50 courses with the subject FA, 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.
FA 102Studio Art Foundations I3
This course consists of a series of intensive thematic workshops in which all sections of the class will be exploring topics through a variety of two-dimensional and three-dimensional materials and processes. Examples of the themes covered in this course are: identity, environment and language. Some materials used in this course are: acrylic paint, cardboard, water color, wood, plaster, found objects and paper. The students in each of the sections of this course will meet together once a week as a large lecture session in addition to the twice a week studio component. During lectures students will meet to share project ideas, thematic components of the course, group projects, large critiques and films. The class will meet for 6 hours weekly (in studio and lecture combined), with at least as many hours of independent work outside of class. This class is required for art majors, but non-art majors interested in art are encouraged to enroll. There is a lecture component to this course. Attendance and participation are mandatory.
This course consists of a series of intensive thematic workshops in which all sections of the class will be exploring topics through a variety of two-dimensional and three-dimensional materials and processes. Examples of the themes covered in this course are: desire, ritual and technology. Some materials used in this course are: acrylic paint, cardboard, water color, wood, plaster, found objects and paper. The students in each of the sections of this course will meet together once a week as a large lecture session in addition to the twice a week studio component. During lectures students will meet to share project ideas, thematic components of the course, group projects, large critiques and films. The class will meet for 6 hours weekly (in studio and lecture combined), with at least as many hours of independent work outside of class. This class is required for art majors, but non-art majors interested in art are encouraged to enroll. There is a lecture component to this course. Attendance and participation are mandatory.
This course includes a wide range of experiences that focus on developing the student’s ability to perceive space, light and form and to express them two-dimensionally. Drawing I places particular emphasis on line. The course is designed to give students a thorough grounding in the conceptual, formal and expressive nature of drawing, along with attention to process. Six studio hours weekly and independent work.
Building on the language developed in Drawing I, this course focuses on space, light and form as expressed primarily through tone. Both perceptual and conceptual applications are explored, and a range of media is used. Six studio hours weekly and independent work.
Open to students with no previous art course, although FA 103 or FA 104 is recommended.
FA 200Painting I3
Students study Painting as an expressive visual language. Building on a foundation of perceptual work students move on to study abstraction and explore varied ways of approaching process and content to discover what is possible through the medium and with the goal of developing a meaningful personal language of self-expression. For Senior Thesis students work independently to produce a cohesive body of work borne from personal experimentation and reflecting a historical and theoretical understanding of the medium. Six studio hours weekly and independent work.
This studio course is designed to help the student to better understand the behavior and the power of color, the fundamental principles of design and to discover how they can be used in both art and life. Study includes: The properties of color, interaction of color, pattern design, color transparency, color harmony, the expressive use of both color and composition. Work is done with acrylic gouache and Color-Aid paper. Assignments include both formal exercises of color and design principles as well as work done to explore the expressive possibilities of both.
This course is a comprehensive introduction to the basic printmaking disciplines through traditional and contemporary techniques such as intaglio, relief, monotype and screen print. Principles of 2D design, color and mark making are emphasized. These skills support the production of independent work. Students will build on process and experiment with print media in order to think creatively and critically. Presentations on the historical and contemporary print as well as visiting artists provide context. There is an additional studio fee for shared supplies. There is an additional studio fee for shared supplies. This studio course meets six hours weekly as well as independent work outside the classroom. It requires an additional studio fee. Six hours weekly and independent work.
This course introduces and develops fundamental skills employed in the ceramic wheel throwing process, coil, pinch, and slab building processes, and more. The focus of this class is on the development of skills of craftsmanship and construction as well as other formal and technical aspects of making ceramic art. Students develop the skills needed to transform abstract ideas into tangible objects and build a vocabulary to facilitate informed discussion of ceramic art. The course includes visual presentations that focus on historical and contemporary ceramics. Six studio hours weekly and independent work.
This course is an introduction to the basic processes of metal working as they relate to making jewelry, objects of use such as vases and boxes, and small three-dimensional designs. It encourages exploration of a wide range of projects to discover areas of special interest for creative development. It includes soldering, bending, casting and stone-setting techniques. Six studio hours weekly and independent work.
This course is an introduction to techniques and processes associated with the graphic design industry. Students develop traditional hand techniques as well as computer skills, including the use of Adobe Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop to form the necessary technical skills needed in the production process. This course is intended to provide a firm base of technical skill that may be augmented later through the development of applied theoretical interests. Six studio hours weekly and independent work.
This course is an introduction to the medium of photography covering the materials, processes, history and aesthetics of black and white film photography. It emphasizes the essentials of 35mm film camera operation, meter reading, photographic film and paper processing, and portfolio preparation. It introduces the photographic image as a means of personal expression through the use of the camera, light sensitive material, technical expertise and mind’s eye. Six critique, lecture and studio hours weekly, plus independent work. This course is a prerequisite for all upper-level photography courses.
Expression in Painting is less in the “what” and more in the “how”. Painting 2 explores how expression is communicated through qualitative means. Elements of abstraction including shape, interval, scale, contrast, point of view, and focus are explored, as well as attention to paint handling and awareness of the painting as object. Studio work includes still life, interior, portrait, and work with abstraction. Opportunities for self-directed work included. Six critique and studio hours weekly plus independent work.
This course explores varied approaches to generating work including process and content. Approaches explored include working from memory, developing a personal “system” for the creation of work, response to a material, and response to a theme, concept, or vehicle. This course is the bridge that is designed to help students to make the transition to a more personal and individual way of working. Six critique and studio hours weekly plus independent work.
The course is designed to introduce students to the practice of Figure Painting. Students work strictly from observation of the live model. Emphasis is placed on working quickly and with authority as a means to encourage risk taking and experimentation as a path to quality. Students work from the premise of “vague to vivid.”
This course is an exploration of the different possibilities of water-based screen-printing. Students gain a solid working knowledge of screen printing, employing both traditional and contemporary methods of stencil making, film preparation and printing methods on various papers. Techniques such as digital film outputting, halftones, multi-color registration, and four-color process printing are demonstrated and employed. Through independent projects, demonstrations, and critiques, students are encouraged to create a cohesive body of work and utilize the medium for their own individual artistic needs. This course is very relevant for all artistic media especially Photo and Graphic Design majors. Presentations on historical and contemporary print, field trips to museums and visiting artists provide context. There is an additional studio fee for shared supplies. This studio course meets six hours weekly as well as independent work outside the classroom.
This course offers advanced study in printmaking techniques learned in Printmaking 1. It is a further investigation of processes of relief and intaglio printing including techniques such as color reduction, multiple block printing, photographic and digital print processes as well as monoprints. Students refine their personal visual statement through workshop practice, critique and the enhancement of critical thinking. Experimentation is encouraged while students develop technical mastery and independent problem solving through print. Combined multiple printing applications and experimental media will be an option as well as the opportunity to print at large scale. Presentations on historical and contemporary print, field trips to museums and visiting artists provide context. There is an additional studio fee for shared supplies. This studio course meets six hours weekly as well as independent work outside the classroom.
FA 102 or FA 103 ; or permission of the instructor.
FA 226Illustration I4
An introduction to art in a commercial context, this course explores various techniques and materials used historically by applied artists as well as by contemporary illustrators. The development of concepts and design through the use of both black and white and color is emphasized. Six-critique and studio hours weekly plus independent work. Offered in even-numbered years.
FA 228Illustration II (Children’s Book Illustration)4
Combining academic and studio elements, this course encourages students to focus on the processes through which children’s books are created, including examining age-group characteristics, generating ideas and developing style. The history of children’s books and their illustrations are analyzed. Studio and/or written assignments involve following an illustrated book from concept to publication. Classroom activities are supplemented by field trips and presentations by guest artists. Offered in odd-numbered years.
FA 229The Artist and the Exhibition: Gallery Practicum1098
Distinct from the creation of works of art, the logistics of presenting art—from proper construction techniques to the safe conveyance and handling of work and final presentation in an exhibition space—present their own inherent challenges and opportunities for creative problem solving. In this class, students experience these challenges firsthand by assisting with the planning and mounting of actual exhibitions. Utilizing the four exhibition spaces on Arcadia’s Glenside campus, students receive instruction in a hands-on, workshop format on the construction, preparation, transportation, and exhibition of various two-dimensional and three-dimensional artworks. Through class trips, readings, and discussions, students also investigate the history of the exhibition space, and how its various uses by artists and curators of preceding generations have shaped the context that it provides to artworks displayed within.
FA 102 , FA 103 , at least one 100-or 200-level studio art course.
FA 230Ceramics II4
This course explores a wide variety of clays, glazes, firing processes, and construction techniques, including mold making and slip casting. It incorporates the exploration and formulation of glaze for use in a variety of kiln environments including low-fire, high-fire reduction and oxidation. Clay bodies include earthenware, stoneware, porcelain, and others. The course emphasizes research into historical ceramics and includes visual presentations that focus on historical and contemporary ceramics. Six studio hours weekly and independent work.
Continuation of FA 230 . This course is designed to foster greater independence and further develop a personal approach to the medium. Assignments are devised to allow for the greatest possible variation in interpretation. Through readings dealing with contemporary art and ceramics art criticism, the course emphasizes the development of a contextual base for the creative process. It includes visual presentations that focus on contemporary ceramics, pottery, sculpture, and installation. Six studio hours weekly and independent work.
Development of the creative use of metals through advanced techniques in the production of jewelry, singly and in quantity, this course emphasizes enrichment of aesthetic possibilities. It includes methods of surface embellishment and Combination of materials. Six studio hours weekly and independent work.
Continuation of FA 240 . This course provides opportunity for semi-independent work on metals and jewelry projects of special interest. It covers experience in shop management, production techniques, and business and market practices. It includes portfolio preparation. Six studio hours weekly and independent work.
An introduction to typography and typographic principles through applied and experimental projects, this course is a wide-ranging exploration of type and communication intended to provide an historical, sociopolitical and aesthetic base for the practice of typography and further studies in graphic design.
FA 206 and FA 270 , or permission of the instructor.
FA 251Graphic Design II (Interactive Design)4
An introduction into Web-based and interactive design, the course focuses on communication skills by exploring the various modes and techniques of interactive media such as web sites, interface design, and tablet and portable device interfaces Software and languages include Adobe Dreamweaver, HTML, CSS, JavaScript and jQuery. Six studio hours weekly and independent work.
FA 206 , FA 250 and FA 270 or permission of instructor.
FA 270Digital Imaging I4
An introductory course in the use of Mac graphic workstations, this course emphasizes digital art creation and its potential for expanding approaches to visual and creative concepts. Applications in art, design, and illustration are explored through the system’s comprehensive color, drawing, layout, photo manipulation, and input/output capabilities; including flatbed and slide scanners, digital cameras, and graphics tablets. Comprehensive experience in MAC OS, hardware and software components.
Digital Imaging II is an in-depth exploration of Fine Art Digital Printmaking. The class encourages personal investigation, use of hybrid techniques and non-traditional printing surfaces. It approaches digital media art making through a focus on visual ideas and concepts and understanding of contemporary digital technologies as artistic media through the creative completion of specific assignments.
This course introduces students to the technology surrounding computer-aided-design/computer-aided-manufacturing (CAD/CAM) and its creative applications within art practices. The CAD/CAM process is particularly well-suited for certain tasks, including the creation of multiples, for fabrication of functional/kinetic components, iterative prototyping of complex structures, scalable design, construction of large structures from repeated simple components, and more.
This course covers intermediate level photography and introduction to black and white digital photography. It introduces advanced exposure and metering systems, basic Adobe Photoshop tools, DSLR raw format, and black and white inkjet printing. It integrates the development of personal work with an examination of historical precedents and contemporary thought. It emphasizes the relation of processes and techniques to expressive purpose. Six critique, lecture and studio hours weekly, plus independent work.
Students will identify, examine and implement contemporary methods and processes of sculpture. This course explores sculpture (all 3D forms) as a mode of communication. Students further develop their artistic voice by creating at least five major works in the semester. The course content is communicated in a variety of ways through material demonstrations, slide lectures and discussions. This course is about experimenting with materials and learning hands-on skills. Students spend time experimenting with new processes and developing works. This course counts as a Visual Literacy designation in the Arcadia University Curriculum.
What is Drawing as a medium when not intended to represent the appearance of the world? This course introduces students to contemporary issues in drawing, building a bridge from work done in Drawing I and II. Figure/Ground, mark making, mapping, erasure, fragment, illusion/non-illusion, memory, as well as the use of non-traditional materials are topics for exploration. Attention to process, and the use of non-traditional materials are also included. Studio work is supported by slide lectures, discussions and critiques. Six studio hours weekly and independent work.
FA 104 , FA 105 ; or permission of the instructor.
FA 304Figure Drawing4
This advanced course in drawing from the figure is directed toward a clearer perceptual understanding of the human form. It emphasizes surface anatomy and the figure in art. Work includes opportunities for experimentation.
Students begin the process of generating work independently. Experimentation with approach, method, and materials is encouraged. Students are expected to develop a personal studio practice exploring strategies that best support their work habits and process. Documenting their process and practice with journal keeping is encouraged. Six critique and studio hours weekly plus independent work
This course is independent work in painting with increased individual responsibility. The students work to bring focus and clarity to their ideas and through that distillation bring greater intensity to the work. Six studio and critique hours weekly plus independent work.
This is an exploration of innovative and multi-faceted directions in printmaking, combining print media with other creative forms and artistic media. This course presents a wide range of methods for exploration through the process of making multiples including three-dimensional and constructed prints, installation in print media, animation with print media and collaborative multimedia projects. Presentations on historical and contemporary print, field trips to museums and visiting artists provide context. There is an additional studio fee for shared supplies. This studio art course meets six hours weekly as well as independent work outside the classroom.
Students will explore specialized advanced Illustration themes and topics in three four-week sequences. First, in Beyond the Page, students will create illustration solutions for non-print and unconventional media (e.g. skateboards, furniture, storefronts). Projects will combine media, digital applications and visual communication within industry standards and professional practices. Second, in Character Design, students will study character design with a focus on concept, shape, structure, and mood/tone. Projects emphasize students’ creation of captivating, provoking, and magnetic characters. Third, in Fantasy Art, students will explore the world of fantasy subjects (e.g. fairy tales, folk tales, myths, legends, heroic fantasy, science fiction, horror, and supernatural tales). Projects address the roles that fantasy art, escapist literature, film, animation, and games play in society. Studio work is supported by slide lectures, discussions and critiques. Six studio hours weekly and independent work.
Continuation of FA 231 . This course provides students with an opportunity to execute advanced projects in ceramics, encourages greater self-determination, and prepares students for independent study in ceramics. The course further develops students’ abilities to be self-directed in their artistic pursuits. It includes individual and group critiques and specific readings related to students’ personal interests and goals. Six studio hours weekly and independent work.
Continuation of FA 241 . This course provides an opportunity for advanced projects in metals and jewelry. Six studio hours weekly and independent work.
FA 350Graphic Design III (Branding and Identity Systems)4
This course is an introduction to and exploration of branding and logo systems in Graphic Design. How are questions of identity explored visually and conceptually? What characteristics should be conveyed versus aspired to? A semester-long exploration of the logo in its various forms. Six studio hours weekly and independent work.
FA 250 and FA 251 , or permission from the instructor.
FA 351Graphic Design IV (Advanced Design in Visual Communication)4
Within this course, students utilize their skills learned in the preceding semesters and develop more advanced projects in publication, packaging, and brand identity. Coursework revolves around presentations and problems designed to develop a design portfolio and prepare them for the real world. Six studio hours weekly and independent work.
An advanced studio art course in the mediums of photography, this course introduces digital and color photography including advanced Adobe Photoshop tools, inkjet printing, and digital color management. It emphasizes individual work and criticism. Art making is at the core of this class, which focuses on technical requirements and contemporary practice relevant to individual work. Studio work is supported with lectures, discussion, readings, and critiques.
FA 280 or permission of the instructor with portfolio review.
FA 378Entrepreneurship/Gallery Apprenticeship2
minimum) Student apprentices gain practical working experience in the major studio area or related gallery field. Working with an apprenticeship mentor, students combine apprentice work with their academic studies to gain hands-on experience to advance their individual educational and career objectives. Possibilities include placement with artists or with individuals involved in galleries, museums, art institutions, art collectives, design firms. It is the student’s responsibility to arrange for the apprenticeship and faculty support. Only the 4 credit version of FA 378 has a VL designation. Requires 100 hours for 2 credits, 200 hours for 4 credits. A maximum of 8 credit hours permitted.
Permission of the major adviser and applicable apprenticeship coordinator, and course work for the particular field of study must be completed prior to signing up for the apprenticeship.
FA 381Photography III4
Continuation of FA 280 . This course integrates the examination of stylistic trends and contemporary ideas with the development of a more individualized method of working. The development of a more personal imagery along with a broader base of technical as well as conceptual expertise is explored with increased individual responsibility. Studio work is supported with lectures, demonstrations, discussion, readings and critiques. Six critique, lecture and studio hours weekly, plus independent work.
Continuation of FA 381 . This course emphasizes individual work and criticism in preparation for production of thesis work. It focuses on technical requirements, historical precedents and contemporary practice and creative growth relevant to students’ selected areas of investigation. It includes lectures, discussion, critiques and readings. Six critique, lecture and studio hours weekly, plus independent work.
Senior studio focuses on both studio and academic aspects of the senior thesis, helping to prepare students for the practicalities of art making and paper writing. It includes discussions of professional practices associated with specific art concentrations and research related to the thesis paper. Senior Studio is one of three components of the Art & Design Capstone experience. The other two are Senior Seminar ( FA 484 ) and Senior Thesis ( SI 490 ).
Permission of the Chair, major adviser and special studies coordinator.
FA 387Internship1098
(2 or 4 credits) An internship is working experience in the major studio area. The internship requires 100 hours for 2 credits, 200 hours for 4 credits. A maximum of 8 credit hours permitted.
Senior Seminar is a class taught only in the fall semester and should be taken by students intending to complete their culminating thesis project in the spring of the same academic year. The course is made up of three thematic workshops exploring professional practices, presentation skills and philosophical approaches in the creative fields. Students will rotate through each area (and 3 different professors). This course meets once a week for an hour and a half.
Supervised preparation of a culminating visual work or set of works in the major studio area for criticism and exhibition. Includes individual and group conferences to examine advanced aspects of the major studio area. Requires a written thesis. Meets once a week for two hours.
