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Photo by Bizhan KhodabandehFacultyRobert MeganckDepartment Chairrmeganck@vcu.eduStephen Alcornsjalcorn@vcu.eduJorge Benitezjmbenitez@vcu.eduTyRuben EllingsonAlbert Epshteynaepshteyn@vcu.eduRobert Fosterrlfoste1@vcu.eduSterling Hundleyschundley@vcu.eduYing-Fang Shenyfshen@vcu.eduMatt Wallinmrwallin@vcu.eduCOMMUNICATION ARTSMAIN OFFICESarah Fariss2sefari@vcu.eduFranklin Terrace812 West Franklin StreetRichmond, VA 23284MAILING ADDRESSCA Community Advisory BoardP.O. Box 842508Richmond, VA 23284-2508Ryan BaileySenior DesignerMeadWestvacoPHONEErin 1.800.828.1120 Hurley-Brown (toll free)ArtVoiceDirector804 | for828.3658Interactive PracticeCRT/tanakaFax 804 | 828.8357Michael PeoplesSenior ScientistE-MAILPfizerRobert J Meganck, ChairKelly rmeganck@vcu.eduRedlingSenior DesignerProphet Deborah Van Buren, Program Coordinatorddvanbur@vcu.eduDanny RobinsonSenior Vice President/Creative DirectorThe Bizhan Martin Khodabandeh, Agency Communications Dir.bkhodabandeh@vcu.eduWWW.COMMUNICATIONARTS.VCU.EDUABOUTCommunication Arts is the study and exploration ofthe qualities, disciplines and technologies that enableus to create and communicate with insight andvision. Our studies are firmly rooted in understandingthe power of image and art to communicate. We areeducated and invigorated by the unlimited possibilitiesinherent in the elemental act of drawing. Westudy and explore the relationships of image, text andmedia, of content and context, of part and whole. Weteach the disciplines, tools and language that givecredence, form and voice to ideas. We acquire thevisual, intellectual, and technological skills that enableus to participate and lead in an environment that isconstantly changing and expanding by powerful newtools and technologies. It is an environment that isglobal. It is characterized by the integration and layeringof image, content, context, design, motion, andinteractive communication. We offer a comprehensiveprogram that enables our students to develop astrong personal voice as well as an understanding oftheir ethical responsibilities in this constantly changingenvironment. Communication Arts is a distinctivedepartment, with a well known national identity. Itincludes studies in:Drawing, which is the fundamental means to executeideas; it is elemental to everything we do.Illustration, which is firmly rooted in drawing, painting,design and print media. It is a discipline that hasa rich history and is being expanded by powerful newtools and technologies.Visual Studies, which encompass studio, historical,conceptual and theoretical issues that analyze andexplore image, media, content and context.

Photo by Bizhan KhodabandehPhoto by Bizhan KhodabandehBACHELOR OF FINE ARTS DEGREEIN COMMUNICATION ARTSThe curriculum leading to the Bachelor of Fine ArtsDegree enables students to study and learn concepts,tools and technologies in contemporary CommunicationArts. The sophomore year builds a strong foundationfor a Communication Arts major. Coursesinclude communication theory and practice, visualcommunications history, the figure, traditionaldrawing and painting media, typography, and basiccommunication arts software. The junior yearconcentrates on the specifics of concept development,photography, sequencing, traditional and digitalillustration projects. The senior year offers the opportunityfor students to select from a variety of interestareas within the major. All senior students are requiredto take a course in business practice and ethics andcomplete a comprehensive portfolio project. Electivecourses reinforce and expand the drawing, design,illustration and technology components of the curriculum.Students have the opportunity to take additionalcourses in the study of the figure at the intermediateand advanced levels, use type and image to solvea variety of design problems, explore the use of printmedia to create communicative imagery, developprojects in illustration and understand the useof 3-dimensional software as a tool to explore therelationship between image and movement.Communication Arts includes advanced classesin Art Direction, Communication Arts HonorsStudio, Communication Arts Internship, Image andMovement, Imagery for Children, Individual Study,Scientific and Medical Preparatory Illustration, SequentialImaging, Typography and Web Page Design.Communication Arts has an outstanding Visiting ArtistProgram. Internationally known Artists, Scholars andPractitioners from across the Communication Artsspectrum discuss their work as well as importantdevelopments and issues in the discipline.Upon successful completion of course work studentsare awarded the Bachelor of Fine Arts with a degreein Communication Arts.FACILITIESFranklin Terrace, the home of Communication Arts,is an example of Spanish Eclectic Architecture. Thisapartment house was built on the site of T. C. WilliamsSr.’s home. A 1934 advertisement for the buildingdescribes the availability of “Two Rooms, Kitchenetteand Bath, to Five Rooms and Bath” and mentions thefirst floor’s “Beautiful Parlors and Lounge, Tea Roomand complete dining facilities.” It was the last residentialbuilding to be constructed on the 800 block ofWest Franklin Street, well known for its diverse anddaring architecture.Facilities include six well lit spacious studios with topfloor views of the city and a gallery. Two studios aremixed media studios equipped with drafting/drawingtables, two are drawing/painting and mixed mediastudios equipped with easels, model stand and lights.A new Mac Pro Lab is equipped with 20 computers,each with a Wacom tablet and pen, 3 scanners, a laserprinter, and 2 light tables. Each computer has currentindustry software including: Adobe Creative Suite 4,Maya 2009, Shake, Final Cut Pro, Corel Painter andPython. Combined with powerful computers, thesoftware provides the artist with a complete range oftools with which to construct virtually any digital image,including motion graphics and video effects andsophisticated visual effects for film and television. Inthe Honors Studio students have 24-hour access totheir individual workstations, a computer, printer andscanner. The large capacity of the art multimedia lectureroom has comfortable seating and work tables.COMPUTERREQUIREMENTSAlthough the Department of Communication Artsdoes not require its students to purchase a computerfor its classes, the university does require thatall students have a computer while attending VCU.The specifications listed are the suggested minimumrequirements for the Department of CommunicationArts. Please go to VCUarts homepage under “resources”(http://arts.vcu.edu/) for Communication Artscomputer requirements.Specifications are subject to change.Please note that VCUarts offers a computer rentalprogram. For more information on the VCUarts ComputerCenter or the rental program please refer tothe following link: www.vcu.edu/arts/inside_vcu_arts/computer_center.shtml#computer_rental_

COMMUNICATION ARTSDEGREE REQUIREMENTSEMPHASIS:COMMUNICATION ARTSCOMMUNICATION ARTS DEGREEREQUIREMENTS EMPHASIS:SCIENTIFIC AND PREPARATORYMEDICAL ILLUSTRATIONVCU CORE REQUIREMENTS CREDITSENGL 200 Writing and Rhetoric Workshop IIUNIV 111 Focused Inquiry IUNIV 112 Focused Inquiry IIApproved humanities/fine artsApproved natural/physical sciencesApproved quantitative literacyApproved social/behavioral sciences3 CREDITS EACHVCU CORE REQUIREMENTS CREDITSENGL 200 Writing and Rhetoric Workshop IIUNIV 111 Focused Inquiry IUNIV 112 Focused Inquiry IIApproved humanities/fine artsApproved natural/physical sciencesApproved quantitative literacyApproved social/behavioral sciences3 CREDITS EACHADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTSCourses in humanities/fine arts, natural/physical sciences,social/behavioral sciencesSUPPORTIVE CREDITSARTF 131 Drawing StudioARTF 132 Surface ResearchARTF 133 Space ResearchARTF 134 Time StudioARTF 139 ProjectCOAR 231 - Basic Communication Arts SoftwareCOAR 450 - Business of Communication ArtsVCUarts electives UPPER DIVISIONART HISTORYARTH 103 Survey of Western ArtARTH 104 Survey of Western ArtCOAR 352 History of Visual Communications ICOAR 353 History of Visual Communications IICOMMUNICATION ARTS MAJOR REQUIREMENTSCOAR 200 Visual Studies: DrawingCOAR 201 Drawing Studies: The Figure ObservedCOAR 202 Drawing Studies: The Figure in ContextCOAR 210 Visual Studies: DesignCOAR 211 Fundamentals of TypographyCOAR 300 Illustration: Drawing and PaintingCOAR 320 Concept DrawingCOAR 321 Sequential ImagingCOAR 331 Photographic Principles in Visual CommunicationsCOAR 332 Digital DrawingCOAR 464 Senior PortfolioCommunication Arts electives UPPER DIVISIONOpen electives UPPER DIVISIONTOTAL CREDITS 120*All Communication Arts Emphasis students are required to takea literature course with a minimum of 3 credits in order to graduate.9 CREDITS3 CREDITS EACH2 CREDITS3 CREDITS EACH6 CREDITS3 CREDITS EACH3 CREDITS EACH6 CREDITS9 CREDITS7 CREDITSADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTSBIOL152 and BIOL 152L Intro to Bio Science & Lab IIBIOL 205 Basic Human AnatomyCHEM 101 & CHEZ 101L General Chemistry and Laboratory ISUPPORTIVE CREDITSARTF 131 Drawing StudioARTF 132 Surface ResearchARTF 133 Space ResearchARTF 134 Time StudioARTF 139 ProjectCOAR 231 - Basic Communication Arts SoftwareCOAR 450 - Business of Communication ArtsBIOL 151 and BIOL 151L Intro to Bio Science & Lab IBIOL/PHIS 206 and BIOZ/PHIZ 206L Human Physiology & LabBIOL 218 Cell BiologyBIOL 301 Comparative Vertebrate AnatomyCHEM 102 and CHEZ 102L General Chemistry and Lab IIART HISTORYARTH 103 Survey of Western ArtARTH 104 Survey of Western ArtCOAR 352 History of Visual Communications ICOAR 353 History of Visual Communications IICOMMUNICATION ARTS MAJOR REQUIREMENTSCOAR 201 Drawing Studies: The Figure ObservedCOAR 202 Drawing Studies: The Figure in ContextCOAR 300 Illustration, Drawing, PaintingCOAR 320 Concept DrawingCOAR 321 Sequential ImagingCOAR 331 Photographic Principles in Visual CommunicationCOAR 332 Digital DrawingCOAR 341 Scientific IllustrationCOAR 464 Senior PortfolioCommunication Arts Electives - UPPER DIVISIONTOTAL CREDITS 1244 CREDITS EACH3 CREDITS EACH2 CREDITS3 CREDITS EACH4 CREDITS EACH3 CREDITS5 CREDITS4 CREDITS3 CREDITS EACH3 CREDITS EACH6 CREDITS9 CREDITS

COMMUNICATIONARTS REQUIREDCLASSESLEARNING OUTCOMESStudents will demonstrate proficiency in drawing, includingthe figure.Students will demonstrate conceptual and critical thinking.Students will articulate conceptual and visual ideasto communicate content.Students will demonstrate competence in the useof traditional media.Students will demonstrate competence in the useof digital media and emerging technologies.Students will demonstrate knowledge of the historicaland current context of Communication Arts.Students will demonstrate ethical and professional practices.Competency with Digital Media and Emerging TechnologiesDrawing ProficiencyConcept and Critical ThinkingConceptual ArticulationCompetency in the use of Traditional MediaCommunication Arts Historic and Current ContextEthical and Professional PracticesCOAR 200 Visual Studies: DrawingPrerequisite: ARTF 131 Drawing StudioCOAR 201 Drawing Studies: The Figure ObservedPrerequisite: successful completion of the Art Foundation ProgramCOAR 202 Drawing Studies: The Figure in ContextPrerequisite: COAR 201COAR 210 Visual Studies: DesignPrerequisites: ARTF 132 Surface Research and 133 Space ResearchCOAR 420 Graphic Essay by Gian GalangCOAR 211 Fundamentals of TypographyPrerequisite: ARTF 132 Surface ResearchCOAR 231 Basic Communication Arts SoftwarePrerequisite: ARTF 134 Time StudioCOAR 300 Illustration: Drawing and PaintingPrerequisite: COAR 202 Drawing Studies: The Figure in ContextCOAR 320 Concept DrawingPrerequisite: COAR 202 Drawing Studies: The Figure in ContextCOAR 321 Sequential ImagingPrerequisite: junior standing in Communication ArtsCOAR 331 Photographic Principles in Visual CommunicationsPrerequisite: COAR 231 Basic Communication Arts SoftwareCOAR 332 Digital DrawingPrerequisite: COAR 231 Basic Communication Arts SoftwareCOAR 352 History of Visual Communications IPrerequisites: ARTH 103 and 104 Survey of Western ArtCOAR 353 History of Visual Communications IIPrerequisites: ARTH 103 and 104 Survey of Western ArtCOAR 450 Business of Communication ArtsPrerequisite: UNIV 200 Writing and RhetoricCOAR 464 Senior PortfolioPrerequisite: COAR 450 Business of Communication Artsprimary secondary tertiaryby Richie PopeCOAR 301 DS: The Figure Intermediate — by Vinh Chau

COAR 432 3D Image and MovementCOAR 341 Scientific Illustration — detail of piece by Cathryn HuttonELECTIVESCOAR 327 Comics & Graphic Novels — detail of piece by Melissa DuffyCOAR 463 Honors Studio — detail of piece by Briana HertzogCOAR 301 DRAWING STUDIES:THE FIGURE INTERMEDIATEA course in drawing from direct observation at theintermediate level using the figure as the primarymeans to understand proportion, volume, and spatialrelationships. Various drawing and painting mediawill be explored.COAR 302 PRINT MEDIAAn intermediate course in the use of printing processesand techniques to develop communicativeimagery. Assignments will incorporate applicablereferences to the history of art and contemporarydevelopments.COAR 303 COLOR: THEORY& PRACTICEAn intermediate course in the application of colortheory to specific illustrative problems. A numberof color theories both historical and contemporary,will be studied and applied.COAR 307 THE FACEEmploying a variety of drawing media, students willexplore the nuances of the human face as a subject.This course focuses on both process and the realizationof final projects.COAR 312 ART DIRECTIONAn introduction to the integrated activities of strategy,conceptual development and design.COAR 311 TYPE AND IMAGEAn advanced course that explores graphic designas a means to express and communicate ideas.Assignments will incorporate applicable referencesto the history of art and contemporary developments.COAR 325 BOTANICAL DRAWINGThis course explores plant life from direct observationand analytical drawing. Students examine the majordivisions and structures of plants and how to depicttheir unique form.COAR 327 COMICS& GRAPHIC NOVELSThis course explores the possibilites of visual storytellingas it relates to comics and graphic novels (thelater being loosely definied as a longer, more in-depthand mature form of comics).COAR 333 WEB PAGE DESIGNA course in developing the design of internet sites.Emphasis is placed on the visual design, navigationdevelopment, communication, and authoringof websites.COAR 341 SCIENTIFIC ILLUSTRATIONAn introductory course in the development of accuraterepresentational imagery for recording scientificobservations and ideas.COAR 391 COMMUNICATIONARTS TOPICSTopical lectures in design issues and visualcommunications. May be repeated for a maximumof nine credits.COAR 392 RESEARCHOR INDIVIDUAL STUDYMay be repeated for credit. The structuring, research,execution and presentation of an independent projectin visual communications under the direction ofa faculty advisor. The student will be encouraged tobecome a self-generating problem seeker and solverwith the ability to carry out self-stated goals.COAR 401 DRAWING STUDIES:THE FIGURE ADVANCEDMay be repeated up to 12 credits. Drawing from directobservation at an advanced level using the figureas the primary means to understand proportion, volume,and spatial relationships. Various drawing andpainting media will be explored.COAR 421 IMAGERY FOR CHILDRENAn advanced course developing both fictionand nonfiction illustrations intended for the preschooland elementary school publishing market.COAR 432 3D IMAGE AND MOVEMENTTo learn an d understand the use of 3-dimensionalsoftware as a tool to explore the relationshipsamong image, object and movement. Assignmentswill incorporate applicable references to contemporarydevelopments.COAR 433 GAME DESIGN:THEORY & PRACTICEStudents will study the history, theory and designof games, gaming concepts and narrative from pastto present.COAR 462 PROJECTSIN ILLUSTRATIONAn advanced level course in the conceptualization,execution, realization and documentation as realizedthrough a series of projects in illustration. Studentswill be required to create, acquire and structure projectsthat will test their conceptual and technical abilities.Project work will be exhibited, documented orprinted. Various drawing, painting and mixed mediawill be explored. Assignments will incorporateapplicable references to the history of art and contemporarydevelopments.COAR 463 COMMUNICATION ARTSHONORS STUDIOAn advanced course for selected students.Expectations include work on individual and groupprojects at a professional level. May be repeatedfor up to 12 credits.COAR 491 COMMUNICATION ARTSSTUDIO TOPICSMay be repeated for credit. Topics studio focusingon research and experimentation in specialized visualcommunication media.COAR 492 COMMUNICATIONARTS INTERNSHIPMay be repeated to a maximum of 3 credits.Permission of internship coordinator required.Communication arts majors only. Supervisedpragmatic work experiences. Training is providedunder the direction and supervision of qualifiedprofessional practitioners.

COMMUNICATIONARTS ELECTIVECLASSESLEARNING OUTCOMESStudents will demonstrate proficiency in drawing, includingthe figure.Students will demonstrate conceptual and critical thinking.Students will articulate conceptual and visual ideasto communicate content.Students will demonstrate competence in the useof traditional media.Students will demonstrate competence in the useof digital media and emerging technologies.Students will demonstrate knowledge of the historicaland current context of Communication Arts.Students will demonstrate ethical and professional practices.Competency with Digital Media and Emerging TechnologiesDrawing ProficiencyConcept and Critical ThinkingConceptual ArticulationCompetency in the use of Traditional MediaCommunication Arts Historic and Current ContextEthical and Professional Practices“FACULTYThe best thing about teaching is that it forcesyou to remain an eternal student. If you wantto really understand a subject, try teaching itto someone else, you’ll quickly find out whatyou don’t know, and which pieces of thepuzzle need to be filled in.Robert Meganck,Chair of VCUarts Dept. of Communication Arts“COAR 301 Drawing Studies: The Figure (Intermediate)Prerequisite: COAR 201 Drawing Studies: The Figure Observedor a Junior in VCU artsCOAR 303 Color Theory and PracticePrerequisite: COAR 300 Illustration: Drawing and PaintingCOAR 307 The FacePrerequisite: COAR 200 and 202COAR 311 Type and ImagePrerequisite: COAR 211 Fundamentals of TypographyCOAR 312 Art DirectionPrerequisites: COAR 210, 211 and 231COAR 325 Botanical DrawingPrerequisite: COAR 300 Illustration: Drawing and PaintingCOAR 326 Imagery for Science Fiction and FantasyPrerequisites: COAR 300 and 320COAR 327 Comics and Graphic NovelsPrerequisites: COAR 300 and 320COAR 333 Web Page DesignPrerequistes: Permission of instructor and COAR 231COAR 341 Scientific IllustrationCorequisite: COAR 202COAR 401 Drawing Studies: The Figure (Advanced)Prerequisite: COAR 301COAR 432 3-D Image and MovementPereCOAR 331 and 332COAR 433 Game Design, Theory and PracticePrerequisite: COAR 332 or permission of instructorCOAR 462 Projects in IllustrationPrerequisite: COAR 332 or permission of instructorCOAR 463 Communication Arts Honors StudioPrerequisites: junior standing in Communication Arts, 3.0 GPA,permission of the instructorMorphic Drift concept (Digital) by TyRuben Ellingsonprimary secondary tertiary

Still from Hellboy (Digital work) by Matt WallinMick Jagger Portrait from the “Music Masters” Series(Linoleum Block Print) by Stephen AlcornGinger Root Study (Watercolor on Paper) by Sarah Faris“The success of ourcurriculum is notfound in the spacewe occupy or theskills we teach, butin the connectionbetween our facultyand students.Robert Meganck,Chair of VCUarts Dept. of Communication Arts“The Good Steward (Oil and Canvas) by Sterling HundleyThe Grapes of Wrath Poster by Robert MeganckCivil War Soldier Study (Charcoal & watercolor on paper)by Robert Foster

FacultyRobert MeganckDepartment Chairrmeganck@vcu.eduStephen Alcornsjalcorn@vcu.eduJorge Benitezjmbenitez@vcu.eduTyRuben EllingsonRobert Fosterrlfoste1@vcu.eduSterling Hundleyschundley@vcu.eduYing-Fang Shenyfshen@vcu.eduMatt Wallinmrwallin@vcu.eduAlbert Epshteynaepshteyn@vcu.eduSarah Fariss2sefari@vcu.eduStill from the short film The White Snake by Ying-Fang ShenCA Community Advisory BoardRyan BaileySenior DesignerMeadWestvacoErin Hurley-BrownArt Director for Interactive PracticeCRT/tanakaMichael PeoplesSenior ScientistPfizerKelly RedlingSenior DesignerProphetDanny RobinsonSenior Vice President/Creative DirectorThe Martin AgencyShameless (Oil on Canvis) by Jorge Benitez