2026-2027 Academic Catalog

Category: Academic Programs & Courses

2026-2027 Academic Catalog

  • AHV-406 DOC FILM: (RE)PRESENTING THE REAL

    Beginning with the idea that “all representation,is transformation,” students in this course will,examine the ways in which documentary films both,(re)present the sociohistorical world-the,”real”– and shape our perceptions of that,reality. Films drawn from a wide range of eras,,cultures, and perspectives will provide the,opportunity to explore concepts such as,authenticity, identity, evidence, authority, and,argument while course readings will analyze and,critique documentary films from a variety of,viewpoints including historical analysis, race,and gender studies, and critical theory.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: Any 300 level Liberal Arts (General Education),subject.

  • AHV-408 EAST ASIAN FILM

    The socio-political aftermath of World War II in,Japan, China and Korea led to an explosion of film,culture in those countries, one inspired by the,commercial and art cinemas of the West, but one,that has rivaled them in terms of innovation. ,While addressing the histories and present-day,climates of their mother countries, East Asian,films since 1945 have developed unique approaches,to narrative and culturally specific imagery, and,furthered a dialogue between the three neighbors,that reflects their centuries old interrelations.,This course will trace the evolution of film,language from the master directors of post-war,Japan (Ozu, Mizoguchi, Ichikawa and Kurosawa) to,the various filmic modes in post-revolutionary,China (Ang Lee, Wong kar-wai, Zhang Yimou and Hou,Hsiao-hsien) to the radical transformations of,contemporary Korean cinema (Park Chan-wook, Bong,Joon-ho and Na Hong-jin).

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: Any 300 level Liberal Arts (General Education),subject.

  • AHV-410 INTRO TO BOLLYWOOD CINEMA

    This course offers an introduction to one of the,world’s largest film industries, and a major,entertainment art form of our times, popularly,referred to as Bollywood. Students come to,understand the dynamic evolution of this,international art form and the ways in which it,responds to historical, political, economic, and,aesthetic contexts.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: ANY UNDERGRADUATE 300 LEVEL LIBERAL ARTS COURSE*

  • AHV-411 DETROIT:COUNTER HISTORIES AND CONTESTED,SITES

    How can artists creatively reframe history? What,narratives around us have been historically,omitted? And what stories can we build on to,create a future archive? “Counter Histories and,Contested Sites” is an introduction to the legacy,of Detroit as a site of resistance through spaces,of care and co-liberation. Seminars, readings,,field trips, and studio visits explore the power,of art in times of crisis and art as a catalyst,for social change. Topics and field trips,investigate how artists, activists, and,collectives are creatively fighting mass,surveillance, water shut-offs, displacement,,climate crisis, and the privatization of public,space. Grounded in the voices and perspectives of,people on the frontlines, this course prioritizes,grassroots histories over the dominant mainstream,narrative

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: Any 300 level Liberal Arts (General Education),subject.

  • AHV-490 INDEPENDENT STUDY

    Independent Study is available to students who are,at Junior or Senior level standing with a,cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or above.,The student may receive approval to work in an,area or on a project that is not otherwise offered,or addressed in the regular curriculum. An,Independent Study should include opportunities for,individual student voice and provide a space for,diverse perspectives. Students may receive credit,toward graduation for no more than 6 credit hours.,The student must submit to the chairperson of the,department in which they wish to study, an,Independent Study Proposal of 150 words (no less),of the student’s plan for study and her/his reason,for choosing to study independently. Once the,department chairperson provides approval and the,instructor for the Independent Study is,determined, the faculty member must write an,Independent Study Syllabus with education goals,,learning outcomes, meeting dates, course,expectations, timelines, and due dates. Art,Education candidates must pass DAE 490 with a,grade of ‘C’ (2.00) or higher to qualify for,certification.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites:

  • AHV-500 GLOBAL LEARNING EXPERIENCE

    (This is a faculty led study abroad course *,syllabi will differ per destination) ,,On a Global Learning Experience course, students,are brought outside the typical classroom, for a,24/7 learning experience in varying locations,outside the USA. The course will provide students,with tools for analyzing your learning process and,identifying cultural patterns, differences,,similarities and values encountered during the,journey. Students develop a sense of,cross-cultural understanding, and navigate towards,becoming a global citizen. Students develop a,heightened sense of confidence, and leadership as,they plan, and execute this excursion. In,addition students discover the role of becoming an,ambassador for their own culture. Practical issues,about studying abroad (safety, money, packing,,etc.) are delivered via pre-departure sessions,with the International Student Services Office.,
    ,

    , SUMMER 2026,
    ,Art History and Intercultural Studies in,Greece,
    ,In this Faculty-Led study abroad program, students,will travel around Greece and see Athens, Olympia,,Delphi, the Saronic islands, and the Argolida,region. The program will expose students to many,aspects of Greek culture including how both,ancient and modern Greece has put its stamp on art,and design in the contemporary world. Students,will be taking multiple guided tours around the,cities and their iconic landmarks. This program,includes the opportunity to visit many museums,across the country that contain artifacts,important to Greek art history, and tour a UNESCO,world heritage site.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: SLP 007

  • Animation

    Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree Requirements

    Catalog Year 26/27

    Total Credits 120-122

    First Year

    First Semester = 16 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
      SLP-007 CCS First Year Experience *1
      DFN-101 Drawing I: Rapid Concepts3
      DFN-117 2D Design Principles3
      DFN-119 Digital Techniques3
      DMA-120 Creative Visualization3
      AHV-100 Introduction to Material Culture (CR)3

    Second Semester = 15 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
      DFN-132 Process & Making3
      DFN-112 Drawing II: Style & Skill3
      DMA-101 Animation I3
      DMA-217 Introduction to 3D Computer Graphics3
      WRT-101 Composition I (CR) †3

    Second Year

    Third Semester = 15 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
    Select one course towards Animation focus:
      DMA-201 Animation II (2D focus)
      DMA-317 3D Animation I (3D focus)    		3
    Select one course towards Animation focus:
      DMA-234 Modeling & Texturing (3D focus)
      DMA-243 Animation Nuts & Bolts (2D focus)    		3
      DMA-211 Digital Animation Techniques I3
      WRT-102 Composition II (CR)3
      AHV-214 History of Animation & Digital Media (MR)3

    Fourth Semester = 15 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
    Select one course towards Animation focus:
      DMA-230 Experimental Animation (2D focus)
      DMA-347 3D Animation II (3D focus)    		3
    Select one course towards Animation focus:
      DMA-202 Animation III (2D focus)
      DMA-228 Stop Motion I (2D & 3D focus)
      DMA-230 Experimental Animation (3D focus)
      DMA-302 Storyboarding for Film/Animation (2D & 3D focus)
      DMA-317 3D Animation I (2D focus)    		3
    Choose one course:
      DMA-270 Animation Production
      FLM-106 Intro to Filmmaking    		3
      DMA-232 Drawing Tech for Visual Media3
      AHV-247 History of Communication Design I (MR)3

    Third Year

    Fifth Semester = 15 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
    Select one course towards Animation focus:
      DMA-348 Animation Projects I (2D focus)
      DMA-367 3D Animation III (3D focus)    		3
      DMA-233 Environments and Characters3
      Animation Major Elective (see approved list)3
      Humanities: Choose from approved list (CE)3
      General Education Elective 200-400 (CR)3

    Sixth Semester = 15 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
      DMA-349 Animation Projects II3
      DMA-333 Advanced Story Concepts3
      Animation Major Elective (see approved list)3
      Science Elective 200-400 (CE)3
      General Education Elective 200-4003

    Fourth Year

    Seventh Semester = 15 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
      DMA-410 Senior Production Studio I3
      Animation Major Elective (see approved list)3
      AHV 200-400 Art History & Visual Culture Course (CE)3
      General Education Elective 200-4003
      Open Elective3

    Eighth Semester = 15 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
      DMA-420 Senior Production Studio II3
      DMA-424 Professional Futures I3
      General Education Elective 200-4003
      General Education Elective 200-4003
      Open Elective3

    Additional ”Program & Credit Requirement Details” attached; includes ”approved course lists” and ”recommended courses (RC)” for any requirements with noted selections. Enrolled students should view Self-Service (My Progress/Plan & Schedule) for complete program information; see catalog for additional course details and descriptions.

    This plan is provided for use as a guide only and is based on full-time status with successful completion of credits outlined per semester. Degree Timelines and requirements may vary based on actual program, credits completed per semester and/or catalog year. Students are responsible for confirming completion of all requirements before graduating (use program/student resources to support degree progression). Minimum Cumulative GPA of 2.0 required.

    Program & Credit Requirement Details

    Degree RequirementsTotal credits requiredRequirement Details
      First Year Experience1.0SLP-007 is waived for eligible transfer students with 12.0 (or more) college.
      Foundations15.0Required for all majors. Successfully complete listed DFN Foundation courses for enrolled major; requirements may vary per major.
    (TR) = Additional transfer consideration for DFN-138 & DFN-142, based on review of CDS majors.
      General Education39.0Liberal Arts courses required for all undergraduate majors; total credits may vary per program.
      General Education Undergrad CORE Requirements (CR)12.0Successfully complete WRT & AHV core general education prerequisites requirements (Composition pathways may vary based on completed assessments, test scores or transfer credits).
      General Education MAJOR Requirements (MJ)6.0Successfully complete major specific Liberal Arts. Requirements vary per major.
      General Education Undergrad CORE Electives (CE)9.0Successfully complete core general education electives required for all UG majors (Science, Humanities, Art History & Visual Culture) as outlined on 4 year pathway/degree requirements:
    3.0 cr. Science: Successfully complete one course from the SCI subject; 200-400 level
    3.0 cr. Humanities Option: Successfully complete one of the following approved courses: LIT 239, LIT 203, DHS 201, DSS 215, DSS 240 or DPL 201
    3.0 cr. Art History & Visual Culture: Successfully complete course from AHV subject, 200-400 level
      General Education Electives15.0Successfully complete any non-required 200-400 level Liberal Arts course from subject codes: AHV, BUS, DHS, DPL, DSS, SCI, WRT, LIT
    (Total Gen.Ed Elective credits vary per major).

    (RC) Recommended course towards General Education Elective credits: BUS 213 Business Practices
      Major §60.0Studio and/or lecture courses specific to major focus.
      Major Courses §51.0Successfully complete listed DMA courses in 4 year plan, by recommended sequence (based on prerequisites)
      Major Electives9.0Successfully complete courses from the list below, to satisfy required “Animation Major Elective” credits. Must select courses that do not already apply towards other degree program credits.
    Animation Approved Major Electives
    DMA-202 Animation III
    DMA-212 2D Digital Animation II
    DMA-228 Stop Motion I
    DMA-246 Game Art I
    DMA-256 Lighting & Rendering
    DMA-302 Storyboarding for Film/Animation
    DMA-309 Concept Design
    DMA-328 Stop Motion II
    DMA-310 Maquette Sculpture
    DMA-330 Character Rigging    		Additional courses approved to fulfill Animation Major Electives
    DIL-147 Figure Illustration I
    DIL-246 Anatomical Figure Illustration
    FLM-225 Sound Design I
    FLM-226 Sound Design II
    FLM-254 Playing the Self

    Note: Some courses may require additional approval for registration, based on availability, offerings and prerequisites.
      Open Electives6.0Successfully complete 100-400 level courses from any Undergraduate subject (Studio or Lecture).
    Total Program Credits121.0Total credits required 120 – 122 ‡
    Undergraduate Bachelor of Fine Arts program, GPA minimum requirement = 2.0

    Footnotes

    * ELS 101 Composition I for Multilingual Students 4.0 cr.
    † WRT 101/102 Self Placement Survey available.
    ‡ Based on SLP 007 (1.0 cr.) and ELS 101 (4.0 cr.)§ Remaining Major course sequence impacts timeline to degree completion.

  • BFA + Art Education Certification Pathway

    Catalog Year 26/27

    Standard 4 Year Pathway (full-time status)

    Minimum Program Credits 121

    Art Education Pre-Professional Pathway Courses (DAE)
    Must take in listed semesters

    Note: This is a sample course plan

    First Year

    First Semester = 15-16 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
      SLP-007 CCS First Year Experience *1
      DFN Foundation Course3
      DFN Foundation Course3
      DFN Foundation Course3
      Major Course3
      AHV-100 Introduction to Material Culture (CR)3

    Second Semester = 18 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
      DFN Foundation Course3
      DFN Foundation Course3
      Major Course3
      Major Course3
      WRT-101 Composition I † (CR)3
      DAE-200 Educ. Found. History & Philosophy of Education3

    Second Year

    Third Semester = 18 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
      Major Course3
      Major Course3
      Major Course3
      WRT-102 Composition II (CR)3
    Choose one:
      AHV-203 Global Art History I (CR)
      AHV-204 Global Art History II (CR)    		3
      DAE-250 Human Dev. Creative and Visual Learning3

    Fourth Semester = 12 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
      Major Course3
      Major Course3
      Major Course3
      AHV History of Major…3
      General Education Elective 0

    Third Year

    Fifth Semester = 15 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
      Major Course3
      Major Course3
      Major Elective3
      Humanities: Choose from approved list (CE)3
      DAE-315 Elementary Art Teaching: Meth, Math #3

    Sixth Semester = 15 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
      Major Course3
      Major Course3
      Major Elective3
      Science Elective 200-400 (CE)3
      DAE-405 Secondary Art Teaching: Meth, Math #3

    Fourth Year

    Seventh Semester = 15 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
      Major Course3
      Major Elective3
      Major Elective3
      Open Elective3
      DAE-407 Reading & Language Art Methods #3

    Eighth Semester = 12 Credit Hours

    Course RequirementCredits
      Major Course3
      Major Elective3
      General Education Elective **0
      AHV 200-400 Art History & Visual Culture Course (CE)3
      Open Elective ††3

    Additional Information

    The BFA program sample includes 15.0 credits of General Education electives and 6.0 credits of Open Electives. When applicable, Art Education credits may also fulfill General Education Elective and Open Elective requirements within studio majors. Studio major requirements, transfer credit, and other shared-credit arrangements may affect how credits are applied toward standard degree requirements.

    Important! Students considering a pathway (minor, specialization, or other academic program add-on) should meet with their academic advisor and the Financial Aid Office to review degree requirements, potential impacts on time to degree completion; and to understand how additional coursework (outside of the primary degree requirements) may affect financial aid eligibility and satisfactory academic progress.

    This plan is provided for use as a guide only. Students are responsible for tracking actual course requirements using degree audit and Self-Service tools based on actual records and remaining credits.

    Post Baccalaureate Semester – Art Education Teacher Certification

    Fifth Year

    Course RequirementCredits
      DAE-510 Directed Teaching10
      DAE-520 Professional Seminar2

    27.0 total credits required for Certificate (includes courses from BFA/Art Education Pathway)

    Additional GPA requirement for Art Education Pre-Professional Pathway Courses  = 2.7

    Required for consideration into Post Baccalaureate Teacher Certification Program after graduation.

    Footnotes

    * ELS 101 Composition I for Multilingual Students 4.0 cr.
    † WRT 101/102 Self Placement Survey available.
    ‡ Based on SLP 007 (1.0 cr.) and ELS 101 (4.0 cr.)
    § Remaining Major course sequence impacts timeline to degree completion.
    ¶ Satisfied with DAE-250.
    # Satisfies General Education Elective
    ** Satisfied with DAE-200.
    †† Art Ed elective recommended, if applicable.

  • BUS-213 INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS

    This course prepares students to function as,professional artists or designers. It,provides an introduction to contemporary business,theories, trend analysis, and branding techniques,and practices. You will learn and use,basic project management principles, project,costing models, and the elements of business plan,design.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: WRT 102 (formely DEN 102)

  • BUS-303 PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE FOR ARTISTS

    This course addresses the skills and knowledge,needed to succeed as a contemporary artist while,sustaining a professional studio practice. Topics,include creating and organizing your professional,profile, documentation and marketing, applications,for field related opportunities, and basic small,business skills. Students will learn how to,develop a resource database, create valuable,professional networks, and consider marketing,and exhibiting from a broad range of commercial,and alternative contexts. ,Guest lecturers, and visiting-artist presentations,connect course information with real-world,experience.

    Credits: 3

    Prerequisites: WRT-102