Art (ARTA)
ARTA 100 Art and Visual Thinking (Cr3)(3:0)
Prepares students to use art as a visual language to communicate feelings and knowledge, to use art as a process for understanding one’s self and others, to understand the value of imagery in the community, and to interpret the work of artists in a historical, cultural and personal context. Also available through Online Learning.
ARTA 101 Art History Survey (Cr3)(3:0)
Major trends and influences in western art from early man to present; emphasis on style and form. Also available through Online Learning.
ARTA 107 Drawing I (Cr3)(1:5)
Basic principles of representing three-dimensional objects on a two-dimensional surface; drawing media and techniques; visual language in drawing.
ARTA 110 Principles of 3-D Design (Cr3)(0:6)
Elements of art and principles of design as applied to the third dimension; nature and properties of color and applied color theory in relation to three-dimensional designing; introduction to the theories of problem-solving and creativity.
ARTA 111 Principles of 2-D Design and Color (Cr3)(0:6)
Introduction to elements of art and principles of design; nature and properties of color and applied color theory and the theoretical and applied use of color and design elements and principles in visual communication; class assignments using traditional wet and dry media as well as digital media.
ARTA 124 Drawing II (Cr3)(1:5)
Drawing the human figure; developing an awareness of proportion, composition, and design in expressive drawing involving the human form. Prereq. - ARTA 107 and 111.
ARTA 126 Painting II (Cr3)(0:6)
Advanced problems in still life, the figure, self-portraiture, and abstraction building on foundation skills from Painting I; discussion and exploration of historical and contemporary approaches to painting to provide an informed basis for the development of personal style and direction. Offered on demand. Prereq. - ARTA 111 and 158.
ARTA 130 Introduction to Web Site Design (Cr3)(2:2)
Introduction to the skills, concepts and techniques necessary to design Web sites. Prereq. - ARTA 170 or approval of instructor.
ARTA 131 Introduction to 3-D Computer Animation (Cr3)(2:2)
Introduction to computer animation and visual effects; model building, rendering, lighting, key-frame animation, and character animation; exploration of a variety of current computer animation software using state-of-the-art digital technology. Prereq. - ARTA 170 or approval of instructor.
ARTA 132 Web Animation with Flash (Cr3)(2:2)
Designed to build on the skills and experiences learned in Introduction to Web Site Design. Major emphasis will be placed on creating graphics for web sites, use of Cascading Style Sheets, DHTML audio files, VR files and advanced web applications as cutting edge tools in web site design. Prereq. - ARTA 130.
ARTA 133 Advanced 3-D Computer Animation (Cr3)(2:2)
Designed to build on the skills, knowledge and experience gained in the Introduction to 3-D Computer Animation course. Emphasis will be placed on working with advanced 2-D and 3-D computer animation techniques and software for use in print, interactive multimedia and web site productions. Prereq. - ARTA 131
ARTA 136 Interactive Programming with Flash ActionScript (Cr3)(2:2)
Introduction to programming in ActionScript, Macromedia Flash’s native, object-oriented programming language, and is the companion to ARTA 132. It creates a visual and creative approach to learning computer programming and is intended for both creative and/or technical individuals. Topics covered include: ActionScript syntax and semantics, basic programming fundamentals, object-oriented programming in flash and creative scripting and interactivity. Prereq. - ARTA 132.
ARTA 138 Introduction to Video Game Design (Cr3)(2:2)
This course is an introduction to the basic technical and conceptual elements of video game design and provides a solid foundation for future work. Major emphasis will be placed on understanding the gaming industry, the phases of the game development cycle, preparation of a game design document, and the creation of a simple ‘mod’ using a modern game engine. A working knowledge of personal computers, popular software, and the Internet is important for course success.
ARTA 139 Advanced Video Game Design (Cr3)(2:2)
This course examines advanced topics in video game design from a broad perspective, both in regard to theory and practice. In addition, the course presents an overview of best practices within the video game industry as well as an analysis of the more controversial issues within the field, including violence in video gaming and gender portrayals. Students will learn to create virtual characters, objects and environments using an integrated game development environment. Issues relating to gaming narrative structure and interactive storytelling will also be covered. Prereq. - ARTA 138.
ARTA 140 Advanced Web Portfolio (Cr3)(2:2)
Course is intended for advanced students in the specialized diploma in web design. Working independently and in collaborative teams, each student will develop a web-based portfolio showcasing work completed throughout their diploma program, as well as new pieces created during this course. In addition, advanced topics in web design and development will be covered, including server and client side scripting, introduction to databases, media integration, and a broad survey of current web technologies. Regarding technology and scripting: emphasis will be placed on best practices from a designer perspective. Prereq. - ARTA 130 or permission of instructor.
ARTA 158 Painting I (Cr3)(0:6)
Basic concepts, theories, and techniques of painting explored through still life, the figure, self-portraiture, and working from photographs; emphasis on the development of observational painting skills and color mixing.
ARTA 161 Ceramics (Cr3)(2:4)
A basic introduction to the clay medium: earth, water, and fire. The techniques of hand building (pinch, coil, slab) wheel thrown forms, and clay/glaze technology will be covered. An awareness of traditional and contemporary approaches to ceramics will be emphasized. Additional course fee: $40.00.
ARTA 162 Sculpture (Cr3)(0:6)
Modeling in clay and plaster. Construction of armatures. Carving in various materials: styrofoam and concrete. Offered on demand. Additional course fees: $30.00.
ARTA 170 Computer Graphics (Cr4)(2:4)
Introduction to computer graphics and basic design principles. Utilizing Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator software, students will learn the fundamentals of digital design, image editing/scanning and printing. Assignments, both in and outside of the classroom, will be contextually based, providing real world applications with each lesson.
ARTA 171 Desktop Publishing (Cr4)(2:4)
An introductory course in the use of Adobe InDesign and QuarkXPress software. Students will learn the basic concepts of page layout for print design, utilizing text, images, and graphics.
ARTA 180 Digital Design and Typography I (Cr3)(1:5)
Designed to introduce students to the visual and conceptual issues of graphic design and typography. Assignments investigate typography as an element of design whose form and purpose is to convey information in a structured, legible and expressive manner. Students will work with a variety of software applications as they develop their understanding of letterform, graphic design, Gestalt principles, and typographic organization. This course is a combination of lecture, demonstration and hands-on experience. Prereq. - ARTA 170.
ARTA 181 Digital Design and Typography II (Cr3)(1:5)
Designed to further develop and strengthen the skills and knowledge obtained in Digital Design and Typography I. Assignments are selected with the student’s portfolio in mind and provide a variety of design challenges that will enhance the student’s competitive power for industry needs. Special emphasis will be placed on typographic detail, vocabulary, the design process, presentation, assemblage, and problem solving in a “real world” context. This course concludes with a hardcopy build portfolio. Prereq. - ARTA 180.
ARTA 204 Drawing III (Cr3)(0:6)
Application to specific problems of graphic representation; techniques of mixed media and collage. Prereq. - ARTA 124.
ARTA 220 Media Art (Cr3)(1:4)
Combination of elements, approaches and techniques from fine art and applied art with cutting-edge digital technology; theory, methodology and professional practices covered through lectures, in-class hands-on practice and outside assignments; students approach projects conceptually, synthesizing original integrative solutions, which hopefully expand existing conventions; concepts include collaboration, iteration, metaphor, art as commodity, making vs. finding, perfection vs. perfectionism, and creativity and transcendence. Formerly ARTA 257. Prereq. - ARTA 170.
ARTA 230 New Media Theory and Practice (Cr3)(2:4)
This course will introduce critical concepts and hands-on skills in the current New Media field. Students will discuss topics related to the World Wide Web, mobile devices, DVDs, CD-ROMs, digital gaming, film and animation. Students will be equipped with the skills necessary for storyboarding, script writing, character development, theories and practices used in pre-production, and creating a film or animation. Prereq. - ARTA 124 and 131.
ARTA 231 New Media Production (Cr3)(1:5)
A continuation of ARTA 230, New Media Theory and Practice. Students will form groups, devise a production strategy and create an animated short based on a storyboard they have chosen. Students will learn production techniques, including lighting, sound, character building, quick shorts, creating scenes, editing and final production. Prereq. - ARTA 133 and 230.
ARTA 251 Black and White Photography (Cr3)(1:5)
Introduction to 35mm camera work, black-and-white film and print processing; basic techniques of exposure, lighting and laboratory work; emphasis on technical/creative/aesthetic aspects of photography. Students must furnish their own manually adjustable 35mm cameras, bxw film and paper, matboard, and miscellaneous supplies. Additional course fees: $20.00.
ARTA 256 Visual Communication: History, Theory and Practice (Cr3)(1:5)
Survey of the history, theory and practice of visual communication from the invention of alphabets and writing to electronic new media. Emphasis is placed on understanding key inventions, techniques, historical and social movements and individuals in the evolution of human visual communications. Prereq. - ARTA 101, 111, and 180.
ARTA 260 Individual Studio/Professional Practices (Cr4)(0:9)
An intensive studio experience affording students the opportunity for an extended period of personal development and growth, led and critiqued by accomplished visual artists. Will culminate in students participating in a group exhibition. The critiquing process is fundamental to the visual, aesthetic, and conceptual growth of students. Prereq. - ARTA 126 and 204.
ARTA 261 Advanced Ceramics (Cr3)(2:4)
This advanced exploration of the clay medium builds on the foundation skills acquired in ARTA 161 Ceramics. The relationship of technique to concept will be examined with an emphasis on craftsmanship. Wheel throwing, hand building, glazing, and firing techniques will be covered in greater depth. Coverage of contemporary issues in ceramics will help students develop a more informed aesthetic sensibility for the ceramic arts. Offered on demand. Prereq. - ARTA 161. Additional course fees: $60.00.
ARTA 269 Advertising/Marketing Workshop (Cr1)(1:0)
Familiarizes students with the design process as it applies to advertising, marketing and the creative process; helps students gain a greater understanding of the important relationship between advertising/marketing strategy and effective design. Prereq. - ARTA 170 and 180.
ARTA 270 Professional Workshop (Cr1)(1:0)
Course to assist Communication Design majors in becoming professional members of the new digital media design market; developing and assembling a portfolio of work - both in traditional and digital formats, design and writing of the resume, how to identify job opportunities and prepare for job interviews, knowing how to use the new digital media for self-promotion; outside guest speakers from various visual communications fields critique and evaluate students’ portfolios during scheduled class time and at a portfolio-day presentation.
ARTA 284 Creative Photography (Cr4)(2:4)
Course to improve the technical and creative skills developed in ARTA 251; emphasis on the development of creative, visual and conceptual skills using the medium of black-and-white, and non-traditional photography; students work with a variety of photographic film, paper and chemistry in creating a portfolio of original work; various camera formats used in the creative process. Prereq. - ARTA 251 or permission of instructor. Additional course fees: $30.00.
ARTA 291 Special Studies in Art (Cr1)
See statement on Special Studies. Offered on demand.
ARTA 292 Special Studies in Art (Cr2)
See statement on Special Studies. Offered on demand.
ARTA 293 Special Studies in Art (Cr3)
See statement on Special Studies. Offered on demand.
