Introduction to the Arts (multidisciplinary)
This semester interdisciplinary course for freshmen encourages the development of basic applied and perceptual skills through exposure to the visual arts, architecture, music, dance, and drama. Structured experiences in the arts, both on campus and through the Washington Program, are a major aspect of the course. The course offers a weekly tour and is team-taught by arts faculty. (one-half credit)
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Ceramics 1
This course introduces students to the basic principles of working with clay. Experiences include hand building, wheel-throwing, clay sculpture, and kiln firing. (one-half credit)
Ceramics 2
This course continues a student's development of the principles and techniques introduced in Ceramics 1. Students will investigate design aspects of wheel-thrown pottery and create hand-built sculptural work. Ceramics 2 will emphasize attention to craftsmanship and will encourage the exploration of glaze application. Prerequisite: Ceramics 1. (one-half credit)
Ceramics Portfolio
This course is for serious ceramics students only. Elements of wheel throwing and hand building from the two previous levels will be pursued. Students are encouraged to develop their own interests in ceramics and glaze application. Additionally, students are expected to produce work during and outside of scheduled class periods. With permission of the instructor. Prerequisites: Ceramics 1 and Ceramics 2.
Image and Clay: Photography Meets Ceramics
In this course the student will be exposed to the fundamentals of both ceramics and photography. The class will explore multiple ways in which image can be applied to tiles and three dimensional surfaces. Work will take place in both the photography and ceramics studios. The course will examine both historical and contemporary works that combine surface imagery with sculpture and tile work. Students will be encouraged to develop their own personal voice through the layering of images and the build up of the glazed, ceramic surface. Prerequisite: Any level 1 Studio Art (one-half credit)
Photography 1
This basic course provides students with a working knowledge of the 35-mm camera and the processes for developing black and white film and photographs. It includes the technical aspects of exposure, lenses and metering, and artistic considerations of composition and lighting. Digital imagery is incorporated into all aspects of the class. The course includes Web page construction. Off-campus photo opportunity trips are part of the course. Students need a 35-mm camera, preferably adjustable. (one-half credit)
Photography 2
This course goes beyond the basic skills learned in Photography 1 to include the limitless possibilities of experimentation. Students learn how to hand tint photographs, make and assemble large scale digital prints, make photomontages, work with liquid light, and even transform their photographs into three-dimensional pieces. The emphasis is on challenging their creativity to bring out the unexpected. A final portfolio is required. A 35-mm camera is needed. Prerequisite: Photography 1. (one-half credit)
Photography 3
This course will investigate the power of the photographic image, and help students develop their own sense of composition. In addition to high output archival printers, students will have access to other professional grade equipment, including two 6x6 twin lens reflex cameras, as well as a 6x4.5 medium format camera. Students will tour galleries and museums in the DC area and have shooting trips to off-campus locations of interest. Prerequisites: Photography 1 and 2. (one-half credit)
Photography Portfolio
This course is for serious photography students only. Elements of photography introduced in the previous three levels will be pursued. With an emphasis on independently explored subject matter, students are given the freedom to create work that interests them. Prerequisites: Photography 1, Photography 2, or with permission of the instructor.
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Drawing 1
"Drawing from life" whereby you take view of an object, place, or person and transfer that vision of the real onto a two-dimensional work, is a challenging task. This course first helps students to "see" their world, and then train their hand to work off of that critical observation. The students will work through ideas of line and value using a variety of media that include pen and ink, pencil, charcoal, and chalk. During this one-semester course, specific areas of study are the human figure, still life, landscape, and perspective. Students also study master artists' works. Course work is supplemented with tours to area museums and galleries. Students will generate 5–10 original works of art. (one-half credit)
Drawing 2
This course instructs the experienced drawing student in a variety of drawing media that include pencil, charcoal, and pen and ink. During this one-semester course, students challenge themselves with advanced “drawing from life” projects in still life, landscape, the human figure, and perspective. Students also study master artists’ works that coordinate with their class projects. Course work is supplemented with tours to area museums and galleries. Prerequisite: Introduction to the Arts, Drawing 1. This course is a prerequisite for 2-D Portfolio.
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Painting 1
This course is designed to teach students about color and composition using the medium of painting. During this one-semester course, students will learn about color concepts and relationships through formal study and color-mixing exercises that resolve into finished works. Painting from life, students will tackle a variety of subjects including, but not limited to, still-life, portraiture, landscape, and abstraction. Art history components are incorporated into class assignments. Course work is supplemented with tours to area museums and galleries. (one-half credit)
Studio Art Advanced Placement
This course is designed for the advanced art student. Media include drawing materials and extend to printing, watercolors, acrylics, and oil bars. Art history components are incorporated with class assignments. Course work is supplemented with tours to area museums and galleries. By department permission. (one-half credit)
AP Studio Art: 3-D Design
This AP course addresses a broad interpretation of sculptural issues in depth and space. These may include mass, volume, form, plane, light, and texture. Such elements and concepts can be articulated through additive, subtractive, and/or fabrication processes. A variety of approaches to representation, abstraction, and expression may be part of the student's portfolio. By department permission. Prerequisites: Introduction to the Arts and Ceramics 1 and 2. (one credit)
AP Studio Art: 2-D Design
This course addresses a very broad interpretation of two-dimensional design issues. This type of design involves purposeful decision-making about how to use the elements and principles of art in an integrative way. Artists use the elements of design (line, shape, illusion of motion, pattern, texture, value, and color) to express themselves. By department permission. Prerequisites: Introduction to the Arts and at least one of the following: Drawing 1 and Painting 1 or Photography 1 and 2. (one credit)
AP Studio Art: Drawing Portfolio
This AP course addresses a very broad interpretation of drawing issues and media. Light and shade, line quality, rendering of form, composition, surface manipulation, and illusion of depth are drawing issues that can be addressed through a variety of means. Many works of painting, printmaking, and mixed media, as well as abstract, observational, and inventive works may qualify. Students will generate 30 original art works. By department permission. Prerequisites: Introduction to the Arts and Drawing 1 and Painting 1. (one credit)
2-D Portfolio
This course is for serious 2-D students only. Elements of drawing and/or painting introduced in the previous levels will be pursued. With an emphasis on independently explored subject matter, students are given the freedom to create work that interests them. Prerequisites: Drawing 1and Drawing 2, or Painting 1, or with permission of the instructor.
History of Contemporary Art
Prerequisite: At least one studio art class (other than Introduction to the Arts)
This course covers the history of Contemporary art, starting with the 1913 Armory Show and extending to the present day. Coursework will include tours to the National Gallery of Art, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, the Corcoran Museum, the Kreeger Museum, the Phillips Collection, and other DC-area galleries.