VISUAL ARTS COURSE DESCRIPTIONS – FALL ‘07
201 INTRODUCTORY DRAWING (ALSO ARCHITECTURE 201/202)
This course approaches drawing as a way of thinking and seeing. Students will be introduced to a
range of drawing issues, as well as a variety of media, including charcoal, graphite, ink and oil
stick. Subject matter includes still life, the figure, landscape and architecture. Representation,
abstraction and working from imagination will be explored. A structured independent project will be
given at the end of the semester. Two three-hour studio classes. D Clements, Staff
203 INTRODUCTORY PAINTING (ALSO ARCHITECTURE 327/328)
An introduction to the materials and methods of painting. The areas to be covered are specifically
color and its interaction, the use of form and scale, painting from a model, painting objects with a
concern for their mass and its interaction with light. Two three-hour studio classes. T White,
B Jermusyk
211 INTRODUCTORY PHOTOGRAPHY
An introduction to the processes of photography through a series of problems directed toward the
handling of light-sensitive material, camera, and printing. Weekly laboratory sessions will explore
the critical issues of the medium in relation to both student work and the work of guest
photographers. One three-hour class and approximately three hours of independent laboratory.
Prerequisite: application and interview. Staff
221 INTRODUCTORY SCULPTURE
A studio introduction to sculpture, particularly the study of form, space, and the influence of a wide
variety of materials and processes on the visual properties of sculpture leading to the development
of an understanding of contemporary sculpture and a basic technical facility in a variety of
materials and processes. Two three-hour studio classes. J. Seawright
231 CERAMICS
An introductory level course designed for students interested in learning the fundamentals of
working with clay. A wide variety of hand building and wheel throwing techniques will be taught,
enabling students to make utilitarian vessels as well as sculptural forms. Students will learn about
glazing and colored engobe application methods and how to operate electric and gas kilns. Studio
work will be complemented by readings, field trips and slide presentations. Two three-hour studio
classes. A. Agee
261 INTRODUCTORY VIDEO AND FILM PRODUCTION
A film/video course introducing the techniques of shooting and editing digital video. Works of
film/video art will be analyzed in class to explore the development of, and innovations in, cinematic
language. Production will be oriented toward film/video as a visual art, including narrative,
documentary, and experimental genres. Several short video projects will be produced during the
semester. Two three-hour classes. Prerequisite: by application and interview. K. Sanborn
303 INTERMEDIATE PAINTING
This course is designed to allow the student to explore more deeply the process and meaning of
painting. Structured assignments will be given, and students are encouraged to develop an
independent direction. Contemporary critical theory will be integrated into the course. Two threehour studio classes. Prerequisite: 203, 204 and by application and interview. Staff
312 INTRODUCTORY COLOR PHOTOGRAPHY
An introduction to the theory, processes, and applications of color photography as an artistic
medium, exploring camera technique, color film, and darkroom printing methods. A series of
directed assignments introduces students to the formal issues presented by color as an element of
the medium, as well as continuing students’ progress toward analyzing visual content in the
broader project of photographic image-making. One three-hour class and approximately three
hours of independent laboratory. Prerequisite: VIS 211 or 212 and by application and interview. J
Lee
313 INTERMEDIATE PHOTOGRAPHY
Serving as a continuation of VIS 211 or 212, this course seeks to increase the usefulness of the
photographic process to the student through a careful examination of photo chemistry, printmaking methods, and most likely an introduction to view camera. In seminar, the connections
between traditions of art, philosophy, science and photography will continue to be important.
Appropriate technical texts are selected to fit the class project. One three-hour class, and
approximately three hours of independent laboratory. Prerequisites: 211, 212 or equivalent
experience and by application and interview. E. Gowin
315 DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
An advanced seminar and lab which explores the aesthetic and theoretical implications of digital
technology in relation to photography. The emphasis is on making the photographic print in the
digital work space. Class will consist of both independent and collaborative projects. One threehour class and one three-hour laboratory. Prerequisites: 211 or 212, OR application and interview.
Staff
343 MAJOR FILMMAKERS
A seminar on the principal works of Alfred Hitchcock, Ingmar Bergman and Michelangelo Antonioni.
We will read the writings and interviews of the filmmakers and critical essays on their films.
Psychoanalytical criticism will play a large role in these seminars. P. Adams Sitney
361 INTERMEDIATE VIDEO PRODUCTION
A second level film/video workshop focusing on digital media production. Short works of film/video
art will be analyzed in class as a guide to the issues of aesthetic choice, editing structure, and
challenging one's audience. Students will complete two short videos and a longer final project.
Students must view one film each week outside of class time. One three-hour class. Prerequisite:
VIS 261 or 262 and by application and interview. K. Sanborn
392 ISSUES IN CONTEMPORARY ART
A required seminar for Art and Archaeology Program 2 majors and Program in Visual Arts
certificate students emphasizing contemporary art practices and ideas. The course addresses
current issues in painting, drawing, sculpture, film, video, photography, and ceramics. It includes a
visiting artist lecture series, critiques of students' work, and excursions to galleries, museums and
artists' studios. One three-hour class. Staff
401 ADVANCED DRAWING
Students will be encouraged to develop an independent direction while being challenged with
projects on issues such as: narrative, abstraction, conceptual strategies, collage, computer-aided
drawing, and drawing-based installation. Sources will include photography, drawing from life, and
utilizing one's own imagination. Study of developments in contemporary drawing will parallel the
course projects. Prerequisites: VIS 201/202 and by application and interview. J. O’Connor
442 FILM THEORY
A seminar in the poetics of the American avant-garde cinema during which the filmmaker Ernie
Gehr, a Humanities Council short-term fellow, will visit for two sessions. The principal issues will
be the status of camera movement and editing in the works of the major artists of the genre. The
tradition of Emersonian aesthetics will be examined. P. Adams Sitney