Courses (Studio Art 080)
Note: Not all courses will be offered every term. Most courses are offered on a rotating basis. Please consult the Schedule of Classes for current offerings. This is especially important for the workshop studio courses and special topics courses because they are offered focusing on a variety of topics.
50:080:101 INTRODUCTION TO STUDIO ART (R) (3)
Introduction to concepts and processes of making art. Studio projects complemented by lectures and discussions on ways of looking at art, both past and present. Emphasis on the development of each student’s creative capacities and awareness.
50:080:102 VISUAL FUNDAMENTALS (R) (3)
Prerequisite to all upper-level studio classes.
Consideration of formal elements, color theory, and principles of organization employed in two-dimensional work. Emphasis on communicating ideas through a variety of media.
50:080:103 THREE-DIMENSIONAL FOUNDATIONS (R) (3)
Prerequisite to all upper-level studio classes.
An introduction to sculpture and three-dimensional design, this course utilizes scale, connectivity, positive-negative space and digital mapping to explore creative expression through the form in space.
50.080.200 APPLIED DESIGN (3)
50:080:211 CERAMICS I (3)
Prerequisite 50:080:103 or permission of instructor.
A dynamic, hands-on exploration of clay. Covers slab building, hand building, proportion and figurative work, surface treatment, glazing techniques, the firing process and the history of ceramic sculpture. Students need no prior background in art-making to take this class.
50:080:212 CERAMICS II (3)
Prerequisite 50:080:211 or permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor.
A continuing exploration of concepts, materials and techniques in ceramic sculpture, emphasizing advanced hand building, figurative work, mold making, and glaze techniques.
50:080:213 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER GRAPHICS (3)
Introduction to the use of the computer as a tool for art and design used in the graphic arts and communication industries. Fundamentals of the Macintosh environment and system commands. Illustration, 2-D paint, and object-oriented programs. Hands-on experience with the Macintosh computer, laser scanners, and printers. Methods for developing graphic presentations and intangibles that provide originality and variety in a creative field.
50:080:214 SCULPTURE I (3)
Prerequisite 50:080:103 or permission of instructor.
Designing, building and programing objects that move and interact with space, this course covers the nature of creative expression utilizing the internet of things, wearable computing, everyware, and natural-user interface design.
50:080:221 DRAWING I (R) (3)
Prerequisite to all upper-level studio classes. Pre or co-rerequisite: 50:080:102 or permission of instructor. This Drawing I class is focused on practicing various drawing strategies and approaches to achieve an understanding of traditional and experimental techniques. The course develops students’ observational skills: to perceive size, shape, proportion, value, and spatial relationships. Students will also perceive drawing as an assortment of abstract elements composed on a flat page.
50:080:222 DRAWING II (3)
Prerequisite 50:080:221 or permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor.
Continuing exploration of drawing as an expressive medium.
50:080:223 FIGURE DRAWING (3)
Prerequisite: 50:080:221 or permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor.
Concentrates on the structure and anatomy of the human form. Emphasizes composition and drawing techniques related to the figure.
50:080:224 NEW MEDIA ART (3)
Prerequisite: 50:080:103 or permission of instructor.
Explores the evolving relationship between digital technologies and contemporary art. Digital tools and media are used in this studio-based course to explore such topics as recontextualization, time-based media, harvesting, generative art, robotics, and fair usage practices for images, video and sound. The work done in class will be accompanied by lectures and readings that trace the historical significance of each project. Students need no prior background in art-making to take this class.
50:080:225 COLOR STUDIES (3)
Prerequisite: 50:080:102.
This course covers theoretical and practical exploration of color theories and the role of color in the visual arts. Color is a powerful instrument for artists and designers that has physical, psychological, historical, and cultural attributes. Through hands-on projects, readings, films, presentations, and critiques students will develop a body of work and skills focused on exploring relationships and visual effects of colors.
50:080:226 CONCEPTUAL ART (3)
An introduction to conceptual strategies that can be utilized to make art. Traditional and nontraditional media are used in this studio-based course to explore such topics as time, chance, risk, identity, context, process, generative art, and performance. The work done in class will be accompanied by lectures and readings that trace the historical significance of each project. Students need no prior background in art-making to take this class.
50:080:229 DRAWING WORKSHOP (BA)
Prerequisite: 50:080:221 or permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor.
Covers many facets of drawing (both concepts and techniques) but with concentration on one area of study each time the course is offered. Check the Schedule of Classes to determine area of study.
50:080:233 GRAPHIC DESIGN WORKSHOP (BA)
Prerequisite: 50:080:331 or permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor.
A studio workshop in various aspects of the graphic design field such as typography, packaging, and illustration. Covers one area that changes from term to term.
50:080:253 PAINTING WORKSHOP (BA)
Prerequisite: Prior studio art experience or permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor.
Explores a variety of problems and techniques, but with emphasis on one area each time the course is offered. Check the Schedule of Classes to determine area of study.
50:080:261 PHOTOGRAPHY I ( 3)
Prerequisite: 50:080:101 or 102 or permission of instructor. Students are expected to provide their own cameras and some basic materials.
Uses camera and photographic processes as vehicles for artistic expression and perceptual discovery. Explores traditional and experimental use of photographic processes.
50:080:262 PHOTOGRAPHY II (3)
Prerequisite: 50:080:261 or permission of instructor. Students are expected to provide their own cameras and some basic materials. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor.
This course is a continuation of Photo I. Basic camera and darkroom competence are assumed. Focuses on developing a personal vision through photographic imagery and communicating the vision through a coherent body of work.
50:080:263 PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP (BA)
Prerequisites: 50:080:261. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor.
Use of the medium of photography to explore a variety of creative problems. A different area is covered each time the course is offered. Check the Schedule of Classes to determine area of study. Lab. fee.
50:080:264 DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY (3)
Prerequisite: 50:080:102. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor.
An introduction to photography with the digital camera.
50:080:271 PRINTMAKING (3)
Prerequisites: 50:080:102 and 221 or permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor.
An exploration of basic concepts, materials and techniques in printmaking.
50:080:279 COMPUTER ANIMATION I (3)
No Pre-requisite. The purpose of this course is to provide students with an overview of fundamental 3D-animation technology through working with Maya vision on PC/Mac workstations. The course will give students a practical focus in techniques of geometric modeling, surface texturing, lighting illumination and Arnold rendering that are relevant to the production of film, animation, multimedia and creation of art.
50:080:280 CLASSICAL ANIMATION (3)
Prerequisite: 50:080:223 or permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor.
Builds on traditional animation skills, working with both drawings and digital approaches. The principles of classical animation and 2-D animation software will be demonstrated. Students are expected to find their own style, working toward personal career goals.
50:080:281 INTRODUCTION TO VIDEO AND FILM (3)
Prerequisite: 50:080:213 or permission of instructor.
Exploration and survey of a variety of methods of video production and film making using traditional videotaping equipment and Macintosh computer nonlinear editing and assembly to produce a range of videos or films.
50:080:283 SCULPTURE WORKSHOP (BA)
Prerequisite: 50:080:214 or permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor.
Provides fundamental concepts and techniques in a variety of traditional and digital sculptural media, but emphasis is on one particular medium each time the course is offered. Discusses historical and aesthetic aspects of the medium and techniques. Check the Schedule of Classes to determine area of study.
50:080:3xx CHARACTER DESIGN (3)
The course delivers digital character drawing tools in addition to the hand-drawing skills. Students learn to visualize characters/creatures in 2D/3D; Learn to distinguish the several character prototypes; Learn to employ artistic, narrative to breathe characters’ life for animations, and AI arts.
50:080:300 ART AND URBAN SUSTAINABILITY (3)
May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor.
This course combines theory and studio practice to address ecological art, design for the built environment, environmental policy, and ecological restoration in urban communities. Students will research the strategies of ecologically based art and will author proposals for sustainable design in Camden, New Jersey, with a focus on implementation, public policy, and funding. The studio-based portion of this class aims to bring ecologically based art projects to fruition with the aid of local communities.
50:080:213 GRAPHIC DESIGN I (3)
Prerequisites: 50:080:102 and 221 or permission of instructor.
An introduction to various aspects of graphic communications covering design concepts, typography, and composition.
50:080:332 GRAPHIC DESIGN II (3)
Prerequisites: 50:080:331 or permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor.
A continuation of Graphic Design II and a further exploration of the foundations of graphic design with an emphasis on conceptualization and execution of ideas. Explores a variety of concepts, methods and technical skills.
50:080:333 TYPOGRAPHY I (3)
An introduction to typographic theory, practice and history. Includes the study of letter forms, typographic text creation, composition and communication. Builds visual awareness of letter forms and their composition through studio projects that engage with type as a means for clear communication and visual expression. This studio course will also build technical and practical skills towards a fluency in setting and applying type within a professional and contemporary practice.
50:080:334 GRAPHIC DESIGN PRODUCTION (3)
Prerequisites: 50:080:331, 332, AND 333 or permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor.
Examines graphic design methodology, process and production techniques, balancing conceptual and practical skills. Building on design fundamentals, the course explores the stages of design: research, visualization and production.
50:080:342 VIDEO ART
Relying on moving pictures in a visual and audio medium, this non-narrative art from has branching roots in 2D and processed based 3D art making. This class covers non-narrative time based media and contemporary practice.
50:080:345 COMPUTER MULTIMEDIA (3)
Prerequisite: 50:080:331 281 or permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor.
Presents students with an overview of multimedia components, focusing on graphics, text, video, audio and animation elements.
50:080:346 UX AND UI DESIGN (3)
Prerequisites: 50:080:333, 50:080:332, or permission of instructor.
Graphic design and production techniques for web publishing. Applications used to create dynamic interactive web pages and sites. Building upon basic design skills, the student creates a variety of assignments. Emphasis on clarity of visual communication in this new medium.
50:080:347 ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN (3)
Prerequisite: 50:080:102 or permission of instructor.
An exploration of two- and three-dimensional design, relating to the environment. Projects include murals, wall graphics, and redesigning exterior sites.
50:080:348 SPECIAL TOPICS PHOTO (3)
50:080:349 BIODESIGN II (3)
A new area of speculative and applied practice, biodesign is the integration of design with biological systems. A primary consideration in this field is ethics. This course considers the ethical implications of pairing with microorganisms, plants and animals while creating new designs for the built environment. Biodesign II allows students, who have already taken Biodesign I, to focus on advanced project work in this area of design.
50:080:351 PAINTING I ( 3)
Prerequisites: 50:080:102 and 221 or permission of instructor.
Introduction to painting concepts , media and techniques
50:080:352 PAINTING II (3)
Prerequisites: 50:080:351 or permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor.
A continuing exploration of painting concepts, media and techniques. Emphasis on development of painting as a medium for personal visual expression.
50:080:355 ELEMENTARY ART EDUCATION (3)
Prerequisite: 50:300:354 or permission of instructor.
Survey of the artistic growth of children. Survey of philosophies, issues, methods, materials, resources, processes and strategies for teaching art in the elementary grades and integrating art into the curriculum.
50:080:356 SECONDARY ART EDUCATION (3)
Prerequisite: 50:300:354 or permission of instructor.
Survey of the artistic growth of adolescents. Survey of philosophies, issues, methods, materials, resources, processes and strategies for teaching art in the secondary grades and relating art to other areas of the curriculum.
50:082:361 ART OF FILM (3)
A course designed to heighten the awareness of contemporary film by analyzing the role of the Production Designer, Cinematographer, Director, as well as Editing and Sound Editing. The course is primarily a film appreciation course and is intended for non-art majors as well as majors in art and art history. We will concentrate on the films of the past twenty years and pay particular attention to the rise of independent filmmakers and others who have added to, and expanded upon, the great film traditions of the past century.
50:080:382 SCULPTURE II (3)
Prerequisites: 50:080:103, 50:080:214 or permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor.
Exploration of sculpture in the environment with an emphasis on site-specific art, public art, community based art and collaborative practice. This course also covers the history of contemporary practice.
50:080:386 COMPUTER ANIMATION I (3)
Prerequisite: 50:080:279 or permission of instructor.
Provides a foundation in 3Dmodeling, texturing, lighting and camera techniques through working with animation software.
50:080:387 COMPUTER ANIMATION I I (3)
Prerequisite: 50:080:386 or permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor.
Exposes students to the conceptual and technical aspects of 3D animation. Students are expected to develop an understanding of how 3D animation technology can be applied in artistic creation and in digital industry settings.
50:080:391 INDIVIDUAL STUDY IN STUDIO ART (BA)
Prerequisites: One course in advanced studio work and permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor.
Senior art major expected to further investigate the chosen area of emphasis; projects and research initiated by the student and approved by the faculty. Guidance and criticism offered by department staff, with occasional critiques by outside artists.
50:080:435 TYPOGRAPHY II (3)
Prerequisites: 50:080:333, 50:080:831 or permission of instructor. Builds on typographic foundations and explores type and typography as an expressive and conceptual practice of making verbal language visual. Students develop an advanced awareness of letter forms and type setting through studio work and projects that promote an exploratory practice.
50:080:438 GRAPHIC DESIGN CAPSTONE I (3)
Graphic Design Capstone I is the first of two culminating courses for undergraduate GD students. The course focuses on creative research and practice, this year-long course provides methodologies, structure, and community to pursue advanced independent studio work and critique, leading to a group exhibition in the second semester. This year-long course is required for the B.F.A. in Visual Art, Graphic Design degree.
50:080:440 GRAPHIC DESIGN CAPSTONE II (3)
Graphic Design Capstone II is the second of two culminating courses for undergraduate GD students. The course focuses on creative research and practice, this year-long course provides methodologies, structure and community to pursue advanced independent studio work and critique, leading to a group exhibition in the second semester. This year-long course is required for the B.F.A. in Visual Art, Graphic Design degree.
50:080:441 PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE IN GRAPHIC DESIGN (3)
Advanced exploration of the fields of graphic design, and the practices common in agencies and design studios. The course in Professional Practice will introduce students into freelancing and self-employment/ownership along with the business and ethical practices of the Graphic Design Profession. Students will work through projects geared toward learning real-world skills.
50:080:442 PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE IN ART (3)
Prerequisites: 50:080:451 or permission of instructor. Advanced exploration of the professional practices common in art studios. The course aims to acquaint students with the entrepreneurial aspects of managing an artist studio, collaborating with museums and galleries, and applying for grants, exhibitions, and residencies. Through structured projects, students will cultivate practical knowledge in curatorial studies, portfolio development, crafting artist statements, and generating practices essential for sustaining a professional artistic career post-graduation.
50:080:446 AI GENERATED ANIMATION (3)
Learn AI for animation, image & video enhancement. Discover how to utilize Midjourney, Runway, Pika and Sora AI generators quickly advancing to create a high-level animation and video scene. Gain proficiency in applying AI auto-editing and lips synchronization skills.
50:080:447 CHARACTER RIGGING (3)
Learn how to create and apply control system components to bipedal characters, props and simple vehicles; Be able to use the covered concepts and apply them to similar production level tasks in a real world environment; Be able to analyze simple rigging problems not covered in the course and apply the skills learned to produce valid solutions for those abstract problems.
50:080:448 CHARACTER ANIMATION (3)
Prerequisite: 50:080:386,387 or permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor.
Deepens students’ understanding of 3D character animation techniques by applying animation principles.
50:080:449 ANIMATION PRODUCTION (3)
Prerequisites: 50:080:448 or permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor.
Offers practical experience in pre-production and production practices for animation. Covers topics such as animation composting, editing, simulation, hair, and other digital effects.
50:080:451 ADVANCED PAINTING (3)
Prerequisites: 50:080:352, or permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor.
Advanced study in painting with emphasis on developing and refining an individual point of view and personal means of expression. Experimentation encouraged, but attention is also given to further knowledge of materials, techniques, and theories of painting. Explores both traditional and contemporary stylistic approaches.
50:080:460 ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHY (3)
Prerequisites: 50:080:262 or permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor.
Advanced study in Photography with a focus on refining a personal vision. Experimentation is encouraged.
50:080:481 ADVANCED SCULPTURE (3)
Prerequisites: 50:080:382 or permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor.
This concentrated study of materials, techniques and personal expression allows the advanced student to prepare a portfolio of work for graduate school or other fields of specialization.
50:080:484 SPECIAL STUDIO PROJECTS (BA)
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor.
Working closely with a studio faculty adviser, the student develops and executes a specified series of art works.
50:080:485 MOTION GRAPHICS (3)
Prerequisites: 50:080:333, 50:080:331 or permission of instructor.
50:080:488 3D INTERACTION DESIGN IN VIRTUAL REALITY (3)
This course provides a fundamental experience of Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Mixed Reality (MR), and Extended Reality (XR) platforms through art and design perspective. Students required to create two mini-projects, either VR or AR in the implementation of immersive environments.
50:080:489 SPECIAL TOPICS IN ELECTRONIC ARTS (3)
Prerequisites: permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor.
An exploration of specific topics in the areas of animation or graphic design. Topics vary from semester to semester.
50:080:490 SPECIAL TOPICS IN SCULPTURE (3)
Prerequisites: permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor.
An exploration of specific topics in the areas of sculpture, sustainability or new media. Topics vary from semester to semester.
50:080:491 ELECTRONIC ARTS INTERNSHIP (BA)
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Credit dependent on hours worked.
An internship with an agency, design studio, or computer graphics company. The student qualifies by presenting a portfolio and performs those duties required by the studio; learns new concepts and techniques through in-house preparation and execution of artwork (forty hours of internship per credit.)
50:080:492 ART INTERNSHIP (BA)
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. Credit dependent on hours worked. Coordinated by the art program.
An internship in some area of art, which may involve working with arts institutions or artists in the area or some other activity which advances the student’s knowledge of some area of art.
50:080:497-498 HONORS IN ART (3,3)
Candidates for honors in studio art or electronic arts must, at the end of their junior year, have a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or better and an average of 3.5 or better in the major.
Requires an independent and advanced studio project under the supervision of a professor in studio art or electronic arts.
Syllabi for courses available here.