Prerequisite: ENGL 101 | F, S, SI
This is a traditional art and architecture history survey course, which begins with the cave paintings and continues through to the Renaissance. Artworks will be analyzed in their historical, sociological, and political context through slide and video presentations, including major works from Islamic, Chinese, and Mesopotamian cultures.

Prerequisites: ARTS 200/VCCC 201, ENGL 102 | F, S
This course surveys the major developments in world art and architecture from the European Renaissance through the 19th Century. The cultural and sociological contexts of art and the changing conditions of the artists and art production, as reflected in the new styles and movements of this period are examined.

Prerequisites: ARTS 200/VCCC 201, ENGL 102 | S, SI
This course explores the art of the 20th century and through the first decade of the 21st, focusing on the transformation from Modernism to the post-modern context of arts and culture in contemporary societies. It examines the historical and theoretical background necessary for the understanding of seminal artworks and major art movements, and familiarizes students with critical concepts.

S
In this course, selected art forms are surveyed and presented as attempts of human beings to express themselves artistically in historical and cultural contexts; literary, theatrical, visual, and musical art forms are covered.

F
This is a survey course on the study of art forms represented in various world cultures. This course introduces the student to a variety of art forms from the world over which has influenced various cultures and their lifestyles.

Prerequisite: ARTS 201 | S, SI
This course is an overview of each of the main advanced electronic art sectors, including the artists active in each of them. The sectors are: computer art, video art, and installation art. The course aims to give an account of the relationship between the artists and audiences, and to examine how art is received in virtual, public, interactive or traditional spaces. The course will address the current state of electronic art through a series of presentations, discussions and topic specific projects and/or research papers.

Prerequisite: VCCC 202 | S
This course studies the history of Advertising from an art direction perspective. Students evaluate historical campaigns and learn about the role of the creative team in the conception, development and final visual representation of the Advertising message.

Prerequisite: VCCC 205 | S
This course explores the significance of the image in the process of message delivery and communication. Students learn about visualization while generating creative communication designs.

Prerequisite: VCAD 251, Co-requisite: VCAD 302 | F
This course explores typography and the significance of typefaces in the process of message delivery and communication. Students learn and apply the basic principles and practices in typography while generating creative communication designs.

Prerequisite: VCAD 251, Co-requisite: VCAD 301 | F
This course provides a general overview on the basic principles and practices in layout design. Across a variety of media, students design and employ effective layout grids that best deliver the message and the brand’s image.

Prerequisite: VCAD 302, Co-requisite: VCAD 351 | S
Students execute, produce and present campaigns that answer a creative brief. Students operate as typical creative teams liaising with stakeholders and producing creative communications across varied media, from conception to production stages.

Prerequisite: MCOM 301 | S
This course joins the conception process with the creative execution practices within the Advertising and the IMC. Students must evaluate existing brand strategies and executions. They also generate concrete creative solutions across various disciplines.

Prerequisite: VCAD 353 | Upon Demand
This course explores alternative solutions in Advertising and Integrated Marketing Communication. Students learn to seize attention, when least expected, until the message is delivered.

Prerequisite: VCAD 351 | Upon Demand
This course builds upon the Copywriting in Advertising course. Students continue to learn about the practices of copywriting and produce effective copy for multimedia Advertising and Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC).

Co-requisite: ENGL 101 | F, S, SI
This course introduces basic concepts of visual communication in a general historical framework. Emphasis is placed on reading and writing about art to give incoming students sufficient preparation for the program.

Co-requisite: VCCC 100 | F, S, SI
This foundation course introduces the elements and principles of two-dimensional art and design. In addition to learning basic skills of craftsmanship and visual problem solving, students develop their vocabulary and conceptualization abilities though class projects, critiques, presentations, and reading and writing assignments.

Co-requisite: VCCC 100 | F, S, SI
This foundation level course introduces students to the fundamental principles and practices of three-dimensional design. Students learn to manipulate scale, mass, plane, line, and volume for communicative and expressive ends using a variety of media.

Co-requisite: VCCC 100 | F, S, SI
This foundation course introduces the techniques and perceptual skills of drawing. The student practices line, volume, tone, texture, perspective and composition through a series of exercises that will develop in complexity as student’s perceptual abilities grow and strengthen. Regular readings, discussions and critiques will expand the student’s art vocabulary.

Prerequisites: VCCC 101, VCCC 104 | F, S, SI
Through lecture, demonstration and practical experience this course covers the basics of industry standard design, layout, and image editing programs, and typical input and output options. Special focus is placed on developing competency with the technical aspects of each software application, their uses and file formats.

Prerequisites: VCCC 201, ENGL 102 | S, SI
See the course description for ARTS 202.

Prerequisite: VCCC 104 | F, S
This course is a continuation of Freehand Drawing I. Deeper exploration of composition, value, and conceptualization is emphasized as well as alternative drawing techniques and the use of color. Students study the human figure, gesture drawing, and the traditions of drawing throughout history. Through regular readings, discussions, and critiques, students consider drawing as an expressive medium on its own.

Prerequisite: Grade of C or higher in VCCC 105 | F, S
This course is designed to further the student’s technical ability with design, layout and image editing programs. Emphasis is placed on preparing the student for professional technical competency with industry standard graphics software applications. Additional input and output options, and typical graphics applications workflows are covered.

Prerequisites: Junior Status, approval of the Chair | Upon Demand
This class is an actual functioning design studio. The students will work on in-house and real life projects for community groups, charity group and non-profit organizations. The class gives the student practical experience and published portfolio pieces.

Prerequisites: Junior Status, approval of the Chair | Upon Demand
Topics at an intermediate level in a Visual Communication discipline not covered by other course offerings. The specific topic is determined by instructor interest and student demand. Prior approval of the course material and syllabus by the Visual Communication Chair is required.

Prerequisites: Senior Status, approval of the Chair | F, S
A senior capstone course consisting of one, semester-long comprehensive project, and designed to evaluate the student’s ability to perform at a professional level. The individual project utilizes all of the skills students have learned throughout their education in the program. Students meet in both group and individual sessions with the instructor to develop and execute their projects.

Prerequisites: Senior Status, approval of the Chair | F, S, SI
Students gain experience by applying academic knowledge to responsible roles outside the university context. Training at a professional business relevant to their academic major, students learn the working environment of teamwork, ethics, professionalism, implementation and presentation. Students complete 250 hours of training with a business or studio, and attend a series of scheduled group and individual meetings with the academic instructor.

Prerequisites: Junior Status, approval of the Chair | Upon Demand
Topics at an advanced level in a Visual Communication discipline not covered by other course offerings. The specific topic is determined by instructor interest and student demand. Prior approval of the course material and syllabus by the Visual Communication Chair is required.

Prerequisite: VCCC 205 | S
This course introduces basic concepts, issues and techniques related to designing and developing web sites. Students learn about design specifically for the Web: image processing, navigation, and information architecture. Students will learn how to create web sites manually and with the use of popular web design software.

Prerequisite: VCCC 105 | F
This course functions as an introduction to digital video production. Students learn to use current software, techniques and equipment, and begin to think about sound and sequencing their moving images while developing video projects. Students gain a beginning understanding of the history of video.

Prerequisite: VCCC 205 | F
This course functions as an introduction to sound design. Students learn the basic principles of acoustics, sound recording and production as well as a beginning understanding of theories and history of sound design. Through projects, students explore aspects of sound design for a wide range of media.

Prerequisite: VCCC 205 | S
Introduction to Interactive Media introduces current interactive software and hardware while providing experience developing multimedia materials containing sound, graphics, animation, and interactive components. Students gain hands-on experience through a series of practical skills building tasks.

Prerequisite: VCDM 210 | F
This is a project-based course creating content for a digital, 3D environment. Students pursue their own vision to develop complete 3D worlds. More advanced processes and workflows are introduced for the creation of 3D models and animation. Different types of outputs are encouraged: for the web, film-oriented, or 2D and 3D printed output.

Prerequisite: VCCC 205 | S
This course introduces students to a broad range of performance forms and installation art, investigating the content and concepts of the physical self and its relationship to space, audience, technology, and society. Students are encouraged to engage in collaborative and group work, and to experiment in developing individual aesthetic sensibilities.

Prerequisite: VCDM 221 | S
This intermediate class provides students opportunity to experiment with the many possibilities of video productions. Through projects, screenings and readings students will explore video as an expressive medium. Students will gain a strong understanding of the cultural context of video.

Prerequisite: VCDM 230 | F
An advanced course designed to explore sound interface, spatial design and interactivity. Students explore strategies of interactivity with an emphasis on innovative ways to conceptualize and design interactive projects. Students gain a strong understanding of the cultural context of interactive media.

Prerequisites: VCDM 221, VCDM 230, VCDM 301 | Upon Demand
This course integrates time-based media, such as video, animation, and sound files, into the design of rich-content web sites. Taking full advantage of these media without compromising the usability of the web site is a primary goal. Special focus will be placed on experimentation to achieve innovative results.

Prerequisite: VCDM 301 | Upon Demand
This course provides an introduction to dynamic, database-driven web sites that are integral to all mid-to-large web development projects. Emphasis is placed on designing server-side content structures and the configuration of appropriate scripts to interact with the client-side web site.

Prerequisite: VCDM 321 | Upon Demand
This is an advanced video class in which the student works independently on self-defined projects. Students will work with the technical and experimental foundation of previous courses in order to create advanced-level video projects. Off campus presentations of projects is expected.

Co-requisites: VCCC 202, VCCC 204, VCCC 205 | F
Developing sensitivity for different kinds of lettering and typographic forms is an essential foundation for all graphic designers. This course explains the history and methodology of the Latin alphabet, its construction, historical classifications and styles in practical terms. An emphasis is put on the composition of single page layouts using various texts. Students must receive at least a C grade in this course in order to register for additional Graphic Design courses.

Prerequisite: Grade of C or higher in VCGD 251, Co-requisite: VCGD300 | S
This course familiarizes students with basic visual language and the process of graphic design as applied to the various specializations and design applications. Students learn to enhance meaning and develop concepts through research, sketching, visual editing, creating compositions and various other design processes.

Prerequisite: Grade of C or higher in VCGD 251, Co-requisites: VCGD 256, VCGD 300 | S
This course introduces students to the various historical and technical developments of type design during the 20th century. By examining various design publications and completing a series of projects, students gain an understanding of style and design detail both in relation to cultural/art contexts and technical possibilities. Students explore typographic structure and composition.

Prerequisite: Grade of C or higher in VCGD 256 | F
In this course, students are guided through the various production processes used in graphic design. Understanding both manual and computer-aided procedures allows students to choose the best method of production. Through experimentation of traditional media and emerging technologies students are expected to understand, and apply various methods to execute, publish and present final designs.

Prerequisite: Grade of C or higher in VCGD 256 | F
This course takes a broader approach to creative design thinking, and encourages exploration of wider visual sources, media and methods of expression. Skills of visual judgment and critical assessment are developed through projects and critiques, which set out more complex and expansive frames of reference, both in terms of research and visual vocabulary.

Prerequisite: VCGD 351 | S
This course introduces the process of designing books. Lectures and assignments cover different aspects of image and type sequencing for book layouts, and various production and binding techniques. Additionally, students learn to apply a unique and appropriate voice to their designs by adding a tone and rhythm that works with the content and form.

Prerequisite: VCGD 351 | F
This course consists not only in the design of the individual package, but also in the design of carton and shipping carton. Students become involved in areas of market research, sales promotion and in identifying consumer trends as they relate to packaging. Also included in the course will be visits to firms dealing exclusively in packaging and production.

Prerequisite: VCGD 351 | S
This course introduces students to the field of poster design, its history, functions and categories. Through a series of practical projects and exercises, students learn to use meaning and interpretation to create relationships using text and image targeted toward a specific audience.

Prerequisite: VCGD 351 | Upon Demand
This course teaches students to create and apply information graphics to two-dimensional and three-dimensional spaces. The purpose is to push the students’ design skills, and to help them apply these skills by solving various user-oriented design problems found in applications such as maps, instruction manuals and signage.

Prerequisite: VCGD 351 | S
This advanced course is focused on multi-page layouts through an understanding of typographic structure, organization and sequence. In addition, students are encouraged to further explore the depths of typographic form and meaning and go beyond the established classical typographic rules, learning to refine their typographic skills to further enrich their visual vocabulary.

Prerequisite: VCGD 351 | S
This course continues the approach to creative development established in Graphic Design II and focuses on one of the most essential aspects of graphic design: branding and corporate identity. Students are expected to develop a branding strategy for an institution and develop the brand’s image through logo/symbols, color palettes, typography and imagery.

Prerequisite: VCCC 101 | F
This course introduces black and white film photography and explores the expressive ability of the medium. Initial assignments introduce students to basic camera and darkroom technology and operations; students then explore basic, creative techniques requiring more self-direction. A final portfolio is required for this course.

Prerequisite: VCCC 205 | F (odd years)
Students in professional creative tracks learn the basic principles of commercial photography, with emphasis on the effective use of photographic imagery in design-based work. Students will be introduced to digital SLR cameras, industry standard image editing software, and how to photographically document hard copy artwork.

Prerequisite: VCCC 202 | S
A survey of the history of photography, beginning with precursor technological and socio-cultural developments, to the first successful applications in the early 19th century, and continuing to the present. Equal emphasis is placed on technological developments, socio-cultural influences and commercial applications, and the significant practitioners and their images.

Prerequisite: VCPH 201 | S
This course introduces various techniques for using and controlling natural and artificial light in the studio and on location. Emphasis is placed on a systematic comprehension of the nature and qualities of light, and how the photographer can manipulate it to achieve a desired result. A final portfolio is required.

Prerequisite: VCPH 211 | S
Archival black and white printing techniques, and advanced film exposure techniques and darkroom skills are introduced. Presentations and reading discussions covering the theory and criticism of creative photography are included. A final portfolio is required for this course.

Prerequisites: VCPH 251, VCPH 252 | F (odd years)
An intermediate course developing the skills required for successfully promoting the products and services of commercial and non-commercial firms and institutions with photographs for a variety of end uses. Shooting session time and resource management in the studio and location are developed. A final portfolio is required.

Prerequisite: VCPH 261 | S (odd years)
An intermediate course focusing on one or more historical or contemporary non-silver or other alternative photographic processes each time it is offered and at the instructor’s choice. A final portfolio is required. The course may be repeated for credit one time with the permission of the department Chair.

Prerequisites: VCPH 251, VCPH 252 | S (odd years)
An intermediate course to develop the skills required for supporting written articles and stories with creative photographic imagery. Topics covered include developing visual narratives, storytelling with imagery, and strategies for developing an editorial project proposal. A final portfolio is required.

Prerequisites: VCPH 251, VCPH 252 | S (even years)
An intermediate course to develop the skills required to creatively photograph the visual personification of specific lifestyles for a variety of end uses. Planning, coordinating, executing and producing a fashion photography project are essential topics covered, as well as specific photographic techniques. A final portfolio is required.

Prerequisite: VCPH 251 or VCPH 261, VCPH 252, Junior Status | F (even years)
An advanced course allowing students to explore personal experiments in creative photography. Students are required to develop an artist’s statement and project brief outlining their goals for the semester. A final portfolio is required. The course may be repeated for credit one time with the permission of the Department Chair.

Prerequisite: Senior Status, approval of the Chair | S
A course for photography majors presenting issues and approaches relevant to current photographic practice, including significant readings and discussion. The topics covered change each semester dependent on photographic trends and instructor choices. Each student will also research and produce a body of work on a previously unexplored contemporary process or technique.

Prerequisite: VCCC 204 | S
This introductory course explores various forms of traditional and contemporary printmaking, with emphasis on practical and historical knowledge of the tools and materials used in the production of the serial or multiple in art.

Prerequisite: VCCC 102, VCCC 204 | S
This course introduces students to the sculptural processes of modeling, casting, carving, and construction. Students work in both figurative and abstract formats as they explore the potential of sculpture as an expressive medium.

Prerequisite: VCCC 204 | S
This course introduces contemporary and traditional painting techniques and studio practices. Assignments focus on painting from sight: including still life, landscape, and the figure. Beginning with a limited palette, students expand their color sensibility throughout the term.

Prerequisite: VCCC 204 | F (even years)
This course explores concepts and methods employed in traditional and contemporary illustration. Emphasis is placed upon development of ideas and the exploration of varied media. The course encourages a creative and open approach to visual thinking and problem solving.

Prerequisite: VCST 201 | F
This course explores traditional and contemporary intaglio and relief printmaking practices with an emphasis on technical problem solving and self-expression within the printmaking medium. Students complete the course with a series of prints based on a common theme.

Prerequisite: Completion of Visual Communication Foundation | S
This course provides students with the introductory knowledge and training necessary to manage and operate exhibitions in public and private galleries, public spaces, and alternative sites. Topics covered include gallery design, art sales, art and gallery marketing, precious object care and handling.

Prerequisite: VCCC 204 | F (odd years)
Working from live models, students explore the human form as a means of visual expression. Proportion, anatomy, and scale in structuring the human figure are significant elements of the course as well as expressive and experimental drawing processes.

Prerequisite: VCST 211 | F
This intermediate course develops the student’s understanding of the traditional and contemporary methods and materials. Through lectures, discussions and personal research, the student makes connections to contemporary trends in sculptural practice through the development of a body of studio work.

Prerequisite: VCST 221 | F
Building upon their formal understanding of painting, students will further their technical skills through the study of more complex subject matter including the figure. Approaches of 20th century painters will be examined.

Prerequisite: VCST 251 | S (odd years)
With continued emphasis on broader thinking and wider range of materials, students undertake more challenging projects in such areas as sequential and narrative illustration. Professional aspects of illustration are included, and research on present and past illustration improves students’ technique and conceptualization.

Prerequisite: approval of the Chair, Co-requisite: VCST 402 | F
Through directed readings, exhibitions, studio visits, and invited speakers, students learn about traditional and contemporary issues in art theory and practice, with the objective of informing their own art making. Students respond through discussions, written work, and presentations.

Prerequisite: approval of the Chair, Co-requisite: VCST 401 | F
This course focuses on the development of the student’s studio practice with ongoing critiques and active discussion often relating to material from VCST 401. A personal direction regarding choices of media, technique, and content is essential.

Prerequisite: VCST 310, or approval of the Chair | S (even years)
In this advanced course, students are expected to plan and execute a body of independent drawing that addresses form and concept in a sophisticated manner. Issues in contemporary drawing are explored and applied to the student’s developing work.

Prerequisite: VCST 311 | Upon demand
This advanced course further explores the potential of sculpture as an expressive medium. Students are expected to independently conceive and execute, in consultation with Studio Faculty, a body of sculptural work that is of exhibition quality.

Prerequisite: VCST 321 | Upon demand
In this course, painting as a process from studies to finished works is emphasized, with consideration given to presentation, exhibition, and marketing of work, as well as creating a series of images. Both representational and non-representational subject matter may be pursued.

Prerequisite: Grade of C or higher in VCST 401, Co-requisite: VCCC 480 | S
This course culminates in an extensive written work describing the influences and intentions, and explains the conceptual and formal choices, of the individual student regarding their personal body of work developed in the Advanced Studio I and Senior Project courses.