Visual Arts Curriculum

Film/video courses focus on the representation of time in contemporary video art and experimental film. They examine how the moving image aligns and differentiates itself from the other artistic disciplines and from cinema — and how artworks activate curatorial spaces for spectatorship. Instruction centers on producing and editing videos with unique consideration of time and narrative. Upper-level courses further expand definitions of time-based art — including sound art, media installation, performance, participatory forms and social practice.

Painting and drawing courses enable students to discover and articulate their creative voice in the expressive languages of painting and drawing. Rigorous technical and conceptual training helps students to develop images that are visually, emotionally and intellectually compelling while emphasizing honest and meaningful exploration of each artist's concerns.

The photography discipline encourages the development of individualized pathways through the medium. Technical training includes analog, digital and experimental technologies and conceptual training provides space and time for students to reimagine the future of photography based on a solid understanding of its past.

Sculpture is designed for students wishing to explore sculpture through a multidisciplinary approach to methods and materials. Students will develop not only technical proficiency in working with mediums including metal, wood, concrete and clay, but moreover the conceptual foundation from which their unique creative practice will be built. Experimentation with object making, installation and intervention are actively encouraged and explored as a means of facilitating critical engagement.

Visual communications courses focus on developing an in-depth understanding of the visual design language, and how to use this language to solve design problems through projects to acquire conceptual, theoretical and practical knowledge in design, while exploring and examining the role of design history in shaping contemporary design practice.

Film + Media Art Studies courses focus on the interdisciplinary study of art, technology and culture, supporting a wide range of projects and practices. Structured to encourage students to apply multiple media and integrate disciplines into new forms of expression, Film + Media Art Studies prepares students to be independent artists and cultural producers in a world of new media representations and strategies. Integrating the production of art and critical studies, the lower- and upper-division requirements are drawn from equal amounts of studio art and art history courses.