Visual Arts
View courses in
-
CFA AR 471: Ceramics 1
Introduction to methods and strategies for using ceramics as a sculptural material. The course initiates students to the process, vocabulary and techniques involved in all the steps of hand-building, glazing and firing. (2 cr) -
CFA AR 483: Senior Graphic Design Fall: Collaboration
Group collaboration and design as an agent for social change are areas that will challenge students to develop their own content, point of view and to learn their audience. Students will work in teams representing a professional studio environment. Students will manage multiple work streams through lead and supportive roles. Thesis research will complement group activities throughout the fall. Research will begin in fall semester and serve as a launching point for self-directed study during the final semester. -
CFA AR 484: Senior Graphic Design Spring: Senior Thesis
In this culminating semester students will independently develop systems and methodologies for solving real world, pragmatic design problems. Students start by identifying an area of research and discussing its relationship to graphic design. The idea of 'designer as author' will be emphasized through a self-motivated design project that will strengthen individual processes and problem solving capabilities. Upon graduation students are expected to have developed a refined, intelligent, professional-grade body of work. -
CFA AR 487: Junior Type Fall: Denotation, Connotation
Junior level typography is an advanced examination into the theory and practice of denotative and connotative typography. Students will learn how to design a complex typographic system over a sequence of pages; and how to control complex hierarchal systems as a means of conveying visual language and verbal meaning. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the function of design principles in creating typographic contrast, hierarchy, meaning and expression. Students will address how variables such as rate, pace and sound impact typographic narrative in a time-based context. -
CFA AR 497: Junior Type: Motion + Interactivity
CFA AR497 is the only typography course that solely addresses dynamic typography. Students will learn how to translate traditional typographic variable like form, weight, scale and space into dynamic environments, type-based narrative sequences, and type in an interactive format. Students will learn how pacing, rhythm, sequencing and interactivity impact hierarchy and communication. Focus on refinement, craft, typographic complexity, denotative and connotative typography is emphasized. Creative concepting, visual storytelling and hierarchy will be emphasized. Tutorials in After Effects and Flash are included. Open to undergraduate junior graphic design students. This is a required course for graphic design majors. 2 credits. Spring semester. -
CFA AR 500: Independent Study: Drawing Elective
Discussion of a broad range of drawing issues, including drawing from memory, and from secondary sources. Introduction of subjects explored in non-representational drawing traditions. Regular critiques. -
CFA AR 501: Drw Ven
Students learn how to translate the experience of living in Venice into a drawing language, go beyond the stereotyped images of Venice, what elements of the past and present of the city can enrich their personal drawing style. Students will expand their technical skills by both drawing in class and on- site, through targeted exercises and creative and innovative projects. On-site practice, discussions and critiques allow students to make experience and instinctively reinterpret Venice in a set time, immersed in historical places, museums and art galleries, artist studios and artisan workshops. Effective Fall 2020, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy, Aesthetic Exploration, Creativity/Innovation. -
CFA AR 502: Branding
Brand identity is a unique and sustainable symbol that synthesizes big ideas. It works across all media to build awareness and loyalty. This course will deal with the real world issues and problem-solving for brand identities. Students will develop logos as a point of entry to a brand for a series of assigned hypothetical companies. A creative marketing oriented brief will precede each assignment. Each project will include: applications for stationery; web-site home page look-and-feel; product nomenclature or packaging; and signage (where applicable). Logos include symbols, wordmarks, single letters such as H for Herman Miller, pictorial marks like the Michelin Man and abstract symbols like Chase Manhattan. The creative brief will contain information about the target audience for each assignment. Students must have a good practical knowledge of typography, as it is the key ingredient for this course. "A good logo should suggest, not explain." Paul Rand -
CFA AR 508: The Experimental Photograph
This course brings together the STEM disciplines with the art of photography through hands on experiments and explorations of neuroscience, engineering, and new media. From pinhole photography to 3D printing, students will gain skills in historical processes within the medium of photography as well as current technologies. Readings from both the natural sciences and critical theory will also be required. The interdisciplinary approach to the course aims to broaden students' understanding of the medium of photography and to appreciate an expanded view of the arts and sciences. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Philosophical Inquiry and Life's Meanings, Digital/Multimedia Expression, Teamwork/Collaboration. -
CFA AR 512: Architect Draw
-
CFA AR 515: Digital Photo
Throughout this course you will gain a basic technical and conceptual understanding of the medium of photography. Students will learn the basics of RAW image capture using a 35mm DSLR camera, non-destructive image file management, input and output resolution management, establishment of a digital workflow, adjustment and editing in Adobe Photoshop and high-end archival inkjet printing. Lectures will also introduce historical and contemporary photographic practices. Students will have weekly photographing and printing assignments, and you should be prepared to develop your own ideas. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Aesthetic Exploration, Digital/Multimedia Expression, Critical Thinking. -
CFA AR 517: Digital Printmaking: Ink & Pixel 4 credits Spring term
Digital media as a communicative tool in printmaking - digital imaging, mixed media processes, multimedia documentation, transformations with traditional print media. Course explores digital design/color, conceptual/technical skills, critique, and process-oriented project development through demonstrations, studio assignments, presentations, and critiques. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Digital/Multimedia Expression. -
CFA AR 518: Silkscreen Print 4 Credits
This course focuses on contemporary fine art silkscreen prints, the incorporation of fluid, solid and digital stenciling methods of silkscreen printing and the use of multiple approaches to the print. Drawing will be emphasized, and studio work will focus on formal visual issues and resolving visual ideas with an originality of approach. Through a coordinated sequence of projects, students will synthesize their conceptual and technical skills with this medium and study the application of hand printmaking. -
CFA AR 521: Site Specific Art
This elective will be interdisciplinary and open to students in all majors, both in the Visual Arts program and all other schools in the university. The course aims to instruct students in the professional practice of making site-specific art commissions for public and private clients. The students will gain professional skills in the development of a site-specific work of art that will require the utilization of a variety of media, an interdisciplinary approach and team work. Students will also learn how to work and negotiate with prospective clients who wish to contract site-specific art for particular settings and architectural environments. 4.0 credits. -
CFA AR 527: Drawing into Animation
This course provides a convergence of contemporary performance, dance music, new media and visual arts projects that draw artists from across many traditional disciplines. The course will equip students with an understanding of how time based thinking can provide a natural extended practice, translating ideas through story boarding and scripting. Drawing concepts will range from informal sketches to full narrative graphic novels. Stop motion will be taught for sculptural ideas and time-lapse photography for painting and mix media production. Extensive use of Wacom tablets, mobile app based cameras, and the Adobe Suite will be utilized. This course is meant to bring digital technologies and 4D projects into the traditional studio practice. 4 credits. -
CFA AR 547: Principles of Painting Techniques
Lectures, studio demonstrations, and workshops concerning materials and techniques for oil painting: selection of tools and studio equipment; preparation of traditional and modern supports and grounds; principles of oil and alkyd painting; properties and interactions of pigments, binding mediums, solvents, and protective coatings; paint-making and tubing procedures, toxicity of materials, safety issues and precautions; introduction to a variety of direct and indirect techniques; presentation of completed artwork, including photographing, varnishing, and framing completed artwork. Open to undergraduates who have completed Painting II, CFA graduate students, and art history students. 2.0 credits -
CFA AR 548: Principles of Painting Techniques
Lectures, studio demonstrations, and workshops concerning materials and techniques for non-oil painting: selection of tools and studio equipment; preparation of supports and grounds; principles of egg tempera, distemper, encaustic, watercolor, casein, gouache, buon fresco, acrylic polymer, PVA, and vinyl painting; properties and interactions of pigments, binders, solvents, and protective coatings; paint-making procedures; toxicity of materials, safety issues and precautions; introduction to a variety of direct and indirect painting techniques; introduction to oil and water gilding; presentation of completed artwork, including matting, photographing, and framing. Open to undergraduates who have completed Painting II, CFA graduate students, and art history students. 2.0 credits -
CFA AR 559: Contemporary Issues in Art Education (2 credits; fall semester)
This course prepares reflective and informed future educators who can create rich, thoughtful, effective, and relevant lessons that resonate with diverse learners and reflect their lives while preparing them to interact in a diverse world. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy. -
CFA AR 563: Practicum Seminar Pre-K-8
This course is taken in conjunction with CFA AR 365 or CFA AR 765. It is a seminar related to the implementation of educational philosophy, goals, and strategies in the elementary level studio classroom. Practical solutions related to student teaching experiences are discussed and recorded in a sketchbook/journal. -
CFA AR 564: Practicum Seminar 5-12
This course is taken in conjunction with CFA AR 366 or CFA AR 766. It is a seminar related to the implementation of educational philosophy, goals, and strategies in the secondary level studio classroom. Practical solutions related to student teaching experiences are discussed and recorded in a sketchbook/journal.