Courses & Curriculum
The Overview of the Curriculum
The first year will consist of six core courses providing a common foundation for the program: two design studios (12 credit hours); a graduate seminar (3 credit hours); a concentration seminar (3 credit hours); and two electives (6 credit hours). Design studios will provide immersion into self–directed hands–on work, while the seminars provide opportunities to read, write about, and discuss art and design theory and practice and current issues common to all art and design areas as well as those specific to the chosen concentration.
In the semester when the 24th credit hour is taken, each candidate will submit work completed to date for the Candidacy Review for Final Project. Students will be asked to present work completed to date and be available to answer questions about their ideas and research direction to a faculty committee. Passing the Candidacy Review permits the student to continue to the Final Project phase of the program.
The second year allows the student to take appropriately supporting electives and to specialize on a creative project. It will consist of a studio (6 credit hours); a final project research seminar (3 credit hours); three electives (9 credit hours); and a final project studio (6 credit hours).
The final project will culminate in an original body of creative work in a public exhibition or presentation, and a written documentation supporting the research theme and process.
To complete the degree, each candidate must document the final project to discuss the history, contemporary context, process, and products of the project.
To extend both the context and the range of thinking, all students will be required to complete supporting electives outside the major course requirements in each concentration. Suggested areas might include fine arts, other design disciplines, drawing, painting, industrial design, graphic design, art history, anthropology, education, English, film studies, textile technology, apparel production, Women’s Studies, languages, or other areas pertinent to individual interests and academic preparedness to augment the final research project.
Both concentrations will require 48–72 credit hours, depending on the background of the applicant. Applicants will be accepted into appropriate degree tracks based on review of the portfolio and prior academic background or other relevant preparation. For students placed in Track 2 or Track 3 a specific program of relevant work will be provided to prepare for full participation in graduate courses.
An additional 12 hours above the minimum requirements in any of the tracks is recommended for students who wish to prepare for college level teaching.
ADN 502 – Advanced Visual Laboratory
Advanced experimental studies in visual phenomena related to design.
ADN 503 – Graduate Seminar in Art + Design
Seminar introduction to research in art and design, addressing theoretical, historical, and methodological contexts for individual exploration. Reading, discussion, and presentations will emphasize current work and concept development in all art media. Methods of examining idea sources, process, documentation, critiquing, speaking, and writing about visual concepts.
ADN 560 – Advanced Animation Studio
The studio serves as an intensive investigation of the tools, techniques, and processes for experimental multimedia animation. The studio will address the entire creative animation process, from initial storyboard concept to final production. The studio will serve as an advanced study of animation and imaging by investigating multimedia animation from numerous perspectives, including filmmaking, cognitive psychology, the fine arts and interaction design. Creativity in concept and execution (creative process) will be a major focus of the studio experience.
ADN 561 – Digital Animation and Imaging Seminar
Intensive research, presentation, and discussion of animation. Addressing historical animation issues related to media, culture and technology. Advanced study of animation and imaging through study of the history of multimedia animation from numerous perspectives, including film-making, painting and drawing, theater and animation history.
ADN 570 – Advanced Fibers and Surface Design Studio
Advanced studio in Art + Design. Creation of fibers and surface design products, with special emphasis given to design process; creative problem-solving, exploration, and innovation; and application of advanced art and design techniques and methodsto hands-on making of textile objects. All projects will be individually conceived and executed.
ADN 571 – Fibers and Surface Design Seminar
Seminar on current professional issues in fibers and surface design, focusing on theory, history, critical analysis, and philosophy. Reading, discussion, presentations, research, and writing about contemporary and historical thought in the field.
ADN 575 – Pre-Industrial World Textiles
Research on and discussion of hand-made textiles of the world, introducing major textile traditions from Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America. Focus on geographic and cultural contexts, development of production, and design characteristics,including 20th-century fiber art movements. Seminar format.
ADN 581 – Final Project Research
Directed research to prepare background documentation for the final project, including historical and contemporary context, formation of project parameters, statement of goals, and documentation/project outline.
ADN 588 – Final Project Studio
Final studio project for graduate students in Art + Design, under the supervision of graduate advisory committee members.
ADN 592 – Special Topics in Art and Design
Topics of current interest to the program or concentration offered by faculty in the department of Art and Design. Subjects offered under this number are normally used to test and develop new courses.
ADN 630 – Independent Study in Art + Design
Independent study in art and design under the supervision of a specific Art + Design faculty member. Restricted to graduate students in Art + Design with consent of the supervising faculty.
ADN 688 – Non-Thesis Masters Continuous Registration
- Half Time Registration
For students in non-thesis master’s programs who have completed all credit hour requirements for their degree but need to maintain half-time continuous registration to complete incomplete grades, projects, final master’s exam, etc.
ADN 689 – Non-Thesis Master Continuous Registration
- Full Time Registration
For students in non-thesis master’s programs who have completed all credit hour requirements for their degree but need to maintain full-time continuous registration to complete incomplete grades, projects, final master’s exam, etc. Students may register for this course a maximum of one semester.
