| Foundation Program
The foundation program is a requirement for all freshmen and is comprised of Fundamentals of Art I and II and Beginning Life Drawing I and II.
FND101. Fundamentals of Art I
An introduction to the principles of drawing, design, composition, perspective and color. Students explore theory, linear and aerial perspective, form structure, organization of light and shadow and texture. Students learn to gather visual references, do thumbnail sketches and develop rough ideas to a final finished product while gaining proficiency in the use of several black-and-white media.
5 semester credit hours
FND102. Fundamentals of Art II
Prerequisites: Completion of FND101
An introduction to color theory. Students apply various media and rendering approaches to design perspective problems along with aerial and three-point perspective and color theory. Students develop their working process(es) in research, thumbnails, presentation and critique.
5 semester credit hours
LFD101. Beginning Life Drawing I
Students are introduced to basic drawing concepts and traditional methods for achieving representational images of the human figure and other forms. Directed assignments and exercises, in black and white, encourage the understanding of form while increasing powers of observation and control of materials.
5 semester credit hours
LFD102. Beginning Life Drawing II
Prerequisites: Completion of LFD101
A continuation of LFD101, with the introduction of anatomical and compositional thinking. Students apply principles of perspective to depict form and the figure within spatial environments. Color theory and its application to figurative drawing is introduced.
5 semester credit hours
Studio Courses
DES201. Introduction to 2-D Design
Prerequisites: Completion of Foundation Studies
An introduction to strategies and tools employed by graphic designers for solving visual communication problems. Assignments teach students an understanding of the history, principles and methods of graphic design.
5 semester credit hours
DES202. Intermediate 2-D Design and Typography
Prerequisites: Completion of DES201 and DGF201
This course continues graphic design basics and builds on typography rules. Type is introduced to solve increasingly complex problems along with the materials, principles and production techniques of 2-D and 3-D designs. Students work on multi-page layouts, package designs and campaign-related designs.
5 semester credit hours
DES300. Digital and Pre-press Production
Prerequisites: DES202
An introduction to digital and pre-press printing concepts. Topics addressed: history of printing; ink and color models; manual and digital print production; technical aspects of printing and printing processes; service bureaus and printers; error reduction; estimating budgets; papers and other printing materials; printing equipment; working on-press and the proofing process.
5 semester credit hours
DES305. Packaging Design
Prerequisites: Completion of EDS201, DGF201, DES202, VCM201
An examination of design and production processes as they relate to forms for packaging. Students produce a variety of packaging solutions dealing with shape, volume and surface as applied to an integrated design approach. This course stresses good design from initial concept through the final mock-up and finally to point-of-purchase display in the marketplace. Appropriate thinking derived from research and understanding of the project allows students to produce finished pieces innovative in packaging development and accurate in terms of client goals.
5 semester credit hours
DGF201. Digital Graphic Foundations
Prerequisites: Completion of the Foundation Program
Hands-on training in Macintosh-based production methods and reinforcement of developing graphic communication skills with the software programs in the Adobe Creative Suite. Typography and graphic design are explored as essential components in the effective use of these computer applications.
5 semester credit hours
EDS201. Electronic Imaging
Prerequisites: Completion of Foundation Studies and DGF201
Development of illustrative and design skills utilizing digital imaging software. Electronic imaging is explored through techniques and concepts such as digital photography, collage, painting/drawing simulation, filter and imaging processing and special effects. Current industry trends and developments in animation, digital video, web pages and the Internet are included.
5 semester credit hours
EDS301. Advanced Electronic Imaging
Prerequisites: Completion of DGF201 and EDS201 or consent of the department chair
Application of 2-D imaging software to create, manipulate and modify 2-D objects and images. Scanned images, digital photographs and stock photo CDs are combined and manipulated to form compositions for both commercial and fine art applications. Students are exposed to realistic, representational imagery as well as abstract and experimental images, various printing options and special effects software. Projects cover a variety of illustrative and pseudo-photographic techniques.
5 semester credit hours
ILL201. Illustration I
Prerequisites: Completion of the Foundation Program
Students concentrate on developing technical competence through instruction in several different media, beginning with pen and ink and marker rendering and progressing to watercolor, acrylics, oils and other media. Students begin to present their creative ideas in a professional manner from reference gathering to finished presentation. The importance of meeting deadlines is stressed throughout all assignments. Group critiques are held on a regular basis to encourage students to articulate their work with confidence.
5 semester credit hours
ILL202. Illustration II
Prerequisites: Completion of ILL201
In this course students are challenged by assignments based on projects similar to those given in the professional arena, such as advertising and book and editorial illustration. Integrated into the course are career paths, the Chicago market, business skills, self promotion and portfolio presentation.
5 semester credit hours
ILL205. Drawing for Illustrators
Prerequisites: Completion of the Foundation Program. Course required for illustration majors and must be taken in either the 3rd, 4th or 5th semester.
A study of the illustration process with a focus on figurative representation in modern illustration. Project assignments expose students to human diversity as it relates to interaction, activity, expression and dress.
5 semester credit hours
ILL301. Illustration: Advertising Art
Prerequisites: Completion of DGF201, ILL202 or consent of department chair
This course focuses on illustrative solutions based on art-directed layouts for advertisements done in a variety of sizes. Students work as freelance illustrators developing illustrations for merchandise packaging and posters while performing all steps from contracts to layouts to deadlines to billing. Throughout, the student is encouraged to develop and work in an individual style and/or medium.
5 semester credit hours
ILL302. Illustration: Editorial and Publishing Art
Prerequisites: Completion of ILL202 or consent of department chair
Students work as freelance artists, creating visual solutions in response to verbal discussions, written manuscripts, lyrics and stories. Beginning with sketches and developing the idea through to the final artwork, students render illustrations for magazine articles and covers, spot illustrations and book jackets for a variety of editorial and publishing venues.
5 semester credit hours
ILL304. Storyboarding
Prerequisites: Completion of ILL202 or consent of department chair
Storyboards used as a visual script for movies and television commercials are an integral part of filmmaking. This course introduces and refines students’ skills of conceptualizing, sequential storytelling, drawing and rendering required for effective storyboarding. This course also explores various techniques such as penciling, markers, animatics, computer composition and enhancement. Upon completion, students will have skills and portfolio samples that are utilized in the field.
5 semester credit hours
ILL305. Digital Illustration I
Prerequisites: Completion of ILL202 or consent of department chair
In this introductory class students produce digital images in various approaches ranging from advertising to editorial publishing using Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop. Students develop illustrations using traditional thumbnail processes and complete the final artwork with a digital medium. Students begin to formulate their digital illustration style.
5 semester credit hours
ILL306. Digital Illustration II
Prerequisites: Completion of ILL305
A continuation of Digital Illustration I with emphasis on using sophisticated digital tools to create an individual style.
5 semester credit hours
ILL307. Art Direction I
Prerequisites: Completion of ILL202
A simulation of an advertising agency as students create advertisements targeted to a particular audience and medium, including print, billboards and television. Students work both individually and in teams to research a product, formulate advertising ideas and “sketch out” layouts that incorporate both images and written copy with headlines and taglines.
5 semester credit hours
ILL308. Concept Art
Prerequisites: Completion of ILL305
Using digital techniques and traditional drawing processes, students develop a range of concept art for applications such as video games, television, film and product design.
5 semester credit hours
ILL401. Design for Illustrators
Prerequisite: Completion of one 300-level illustration course
This course reviews and reinforces traditional and digital illustration and design skills using Macintosh-based production methods. Focus is on integration of illustration work into design projects that incorporate layout and typography. Typography and graphic design as related to print communications are explored as components in the effective use of computer applications.
5 semester credit hours
ILL402. Advanced Illustration
Prerequisites: Two of the following: ILL205, ILL301, ILL302, ILL304, ILL305, ILL307
Students concentrate on completing a personalized portfolio, which encompasses their unique approach with media, style and technique. Students function as freelance illustrators or staff artists and produce “real-world” print illustrations from concept to completion. Critiques are held at each stage of production— thumbnails, roughs, color comps, finished pencils, final art, computer design and typography.
5 semester credit hours
INTVCM. Internship in Visual Communications
Prerequisites: Approval of Academic Dean
Each request for an internship must be reviewed by the Academic Dean to verify that the learning experience will complement the student’s program of study. The quality and progress of the learning experience is monitored by an Academy instructor. The responsibility for locating an internship assignments rests with the student, and this can be coordinated with the Career Services office.
5 semester credit hours
LFD201. Intermediate Life Drawing I
Prerequisites: Completion of Foundation Studies
Building on material presented in the foundation year, with a focus on structural and spatial thinking, students re-examine fundamental drawing principles related to anatomy, perspective, design and composition by working from a live model, anatomical references, sketches and memory.
5 semester credit hours
LFD202. Intermediate Life Drawing II
Prerequisites: Completion of LFD201
A study of the interaction of light and form through an understanding of optics, additive and subtractive color, temperature, saturation, value, opacity and transparency.
5 semester credit hours
LFD301. Advanced Figurative Drawing
Prerequisites: Completion of LFD202
Students produce life-size and large-scale drawings utilizing traditional drawing methods and techniques to achieve higher levels of excellence in rendering ability. Both nude and clothed models are used to emphasize the human form and the relation to artistic anatomy.
5 semester credit hours
LFD302. Advanced Figurative Drawing: Figure in Composition
Prerequisites: Completion of LFD301
Students create figurative compositions that explore spatial concepts and various compositional modes as they work through the logistical problems of drawing multiple figures in interior and exterior settings. The “Golden Section” is studied for its historic and aesthetic significance, and other elements of design are analyzed for their impact on meaning. Both nude and clothed models are used.
5 semester credit hours
LFD401. Advanced Drawing I
Prerequisites: LFD301, LFD302
Students create figurative drawings that demonstrate individualized intent. With guidance from the instructor, students conceive and develop their own drawing projects, exploring more personal terrain. Students negotiate the various stages of visual problem-solving involved in the development of a work of art, gaining insight into the process of professional art-making.
5 semester credit hours
LFD402. Advanced Drawing II
Prerequisites: LFD401
A continuation of LFD401, with the same goal of guiding students to independent thinking and expression through works of specific intent that integrate learned skills with memory and imagination. Students conceive and develop a series of related works that explore a single theme or set of ideas in an effort to achieve a personal vision.
5 semester credit hours
MMW204. 2-D Computer Animation and Digital Video I
Prerequisites: Completion of DGF201, EDS201
An introduction to the techniques of two-dimensional computer animation and digital video including cel (hand-drawn, character), title/credits (text-based), collage/cut-out and green screen techniques. Students create, edit and apply sound to their animation projects.
5 semester credit hours
MMW304. 2-D Computer Animation and Digital Video II
Prerequisites: Completion of MMW204 or consent of department chair
Students expand upon the techniques learned in MMW204, with added emphasis on longer form, experimental video and video for web pages. Students develop a “reel” or video portfolio.
5 semester credit hours
MMW308. Web Design I
Prerequisites: DGF201, EDS201
In this course, students plan and create web sites. Issues specific to the Internet and interactive design are explored, including historic development, legal issues and social implications.
5 semester credit hours
MMW309. Multimedia I: Interactive Graphics
Prerequisites: DGF201, EDS201
Students develop multimedia content including the use and control of typography, images, digital video and animated graphics. The course emphasizes and develops the student’s ability and versatility with web-oriented content and focuses on current development tools for such content.
5 semester credit hours
MMW408. Web Design II
Prerequisites: MMW308 and MMW309
Students integrate animated content and dynamic content into their web sites, applying current programming languages and methodologies.
5 semester credit hours
MMW409. Multimedia Scripting: Advanced Interactive Programming
Prerequisite: MMW309
A focus on advanced features and interactive animation techniques for programming ActionScript in Flash. Students develop complex content, including multimedia players, custom interfaces, games and object-oriented programming.
5 semester credit hours
MMW410. Advanced Multimedia and Web Design Projects
Prerequisites: MMW408 or MMW 409 or consent of department chair
Students produce web-based projects addressing current leading-edge theories, technologies and approaches to Internet-based media. Course work covers independent and team-oriented projects, seminar discussions that include the underlying ethical and social issues at the forefront of this medium and a final culminating project.
5 semester credit hours
MMW415. Multimedia Web Video: Interactive Media and Video Integration
Prerequisites: EDS204, MMW308, MMW309 or consent of department chair
Students integrate various content and media for presentation on the web. Media, including digital video and digital audio, are developed utilizing web publishing software presented online. Students develop multimedia projects while addressing issues of content, organization, navigation and presentation. Course work includes team projects, lecture and a final culminating project.
5 semester credit hours
OLP201. Oil Painting I
Prerequisites: Completion of Foundation Studies
An introduction to oil painting. Students learn to skillfully employ basic oil painting materials and techniques and apply principles of tone, color and composition to create works based on the human figure.
5 semester credit hours
OLP202. Oil Painting II
Prerequisites: Completion of OLP 201
A continuation of Oil Painting I that focuses on technique and color in depicting life and nature. Students use various approaches to create well-crafted compositions that focus on using light and color.
5 semester credit hours
OLP301. Still Life Painting
Prerequisites: Completion of OLP202
This course establishes an understanding of the historical, technical and conceptual issues that surround still life painting. Students are asked to consider aesthetic issues pertaining to the selection of subject matter and to consider their personal style and philosophy in their approach to painting.
5
semester credit hours
OLP302. Figure Painting
Prerequisites: Completion of OLP202
This class continues the study of rendering the human figure in oil painting. To improve their figurative painting skills, students will be exposed to new techniques and encouraged to address issues of style and content in their paintings.
5 semester credit hours
OLP305. Old Masters Techniques
Prerequisites: Completion of OLP202
Students develop a deeper understanding of oil painting by examining works of the old masters to learn from their technical and theoretical contributions and are challenged to re-create the masters’ expressive effects.
5 semester credit hours
OLP403. Advanced Painting I
Prerequisites: OLP301, OLP302
Students begin to create a cohesive body of original work that exhibits both a personal vision and a high level of technical competence. The emphasis on concept and creativity is achieved through concentrated studio work with complex subjects and the development of an individual aesthetic.
5 semester credit hours
OLP404. Advanced Painting II
Prerequisites: OLP403
In preparation for entering the professional art field, students continue to build a body of personal work that reflects confidence with the medium and in-depth development of an artistic vision based on critical thinking and aesthetic problem solving.
5 semester credit hours
PFA400. Portfolio: Fine Arts (All Painting and Life Drawing majors)
Prerequisites: Must be taken in final semester of BFA program
With the guidance of an Academy instructor, students create a professional portfolio of work, from which selected pieces are exhibited in the required Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibition.
5 semester credit hours
PHO201. Introduction to Photographic Imaging
An introductory photography class designed to provide an
understanding of photography through traditional techniques and basic digital imaging. Students focus on mechanics for small-, medium- and large-format cameras, exposure metering and calculation, film development, print processing and presentation, and hands-on training in darkroom techniques. A 35-mm film camera and tripod will be provided.
5 semester credit hours
PHO202. Studio Lighting and Techniques
Prerequisites: PHO201 or consent of department chair
Students learn to implement and to control strobe light and tungsten lighting systems. In-studio demonstrations include lighting techniques for tabletop, still life and portrait photographs. Students are introduced to basic lighting strategies and techniques through assignments that develop compositional concepts. Studio lighting schemes are analyzed to enable students to discriminately employ artificial light to illuminate subjects effectively.
5 semester credit hours
PHO205 Advanced Photographic Imaging
Prerequisite: PHO201
The class is designed to refine film exposure techniques and print processes through the application of the Zone System. Students learn to optimize analog prints through exposure and processing systems and work with a transmission densitometer as well as to use large-format view cameras to control image perspective and depth of field. Emphasis is placed on visualization, color theory and color harmony.
5 semester credit hours
PHO302. Location Photography
Prerequisite: PHO205
Documentary image making is introduced with an emphasis on commercial assignment photography. Students review and evaluate architectural photography and on-location portrait photography in editorial, advertising and annual report applications. Effective utilization of available light is studied along with the utilization of the on-camera flash as a primary and fill light.
5 semester credit hours
PHO305. Fine Art Photography
Prerequisite: PHO205
Students continue to develop their creative abilities and personal artistic style. Students concentrate on a camera format (digital or film) and an image-making approach in assignments that incorporate careful project planning from pre- to post-production. Assignments are designed to recognize and produce photographic works that are appropriate for exhibition in traditional and nontraditional settings and to ascertain the relationship of the photographic medium on American culture.
5 semester credit hours
PHO402. Advanced Studio Lighting and Techniques
Prerequisite: Completion of one PHO300 Course
This class further defines lighting techniques using strobe and hot lights for advertising shoots, photo illustrations, products and people. To enable students to discern and employ light effectively and creatively, fundamentals of continuous tungsten lighting and artificial sources of light are studied and analyzed. Students have hands-on training with the large-format digital view camera.
5 semester credit hours
PHO405. Advanced Location Photography
Prerequisite: Completion of one PHO300 Course
The large-format view camera is used to photograph architectural exteriors and spaces. Demonstrations and field practice include perspective controls as achieved through the moveable lens and film planes of the view camera. Practical assignments include both natural lighting of exteriors and custom lighting for interior spaces. Course objectives cover the fundamentals of architectural photography and interiors. Techniques include filtration for color balancing film and lights, perspective controls and the effective use of portable lights and available lighting for interiors.
5 semester credit hours
PHO410. Advanced Projects
Prerequisite: Completion of one PHO300 Course
The student is challenged to define, develop and direct a project that is representative of his/her creative abilities and personal artistic style. The full semester of work represents the goals of the project, with the final work formatted for gallery exhibition or as a finished commercial portfolio.
5 semester credit hours
PIL400. Portfolio: Illustration (All Illustration majors)
Prerequisites: Must be taken in final semester of BFA program
Students create their professional illustration portfolio, from which selected pieces are exhibited in the required Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibition.
5 semester credit hours
PPH400. Portfolio: Photography (All Photography majors)
Prerequisite: Must be taken in final semester of BFA program
A final portfolio of work is created, from which selected pieces will be exhibited in the Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibition. Students work under the guidance of a faculty member, who custom-designs the course objectives and appropriate projects.
5 semester credit hours
PVC400. Portfolio: Visual Communications (All Design, Multimedia/Web Design, 3-D Modeling/Animation majors)
Prerequisites: Must be taken in final semester of BFA program
This course is for students who will be graduating in Design, Multimedia/Web Design or 3-D Modeling/Animation. With the guidance of an Academy instructor, students create a professional portfolio of work, from which selected pieces are exhibited in the required Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibition.
5 semester credit hours
SCP201. Figurative Sculpture I
Prerequisites: Completion of Foundation Studies
An introduction to the tools and techniques used in figure modeling, with a focus on anatomy and observation to render the human form in three dimensions.
5 semester credit hours
SCP301. Figurative Sculpture II
Prerequisites: Completion of SCP201
Students use a variety of materials for their sculptures and learn techniques for preparing metal casting.
5 semester credit hours
3DA301. Introduction to 3-D Modeling/Animation
Prerequisites: Completion of MMW204 or consent of the department chair
Students use 3DS Max software to produce a demo reel or digital portfolio with a digital imaging program to generate still images for background and texture maps within 3-D animations. Through intensive hands-on computer interaction, a maturity of individual style and personal direction will be nurtured in the student.
5 semester credit hours
3DA302. Lighting Design for 3-D Artists
Prerequisites: 3DA301
This course offers an intermediate-level exploration of the scene lighting process in the 3-D modeling and animation industry. Students will investigate artistic lighting ideology such as shadows, shading, reflections, color and atmosphere that bring 3-D scenes and models to life. Basic 3-D lighting principles will be examined from interior and exterior lighting set-ups for multiple lighting scenarios (day, sunset and night shots). Using tutorials, industry examples and demonstrations, assignments cover direct lighting and dramatic effects, global illumination and photometric lighting tools as well as rendering techniques and compositing options, specifically using Mental Ray and VRay.
5 semester credit hours
3DA305. Introduction to Environmental Modeling
Prerequisites: 3DA301
Students work through the creative process of researching, designing, planning and producing 3-D environments with 3-D Studio Max. Students analyze reference photographs and determine real-world object dimensions using visual cues that allow for quick and accurate determination, and then build quick layout files for modeling and animation. Basic architectural design, modeling principles, general lighting and texture mapping techniques are also reviewed.
5 semester credit hours
3DA306. Materials, Creation and Mapping for 3-D Artists
Prerequisites: 3DA301
This course explores techniques used to create and apply textures and the texture mapping process using industry-standard software such as 3-D Studio Max and Adobe Photoshop. In addition to the basic procedures of light set-ups plus models and cameras for displaying textures, students are exposed to an array of painting techniques, software and methods that can be utilized in the creation of textures on multiple surfaces. Rendering techniques and mapping in 3-D are also included.
5 semester credit hours
3DA310. Advanced Environmental Modeling and Architectural Procedures
Prerequisites: 3DA305, 3DA306
This course is a continuation of planned/designed environment modeling (real-world and fantasy). Artistic and technical challenges are addressed, such as understanding perspective, modeling architecture and creating environmental model textures. Students complete environmental projects for portfolio display.
5 semester credit hours
3DA315. Character and Realistic Objects: Design and Modeling in 3-D
Prerequisites: 3DA301, 3DA306
This course covers intermediate 3-D modeling concepts and strategies of character and product design. Focus is placed on both software modeling tools and artistic sculpturing for building organic 3-D models. Attention is given to proper modeling techniques, modeling tips and tricks and 3-D character set-up for animation. The fundamentals of computer geometry are reviewed by looking at the basic elements that make computer models: Cartesian Space, points, curves, surfaces, nurbs, polygons and textures.
5 semester credit hours
3DA410. Advanced Projects in 3-D Modeling/Animation
Prerequisites: Completion of 3DA305, 3DA306 or consent of the department chair
This course further refines techniques in complex 3-D model building and animation. Students apply previous study to the development of a reel using 3-D software with further examination of 3-D model building and animation, including lighting effects, camera angles, motion studies, digital video and sound.
5 semester credit hours
VCM201. Graphic Design
Prerequisites: DES201, DGF201
Building on the graphic design principles covered in DES201 and 202, students complete assignments that contain integrated design solutions such as business identity systems, layout and editorial design and multi-faceted design projects (eg, corporate reports, corporate media kits, convention/event design).
5 semester credit hours
VCM301. Advertising
Prerequisites: DES202, DGF201
Projects for this course focus on the development of concepts, art direction, layout skills, strategy and marketing research and branding.
5 semester credit hours
VCM401. Environmental Design
Prerequisites: DES202, DGF201
An introduction to environmental design concerns. Topics include the development of 2-D and 3-D concepts that incorporate model-building. Projects focus on environmental graphics such as trade show design, external environmental design, banners and signage, display kiosks, point-of-purchase displays and billboards.
5 semester credit hours
WCP201. Watercolor Painting I
Prerequisites: Completion of Foundation Studies
An introduction to watercolor tools and techniques for achieving professional results with emphasis on lighting, texture, composition, design and edges and the understanding of color and its possibilities. Students learn basic wet-in-wet techniques, dry brush, tinting, glazing, matting, presentation and preservation of watercolor art. As always, students are encouraged to develop a personal style that allows them to express themselves successfully using this challenging medium.
5 semester credit hours
WCP202. Watercolor Painting II
Prerequisites: WCP201
This course continues from WCP201 in developing observations skills, creativity and technical refinement while focusing on lighting, color and texture. Students advance into extended experiences that enable personal statements to emerge.
5 semester credit hour
WCP301. Watercolor Painting III
Prerequisites: WCP202
Using techniques learned in previous classes, students create works based on specialty subject matter. With emphasis on observation, rendering form, lighting, color and texture, students create well-designed compositions that demonstrate their approach to issues of content and personal expression.
5 semester credit hours
WCP303. Watercolor Painting III
Prerequisites: WCP202
Students use water-based media to produce works that feature the human figure. Additionally, students study the history of watercolor portraiture.
5
semester credit hours
WCP403. Advanced Watercolor I
Prerequisites: WCP301 and WCP303 or consent of the department chair
Students are challenged to display a high level of skill and craftmenship while producing work that is aesthetically sophisticated and intellectually challenging.
5 semester credit hours
WCP404. Advanced Watercolor II
Prerequisites: WCP403
Students expand on the discoveries made in Advanced Watercolor I and concentrate on producing a professional-level body of work.
5 semester credit hours
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