Foundation Courses

+ return to all majors



Fundamentals of Drawing 1  (FD110) 2 units
This is an introduction to drawing, covering the basic technical skills and materials necessary to create convincing representations of simple or complex still-life forms. Students are introduced to composition and the concepts of creating volume and space utilizing lines as measurement, construction drawing, and value systems. Materials include graphite and charcoal.

course prerequisite:     None




Fundamentals of Figure Drawing 1  (FD111) 2 units
This course is an introduction to drawing the human form. Students work from the draped and undraped model. Emphasis is on accurate representation of the figure utilizing observation with the elements of gesture, measurement, construction line, volume, proportion, and surface anatomy. Materials include graphite and charcoal.

course prerequisite:     Fundamentals of Drawing or concurrent enrollment in Fundamentals of Drawing.




Fundamentals of Figure and Portrait Sculpture  (FD114) 2 units
This is an introduction to sculpture processes and figure modeling through problem solving. The student is introduced to techniques of visual research, idea development, evaluation, attention to craft, skill development, material application, and the relationship of appropriate materials to the idea.

course prerequisite:     None




Fundamentals of Composition & Color - Traditional  (FD115) 2 units
This course analyzes basic compositional structures and presentation approaches from master paintings. Students will investigate how artists use color to achieve order, balance, and unity. Students will also learn practical application of formal pictorial elements, such as line, value, hue, temperature, edge relationship, emphasis, and eye path to create visual equilibrium. Materials include graphite, charcoal, and oil paint.

course prerequisite:     None




Fundamentals of Composition & Color - Digital  (FD115) 2 units
This course investigates the relationship of pictorial organization, composition and color to all visual arts. The student is introduced to the formal organization of art; line, shape, value, texture, rhythm, space, balance, proportion, movement, unity, harmony, and tension. Projects in color include hue, value, intensity, simultaneous contrast, color harmony, and discord. This course uses traditional drawing materials as well as the computer. Special emphasis is given to concepts necessary for visual communicators and practical skills especially beneficial for graphic designers. Primary

course prerequisite:     None




Fundamentals of Perspective  (FD120) 2 units
This is an introduction to linear perspective systems. Students explore a variety of basic and complex laws to convey the illusion of three-dimensional forms in space on a two-dimensional surface. The course stresses volume, scale, placement, and direction of forms in a spatial field.

course prerequisite:     Drawing Fundamentals or taken concurrently




Fundamentals of Painting  (FD122) 2 units
This course is an introduction to the basic skills, tools, materials, and techniques used in painting with oils. The student paints from direct observation, primarily using the still life as subject matter. Emphasis is on solving the problems of representing form in space by applying the elements of composition, perspective, value, and color. Topics include preparing supports for painting and various painting techniques.

course prerequisite:     Fundamentals of Drawing, Fundamentals of Figure Drawing I, and Fundamentals of Composition and Color.




Fundamentals of Graphic Design   (FD123) 2 units
This foundation course explores basic graphic design methods, processes, techniques, and formats. Assignments introduce elements, media, and principles of graphic design from historical and contemporary perspectives and emphasize visual representation aimed to communicate ideas and non-visual content. Students will use Adobeā??s Creative Suite 3 (CS3) software.

course prerequisite:     Fundamental of Drawing, Fundamentals of Figure Drawing I, and Fundamentals of Composition and Color.




Fundamentals of Illustration  (FD124) 2 units
In this course students are introduced to the role of the illustrator and how the illustrator works. Through directed class assignments, students are exposed to fundamental principles and practices of illustration. Methods, processes, and techniques of visually communicating ideas are explored. Students learn how to acquire and properly use reference material, develop the sketch, visually express imagery, and formulate a finished illustration.

course prerequisite:     Fundamentals of Drawing, Fundamentals of Figure Drawing I, and Fundamentals of Composition and Color.




Fundamentals of Animation  (FD125) 2 units
This introductory course covers fundamental principles of drawing animated action and movement. Students explore basic animation drawing, rudimentary movement, timing, and consistency in drawing volume and mass, as well as primary and secondary action. In prepared exercises students will learn some animation basicsā??such as the overlap or bouncing ballā??and how to plan and complete an animated film. Additional topics include the importance of acting, a brief history of animation, animation styles, and an overview of the animation industry.

course prerequisite:     Fundamentals of Drawing and Fundamentals on Figure Drawing 1.




Fundamentals of Maya  (FD126) 2 units
This course introduces the student to the complex interface of Maya, one of the leading software programs in the animation and graphic design industries. Students will learn how to navigate Maya's interface exploring basic modeling, rigging, lighting, texture, and camera set-up. This course is required for every student majoring in visual communication.

course prerequisite:     Fundamentals of Drawing, Fundamentals of Figure Drawing I, Fundamentals of Composition and Color, and Fundamentals of Digital Imaging.




Fundamentals of Digital Imaging : Pixels (Photoshop)  (FD127) 2 units
Lecture and studio course introducing principles of creative visualization with the use of the computer and pixel based imaging software. Comprehension of key terms and concepts are taught, with projects designed to develop practical software skills and aesthetic development. Emphasis is placed upon working with imagery from digital cameras, scanners, and generating original computer graphics. Topics include photo-retouching, digital drawing and painting, digital montage, color modes, and preparing files for printing and web based display. Primary software: Adobe Photoshop.

course prerequisite:     None




Fundamentals of Game Art  (FD128) 2 units
This class teaches fundamental art and design concepts, as well as technical software understanding applied to the creation of art intended for video game use. Emphasis is placed on strong foundation skills, compelling conceptual ideas, and technical knowhow. Class time will be spent creating game art elements, as well as learning new tools to achieve results in an effective and efficient manner. This class will not focus on a single element but rather it will attempt to give a broad overview into the role that art and design play in the creation of games.

course prerequisite:     Fundamentals of Drawing, Fundamentals of Figure Drawing I, Fundamentals of Composition and Color, and Fundamentals of Digital Imaging.




Fundamentals of Digital Imaging : Vector Graphics (Illustrator)  (FD129) 2 units
Lecture and studio course focused on the use vector based imaging software for drawing and design. Comprehension of key terms and concepts are taught, with projects designed to develop practical software skills and aesthetic development. Emphasis is placed upon use of vector drawing tools, stylization techniques, and integration with pixel graphics. Topics include simplification of form, technical drawing, pattern creation, and perspective studies. Primary software: Adobe Illustrator.

course prerequisite:     None