Visual Studies Department

Interdisciplinary Visual Studies

Courses

INTD 2317 - Interdisciplinary Project Experience: The LIM Fashion Show

Visual Studies
This course is for students who work with a faculty mentor and club leaders in beauty, visual, styling and the production side of the annual college fashion show. By developing 3D looks, visual creation of space, props and set design, digital marketing and branding, and stylist prep and pulling, student will curate and execute the annual fashion show.
credit(s): 3

INTD 2329 - Student Run Concept Shop: Visual Experience

Visual Studies
Students will be the creative directors in cultivating an immersive selling and experiential space in LIM’s on-campus concept shop. Along with their faculty mentor, students will evaluate, design and execute a creative vision and visual plan for the window and displays, including merchandising of LIM product. Students will explore innovative uses for the space such as opportunities for student entrepreneurs and sustainable products, student-run pop-up events or exhibitions.
credit(s): 3

INTD 3329 - Student Run Concept Shop: Visual Experience II

Visual Studies
Students will continue a second semester as the leaders of creative direction in LIM’s on-campus concept shop. Along with their faculty mentor, students will evaluate, design and execute an advanced creative vision and visual plan for the window and displays, including merchandising of LIM product. Advanced innovative uses for the space, including events and exhibitions, will also be explored.
credit(s): 3
Prerequisite(s): INTD 2329

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 and Curating in The Arts

Visual Studies
This course looks at recent developments in curatorial projects across the visual and creative arts. Online curatorial spaces, such as virtual exhibitions and social media platforms, are included as vital components of contemporary curation. 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 as material for curatorial projects.
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 course provides hands-on experience with Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign as an essential digital design foundation for a wide array of creative applications and careers. Students will delve into the fundamentals of visual storytelling with an emphasis on applying core design principles directly to content creation and professional presentations. Creative projects integrate established graphic design with current image creation and emerging Al capabilities. Through practical application of industry-standard digital tools, students will learn to craft compelling visual stories and communicate effectively.
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 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 markmaking, 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 2641 - Installation and Video Art

Visual Studies
Students will explore diverse examples of installation art, including environments and site-specific works, land art, and new media installations such as video, sound, light, interactive, and immersive virtual reality. Historical and contemporary artists will be introduced, with an emphasis on current exhibitions and topics. This course does not provide technical instruction nor require specific skills, other than an interest to investigate installation and video art as a starting point to make one’s own studio work. Assignments and projects will focus on experimentation of materials and media, culminating in a portfolio that can later be used as visual and conceptual content towards a variety of creative applications.
credit(s): 3

VIST 2710 - Design Eras and Visual Style

Visual Studies
This lecture/studio course covers major design eras and relates them to contemporary industry applications. Studio time will be devoted to experimentation with materials and techniques in preparation for making visual proposals using both physical and digital methods. Throughout the course, students will incorporate knowledge of design movements and creative processes into a variety of hands-on studio exercises and projects.
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. This course requires access to a DSLR camera with a normal lens. Please check with the department chair for more information.
credit(s): 3

VIST 3024 - Digital Photography and Imaging II

Visual Studies
This course will continue where the introductory course ‘Digital Photography and Imaging’ ends. Students will study contemporary photographic practice through an in-depth exploration of editorial and narrative approaches to image-making. In independent and group studio projects, students will apply industry-standard production methods to realize a creative vision. Students will use a digital camera as well as Al image-generation tools to complete their projects and Figma as a collective workspace to share their work. This course requires access to a DSLR camera with a normal lens. Please check with the department chair for more information.
credit(s): 3
Prerequisite(s): VIST 3014

VIST 3310 - Virtual Realities for Visual Communication

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 3319 - E-Commerce Essential: Product Photography

Visual Studies
In launching new brand or start-up ventures, entrepreneurs often produce the content for their sales materials. High quality product photographs drive e-commerce sales and are essential for effective conversion. In this hands-on studio course, students will be introduced to fundamental techniques of product photography. Students will learn how to engage lighting, lenses and perspective to create compelling product images while optimizing those images for a wide range of uses online and in print. Topics will include studio lighting, shooting at a macro scale, and industry best practices in the studio. Digital processing of photographic images for a variety of real-world applications will be emphasized. This course requires access to a DSLR camera with a normal lens. Please check with the department chair for more information.
credit(s): 3

VIST 3323 - Upcycling and Repurposing in Visual Presentation

Visual Studies
Students will explore the art of repurposing and upcycling in visual presentation in this studio course. By reusing materials and props, students not only broaden creativity and artistic expression but also become more resourceful and mindful of the planet. Students will learn about the broader context of sustainable and green design, as well as how to source items to reuse, such as by thrifting or seeking donations. Students will develop, construct, and install their designs using a variety of reused materials, techniques, and creative practices. A basic understanding of lighting and tools commonly used in the industry will also be introduced.
credit(s): 3
Prerequisite(s): VIST 1010

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 3412 - AI Content Creation in Photography and Video

Visual Studies
Students will use current industry Al tools for content creation and digital editing for both photography and video. Students will learn how to strategically create prompts to achieve desirable and innovative results. Al applications will be used to generate images and then edited and sequenced for concept driven projects. Discussions will center around the ethical use of Al and cultivating a greater understanding of the potential applications for using Al technology within visual and creative industries.
credit(s): 3
Prerequisite(s): ENGL 1100

VIST 3610 - Creative Direction and Styling in Visual Presentation

Visual Studies
Students will explore the roles of creative director and stylist in various areas of visual presentation, such as retail display, interiors, digital design, social media, and tabletop, prop, set, and photo styling. Students will formulate design proposals for visual presentation that establish a strong concept and brand 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. Students will acquire a basic understanding of lighting and tools commonly used in the industry.
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. Students will create projects from conception to completion, resulting in publicly displayed work. Projects include set and prop design for publication, exhibition design, event planning, and other various visual installations. Students will acquire a basic understanding of lighting and tools commonly used in the industry.
credit(s): 3
Prerequisite(s): (FAME 2020 or FASH 2319 or VIST 2601), VIST 1010

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