Core Technical/Occupational Classes in the Visual Communication Program

Core technical or occupational classes, as distinguished from general education classes, provide education and training in areas associated with theoretical knowledge, technical skills, occupationally related skills, and associated competencies necessary for the student to achieve the Northwest College of Art program objectives.

These descriptions are typical course offerings that make up our curriculum. They are intended to give you a broad overview of the B.F.A. degree programs. Courses are subject to change at the discretion of the College. Changes may include but are not limited to, course name, title, prerequisite, sequence, schedule, content, or credit value. Changes may occur whenever deemed necessary. Prerequisites may be waived by the Director, Curriculum & Academic Advisor, or the class instructor. Students who began the program prior to Sept. 2008 please refer to catalog supplement A for the appropriate program grid for the date you started the program.

Foundation Core Classes (Semesters 1-4)

2-D Design: Theory & Application

DT 101 (3 credits)

The 2-D Design: Theory and Application course has two goals. The first is to familiarize students with the elements and principles of design. This will be accomplished through the application of art theory to specific assigned problems. The second goal is to learn specific ways to think creatively and develop original, innovative ideas. In order to excel as an artist, knowledge of art theory, while valuable, is not enough. Only by using your knowledge of design in unique and imaginative ways can the student hope to make an impression in any area of the arts. The assignments in this course will involve specific aspects of design and will teach students both the vocabulary and concepts of 2-dimensional design.

3-D Design: Theory & Application

DT 151 (3 credits) • Prerequisite: 2-D Design

This course is an introduction to 3-dimensional design. Studio problems are used to familiarize students with basic design processes, principles and elements of 3-dimensional design. Studio experiences, readings, and written analysis challenge students to explore basic three-dimensional design and color. This course emphasizes a balance between the formal and communicative aspects of design, where students are presented with design problems and are challenged to devise appropriate solutions. Research, problem-solving skills, craft, professionalism and articulate presentations are all important to success in this course.

Animation

AN 251 (3 credits) • Prerequisite: Drawing, Figure Drawing

An introductory class, this course covers the basic principles of animation along with pre-production practices that can be applied to traditional or computer animation. Students explore character development, storyboarding, and animation techniques and concepts. A variety of hand drawn, ‘pencil test’ animations are produced throughout the semester.

Color And Form

FC 101 (3 credits)

Understanding how color is perceived, its ability to express, and its relationship to composition and form are the goals of this class. Through discussion, projects, and critiques, students gain first-hand knowledge of the most relative medium in art.

Drawing

DR 101 (3 credits)

This is a basic drawing class designed to give students an introduction to the art of drawing. The course incorporates a systematic review of basic techniques and concepts, including perspective and basic composition.

Figure Drawing

FG 151 (3 credits) • Prerequisite: Drawing

This course is designed to introduce the student to all aspects of drawing the human figure. Particular attention will be given to the development of rendering techniques, and to the understanding of realistic proportions.

Imagery & Design: Digital Image Manipulation

DI 251 (3 credits) • Prerequisite: Survey of Digital Art Applications

Students continue to develop image creation and manipulation skills using industry-standard computer applications. Advanced techniques in Adobe Photoshop are introduced. Several comprehensive projects including advanced photo manipulation, and advanced digital illustration work will be included. Additionally, a comprehensive understanding of scanning, resolutions, file management, and image output is expected.

Media

MD 151 (3 credits)

This course is designed to give students hands-on experience with a variety of media that are frequently employed by professional artists and designers.

Painting Techniques

PT 201 (3 credits)

This course will introduce the student to a full spectrum of painting applications. Through lecture and demonstration, the student will be directed in the process of duplicating painting techniques and developing confidence with the medium.

Photography 1

PH 201 (3 credits)

This first semester is an introduction to the fundamentals of photography. Projects will be centered around basic photographic techniques using black-and-white films, paper, and transparencies as the learning media. Basic darkroom techniques in black-and-white film processing will be emphasized.

Photography 2

PH 251 (3 credits) • Prerequisite: Photography 1

Students will utilize the fundamentals they studied in Photography I, applying their knowledge and skills to fulfill various photographic assignments. In addition, students will learn how to photographically reproduce their collective artwork for their portfolios.

Survey of Digital Art Applications

DS 201 (3 credits) • Prerequisite: 3-D Design: Theory & Application

Survey of Digital Art Applications is a hands-on introduction to the diverse and significant resources the computer offers the artist/photographer. This course is designed for students with either very limited or no experience in the computer arts and is designed to facilitate the student’s ongoing development of digital literacy. It sets the technical foundation for future college level use of digital technology. Students gain an understanding of the computer operating system, and attain a working knowledge of several leading applications currently used by computer artists and designers. Through lectures and applied learning a foundation of general understanding, confidence, and skill is formed. Portfolio type projects are assigned as well as short in-class assignments to assess the student’s basic retention and skill level.

Upper Level Technical/Occupational Courses (Semesters 5-9)

Career Seminar

CS 351 (2 credits)

A field trip class specifically designed for graduating students, Senior Seminar investigates the changing face of the art profession. Focusing on current trends in the marketplace, students will develop a clear and essential view of the processes and practices of their chosen vocation.

Internship

IN 451 (3 credits) • Senior status

Internships are an opportunity for upper-division students to earn credit while working, gaining practical experience, and exploring career options in a professional setting. To receive credit students must complete 135 internship hours and meet with the internship advisor through the semester.

Portfolio 1: Vis Comm

PR 401 (3 Credits)

In this class, part 1 of a two-part class sequence, B.F.A. Visual Communications program students will be required to determine specific career goals, and to develop a proposed direction to take in their creative efforts. They will create an entirely new body of work to facilitate reaching their stated career goals. While students will each propose and develop their own individual projects, the class itself will become a critique and support group meeting wherein the student will receive weekly feedback from the instructor and their peers. Students will be required to develop their critical and diplomatic communication skills, and to participate fully and honestly in the weekly critiques. The student must satisfactorily demonstrate an acceptable level of development and completion of their proposed body of new work in order to receive a passing grade for this class and to be considered eligible to advance to Portfolio 2: Vis Comm.

Portfolio 2: Vis Comm

PR 451 (3 Credits) • Prerequisite: Portfolio 1: Vis Comm

This course is the continuation of the portfolio development process initiated in Portfolio 1: Vis Comm. Special emphasis in this course will be placed upon developing further and finishing the production and presentation of the body of creative work begun in Portfolio 1. Students will continue to be required to refine their critical and diplomatic communication skills, and to participate fully and honestly in the weekly critiques.

Senior Thesis 1: Vis Comm

ST 401 (2 Credits)

This class is the first of a two-part class sequence wherein the Visual Communications B.F.A. program student begins development and production of their required senior thesis. Each student applying for the degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communications must complete a thesis as approved by the Academic Advisor of Northwest College of Art and the Senior Thesis instructor(s). The thesis will be comprised of four parts: (1) a body of work consistent with the goals of the student (media to be determined by the student); (2) a written thesis with a research component discussing proposed media, subject, and content of the thesis work, and the student’s future goals; (3) documentation of artwork in the form of slides or computer-generated imagery; and (4) an oral examination given and evaluated by the thesis committee. The student must satisfactorily demonstrate an acceptable level of completion of each part of the thesis requirements in order to receive a passing grade for this class and to be considered eligible to advance to Senior Thesis 2: Vis Comm.

Senior Thesis 2: Vis Comm

ST 451 (2 Credits) • Prerequisites: Senior Thesis 1: Vis Comm

This class is the second in a two-part class structure wherein the student develops, produces, presents and defends their required senior thesis. In this class, students continue the refinement of their thesis, complete all required components of their thesis, and present an oral defense of their thesis that is evaluated by the thesis committee. The final thesis work will be exhibited as part of a graduation exhibition at Northwest College of Art. A thesis committee, consisting of no fewer than three active faculty members, will evaluate each student’s progress. The student must satisfactorily complete each part of the thesis requirements in order to receive a passing grade for the class and to be considered eligible for graduation.

Major Specific Core Technical/Occupational Classes (Semesters 5-9)

Entertainment Art

3D Entertainment Art Foundations

EA 301 (3 Credits)

In this course students explore the use of professional-level software to create 3D digital images and animation for print, interactive multimedia, motion design, computer games and for the Web. Topics include introductory techniques of 3D modeling, texturing, animation, rendering, editing and compositing.

Advanced Entertainment Art

EA 451 (3 Credits)

This advanced course allows students to use their artistic skills and technical knowledge to create professional quality 3D assets and animation. This course will emphasize knowledge of digital animation workflow, pipeline, production, and professionalism. The course is modeled on a production environment and work must be completed within set deadlines, to prepare students for the methods, environments, and conditions experienced in the production arena.

Model Design 1

MD 301 (3 Credits)

This course explores the beginning of the digital animation process by creating models from concept art to final computer-generated digital imagery. Students begin this course with preproduction of a model, developing concept art and model sheets. Students then explore a variety of topics including modeling basics, production modeling techniques. In this course, students will complete a 3D digital model appropriate for use in broadcast film or high-resolution game technology.

Model Rigging & Animation

MR 351 (3 Credits)

This course provides students with the knowledge and expertise to add skeletal structures to their models. Students learn the techniques involved with the creation of model setups, by developing rigs and skeletal structures used in an animation pipeline.

Model Shading and Lighting

MS 351 (3 Credits)

This course investigates the mood and lighting, look and feel, shadows and shading, reflections and atmospheres that bring scenes and models to life.

Model Texturing

MT 351 (3 Credits)

In this course students develop an eye for texturing and lighting modeled objects and scenes that parallel the real world. This course builds on the core 3D digital art concepts, including surface lighting and shadow observations and techniques. In this course students develop expertise in creating and applying surface texture to their digital environments and models.

Visual Effects

VE 401 (3 Credits)

In this course, students are provided with the skills required to create dynamic, effective, and believable digital animations, emphasizing the creation of photo-realistic content and animation for advertising, film and video games. Students in this course learn advanced techniques for the effective simulation of environmental forces, and to recreate natural phenomenon and other elements found in nature that when used effectively can bring added realism to a digitally animated scene.

Fine Art

Advanced Figure Drawing

VI 351 (3 Credits) • Prerequisite: Figure Drawing

Knowledge of anatomy is an essential component of accurate figure drawing, and has important applications to 3-dimensional computer animation programs. This course introduces students to human anatomy as it relates to figure drawing. Students will learn to identify and draw the bones, muscles and joints of the human body, and to apply this information to their artistic practice through drawing sessions with the model.

Advanced Painting Techniques

PT 301 (3 Credits) • Prerequisite: Painting Techniques

Students continue to explore the technical and expressive possibilities of painting media. The class will focus on the formal, conceptual, and technical problems in painting from observation. The purpose of the Advanced Painting Techniques course is to provide each student with a specific painting media experience, including an advanced technical approach to materials, to improve perceptual and rendering skills, and/ or to teach the student original and advanced problem-solving strategies and practices in terms of painting media. Original, mature idea development and good composition will be stressed.

Art & Ideas

IA 451 (3 Credits)

This class introduces students to contemporary ideas in art making through a combination of discussion, lecture, and independent projects. In this course, students explore practical, aesthetic, and social issues in art of the last 15 years including themes in art including Time, Place, Identity, the Body, Language, and Spirituality. Students will also discuss recent changes to the role of the contemporary artist and art making in society. Students will explore such questions as how can art serve as a catalyst for change: social, political, cultural, and personal? Students will research, discuss, and create visual art projects related to or influenced by current issues.

Art Studio

AR 401 (3 Credits)

This course focuses on furthering technical and conceptual skills in various media. Through discussion, critique, and hands on experience, students will push their existing knowledge of media to a higher level, in order to ready themselves to be working professionals in their field.

Ceramics & Sculpture

CS 401 (3 Credits)

In this studio class, students will feel their way through the elements of sculpture, including mass, form, placement, technique, and material. Lecture and reading assignments will be followed by discussion and projects intended to create an understanding of the spatial character and nature of three dimensional artwork.

Illustration 1

IL 351 (3 Credits) • Prerequisite: Figure Drawing

Through study of the history of illustration, current trends, and evaluation of examples of professional illustration work, students will render illustrations in a variety of media and for a variety of forms. Students will assemble one or two bodies of work for self-promotional samples.

Graphic Design

Advanced Design

AD 451 (3 Credits) • Prerequisite: Typography 1 & 2

Advanced Design requires the student to prepare highly conceptual, creatively conceived, and professionally presented design work. There is an emphasis on real life graphic design projects, as well as concentration on preparing portfolio works with high levels of content and craftsmanship.

Design Production

DP 401 (3 Credits) • Prerequisite: Imagery & Design: Digital Image Manipulation

The purpose of this course is to develop core competencies in digital prepress. It provides students with theoretical and practical information regarding the multiple required elements of digital pre press and production. Course content includes information and class discussions on paper and printing, industry standards, and contemporary digital file preparation and production practices. This class also presents a broad overview of color printing processes and digital practices, and gives students information and skills relevant to professional design production planning practices, and may more effectively supervise or estimate printing operations, and communicate effectively with creative service vendors or buyers.

Graphic Design 1

GD 301 (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: Imagery & Design: Digital Image Manipulation This class introduces exploration and application of the basic design methods of problem solving as used in graphic design. Emphasis is on innovative solutions and understanding design layout as related to corporate identity, brochures, posters, packaging, and a variety of client-related graphics.

Graphic Design 2

GD 401 (3 Credits) • Prerequisite: Graphic Design 1

This course emphasizes teamwork and group effort to create effective graphic design and print advertising. A strong focus is placed on preparing design students for professional practice, through experiencing the complex system of connections of ideas and research necessary to effectively communicate ideas and information to business and consumer audiences through graphic design. This course also explores the history and methods of graphic design and examines the processes involved in coordinating art and typography with verbal and visual content.

Students will be expected to expand their proficiency in all aspects of the design process, including creative brainstorming, conceptualizing, critical thinking, collaboration, technical proficiency, and presentation.

Typography 1

TP 351 (3 Credits) • Prerequisite: Graphic Design 1

This class covers the fundamentals of typography: theory, practice, and history. Students will explore type from introductory usage to the advance use of type. The course includes the study of letter forms, composition, layout and page systems, typographic expression and communication, type with image, proportion and grids, hierarchy, legibility, etc.

Typography 2

TP 401 (3 Credits) • Prerequisite: Typography 1

This course focuses on continuing the refinement of practical skill and aesthetic sensitivity in typographic principles introduced and developed in Typography 1. This course continues to explore issues of typographic design in context and to develop core competencies in digital typography. Advanced project work in this class addresses functional as well as expressive contemporary typographic design issues.

Web Design

IC 351 (3 Credits)

This is an introductory web site design and production course. It covers how to design and adapt content for the Internet and then produce fully functional web sites that incorporate both text and graphics. Basic html, xhtml, and css coding, plus site architecture and navigational methods will be covered. Cross platform and browser issues will also be addressed.

Interactive Design

Advanced Interactive Design

ID 451 (3 Credits)

This course is designed to facilitate student acquisition of knowledge and skill regarding interactive design for different applications such as mobile computing, embedded systems, and interactive media like interactive 3D and games. Students will practice advanced design methodologies to complete complex interactive design projects with limited supervision and must successfully participate in a team-based production environment to produce interactive media.

Information Design

ID 301 (3 Credits)

This course introduces and explores the areas of information and user interface design and their use in the field of interactive design. Students in this course develop a working knowledge of how to structure, visualize, and present information to the end users of screen-based media.

Interactive Programming

ID 401 (3 Credits)

This course introduces programming techniques using a scripting language to develop projects that include interactive Web sites, experimental interactive work and online games. The purpose of the course is to familiarize students with the fundamentals of programming, program design and problem solving and is oriented towards developing practical skills utilized in client-side programming for the web.

Interactive Web Design 1

IW 351 (3 Credits)

The course focuses on user interface (UI) design, creating prototypes, usability, interactivity, navigation, user experience, and graphics for interactive web sites. This course emphasizes the application of design methodologies, tools, and techniques utilized in contemporary web design and development, focusing on web standards compliant XHTML and CSS as well as accessibility issues and usability. Web delivery methods for sound, video, animation and interactive content will also be addressed, to facilitate and enhance the student’s ability to design practical, compelling user experiences and to build professional-level sites.

Interactive Web Design 2

IW 401 (3 Credits)

This course builds on skills developed in IW 351 and introduces the student to more advanced tools and techniques for designing web sites using current web design and development tools. Students continue to develop skill in the conceptualization, design, and production of effective interactive web sites through rigorous examination, analysis, and evaluation.

Introduction to Time-Based Media

IM 301 (3 Credits) • Prerequisite: Imagery & Design: Digital Image Manipulation

This course provides an introduction to the basic practices of time-based digital media, including animation and motion design, with emphasis on narrative, planning of action, and sequencing of images. Basic production techniques, project planning, linear and non-linear narrative, and the integration of various media to explore the possibilities of time-based experiences are fundamental components of this course.

Students will learn about basic production techniques, project planning, and concepts integral to digital animation and motion design. This course is for the student interested in beginning to use video and animation as an expressive and communicative art form in conjunction with other media. Aesthetic, technical, historical and conceptual issues will be addressed through lectures, demonstrations, exercises, projects, and readings.

Motion Design

Advanced Motion Design

AM 451 (3 Credits)

In this advanced course, students build upon their knowledge of motion design and the skills learned in Motion Design 1 and 2. Students use a variety of motion graphic design, digital video, and sound editing software to create advanced motion design projects. Students in this course are subject to contemporary industry production guides and guidelines in the development of their projects, emphasizing the incorporation of appropriate methodologies for effective project planning and efficient project workflow.

Introduction to Time-Based Media

IM 301 (3 Credits) • Prerequisite: Imagery & Design: Digital Image Manipulation

Motion Design 1

MD 351 (3 Credits)

In this course students learn motion design concept development and continue to explore the practice of the production of motion design for broadcast, film, and the web for specific audiences utilizing industry-standard compositing and animation tools.

Motion Design 2

MD 401 (3 Credits)

In this second motion design course concept, research, design and industry-standard pre- and post-production methodologies utilized for motion design continue to be addressed and explored. An emphasis is placed on design presentation and development, cinematography, graphic transitions and asset development.

Video 1: Intro to Digital Video

DV 301 (3 Credits • Prerequisite: Imagery & Design: Digital Image Manipulation

This course offers an introduction to the fundamentals of digital video and the creative exploration of the art of moving images. It is a hands-on introduction to the principles and techniques of digital media production: shooting digital video, developing a practical vocabulary of cinematic movement, understanding video lighting and exposure, composition, and the logic of editing.

Video 2: Video Production

DV 351 (3 Credits) • Prerequisite: Video 1: Intro to Digital Video

This second video course emphasizes independent video- making techniques, concepts, and production skills. Students explore traditional cinematic and video ideas through structured assignments that emphasize critical visual thinking, narrative development, and encourages the development of an intermediate level of understanding of film (video) structure and language.

Photography

Advanced Photography

PT 451 (3 Credits)

This course provides an opportunity for students to focus on particular issues in the field of photography or to study advanced techniques and processes. The emphasis in this course is Intensive photographic practice inspired by each student’s personal inspirations and individual goals for self-expression.

Digital Photography 1

PB 301 (3 Credits) • Prerequisite: Photography 2

The emphasis of this course is to develop a core understanding of color theory, perception, aesthetics and its application in digital photography. The course is designed to provide students with knowledge of both the technology and the aesthetic art of digital photographic media. Class lectures, demonstrations, readings, and group discussions will introduce various issues of design and many concerns in traditional and non-traditional digital photography and photography history.

Digital Photography 2

PB 351 (3 Credits)

• Prerequisite: Digital Photography 1

This course continues to explore the use of color as an aesthetic tool in the hands of the creative commercial or expressive photographer. Continuing attention is paid to developing an advanced understanding and skill in the practical application of color theory, perception, aesthetics and the use of alternative color processes in digital photography. This course is designed to allow students to further pursue and resolve ideas and techniques introduced in Digital Photography 1. Although emphasis is placed on advanced color printing techniques and aesthetics, students are encouraged to pursue their own personal directions using appropriate tools and techniques.

Studio Photography

PL 401 (3 Credits)

This course explores the use of natural and artificial lighting to create photographs in a controlled environment. Emphasis is placed on the technical mastery of complex equipment, coupled with an aesthetic understanding of the physical principles of light. It covers the concepts and techniques in use in the field of professional photography and is designed to build upon the student’s ability to employ advanced photographic techniques learned in previous courses.