have had ARTS 102. An introduction to visual thinking. Topics include information from visual perception, memory, classical and modern art, performance, and dance. Opportunities for students to assess themselves as visual thinkers.

205 Creative Impulses (3:3:0). Also ARIN 205, DANC 205, and THR 205. A study of the creative process in general, with particular emphasis on the inspiration, working methods, and final creations of various artists. Students are encouraged to explore their own creative processes through regular journal keeping, collaborative exercises, and two major projects.

307 Aesthetic Awareness (3:3:0). Also ARIN 307, DANC 307, and THR 307. The presentation of the historical, philosophical, and aesthetic traditions of the arts, with opportunities for each student to confront their own sense of beauty.

308 Cross-Cultural Arts Appreciation (3:3:0). Also ARIN 308, DANC 308, and THR 308. Gives students a cumulative arts experience by tying the subject matter to one of the major cultural productions of the Center for the Arts. Subject matter varies each semester.

310 Graphic Design I (4:2:4).Prerequisites: ARTS 202 and 203 or equivalent, or permission of instructor. Introduction to graphic design and its techniques. Creation of a visual vocabulary to solve typical problems in graphic design, such as in newspaper and advertising layout.

311 Graphic Design II (4:2:4).Prerequisites: ARTS 202, 203 and 310 or equivalent, or permission of instructor. Graphic design concepts and techniques. Solutions to typical problems encountered by graphic designers in publication design and environmental design.

313 Basic Typography (4:2:4).Prerequisites: ARTS 202 and 203 or equivalent, or permission of instructor. Introduction to elements of typographical composition, including historical development of letterforms; recognition, use, and specification of existing typefaces; alphabet design.

322, 323 Drawing I, II (4:2:4), (4:2:4).Prerequisites: ARTS 202 and 203 or equivalent, or permission of instructor for 322; ARTS 322 or permission of instructor for 323. Fundamentals of drawing with emphasis on perspective systems and skills in representing space, objects, and textures with a variety of methods.

332, 333 Painting I, II (4:2:4), (4:2:4).Prerequisites: ARTS 202 and 203 or equivalent, or permission of instructor for 332; ARTS 332 or permission of instructor for 333. Painting taught as concept and observation through techniques in oil- or water-based media, varying with the instructor.

342 Screen Printmaking (4:2:4).Prerequisites: ARTS 202 and 203 or equivalent, or permission of instructor. The process and history of basic silkscreen printmaking, including monotypes, paper stencil, liquid blockout, lacquer stencil film, and direct and indirect photographic stencils is practiced and studied. Applied design and techniques for the production of posters is emphasized.

343 Relief Printmaking (4:2:4).Prerequisites: ARTS 202 and 203 or equivalent, or permission of instructor. The process and history of basic relief methods of printmaking, including woodcut, linoleum cut, wood engraving, and relief collagraph is practiced and studied. The application of relief printmaking to the design, illustration, and production of books and portfolios is emphasized.

344 Intaglio Printmaking (4:2:4).Prerequisites: ARTS 202 and 203 or permission of instructor. The process and history of basic intaglio methods of printmaking are practiced and studied, including monotype, metal and plastic engraving, etching, aquatint, embossing, soft- and lift-ground techniques, and an introduction to color intaglio printing.

350 Pinhole Photography (4:2:4).Prerequisites: ARTS 202 and 203 or permission of instructor. Beginning photographic design. An introduction to photography using student-built pinhole cameras. Course includes darkroom work in processing and printing paper negatives, as well as film development.

351 Color Slide Photography (3:0:6).Prerequisite: 24 credits. A study of 35mm photography in terms of camera manipulation, basic optics, and aesthetics of the color slide medium. Students are required to provide a manual 35 mm camera (preferably single lens reflex), a light meter, and film.

352 Photography I ( 4:2:4).Prerequisites: ARTS 202 and 203, or permission of instructor. An introduction to black and white photography using conventional darkroom and contemporary photo image making processes.

353 Photography II (4:2:4).Prerequisite: ARTS 352, or permission of instructor. A continuing study of photography with an additional focus on content and photographic meaning.

362, 363 Sculpture I, II (4:2:4), (4:2:4).Prerequisite: ARTS 202 and 203 or equivalent, or permission of instructor. Fundamentals of sculptural design with emphasis on three-dimensional forming processes in a variety of media, both traditional and unconventional, that are available to the sculptor today. These courses combine historical, critical, and practical aspects of sculpture in the form of lectures, critiques, discussions, demonstrations, and hands-on work.

370 Imaginary Impulse (3:3:0). An examination of the phenomenon that leads artists in all cultures throughout history to create disconcerting representations of the visible world by reordering sensorial reality and inventing new orders.

371 Visual Perception and the Arts (3:3:0). A review of the major approaches to the study of visual perception. Topics include an analysis of picture perception, visual thinking, the relationship between symbolic and nonsymbolic thinking and representation, and how pathologies of vision affect art production.

372 Critical Thinking (3:2:1).Prerequisites: ARIN 307 or PHIL 356, and ARTH 200, 201, or permission of instructor. An in-depth approach to criticism that addresses the theoretical, critical, and experiential factors of written and verbal critical analysis of the visual arts.

380 Computer Graphics I (4:2:4).Prerequisites: ARTS 202 and 203 or permission of instructor. Emphasis on aesthetics and design, using the computer both as tool and medium. Course focuses on elementary computer graphics techniques, programming concepts, and principles of design such as color, composition, and spatial relationships. Students construct a series of images to explore the creative process using elements of design. Through critiques, students discuss the conceptual and visual quality of their work.

381 Computer Graphics II (4:2:4).Prerequisites: ARTS 202, 203, 380, or permission of instructor. Emphasis on high-resolution electronic imaging using the computer both as tool and medium. Complex menu structures, rotations and scaling, color mapping and palette design, font generation, video digitizing techniques, composition studies, and aesthetic concerns. Students construct a series of images to explore the creative process using elements of design. Through critiques, students discuss the conceptual and visual quality of their work.

382 Computer Art and Animation (4:2:4).Prerequisites: ARTS 202, 203, 380, 381, or permission of instructor. Advanced computer graphics concepts as applied to computer animation. Lab assignments address the technical and aesthetic challenges of computer animation. Students learn to transfer computer-generated images to videotape format. Short animated sequences with accompanying audio are designed and executed.

391 Collaborative Arts (4:2:4).Prerequisite: 24 credits. An exploration of the nature of collaboration in the arts, that addresses both historical and contemporary collaboration. The course deals with the theoretical, critical, and experiential aspects of collaboration and culminates in a collaborative course project.

392 Gallery Practices (4:1:3).Prerequisite: Three credits of ARTS or three credits of ARTH or junior standing, or permission of instructor. Introduction to gallery practices associated with the division's galleries, including planning, curatorial, budgetary, advertising, installation, and docentship activities. May be repeated for credit.

393 Internship in Art Studio (1-6:0:0).Prerequisite: Junior standing and completion of six credits of ARTS courses in the area of residency, or permission of instructor. An unpaid residency, internship, or field experience in a professional art organization or with an individual artist, providing an opportunity to apply classroom training. May be repeated for credit.

396 Mixed Media (4:2:4).Prerequisite: 12 credits of 300- or 400-level ARTS production courses, or permission of instructor. An advanced studio course in which the combinations or synthesis of visual media and their critical analyses are the major component.

399 Special Topics in Art Studio (1-6:1-6:0-6). An exploration of topical studies in art studio including both the theoretical and critical aspects of art or studio production. Topics and credit vary with instructor. May be repeated for up to 12 credits taken under different topics.

414 Corporate Image (4:2:4). A combined lecture/studio course in which students simulate a design firm with a number of corporate clients. In consultation with the instructor and other students, each student investigates a specific client, writes a design brief or contract, and produces a style manual that specifies the complete visual identity for the client. Specific elements of the visual identity, such as business stationery, promotional literature, and advertisements, are produced as full-size mock-ups or client comps.

422, 423 Drawing III, IV (4:2:4), (4:2:4).Prerequisites: ARTS 322 or 323 or permission of instructor for 422; ARTS 432 or permission of instructor for 423. Advanced drawing skills and techniques with an emphasis upon individual exploration in a variety of media.

432, 433 Painting III, IV (4:2:4), (4:2:4).Prerequisites: ARTS 332 and 333 or permission of instructor for 432; ARTS 432 or permission of instructor for 433. A more advanced painting course intended to develop individual control and direction of various media while exploring contemporary issues in painting.

443, 444 Printmaking I, II (4:2:4), (4:2:4).Prerequisites: ARTS 342, 343, or 344, or permission of instructor for 443. ARTS 443 or permission of instructor for 444. The process and history of printmaking in screen, relief, and/or intaglio methods are practiced and studied. The expressive and formal uses of color are explored via various printmaking processes and developed as an individualized project. Class projects include exhibitions and field trips.

452, 453 Photography III, IV (4:2:4), (4:2:4).Prerequisite: ARTS 352, 353, or permission of instructor. A sequence of advanced darkroom courses that focus on the individual photographer as artist. Includes conventional and experimental imagery and processes toward the development of a personal portfolio.

454 Photo Imaging (4:2:4).Prerequisites: ARTS 352 and one other 300-level ARTS course, or permission of instructor. An introduction to alternative photo imaging processes, including nonsilver emulsions and image transfers. Exploration of the interface of photographic processes with other media.

462, 463 Sculpture III, IV (4:2:4), (4:2:4).Prerequisite: ARTS 362, 363, or permission of instructor. A combined lecture/studio course to develop individual ideas and solutions by promoting more advanced thinking toward sculpture. Through lectures, discussions, critiques, technical demonstrations, and projects, this course broadens students' practical skills and aesthetic understanding.

489 Field Experience in the Arts (3-6:0:0). Also ARIN 489, DANC 489, and THR 494.Prerequisites: Junior standing and completion of six credits in IOA courses in the area of residency, ARIN 350, or permission of instructor. An apprenticeship, internship, or project with an organization in the arts or with an individual in the arts, providing an introductory working and learning experience in the field. Must be prearranged with the division director prior to enrollment. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits.

491, 492 Advanced Studio Problems (1-6:0:0), (2-4:0:0).Prerequisites: 60 credits, permission of instructor, and permission of chair. Study proposal submitted prior to registration. Opportunity for development of advanced skills and concepts in drawing, painting, sculpture, and other media. May be repeated for credit.

495 Portfolio Preparation (4:2:4). A combination lecture and studio production course that addresses the nature of a professional portfolio in terms of career development and self marketing including visual presentation of a body of work, the preparation of professional written materials, and the public/verbal presentation of one's work.

522, 523 Drawing V, VI (4:2:4), (4:2:4).Prerequisite: ARTS 422 or 423 or permission of instructor for 522; ARTS 522 or permission of instructor for 523. Drawing on an advanced level. Emphasis on individual decision making and personal initiative.

532, 533 Painting V, VI (4:2:4), (4:2:4).Prerequisite: ARTS 432 or 433 or permission of instructor for 532; ARTS 532 or permission of instructor for 533. Painting on an advanced level. Emphasis on individual decision making and personal initiative.

562, 563 Sculpture V, VI (4:2:4), (4:2:4).Prerequisite: ARTS 462 or 463 or permission of instructor for 562; ARTS 562 or permission of instructor for 563. Sculpture on an advanced level. Emphasis on individual decision making and personal initiative.

592 Gallery Practices (3:1:2).Prerequisite: Junior standing, ARTS 202, 203 and six credits of ARTS, or permission of instructor. An introduction to gallery practices associated with the division's Fine Arts Gallery, including planning, curatorial, budgetary, advertising, installation, and docentship activities. May be repeated for credit.

593 Internships in Art Studio (3-6:0:0).Prerequisite: Senior standing and completion of six credits of ARTS courses in the area of residency, or permission of instructor. An unpaid residency, internship, or field experience in a professional art organization or with an individual artist, providing an opportunity to apply classroom training. May be repeated for credit with permission of division.

596 Independent Study (1-4:0:0).Prerequisite: B.A. in art or equivalent, or permission of instructor. Independent reading and creative work on a specific project under the direction of a department member in the Division of Art Studio. A written report is required. May be repeated for credit with permission of division.

599 Special Topics in Art Studio (1-6:1-3:0-6).Prerequisite: Senior standing and completion of six credits in ARTS, or permission of instructor. Exploration of topical studies in art studio, including both the theoretical and critical aspects of art or studio production. Topics and credit vary with instructor. May be repeated for up to 12 credits taken under different topics.

601 Drawing (4:2:4).Prerequisite: Undergraduate degree in art or art education (B.A. or B.F.A.) or equivalent. Directed project in drawing with emphasis on individual development.

602 Painting (4:2:4).Prerequisite: Undergraduate degree in art or art education (B.A. or B.F.A.) or equivalent. Directed project in painting with emphasis on individual development.

605, 606 Graduate Printmaking I, II (4:2:4), (4:2:4).Prerequisite: Undergraduate degree in art (B.A. or B.F.A.) or equivalent, or permission of instructor. Directed research and practice in printmaking focuses on the individualized development of content and technique. Emphasis is placed on exploration and growth in the intellectual and expressive aspects of the printmaking process.

612 Graduate Design (4:2:4).Prerequisite: B.A. in art or equivalent, or permission of instructor. Advanced directed research in design, with emphasis on individual development.

622 Drawing (4:2:4).Prerequisite: B.A. in art or equivalent, or permission of instructor. Advanced directed research in drawing with continued development of individual aesthetic. A study of the historical and philosophical precedents is integral to the course.