GENERAL STUDIES PROGRAM

ART OPTION 

 

Fine Arts Course Descriptions

Commercial Art Course Descriptions

NEW!  Spring 2004 - Visual Communications AAS Degree & Certification

 

Our program in art provides you with the aesthetic awareness, perceptual and conceptual ability, technical skills, and humanistic perspective necessary for a successful career in the visual arts. We provide a broad foundation in various aspects of art and prepare transfer students to move into an advanced art curriculum at four-year institutions. Our program also provides non-art majors the opportunity to enrich their personal lifestyle in analytical skills and cultural knowledge while learning self expression through the visual arts. Experience is not necessary.

Basic Design and Drawing I should be taken early in the program. Upon completion of these courses, you may then specialize in either the fine arts or commercial art.

Transferability: The student should become familiar with the program requirements of his/her transfer institution.

 

Associate of Arts Degree (A.A.)

Program Concentration............................................................24 Credits

ART 151 Basic Design ................................................................3

ART 153 Drawing.........................................................................3

ART 154 Painting ........................................................................3

ART 270 Art Survey I OR ART 271 Art Survey II .............................3

Art electives................................................................................12

Choose from any 100 and/or 200 level art courses. A mix of Fine Art and Commercial Art is also possible if desired by an Art Major.

Fine Art Emphasis

ART 155, ART 156, ART 159, ART 160,

ART 251,ART 253, ART 254, ART 255, ART 256, 

ART 259, ART 260, ART 264, ART 266, ART 272

 

 

Commercial Art

 

 

ART 157, ART 161, ART 162, ART 163, ART 257, 

ART 261, ART 262, ART 263, ART 265, ART 267, 

ENT 153, ENT 156, ENT 160

 

Supporting Courses/Electives 42-44 Credits

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

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

Choose one course from each group:

Group A: SPH 101, SPH 105, SPH 109, SPH 111

Group B: ART 270, ART 271

Group C: Any 200-level EGL literature course

Mathematics*(MAT 113 or MAT 134 recommended) ......................3

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

Two courses, one course must carry laboratory credit.

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

Group A: One history course from general education list

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

CIS 101 - Computer Literacy*........................................................3

      

 

 

Cultural Diversity* ........................................................................3

 

 

Health/Physical Education............................................................2-3

 

 

Any HLE or at least 2 credits of PED

 

 

Minimum required for A.A. degree: 66 credit hours.

 

*Satisfies General Education requirement (see College Catalog 2000-2002, pp. 31-34).

 

 

FINE ARTS COURSES

 

ART 101.    Introduction to Art.                                 3 Credits

 

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.

 

 

Art 101H.    Honors Introduction to Art                     3 Credits

 

The goal of this course is to introduce the student to the visual media, with an emphasis  on style, techniques, principles and major innovation and issues in art. The course exposes the student to more in-depth detail and discussion on the  importance of art in the development and continuation of culture. Selected  historical periods of art and architecture from antiquity to the present will be analyzed. The course presents works and themes that allow broad comparative analysis of the changing means and ends of art in different times and cultures. We will aim to balance this vast historical horizon with close attention to many individual works and consideration of the shifting ways in which modern observers approach art. The students will be encouraged to engage in discussion on relevant topics, and in formal and informal presentations. In addition to exams, the course requires two short papers.  The course will include museum and exhibition visits, videos, and slide demonstrations. Prerequisite: A minimum of 120 on the reading portion of the DTLS placement examination, or a  minimum score of 95 on the reading portion of the Accuplacer placement examination, permission of the instructor, or permission of the Honors Program coordinator.

 

ART 151.    Basic Design.                                                3 Credits

 

This course explores the organization of visual elements in a planned order. It consists of a series of lectures and demonstrations in which the visual elements of art and the principles of design are discussed and basic techniques for handling material are developed. Lectures are followed by related studio problems for the student to explore and solve. Primarily two-dimensional design. Formerly ART 111.  6 studio hrs.

 

ART 152.    TEACHING CHILDREN HOW TO DRAW              3 Credits

 

This is a studio course aimed at teaching elementary teachers and art specialists how to guide and instruct pre adolescent children in the art of drawing.  It is intended to provide educators with a valuable skill  needed to effectively guide and instruct children in cognitive drawing and is predicated upon recent research that indicates that learning to draw can have a positive effect on mental development and enhance leaning capability.

 

No advanced drawing skills or high school or college course work will be required to take and succeed in this course.  The required textbooks are :"Drawing with Children" by Mona Brooks, and "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" by Betty Edwards.  Students will also be required to purchase some traditional drawing materials.

 

ART 153.    Drawing I.                                                      3 Credits

 

An introductory course in basic drawing skills. Emphasis is on drawing from life with a variety of traditional drawing materials and techniques. Includes introduction to various systems of drawing, e.g., linear perspective and principles of chiaroscuro. Formerly ART 103. 6 studio hrs.

 

ART 154.    Painting I.                                                      3 Credits

 

An introductory studio course in basic painting skills and techniques.  Emphasis is on the use of paint to create fine art and explore individual creative potential. Control and proficiency in handling paint and learning the fundamental techniques of alla prima, glazing, and scumbling will be the primary focus. Oils and acrylics are the preferred painting mediums for this course. Instruction in color and color theory will complement studio work. Designed for those with little or no painting experience. Drawing proficiency is beneficial but not critical to successful completion of the course. Formerly ART 105. 6 studio hrs.

 

ART 155.    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. Formerly ART 113. 6 studio hrs.

 

ART 156.    Photography I.                                              3 Credits

 

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. Formerly ART 125. 6 studio hrs.

 

ART 158.    Portfolio Development.                              1 Credit

 

A studio class focusing on the student creating, selecting, and presenting a coherent body of work to be used as a portfolio for transfer into other schools or for employment interviews. Formerly ART 108. 3 studio hrs.

 

ART 159.    Watercolor I.                                              3 Credits

 

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. Formerly ART 109. 6 studio hrs.

 

ART 160.    Ceramics I.                                                3 Credits

 

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. Formerly ART 123. 6 studio hrs.

 

ART 173.    Introduction to Aesthetics                         3 Credits

 

This is a lecture course which investigates the terminology, concepts and theories common to the field of Aesthetics, a branch of philosophical inquiry. This course will further examine various criteria for evaluating works of art and explore methods of provoking creativity in the classroom and studio. Prerequisite: reading proficiency level

 

ART 251.    Design II.                                                   3 Credits

 

Explores the organization of visual elements in a planned order. The visual elements of art and the principles of design are discussed and basic techniques for handling material are developed through a series of lectures and demonstrations. Lectures are followed by related studio problems for the student to explore and solve. Primary emphasis is on three-dimensional design and color theory. Formerly ART 212. Prerequisite: ART 151. 6 studio hrs.

 

ART 253.    Drawing II.                                                 3 Credits

 

Continuation of ART 153. Further development of drawing skills emphasizing accuracy and personal style. Concentration on figure and anatomy and additional work with systems of drawing, e.g., linear perspective and chiaroscuro. Formerly ART 104. Prerequisite: ART 153. 6 studio hrs.

 

ART 254.    Painting II.                                                 3 Credits

 

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. Formerly ART 106. Prerequisite: ART 154. 6 studio hrs.

 

ART 255.    Sculpture II.                                               3 Credits

 

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. Formerly ART 114. Prerequisite: ART 155. 6 studio hrs.

 

ART 256.    Photography II.                                          3 Credits

 

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. Formerly ART 226. Prerequisite: ART 156. 6 studio hrs.

 

ART 259.    Watercolor II.                                             3 Credits

 

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. Formerly ART 110. Prerequisite: ART 159. 6 studio hrs.

 

ART 260.    Ceramics II.                                               3 Credits

 

Emphasis on designing forms in clay using hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques. Advanced glaze theory, clay bodies, and firing techniques explored in depth. Formerly ART 224. Prerequisite: ART 160. 6 studio hrs.

 

ART 264.    Computer Painting.                                    3 Credits

 

In-depth use and investigation of bit-mapped graphics (paint) programs. Formerly ART 130. Prerequisite: ART 157. 6 studio hrs.

 

ART 266.    Digital Imaging.                                         3 Credits

Advanced techniques in computer graphics creation and image manipulation. Includes use of scanners, digital cameras, and CD-ROM sources. Formerly ART 227. Prerequisite: ART 157. 6 studio hrs.

 

ART 270.    Art Survey.                                                  3 Credits

 

This course examines chronologically pivotal periods and artists, primarily in Western art, with the aim of providing student artists with an understanding of the changing aesthetic, social, and psychological factors that shape artistic expression. Formerly ART 201. Prerequisite: Reading proficiency level. 3 class hrs.

 

ART 271.    Art Survey II.                                               3 Credits

 

Historical review of art from the Renaissance to the present. Formerly ART 203. Prerequisite: Reading proficiency level. 3 class hrs.

 

ART 272.   African American Art.                                 3 Credits

 

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. Formerly ART 202. Prerequisite: Reading proficiency level. 3 class hrs.

 

ART 291-293. Cooperative Education.                          1-3 Credits

 

*An Honors version of this course may also be offered. Honors courses have different prerequisites and requirements than the regular versions. Check the Honors Program for current listings.

 

 

 

COMMERCIAL ART COURSES

 

ART 157.    Introduction to Computer Graphics.         3 Credits

 

Using a computer to create full-color displays for use in graphic and fine arts.  No previous knowledge of computers required.  Formerly ART 127.  6 studio hours.

 

ART 161.    Commercial Art I.                                      3 Credits

 

Development of a professional-quality graphic design portfolio (by hand and  computer), including letterheads, logos, newspaper and magazine advertising,  and poster design. Formerly ART 115.

 

ART 162.    Publication Design Using Computers.       3 Credits

 

Fundamentals of desktop publishing. Includes professional design principles and techniques used in the preparation of publications and other print media. Formerly ART 133. Prerequisite: ART 157. 6 studio hrs.

 

ART 163.    Commercial Illustration I.                          3 Credits

 

Figure, technical, and product illustration. Contemporary illustration techniques are explored through use of the professional tools of the trade (including dry and wet media). Formerly ART 121. Prerequisite: ART 153. 6 studio hrs.

 

ART 257.    Lettering, Typography, & Layout.              3 Credits

 

Commercial art techniques covering the effective and creative handling of type and graphic elements. Several software packages are used to design professional-quality layouts. Formerly ART 119.  Prerequisite: ART 162 or ART 262. 6 studio hrs.

 

ART 261.    Commercial Art II.                                     3 Credits

 

Advanced graphic design techniques, incorporating the materials, equipment (including computers), and methodology most commonly used in commercial art. Formerly ART 215. Prerequisite: ART 161. 6 studio hrs.

 

ART 262.    Design and Illustration on Computers.      3 Credits

 

A survey of techniques used for producing artwork with computers. Image processing, drawing, and paint applications are used. Formerly ART 132. Prerequisite: ART 157. 6 studio hrs.

 

ART 263.    Commercial Illustration II.                         3 Credits

 

Continuation of ART 163. Covers advanced illustration techniques using professional media. Formerly ART 122. Prerequisite: ART 163. 6 studio hrs.

 

ART 265.    Animation & Multimedia.                           3 Credits

 

Continuation of ART 157, emphasizing 2-D animation and computer-video techniques for fine art and business. Formerly ART 128. Prerequisite: ART 157. 6 studio hrs.

 

ART 267.    3-D Computer Graphics.                            3 Credits

 

Exploration into three-dimensional computer graphics and advanced drawing programs. Formerly ART 129. Prerequisite: ART 265. 6 studio hrs.

 

ENT 153.    Technical Drawing                                     3 Credits

 

Introduction for engineering technology students.  Covers drawing instruments, lettering, geometric sketching, orthographic projection, and various engineering applications.  2 class/3 lab hrs.

 

ENT 156.    Architectural Drawing I                               3 Credits

 

Terminology, symbols, conventions of construction components, including plans, elevations, sections, details, specifications, schedules.  Prerequisite:  ENT 153.  2 class/3 lab hrs.

 

ENT 160.    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.

 

 

New! Program Spring 2004

Visual Communication A.A.S. Degree and Certificates

Visual Communication (VISCOMM)

PROGRAMS OF STUDY

The field of commercial art has expanded tremendously in the last decade. Agencies, organizations, and companies, that are engaged in commerce and communication are becoming increasingly dependent on visual communication and computer graphics professionals. The Washington metropolitan area has a tremendous demand for designers trained in traditional print media, web-based media, digital video, and multimedia. Our program is designed to graduates who are able to function in a variety of workforce settings.

The VISCOMM programs of study are designed to provide a well rounded education in foundational visual art concepts, techniques and practices, with specialized, workforce training in the applied arts. The program concentration requirements include traditional studio courses, lectures, and hands-on training labs using digital media. The Programs are structured to produce an optimally prepared graduate, who is able to communicate, collaborate, and perform in the workplace. Our VISCOMM workforce training programs provide relevant, state-of-the-trade instruction.

Our students will be able to determine the area of specialization best suited for them. These new programs will provide a source of well-trained designers for area organizations. Our student population includes recent high school graduates seeking a career tract art education, working adults desiring career enhancement, entrepreneurial endeavors, working professionals desiring career change

 

VISCOMM Career Opportunities:

  • 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

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

Program Concentration 33 credits

Art 101 Introduction to Art                                3 credits

      or Art 270 Art Survey I; or Art 271 Art Survey II

Art 151 Basic Design                                      3 credits

Art 153 Drawing I 3 credits

Art 157 Introduction to Computer Graphics        3 credits

Art 161 Commercial Art I                                 3 credits

Art 162 Publication Design Using Computers    3 credits

Art 261 Commercial Art II                                3 credits

Art 257 Lettering, Typography, Layout              3 credits

Art 262 Design & Illustration on Computers       3 credits

Art 265 Animation & Multimedia                       3 credits

Art Studio Elective                                          3 credits

 

Supporting Courses 29 to 31 credits

 

EGL Composition I & II                                    6 credits

SPH 101 Introduction to Speech                      3 credits

        or SPH 101, SPH 105, SPH 109, SPH 111

MAT 112 or higher                                          3 credits

Science                                                         3 - 4 credits

Social Science                                               3 credits

ART 273 Integrated Art                                    3 credits

ART 272 African American Art (recommended)  3 credits

              or any course that fulfills cultural diversity 

Physical Ed or Health                                      2 - 3 credits

Electives                                                        3 credits

 

Visual Communication:

Graphic Design Certificate

 

EGL Composition I                                         3 credits

Art 101 Introduction to Art
            or Art 270 Art Survey I; or

            Art 271 Art Survey II                           3 credits

Art 151 Basic Design 3 credits

Art 153 Drawing I                                           3 credits

Art 157 Introduction to Computer Graphics      3 credits

Art 161 Commercial Art I 3 credits

Art 162 Publication Design Using Computers   3 credits

Art 261 Commercial Art II
            or Art 262 Design & Illustration

            on Computers                                   3 credits

Art 257 Lettering, Typography, Layout             3 credits

Art 265 Animation & Multimedia                 3 credits

Art 158 Portfolio Development                        1 credit

 

Visual Communication:

Illustration Certificate

 

EGL Composition I                                       3 credits

Art 101 Introduction to Art
           or Art 270 Art Survey I; or

           Art 271 Art Survey II                          3 credits

Art 151 Basic Design 3 credits

Art 153 Drawing I 3 credits

Art 154 Painting I
           or Art 159 Watercolor or 

               Art studio elective                         3 credits

Art 157 Introduction to Computer Graphics     3 credits

Art 161 Commercial Art I
            or Art 262 Design & Illustration

            on Computers                                  3 credits

Art 163 Commercial Illustration I                    3 credits

Art 263 Commercial Illustration II
            or Art 264 Computer Painting;

            or Art 253 Drawing II                         3 credits

Art 298 NEW Digital Photography
            or Art 266 Digital Imaging                  3 credits

Art 158 Portfolio Development                        1 credit

 

Visual Communication:

Animation/Hypermedia Certificate

 

EGL Composition I                                       3 credits

Art 101 Introduction to Art
            or Art 270 Art Survey I;

            or Art 271 Art Survey II                      3 credits

Art 151 Basic Design                                    3 credits

Art 153 Drawing I                                          3 credits

Art 157 Introduction to Computer Graphics      3 credits

Art 161 Commercial Art I                               3 credits

CIS 185 Web Site Design & Implementation   3 credits

Art 265 Animation & Multimedia                    3 credits

Art 267 3-D Computer Graphics                    3 credits

Art 273 Integrated Arts
            or Art Studio Elective                       3 credits

Art 158 Portfolio Development                       1 credit