Category: Foundations Courses

This studio course introduces students to the interrelated nature of 2D and 3D forms, concepts, and materials, through a series of design exercises that explores the sensory nature of ideas from flat and geometric to physical and tactile. Students work within an iterative process to create multiple projects, organizing visual elements in order to understand the role of aesthetics, meaning, and craft through project outcomes. Projects further introduce students to the role of design thinking, in order to better understand the creative process. Projects will be phased including research, concept ideation, visual development, prototyping, and the refinement of final design solutions with critical assessments built in strategically throughout the project duration.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites:

Through the introduction of the core principles of time-based media, basic code, prototyping and user experience, this studio implores students to explore the concepts of time and interactivity and its impact on the design and experience of their work. Students work within an iterative process to create multiple projects, organizing visual and other sensory elements in order to understand perceptual attributes and convey meaningful messages through objects, spaces and experiences. Students research, develop, design and prototype multiple projects, selecting one to produce and present as a fully realized piece.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites:

Students will be introduced to the theory and practice of color through observation, experimentation, readings, screenings, discussion, and creative projects. They will develop a working color vocabulary considering sensory experience, the psychology of color, personal preference, as well as historical and symbolic meanings of color. Students will also gain a basic and practical understanding of mixing color through traditional and non-traditional materials. This class is experiential and open ended, an attempt to arrive at an understanding of color as an evolving scientific, philosophical, and cultural phenomenon.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites:

In this introductory drawing course, students define the basic methods and principles of applied volumetric drawing with perspective and form, and rapid concept development through the visual description of imagined and observed objects using line variance, value, and composition.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites:

This introductory studio course provides students the opportunity to develop skills in presentation, storytelling, writing, and performance in a studio practice context. Projects will broaden student’s understanding of contemporary current events, recontextualizing themes through their own voice or personal lens. Students apply skills, materials, and tools gained thus far in their first-year experience to explore the narrative development of ideas found in contemporary culture that are relevant to the student and their area of disciplinary study. Performative explorations, that may be collaborative in nature, provide students presentation skills that prepare them to engage an audience, through a variety of sensory experiences and means.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites:

Students explore drawing as an expressive tool to generate, communicate, and develop ideas. With a focus on basic drawing principles and observational drawing, students will sharpen their perceptual drawing skills while working towards expressive methods. Contemporary attitudes toward drawing will be introduced in the second half of the semester as students expand their drawing tools, materials and processes. Methods used to develop ideas are examined through processes that include research, archive and serial drawing.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites:

This course is designed specifically for first-semester freshman who have not yet declared a major at College for Creative Studies. It focuses on concepts and methods that are applicable to undergraduate majors across the College and can be substituted for the first semester studio of any program. This course investigates creative practice from multiple perspectives, using projects and in-class activities to help students gain insight into what major pathways might best suit their talents, interests, and experience. In addition to specific techniques and approaches to creative practice, the course covers important topics such as the distinction between the different undergraduate majors at CCS and the process of critique, which is a fundamental tool used for evaluating student work.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites:

Students explore drawing as a mode of thinking and as an expressive process. Contemporary practices in drawing are the focus as students expand their drawing vocabulary, tools, and processes. Projects will revolve around conceptual prompts and sustained drawing projects that may include; large scale drawing, multiples, and performative drawing, along with a range of experimental approaches. Emphasis will be on students discovering and identifying their individual and unique aesthetic voices, developing a critical framework for critique, and acquiring verbal skills to articulate intentionality and point of view.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: DFN 103

The Special Project class is offered on an occasional basis, with course content specific to the area(s) being explored.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites:

Students expand their understanding of the fundamentals of drawing and sketching, and develop their own personal sense of style and enhanced skill. A variety of drawing techniques are explored with a focus on creative composition, design and visual narrative. Additionally, the human figure will be explored as a basis of understanding gesture, proportion, geometric forms in space and the definition of complex surfaces.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: DFN 101