100-Level Courses
Courses specifically designed to introduce students to creative practice in the visual arts. While these courses are accessible to non-art majors wishing to learn more about art, they are equally valuable for prospective art majors wishing to build a solid foundation in design theory, color theory, and observational drawing. Note that AR 133, Drawing I, is a required course for studio art majors.
AR 131 - Visual Concepts - 4
An introduction to the visual language of art and design. Using drawing materials, students will explore concepts such as figure/ground interaction, rhythm, balance, and unity to investigate how visual relationships hold meaning. Students will advance their projects from defining simple visual relationships to developing complex and expressive compositions. Historical and contemporary art and design will provide context, and weekly critiques and discussions will inform our work. No prior experience is necessary.
Note(s): Fulfills arts requirement. Lab/ Credit Fee $25.
AR 132 - Form and Space - 4
An Introduction to three-dimensional design. Direct experience with tools, materials, and processes is the foundation for work in this course. Students will engage in a variety of projects to work through the complexities of three-dimensional problem solving. Technical demonstrations, presentations, readings, and group critiques will accompany studio work.
Note(s): Fulfills arts requirement. Lab/ Credit Fee $75.
AR 133 - Drawing I - 4
The study of drawing as a way of learning to see, investigating the material world, and making imagined ideas visible. Through drawing from observation, students will study proportion, visual relationships, compositional structures, and drawing processes. Students will explore the expressive potential of a range of drawing materials and gain awareness of touch, gesture, speed, and visual rhythm. Historical and contemporary drawings will provide a context for study. Weekly critiques and discussions will inform student work. No prior experience is necessary.
Note(s): Fulfills art requirement. Lab/ Credit Fee $25.
AR 134 - Color - 4
An introduction to the study of color in studio art. Students will build awareness of the principles of color theory through guided exercises exploring color relationships, their psychological and expressive impacts, and the physical properties of color mixing. Using collage and acrylic paint on paper, students will practice technical skills and increase understanding of perception, composition, and visual thinking. Presentations, class critiques, and individual discussions with the instructor are a significant aspect of this course. No prior experience is necessary. Recommended for painting students.
Lab/ Credit Fee $25.
AR 136 - Digital Foundations - 4
A survey of aesthetic and technological best practices in visual communication today. Students will study the basic functions and integral properties of Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, as well as After Effects or other video software while learning the principles of design. Vector and raster imaging techniques, scanning, printing, and font and file management are introduced through a series of demonstrations/projects that build upon each other. Through projects and critiques, students will work to make a visual voice that is distinctive and original. No digital experience necessary.
Note(s): (Fulfills arts requirement.) Lab/ Credit Fee $105.
WHAT CLASSES CAN I TAKE AFTER………….?
AR 131 - VISUAL CONCEPTS IS A PREREQUISITE FOR:
AR 209 – COMMUNICATIONS DESIGN I
AR 214 – FIBER ARTS I
AR 215 – TEXTILE STRUCTURE
AR 216 – TEXTILE SURFACE DESIGN
AR 219 – JEWELRY AND METALS I
AR 229 - PHOTOGRAPHY I
AR 241 – TIME BASED MEDIA – INTRO
AR 355 - COMPUTER IMAGING I
…and it is recommended for painting and drawing students.
AR 134 – COLOR IS A PREREQUISITE FOR:
AR 209 – COMMUNICATIONS DESIGN I
AR 214 – FIBER ARTS I
AR 215 – TEXTILE STRUCTURE
AR 216 – TEXTILE SURFACE DESIGN
AR 219 – JEWELRY AND METALS I
AR 241 – TIME BASED MEDIA
AR 355 - COMPUTER IMAGING I
…and it is recommended for painting students.
AR 133 – DRAWING I IS A PREREQUISITE FOR:
AR 201 - PAINTING I
AR 215 – TEXTILE STRUCTURE
AR 216 – TEXTILE SURFACE DESIGN
AR 219 - JEWELRY AND METALS I
AR 223 - INTERMEDIATE DRAWING
AR 224 - FIGURE DRAWING
AR 228 - PRINTMAKING I
AR 229 - PHOTOGRAPHY I
AR 241 - TIME BASED MEDIA
AR 264 - SPECIAL TOPICS -DRAWING
AR 342 - INTAGLIO
AR 350 - LITHOGRAPHY
