Choose from any 1000 and/or 2000 level art courses. A mix of Fine Art and Commercial Art is also possible if desired by an Art Major.

Fine Art Emphasis:

ART 1550, ART 1560, ART 1590, ART 1600,

ART 2510,ART 2530, ART 2540, ART 2550, ART 2560, 

ART 2590, ART 2600, ART 2640, ART 2660, ART 2720, ART 2740

Commercial Art Emphasis:

ART 1570, ART 1580, ART 1610, ART 1620, ART 1630, ART 2570, ART 2610,

ART 2620, ART 2630,  ART 2650, ART 2670, ART 2740, ART 2750, ENT 1600

English Composition I and II*........................................................6

Humanities*................................................................................9

Choose one course from each group:

Group 1: SPH 1010, SPH 1050, SPH 1090, SPH 1110

Group 2: ART 2710

Group 3: Any 2000-level EGL literature course

Mathematics*(MAT 1130 or MAT 1340 recommended) ......................3

Science*.....................................................................................7-8

Two courses, one course must carry laboratory credit.

Social Sciences*.........................................................................9

Group 1: One history course from general education list

Group 2: Two courses from social sciences general education list, one course must be nonhistory.

CIS 1010 - Computer Literacy*........................................................3

Minimum required for A.A. degree: 64 credit hours.

*Satisfies General Education requirement

The art of seeing is developed through the examination of the fundamentals of visual art. Emphasis on exploration and understanding of styles, techniques, principles, and major innovations of art. Both lecture and hands-on teaching methods may be used to involve the student in the creative process. Artistic ability or experience are not required. Prerequisite: Reading proficiency level.   3 class hrs.

This course introduces the organization of visual elements on a two-dimensional plane.  The elements of art and principles of design are examined through lectures, demonstrations and related studio problems for the students to explore and solve.  Students will develop techniques for handling a variety of art materials.  Basic Design is a laboratory class.  6 studio hours

This course introduces students to basic drawing techniques through the exploration of the human figure and natural and man-made forms.  A variety of drawing tools and materials are introduced.  6 studio hours.

ART 1540.    Painting I.                                                      3 Credits

ART 1550.    Sculpture I.                                                   3 Credits

Introduction to basic sculptural techniques. Elements and principles of 3-D art are emphasized through practice in bronze casting, welding, carving, and fabrication. Development of ideas will be encouraged through critique of and historic references to specific sculptures and artists.  6 studio hrs.

Contemporary principles and terminologies are introduced by developing basic skills with camera operation and handling, photographing, black and white film processing, black and white darkroom techniques, print finishing, and presentation. The students are exposed to a brief history, color theory and the aesthetics of the photographic vision. No prior experience required.  6 studio hrs.

Preparation for developing a cohesive portfolio for students planning academic transfer and/or seeking employment opportunities.  Beyond the listed prerequisites, the department strongly advises that students have completed an additional 1000 level studio course and have completed or are concurrently enrolled in a 2000 level studio course.  Prerequisites:  ART 1510, ART 1530.

An introductory course in basic watercolor painting. Emphasis is on techniques and traditional watercolor materials used by today’s watercolorists. Includes composition, color concepts, and history of watercolor painting. Students will attend lecture and demonstration classes and create their own paintings.  6 studio hrs.

A beginners’ studio course designed to teach ceramics as a creative craft and art form. The student is encouraged to explore ceramics as a form of three-dimensional expression and to be actively engaged in the complete cycle of ceramic production: production of clay, construction of forms, decoration, and firing. Students are expected to acquire knowledge of and to test various glazes.6 studio hrs.

Introduces students to the history, psychology and physics of color by building on concepts introduced in ART 1510, Basic Design.  In all disciplines, a working knowledge of color principles is vital in creating effective, successful works of art.  Through a vocabulary of color and a working understanding of various color systems.  In the studio, students will create original artworks that explore aesthetic color relationships and the psychological application of color.  Through class critiques and written assignments, students will learn how to evaluate and discuss their own work as well as the work of their peers.  Prerequisite:  ART 1510 - Basic Design

Art 2510 is a continuation of Art 151, Basic Design.  The visual elements and principles of three-dimensional design will be explored with an emphasis on critical thinking.  Students will be introduced to materials and methods for developing a work of art in three-dimensional space and they will learn how to apply the principles of design to work that has multiple points of view.  Students will learn how to consider aesthetic and conceptual issues as well as solve technique problems in the creation of original art work.  Through class critiques, students will gain experience in written ad verbal analysis of their own work and the work of their peers.  Prerequisite:  ART 1510 - Basic Design.

An advanced studio course that stresses further development of individual drawing skills, a thorough understanding of drawing principles, and a greater exploration of the various drawing materials and techniques.  The human figure, landscape and man-made objects are the source of investigation.  Prerequisite:  Art 1530.  6 studio hours

An advanced studio painting course stressing individual painting skills and personal style. This is a continuation of work with basic painting techniques and the use of the painting medium initiated in Painting I. Focus on compositional theories and practice, experimentation with mediums, and creative approaches to subject, will encourage and enable the making of more finished works of art. Prerequisite: ART 1540. 6 studio hrs.

This course offers the student the opportunity to more thoroughly explore concepts of three-dimensional art. Emphasis is placed on independent selection of materials and their aesthetic implications and how they relate to contemporary sculptural images.  Prerequisite: ART 1550. 6 studio hrs.

Continues the exploration of the photographic vision. Under the supervision of the instructor, the student defines and completes a personal project by using advanced camera handling and lighting techniques, darkroom manipulation, and altered processes including electronic scanning and printing.  Prerequisite: ART 1560. 6 studio hrs.

This advanced course will cover watercolor techniques in depth. Students work with more refined techniques of the medium: large paper format and watercolor monoprints, and a more independent approach to their own work.  Prerequisite: ART 1590. 6 studio hrs.

Emphasis on designing forms in clay using hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques. Advanced glaze theory, clay bodies, and firing techniques explored in depth.  Prerequisite: ART 1600. 6 studio hrs.

Art 270 introduces survey of art and architecture from prehistoric times to the Gothic Art. Works of painting, sculpture, and architecture will be analyzed both in terms of their style, iconography, and technique, and in terms of their significance within the historical, social, religious, and economic context in which they were produced.

This course surveys art and architecture from the Renaissance to the 20th century.  Works of painting, sculpture and architecture are analyzed both in terms of their style, iconography an technique, and in terms of their significances within the historical, social, religious and economic context in which they were produced.  Prerequisite:  Reading proficiency.

Beginning with the major historic African cultures, this course traces the artistic achievement of African Americans from before slavery through the colonial period. Discover how they were influenced by Western or European cultures. Students will study major artists and trends in African American art including contemporary expressions. Prerequisite: Reading proficiency level. 3 class hrs.

This course introduces you to the areas of visual arts, dance, music and theater through an exploration of representative works.  This experience will enhance self-expression and a better understanding of the human experience.  This course meets part of the Maryland State integrative arts requirement for the Associate of Arts degree in Teaching.  Prerequisite:  Reading proficiency level.  3 class hours

ART 2740.  Contemporary Art.                                        3 Credits

Introduction to art and architecture from the late 19th century to the present.  Visual arts from traditional works to conceptual forms, installation, video and performance art will be analyzed both in terms of style, technique and philosophy, and their political, social and economic significance.  The history and philosophy of the various movements and their relationship to contemporary thought and culture will be explored.  Prerequisites:  Reading proficiency level and English proficiency level.

ART 1570.    Introduction to Computer Graphics.         3 Credits

This course is designed to provide a survey of the role of the computer in visual communication design. Students will receive basic training on the primary types of software and peripherals that designers must be familiar with. This includes painting-type (raster) software as well as structured graphics (vector) applications.  Students will be encouraged to develop creative approaches to projects coupled with increased technical proficiency

ART 1610.    Commercial Art I.                                      3 Credits

This course is designed to provide a survey of the design principles and artistic concepts that produce quality commercial art. Students will acquire hands-on experience in taking a variety of projects from concept development to final output. Training will be provided in the various production skills and techniques used by graphic design professionals. The prerequisites for this course are Art 1510 Basic Design and/or Art 1570 Introduction to Computer Graphics.

ART 1620.    Publication Design Using Computers.       3 Credits

This course is designed to acquaint the student with the fundamentals of publication and print media design. Hands-on training will be provided using a variety of digital media and hardware current to the graphic design profession. Students will gain experience in taking a print media project from concept on through to page layout and production. The prerequisite for this course is Art 1570 Introduction to Computer Graphics.

ART 1630.    Commercial Illustration I.                          3 Credits

Art 1630 is an investigation of the various media, techniques, and artistic concepts that produce quality commercial illustration. The prerequisite for this course is Art 1530 Drawing

ART 2570.    Lettering, Typography, & Layout.              3 Credits

ART 2610.    Commercial Art II.                                     3 Credits

This course is designed to provide students with advanced concepts utilized in the creation of advertising art, web-based graphics, broadcast graphics, interactive multimedia, electronic publishing, and print media.  Art 2610 is designed to expand the survey of design principles and artistic concepts to a more global perspective. The prerequisite for this course is Art 1610 Commercial Art I.

ART 2630.    Commercial Illustration II.                         3 Credits

This course is designed to expand a student’s exploration of illustration techniques. Art 2630 emphasizes the creative approach to preparing imaginative, effective illustrations. The prerequisite for this course is Art 1630 Commercial Illustration.

ART 2650.    Animation & Multimedia.                           3 Credits

Course content focuses on two-dimensional animation and multimedia, with an emphasis on creativity, originality and experimentation.  Various software packages will be utilized to create animated sequences complete with sound and special effects. Introduction to Computer Graphics (Art 1570) is the required prerequisite for this course.  A student will be expected to have an aptitude for learning a variety of software packages.

ART 2660.    Digital Imaging

Advanced techniques in computer graphics creation and image manipulation.  Includes use of scanners, digital cameras and CD-ROM sources.  Prerequisite:  ART 1570 - Introduction to Computer Graphics.

ART 2670.    3-D Computer Graphics.                            3 Credits

Course content focuses on three-dimensional modeling and animation techniques, with an emphasis on creativity, originality and experimentation.  Various software packages will be utilized to create 3D stills and animated sequences complete with sound and special effects. A survey of modeling techniques and examples from a variety of industries will be provided. Art 1570 is the required prerequisite for this course. A student will be expected to have an aptitude for learning a variety of software packages.

ART 2750.   Animation and Multimedia II                      3 Credits 

Animation and Multimedia II is  a continuation of ART 265.  Students will explore advanced vector drawing, animation techniques, navigation design, interactivity, an digital video/audio.  Course exercises will include 2-D animations, screen-based graphics, and digital video presentations.  Prerequisite:  ART 2650

ART 2780.    Digital Photography II.                                  3 Credits

This course is a continuation of Digital Photography.  Students will explore complex techniques and contemporary concerns associated with electronic imaging.  The students will utilize digital cameras, film and flatbed scanners to digital negatives, slides and photographs; manipulate images and produce finished prints with laser and inkjet printers.  Students must have access to a 35 mm or digital camera for use in the course.  Prerequisite:  Art 2580, Digital Photography I.

ENT 1600.    Introduction to CAD with Auto CAD              3 Credits

Basic concepts of computer-aided drafting (CAD) to produce basic engineering drawings.  No prerequisite, but drafting background helpful.  2 class/3 lab hrs.

Visual Communication A.A.S. Degree and Certificates

Visual Communication (VISCOMM)

PROGRAMS OF STUDY

 The Visual Communication Program (VISCOMM) A.A.S. Degree prepares students in production methods, digital media, and traditional design related to the visual communications field.   Students acquire professional skills to compete in the visual communication industry. They learn to communicate effectively in a variety of media to a range of audiences. Students gain the skills to be self-reliant professionals able to meet the business community’s need for formally trained visual communicators. Included in this program are courses that enrich the student’s experience beyond workforce training.

This program is designed for maximum course transfer for students who decide to continue their education. Students are encouraged to consult with an academic adviser. Non-degree students who wish to upgrade and enrich their basic visual communication skills will benefit from this program.

Entry level graduates with Associate of Applied Science degree in VisComm will be able to:

·          Articulate visual communication concepts in written, verbal, and visual form.

·          Produce original artwork using a variety of traditional and computer based methods.

·          Understand and adjust to the changing needs of the visual communication industry.

·          Employ critical thinking and technological skills to solve visual communication problems.

·          Understand and work competently in all aspects of visual communication from the inception of an idea, to design, layout and production.

·          Understand and honor the highest professional ethical standards within the industry

The certificate options in VISCOMM are of shorter duration, with a concentration in specialized areas.

• Information Architect/Designer Presentation Designer Broadcast graphic designer

• Exhibit and Environmental Designer Editorial -support Designer Print media artist

• Packaging Designer Digital Videography Support Illustrator

• Web-Designer Publications Specialist Authoring/CD/Kiosk designer

• Instructional Support Designer Multimedia Designer Desktop Publishing

• Freelance Graphic Designer Advertising/Marketing Media Designer Digital Artist

• Artist/Animator 3-D Modeler/Animator, Architect Support

GRAPHIC DESIGN SOFTWARE USED:

Adobe Creative Suite 3 (CS3):

• Photoshop

• Illustrator

• InDesign.

2D Animation/Creative Design for the Web:

• Flash

• Dreamweaver

3D Modeling/Animation:

• Newtek Lightwave 3D

• Maya, Bryce

• Poser

Digital Video:

• Adobe Premiere

• Final Cut Pro

Visual Communication A.A.S. degree
Graphic Design Option

Students who complete the graphic design certificate will have the ability to produce artwork for commercial purposes using traditional and computer based methods.  Students will be able to assemble a professional portfolio suitable for workforce entry or professional advancement.

Program Concentration 34 credits