38 courses with the subject ART, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
ART 1100Introduction to Digital Media Arts4
Goals: To outfit students with a conceptual and technical foundation for making digital media art. Content: This course positions digital media arts at the multidisciplinary intersection of art and media. Combining hands-on projects with readings and discussions, students will consider key concepts of new media and question the impact of these media on contemporary culture through creative production. Students will spend the semester studying and developing art projects in a range of digital forms: web pages, raster images, motion graphics, 3d images and prints, and interactive games. Taught: Fall and spring
Goals: To enable students to apply basic formal principles of visual design in the creation and analysis of simple 2d digital media projects. Enable students to apply design thinking strategies to develop an effective work process in design. Content: This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of visual design: picture plane, figure/ground relationships, scale and proportions, pattern, composition, value, color, methods for conveying time and spatial illusion. In addition to introducing formal design strategies, the course introduces methods of idea generation, digital image generation, and critique / peer review, and examines issues of content and the historical/cultural context in which works of art are produced. Taught: Fall and spring
Goals: To gain an understanding of the basic elements and principles of drawing. To foster an awareness of the cultural and aesthetic significance of the basic concepts that form the foundation of the visual arts. Content: Drawing is a foundational studio course that presents traditional drawing techniques, processes and concepts in a contemporary context. Drawing is an active, studio-intensive course that requires in-class participation with additional work time outside of the structured class hours. Drawing students will present their work in critiques and engage in online reading assignments related to their in-class studio assignments.
Goals: To learn and apply the basic elements and principles of drawing to drawing the human figure and elements from life. Content: Study of line, contour, shape, value, foreshortening, composition, design, and principles of light and shade while drawing from the live model and elements from life.
Goals: To learn and apply the basic elements and principles of 2D and 3D design. Content: Study of form, line, balance, color, and composition through analog making in two and three dimensions with paper and found objects. Taught: Annually in fall and spring
Goals: To develop a basic ability to build dynamic, interactive, expressive applications using the Processing computer language. To develop an understanding of the unique artistic opportunities that computer programming enables. To develop basic proficiency in computational thinking skills - breaking down complex problems into smaller pieces, building and testing algorithms, abstracting specific solutions into more general ones, using data to represent real world phenomena. Content: Creative Coding is a beginning level programming class for artists and makers. Students learn to make dynamic, interactive, expressive applications using Processing, a programming language designed for artists. The course is designed for complete beginners, no previous programming experience is required. Students develop skills through a sequence of creative assignments; coursework culminates in a major final project and exhibition. The course will also highlight groundbreaking work of artists using these kinds of programming tools and examine how the computer enables new forms of expression.
This course will introduce foundational approaches and strategies for organizing visual information. Students will build introductory technical skills in specialized design software, which they can then apply in other curricular areas such as research poster design, presentation design, and promotional documents/graphics. This course will help students build skills in computer operation and file management, and develop an introductory understanding of Adobe Illustrator, one of the industry-standard software applications of professional graphic design practice. Using this software, students will explore the basics of document layout, organization of information, strategies for integration of text and image, and elementary manipulation of typography. This course is offered for students not pursuing a major or minor in Digital + Studio Arts, and does not count toward D+SA major/minor requirements or prerequisites. Taught: Alternate years
Goals: To develop fundamental abilities in photography including mastering technical vocabulary, understanding of the photographic process, managing digital files, basic photo editing and adjustment, printing techniques. Content: Technical vocabulary and required skills, parts of the camera, understanding camera controls and options, framing a shot, shooting successfully in different conditions. Participants will also gain knowledge of the history of the development of photography and practice in analyzing and critiquing photographic images. Taught: Annually, fall and spring
Goals: To enable students to develop an informed and personal approach to making digital video art. To master contemporary production techniques. To develop and refine perceptive, expressive and critical skills. Content: This course is a hands-on workshop in the fundamentals of using digital video as an expressive time-based medium. By solving a series of creative challenges students will learn the basic properties of video form and master rudimentary technical skills required to shoot, edit, and finish HD video. Taught: Annually
This course will engage students in emerging technologies at the intersection of art and design. Students will build technical skills in specialized software, platforms, and/or tools, which they will then apply in the production of creative projects. This course welcomes D+SA majors as well as interested students from other disciplines. While the specific topic varies from semester to semester, course content aims to bridge cutting-edge innovation, traditional fine arts/design, and digital fabrication to build engaging and immersive interdisciplinary projects. Topics may include immersive & interactive media, virtual reality / augmented reality, A.I./machine learning, 3D rendering, CNC machining and digital prototyping, motion graphics / projection mapping, artistic computation/programming, and other emerging forms of new media and creative production.
Goals: To develop basic skill sets and fundamental conceptual frameworks for both creating and analyzing graphic communications across a variety of communication uses. Content: The course covers the process of research, ideation, digital concept development and final execution to deliver design solutions that blend professional graphic design practices with methods of self-expression. Students will study how a composition is “read” by a viewer, theories of design and typography, ethical considerations in design practice, and historical and contemporary trends in visual communication. Taught: Annually
Goals: To develop basic technical skills and conceptual framework for creating engaging web sites using HTML and CSS. Content: Web Design is a project-based course covering an overview of internet operations, hand-coding pages with HTML5/CSS3, utilizing an editor, optimizing media for web use, managing site materials, applying visual design principles to web products, analyzing interactive design and usability. Students spend the semester building a website with industry standard tools. Taught: Annually
Goals: To develop basic skills in the creation of animated characters and environments sufficient to sustain a short narrative. To develop the critical and technical skills necessary to form and evaluate animated work for its abilities to sustain a narrative and/or critically communicate to an intended audience. Content: An overview of the development of digital animation as an artist’s tool, work flow processes in animation design and realization, software options and uses for digital animation, storyboard creation and constructing an animation sequence. Students will be working on a number of animation projects during the semester. Taught: Annually, spring
Goals: To develop basic skills in the creation and critical analysis of digital audio production and playback. Content: The course provides basic skills in both field and studio audio recording techniques. Technical content includes operation of sound boards, microphone selection and placement, working with both spoken word and musical performances in live settings, and editing techniques and practices. The course also includes units on critical analysis of sound production, copyright issues, and the development of audio recording. Taught: Annually
This course builds the foundation for emerging artists and makers to effectively and meaningfully apply digital fabrication tools and workflows to their creative practice. The course aims to demystify the technology and empower students to make things with a strong do-it-yourself mindset that incorporates research, prototyping, problem solving, feedback, and iteration. Students employ a range established and emerging tools to engage with 3D and 4D art forms, such as kinetics, interactivity, and audio-visual media to create tools, devices, and multimedia artworks. Students will gain introductory level experience with 2D/3D design, CAD and CAM software, single board computers, 3D printers, CNC machines, and other digital fabrication tools. Students will learn basic electronics, programming, and design skills through rapid prototyping, soldering electronic circuits, interfacing sensors and actuators with microcontrollers, building multimedia software applications, and using digital fabrication techniques to manufacture art objects and human interface devices. Students will learn the fundamental terms, technologies, workflows, and research practices necessary for developing novel and compelling multimedia artworks. Students will undergo a regular process of peer feedback and group critique to develop and improve their artwork. Students may also work collaboratively with other art classes, like sculpture, to produce multimedia installations and metal cast objects. Taught: Annually
Goals: To learn the fundamental techniques and processes of intaglio and relief printmaking. Content: Demonstration of use of engraving and carving tools, etching techniques, introduction to various inks, papers, printing methods. Beginning Printmaking introduces time-honored techniques of intaglio and relief. Students will engage in a collaborative environment, participating in group critiques and discussions. Assignments will be given to direct learning of printmaking processes in a creative manner.
Casting, Carving, Construction, and Steel Fabrication. This course introduces students to the fundamentals of sculpture, concept development, and safe, productive working habits. Students will learn basic mold making and metal casting techniques, fundamental wood construction, carving, and essential steel fabrication. As a class, we will work together to promote concept development in conjunction with voracious production of work. Students will start to develop their own visual language and explore their conceptual interests moving towards a larger, nuanced body of work. Goals: To learn technical sculptural skills that allow you to confidently execute. To thoroughly develop the basic stages of creating: ideate → sketch → test → construct → reflect. To synthesize craft and concept. To advance individual visual vernacular using sculptural methods and technique. Content: The fundamental elements of sculpture, concepts of form and space, aesthetic theory, mold-making and casting, development of the individual aesthetic. Emphasis on skill building.
Goals: To learn how to manipulate and control the aesthetic elements of line, color, texture, shape, tension, etc. on a two-dimensional surface. To understand that painting is a process and discipline linked to art historical discourse. Content: Painting I is a foundational studio course that presents traditional painting techniques, processes and concepts in a contemporary context with acrylic-based media. Painting is an active, studio-intensive course that requires in-class participation with additional work time outside of the structured class hours. Painting I students will present their work in critiques and engage in online reading assignments related to the in-class studio assignments.
Goals: To build on the skills developed in ART 1410 through more advanced camera operations, enhanced editing work (including Photoshop), understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of different file formats, advance printing and image manipulation work. Content: Camera control in manual operations under different conditions, managing technically complex shots, effectively using lenses and filters. Image adjustment in Photoshop. History of recent developments in digital photography. Tutorials in analyzing and critiquing photographic work. Taught: Alternate years
Building on the fundamental concepts and skills learned in Digital Video I, the primary objective of this course is to strengthen expressive abilities and technical skills in video through the application of film production techniques. A secondary goal is to foster collaborative skills required for effective filmmaking practice. Students further develop artistry and production skills by producing their own short films. Class topics cover all stages of production from concept to final mix including: idea generation, scriptwriting, pre-production planning, lighting, shooting, editing, sound mixing, output compression and distribution. In addition, students study short film form by watching, analyzing, and discussing a wide variety of short films. Film production is a collaborative endeavor and students will develop collaborative skills by working in small teams to realize film projects. The class will consist of detailed demonstrations, hands-on practice, projects, readings, lectures, screenings, and critiques. Taught: Alternate years
This course will engage students in emerging technologies at the intersection of art and design. Students will build technical skills in specialized software, platforms, and/or tools, which they will then apply in the production of creative projects. This course welcomes D+SA majors as well as interested students from other disciplines. While the specific topic varies from semester to semester, course content aims to bridge cutting-edge innovation, traditional fine arts/design, and digital fabrication to build engaging and immersive interdisciplinary projects. Topics may include immersive & interactive media, virtual reality / augmented reality, A.I./machine learning, 3D rendering, CNC machining and digital prototyping, motion graphics / projection mapping, artistic computation/programming, and other emerging forms of new media and creative production.
Goals: To build project development skills: idea generation, sketching, refinement, project planning and timely completion of projects. To refine graphic design software skills, develop the ability to evaluate design using advanced principles and proper industry vocabulary. To extend knowledge of the historical influence on design. Content: This is a studio-based project course in which students apply and expand their knowledge of design, typography, and production techniques to produce a portfolio of designed artifacts. The course combines seminar, critiques and lab production. It includes extensive development of design skills through critiques, practice articulating design concepts through peer evaluation, the application of effective design strategies and the study and discussion of design history. Taught: Annually
In this class, students will study the fundamental principles of data visualization; learn multiple techniques for creating visualizations; and explore the ethical considerations behind this practice, where visual choices can strongly influence a viewer’s understanding and interpretation of the underlying data and its significance. This course will prepare students to think critically and holistically when interpreting data and presenting such interpretations visually. Students will gain familiarity with various types and methods of visualization (e.g. charts, graphs, tables, diagrams, mapping, symbolic representations), studied in their historical contexts as well as in contemporary use. Using open source data sets as well as personal and observational data, students will then explore multiple techniques for creating their own data visualizations using various software platforms. Students will analyze skewed examples to understand this field’s potential for manipulation and how to identify implicit and explicit biases in data visualizations. Taught: Alternate years
ART 1350 or ART 1450, grade of C- or higher Credits: 2
ART 3460Web Design II4
Goals: To expand on technical skills and conceptual frameworks for creating engaging web sites using HTML and CSS, building on skills introduced in Web Design I. Content: Web Design II is a project-based course reinforcing HTML5/CSS3 coding languages, and other tools and skills for website development. Taught: Alternate Years
This course will provide students the fundamental skills necessary to engineer and produce all aspects of the motion picture soundtrack. Students will produce a series of audio post-production projects, culminating in a final project in which a complete, professional sound track is designed from the ground up. Topics include production (location) sound, Foley recording and editing, dialog recording and editing, sound effects (SFX) design, sound design, automated dialog replacement (ADR), music editing, microphone and recording techniques, synchronization, working with clients, and production workflow. Special emphasis will be placed on sound design tools and techniques, including MIDI, synthesis, and sampling. Taught: Alternate years
This course builds upon the foundational skills learned in ART 1490. Students will develop intermediate level creative projects through an iterative process of research, prototyping, feedback, and problem solving to gain greater depth of experience with digital fabrication equipment, CAD and CAM software, digital and analog electronics, microcontroller programming, and emerging tools. These tools and techniques are used to create 3D and 4D multimedia artworks, such as kinetic sculpture and interactive installations. Students are encouraged to apply their experience with other art forms or disciplines to their creative projects. Students will gain intermediate level electronics, programming, and design skills through rapid prototyping, soldering electronic circuits, interfacing sensors and actuators with microcontrollers, building multimedia software applications, and using digital fabrication tools to manufacture art objects and human interface devices. Students will learn intermediate level production and research methods necessary for developing novel and compelling new media artworks. Students will undergo a regular process of peer feedback and critique to develop and improve their artwork. Students will also provide feedback, help, and mentorship to ART 1490 students. Students may also work collaboratively with other art classes, like sculpture, to produce intermediate level multimedia installations and metal cast objects.
Goals: Further develop skills and formation of concepts. Gain confidence in independent projects beyond beginning level. Content: Demonstration of use of engraving and carving tools, etching techniques, introduction to various inks, papers, printing methods. Intermediate Printmaking advances students into self-directed assignments and encourages students to implement intaglio and relief printmaking skills already achieved at the beginning level while adding new techniques such as mezzotint, engraving and multiple-plate or block color printing. Students will also be encouraged to develop concepts and discuss in class critiques.
Casting, Carving, Construction, and Steel Fabrication. This course introduces students to the fundamentals of sculpture, concept development, and safe, productive working habits. Students will learn advanced mold making and metal casting techniques, fundamental wood construction, carving, and essential steel fabrication. As a class, we will work together to promote concept development in conjunction with voracious production of work. Students will start to develop their own visual language and explore their conceptual interests moving towards a larger, nuanced body of work. Goals: To learn technical sculptural skills that allow you to confidently execute. To thoroughly develop the basic stages of creating: ideate → sketch → test → construct → reflect To synthesize craft and concept. To advance individual visual vernacular using sculptural methods and technique. Content: The elements of sculpture and technical processes as required by individual projects. Taught: Annually
Goals: To build upon knowledge and experience gained in ART 1540 Beginning Painting. The aesthetic elements of line, color, texture, shape, tension, etc. on a two-dimensional surface are developed. To continue to understand that painting is a process and discipline linked to art historical discourse. Content: Painting II is an intermediate-level studio course that aims to facilitate the advancement of students’ knowledge, processes and conceptual development in painting. Painting II is an active, studio-intensive course that requires in-class participation with additional work time outside of the structured class hours. Painting II provides students the opportunity to discuss and present their assigned work in critiques as well as enhance their knowledge and project development through self-reflective writing assignments, readings, online resources and professional development practices.
ART 3950The Artist as Citizen, The Citizen as Artist4
Crosslisted: Also listed as PPC 5910 A seminar course crafted to support students in the arts (broadly) in professional development, career preparation, and most importantly in articulating the strengths gleaned from focused study in the arts. Through readings in theory and praxis we explore how we carry the arts, in practice and epistemology, into a variety of career paths. Readings, portfolio review, attending performances and gallery shows throughout the local arts scene in the Twin Cities all contribute to charting how we understand our thinking, our education, our experience in the construction of self as an artist in our contemporary landscape. Intended for juniors and seniors in Digital + Studio Arts, and Performance, Practice, & Community.
Junior or senior standing and major in Performance, Production, and Community, or major/minor in Digital + Studio Arts. Credits: 4
ART 5420Digital Video III4
Building on the fundamental concepts and skills learned in Digital Video II, the primary objective of this course is to strengthen expressive abilities and technical skills through additional film production projects. A secondary goal is to foster collaborative skills required for effective filmmaking practice. Students further develop artistry and production skills by producing their own short films. Class topics cover all stages of production from concept to final mix including: idea generation, scriptwriting, pre-production planning, lighting, shooting, editing, sound mixing, output compression and distribution. In addition, students study short film form by watching, analyzing, and discussing a wide variety of short films. Film production is a collaborative endeavor and students will develop collaborative skills by working in small teams to realize film projects. The class will consist of detailed demonstrations, hands-on practice, projects, readings, lectures, screenings, and critiques. Taught: Alternate years
This course will engage students in emerging technologies at the intersection of art and design. Students will build technical skills in specialized software, platforms, and/or tools, which they will then apply in the production of creative projects. This course welcomes D+SA majors as well as interested students from other disciplines. While the specific topic varies from semester to semester, course content aims to bridge cutting-edge innovation, traditional fine arts/design, and digital fabrication to build engaging and immersive interdisciplinary projects. Topics may include immersive & interactive media, virtual reality / augmented reality, A.I./machine learning, 3D rendering, CNC machining and digital prototyping, motion graphics / projection mapping, artistic computation/programming, and other emerging forms of new media and creative production.
Goals: To demonstrate and apply a professional understanding of formal principles, software skills, and project development skills: idea generation, sketching, refinement, project planning, and timely completion of projects. To build advanced projects in an environment of peer review and critique. Content: This is a studio-based project course in which students apply and expand their knowledge of design, typography, and production techniques to produce a portfolio of designed artifacts. The course combines seminar, critiques and lab production. It includes extensive development of design skills through critiques, practice articulating design concepts through peer evaluation, and the application of effective design strategies. Taught: Annually
Students will build upon knowledge gained in Digital Audio II to advance audio post-production experience, proficiency, and practice. This course will provide students the advanced skills necessary to engineer and produce all aspects of the motion picture soundtrack. Students will produce a series of audio post-production projects, culminating in a final project in which a complete, professional sound track is designed from the ground up. Students will work with the instructor to conceptualize and produce collaborative and independent audio projects. Topics include production (location) sound, Foley recording and editing, dialog recording and editing, sound effects (SFX) design, sound design, automated dialog replacement (ADR), music editing, microphone and recording techniques, mixing, and production workflow. Special emphasis will be placed on sound design tools and techniques, including MIDI, synthesis, and sampling. Taught: Alternate years
Goals: To achieve a greater mastery of printmaking and develop an independent body of work. Content: Further exploration of printmaking techniques and processes. Advanced Printmaking emphasizes a mastery of printmaking techniques which may include intaglio and/or relief (woodcut). Students are encouraged to incorporate cross-curricular interests in their studio class practice, such as other art-related media or disciplinary studies. Students must create a cohesive body of prints that demonstrate a high level of technical skill, conceptual complexity and creative thought. Students are expected to exhibit a professional, mature attitude, are able to commit time to work during and outside of class and have empathy toward fellow students.
Casting, Carving, Construction, and Steel Fabrication. This course introduces students to the fundamentals of sculpture, concept development, and safe, productive working habits. Students will learn basic mold making and metal casting techniques, fundamental wood construction, carving, and essential steel fabrication. As a class, we will work together to promote concept development in conjunction with voracious production of work. Students will start to develop their own visual language and explore their conceptual interests moving towards a larger, nuanced body of work. Goals: To advance individual visual vernacular using sculptural methods and technique. Content: Advanced conceptual production and independent projects. Taught: Annually
Goals: To build upon knowledge and experience gained in ART 3540 Intermediate Painting. To develop the aesthetic elements of line, color, texture, shape, tension, etc. on a two-dimensional surface. To continue to understand that painting is a process and discipline linked to art historical discourse. Content: Painting III is an advanced-level studio course that aims to facilitate the advancement of students’ knowledge, processes and conceptual development in painting. Painting III is an active, studio-intensive course that requires in-class participation with additional work time outside of the structured class hours. Painting III provides students the opportunity to discuss and present their assigned work in critiques as well as enhance their knowledge and project development through self-reflective writing assignments, readings, online resources and professional development practices.
Goals: To explore contemporary issues in art, with special focus on art theory and the professional presentation of images. To address archival preservation, exhibition installation, and health and safety issues related to the use of materials in the visual arts. To provide studio seniors with a capstone experience, which would combine art theory and exhibition practicum. The instructor will be the advisor for their senior exhibition. Content: Readings in theory and criticism, exhibitions in local museums and galleries, and lectures by visiting scholars and artists. Taught: Annually
