Fall 2011 Undergraduate Calendar


VISUAL ARTS: COURSES

Not all courses listed will necessarily be offered each year. Studio courses are six hours a week unless otherwise indicated. Art History courses are three hours a week unless otherwise indicated. Prerequisites for all Art History courses are waived for non-Visual Arts majors.

27-105. Studio Practice and Ideas/Space
An investigation of the principles, vocabulary and concepts of space-based art, including but not limited to sculpture and installation. Using traditional and contemporary materials, processes and practices, students will gain knowledge and experience through the exploration of the creative possibilities of three-dimensional space.

27-106. Studio Practice and Ideas/Image
An introduction to the fundamental skills and critical concepts of visual perception and production common to all areas of 2 dimensional image-making. Basic principles of composition and design, light and pigment-based colour theory, as these apply to painting, photo-based processes, and print production. Their use and application will be will be explored within the contemporary art context. Class projects may involve inter-disciplinarity between these media. Studio assignments are combined with related critical theory, historical practice and current strategies.

27-107. Studio Practice and Ideas/Drawing
An investigation of a variety of drawing processes, materials and concepts in a studio environment that fosters exploration. (Lab fees may apply.)

27-108. Studio Practice and Ideas/Time-Based
An investigation of the principles, vocabulary and concepts of time-based arts including digital media. Students will gain knowledge of the creative possibilities of emerging technologies and will develop a basic understanding of methods, tools and techniques of time-based media.

27-110. Introductory Drawing (for Non-Majors)
This course introduces a variety of approaches to drawing including drawing from observation, memory and imagination. A range of media and techniques in charcoal, graphite, pen and ink is explored. Additional emphasis is placed on the analysis of aesthetic and expressive aspects of two-dimensional form. (May not be taken for credit in Visual Arts and Combined Visual Arts Programs.) (Lab fees may apply.)

27-111. Introductory Drawing (for Non Majors) II
Continuation of 27-110. Continued exploration of a variety of approaches to drawing including drawing from observation, from memory, and from imagination. A range of media and techniques in charcoal, graphite, pen and ink are explored. Additional emphasis is placed on the analysis of aesthetic and expressive aspects of two-dimensional form. (May not be taken for credit in Visual Arts and Combined Visual Arts Programs.) (Lab fees may apply.) (Pre-requisite: 27-110.)

The following courses are open to Visual Arts students only.

27-203. Introductory Drawing
Media, techniques, vocabulary, and concepts of drawing, including the human figure and other subject matter. Development of drawing skills with exposure to more complex drawing situations, approaches, and points of view. Emphasis on a variety of materials (traditional and non-traditional). (Prerequisites: 27-105, 27-106, 27-107, 27-108.) (Lab fees may apply.)

27-213. Introductory Painting
Introduction to traditional and contemporary painting concerns, problems in rendering three-dimensional form in space and organization of the two-dimensional surface. (Prerequisites: 27-105, 27-106, 27-107, 27-108.) (Lab fees may apply.)

27-223. Introductory Printmaking-Intaglio
Introductory and intermediate techniques of contemporary printmaking practice are taught through Intaglio. The techniques of etching, engraving and monoprints are emphasized. (Prerequisites: 27-105, 27-106, 27-107, 27-108.) (Lab fees may apply.)

27-224. Introductory Printmaking-Lithography
Introductory and intermediate techniques of contemporary printmaking practice are taught through Lithography including the concept of multiples and retrievability of image through stone, plate, transfer methods and papermaking. (Prerequisites: 27-105, 27-106, 27-107, 27-108.) (Lab fees may apply.)

27-233. Introductory Sculpture
An introduction to the various concepts and processes of contemporary sculpture practice. Issues will be addressed through group discussion and practical application. (Prerequisites: 27-105, 27-106, 27-107, 27-108.) (Lab fees may apply.)

27-243. Introduction to Time-Based Art
An introduction to the basic concepts and techniques in production and post-production for digital video art in the contemporary context. The relation between the idea, performance and medium of video will be explored in an experimental and critical environment. Assignments and screenings will stimulate students to explore issues inherent to the media in contemporary art as well as give a background to its brief history. (Prerequisites: 27-105, 27-106, 27-107, 27-108.) (Lab fees may apply.)

27-245. Digital Media and Images
This course introduces students to the tools used to create art in virtual space, the history and investigation of the social, cultural and aesthetic issues pertinent to digital art making. (Prerequisites: 27-105, 27-106, 27-107, 27-108.) (Lab fees may apply.)

27-253. Introductory Photography
This introductory course in chemical and digital photographic processes provides an opportunity for students to explore techniques and concepts within the medium of photography. Students will learn the basic technical skills of operating cameras, processing film, making black and white prints, and digital imaging through a series of concerns specific to photography. (Prerequisites: 27-105, 27-106, 27-107, 27-108.) (Also offered as Communication, Media and Film course 40-205.) (Students must have a 35mm adjustable camera to complete this course.) (Lab fees may apply.)

27-303. Drawing
Advanced problems in drawing, emphasizing individual directions, concepts, and various media. (Prerequisite: 27-203.) (May be repeated for credit.) (Lab fees may apply.)

27-313. Painting
Development of the concepts and painting skills encountered in 27-213. Exploration of the creative potential, range, and flexibility of non-traditional techniques, forms and media. (Prerequisites: 27-213.) (May be repeated for credit.) (Lab fees may apply.)

27-326. Printmaking
Continued development of contemporary printmaking practice. Further investigation of process-oriented issue-based image making, with emphasis on student's chosen direction. Students are encouraged to expand their analytical, experimental and creative skills. (May be repeated for credit.) (Prerequisites: one 200-level printmaking course.) (Lab fees may apply.)

27-333. Sculpture
An in-depth study of concepts and processes as they pertain to contemporary sculpture practice. Issues will be addressed through group discussion and practical application. (Prerequisites: 27-233.) (May be repeated for credit.) (Lab fees may apply.)

27-343. Time-Based Art
This course explores time-based media in more complex and demanding projects than 27-243. More advanced video projects will be undertaken. Other projects may include video installation, audio projects and documentary, performance/video or public interventions. This studio course encourages the thoughtful engagement of complex ideas through visual and/or audio means within some of the issues in visual culture and contemporary art practices. (Prerequisite: 27-243) (May be repeated for credit.) (Lab fees may apply.)

27-345. Digital Media and Interactivity
This course introduces students to the basic concepts and tools of interactive multimedia as a creative medium in real space. Students will experiment with interactive structures for creative content development using digital images, sound, text, etc. for disk-based delivery environments. The acquisition of the technical knowledge will be grounded within an exploration of aesthetic and social issues. (May be repeated for credit.) (Prerequisite: 27-245.) (Lab fees may apply.)

27-353. Advanced Photography
Continuation of the study of traditional and digital imaging processes in the area of camera use, black and white, and related darkroom and digital image techniques. Discussion, critiques and readings encourage students to expand their analytical and creative skills. Experimental approaches to the use of the photographic image, ideas and content are emphasized. (Prerequisite: 27-253.) (May be repeated for credit.) (Students must have a 35mm adjustable camera to complete this course.) (Lab fees may apply.)

27-365. Independent Studio
Individual work on specific projects under the guidance of an instructor. (Prerequisite: one 300-numbered studio course in the subject desired and consent of instructor.) (May be repeated for credit.) (Lab fees may apply.)

27-380. Visual Arts Internship
Practical work experience in arts organizations such as art centres, galleries, artists' studios, and visual arts related professional businesses. (Offered on a Pass/Non-Pass basis.) (Restricted to B.F.A. Visual Arts Majors in good standing after successful completion of portfolio review, and to Visual Arts Combined Honours with an average of 9.0 or better and with permission of the Visual Arts Internship Coordinator.) (100 hours total.)

27-383. Inter-Media Practices - Processes
A studio/seminar course providing the basis for an interwoven art practice in an interdisciplinary context is developed through a critical approach to materials, issues, and art-making. Required readings/research pertinent to current issues are discussed in relation to studio production. Studio production integrating two or more Visual Arts' disciplines is expected. (Prerequisites: 27-203, two 200 level studios, and three 200 or 300 studios.)

27-384. Inter-Media Practices - Topics
A practice-oriented seminar focusing on topics central to the interdisciplinary art practice in contemporary social and cultural contexts. Issues within areas such as history, gender, race and technology are considered within the context of varying perspectives. Students' studio production is challenged within a contemporary interdisciplinary environment. The students' individual production will be expected to be situated within the larger art and social context. (Prerequisites: 27-203, two 200 level studios, and three 200 or 300 studios.)

27-385. Green Corridor
A cross-disciplinary course that investigates and proposes various strategies for the creation and realization of public environmentally-aware art projects. Course work contributes to the creation of a City of Windsor/University of Windsor Green Corridor. Projects are generated in conjunction with community-based research and involvement with special interest groups. Students will be involved in the research and development of concepts evolving from discussions and participation in series of lecture/seminars. Areas of investigation during the course will include environmental study and impact, the social and political functions of public art in contemporary culture, the public creative process, the importance of public education in the development of community-based projects, marketing of public art and environmental awareness. (Prerequisites: at least Semester 5 and in good standing, or graduate student.) (May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor.)

27-386. Bioart: Contemporary Art and the Life Sciences
This course is a visual art and science crossover lab intended for students from various disciplines to foster interdisciplinary exploration of the intersections between art and the life sciences through hands-on laboratory protocols, critical readings, theoretical writing, and the production of contemporary artwork. No previous experience in the biological sciences is required. (Prerequisites: One 200 level studio) (May be repeated for credit.) (Lab fees may apply.) (Students outside of the School of Visual Arts require permission of the instructor to enrol.)

27-390. Studies in the Visual Arts
Special projects, topics or cross-disciplinary undertakings in the Visual Arts, organized periodically. Specific information on course content will be available from Visual Arts (Prerequisites: consent of instructor.) (May be repeated for credit.) (Lab fees may apply.)

27-480. Studio Practice l
The advanced student is given wide range to work in a chosen medium to synthesize accumulated knowledge and experience with individual critique provided by the instructor. (Prerequisites: 14 studio courses which must include 27-383 or 27-384 plus three 300-level courses in the same or related area.) (6 credit hours.)

27-481. Studio Practice ll
The advanced student is given wide range to work in a chosen medium to synthesize accumulated knowledge and experience with individual critique provided by the instructor. (Prerequisite: 27-480.) (6 credit hours.)

27-490. Seminar
Investigation of professional practice and contemporary developments in the arts may include group discussion, visits to galleries, projects, lectures, written assignments. (Restricted to students registered in 400-level Studio Practice courses in the B.F.A. program only.) (Lab fees may apply.)

27-491. Critical Issues
Development of an understanding of issues which have been addressed by contemporary artists and critics contextualized in history and artistic practices with an emphasis on individual students' concerns. (Restricted to students registered in 400-level Studio Practice courses or permission of the instructor.) (Lab fees may apply.)

ART HISTORY

Not all courses listed will necessarily be offered each year. Prerequisites for all Art History courses are waived for non-Visual Arts majors. Art History courses are three hours a week unless otherwise indicated.

28-150. Contemporary Visual Culture
A critical investigation of the visual imagery and artifacts of contemporary culture. Drawing upon examples from TV, advertising, cinema, cyber culture, architecture, design and art, students are introduced to such concepts as spectacle, kitsch, simulacrum, hypertext paradigm. (Lab fees may apply.)

28-214. Survey of Art History: Ancient to Medieval
History of art from prehistoric through medieval, with an introduction to composition, the language of the plastic arts and its relationship to culture. (Students cannot receive credit for both 28-114 and 28-214.)

28-215. Survey of Art History: Renaissance to Modern
History of art from Italian Renaissance to the twentieth century, with emphasis on the influence of social and philosophical ideas. (Students cannot receive credit for both 28-115 and 28-215.)

28-245. Modern Art
This course will introduce students to the development of modern art from the late nineteenth century to the middle of the twentieth century. The course will cover the relationship between the artistic movements of the early twentieth century and the cultural and political ideas that informed them. This course will trace the rise of abstraction in the early part of the twentieth century as well as subsequent developments in Dada and Surrealism. (Prerequisite: 28-150 and 28-215 for majors; or semester four standing for non-majors)

28-301. Northern Renaissance Art
The art of Nothern Europe during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries with particular emphais upon the the Franco-Flemish and German painting traditions and the beginnings of Graphic Art. (Prerequisites for Visual Art majors: 28-214 and 28-215.)

28-307. Renaissance Art I
The Renaissance in Italy during the fifteenth century with special attention given to the architecture, sculpture, and painting of Florence. (Prerequisites for Visual Arts majors: 28-214 and 28-215.)

28-308. Renaissance Art II
The art of the Renaissance in Italy with a major consideration of the architecture, sculpture, and painting produced in Rome and Venice during the sixteenth century. (Prerequisites for Visual Arts majors: 28-214 and 28-215.)

28-331. Nineteenth-Century European Art
An analysis of the major movements in European painting during the nineteenth century including Neo-Classicism, Romanticism, Realism, Impressionism, and Post-Impressionism. (Prerequisites for Visual Arts majors: 28-214 and 28-215.)

28-336. Early Medieval Art
An examination of the painting, sculpture, and architecture of Europe including the Early Christian, Byzantine, Hiberno-Saxon, Carolingian, and Ottonian periods. (Prerequisites for Visual Arts majors: 28-214 and 28-215.)

28-337. Later Medieval Art
An examination of the evolution of architecture and sculpture in Europe during the Romanesque and Gothic periods. (Prerequisites for Visual Arts majors: 28-214 and 28-215.)

28-338. Islamic Art
An examination of important trends in the artistic development of the Muslim era, including the Umayyad, Tulunid, Fatamid, Seljuk, Mongol, Nasrid, Mamluk, Ottoman, Timurid, Safvid, and Mughal dynasties. (Prerequisites for Visual Arts majors: 28-214 and 28-215.)

28-339. Japanese Art
The architecture, sculpture, and painting of Japan and the relationship of Japanese culture to continental artistic developments. (Prerequisites for Visual Arts majors: 28-214 and 28-215.)

28-340. Art of India
A general survey of Indian architecture, sculpture, and painting with particular emphasis on the development of the Buddha Image. (Prerequisites for Visual Arts majors: 28-214 and 28-215.)

28-341. Art of China
An examination on the architecture, sculpture, and painting of China from the Shang through the Ching dynasties. (Prerequisites for Visual Arts majors: 28-214 and 28-215.)

28-342. The Development of American Art
A study of the art and architecture created in the United States from Colonial times to the twentieth century. (Prerequisites for Visual Arts majors: 28-214 and 28-215.)

28-345. Art of the Twentieth Century-Post-1940
An examination of the sources, movements, and major figures contributing to twentieth century art in Europe and North America from 1940 on. (Prerequisites for Visual Arts majors: 28-150, 28-214 and 28-215.)

28-350. The Art of Reality
An upper level course addressing the ways in which reality has been represented from the 17th century to the present. Students will be introduced to trends in the history of art and science that aimed to replicate the natural world: mirroring, doubling, and the development of optical instruments mechanical automata. Additionally we will look into traditions of realism in painting, film and photography, and the way in which reality has been challenged in recent years through digital technologies (live media and virtual reality) and conceptions of artificial life. (Prerequisites: 28-150, and semester 4 standing.) (Open to majors and non-majors.)

28-391. Contemporary Architecture
A survey of the roots of contemporary architectural theory through an examination of representative structures since the Industrial Revolution. Students will be introduced to those individuals who have played a central role in the development of architectural thought in North America. (Also offered as Sociology 48-281 and Planning 50-291.) (Prerequisites for Visual Arts majors: 28-214 and 28-215.) (3 lecture hours a week.)

28-400. Directed Individual Studies
This course involves examination of a particular problem in a specific area of interest in which a paper will be required. (Prerequisites: 28-150, 28-214, 28-215, a 300-numbered course in the subject desired and consent of the instructor.) (May be repeated for credit with permission of Visual Arts. For specific topics consult a program advisor in Visual Arts.)

28-450. Border Culture
This course addresses the role of borders in contemporary global culture as both physical boundaries and affective conditions. In the context of the Windsor-Detroit border, students from the University of Windsor will exchange viewpoints based upon the experience of living in a border culture. Seminars and field trips will take up the topic of borders from a number of perspectives and contexts. Students will look at historical and contemporary ideas about borders that have been articulated in various disciplines: from political theory and cultural geography, to urban planning, art, literature, architectural and spatial theory. (Open to majors and non-majors.) (Prerequisites: 28-150 and semester 4 standing.) (Also offered as 40-450)

28-456. Proseminar
A Proseminar course based on group encounters with particular studies in the History of Art, which will be considered by means of readings, discussions, papers, and museum trips. May be repeated for credit with permission. For specific topics consult a program advisor in Visual Arts. (Prerequisites: 28-150, 28-214, 28-215, and consent of the instructor.)

VISUAL ART AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT (VABE): COURSES

36-110. Architectural Design I
An introduction to the fundamental skills and critical concepts of visual perception and production common to all areas of 2 dimensional image-making. Basic principles of composition and design, light and pigment-based colour theory, as these apply to painting, photo-based processes, and print production. Their use and application will be will be explored within the contemporary art context. Class projects may involve interdisciplinarity between these media. Studio assignments are combined with related critical theory, historical practice and current strategies. The lab is intended to introduce students to design concept of form, space, composition, in two and three dimension, and how they relate to human experiences. Students are introduced to the principles of design and the design process as a foundation for architectural design. (6 lecture hours and 6 laboratory hours per week.) (Credit will not be granted for 27-106 if taken subsequently to 36-110.) (Restricted to students in the Visual Arts and the Built Environment program.)

36-116/ARCH 1160. Computer Graphics
An introduction to computer graphics. This course utilizes Autodesk's AutoCAD and Revit on IBM compatible hardware. The course stresses three dimensional digital modeling as a primary method of communication and design and includes elements of computer visualization techniques. Students acquire hands-on experience through a series of laboratory exercises and individual projects. (Taken at the University of Detroit Mercy.)

36-119. Introduction to Architecture I
An Introduction to Architecture is offered to first year VABE students to create awareness of the profession of architecture. The course looks at the history of the profession; how architecture is practiced; how the profession is changing; current issues with the architectural profession; and ethical concerns facing a practitioner today. The course gives students a broad based back-ground into architecture before they have an opportunity to be engaged in practice. (Taken at the University of Detroit Mercy.) (Open to VABE students only.)

36-120. Architectural Design II
Students are introduced to media, techniques, vocabulary, and concepts of drawing, as well as principles directly related to the design of buildings and spatial experience. Students will be exposed to complex drawing situations with an emphasis on a variety of materials. During the lab there will be several short term, intense projects that focus on architectural design and will include the study of exterior spaces, space programming, materiality, and constructability. (Prerequisites: 27-107, 36-110.) (Lab fees may apply.)

36-129. Introduction to Architecture II
This is a continuation of Introduction to Architecture I offered to first year VABE students to create awareness of the profession of architecture. The course looks at the history of the profession; how architecture is practiced; how the profession is changing; current issues with the architectural profession; and ethical concerns facing a practitioner today. The course gives students a broad based back-ground into architecture before they have an opportunity to be engaged in practice. (Taken at the University of Detroit Mercy.) (Open to VABE students only)

36-213. Principles of Structural Behaviour
An analysis of known structural systems in terms of spatial behavior in non-mathematical terms. The basic approaches to structure, proper scale of use and the effects of various materials, geometry and construction techniques are integrated into the course content. Illustrated lectures covering buildings from ancient to modern are used to demonstrate structural principles. (Open to VABE students only.)
    36-216/ARCH 2160. 3D Computer Graphics
    This course in computer aided design uses primarily Autodesk 3D Studio software. The emphasis is on visualization and design in three dimensions. Students learn how to assemble complex three-dimensional, digital architectural landscapes equipped with real-life attributes of light, building materials, etc. These objects are rendered and animated to facilitate the needs of the design process as well as complex graphic presentations. Additional post-processing and graphic software is introduced. (Taken at the University of Detroit Mercy.)

    36-230/ARCH 1300. Architectural Design III
    Design III is intended to transfer ideas explored in first year into their architectural applications while introducing students to the design of simple buildings and spaces as a creative integration of multiple systems i.e. concept, site, function, structure, mechanical systems, accessibility, materials and codes. The overall intent is to give students the opportunity to understand and explore in more detail how various systems inform, integrate and coordinate the design of architectural form and space. This term focuses on the issues of the integration of form and structure and the issue of materiality/constructability. (Prerequisites: 36-120) (Taken at the University of Detroit Mercy.)

    36-233/ARCH 2330. Structures I
    Analysis of structures. This course teaches the mathematical calculation of structures through lectures, and individual problem assignments. It focuses on resolution of forces; reaction; forces in frames and trusses; and forces in frames with beams. Also examined are characteristics of structural materials and structural components: shear and bending movements, flexural and shear stresses, combined stresses, principal stresses, combined bending and axial loads and stresses, deflection, continuity in structures. Light weight wood framing is presented as is wood as a structural material. (Prerequisites: 36-213) ) (Taken at the University of Detroit Mercy.)

    36-240/ARCH 1400. Architectural Design IV
    Design IV is a continuation of studies begun in Design III. It is intended to further develop the student's ability to design buildings and building complexes within the context of integrated multiple systems. The issues of focus for this term also include sustainability, environmental systems and the design of a totally integrated project. (Prerequisites: 36-230) (Taken at the University of Detroit Mercy.)

    36-243/ARCH 2430. Structures II
    This second course in structures focuses on principles of design of simple structures. Primarily studied are the design of beams, columns, trusses, built-up components and foundations in standard structural materials, steel and concrete. Related building construction techniques as well as lateral and seismic loading are also presented. (Prerequisites: 36-233) (Taken at the University of Detroit Mercy.)

    36-310/ARCH 2100. Architectural Design 5
    This is the first of a series of studio courses that combines students from the third and fourth years into a common studio to explore a particular project type and theme. These projects change from term to term. Project types include: housing, civic buildings, urban design, retail, office, health care and manufacturing buildings, etc. Themes include: community design, architectural competitions, historic preservation, electronic design, sustainable design, representation, design-build, and architectural theory. It is the intent of these studios to broaden and deepen the student’s design skills and experiences while preparing them for the Master’s Studios. (Prerequisites: 36-240) (Taken at the University of Detroit Mercy.)

    36-320/ARCH 2200.Architectural Design 6
    Design VI is a continuation of studies begun in Design V and is the second part of the combined third and fourth year common senior studio series. The projects change from term to term and students explore different project types and themes. Project types include: housing, civic buildings, urban design, retail, office, health care and manufacturing buildings, etc. Themes include: community design, architectural competitions, historic preservation, electronic design, sustainable design, representation, design-build, and architectural theory. It is the intent of these studios to broaden and deepen the student’s design skills and experiences while preparing them for the Master’s Studios. (Prerequisites: 36-310) (Taken at the University of Detroit Mercy.)

    36-300/ ARCH 3000.Co-op Training Presentation
    This course prepares students for the co-op experience. Topics covered include the Career Development Model and the Cooperative Education Model including job search & job readiness, learning objectives, resume writing, and practice interviews. This course offers students the opportunity to learn about the profession of architecture and its practice. (Open to 3rd year VABE students only) (Taken at the University of Detroit Mercy.)