Ecological Art Course Descriptions

From the simple application of color to the complex devices that create illusionary space, this foundational lecture/studio course concentrates on the basic elements of two- and threedimensional design. Students will apply aesthetics and theoretical methods. Oral and written art criticisms are employed. Three hours.

In context of contemporary visual art this course examines the complexities of aesthetics and meaning as expressed through cultural constructs. Analysis will consider the artwork and viewer, and how intention, production, and reception are interrelated. The study will include visual artworks created for cultural awareness relevant to our natural environment, urban settings, and place-making galleries. Research will explore contemporary visual artworks from continental geographical locations of Africa, East and West Asia, the Americas, and Europe. Three hours. Open to all majors.

An introductory course that uses manual and digital processes to explore visual communication theories and techniques. Utilizing Adobe software, this course introduces the development of visual skills through digital photo manipulation, illustrative rendering, and graphics file preparation. Relationships between content and social and cultural context will be explored. Prerequisite: ART 2110. Three hours.

A study of letter forms, historical influences, and how type is used as an effective element in context of visual communication design. Prerequisite: VCD 2310. Three hours.

This studio design course explores tools and techniques for digital-based imaging, editing, and layout. Utilizing Adobe software, this course continues the development of visual skills through graphics file preparation. Technical processes for digital and print production will be introduced. Prerequisite VCD 2310. Three hours.

This course examines concept, ideation, metaphor, symbolism, and semiotics within commercial and non-commercial visual design applications. Students will analyze form and content for embedded contextual meaning as a method for evaluating and making informed design decisions. Prerequisite: VCD 3510. Three hours.

An introductory course focusing on developing fundamental drawing skills and improving visual perception. The primary emphasis is on structural drawing and composition using dry media. A variety of studio exercises will be used. Three hours.

The study and application of acrylic paint media with an emphasis on aesthetic and technical knowledge. Skill advancement through the development of final artworks from original concept, process, and completion will be expected. The application of personal style will be employed. Prerequisite: ART 1200 and ART 2110 or permission of instructor. Three hours.

This is an introductory studio course in the varied principles of three-dimensional design. Projects explore traditional and experimental materials. Students will be expected to supply a variety of materials such as found or recycled objects for re-purposing into art forms. Studio fees may apply. Prerequisite ART 2110. Three hours.

This course provides foundational instruction for the digital camera. Students will learn manual settings for capturing photographic images. DSLR camera required. Open to all majors. Studio fees apply. Three hours.

This course focuses on studio lighting techniques for product and portrait photography. DSLR (digital) camera required. Prerequisite PHT 2600. Studio fees apply. Three hours.

This course explores advanced alternative processes in film and digital application. Students will focus on conceptual abilities, photographic experimentation, and technical processes. Each student must provide a DSLR (digital); an SLR (film) camera or specialty camera may be utilized. Prerequisite: PHT 2600. Studio fees apply. Three hours.

During this course, students work to develop an understanding of their discipline within a professional context and complete a capstone project for their professional portfolio. Students research and examine social, cultural, and economic contexts to inform their work. Prerequisites: Upper-level student or permission of instructor. Three hours.

During this course, students begin curating their final senior portfolios for presentation, including professional and peer review. Students also conduct research to develop an understanding of the professional aspects of their specific areas of discipline. Requires senior status or department approval. Three hours.

A senior capstone course for students majoring in any of the following visual arts including art and visual culture, eco-art (ecological art), photography, and visual communication design. The focus will be on executing individual stylistic approaches in reaching visual communication goals for the final senior portfolio, thesis exhibit, and installation. Three hours.

A study of the interaction of organisms with their physical environment and with each other. Particular focus will be on application of ecological concepts and field work in various local ecosystems. Students must enroll concurrently in ENV 2120. Four credits.

This laboratory is designed to support ENV 2110 and must be taken concurrently with the course. This course has a fee for consumables used in its labs.

An overview of physical, chemical, and biological components and their interactions in streams and lakes. Prerequisite: ENV 2110/2120. Students must enroll concurrently in ENV 3220. Four credits.

This laboratory is designed to support ENV 3210 and must be taken concurrently with the course. This course has a fee for consumables used in its labs.

An exploratory study of secular and Christian views of the natural world and humanity’s place in it. Special attention on practical application of a Biblical stewardship ethic. Prerequisite: 55 credits of coursework. Three credits.

This introduces students to how the political system in America functions. It focuses on the actual workings of the American government and starts with the cultural and constitutional contexts of American politics. Three hours.

This is an examination of the structure and interplay between state, county, and local governments. Issues such as social security, zoning, welfare, public health, and the environment will be examined from the point of view of how they originate at the local levels yet how they exist and grow within federal guidelines. This contains a module on Indiana politics and history. Three hours

VCD/ART/PHT 4730 Internship Graphic Design / Art / Photography

ENV 4810-30 Field Education

VCD/ART/PHT 2030 Applied Field Research in Graphic Design / ART / or Photography

This course focuses on aesthetic theory and practice of representational drawing. Observational rendering examines subject matter in natural and constructed environments, and in context of micro/macro-organic forms. The course includes sketchbook journal development. Prerequisite: ART 1200. Three hours.

Students learn advanced techniques and skills in watercolor media application. Exploration of themes will include original concepts such as landscape, still life, and portraiture. Prerequisite: ART 2400, or permission of instructor. Three hours.

This course explores unique expressive applications of the student’s drawing ability through digital technology. Included are experiments in structural digital drawing, sketching, and painting utilizing Procreate. Students may use other digital software for assignment completion. Prerequisite: ART 1200 and ART2110. Three hours.