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VA 100
Introduction to Studio Arts
This course introduces the basic elements of the fine arts. Through
a series of projects using collage, drawing, painting, and printmaking,
students develop a visual vocabulary and rudimentary skills necessary
for further study in these areas. It is an appropriate entry-level
course for nonmajors, and majors planning to continue work in the
fine arts. A group digital portfolio will be produced using Adobe
Acrobat. Fall and Spring.
VA 110
Drawing Fundamentals
Develops perceptual and manual skills necessary in effective drawing.
The major objective is the development of “seeing” in
a way that can be translated into all forms of drawing. Includes
light, value, composition, perspective, freehand drawing, and a
variety of drawing media. This is an appropriate entry-level course
for nonmajors and a required course for majors. Fall
and Spring.
VA 115
Introduction to Printmaking
An exploration of printmaking techniques, including drypoint, intaglio,
and monoprint. In addition to refining traditional skills, individual
experimentation is encouraged. Fall 2003, and in alternate years.
VA 120
Design Fundamentals
Familiarizes students with theories of design and furnishes experience
in the use of tools common to the visual arts professions. Uses
elements of design, line, form, color, and typography to explore
visual concepts such as composition, proportion, balance, space,
and movement. This course is an appropriate entry-level course for
nonmajors, and majors planning to continue work in computer graphics
or interior design. Fall and Spring.
VA 140
Basic Photography
Examines photographic visualization and communication through experimentation
with camera control and darkroom techniques. Emphasizes opportunities
for individual investigation and expression. Requires a 35 mm camera
(with a few available for loan). This is an appropriate entry-level
course for nonmajors, and majors planning to continue work in photography.
Fall and Spring.
VA 205
Painting/Oil
Introduction to painting in oils, exploring basic concepts in form
and color, using still lifes, landscapes, figurative, and nonfigurative
problems. May be repeated for credit. Fall.
Prerequisite: VA 110 or permission.
VA 217
Figure Drawing
Working with a live model, students develop drawings that convey
a clear understanding of the human body’s structure and form.
The dynamic qualities of the human figure also are explored, using
various techniques and materials. With permission of the instructor,
those repeating this course may opt to paint from the figure. May
be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: VA 110 or permission.
VA 219
Drawing: Ideas and Images
Utilizing the basic skills learned in Drawing Fundamentals, students
will explore more complex ideas in drawing such as the use of mixed
media and color, the portrait and figure, composition and space,
thematic series, and abstraction. The process of drawing will be
taken from concept to finished product. Spring.
Prerequisite: VA 110 or permission of instructor.
VA 225
Design, Color
Intensive exploration of color starting with the color wheel and
analysis of various color theories (Munsell, Itten, and Albers).
VA 225 moves through experiments designed to sharpen perception
and increase color sensitivity. Explores various color harmonies,
as well as subjective, objective, and historical aspects of color.
Spring.
Prerequisite: VA 120 or permission.
VA 241
Intermediate Photography
Students are given an opportunity to refine their photographic skills.
Advanced and alternative techniques will be taught, with an emphasis
on exploration of individual style. Spring 2004, and in alternate
years.
Prerequisite: VA 140 or permission.
VA 250
Introduction to Computer Graphics
Overview of the use of the Macintosh computer in such visual arts
fields as illustration, photography, advertising layout, graphic
design, and interior design. Explores design dynamics while teaching
proficiency in such software programs as Adobe Illustrator, PageMaker,
and Photoshop. Each student creates a digital portfolio of her work
using Adobe Acrobat. Fall and Spring.
Prerequisite: VA 100 or VA 120.
VA 260*
3-Dimensional Design
The objective of this course is to develop a sensitivity to the
relationship of forms to space, and to provide the technical information
necessary to execute simple 3-dimensional projects.
* Future scheduling of this course is contingent upon final approval.
VA 281*
Art Education: Materials and Processes
An exploration of media and technique for the prospective teacher
of the visual arts.Fall 2004.
* Future scheduling of this course is contingent upon final approval.
VA 302
Painting/Watercolor
Various watercolor techniques and materials are explored. Students
work in the studio with still lifes and interiors, as well as outdoors
with landscape. Composition, color, and personal expression are
emphasized. Summer.
Prerequisite: VA 110 or permission.
VA 326
Computer Graphics II
Concepts and techniques used in the graphic design profession are
studied in this course. Emphasis is on developing skills and knowledge
in typography, information design, illustration, layout, image manipulation,
and color correction. Students will explore the creative use of
the computer in design, production, and illustration. The course
extends proficiency to include QuarkXpress, Adobe InDesign, and
advanced uses of Adobe Illustrator and PhotoShop. Other computer
applications will be introduced as needed. Students create digital
portfolios of their work using Adobe Acrobat. Fall.
Prerequisite: VA 250.
VA 343
Color Photography
Students explore creative application of color principles in the
context of photographic materials and technique. With an emphasis
on visualization, most assignments will involve the use of commercially
processed color slide film. Students will also experiment with the
use of color negative film, and
with digital interpretation of their images. Fall 2003.
Prerequisite: VA 140 or permission.
VA 345
Nature Photography
This is an exploration of natural form, ranging in scope from the
tiny to the immense. Visual elements, equipment, and techniques
of macrophotography and landscape photography are covered. The course
includes black and white photography and printing, and color slide
photography. The course presumes a proficiency in black and white
darkroom techniques. A macro lens, a polarizing filter, and a tripod
are desirable, but not necessary. (In addition to the morning class
meeting, students must be prepared to spend each afternoon photographing
on their own). Summer.
Prerequisite: VA 140 or equivalent.
VA 349
Special Topics in Photography
Varying foci. Topics might include: studio work, architectural photography,
documentary photography, portraiture, and alternative processes.
Fall 2004.
VA 352
Packaging and Publication Design
Building on a solid foundation in QuarkXpress, Adobe Illustrator,
and PhotoShop, students develop advanced graphic solutions consistent
with the professional print production environment. Emphasis is
on fully integrating the computer into the design process, as students
expand their command of the graphic design workflow while further
exploring effective execution of creative design concepts. Spring
2004, and in alternate years.
Prerequisite: VA 250.
VA 353
Digital Photography
This course is an exploration of digital imaging using Adobe Photoshop,
scanners, digital cameras, and various output media. Using images
produced with traditional and digital cameras, students investigate
the diverse possibilities offered by computers and alternative photographic
methods for developing imagery and ideas. Finished portfolio pieces
for commercial and fine arts needs are created, with emphasis on
technical and aesthetic experimentation. Spring 2005, and in
alternate years.
Prerequisite: VA 250 and VA 140 or permission.
VA 355
Design for the World Wide Web
Students learn the industry standard program for Web page design
and production. Topics include layout and content, Web ready images,
Web safe color, navigation, and the principles of information design.
Adobe Photoshop and Imageready
will be used for creating Web graphics. Each student will create
a personal Web page using Macromedia Dreamweaver. Fall.
Prerequisite: VA 250 or permission.
VA 369*
Special Topics in Design
Varying foci. Topics might include: retail and trade show design,
textile design, product design, architectural typography, and signage.
Spring 2005.
* Future scheduling of this course is contingent upon final approval.
VA 399
Advanced Studio
This studio course, conducted by a different artist each year, teaches
the visiting artist’s area of expertise. Advanced studio work
may be in any discipline—drawing, painting, interiors, photography,
printmaking, or computer graphics. The course may be repeated for
credit.
VA 490
Seminar in Aesthetics
Deals with advanced problems of visual communication through individual
and group studio projects. Critique sessions, films, exhibitions,
and discussion provide an overview of processes in professional
arts. Spring.
Prerequisite: Senior status.
VA 495
Senior Internship
6 credits
Provides a realistic overview of various fields in the visual arts.
An invaluable route to learning the application of skills needed
in specific professional settings. 16 hours per week on-site in
an area such as graphics, interiors, fine arts, or photography.
Deadline for applying is the last
day of the previous semester. Sites must be approved in advance
by the faculty sponsor. Fall. Prerequisite: Senior status
or approval from the faculty sponsor and Coordinator of Internships.
VA 496
Senior Thesis
Meeting regularly with faculty to review her progress, a student
develops a portfolio, an exhibit, or display of 15–20 original
works, or a single extended project of her choice. Spring.
Prerequisite: Senior status.
VA 498
Visual Arts Middle and Secondary Education Practicum/Internship
12 credits
This course is required for Massachusetts initial teacher licensure
in Visual Arts (grades 5–12). VA 498 is not under the supervision
of the College Internship Office and does not fulfill any 295 or
495 Internship course requirements. Each student is placed with
a supervisory teacher in a local public school. The student assumes
increasing levels of professional responsibility in the classroom.
Students are required to teach full-time for the entire semester,
to attend a weekly seminar, and to prepare a portfolio. All student
teaching takes place in the Greater Boston area. Students are responsible
for arranging and paying for transportation to and from school.
Prerequisite:
Successful completion of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure.
Completion of the pre-practicum courses with substantial field-based
training, each with a minimum grade of “C”, a cumulative
GPA of 2.00, and a GPA of at least 2.5 in Education courses; and
permission of the Director of the Teacher Licensure Program.
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