Course Descriptions & Master Syllabi

ART 105 Drawing I - Introductory

This course focuses on the development of observational skills and drawing techniques in black and white media. Students will explore line, value, shape, texture, and perspective through the use of still life, landscape and the human figure. 3 (3-0)

ART 110 Basic Photography

This course is designed for persons wanting a working knowledge of cameras, lenses, and fundamentals of photography. Topics covered include: f stops, shutter speeds, depth of field, film selection, composition, electronic flashes and other basics. Students will be introduced to the black and white darkroom where they will develop film and produce prints. 3 (3-0)

ART 115 Design I

This course focuses on the basic elements and principles of two-dimensional design. Students will be introduced to the design process for creative problem solving and visual communication using a variety of media. 3 (3-0)

ART 130 Painting I

An introduction to painting with the exploration of media, techniques, and the concepts of space, form, and color. 3 (3-0)

ART 135 Graphic Design I

An introduction to the concepts and techniques of visual communication. The focus is on typography, page layout, grid structure, production requirements, design history and the design problem-solving process. 3 (3-0)

ART 137 Digital Photography

An introduction to digital photography and computer software used in photo manipulations. Students will learn various techniques in creating enhanced images, including color balance, sizing, and sharpening. Students will learn how to download images from digital cameras and to scan photographic prints and film. Students will learn correct file formats for output and print management. Discussions will also include composition, lighting, and personal creativity. 3 (3-0)

Prerequisites: ART 110 or permission of Instructor

ART 152 Introduction to Website Design

This course introduces the fundamentals of web design and development. Students will explore web technology topics and learn how to use HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and related technologies to construct web pages. As the final course outcome, students will build their own online portfolio or a website that acts as an individual portfolio piece. ART 152 is also crosslisted as CIS 135. Credit may not be earned in both classes. 3(3-1.5)

ART 205 Drawing II

This course will allow students the opportunity to further develop their drawing skills through the use of form, space and composition. Various materials and processes will be explored during the semester.
3 (3-0)

Prerequisite: ART 105

ART 206 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Illustration

This course is designed to give students a comprehensive introduction into the concepts and techniques used in the creation of comics and sequential art. Students will explore character development, layout, timing and illustration styles used in this specialized field, with specific focus on both print and digital media outlets. 3 (3-0)

Prerequisite: ART 105

ART 207 Comic Book and Graphic Novel Illustration II

Students will have an opportunity to further explore the basic elements learned in Art 206, Comic Book and Graphic Novel Illustration. Students will write and illustrate their own original work. Emphasis is placed on the development of character design and storytelling skills, as well as the development of creative attitudes and concepts. 3 (3-0)

Prerequisite: ART 206

ART 210 Illustration

Development of conceptual and technical skills in traditional and digital media for reproduction. 3 (3-0)

Prerequisites: ART 205, ART 235

ART 211 Page Layout I

This course introduces the student to the software and tools used in page layout. Emphasis is on learning the software and tools and applying basic design principles in the production of files for final output. Students will learn the fundamentals of page layout, typography, effective use of color, proofing, and preparing print ready documents. 3 (3-0)

ART 215 Design II

Continuation of Design I, elements and principles of two-dimensional design. Introduction to three-dimensional design through problem-solving exercises. 3 (3-0)

Prerequisite: ART 115

ART 230 Painting II

A continuation of Painting I introducing more advanced techniques and media. 3 (3-0)

Prerequisite: ART 130

ART 235 Graphic Design II

A continuation of ART 135 with an emphasis on the integration of type and image in visual communication. Focuses on an exploration of tools, techniques, and hands-on skills required in the creation of professional illustrations and graphics. 3 (3-0)

Prerequisite: ART 135

ART 236 Graphic Design III

Continuation of ART 235 with an emphasis on refining problem-solving skills required in a professional environment. Focuses on research and analysis of visual communication, as well as the creation of portfolio-building projects. 3 (3-0)

Prerequisite: ART 235 or permission of Instructor

ART 237 Photography II

A continuation of ART 110 Basic Photography. Students will be given advanced projects in exposure, lighting, motion control, depth control, film and composition. Projects will be completed in black and white film, with the students processing and printing their own projects. 3 (3-0)

Prerequisite: ART 110

ART 239 Page Layout II

This course is a continuation of ART 211 Page Layout I. Students will be assigned advanced page layout projects. This course will examine all aspects of production as they relate to print, including correct document construction, color space and color systems, separations, preflight, print production and paper considerations. Projects will focus on the use of effective design principles, proper file preparation, preflight of files and production process. 3 (3-0)

Prerequisite: ART 211

ART 240 Studio Problems in Graphic Design

An opportunity for students to work independently on projects related to the graphic design industry. Included in the course will be individual assistance in preparing a portfolio for seeking employment or further education. 3 (3-0)

Prerequisites: ART 110, 130, 210, 215, 236, and 239

ART 241 Portfolio

In this course the student will be taken through the process of preparing an art portfolio, resume and artist statement based on their individual needs for the purpose of transfer to a 4-year college for further study or promotion of their artwork. Students will be guided through the process of selection of artwork, documentation, and compilation of the portfolio as well as the writing of a resume and artist statement. 1 (1-0)

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

ART 245* Art in the Elementary School

An investigation of how art fits into the Elementary School Curriculum and what its impact is on all elementary children. To be presented through lecture, readings, slides or prints, and a team teaching experience by all participants.

(*Note: Please be advised that ART 245 will transfer to Central Michigan University as ART 345 only if the following prerequisites have been met: 1) ELE/SED 107 has minimum grade of "B"; and 2) 45 clock hours of pre-professional experience in K-12 classroom). 3 (3-0)

ART 247 Contemporary Photography

This course is designed for the student who has completed ART 110 and ART 137 and now wishes additional hands on practical experience using the concepts and principles learned in these classes. Students will learn more advanced techniques and will be able to apply these techniques to projects a professional photographer might encounter. 3 (3-0)

Prerequisites: ART 110 and ART 137

ART 252 Website Design II

This course applies advanced web design and development techniques. Students will explore open source content management systems and use advanced HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and related web technologies to customize the functionality and appearance of dynamic websites. As the final course outcome, students will implement their own CMS with a responsive design and ecommerce features. ART 252 is also crosslisted as CIS 235. Credit may not be earned in both classes. 3 (3-0)

Prerequisite ART 152 or CIS 135

ART 253 Flash Fundamentals

This course introduces the fundamentals of the use of Flash in web design and animation utilizing Adobe graphic design software and implementing the foundations of ActionScript. Students will explore contemporary methods of applying animations to their Flash websites. The final course product is a promotional interactive portfolio. 3 (3-0)

Prerequisite: CIS 100

ART 254 Motion Graphics

This course will focus on video pre and post-production for the purpose of commercial use, including video editing, sound production, operating production equipment, lighting and industry standard digital effects. Students will apply media and dynamic rich content to their motion graphics and video projects. Final course outcome is a video portfolio. 3 (3-0)

Prerequisite: ART 253

ART 255 Emerging Web Technologies

This course is a continuation of ART 252 Website Design II. It introduces advanced, emerging technologies in web design/multimedia design and current emerging web technologies. This is a growing field and will give graphic design students opportunities to expand their background in current web technologies. The final outcome is a functional, online portfolio. 3 (3-0)

Prerequisite: ART 252

ART 256 Business in Art-Entrepreneur

This course will train students in the business of art, graphic design and an introduction to small business ownership. It is designed for students seeking key opportunities to attain professional development, self-employment and administrative potential in the art and design industry or to prepare students to transfer their coursework towards further undergraduate study. 3 (3-0)

Prerequisite: ART 252 or permission of instructor

ART 280 Independent Study in Art I

An opportunity for advanced students to work with an instructor on individualized projects in various selected media. 3 (3-0)

Prerequisite: Permission of the Instructor

ART 281 Internship I

Designed to provide on-site work experience in a business environment. Under cooperative supervision by the College and the work-site Supervisor, students will further develop skills and gain training in the design field. 3 (1-10)

Prerequisite: Permission of the Internship Coordinator

ART 282 Internship II

Continuation of ART 281. Designed to provide on-site work experience in a business environment. Under cooperative supervision by the College and the work-site Supervisor, students will further develop skills and gain training the the design field. 3 (1-10)

Prerequisite: ART 281 and permission of the Internship Coordinator

ART 285 Independent Study in Art II

Continuation of ART 280. 3 (3-0)

Prerequisite: ART 280 and permission of the Instructor

ART 290-299 Special Topics/Art

This course is designed to investigate various topics in Art that are not included in current courses. Topics will be announced. This course is offered based on demand. 1-3 (1-3-0)