Art & Design

Introduction to the artistic practice and cultural value of drawing with emphasis on the practical skills of observation, rendering, and understanding meaning in visual art. Projects encourage growth in technical skill, conceptual innovation, critical thinking, and visual communication. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Fulfills GE Area C1 (GE Area C3 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).

Introduces elements and principles of design, establishing a foundation for all artistic practice. Emphasizing critical thinking and creative problem solving, the interrelationship between form and content are examined. Traditional, digital and lens-based media are explored through individual and collaborative experiences. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Principles and essential skills for three-dimensional practice in art and design. Understanding, envisioning, and communicating effectively about space, objects, scale, and the relationship of the body to the built environment. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Introduction to the material techniques and social purposes of painting, graphic arts, sculpture, performance, and architecture across diverse cultures. Builds visual analysis skills and research techniques needed to interpret and talk about the visual arts broadly. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Area C1 (GE Area C3 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).

Introduction to artistic production, reception, and meaning throughout different eras and contexts of Western civilization. Evaluates the role of art in relation to religion, politics, and commemoration while considering the expressive nature and affective qualities of images and objects. Field trip required. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Area C1 (GE Area C3 for students on the 2021-22 or earlier catalogs).

Fundamental techniques in photography. Mechanics of digital cameras, optics, composition, perception of light and subject content. Understanding photographic principles and the language of camera vision. Introduction to the impact of photography on culture. Digital camera required. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Fulfills GE Area C1 (GE Area C3 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).

Introduction to artistic practice and cultural value from antiquity to 21st Century. Basic clay working emphasizing design quality, hand building, and potter's wheel. Exercises encouraging growth in technical skill, use of materials for personal expression, conceptual innovation, critical thinking, and visual communication. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Fulfills GE Area C1 (GE Area C3 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).

Introduction to the challenges, methods, and modalities within the expanding field of contemporary sculpture. Emphasis on understanding the signs of meaning produced in visual art. Exploration of materials, tools, and techniques including found objects, casting, carving, wood, and metal. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory. Fulfills GE Area C1 (GE Area C3 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).

Introduction to image creation and manipulation, design, illustration, and layout/composition using digital tools, with an emphasis on visual problem solving and creative expression. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Development of digital skills in image creation, design, illustration, layout, and simple animation. Emphasis on visual problem solving, creative expression, and narrative. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Individual investigation, research, studies or surveys of selected problems. Total credit limited to 4 units, with a maximum of 2 units per quarter.

Development of additional drawing techniques with emphasis on form content, pictorial space, B/W media, color, mixed media and composition. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Contemporary issues in art and design, linking "ideas" to development of concepts. Emphasis on individual creative process, and problem solving. Focus on contemporary critical thinking regarding aesthetics, techniques, and vocabulary. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Introduction to technical and formal problems in painting. Exploration of pictorial space, light, and color from observation. Physical characteristics of paint, various tools, studio methods, and styles of painting. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Development of art from antiquity to the early stages of the Renaissance in Europe. Particular emphasis on European art with appropriate references to sources from antiquity which have been particularly influential on European painting and sculpture. Comparison of relevant parallel examples of the art of non-European cultures. 4 lectures.

The significant visual expressions of Northern and Southern European art of the Renaissance and Baroque period. Relevant parallel examples of the art of antiquity and non-European cultures. 4 lectures.

Examines the development of significant styles and movements in modern art, including Fauvism, German Expressionism, Cubism, Futurism, Neo-Plasticism, Russian and Soviet avant-gardes, Dada, Surrealism, and/or American modernism. Also introduces selected modern developments in graphic design and photography. 4 lectures.

Control and understanding of tonal range under available light. Composition, camera based visual communication skills and concept development. Emphasis on 'photographic seeing' and professional quality printing. 2 lectures, 2 laboratories.

Introduction to studio lighting and contemporary professional studio photography. Production of professional quality prints using digital camera and printing methods. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Studio and environmental portraiture. Emphasis on light ratios/patterns; posing and methods of personality portrayal. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Exploration of the technical and conceptual underpinnings of graphic design. Focus on the design process and how raw ideas are translated into professional work. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Fundamentals of theory, practice, technology and history of typography. Exercises include the study of letterforms, type with image, proportion and grids, hierarchy, and legibility. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Developing an individual body of artwork. Rigorous critiques, lectures, and seminar-style discussions aimed at forming a process for discussing artwork. Art writing, research, and individual conceptual and formal development. 4 lectures.

Directed group study of selected topics. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 4 lectures.

An introduction to concepts, uses and design principles of interactive media. Exploration of methods for planning and implementing interaction design projects. Not open to students with credit in ART 380. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Development of advanced drawing methods and techniques in the study of the human form and structure as it relates to proportion, anatomical analysis, and figure/ground relationships. Understanding materials, techniques, and ideas in the practice of contemporary figure drawing. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Continued study of technical and formal problems in painting. Emphasis on the creative process, development of individual ideas, and the connection between form and content. Contemporary issues in painting introduced. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Major historical periods of American art from the colonial period to the present. Special emphasis will be given to the broader notion of American art as a process of developing an identity of the varied historical and sociological forces that have shaped images in American art. 4 lectures.

History of painting and sculpture from the French Revolution to the beginning of the 20th century. Focuses on significant movements such as Neo-Classicism, Romanticism, Realism, Impressionism and Post-Impressionism. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division C (GE Area C4 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).

Survey of design from the Victorian era to the present, including major philosophies and movements, political, social, cultural, and technological trends that influenced designers in the 20th century. 4 lectures.

In-depth survey of the artistic and cultural achievements in photography from its invention to the present day. Significant photographers, the evolution of aesthetic criteria in the context of other visual arts as well as social/cultural impact. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division C (GE Area C4 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).

History of visual art from 1945 to the present. Focus on significant movements such as Abstract Expressionism, Pop art, minimalism, conceptual art, earthworks, feminism, and postmodernism. Also focus on new mediums such as performance, video, and installation. 4 lectures.

Survey of the traditional arts of Asia - primarily India, China and Japan. Emphasis on the connections between the visual arts in Asia and the philosophical, social and cultural environments in which they arose. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 lectures.

In-depth examination of significant art movements in Asia. Each topic will focus on the development of art in Asia within the context of a specific geographical or theoretical framework. Details will vary depending on topic. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 12 units. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division C (GE Area C4 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).

Emphasis on personal expression and developing style, introduction to symbology, visual source development and the work of contemporary creative photographers. Total credit limited to 8 units. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Emphasis on advanced camera and lighting techniques through concept-driven projects. Mastery of multiple photographic and video cameras used in available and artificial lighting situations. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Creating, lighting and executing editorial assignments on location and in studio. Producing photography and video for the needs of editorial and corporate clients, i.e. print and online publications. Emphasis on creating compelling content and working with clients. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Numerous traditional book structures and derivations including accordion, pamphlet, stab, and multiple signature construction. Emphasis on both craftsmanship and experimentation. Hands-on experience and a broad historical overview of paper and book arts. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Students develop critical thinking and technical skills to storyboard for animation and interactive immersive projects. Thumbnail sketching, character design, and storyboarding to convey emotions. Students complete an animatic for a short animation, virtual or augmented reality experience. Total credit limited to 8 units. 3 lectures, 1 activity.

Introduction to the basic practices of commercial illustration as used in the visual communications industry. Emphasis on the generation of ideas, rendering techniques and tools, and self marketing methods, with an overview of the history of illustration. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Exploration of identity design problems through the use of symbolism and metaphor. Design and implementation of corporate logos. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Exploration of typography in the form of text. Application of different typefaces, composition, layout and page systems for the design of periodicals and books. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Studio course in hand, wheel, mold, extruder, jigger, and press forming skills. Design of single and multiple forms and kiln firing procedures. Total credit limited to 8 units. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Intermediate sculpture course in expressive use of form with modeling, casting, carving, and/or assembly. Total credit limited to 8 units. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Definition and specification of a team-based creative collaboration on a digital interactive art project (e.g. animation, video game, interactive media display, etc). Research and techniques, project planning and project team organization, prototype creation. 1 lecture, 1 laboratory. Crosslisted as ART/CSC 350.

Studio course emphasizing individual and collaborative creative exploration with project content derived from student's experience. Focus on using traditional as well as new genres of artistic expression such as site specific installations, video art, book works, and performance art. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Critiques, lectures, and seminar-style discussions aimed at establishing a rigorous creative practice. Includes art writing, research, and individual conceptual and formal development. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

The art and life of Michelangelo (1475-1564), the renowned painter, sculptor, architect, and poet, with reference to early biographies, his artistic development, and the demands of his patrons. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division C (GE Area C4 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).

A thematic analysis of Renaissance Art (1300-1600) with special attention paid to politics, patronage, myth, religion, and the development of new genres and subject matter. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 12 units. 4 lectures. Fulfills GE Upper-Division C (GE Area C4 for students on the 2019-20 or earlier catalogs).

In-depth study of past and contemporary media arts practices. Explores different approaches used by media artists in the 20th and 21st centuries to examine new media and how the lenses of new technologies are used by artists to present knowledge and alter social, cultural and political behaviors. 4 lectures.

Thematic exploration of global artists from a diversity of backgrounds who use abstraction to address social and political meaning. Focus on how abstract visual techniques can communicate meaning and how social contexts shape artistic practice and viewership. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures.

Intersectional feminist exploration of the role of women, gender, and sexuality in the visual arts and art history. In-depth focus on intersectional feminisms as they impact the study of the visual arts and art history. Not open to students with credit in ART 316. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 4 lectures. Crosslisted as ART/WGQS 375. Fulfills USCP. Formerly WGS 375.

Conceptual creation of mixed reality (MR) worlds, visual styles, and metaphors. Theory-based view of mixed reality, including design of the experience and exploration of the technical challenges and constraints. Students research and propose their own MR project. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Introduction to the use of the DSLR camera as a tool for shooting video and basic digital editing including audio editing. Topics will include scripting, storyboarding, composition, motion, editing, lighting and sound. Emphasis on effective communication and expression. 2 lectures, 2 laboratories.

Development of skills and techniques in the use of three-dimensional design and modeling via digital technology. Capabilities of current software in the design and modeling of three-dimensional form. 2 lectures, 2 activities.

Design of original and innovative digital products of interaction design in different media, using user-centered design and usability analysis. Design research methods to engage potential users form the beginning to the end of the design process. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Individual investigation, research, studies, or surveys of selected problems. Total credit limited to 4 units, with a maximum of 2 units per quarter.

Advanced problems in figure drawing and painting. Advanced methods and techniques in the study of the human form as it relates to technical and conceptual issues. Includes working from direct observation of the figure and the development of individual content and approaches. Total credit limited to 8 units. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Advanced problems in painting and drawing. Emphasis on the creative process from initial concept to the finished work of art. Investigation of traditional, non-traditional and explorative work to encourage development of personal approach. Total credit limited to 8 units. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Applied principles of design and color to produce a photograph that sells an idea, product, or service. Joint projects with ART 432, Advertising Design. Emphasis on thinking, planning, interpreting, and presenting an idea photographically. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Development of print advertising from concept to final presentation. Emphasis on art direction, photo direction and copywriting. For Art and Design majors only. Computer applications are required for appropriate problems. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Advanced development of concepts and illustration techniques and skills, both as analogue and digital, for use in a variety of graphic design applications such as editorial/publication, retail, educational, technical, or advertising purposes. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Advanced graphic design. The creation of basic 3-D structures, and the application of graphics in 3-D environments (such as package design and signage). Emphasis on integrative communication activity of all elements including: color, graphics, 3-D forms, typography, and constructions, and includes market research. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Advanced exploration of communication and structural aspects of typography. Focus on experimentation and expressively using type to enhance meaning. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Sequential organization of typographic information in time and how ideas such as intonation, proximity, pacing, rhythm and progression can influence and shape meaning. Focus on animated typography for a range of applications. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Studio course specializing in three-dimensional form. Materials include clay, plaster, metal, or wood. Course content will be selected from various topics that are representational, abstraction, non-objective, or conceptual. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units; may be in same term. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Team-based design, construction and deployment of a collaborative interactive computational art project typically found in the fields of animation, game design, and interactive media. Management of inter-disciplinary teams, documentation, creative development, testing, and assessment. 2 activities. Crosslisted as ART/CSC 450.

Planning, preparation, and physical production of a portfolio of work for entrance into the professional job market or graduate school. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Builds upon content explored in ART 366. Critiques, lectures, and seminar-style discussions aimed at establishing a rigorous creative practice. Art writing, research, and individual conceptual and formal development. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Directed group study of selected topics for advanced students. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 4 lectures.

Directed group laboratory study of selected topics for advanced students. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 4 laboratories.

A collaborative visualization studio focused on designing a story and building a short animation. Modeling and animation software for design conceptualization and expression, materials, lighting and rendering techniques. Collaboration in teams. Total credit limited to 8 units. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Advanced practices in digital video. Creation of genre-specific narratives using methods in storyboarding, shooting, editing, and sound design. Advanced methods of storytelling, including documentary video, web-based narratives, and fine art video practices. Creation of quality expressive videos. 2 lectures, 2 laboratories.

Creation of in-depth animations and interactive presentations. Advanced scripting, storyboarding, video production, and interactive communication techniques. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Historical and contemporary topics in film/video art and expanded cinema, related to media production. Emphasis on personal creative expression using video art and expanded cinema. Produce short video or expanded cinema projects experimenting with themes and techniques presented in class. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Advanced development of complex systems in the interaction design space and an exploration of emerging technologies. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Advanced topics in the digital media field such as interface design, information architecture techniques, digital typography and interactive storytelling. Survey of new applications of design for the new media, and the development of digital portfolio pieces. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Part-time work experience in business, industry, government, and other areas of student career interest. Positions are paid. Formal report and evaluation by work supervisor required. Major credit limited to 12 units; total credit limited to 12 units. Credit/No Credit grading only.

Full-time work experience in business, industry, government, and other areas of student career interest. Positions are paid. Formal report and evaluation by work supervisor required. Major credit limited to 12 units; total credit limited to 12 units. Credit/No Credit grading only.

Exploration of concepts and formal structures in historic and contemporary nonfiction film and video artworks. Production of short documentary videos with an emphasis on thematic, ethical, and theoretical considerations. Course may be offered in classroom-based, online, or hybrid format. 2 lectures, 2 laboratories.