Visual Design Major

Foundation Studio Arts Program

Required of All Majors (except Art History and Music)

Foundation Studio Arts is a rigorous program designed to promote creativity, to develop technical and conceptual skills, and to provide an essential awareness of our visual culture. Its drawing, two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and digital courses serve as prerequisites-requisites for all 200 or higher-level courses in Art, Artisanry, Visual Design and Art Education programs. Its art history component, Introduction to the Study of Art, serve as a prerequisite for higher-level Art History Program study that is demanded by each of the studio art departments.

Except where transferred or advance placement examination credits are accepted in lieu of requirements, first-year students may expect to take five courses, totaling 15 credits, in each of their two first-year semesters. The exception being Art Education majors due to of licensure requirements and increased credit load.

The successful completion of the Foundation Studio Arts program is a required of all candidates for a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree from the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

• FOU 101 - Visual Arts Seminar Credits: 3
• FOU 110 - Foundation:Struct Drawing Credits: 3
• FOU 120 - 2D Form and Surface Credits: 3
• FOU 130 - 3D Form and Space Credits: 3
• FOU 140 - Digital Essentials Credits: 3
• ARH 102 - Introduction to the History of Art Credits: 3
• ARH 200 - Theory & Criticism of Art & Design Credits: 3

Digital Media Option

With concentrated studies in animation and interactive media, the Digital Media program at UMass Dartmouth is an integrated design and technology program with the mission of providing future creative leaders the skills and knowledge to meet the design and communication challenges of the twenty-first century. A key objective is to develop graduates who are broadly educated, articulate, scholarly, visually-sophisticated and capable of active participation in all phases of the design process. Digital Media option offers students the opportunity to improve their critical thinking and aesthetic abilities while gaining an in-depth understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of various types of media and technologies.

Curricular offerings include: digital imaging, storytelling and storyboarding, two and three-dimensional animation, three-dimensional modeling, interactive design, web design and virtual reality studies.

Order of courses

DES 251, DES 254 and DES 284 are prerequisites for DES 383. DES 383, 384, 483 and 484 must be taken sequentially.

Free Electives

All university courses (including studios and studio electives) may be used as free electives.

*Designated Course

Students in this program must complete the course(s) indicated with a grade of C or better; if a C- or lower is received, the course must be retaken. For full details, see the “Student Reviews” paragraph above.

Total credits: 120

Graphic Design Option

The Graphic Design option emphasizes the process of visual communication in a context of message, audience, environment and technology. Students learn how to approach research and analysis of content as part of the design process, and learn to develop graphic arts (symbols, books, posters and interactive media) based on that research and analysis. Projects in diverse media include letterform design, information design, book and periodical design, letterpress printing, and web design.

Students are introduced to a historical context of graphic design as well as to state-of-the-art practices. This program prepares students for the diverse opportunities available in professional design practice.

Grades

Students’ grades will be evaluated by the same criteria that are outlined for all Visual Design majors, which requires a grade of C or better on designated courses. If a student receives a grade of C- or below, they will be subject to dismissal from the Graphic Design option. Continuation is subject to review by the department chair (or designee) and a minimum of one faculty member of the Graphic Design option. If continuation is granted, the student will be placed on probationary status.

Portfolio Reviews

The Graphic Design option has two portfolio reviews every spring semester. The sophomore portfolio review is required for all students intending to take Graphic Design III the following fall. The junior portfolio review is required for all students intending to take Graphic Design V the following fall.

Students are required to present a complete portfolio for both reviews. Material presented should include work from all of their design classes, a written statement and oral presentation. Faculty will make recommendations based on the quality of the work, the written and oral presentations and the progress of the student. If the presentation or work within the portfolio is deemed insufficient, the Department Chair will be notified and the student will be either dismissed or placed on probation. All protocol for dismissal or probation will follow the conditions outlined for students receiving grades of C- or below.

Free Electives

All university courses (including Studios and Studio Electives) may be used as Free Electives.

*Designated Course

Students in this program must complete the course(s) indicated with a grade of C or better; if a C- or lower is received, the course must be retaken. For full details, see the “Student Reviews” paragraph at the top of this page.

Total credits: 120

Illustration Option

The aim of the Illustration option is to equip all of its graduating students with the skills, discipline, and knowledge necessary for successful professional practice in the field. Concept formulation, Imaginativeness, rendering and compositional fluency, and an originality of style are understood to be of equal and complementary importance. Students learn the uses of symbolism, sequencing, advanced perspective and the integration of digital processes. The history, marketing and ethics of the trade are examined, as are the various applications of illustration, such as concept art, editorial, character development, children’s book, and documentary illustration: seniors choose an emphasis based on individual abilities and interests. A professional portfolio of work is expected for graduation.

Free Electives

All university courses (including studios and studio electives) may be free electives.

*Designated Course

Students in this program must complete the course(s) indicated with a grade of C or better; if a C- or lower is received, the course must be retaken. For full details, see the “Student Reviews” paragraph at the top of this page.

Total credits: 120

Photography Option

The Photography program is a prelude to professional photography. In the 21st Century, professional photography requires both traditional and digital expertise. Consequently, emphasis is placed not only on the development of a personal photographic vision encompassing aesthetic standards, but also on mastering contemporary imaging techniques.

The primary goals and objectives of each level in the program revolve around the development of a portfolio of images within a fine arts framework.

Students are expected to participate in individual and group critiques, lectures and reviews. Verbal and written competence is required in regard to examining, analyzing and understanding photographic imagery in all contexts.

Courses in general consist of labs, lectures, discussions, presentations, papers and readings on a variety of photographic topics.

In addition to the Photo Track of six consecutive courses, the History of Photography course establishes the artistic and technological progression of the field from its invention to current major artists, while the Studio Photography course explores large format photography and studio lighting. The senior year leads to a final portfolio and a gallery exhibition

Free Electives

All university courses (including Studios and Studio Electives) may be used as Free Electives.

*Designated Course

Students in this program must complete the course(s) indicated with a grade of C or better; if a C- or lower is received, the course must be retaken. For full details, see the “Student Reviews” paragraph at the top of this page.

Total credits: 120