Observational Drawing
In Observational Drawing the student is introduced to the visual language of drawing. How the parts of the drawing relate to each other and to the composition as a whole is explored. Each student strives to develop perceptual and representational skills.  The student will primarily use black-and-white media, though color and digital experiences will also be introduced.  The course places emphasis on depicting the human form in space using nude models and also places emphasis on depicting objects and on articulating space.  

Observational Drawing is a course in which the student develops drawing and composition skills.  While experimentation and imaginative probing are honest and expected aspects of the process, the main thrust of the course is analytical seeing and drawing with a range of media.  Formal elements such as line, value, space, proportion and composition are employed for both representational and expressive purposes.  The student begins to develop personal "voice" from the act of drawing, mark-making and composing.  This exploration is designed to help the student use the language with purpose.  The course encourages the transfer of the processes and knowledge in their work, in other foundations courses, and at the advanced levels.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: None


Visual & Color Dynamics
Visual Dynamics is a problem-solving course in which the student investigates the dynamic visual forces involved in composing on a two-dimensional plane. Students explore the interrelationships of composition, process, perception, and intention. Color and light are also explored as a visual phenomenon, as a perceptual occurrence, as pigment with specific mixing properties, and as an element with powerful expressive and symbolic potential. Time, the fourth dimension, is investigated through problems dealing with simultaneity and sequentiality. The range of tools includes traditional materials/mediums and digital imaging. The course broadens the student’s skill level in idea development, research strategies, and technique through the exploration of the visual language in both an historical and contemporary context. Approximately one-half of the semester is spent working in a digital environment.

The course examines the visual dynamics that influence and determine the impact of two-dimensional work. The problems assigned encourage inventive thinking through the implementation of a variety of ideation strategies. The theory and application of formal issues test the expressive potential of the visual language. This exploration is designed to help the student use the language with purpose, and with an understanding of the historical and contemporary context. It encourages the transfer of the processes and knowledge in their work, in other foundations courses, and at the advanced levels.

The additional application of color theories to studio problems allows the student to investigate the physical, perceptual, psychological, expressive and organizational properties of color. The student will investigate both subtractive models and additive models of color. In increasingly complex problems, students will also be introduced to time as a visual issue.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: None


Space / Form / Materials
Space / Form / Materials is comprised of three-dimensional visual experiences and investigation in the interaction of forms in space. The course broadens the student’s skill level in idea development, research strategies, and material technique through hands on experiments, projects and in-depth discussions. The course projects employ a variety of materials and media and emphasize the exploration of the visual language in both an historical and contemporary context. Within the course, students receive an orientation to MIAD's 3D lab including instruction in the proper and safe use of hand tools and power equipment.

The course presents a progressive study in the terminology, principles, techniques, and materials in three-dimensional thinking.  The projects assigned encourage inventive thinking through the implementation of a variety of ideation strategies. The theory and application of three dimensional design issues test the expressive and communicative potential of the visual language. This exploration is designed to help the student use the visual language with purpose, and with an understanding of the historical and contemporary context. It encourages the transfer of the processes and knowledge in their work, in other foundations courses, and at the advanced levels.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: None


Image & Drawing Concepts
In Image & Drawing Concepts the student further enhances the drawing and compositional skills that they began to develop in Observational Drawing and Visual & Color Dynamics. The focus of the course is the investigation of visual language as the student explores different ways to create images. Issues in sequence, seriality and time are examined. A variety of media is used as a way of broadening the understanding of drawing and image making.

As a continuation of the first semester 2D courses, Image & Drawing Concepts allows the student to explore multiple ways to create images. This is accomplished through the investigation of a variety of concepts, processes, and materials that include experimental use of media/methods. Traditional boundaries between drawing and other disciplines will be blurred. The contextual and expressive use of color is an integral component of the course. The course strives to make drawing and other image making relevant to real world applications in the contemporary design and fine art realms.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: Observational Drawing and Visual Color & Dynamics


Spatial Concepts
In Spatial Concepts the student continues three-dimensional visual experiences and investigation in the interaction of forms in space. Idea development, research strategies, and material techniques are advanced through hands on experiments, projects and in-depth discussions.  The projects are designed to allow the student to engage in various design and fine art processes and critically examine the effectiveness of presentation.

Spatial Concepts is an exploratory studio class that develops an informed understanding of three dimensional form.  The course presents a progressive study in the terminology, principles, techniques, and materials used in the development and interaction of three dimensional forms.  It is the objective of the course to develop within each student a deeper understanding of the terms and principles defining the context of form, and a proficiency in the application of those elements to the creation of three dimensional form. It encourages the transfer of the processes and knowledge in their work, in other foundations courses, and at the advanced levels.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: Space / Form / Materials


Research, Practice and Methods
In Research, Practice and Methods (RPM), students investigate strategies for effective communication. Each course emphasizes process and creative problem solving - appropriately using inquiry and conduct in-depth research to promote the development of their own studio practice within a historical, cultural, and personal context. The student chooses a selective from a variety of offerings.

RPM selectives deal with concepts fundamental to many disciplines. These courses focus on a specific theme or issue to contextualize the student’s learning and promote a deeper understanding of one’s personal creative process. Students actively engage in various research practices to develop critical thinking and nurture their commitment to communicating ideas in a substantive way.

Sample Course Offerings:• Design and the Elastic Mind• Intrapersonal Chronicles• Outrage and Tradition• Daily Media Feeds• Chance and Improvisation

Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: None


Understanding the Visual 1
In Understanding the Visual 1, students will explore topics that are fundamental in all areas of art and design. Students will develop skills in research, presentation, critique and discussion that will foster critical thinking. Through initiating an historical and contemporary context for art and design, students will develop the ability to formulate arguments and defend positions relevant to today’s culture.  

In Understanding the Visual 1, students will consider the meanings of images and objects in their contemporary culture. Presentation skills will be developed through which students will be able to separate opinions from positions, and discover ways to defend specific selections and attending positions.  
Credits: 1.5
Prerequisites: None


F141: Understanding the Visual 2
We live in an increasingly visual culture: what we see shapes how we think, and what we think shapes how we see. Understanding the Visual 2 will focus on how all images and objects comprise our visual culture, and how everything in visual culture is encoded with meaning, not only in its creation, but also from the context in which a viewer experiences it. Students will develop an understanding of how contemporary culture constructs, understands, and uses images and objects through an examination of contemporary art and design.

As an introductory exploration of contemporary visual culture, this course will prepare students to contextualize and apply critical standards to any image or object they encounter, including an examination of their own work through the development of a digital portfolio. Students will explore how visual culture is constantly changing and use this awareness as an opportunity to discuss their lives as creators and the future of art and design. They will also learn how to engage in critique as an example of a deeper mode of inquiry about their own work and the work of others.
Credits: 1.5
Prerequisites: Understanding the Visual 1


F199 Intro to Advanced Study
In Introduction to Advanced Study, students will explore broad based, cross-disciplinary content and materials in courses offered by major areas, and receive more customized learning experiences based on their intended majors. This course will provide opportunities for first-year students to experience their intended major sooner, and to experience a more seamless transition between the first and second year.

Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: Second semester Foundations status