Course Descriptions - Community College of Rhode Island

in the making of studio projects. Classes
include lectures, demonstrations, studio
assignments and critiques. Studio Lecture: 4
hours
ARTS 1500 - Fine Art Seminar -
3 Credits
Fine Art Seminar is the keystone course in
which AFA students learn to set and pursue
professional goals including: transferring to
four-year art programs, exploring careers
in art and design, designing and installing
exhibitions, identifying visual arts grants and
awards, and developing a cohesive portfolio
of their work which demonstrates their
level of excellence. Fine Art Seminar topics
may include portfolio preparation, choosing
an art school, photographing artwork and
exploring careers in the arts. Students participate
in a professional group exhibition,
held once a year. This course is designed
for art majors or for students considering a
major in art. (Prerequisites: At least two studio
courses and one art history course or permission
of the instructor. Recommended: Students
should be concurrently enrolled in studio and/
or art history courses. Class should be taken
during the third semester of the student’s program
of study.)
ARTS 1510 - Art History: Ancient to
Medieval - 3 Credits
This course is a survey of visual art from
prehistory through Gothic Europe. Emphasis
is placed on how art, architecture and
functional objects provide evidence of the
religious beliefs and cultural structures of
early civilizations. Regions covered include
Egypt, the Near East and Europe. (Prerequisite:
ENGL 1005 or 1010 with a grade of “C”
or better) Lecture: 3 hours
ARTS 1520 - Art History: Renaissance
to Modern - 3 Credits
This course is a survey of visual art and
architecture from the Renaissance through
the 20th century, focused primarily upon
European and American study. The manner
in which art both reflects and shapes
history is a central means of exploration,
leading to the complexities of art in the
Post-Modern period. (Recommended: ARTS
1510; Prerequisite: ENGL 1005 or 1010 with
a grade of “C” or better) Lecture: 3 hours
ARTS 1530 - Art History: Non-Western
Topics - 3 Credits
This seminar-style course analyzes art
outside of Europe and America through
focused studies of world cultures, providing
a depth of understanding rather than
a comprehensive survey. Creative expressions
in Africa, Asia, the Americas and
the Pacific Islands are the landscape of
investigation. Through weekly readings and
writing exercises; lecture, discussion and
film; online research and visits to museums
and galleries, this class builds a vision of the
world seen through diverse cultural traditions.
(Prerequisite: ENGL 1005 or 1010 with
a grade of “C” or better) Lecture: 3 hours
ARTS 1610 - Textile Design/Fibers -
3 Credits
This studio course is designed to introduce
students to a variety of dyeing and surface
design techniques on fabric, with an emphasis
on learning the elements and principles
of two-dimensional design. Techniques may
include shibori tie-dye, batik wax-resist,
paste-resist, blockprinting and photo transfer.
Traditional and contemporary examples
of these processes are presented and good
craftsmanship is emphasized. This course is
recommended for all art majors and can
serve as an introductory art course for
all students. (Recommended: ARTS 1010 or
1020 or 1310) Studio: 4 hours
ARTS 1630 - Introduction to Sculpture
and Form - 3 Credits
Concept development and structural
problem-solving are emphasized in this
advanced study of three-dimensional
design. Examples of form in nature,
sculpture and architecture as well as current
approaches to sculpture using basic
materials and techniques are practiced and
discussed. Classes include demonstrations,
studio assignments, critiques and lectures.
(Note: Cannot be taken in same semester as
ARTS 1410) Studio: 4 hours
ARTS 1650 - Ceramics I - 3 Credits
This course acts as an introduction to fine
art ceramics. Coil, slab and other basic
hand-building methods as well as glazing
and various kiln firing methods are covered.
Kiln and basic glazes are provided; clay and
tools must be purchased. (Recommended:
ARTS 1410) Studio: 4 hours
ARTS 1660 - Ceramics II - 3 Credits
This is a continuation of fine arts ceramics
using advanced hand-building techniques.
Wheel throwing, glaze formulation, kiln
management and alternative firing methods
are introduced. Kiln and basic glazes are
provided; clay and tools must be purchased.
(Prerequisite: ARTS 1650 or permission of
instructor) Studio: 4 hours
ARTS 1710 - Graphic Design I -
3 Credits
This course provides an introduction to
the basic principles of graphic design and
visual communication. Graphic representation
and typographic fundamentals are
explored with electronic and traditional
media, tools, skills and methodology. A history
of graphic communication is presented
through example and slide presentation.
(Prerequisite: none, although ARTS 1310 is
recommended) Studio: 4 hours
ARTS 1720 - Graphic Design II -
3 Credits
This course continues coverage of concepts
introduced in Graphic Design I. Focus is
on creative image making and typographic
development in a variety of visual formats.
Projects provide experience with elements
of print and/or digital publication design,
Prerequisite: Successful completion of course required before registering. Corequisite: Course must be taken prior to or at the same time.
arts
logo design, poster design and the design
of visual systems. (Prerequisite: ARTS 1710 or
permission of instructor) Studio: 4 hours
ARTS 1810 - Photography I - 3 Credits
This course emphasizes the creative and
expressive aspects of form and content
in black-and-white photographic imagery.
Course content includes the operation of a
camera, film development and printing and
may include alternative and contemporary
processes. A 35 mm camera with adjustable
controls, film, paper and developing
equipment are required. (Supplies - excluding
camera - average approximately $300.)
(Prerequisite: None, although ARTS 1010 or
ARTS 1310 is recommended) Studio: 4 hours
ARTS 1820 - Photography II - 3 Credits
This course refines basic photographic
techniques and introduces material such
as photographic lighting, archival processes,
toning, exposure, developmental controls
and alternative and contemporary processes.
The history, styles and critical theory
of photography are presented through
lectures, reading, gallery visits and studio
assignments. Students develop portfolios
focusing on presentation, sequencing and
multiple images. (Prerequisite: ARTS 1810 or
permission of instructor) Studio: 4 hours
ARTS 1840 - Digital Art I - 3 Credits
This course explores creative and technical
issues related to computer-based image
making as an effective means of artistic
expression. While students apply the fundamentals
using the latest industry-standard
digital photo editing software, they also
acquire both the manual and conceptual
skills associated with creativity in the digital
realm. Projects provide experience with
image manipulation, montage, color corrections,
retouching, and layout and design of
individual artist’s projects. Studio: 4 hours.
145