VAF 104. Foundation Drawing. 3 Hours

Introduction to the experience of two-dimensional visual form through the act of observational drawing. The focus is on learning fundamental drawing elements and principles and understanding these elements and principles through visible and consistent practice. Fundamental issues pertaining to still life and figure drawing are understood through a process of selection and an arrangement of visual elements to create an image. Drawing materials include graphite, charcoal and conté crayon.

VAF 112. Foundation 2-D Design. 3 Hours

This course is an introduction to studio practice, creative strategies, and 2 dimensional compositional principles. Students will learn design thinking, developing personal voice, contemporary ideation and material experimentation. The class explores the principles of design and the application of line, shape, value, texture, and color to the two-dimensional surface. Students will work with traditional materials and digital technology including vector and pixel progran In addition to developing technical proficiency with a variety of materials and tools, emphasis will be placed on visual literacy and critical thinking skills throughout the course.

VAF 117. Foundation 3-D Design. 3 Hours

This course is an introduction to three-dimensional composition. Students will explore the principles of design, material, meaning and cultural significance. Students will learn to work with traditional and nontraditional materials. In addition to developing technical proficiency with a variety of materials and tools, emphasis will be placed on visual literacy and critical thinking skills throughout the course.

VAF 203. Drawing Through the Process. 3 Hours

An investigation and examination of the drawing process, of mark making, and experimental practices. An emphasis will be placed on contemporary, conceptual, and creative directions in drawing. Students are exposed to and challenged by a series of studio and research-based problems that test the limitations and hidden opportunities within established drawing habits and conventional practices.

VAF 204. Intermediate Drawing. 3 Hours

This course introduces the element of color and a variety of color media to the experience of observational and conceptual drawing. This course is a continuation of fundamental drawing elements and principles learned in VAF 104 Foundation Drawing with the added element of color. The course also offers an introduction to conceptual drawing. Prerequisites: VAF 104.

VAF 216. Design and Color. 3 Hours

This course studies the principles of color perception, interaction, systems both digital and analogue, mixing, cultural and historical significance. Techniques learned include mixing, seeing, understanding digital input and output systems and applying color to visual art making. In addition to furthering technical proficiency with a variety of materials and tools, emphasis will be placed on color literacy and perception, critical thinking skills and comprehension and application of these ideas to a visual practice. Concepts developed and applied by color theorists in a variety of fields will be used to understand the application of color.

VAF 225. Painting for Non-Majors. 3 Hours

An introduction to the visual language of painting, its history, fundamental principles, materials, tools, and methods.

VAF 226. Introduction to Painting. 3 Hours

An introduction to the visual language of painting, its history, fundamental principles, materials, tools, and methods.

VAF 230. Anatomy Drawing for Non-Majors. 3 Hours

Drawing course introduces non-art students to drawing the human figure and anatomy. Students will learn observational drawing skills and apply these skills to drawing the human body and anatomy from nude models, the skeleton, and muscle casts and renderings. Students will obtain a background in the art of anatomical drawing and practice.

VAF 231. Sculpture for Non-Majors. 3 Hours

Students will explore a wide variety of sculptural materials, methods, and strategies in a studio art context. Students will explore sculpture concepts, form, and technique through production and critique of artworks, as well as address theories and histories of visual representation through readings and discussion. All students are encouraged to participate, even those with little or no background in the visual arts. This course is not open to majors or minors in the Department of Art and Design.

VAF 232. Introduction to Sculpture. 3 Hours

Consideration of forms as a means of developing an understanding of mass, shape, and control of medium. The use of various materials such as wood, plaster, and clay, with emphasis on integrating material with personal expression.

VAF 240. Ceramics I. 3 Hours

Introduction to basic methods of working in clay using coil and slab techniques.

VAF 242. Ceramics II: Wheel Throwing. 3 Hours

Introduction to basic methods of working clay using the wheel.

VAF 253. Introduction to Printmaking. 3 Hours

An introduction to printmaking techniques, including silkscreen, relief and intaglio. The course emphasizes technical and conceptual development and offers a general history of each process. Instruction on edition printing also covered. A comprehensive overview of silkscreen, relief and intaglio printmaking techniques.

VAF 304. Advanced Drawing. 3 Hours

This course builds on skills learned in VAF 104 Foundation Drawing and VAF 204 Intermediate Drawing, with an emphasis on advanced drawing techniques and concepts. This course is designed for more in-depth drawing practice and the development of individual student projects. Advanced techniques include expanded material use, practice with advanced observational skill sets and individual conceptual and/or personal narrative development. Prerequisites: VAF 204.

VAF 326. Intermediate Painting. 3 Hours

Continued study of painting, emphasizing experimentation and interpretation as students work to generate personal content and individual research priorities. Prerequisites: VAF 225 or VAF 226 or by permission of instructor.

VAF 332. Intermediate Sculpture. 3 Hours

Continued exploration of three-dimensional concepts and materials, concentrating on wood, stone, and metal. Prerequisites: VAF 232 or permission of department chairperson.

VAF 333. Sculpture III. 3 Hours

Exploration of advanced sculptural skills, concepts, and processes. This course offers advanced investigation of sculpture as it relates to technical proficiency and the evolution of a personal aesthetic vision. Prerequisite(s): VAF 332 or permission of the Chair.

VAF 342. Ceramics III. 3 Hours

Expanded exploration of skills, concepts, and processes introduced in VAF 240 hand building or VAF 242 wheel thrown ceramic forms, with emphasis on building techniques, materials, glazing, and firing processes. Prerequisite(s): (VAF 240 or 242) or permission of instructor.

VAF 353. Intermediate Printmaking. 3 Hours

A continuation of processes learned in VAF 253 Introduction to Printmaking with advanced techniques in relief, screen print, monotype and intaglio. Conceptual and technical development are emphasized. Prerequisite(s): VAF 253.

VAF 426. Advanced Painting. 3 Hours

Advanced studio that focuses on contemporary painting practices, allowing students to develop an independent studio practice through self-directed creative research. Prerequisite(s): VAF 326 or by permission of the instructor.

VAF 427. Advanced Investigations in Painting. 3 Hours

Advanced studio focuses on contemporary painting practices and allows students to further investigate and develop their own interests and choices of materials as they work toward a cohesive body of work. Emphasis on growth in personalized imagery reinforced by continued growth of technical skills and conceptual development. Prerequisite(s): VAF 426 or by permission.

VAF 433. Advanced Sculpture. 3 Hours

Advanced studio focuses on contemporary sculptural practices and allows students to further investigate and develop their own interests and choices of materials as they work toward a cohesive body of work. Emphasis on growth in personalized imagery reinforced by continued growth of technical skills and conceptual development. Prerequisites: VAF 332 or by permission.

VAF 442. Advanced Investigations in Ceramics. 3 Hours

Advanced studio course. Focus on contemporary ceramic practices; allows students to further investigate and develop their own interests and choices of materials and develop a cohesive body of work. Emphasis on growth in personalized imagery reinforced by continued growth of technical skills and conceptual development. Prerequisite(s): VAF 342 or permission of Chairperson.

VAF 453. Advanced Printmaking. 3 Hours

An advanced studio course with an emphasis on combining printmaking techniques learned in VAF 253 Introduction to Printmaking and VAF 353 Intermediate Printmaking. Projects and individual agendas are self-determined with the guidance of the instructor. Studio time is spent honing and combining skills from prior printmaking courses and creating a portfolio of a well-crafted body of prints. Advanced methods are addressed per request of the students. Prerequisite(s): VAF 353.

VAF 459. Advanced Investigations in Printmaking. 3 Hours

Advanced studio focuses on contemporary printmaking practices and allows students to further investigate and develop their own interests and choices of materials as they work toward a cohesive body of work. Emphasis on growth in personalized imagery reinforced by continued growth of technical skills and conceptual development. Prerequisite(s): VAF 253, VAF 353, VAF 453 or by permission of instructor.

VAF 477. Honors Thesis Project. 3 Hours

First of two courses leading to the selection, design, investigation, and completion of an independent, original Honors Thesis project under the guidance of a faculty research advisor. Restricted to students in the University Honors Program with permission of the program director and department chairperson. Students pursuing an interdisciplinary thesis topic may register for three semester hours each in two separate disciplines in consultation with the departmental chairpersons. Prerequisite(s): Approval of University Honors Program.

VAF 478. Honors Thesis Project. 3 Hours

Second of two courses leading to the selection, design, investigation, and completion of an independent, original Honors Thesis project under the guidance of a faculty research advisor. Restricted to students in the University Honors Program with permission of the program director and department chairperson. Students pursuing an interdisciplinary thesis topic may register for three semester hours each in two separate disciplines in consultation with the department chairpersons. Prerequisite(s): Approved 477; approval of University Honors Program.

VAF 490. Special Problems. 1-5 Hours

Course for advanced individual work in fine arts. Approval based on academic standing and permission of instructor. Repeatable up to fifteen semester hours.

VAF 498. Senior/Professional Seminar- Fine Arts. 3 Hours

Capstone course required of all B.A. and B.F.A. fine arts and art education (E11) majors, to be taken in the first semester of the senior year. Examination of aesthetic, cultural, ethical, and pragmatic issues in preparation for post-graduate experience. Prerequisite(s): Junior standing.

VAF 499. Senior Thesis/Professional Seminar II. 3 Hours

Capstone course required for all BFA Fine Arts majors. Students examine the aesthetic, cultural, ethical, and pragmatic issues involved in and relating to their chosen discipline. Students complete a senior body of work for exhibition, a thesis paper, a public presentation, and a defense of the work. Prerequisite(s): VAF 498 or permission of department chairperson.