May 20, 2024  
2020-2021 College Catalog 
    
2020-2021 College Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Visual Studies


Visual Studies

Courses

  • VIST 1010 - Visual Communication

    Visual Studies
    In an increasingly digital and global age, compelling visual elements are the backbone of much successful communication. This introductory lecture/studio course covers approaches to visual communication as applied to fashion and creative industries in areas including: social media, websites, digital graphics, set design/photo styling, retail display, exhibition design, event planning, and interior concepts. Within this context, students will view and evaluate a variety of images and learn basic visual vocabulary, so as to increase visual literacy. Students will utilize the elements and principles of design to create successful compositions, while applying the overarching concepts of visual branding.
    credit(s): 3
  • VIST 1510 - Color and Design

    Visual Studies
    In this course, students will gain an in-depth understanding of the elements of design, including line, shape, texture, and color; and the driving principles of design, such as balance, contrast, and unity. Students will apply this compositional language to a variety of individual studio projects using both conventional and experimental materials. In-class lectures, discussions, field trips, and readings further develop students’ understanding and articulation of visual language, while fostering a community of makers.
    credit(s): 3
  • VIST 1613 - Field Trip: From City to Studio

    Visual Studies
    Students will use field trips to New York City cultural locations as the basis for developing studio projects. Class-time will alternate between field trips to museums, galleries, public art spaces and dynamic neighborhoods, and studio sessions where students will develop individual projects using a variety of materials. Projects will be tailored to be relevant for students across majors, and experimentation with both digital and traditional studio techniques will be encouraged.
    credit(s): 3
  • VIST 2311 - Social Media, the Arts, and the Curators View

    Visual Studies
    With the onset of Covid-19, museums, galleries, performance and event spaces quickly closed their physical venues, while many new virtual exhibition spaces and online curatorial projects began to emerge. This course looks at recent developments in curatorial projects where virtual platforms and social media are the central focus. Students will learn about the landscape of this visual culture and explore curatorial ideas, using both their own studio work and the work of others.
    credit(s): 3
  • VIST 2313 - Creative Coding

    Visual Studies
    Have you ever seen an interactive exhibit, video game, or website and wondered how it all works? Maybe you’ve wanted to add coding or technology skills to your resume but have no idea where to begin? This class introduces the basics of computer programming in a creative and inclusive environment. No prior computer experience or math skills are required, just an interest in working with technology on visual projects. Coursework will center on the visual and creative applications of computer programming including graphics, motion, and interaction using JavaScript and p5.js. Students will get hands-on experience coding through the creation of digital “sketches” -fun and simple apps that visually depict programming concepts. Students will also learn how to create their own websites and VR experiences using HTML and A-Frame. The course will explore real-world examples of technology in fashion and visual fields to speculate upon how it will shape the future of these industries.
    credit(s): 3
  • VIST 2514 - Making Images and the Written Word

    Visual Studies
    In this course, students will examine the connection between visual images and the written word. Students will read a variety of text by contemporary authors, as well as investigate contemporary text-based artists, to inform and inspire their own studio practice. Studio exercises will include using text as a medium to create visual compositions and referencing texts in genres such as poetry and short stories as prompts for studio projects. Through regular reading of contemporary art criticism and reviews, students will become familiar with a diverse landscape of contemporary culture, providing a framework for developing a clear voice in their own visual work.
    credit(s): 3
  • VIST 2601 - Digital Design I

    Visual Studies
    This introductory course integrates the major principles of graphic design and digital imaging using Adobe Creative Cloud. Students will utilize Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe InDesign to combine image and text from concept development through final design completion for a variety of multi-media applications. Using the elements and principles of design, along with interdisciplinary approaches to design solutions, will be emphasized. Through formal and contextual analysis, students will assess their work within the backdrop of graphic design history.
    credit(s): 3
  • VIST 2602 - Digital Design II

    Visual Studies
    In this course, students will expand their knowledge of graphic design and digital imaging while further developing their skills in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Studio assignments emphasize creativity, where students learn how to develop, challenge, and push their ideas. Their concepts will be applied to a series of projects that include identity graphics, composite images, and materials for print. Adobe After Effects for animation and motion graphics will also be introduced.
    credit(s): 3
    Prerequisite(s): FAME 2020 or FASH 2319 or VIST 2601
  • VIST 2610 - Drawing

    Visual Studies
    Students will be introduced to a variety of beginner freehand drawing methods that can be applied towards a broad range of projects. Using diverse drawing exercises and approaches, the course will enhance the student’s ability to observe form, detail, light, texture, space, and proportion. Assignments and projects will emphasize visual note-taking, sketching to communicate an idea, perspective drawing, expressive mark-making, mixed-media applications, and editing to build a portfolio. Students will develop a visual language that will allow them to conceptualize through the medium of drawing and frame their work within the context of art history and contemporary drawing.
    credit(s): 3
  • VIST 2617 - Creative Photography and Experimental Media

    Visual Studies
    Students will use lens-based and related media of their choice to investigate abstraction and creativity. The camera and video functions on a smartphone are sufficient, as this course does not provide technical instruction of photography or camera operations, but rather encourages students to use experimental and non-traditional methods. Contemporary and historical examples of fine art photography and video will be incorporated throughout the course. Studio assignments and projects will focus on experimentation and inventiveness, so that students will complete the course with a portfolio of photo-based works that can be later used as content for visual applications, including concepts for social media platforms.
    credit(s): 3
  • VIST 2710 - Visual Literacy and Creative Process

    Visual Studies
    From where do creative ideas and visual design innovation come? What makes some of them more compelling and enduring than others? Students will study design history to recognize renowned designers, iconic images, and distinguish between stylistic characteristics of particular periods, while utilizing field trips to foster the habit of curiosity and visual investigation. This increased visual knowledge sets the stage for strong conceptual thinking and purposeful making in the studio, where students are encouraged to experiment with materials, techniques, and processes, including photography. Through repeated exposure to looking and making, one develops visual literacy, generates new ideas, expands creativity, and is better able to filter and edit through a broad range of possibilities.
    credit(s): 3
  • VIST 2999 - Special topics in Visual Studies

    Visual Studies
    Special topics courses are one-time elective courses exploring a timely topic or specialized issue through the lens of visual art, design, and creative industries, and which are not covered by the main curriculum. These courses include an active studio component.
    credit(s): 3
  • VIST 3014 - Digital Photography and Imaging

    Visual Studies
    Students will be introduced to beginning photographic and digital imaging techniques in this hands-on studio course. Students will learn how to set and use a digital camera for maximum creative control while beginning to form a personal approach to the medium. Topics include exposure, lighting, composition, personal style, concept creation, visual realization, and influential photographers and images within the history of photography. Digital processing of photographic images for a variety of real-world applications will be emphasized.
    credit(s): 3
  • VIST 3310 - Technology for Visual Communication Virtual Realities for Visual Communication effective Summer 2021

    Visual Studies
    3D Software including Blender will be introduced and applied towards specific industry projects, such as developing illustrative display drawings for presentations and creating virtual sets. The capabilities and possibilities of Mixed Reality (MR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR) will also be introduced. Students will move through steps from ideation to digital renderings to compiling concepts into professional presentation formats. Content creation for social media platforms will be included as a vital component of current visual communication.
    credit(s): 3
    Prerequisite(s): FAME 2020 or FASH 2319 or VIST 2601
  • VIST 3350 - 3D Digital Design

    Visual Studies
    This course provides a hands-on approach to learning the theory and techniques of 3D design and digital rendering. Students will use SketchUp along with Adobe Creative Cloud to develop 3D designs and create compelling multimedia presentations. Best practices for conceptualizing and modeling three dimensional spaces and objects will be emphasized, culminating in industry applied projects. A brief overview of design history, theory, and discourse will be covered as a foundation for creating functional and aesthetically-considered work.
    credit(s): 3
    Prerequisite(s): FAME 2020 or FASH 2319 or VIST 2601
  • VIST 3610 - Visual Presentation and Identity Prerqquisites update effective Summer 2021

    Visual Studies
    In this course, students will explore various presentation opportunities within the context of set design/ photo styling, retail display, residential/interior concepts, social media, and digital spaces. Students will use their knowledge of the elements and principals of design to formulate creative proposals for visual presentation. Emphasis is on innovative concept development and establishing a strong visual identity to a targeted audience. Working within the studio, students will develop, construct and install their designs using a variety of materials, techniques, and creative practices.
    credit(s): 3
    Prerequisite(s): (FAME 2020 or FASH 2319 or VIST 2601), VIST 1010
  • VIST 4510 - Exhibition and Set Design

    Visual Studies
    Students will analyze, conceptualize, and execute advanced visual design projects in real-world applications across a broad range of creative industries. Starting with research of historical and theoretical references, students will create projects from conception to completion, resulting in publicly displayed work. Projects include set design for publication, exhibition design, event planning, and other various visual installations.
    credit(s): 3
    Prerequisite(s): (FAME 2020 or FASH 2319 or VIST 2601), VIST 1010, VIST 1510
  • VIST 4960 - Visual Studies Senior Capstone (6cr)

    Visual Studies
    This course draws from the full spectrum of learning objectives students have developed from coursework in the major. Students are asked to integrate and apply knowledge, skills, and critical reasoning in a cumulative demonstration of ability.
    credit(s): 6
    Prerequisite(s): VIST DSCC