Undergraduate Study

Graduate Study

MFA in:
Ceramics
Design
Painting
Photography

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Studio Arts Areas and Courses: Undergraduate Study

The Department of Fine Arts and Art History offers a studio major that allows undergraduates to study broadly in various areas of studio practice or concentrate in one of four: ceramics, design, painting and drawing, or photography. Courses are also offered in sculpture and other areas. Majors are encouraged to study drawing and basic design as the foundations for further work, and all undergraduate majors take courses in art history. The areas of study are individually listed below along with course descriptions.

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Ceramics

Students explore the history, theory and techniques of ceramics, as well as aesthetic and technical aspects of the clay medium. In the studio they learn traditional as well as contemporary techniques and styles, and develop skills in pottery, sculptural ceramics and a range of techniques.

Courses:

• FA 51: Introduction to Handbuilt Ceramics
  Exploration of pinch, coil, slab, hump and press mold, paddling and hollow techniques, as well as sketch studies, reduction and oxidation kiln firing, clay and glaze making.
• FA 52: Introduction to Wheelthrown Ceramics
  Development of cylindrical and open forms, trimming, clay and glaze making, reduction and oxidation kiln firing.
• FA 131: Intermediate Ceramics: Wheelthrown Functional Forms
  Aesthetic and technical development of wheelthrown forms; exploration of attachments. Sketches and technical drawings, clay and glaze-making tests, varied temperature firings in reduction and oxidation atmospheres.
• FA 132: Intermediate Ceramics: Wheelthrown non-functional forms
  Emphasis on section throwing, closed forms, and construction. Varied temperature firing in oxidation and reduction atmospheres.
• FA 133: Ceramic Decoration
  Aesthetic and technical development of surface decoration; projects in sgraffito, mishima, engobe, majolica, underglaze, overglaze, and relief techniques.
• FA 146: Ceramic Restoration
  Methods and techniques of ceramic restoration, conservation, and installation. Emphasis on repair according to museum and collector specifications. using permanent and temporary finishings.
• FA 151: Ceramic History and Technology
• FA 152: Ceramic Sculpture
  Hollow and solid construction. Varied temperature firing in oxidation and reduction atmospheres.

• FA 21: Basic Design, Two-Dimensional
  Fundamental study of the principles and elements of design.
• FA 22: Basic Design, Three-Dimensional
  Three-dimensional studies.
• FA 139: Problems in Color
  Intensive exploration of the objective rationale and subjective experience of color.
• FA 193-194: Computer Design in the Fine Arts
  Exploration of the use of computers as a visual arts medium. Topics include bit-mapped painting, object-oriented drawing, image scanning and manipulation, multimedia and Internet site design.

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Painting and Drawing

In addition to drawing as a foundation for studio practice, courses are offered in both complex and historical drawing techniques. Introductory courses focus on basic problems of composition and the fundamentals of handling figure and still-life drawing.

Courses:

• FA 41-42: Drawing I
  Elementary investigation of drawing, both traditional and contemporary; training in perception, analysis of form in light and space. Instruction in the use of graphic materials and media, exercises in connoisseurship.



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• FA 159-160: Drawing II
  Study and application of master drawing techniques. Investigation of perspective and anatomy. Emphasis on the conceptual development of a personal style.
• FA 166: Advanced Drawing Techniques
  Specific areas announced each semester.

A sample undergraduate program consists of:


• FA 65-66: Painting I
  Students focus on the technical and perceptual skills that are the foundation of visual expression. Beginning projects start with a simple introduction to the mechanics of paint handling: how to begin a painting, how to apply paint and how to model form. Students then explore value, line, color and abstraction. The second half of Painting I continues with the critical issue of abstraction as students learn how to view the world in two-dimensional terms. Finally, they address paint quality and gesture as they work from the human form.

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• FA 125-126: Painting II
  As students proceed to advanced work based on models and still life, they also begin painting outdoors and exploring landscape. Building on the skills acquired in Painting I, students concentrate on how images become vital through the qualities inherent to the painting medium. Throughout Painting II, students test the balance of abstraction and naturalism using both direct and indirect techniques. This challenge will culminate in projects that stress an empirical problem solving processes.
• FA 61: Watercolor
  Working with basic issues of light, color and paint quality, students gain experience in this delicate medium. They learn a variety of techniques, including working transparently, wet on wet, wet on dry, lifting, masking and drybrush. Students are encouraged to explore the medium inherent qualities as well as those it shares with other painting media.

Spring '04

• FA 127: Painting III: Observation and Gesture

Working solely from the figure, students focus on uncovering the countless visual relationships that are essential to weaving complex details into a seamless whole. Students become sensitive to the process of vision as it is mediated through touch and the material of paint and surface to form an image. Solving problems of clarity, articulation, energy and finish will be stressed in each assignment.

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• FA 123: Contemporary Painting Contemporary Painting shifts the emphasis from perception to conception. Examples of contemporary art serve as starting points for group and individual discussion of the creative process. Assignments use post-modern strategies to rethink and challenge various hierarchies: subject, style and medium. The course seeks to generate visual thinking through process, using ideas as well as techniques in an empirical manner.



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• FA 123-124: Critical Practices (Structured independent study)
  The independent study of critical practices consists of group critiques held on a weekly basis. Critiques bring together graduate and undergraduate students working in a variety of media. Weekly individual critiques supplement group sessions. Discussions, which range from practical to aesthetic issues, challenge students to focus and articulate their visual knowledge.

Fall 04	Fall 04

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Photography

The undergraduate curriculum in photography provides students with the essential skills in traditional black and white and color processes, as well as in digital imaging. Through its three core courses, Photography I: Introduction, Introduction to Color Photography and Introduction to Digital Photography, students develop a strong foundation in the most widely used processes. In addition, students take an advanced black and white course, an experimental or topics course, an independent study, and a seminar entitled Criticizing Photographs. The program of study ensures that as they develop the necessary technical skills, students gain a thorough understanding of the visual language of photography and the historical and theoretical issues that shape contemporary practice.

The program has evolved to reflect the changing nature of photography in its relationship to contemporary art. Students who graduate with a concentration in photography leave with a firm grounding in a variety of processes and approaches to image-making. Control of the medium enables them to realize their creative ideas. The continued success of the program is a reflection of the unique strengths of its faculty, comprising artists from diverse educational and professional backgrounds. They regularly supplement foundation courses with topical offerings on current trends and issues in contemporary art. The members of the faculty present more than abstract classroom theory; all are artists who actively exhibit their work: role models who teach by example.

Courses:

• FA 023: Photography I: Introduction
  Introduction to the principles of exposure and development of films and papers. Emphasis on creative expression.
• FA 024: Introduction to Color Photography
  Introduction to the materials and processes of color photography. Emphasis on the proper exposure and color balancing of slide film for the purpose of creative expression. Prerequisite: FA 023
• FA 025: Introduction to Digital Photography
  Introduction to the digital-editing program Adobe Photoshop. Emphasis on the features most useful to photographic artists for the purpose of creative expression. Prerequisite: FA 024
• FA 123-24: Individual Problems
  Emphasis on problems and materials of specific interest to the student in any area of Fine Arts. Laboratory fee depending on area chosen. Requires permission of instructor.
• FA 134: Non-Silver Printing Processes in Photography
  Introduction to non-silver and archaic photographic processes. At least three processes will be explored. Emphasis on creative expression. Prerequisite: FA 023 and FA 024 or permission of instructor.
• FA 181: Criticizing Photographs
  Introduction to photographic theory and the process of art criticism with an emphasis on photographic images. Skills developed in this course will be applicable in all future studio and art history courses.
• FA 182: Introduction to Photographic Lighting
  Introduction to various lighting techniques. Available light manipulation, studio lighting, and copy lighting will be explored. Emphasis on creative expression. Prerequisite: FA 023 and FA 024, or permission of instructor.
• FA 183: Experimental Photography
  Structured exploration of various photographic processes and techniques. Emphasis on creative expression. Content of course will vary; contact department for current offering. Prerequisite: FA 023 and FA 024, or permission of instructor.
• FA 198: Special Topics in Photography
  Structured exploration of various topics related to photographic practice. Content of course will vary, contact department for current offering. Prerequisite: FA025 or permission of instructor.



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• FA 205: Advanced Photography: Exposure and Printing Techniques
  Tone control through exposure tests. Development of portfolio of prints utilizing approved theme and the established exposure and development times. Prerequisite: FA 023 and FA 024.
• FA 206: Advanced Photography: Digital Color Printing
  Printing from digital files. Scanning color transparency and negative film. Correct color balancing and creative color shifts will be explored. Development of portfolio of prints of approved theme. Prerequisite: FA 023 and FA 024.

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• FA 81-82: Sculpture I
  Beginning study of design and fabrication of sculpture. Basic sculptural techniques for media, including clay, plaster, stone, and wood.


• FA 179-80: Sculpture II
  Expansion of Sculpture I, utilizing advanced wood milling equipment and metal welding techniques. Prerequisite: FA 81-82.
• FA 189-90: Sculpture III
  Advanced study in concepts and materials through creation of three-dimensional forms concentrating on relevance of scale and media. Relationship of sculpture to the environment. Prerequisite: FA 179-80.

Spring 04

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Studio Arts Programs and Courses: Graduate Study

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MFA in Ceramics
Area Coordinator: Turker Ozdogan

Professor Ozdogan has built his program with the philosophy that students should attain a technically rich background that incorporates many ceramics processes and techniques. Students explore and study traditional and contemporary techniques and aesthetics, conduct research, and experiment with new solutions. Graduate students must complete coursework in wheel-throwing, handbuilding, sculpture, ceramic technology, decoration, installation, restoration, and architectural and industrial ceramics.

Courses:

• FA 224: Advanced Ceramic Sculpture
  Continuation of Art 152 with emphasis on individual approach. Exploration of mixed media and mold casting.
• FA 225: Industrial Ceramics/Model and Mold Making/Functional Forms
  Production processes from model making to finished duplicate form as it exists on factory level. All aspects of model designing and making in clay and plaster; plaster lathe carving with wheel applications; mold making in plaster; production methods from molds (press molding, slip casting, jiggering and jollying, and ram pressing).
• FA 226: Architectural Ceramics
  Advanced studies in ceramic murals and sculptures designed for indoor and outdoor architectural concepts. Laboratory tests and activities.
• FA 251: Advanced Ceramic Design in Wheel Throwing
  Individual projects on the potter's wheel. Student establishes personal style and direction and perfects skills. Either pottery or sculptural approaches encouraged. Research in clays, glazes, and firings is required.
• FA 252: Mosaic Design Applications
  Advanced study and execution of ceramic murals and sculpture for indoor and outdoor architectural spaces. Extensive student technical research, including special cutting techniques, laboratory tests of clay glazes, and firings.
• FA 253: Industrial Ceramic Design/Mold Making
  Architectural and sculptural forms. The multiple production process from model making to finished duplicate form as it exists on factory level. All aspects of model designing and making in clay and plaster; mold making in plaster; production methods from molds including press molding and slip casting.
• FA 254: Advanced Ceramic Technology
  A thorough investigation of specific ceramic materials, clay bodies, and glazes, with an emphasis on calculation and formulation, alteration, and firing. Prerequisite: Art 151 or approval of instructor.

• FA 231-32: Design III
  New media and techniques in three-dimensional design.

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MFA in Painting
Area Coordinator: Thom Brown

The MFA painting program provides students with a broad exposure to both traditional and contemporary issues, images and methodologies, while stressing the balance between perceptual and conceptual elements in the creative process. Each studentís development forms the core of the MFA program. In addition to working independently in the studio, where individual critiques and cross-disciplinary group critiques are regularly held, first-year students take a life class, a contemporary painting class and two electives. Second-year students take independent study and two more electives. Third-year students focus on a visual and written thesis.

Each semester, all MFA painting students interact with at least one artist or critic drawn from outside the University. Recent visitors to campus have included Phyllis Rosenzweig (Curator of Works on Paper, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden), Graham Nickson (painter and Dean of the New York Studio School), Stuart Shils (painter, Philadelphia), Mel Leipzig (painter, Trenton), and Claire McConaughy (painter, New York), Peter Waite (painter, Connecticut),
Mark Bradford, (painter, Los Angeles) and Carolee Schneemann (multi-media, New York).

A sample MFA painting program consists of:

• FA 265: Painting Four (Figure Painting): Observation and Gesture
  Taken in the fall term of the first year, this course focuses on uncovering the countless visual relationships that are essential to weaving complex details into a seamless whole when working from the human figure. Students are challenged to become sensitive to the process of translating vision into image through touch, the material of paint and surface. Solving problems of clarity, articulation, energy and finish are stressed in each assignment.
• FA 123: Contemporary Painting
  Taken in the spring term of the first year, Contemporary Painting shifts the emphasis from perception to conception. Examples of contemporary art serve as starting points for group and individual discussion of the creative process. Assignments use post-modern strategies to rethink and challenge various hierarchies: subject, style and medium. The course seeks to generate visual thinking through process, using ideas as well as techniques in an empirical manner.
  
  

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• FA 248: Critical Practices: Independent Study
  Taken fall and spring during the studentís first two years, the independent study of critical practices consists of group critiques held on a weekly basis. Critiques bring together graduate and undergraduate students working in a variety of media. Weekly individual critiques supplement group sessions. Discussions, which range from practical to aesthetic issues, challenge students to focus and articulate their visual knowledge.
  
  

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• Electives (above the 200 level or above 100 with prior approval)
  Throughout the first and second years, students may choose electives from art history as well as from a broad range of media: ceramics, drawing, digital, photography, printmaking and sculpture. Students are encouraged to use their electives to explore new avenues of thought and observation that may or may not directly relate to the medium of paint.
• FA 299-300: Thesis
  Upon successful completion of thirty-nine hours at the graduate level, MFA candidates begin their thesis. During thesis study, they independently develop a body of work and a written commentary.
  

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MFA in Photography
Area Coordinator: Dean Kessmann

The graduate curriculum in Photography provides students with the structure and flexibility needed in developing the skills necessary to become successful artists and educators. All MFA Candidates are assigned a private darkroom and given 24-hour access to the photography department.

During the first year, MFA candidates register for Individual Problems, which enables them to work individually and take part in weekly interdisciplinary critiquesóa forum where students become fluent in discussing their own work and art in general. In addition, students are required to take Digital color Printing, History of Photography, a special topics course entitled Contemporary Photography, and a seminar entitled Criticizing Photographs.

During the second year, students continue Individual Problems and attend a graduate seminar in contemporary art with MFA candidates from other disciplines. Students take one elective each semester and are encouraged to experiment with a variety of media and to explore interdisciplinary practices in art-making.

In the final year, students complete their thesis projects and have an opportunity to teach one undergraduate course. Students who graduate with an MFA leave with a strong aesthetic sensibility, firm control of their medium, and a deeper understanding of the historical and theoretical issues that have shaped contemporary artistic practice. Through interaction with the faculty, visiting artists and peers, they will be fully prepared as artists and educators.

The faculty comprises artists from diverse educational and professional backgrounds. They offer topical courses that reflect current trends and issues in contemporary art, as artists who actively exhibit their work and serve as role models who teach by example.

Courses:

• FA 205: Advanced Photography: Exposure and Printing Techniques
  Tone control through exposure tests. Development of a portfolio of prints on an approved theme using established exposure and development times. Prerequisite: FA 023 and FA 024
• FA 206: Advanced Photography: Digital Color Printing
  Printing from digital files. Scanning color transparency and negative film. Correct color balancing and creative color shifts will be explored. Development of a portfolio of prints on an approved theme. Prerequisite: FA 023 and FA 024.
• FA 208: Advanced Photography: Special Projects
  Independent projects requiring approval prior to registration. Prerequisite: FA 181 and 182, or permission of instructor.
• FA 248: Independent Research in Photography (1-6 cr)
  For masterís degree candidates; open to limited number of qualified undergraduates, with permission. Independent research arranged in consultation with individual instructor and graduate advisor. May be repeated for credit. Laboratory fee depending on area chosen.
• FA 267-68: Individual Problems in Photography (4-4 cr)
  Limited to M.F.A. candidates and qualified undergraduates. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor and approval of project prior to registration. May be repeated for credit.
• FA 299-300: Thesis Research
  Laboratory fee depending on area chosen.

last updated 28 Nov, 2005