University of Michigan - Flint

University of Michigan-Flint Current Course Scedule 

The following courses are offered through the Communication and Visual Arts Department. To check on the current course offerings, visit the online course schedule. The information below includes the name of each course, prerequisites (PR), number of credits, general education requirements fulfilled by the course, and a short description.

ART 100 Introduction to the Studio (3)f
Introductory course involving students in several areas of studio art including (but not limited to) drawing, two-dimensional design, three-dimensional design using a variety of drawing, painting, and sculpting materials. Designed for non-art majors who want a hands-on studio experience; does not replace the foundation courses required for those majoring in art.

ART 101 Art Education-Elementary (3)f
How to organize creative art activities in an elementary (grades K-6) curriculum; the philosophy of art education; motivation, guidance and evaluation of child art; the normal growth pattern of child art; the functions of art in society. Design sensitivity and personal creativity stimulated through laboratory experiences. Taught at MottCommunity College; follows its class schedule. In case of grievance, MCC policy followed.

ART 102 Secondary Methods of Art Education (PR: ART 101) (3)f
How to organize creative art activities in junior or senior high school (grades 7-12); art and the exceptional child; characteristics of the adolescent learner; social and ethical issues in adolescent art; studio procedures to introduce specialized art careers. Taught at Mott Community College; follows its class schedule. In case of grievance, MCC policy followed.

ART 111 Art History Survey: Ancient through Middle Ages (PR: Prior or concurrent election of Eng 111) (4)h
History of art from the earliest times through the Middle Ages in Europe, the Mid-East and Africa. Includes painting, sculpture and architecture. Taught at Mott Community College; follows its class schedule. In case of grievance, MCC policy followed.

ART 112 Art History Survey: Middle Ages to Present (PR: Prior or concurrent election of Eng 111) (4)h
History of art from the Middle Ages through the present. Includes painting, sculpture and architecture. Taught at Mott Community College; follows its class schedule. In case of grievance, MCC policy followed.

ART 113 Drawing for Design I (3)f
Basic drawing techniques with emphasis on the fundamentals of observation and basic composition. Exploration and analysis of spatial relationships, representational drawing, form and concept using black and white media. BFA VisCom required foundation course. Also listed as COM 113.

ART 114 Drawing for Design II (PR: ART/COM 113 or consent of Instructor) (3)f
Advanced drawing techniques with emphasis on conceptual sketching and rendering using color media. Exploration of perspective, storyboarding, visualization and presentation techniques. BFA VisCom required foundation course. Also listed as COM 114.

ART 115 Photography Survey (PR: ENG 112) (3)f
Discussion of the history, aesthetics, and uses of photography. Introduction to black and white photographic processes.

ART 116 Introduction to Black & White Photography (3)f
Introduction to material and techniques of traditional B&W photography. Utilization of the 35mm camera format; introduction to mechanical and aesthetic aspects of the photographic process.

ART 120 Introduction to the Visual Arts (3)f
Examination of the essential characteristics of the visual arts, intended to develop in the student a discriminating appreciation of these arts. Lectures, tapes, slides, reading, and gallery tours.

ART 126 Introduction to Digital Photography (3)f
Introduction to technical and creative use of digital cameras and computer-aided imagery. Utilization of digital cameras, computers and sophisticated imaging software as a tool for individual expression. BFA VisCom required foundation course. Also listed as COM 126.

ART 131 Drawing (3)f
Freehand drawing using basic drawing materials. Exploration of the figure, still life, other traditional and non-traditional sources for visual imagery. Emphasis on the visual concept and its relationship to techniques and materials. Taught at Mott Community College; follows its class schedule. In case of grievance, MCC policy followed.

ART 132 Drawing II (PR: ART 131 or consent of Instructor) (3)f
Continuation of ART 131 with emphasis on more advanced training. Color as a means of creative expression; development of personal imagery through a variety of approaches. Taught at Mott Community College; follows its class schedule. In case of grievance, MCC policy followed.

ART 140 History of Graphic Design (3)f
Chronological survey of graphic design through slide lectures. The course will study how graphic design responded to international, social, political, and technological developments since 1450. Emphasis will be on printed work from 1880 to present and the relationship of that work to other visual arts and design disciplines. Also listed as COM 140.

ART 141 Basic Two-Dimensional Design (3)
Introduction to underlying concepts for making and analyzing two-dimensional art. Use of design elements and principles with basic color theory to achieve specific goals for visual communication. Taught at Mott Community College; follows its class schedule. In case of grievance, MCC policy followed.

ART 142 Basic Three-Dimensional Design (PR: ART 141) (3)f
Visual fundamentals of three-dimensional design. Basic experience in expression of personal ideas in form, using a
variety of techniques and methods. Taught at Mott Community College; follows its class schedule. In case of grievance, MCC policy followed.

ART 145 Introduction to Computer-Based Art (PR: Prior or concurrent election of ART 141) (3)
Introduction to creation of computer-based art using the Mac OS environment. Introduction to the Macintosh Operating System interface, with graphic design, photo manipulation, and illustration industry standard software dealing with Vector Graphics and Bitmapped Graphics. Students work in Art Area Computer lab for development and completion of their projects, and are required to use the internet and e-mail for various class activities. Taught at Mott Community College; follows its class schedule. In case of grievance, MCC policy followed.

ART 152 Color and Design (3)f
Exploration of design principles of organization, utilizing such elements as line, shape, color, texture and scale to create and evaluate compositions. Emphasis on aesthetic and technical aspects of color theory within the field of visual communication. BFA VisCom required foundation course. Also listed as COM 152.

ART 160 Introduction to Graphic Design Theory and Process (3)f
Introduction to contemporary graphic design topics including theory, professional practice, creative workflow, career paths, digital graphics hardware and software usage, copyright, and ethics. Also listed as COM 160 and THE 160.

ART 199 Special Topics & Workshops (PR: Consent of Communication & Visual Arts chair) (3)f
Special topics of interest and concern to studio artists and students in a workshop or seminar format. Focus on topics not usually considered in depth in the other studio courses and/or on special approaches of techniques intended to expand the students’ bases of expression in the visual arts. Taught at Mott Community College; follows its class schedule. In case of grievance, MCC policy followed.

ART 214 Color Photography (PR: ART 116) (3)f
Introduction to the history, aesthetics, and technique of color photography; emphasis on critical method and practical exercises.

ART 216 Advanced Black and White Photography (PR: ART 116) (3)f
Continuation of the materials and techniques of ART 116. Introduction to new film development and printing techniques, and advanced aesthetic aspects of the photographic medium. Color photography introduced as an additional aesthetic element.

ART 218 Alternative Photo Processes (3)f
Introduction to non-silver and non-traditional imagemaking. Exploration of experimental techniques involving historical processes, Polaroid materials, computer-generated negatives, mixed media combinations.

ART 232 Typography I (3)f
Introduction to the history and use of typography within the filed of visual communication. Exploration of type, from individual letterforms to words and pages and integration of image and text. Also listed as COM 232.

ART 251 Fundamentals of Stage Makeup (2)f
Theory and practice of both two-and-three dimensional character makeup for the theatre. Lecture and laboratory. Also listed as THE 251.

ART 252 Introduction to Digital Graphic Design (3)f
Introduction to two-dimensional art fundamentals and the use of computer software in studio practice. Survey of the major computer graphics software programs including page layout, vector drawing, animation, and bit-map imaging. BFA VisCom required foundation course. Also listed as COM 252 and THE 252.

ART 271 Introduction to Theatre Design (3)f
Introduction to basic elements of design and application of these elements to theatrical design. Emphasis on interpreting dramatic text and communicating ideas visually. Also listed as THE 271.

ART 298 Topics in Art Studio (3)f
Undertaking of special art projects and/or an exploration of a unique medium to develop additional artistic skills and competence. May be elected three times for credit.

ART 299 Topics in Art History (PR: prior or concurrent election of ENG 112) (3)h
Examination of the art done during specific historic periods or artistic movements or by individual artists or groups of artists. May be elected three times for credit.

ART 300 Methods and Materials (PR: ART 101 (MCC)) (3)
Application of skills and information learned in studio classes to teaching. Development of sequential art curriculum for elementary, middle and secondary teaching, production of instructional resource files, assessment of artwork, current issues in art education. Clinical experiences in elementary, middle and secondary classrooms. Also listed as EDE 342

ART 301 Drawing (PR: ART 132 (MCC), or consent of department) (3)f
Explores the possibilities of using drawing as a medium in the making of art. Various materials and techniques are explored. Emphasis on individual development in aesthetic response and technique. May be taken four times for credit.

ART 302 Photographic Lighting Techniques (PR: ART 116 or consent of instructor) (3)f
Demonstration and hands-on experience exploring basic and technical use of ambient, tungsten and electronic flash illumination with color and black and white film. Students work with a variety of lighting equipment and accessories to make images with predictable creative results.

ART 303 Issues, Methods and Materials in K-12 Art (PR:ART 300 or EDE 342 or consent of instructor) (3)
Student participation in art educational experiences and teaching of seminars in a real classroom setting, based on study of course texts and resources addressing K-12 contemporary issues in art education, the history of art education, issues of “special needs” students, classroom management skills, and instructional practices for elementary, middle and high school level courses. Offered in Winter semesters. Also listed as EDS 342.

ART 304 Medium and Large Format Photography (PR: ART 116 or consent of instructor) (3)f
Exploration of large format view camera capabilities, including technical and aesthetic possibilities afforded by this original camera style. Special attention to large negative and larger print production.

ART 306 Art of Collage (ART 141 (MCC) or ART 131) (3)f
Exploration of abstract, representational, semi-abstract and non-objective imagery through the manipulation of a variety of materials, media and collage techniques. Exploration of two-dimensional and three-dimensional forms to facilitate expression of personal interests.

ART 324 Introduction to Computer Illustration (PR: ART 252) (3)f
Techniques of interpreting and visualizing verbal information focusing on design, composition and color theory and exploring a wide variety of imagery. Focus on the development of a personal visual vocabulary through critical analysis.

ART 326 Advanced Digital Photography (PR: ART 216 or consent of instructor) (3)f
Introduction to technical and creative use of digital cameras and computer-aided imagery. Utilization of digital cameras, computers and sophisticated imaging software as a tool for individual expression.

ART 327 Photographic Printmaking (PR: ART 116 or 218 or 325; or consent of instructor) (3)f
Exploration of photographic image making using traditional darkroom, digital, and alternative process techniques and materials. Emphasis ion development of a stylistic body of work based on concepts combined with appropriate materials.

ART 328 Artist Bookmaking (PR: consent of instructor) (3)f
Methods of preparing images and text to be expressed as a bound book. Artists' books, journals, electronic bookworks.

ART 329 (325) Introduction to Digital Imaging. (PR: ART/COM 152, ART/COM/THE 252; or consent of instructor) (3)f
Introduction to technical and creative use of computer aided pixel based imagery. Utilization of desktop computers and
sophisticated professional imaging software as a tool for individual expression. Also listed as COM 329.

ART 330 Typography II (PR: ART/COM 232) (3)f
Examination of the impact of typography on the world of visual communication through symbolic, cultural, aesthetic and personal typographic expression.

ART 333 Print Production Techniques (PR:Junior standing and ART/COM/THE 252) (3)
Exploration of publication design, focusing on aesthetic and technical issues of page layout and document design in relation to commercial printing. Font usage, image and file formats, efficient planning and production techniques. Also listed as COM 333.

ART 334 Business of Visual Communications (PR: At least junior standing) (3)
Introduction to business practices in the graphic design field. Negotiation, pricing, proposals and contracts, ethical
standards, professional relationships. Also listed as COM 334.

ART 335 Introduction to Web Graphics and Design (PR: ART 145 (MCC) or ART/COM/THE 252) (3)f
Introduction to aesthetic and technical concerns of creating and designing with graphics on the World Wide Web (WWW). Web pages, graphic formats, digital capture, color management, browser and computer platform choice, and interactivity. Students execute and maintain a personal WWW site as part of coursework. Also listed as COM 335.

ART 336 Creative Learning Experiences (PR: Prior or concurrent election of EDE 360) (3)
Creative activities for early childhood, elementary, and middle school children through the integration of art, music, play and drama. Techniques of planning, presenting, and evaluating creative learning experiences for the classroom. Also listed as EDE 340, MUS 336 and THE 336.

ART 340 Graphic Design in Communication (PR: at least junior standing and two 200-level courses in Communication; or consent of instructor) (3)f
Theory and application of concepts, materials and tools utilized in the creation of organizational printed materials. Introduction to the techniques of page design, layout, and illustration. Projects include brochures, newsletters, and in-house publications. Speakers and tours. Also listed as COM 340.

ART 342 Editorial Design (PR: ART 232) (3)f
Examination of historical traditions of graphic design expression in the book form and its modern descendents such as magazines, newspapers, and other print media. Concepts and designs as expressed through editorial concept, content, format, image and audience.

ART 346 Animation (PR: COM 342 or ART 131 (MCC) or consent of instructor) (3)f
Introduction to animation techniques and concepts through lecture, film and video examples and practical application of various forms and styles. May be elected four times for credit. Also listed as COM 346.

ART 347 Motion Graphics (PR: ART/COM 252 and ART/COM 335 or consent of instructor) (3)f
Introduction to motion graphics for broadcast, web-based and interactive technologies. Practical application of various
software and file formats. Also listed as COM 347.

ART 350 Mixed Media (PR: at least junior standing or consent of instructor) (3)f
Intermediate course exploring a variety of media using assorted techniques including collage and assemblage. Ready-made objects as well as newly formed objects used to make innovative art in a sculptural direction. May be eleced four times for credit.

ART 351 Choreography I: Composition (3)f
Exploration of choreographic structure, dramatic and stylistic components involved in the study and creation of movement in the studio and on computer. Also listed as DAN 351.

ART 352 Choreography II: Form and Motion (3)f
Continuation of ART/DAN 351. Also listed as DAN 352.

ART 360 Watercolor (PR: ART 131 (MCC); or consent of instructor) (3)f
Exploration of painting techniques are explored using the medium of watercolor. Stress on composition, concept, and other formal concerns. May be taken up to four times for credit.

ART 361 Drawing and Painting from Life (PR: ART 131 (MCC) or consent of instructor) (3)f
Focus on the human figure as a source of imagery. Traditional drawing materials and water media.

ART 362 Drawing and Painting from Life II (PR: ART 361 or a course in life drawing) (3)f
Continuation of the methods and concerns developed and considered in ART 261. Focus on the human figure as a source of imagery. Traditional drawing materials and watercolor. Emphasis on development of individual methods, working in series, expanded knowledge and use of media, and increased understanding of anatomy.

ART 364 Painting (PR: ART 131 (MCC) or consent of instructor) (3)f
Fundamentals of painting and exploration of painting media, techniques, and processes. Studio experiences in developing representational and conceptual experimentation as well as visual imagery. Designed to help establish and develop basic technical skills and understanding of pictorial concepts.

ART 365 Advanced Painting (PR: ART 364 or consent of instructor) (3)f
Painting methods using oil and acrylic paint, with students choosing to work in one or both of the media. Emphasis on the development of individual methods and increasing one's knowledge of the techniques and materials chosen. May be taken four times for credit.

ART 366 Mural Painting (PR: ART 131 (MCC) or consent of instructor) (3)f
History and techniques of mural painting. Students paint 1-2 murals after a design is selected by clients from those presented by class members. May be repeated twice for credit.

ART 370 Costume Design for the Theatre (PR: THE 271 or consent of instructor) (3)
Application of theories and techniques of costume design to specific problems of the play. The student produces renderings for costume designs using various media. Lecture and laboratory. Also listed as THE 370.

ART 371 Sculpture (PR: ART 142 (MCC) or consent of instructor) (3)f
Explores individual expressive possibilities in a sculptural direction. Broadening of both technical and design experience. May be repeated up to three times for credit.

ART 380 Scene Design for the Theatre (PR: THE 271 or consent of instructor) (3)f
Three dimensional design for the stage. Design and execution of three dimensional scale models, scenic renderings appropriate to the play. Use of various media. Lecture and laboratory. Also listed as THE 380.

ART 381 Ceramics (PR: ART 142 (MCC) or consent of instructor) (3)f
Creation and execution of designs in clay for both functional and non-functional pieces. Making glazes, stacking and firing a kiln. Emphasis on individual development in aesthetic response and technique. May be taken four times for credit.

ART 382 Advanced Ceramics (PR: ART 381 or ART 281 (MCC) or consent of instructor) (3)f
Advanced studio course. Continued exploration of hand building techniques and work on the potter's wheel to execute designs in clay for functional and non-functional purposes. Formulating glazes, stacking and firing a kiln. Advanced students encouraged to research and develop personal styles in aesthetic response and technique. May be repeated to total 12 credits.

ART 395 Advanced Studio Problems, Two-Dimensional (PR: consent of instructor. Open only to upper-level students in art) (1-6)f
Advanced level studio course, intended to encourage individual development in a selected medium. Oil paint, acrylic, mixed media, watercolor or drawing materials may be selected. May be repeated to total 12 credits.

ART 396 Advanced Studio Problems, Three-Dimensional (PR: consent of instructor. Open only to upper-level students in art) (1-6)f
Pursuit of individual projects in three-dimensional media; limited to students with previous advanced work in sculpture, ceramics, or another three-dimensional area. May be repeated to total 12 credits.

ART 398 Internship in Art and Communication (PR: Consent of instructor) (1-6)
Hands-on work experience and exploration of career opportunities in the art and communications fields. Selected placement of qualified students in commercial or non-profit organizations. May be repeated for credit to a total of 9 credits. Also listed as COM 398. Graded ABCDE/Y.

ART 399 Senior Seminar (PR: completion of at least 85 credit hours and consent of instructor) (3)f
Necessary and practical information related to artists entering the art world. Technical items such as matting, framing, photographing and displaying art; writing contracts; and dealing with commissions. Senior BFA exhibition included as part of the course grade. Graded ABCDE/Y.

ART 400 Advanced Computer Illustration (PR: ART 324 or consent of instructor) (3)f
Extension of ART 324. Emphasis on production of advanced illustration techniques and execution of a professional portfolio of images.

ART 401 Computer Design Portfolio (PR: Senior standing or consent of instructor) (3)f
Rigorous directed study designed to produce a professional portfolio of personal work capable of producing commissioned assignments or professional employment.

ART 402 Project Photography (PR: ART 302, 304 (3)f
Photographic study devoted to a single, semester-long photography project. Exploration of theories and techniques of creating sustained visual content. Emphasis on identifying projects capable of execution within a planned concept, timeframe, budget, and use of the medium.

ART 404 Studio Photography I (PR: ART 302, 304) (3)f
Exploration of studio practice, including lighting, set construction, props, and tabletop still life photography. Also
listed as COM 404.

ART 405 Studio Photography II (PR: ART/COM 404) (3)f
Advanced exploration of studio practice, including digital capture, workflows, and special effects. Also listed as COM 405.

ART 406 Corporate Identity/Business Graphics (PR: ART/COM 232 or consent of instructor) (3)f
Exploration of the logo and logotype as visual representation, including application to collateral business materials. Emphasis on the creative process, research, and branding techniques. Also listed as COM 406.

ART 422 (322) Image and Text (PR: ART 329, 330; or consent of instructor. (3)f.
Exploration of two major elements of graphic designphotography and typography. Students design and produce a variety of printed materials using these elements to communicate specific messages in a manner both effective and artistic. Also listed as COM 422.

ART 495 Independent Studio Projects, Two-Dimensional (PR: consent of instructor. Open only to upper-level students in art) (1-6)f
Advanced independent studio course, intended for students who have repeated ART 395 to total 12 credits and post-graduate art students who wish to continue their studio work in a university studio setting. Students should have a project or series of works in mind and be able to work independently. Oil paint, acrylic, watercolor, or other 2-D media may be selected. May be repeated to total 12 credits.

ART 496 Independent Studio Projects, Three-Dimensional (PR: consent of instructor. Open only to upper-level students in art) (1-6)f
Advanced independent studio course, intended for students who have repeated ART 396 to total 12 credits and post-graduate art students who wish to continue their studio work in a university studio setting. Students should have a project or series of works in mind and be able to work independently. Clay, metal, wood, mixed media, or other 3-D media may be selected. May be repeated to total 12 credits.

Graduate Course in Art
ART 507 Topics in Communication and Visual Art Graduate standing (3)
Focus on various topics involving intensive study in areas related to communication, graphic design, or studio art. The title for each section varies based on the topic of study. This course may be re-elected for different topics. Also listed as COM 507.