Visual Arts
College of Fine Arts
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Foundation Sculpture
CFA AR 121
In this course, the students explore extensively the fundamentals of 3D design and construction while cultivating the capacity for visual and critical thinking. The students investigate the structural, compositional and conceptual roles of basic materials. A variety of techniques are used to articulate projects in three dimensions and to address fundamental ideas and issues that define the role of art and design in the community and the society we inhabit. Effective Summer 2024, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Aesthetic Exploration, The Individual in Community, Creativity/Innovation. 4 cr. Tuition: $3260
Summer 1 (May 20-June 27)
A1 (IND) Tues./Wed./Thurs. 9:30 am-12:30 pm Add & Drop DatesLocation: CFA 556 ... Open SeatsJeffrey Nowlin -
DRAWING 1
CFA AR 131
A four-credit studio course that (in combination with CFA AR 132) is designed to equip students with the formal elements of the language of drawing and the ability to make independent critical decisions about their creative work and the works of others. Students work observationally from still-lifes, the landscape, and the figure using line, shape, and tone as a way to study perception, composition, light, and space. Effective Spring 2021, this course fulfills a single unit in the following BU Hub area: Creativity/Innovation. 4 cr. Tuition: $3260
Summer 1 (May 20-June 27)
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Drawing and the Figure
CFA AR 136
An introduction to the practice of representational and non-representational drawing with the human figure. Focuses on establishing basic formal skills concerning rendering the human form onto the two-dimensional page, and conceptually contextualizing figuration in the history of art. Through working from life and from art historical transcription, students investigate composition, gesture, form, and mark-making in wet, dry and mixed media. Students study work including, but not limited to, the Renaissance masters, the French Academy, Modernist masters, and practitioners of Contemporary figuration. Students employ traditional silver tip drawing techniques, ink, graphite and collage. This course is appropriate for both beginners and more advanced students. 4 cr. Tuition: $3260
Summer 2 (June 30-August 8)
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Foundation Painting
CFA AR 141
A studio course that emphasizes two-dimensional composition and direct painting in oil. Exercises in representing still life, interior, and portrait introduce basic principles of drawing, composition, and color interaction. Exercises in color mixing, preparing supports, and caring for tools and equipment introduce technical and craft considerations. Individual and group critiques, presentations, and occasional assigned readings complement regular studio class meetings. 4 cr. Tuition: $3260
Summer 2 (June 30-August 8)
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Introduction to Painting
CFA AR 143
For students with little or no experience in painting. Work in oil technique to study problems of design, form in space, and color. 2 cr. Tuition: $1630
Summer 1 (May 20-June 27)
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PHOTOGRAPHY 1
CFA AR 243
Students learn to properly expose, develop, and print black and white 35mm film. Lectures introduce historical and contemporary photographic practices. Students have weekly assignments and should be prepared to develop their own ideas. The integration of historical, conceptual, and technical skills broadens experience with the medium and allows students to gain an appreciation for photography as a fine art. In this course, students gain skills and experience not only in making photographs, but also in the analysis and critique of photographic imagery. No previous experience is required, but access to a 35mm camera with manual exposure capability is necessary. Some material costs are expected. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Aesthetic Exploration, Oral and/or Signed Communication, Creativity/Innovation. 4 cr. Tuition: $3260
Summer 1 (May 20-June 27)
A1 (IND) Tues./Wed./Thurs. 9:30 am-12:30 pm Add & Drop DatesLocation: FLR 532 ... Open SeatsCourtney EngstromSummer 2 (June 30-August 8)
B1 (IND) Mon./Tues./Wed. 9:30 am-12:30 pm Add & Drop DatesLocation: FLR 532 ... Open SeatsGreer Muldowney -
Introduction to Printmaking
CFA AR 251
Introduces students to the principles and technical applications of relief printmaking with an emphasis on woodcut and monotype. Emphasizes project-based assignments that stress technical and formal concerns, such as image development, color layering, and mark-making. Students explore personal thematic and conceptual concerns as they work independently to develop a unique creative practice and a final portfolio of prints. 2 cr. Tuition: $1630
Summer 1 (May 20-June 27)
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Graphic Design Elective
CFA AR 389
Graphic design elective focuses on learning the basic principles of design, composition and form making. We will investigate each of these topics holistically, beginning with their historical origination, contemporary application and finally in the context of your own visual arts practice. Projects and class meetings will be structured to help you develop a design process and critique skills. The goal of this course is to provide a rigorous understanding of these foundational principles and skills which will then serve as a strong base for future visual arts course work. Additionally, we will spend a significant amount of time outside the studio—all experiences are designed to connect and expose you to Boston’s design scene as well as generate excitement towards lifelong learning. 4 cr. Tuition: $3260
Summer 1 (May 20-June 27)
A1 (IND) Tues./Wed./Thurs. 9:30 am-12:30 pm Add & Drop DatesLocation: FLR 409 ... Open SeatsNicholas Rock -
Ceramics 1
CFA AR 470
Introduction to methods and strategies for using ceramics as a sculptural medium. The course initiates the students to the process, vocabulary, and techniques involved in all the steps of hand-building, glazing, and firing. Students explore traditional and experimental techniques: coiling, slabbing, imprints, molds, extruding, altered throwing, glazing, and staining. The class includes experimentation with surface treatments and initiation to glaze chemistry. Lectures, museum visits, and research on historical and contemporary ceramics sustain the studio work and provide context. Effective Fall 2019, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Aesthetic Exploration, Oral and/or Signed Communication, Creativity/Innovation. 4 cr. Tuition: $3260
Summer 1 (May 20-June 27)
Summer 2 (June 30-August 8)
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Digital Photography
CFA AR 515
Provides a basic technical and conceptual understanding of the medium of photography. Students 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 also introduce historical and contemporary photographic practices. Students have weekly photographing and printing assignments, and should be prepared to develop their own ideas. Access to a digital SLR camera is necessary. Some material costs are expected. Effective Fall 2022, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Digital/Multimedia Expression, Creativity/Innovation, Critical Thinking. 4 cr. Tuition: $3260
Summer 2 (June 30-August 8)
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History of Graphic Design
CFA AR 580
Undergraduate Prerequisites: First-Year Writing Course (CAS WR 120 or equivalent) - Prereq: First-Year Writing Seminar (CAS WR 120) or equivalent. A chronological survey of theory and practice of graphic design from the Industrial Revolution to the present. Through slide lecture, reading assignments, discussion and a studio project, students actively investigate how graphic design responded to and influenced the social, political, and technological context. Emphasis is on European and American design histories, in addition to major movements in Russia and the East. Comparative and symbiotic relationships between graphic design and other visual arts and design disciplines such as architecture and industrial design are analyzed. Effective Fall 2021, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Historical Consciousness, Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy, Writing-Intensive Course. 4 cr. Tuition: $3260
Summer 1 (May 20-June 27)