Visual and Communication Arts Courses
Art (ART)
101 Drawing 3
This course is designed to develop confidence in drawing and build basic drawing and
perceptual skills. A variety of drawing media, techniques and conceptual approaches will
be used.
111/2 Foundations of Design 3
As a foundation to the visual and communication arts program, this course emphasize visual skills and creative problem-solving related to principles of design in two-dimensional art . Students explore the elements of composition and color theory in a hands-on studio environment.
*121 Three-Dimensional Design 3
An introduction to three-dimensional design principles necessary for making everything
from chairs to site-specific and sculptural forms. Individual and collaborative design
processes are a focus. (Fall 2007)
212 Painting 3
An introduction to painting in water-mixable oil or acrylic media. This course is
designed to develop confidence in painting along with basic techniques and perceptual
skills. A variety of approaches are used.
*231 Printmaking: Relief & Screen 3
Relief printmaking is an ancient form favored by contemporary artists in which images
are printed on paper from wood and other materials. Screen printing is a newer process
in which ink is forced through fabric onto paper and other materials. These processes are
used to develop rich, colorful prints with an emphasis on visual ideas and technique.
(Fall 2006)
252 Ceramics 3
An introduction to the basics of clay work using hand-building techniques such as
pinch, coil and slab construction and a potter’s wheel. Students participate in centuries
old ceramic traditions and explore ceramics in contemporary art contexts.
261 Papermaking 3
An exploratory course in handmade paper as an art medium. Topics covered will include
sheet forming, shaped-screen laminating, embedding, embossing, free and mould
casting, pulp painting, collage and assemblage techniques. A variety of vegetable fibers
will be introduced and integrated papermaking with other arts will be explored. An
introduction to the origins and development of paper, its use in history, the ecological
and cultural implications of making paper and the work in paper of contemporary artists
will provide a broad context for this medium.
301 Survey of Western Art 3
A thematic approach to the history and appreciation of Western art which examines the
ways in which religious, social, political and philosophical concepts have been expressed
in art.
*312 Survey of World Art 3
A thematic approach to the history and appreciation of art outside the Western
mainstream. (Spring 2007)
*322 Survey of Modern and Contemporary Art 3
An introduction to modern and contemporary art with emphasis on the interpretation
of artistic production within its historical, political, social, cultural, and theoretical
contexts. Issues to be addressed may include the meaning of originality in art; the
relationship of art and mass culture; how the institutional framework for viewing art can
influence or determine meaning; the rejection of studio–based art; and art as it confronts
the issues of the day. (Spring 2008)
*341 Advanced Studio: Junior/Senior Seminar 3
This course uses a combination hands-on and discussion format to study individual and
contemporary methods, theories and professional practices in art. Course readings and
related research are primarily dictated by special abilities and interests of students who
will work in a chosen medium or mixed media. Prerequisite: junior or senior art,
photography or digital media major. Open to non-majors with consent of instructor.
(Fall 2006)
*361 Elementary School Art Methods (Art Education) 3
A study of the aims and philosophy of art education in the elementary school with
emphasis on child development through art. Students will experience art techniques
and materials suitable for children from Pre-K through grade 6 with emphasis on
appropriate motivational and teaching methods. Topics to be covered may include: the
role of art in society and in the schools; fundamentals of art; sequential and discipline
based art curricula; teaching strategies; art motivation; art integration with the sciences,
social studies, and cultural understandings; evaluation; teaching art history, criticism and
aesthetics; writing instructional objectives and lesson plans; and teaching art
production. Field experience in the elementary setting is a component of the course.
Admission to Teacher Education and ED 361a may be prerequisites. (Fall 2007)
*371 Secondary School Art Methods (Art Education) 3
A study of the aims and philosophy of art education at the secondary school level.
Secondary School Art Methods will include advanced studies of curriculum and lesson
design and integration; classroom organization and management techniques; delivery of
art courses as electives; teaching art history, aesthetics, and evaluation; teaching art
production appropriate to the adolescent; and the function of art in the schools and
community. Students will understand contemporary issues in art education by
examining research history and philosophy of art education. The relationships between
developments in education as a whole and art education will be explored as well as
adolescent creative learning styles and development. Field experience in a secondary art
setting is a component of the course. Admission to Teacher Education and ED 361a may
be prerequisites. (Fall 2008)
381/2/3 Art Internship 3
Provides students with an opportunity to integrate theory and practice by working in a
professional art/design-related environment. Consultation with and reporting to the
faculty advisor guide the student’s experience. Travel and other expenses are the
student’s responsibility. Can be done during the summer. Grading is on a Pass/Fail basis.
Prerequisite: Junior or senior status; consent of instructor.
402 Advanced Drawing 3
Further development of drawing techniques, visual processes and experimental
approaches. The capacity to change one’s perspective and habits and an openness to
taking risks are encouraged. This course is for students who want to explore drawing in
its own right, strengthen work in other media through enhanced drawing skills, or
connect drawing with other arts or disciplines. Advanced investigation into physical,
intellectual and emotional aspects of drawing. Content development, individual
direction and creative voice are stressed along with further development of drawing
skills. Emphasis is placed on independent inquiry and self-directed initiative. Meets
concurrently with Intermediate Drawing. Prerequisite: ART 101.
*412 Advanced Painting 3
Further development of techniques and visual strategies using oil and acrylic media. The
capacity to change one’s perspective and habits and an openness to taking risks are
encouraged to understand various ways artists approach structure and meaning in
painting. Advanced investigation into physical, intellectual and emotional aspects of
painting. Content development, individual direction and creative voice are stressed
along with further development of painting skills. Emphasis is placed on independent
inquiry and self-directed initiative. Prerequisite: ART 212. (Spring 2007)
*452 Advanced Ceramics 3
Further development of techniques and visual strategies using ceramic media. Advanced
investigation into physical, intellectual and emotional aspects of ceramic work. Content
development, individual direction and creative voice are stressed along with further
development of technical skills. Emphasis is placed on independent inquiry and self-
directed initiative. Prerequisite: ART 252. (Spring 2008)
461 Advanced Papermaking 3
Advanced-level exploration in techniques and visual strategies in papermaking media.
Individual directions are emphasized. Prerequisite: ART 261.
482 Advanced Studio Practicum 4
Each student will produce a thesis project for the senior art major exhibit consisting of
a body of focused, coherent artwork in a chosen medium and direction. Students proposing
work in media beyond the scope of the art curriculum must obtain approval for their
project from the instructor. Students working in ceramics must have prior experience in
reduction firing. The course is structured around independent studio work with individual
and group critiques, discussions of issues in contemporary art and professional practice.
Professional practices related to preparation and installation of the art major senior exhibit
or the senior photography major. The Digital Media major will do a major production in
the medium of choice (video, internet, interactive design). ART 482 is required for all art,
photography and digital media majors during the senior year.
491/2 Independent Study 1-3
Communication (COMM)
161 Mass Communication and Culture 3
A survey of mass communication theory showing how the mass media influences and is
influenced by the political, economic and social systems. Shows how the mass media in
all their forms—newspaper, broadcasting, magazines, TV and the web—helps to shape
the culture and set the agenda for all of our institutions: government, business, religion,
fashion and entertainment. Heavy emphasis will be placed on how an audience is
defined, on the communication process, and the influence of advertising and audience
on what is being communicated.
221 News and Feature Writing 3
Workshop for magazine and newspaper writing: generating story ideas, interviewing,
observing, fact-checking, researching and drafting news stories, features, book reviews,
editorials and more.
331/2 Campus Communications: WeatherVane
Credit given for writing, design, photography production of the student-run university
newspaper. Students should expect to take two semesters
of Campus Communications at one credit each except in the case of editors serving on
the WeatherVane.
352 Visual Communication Theory 3
The formal properties of electronic media will be analyzed focusing on still photography,
kinetic text, sound and time-based media. Students will understand how these
properties function in a variety of media forms, which will influence their own artistic
work and critical analysis. Select theorists of visual communication and culture will be
explored to give students a broad understanding of the theoretical base from which
electronic artists work.
361 Film and Culture 3
Movies will provide the text for an exploration of how film communicates, the formulas
used in film-making and a variety of critical analyses. The course will explore several
genre of film including drama, action-adventure, comedy, romance and western. The
relation of these texts to popular culture themes of gender, race, and violence will also
be considered. Students will study in depth a director, specific genre, or a particular film
to demonstrate their understanding of film studies and methods of critique.
391/2 Topics 3
Faculty will offer a topics course each year exploring a variety of art, digital media and
photography issues.
421/2 Communication Internship 3
Students gain experience by completing a communication internship with an outside
agency. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
491/2 Independent Study 1-3
Digital Media (DIGM)
221/2 Introduction to Graphic Design 3
Quark Xpress, Photoshop and Illustrator are used in creative visual problem solving.
Design process is emphasized, and typographic design and image/text relationships
provide a focus. Prerequisite: ART 101 or ART 111/2 or one previous digital media
course.
231 Video Camera and Non-linear Editing 4
This course is a practical hands-on introduction to the video camera and to non-linear
editing of the material that comes from the video camera. It covers operation of the
camera, basic lighting and sound, camera movement and support. Issues of composition,
content, aesthetics, continuity and creativity will be explored with exercises, labs and
real-life shooting. The non-linear video editing will cover both technical and
philosophical issues of editing. Students will edit exercises and their own productions.
252 Audio Production 3
In this course students produce a variety of short and long form audio productions, from
promotional spots to news features as well as music performances and audio portraits,
many to be broadcast on EMU’s radio station WEMC-FM. Students will work with
digital software editing programs to produce works utilizing a variety of recording and
processing techniques. Course sections would include psychoacoustics (sound and how
we hear it), the production process (from idea to finished product), microphones (types
and uses), live recording, audio processing and effects, editing, and numerous projects
with a variety of applications.
281/2 Web Design 3
This class explores the Web as a medium for both artistic expression and organizational communication. Students will construct several web sites using both HTML coding and contemporary Web design software.
Prerequisite: PHOTO 171/2 or equivalent.
333 Live Event and Field Production 3
Offered with the Mennonite biennial youth convention. Pre-production work of the
live show and four or five video pieces that will be shown during the convention. During
the event itself students will produce the live show for the large screen (camera
operators, grips, directors, cg operators and switcher operator) and also edit a five-minute
video report for each day. At the end of the convention the students will edit a 30-40
minute report video. (Summer 2007)
341 2-D Animation/After Effects 3
Explores the art and communication of merging video, the graphic arts and text into
messages with multiple layers of meaning and artistic interest. Students will become
adept at compositing; moving video, still images, text and line art. Layered Photoshop
files will be animated into finished video. The primary forms studied for this class will
be opening and closing logos, advertising, PSA’s, music video and short form 2-D
animated storytelling. Prerequisite: PHOTO 171/2 or equivalent.
382 Advanced Web Design Production 3
Students will combine content, interactivity, graphic design and basic programming to
produce their own web site. In addition to learning HTML and how to use basic cgi,
javascript and applets, they will use several of the emerging technologies to incorporate
animation, video and audio into their web sites to design sites that are rich, multileveled
and audience friendly. (Spring 2008)
392 Flash Animation 3
Vector-based animation will be the medium as students explore the techniques and
aesthetics of this rapidly growing art form. Emphasis will be given to uses of Flash
animation for internet communication. Students will produce a variety of forms,
advertising, opening screen and short form film in this class.
432 Documentary Production 3
Students will study how text, photographic images and video documentaries are
constructed, and used to communicate. They will research, design and produce a
documentary show with text, photographs and video on a selected subject. Students
should bring experience in at least one of the fields of writing, photography or video
production to this class. Prerequisite: must have taken at least DIGM 231, PHOTO
221/2 or PHOTO 371/2. (Spring 2008)
442 Narrative Video 3
Students will study the narrative structure of video story-telling. They will work at
creating both the short and long-form narratives and look at the varied delivery methods
available for these productions. Prerequisite: DIGM 231. (Spring 2007)
491/2 Independent Study 1-3
Photography (Photo)
171/2 Digital Photography 3
This hands-on course introduces students to digital imaging processes that include camera acquisition and scanning, digital image correction and compositing, and output to print and digital media. Students will explore raster-based image manipulation in Adobe Photoshop. Students gain foundational skills in photographic composition and digital image manipulation as well as a basic understanding of how digital images may be employed in electronic media and art production.
221/2 Black and White Photography 3
In this introduction to black and white film photography, students photograph in the
field and studio while learning to control and manipulate a camera, process film and produce prints in the dark room.
Students will also explore art concepts and elements of visual language in relationship to both past and present photographic practices.
322 Photography Print and Portfolio Workshop 3
This class offer the opportunity for students to develop an artistic vision as expressed through photography. Using advanced digital black and white and color techniques, they will develop a coherent body of work for gallery and web display. Though class demonstrations concentrate on digital techniques and fine archival printing, students may also pursue independent work concentrating in dark room processes.
Prerequisites: PHOTO 171/2 AND PHOTO 371/2.
381 Alternative Photo Processes 3
Students will experiment with alternative acquisition and printing processes. Acquisition methods will cover pinhole, panoramic and infrared processes. Students will print on alternative forms such as art and Japanese papers, metal surfaces, canvas and other media forms. Prerequisites: PHOTO 171/2 AND either PHOTO 221/2 or PHOTO 371/2.
371/2 Color Photography 3
Digital darkroom work and archival printing from color negatives. Topics include image
capture, color theory, image correction and interpretation, color management, digital
output methods and contemporary practices and theory related to color photography.
Prerequisite: PHOTO 171/2.
462 Studio Photography 3
This class explores aesthetic and technical issues related to photography in a studio
environment. Students learn how to create professional lighting setups in relation to
multiple photographic genres including traditional portraits and more
conceptual/experimental approaches to image-making. Prerequisite: PHOTO 371/2.
(Spring 2008)
Photography (PHOTO)
472 Advanced Photoshop Studio 3
Students will study advanced Photoshop techniques with special emphasis on
compositing. Working with these tools students can then focus on printing, on
animation in After Effects or web design. Students will create a unified series of prints,
series of animation or a web gallery of work. Prerequisite: PHOTO 221/2 or PHOTO
371/2.
491/2 Independent Study 1-3
