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 the creation of images are understood through a process of selection and an arrangement of visual elements to create a drawing. Drawing materials include pencil, charcoal, conté crayon, and pen and ink.

VAF 112. Foundation 2-D Design. 3 Hours

Study of the underlying elements and principles of design as they are used in two-dimensional composition and the creation of illusionistic three-dimensional space. .

VAF 117. Foundation 3-D Design. 3 Hours

Introduction to basic principles and practices of design in three dimensions. Emphasis on current theory and construction techniques using a variety of media and methods.

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. Drawing II. 3 Hours

This course introduces the element of color and a variety of color media to the experience of observational drawing. This course is a continuation of fundamental drawing elements and principles learned in VAF 104 Foundations Drawing and expands upon these elements and principles through visible and consistent practice. Prerequisites: VAF 104.

VAF 216. Design & Color. 3 Hours

The study of color based on historical and contemporary color theories and the use of color in expressing and integrating design concepts. Prerequisite(s): VAF 112 or permission of department chairperson.

VAF 225. Painting for Non-Majors. 3 Hours

Introduction to the history, fundamental principles, materials, tools, and methods of painting, emphasizing the spatial and expressive qualities of color, composition, and pictorial design. Not open to majors or minors in the Department of Visual Arts.

VAF 226. Painting I. 3 Hours

Introduction to the history, fundamental principles, materials, tools, and methods of painting. Prerequisite(s): VAF 104, VAF 112 or by permission.

VAF 228. Watercolor I. 3 Hours

Principles and techniques of transparent watercolor. Emphasis on technical mastery. Prerequisite(s): (VAF 104, VAF 112, VAF 216) or permission of department chairperson.

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. Sculpture I. 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. Printmaking I. 3 Hours

Introduction to the traditional printmaking methods of woodcut and intaglio. Instruction in edition-printing techniques and curating of prints. . Prerequisite(s): (VAF 104, VAF 112) or permission of department chairperson.

VAF 304. Drawing III. 3 Hours

This course is an introduction to drawing the human figure and builds on observational drawings skills learned in Foundation Drawing and Drawing II. It emphasizes the structural elements of the human form and the process of drawing from life, exploring concepts of form, space, movement, structure, expression, individuality, and meaning. Prerequisites: VAF 204.

VAF 325. Figure Painting. 3 Hours

Painting from the model with a variety of media. Traditional and contemporary approaches to the figure. Prerequisite(s): ((VAF 204 or VAF 304), VAF 226) or permission of department chairperson.

VAF 326. Painting II. 3 Hours

Painting with oils or acrylics; continuing study of the principles and techniques of painting, with emphasis on personal expression and experimentation. Prerequisite(s): (VAF 226 or VAF 228) or permission of department chairperson.

VAF 328. Watercolor II. 3 Hours

Continuing investigation of watercolor techniques, both traditional and experimental. Still life, figure, landscape, and abstraction. Prerequisite(s): VAF 228 or permission of department chairperson.

VAF 332. Sculpture II. 3 Hours

Continued exploration of three-dimensional concepts and materials, concentrating on wood, stone, and metal. Prerequisite(s): 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. Printmaking II. 3 Hours

Advanced work in woodcut, monoprint and intaglio, including acrylic process and color etchings. Prerequisite(s): VAF 253.

VAF 370. Illustration I. 3 Hours

Attention to conceptual, visual, and technical development. Exploration of media and techniques employed by the illustrator in creating images for printed communication. Prerequisite(s): VAF 104, VAF 204.

VAF 380. Illustration II. 3 Hours

Interpretation and representation of concepts, products, or stories for magazines, books, newspapers, and advertising. Continued technical development with a variety of materials, media, and techniques. Prerequisite(s): VAF 370.

VAF 404. Advanced Investigations in Drawing. 3 Hours

Advanced studio course - focus on contemporary drawing practices. Further investigation and development of students’ interests and material choices in developing a cohesive body of work. Emphasis on growth in personalized imagery reinforced by continued growth of technical skills and conceptual development. Prerequisite(s): VAF 304 or permission of Chairperson.

VAF 426. Painting III. 3 Hours

Directed advanced studio problems; contemporary issues in painting. Repeatable up to nine semester hours. Studio fee. Prerequisite(s): (VAF 325 or VAF 326) or permission of department chairperson.

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 Investigations in 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. Prerequisite(s): VAF 333 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. Printmaking III. 3 Hours

Advanced work in printmaking processes with an emphasis on the production of multi-color editions. 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 470. Illustration III. 3 Hours

Focus on developing an individual point of view and illustration style. Prerequisite(s): VAF 380.

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.