2014-2015 Graduate Course Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2014-2015 Graduate Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

School of Art and Design


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Department of Art, 102 Shaffer Art Building, 315-443-4613
Department of Design, The Warehouse, First Floor, 315-443-2455
Department of Foundation, 222 Smith Hall, 315-443-2251
Department of Transmedia, 102 Shaffer Art Building, 315-443-1033

As a professional school within a major university, the School of Art and Design offers a wealth of academic resources and endless opportunities and activities. Students are actively involved in mastering their chosen discipline and receive a liberal education that is integral to the development of artists and designers. They have one-on-one interaction with the school’s active, professional faculty and numerous visiting artists.

The School of Art and Design has a tradition of excellence that goes back more than 130 years; in fact, Syracuse University was the first university in the country to grant a bachelor of fine arts (B.F.A.) degree. Within its three departments (art, design, and transmedia), the school offers 17 majors that lead to a B.F.A. degree: art education, art photography, art video, ceramics, communications design, computer art, fashion design, film, history of art, illustration, enviornmental and interior design, jewelry and metalsmithing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture. It also offers a program leading to a bachelor of industrial design (B.I.D.) degree in industrial and interaction design.

School of Art and Design students are encouraged to explore interdisciplinary study within the school and University as well as pursue opportunities for internships and study abroad experiences. Students may also take advantage of the courses, programs, and events offered through COLAB, an interdisciplinary initiative based in the College of Visual and Performing Arts that encourages students and faculty to use their diverse skills and perspectives to solve complex, real-world problems creatively and collaboratively. The School of Art and Design is committed to ensuring that students receive a comprehensive education in art and design in all of their disciplinary forms. In studio courses where students are involved in representing their own issues and identities, diversity is by nature an integral component of each class. In lecture-based studies courses, the work of underrepresented groups and issues of gender and sexual orientation are incorporated into the curricula. In addition, specific concerns of diversity are addressed in the courses listed below:

Department of Art

Contact

Stephanie James, Director, 102 Shaffer Art Building, 315-443-4613

The School of Art and Designís Department of Art offers an exciting, energetic culture of students who are encouraged to cross conventional boundaries with their work. They are motivated, curious, and committed to artistic growth. The department takes a genuine interest in teaching students what being a professional artist means so that they are prepared for the future. Curricula are designed to allow students to take classes within the larger University, which gives students exposure to the liberal arts as well as courses in business and entrepreneurship. All programs have student organizations that participate in community service projects and the selection of visiting artists, who are a critical component of the department. The department also engages in numerous educational partnerships with Syracuse schools and agencies.

Department of Design

Contact

James Fathers, Director, The Warehouse, First Floor, 315-443-2455

In the Department of Design, located in the School of Art and Design, faculty and students form an inquisitive and intelligent community that is concerned with the world around it. Many of the departments’ professionally oriented programs are top-ranked in the United States and have a long history at Syracuse University. The diverse programs in the department share a commitment to professional excellence and use of socially conscious and sustainable design practices. The department maintains a special relationship with the Syracuse community through the activities of its various student groups-including chapters of professional design organizations-that continually work on projects with not-for-profit agencies as well as funded research design collaborations. All of the departments programs are housed in The Warehouse in downtown Syracuse that allows students and faculty to benefit from a city atmosphere and interactions with local design firms.

Department of Foundation

Contact

Christopher Wildrick, Department of Foundation, 222 Smith Hall, 315-443-2251.

The foundation program is taken during the first year and is a prerequisite for most B.F.A. and B.I.D. programs in the departments of art and design. Students in the B.F.A. degree program in fashion design have additional specific foundation requirements and should refer to their program of study for more information.

The foundation curriculum is designed to provide the most rigorous introductory courses necessary for a complete education in art and design. The foundation year includes four required studios: Dimensional Arts, Foundation Drawing, Time Arts, and Two-Dimensional Integrated Design; two required courses in art and design history; and one required Syracuse University writing course. Students take two required studios in the fall semester and the remaining two in the spring, and one art or design history course in the fall and the other in the spring. There is no sequence in the order of the studios. The goal of these courses is to strengthen conceptual and technical abilities, promote research activity, and provide a cultural and historical context for a broader and more diverse understanding of students’ ideas.

In addition to these required courses, students have choices of studio art and academic electives in both semesters. Studio electives provide students with a broad, rich experience. In addition to the special topics studio electives offered by the Department of Foundation, certain100- and 200-level studio courses are offered by the Departments of Art, Design, and Transmedia. Students take at least one academic or studio elective in the fall semester. They may also choose to take a second academic elective, but not two studio electives in the fall. In the spring semester, students are required to take one academic elective and are strongly encouraged to take a studio elective. Students may take academic electives from other areas of the University, including within the School of Art and Design.

Throughout the year, first-year students come in contact with faculty and students from all programs in the School of Art and Design, with opportunities for conversation and presentations about the different majors so they are prepared to select a major at the end of the year.

Fall Semester

  • ART 101 - First Year Colloquium 1 credit(s)
  • WRT 105 - Studio 1: Practices of Academic Writing 3 credit(s)
  • Academic electives/studio elective 3-6 credit(s)
Choose two of the following:
  • FND 111 - Time Arts 3 credit(s)
  • FND 113 - Foundation Drawing 3 credit(s)
  • FND 115 - Two-Dimensional Creative Processes 3 credit(s)
  • FND 117 - Dimensional Arts 3 credit(s)
Choose one of the following:
  • ART 111 - History of Modern Art: 1850-Present 3 credit(s)
  • ART 113 - History of Modern Design: 1850-Present 3 credit(s)
Total Credits: 16

Spring Semester

  • Academic elective 3 credit(s)
  • Academic/studio elective(s) 3-6 credit(s)
Choose the remaining two not taken in the fall semester:
  • FND 111 - Time Arts 3 credit(s)
  • FND 113 - Foundation Drawing 3 credit(s)
  • FND 115 - Two-Dimensional Creative Processes 3 credit(s)
  • FND 117 - Dimensional Arts 3 credit(s)
Choose remaining one not taken in fall semester:
  • ART 111 - History of Modern Art: 1850-Present 3 credit(s)
  • ART 113 - History of Modern Design: 1850-Present 3 credit(s)
Total Credits: 15

University Requirement

Although not a foundation requirement, it is a University requirement, and should be taken within the first two years of study. It is offered only in the spring semester.

  • WRT 205 - Studio 2: Critical Research and Writing 3 credit(s)

Department of Transmedia

Contact

Heath Hanlin, Chair, 102 Shaffer Art Building, 315-443-1033

Students in the School of Art and Designís Department of Transmedia forge a strong vision and the capacity to act intelligently as an artist. The department is committed to providing a meaningful exploration of media arts with strong, professional artistic practice. Each curriculum in the department is shaped to offer greater flexibility for unique academic experiences, including core courses in transmedia theory and practices. Faculty encourage students to exhibit work on and off campus and arrange for visiting artists to give lectures and critiques. They are also actively involved in the Syracuse community, organizing screenings, film festivals, and exhibitions, which give students additional opportunities for creative exploration and involvement.

General Regulations

Degree Requirements

A minimum of 126 credits is required to complete all of the four-year B.F.A. degree programs in the School of Art and Design except for Fashion Design and Environmental and Interior Design, which requires 120 credits. The industrial and interaction design program requires a full five years of study and 156 credits. For the B.F.A. programs in the Department of Transmedia, the minimum number of credits required for graduation is 129.

All students matriculated in the Departments of Art and Designís B.F.A. and B.I.D. degree programs must satisfy their program’s foundation requirements. Major programs are usually selected by the end of the first year and require approximately 30 credits in one area of professional work, along with other coursework that may be required for the chosen program. Students in the B.F.A. program in fashion design should refer to their specific program of study for major requirements and other coursework.

All students matriculated in the B.F.A. degree programs in the Department of Transmedia must satisfy the requirements of the transmedia core.

No degrees are granted unless all fees have been paid or satisfactorily adjusted.

Advanced Placement Courses

The School of Art and Design accepts advanced placement (AP) credit for art/general, art/media and art/drawing for electives only. AP credits may not be used for first-year foundation program studios or transmedia core courses. Syracuse University and the School of Art and Design accept many other academic credits including art history. Please refer to the Academic Rules and Regulations  section of this catalog for more information.

Special Services and Programs

Study Abroad

The College of Visual and Performing Arts, through Syracuse University Abroad, provides an opportunity for students matriculated in the School of Art and Design to take advantage of study programs in Florence, Italy; Prague, Czech Republic; and London, England.

Students majoring in one of the B.F.A. programs or the B.I.D. program may study abroad for a semester, a year, or a summer in London and Florence. This educational experience draws upon the rich resources of these cities’ museums, architectural monuments, and cultural offerings. Students may take either a semester- or a year-long program that includes six to nine credits of studio work each semester.

The film program offers both semester-long and short-term study with FAMU in Prague, Czech Republic. Students must obtain departmental approval to participate.

A direct placement program with the London College of Fashion offers students majoring in the B.F.A. program in fashion design a professional semester in London during their junior year. In addition to classes they would normally take on the SU campus, students may take courses in such areas as millinery design, shoe design, and electronic machine embroidery. All of the students have internships with English designers and are immersed in the London fashion scene. Contact SU Abroad at 315-443-3471, or online at suabroad.syr.edu.

Students who elect to spend a semester abroad may find that some program adjustments are necessary. Students should consult with their advisor for more information and contact the Office of Student Affairs, 200 Crouse College, 315-443-2517.

Special Studies in Art

The special studies in art program leads to the B.F.A. degree and is designed expressly for interdisciplinary study. The program is not automatically available; it must be mutually approved by the advisors in the various areas incorporated into the program. All applicants must undergo a personal interview and a portfolio review. In addition, a written proposal for the complete program of study is required, including specific courses and credits. Students are expected to complete the foundation program, and sophomores must have a 3.0 cumulative grade point average and a portfolio of superior caliber to be accepted. The decision to enroll in the special studies program must be made before the student accumulates 60 credits.

For further information and instructions for application, contact the Department of Art, 102 Shaffer Art Building, 315-443-4613

Courses for Non-Art Students:

Some studio and academic courses are open to non-art majors: PTG 203/PTG 204, PTG 503 /PTG 504 , SCU 207, SCU 208, SCU 507 , SCU 508 .

The School of Art and Design

The School of Art and Design is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, has a long tradition of offering students the opportunity to develop their artistic talents and obtain a broad liberal arts education. Students learn from faculty members who are not only teachers, but also practicing artists and designers, with work in major museums, international exhibitions, and professional commercial venues. The school offers programs of study at the undergraduate level in art, design, and transmedia; it also maintains study programs in Florence, Italy; Prague, Czech Republic; and London, England. In addition, the school works in cooperation with the SU Art Galleries, Syracuse University Library’s Special Collections Resource Center; the University’s textile and historic costume collections, and COLAB.

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