Courses

Search for courses listed in this bulletin. To find a semester course schedule (including instructors, meeting times and locations), go to mynmu.nmu.edu.

AD 101 Process and Design 4 cr.
  • Offered: Fall Winter

An exploration of various technical methods of construction, production, and assembly used in the creation of art forms (2D, 3D, and 4D), integrated with an introduction to and application of the visual vocabulary of art (visual elements, principles of design, color theory).

AD 102 Foundational Drawing 4 cr.
  • Offered: Fall Winter

Introductory drawing course focusing on the methods and knowledge needed to create various types of spatial illusions and translate observed information onto a two-dimensional surface.

AD 110 Ideas in Art and Design History 4 cr.
  • Offered: Fall

This course draws from the disciplines of art history, philosophy, psychology and the social sciences in order to consider questions of interest to art historians and artists alike: What are the functions of art? Which principles shape visual expression? How is visual art related to larger cultural forces including religious, political, economic and so on? What is the relationship between art, artists and audiences? The course objective is to investigate these questions in a way that is relevant to each student's own creative development.

AD 111 Human Centered Design: Foundations 4 cr.
  • Offered: Fall Winter

An introduction to design principles and processes while employing basic problem-solving techniques. Emphasis will be placed on development of design sketching and model making as a conceptual tool, interaction with form, thought processes, craftsmanship, and use of materials.

AD 112 Digital Cinema: Foundations 4 cr.
  • Offered: Fall Winter

The foundations of digital video production; how to shoot and edit short-form cinematic works; survey of fiction, nonfiction, and experimental video production.

AD 115 Printmaking: Foundations 4 cr.
  • Offered: Winter

Introduction to the techniques of screen printing and the intaglio process (etching). Emphasis is placed on skill development and the creation of original prints.

AD 116 Sculpture: Foundations 4 cr.
  • Offered: Fall

An introduction to methods of synthesizing form in the production of sculpture. Process, technique, design and composition will be emphasized in assigned projects throughout the semester.

AD 117 Photography: Foundations 4 cr.
  • Offered: Fall Winter Summer

Introduction to the fundamental technical and compositional aspects of digital photography. Students practice compositional strategies, methods of controlling manual digital SLR cameras, and basic non-destructive digital post-processing techniques through relevant and interrelated readings, lectures, discussions, demonstrations, assignments, and individual and group critiques. 

AD 118 Graphic Design: Foundations 4 cr.
  • Offered: Fall Winter

Introduction to graphic design concepts with the development of technological and craft skills. Emphasis is placed on the use of process, typography and composition as well as the foundational skills of gestalt and color theory.

AD 119 Illustration: Foundations 4 cr.
  • Offered: Fall Winter

Introduction to illustration methods and concepts that enable the communication of an idea. Projects emphasize constructive drawing techniques, linear perspective, compositional design, ideation, and narrative picture-making. 

AD 120 Drawing/Painting: Foundations 4 cr.
  • Offered: Fall Winter

Introductory drawing/painting course focusing on methods and knowledge needed to create various types of spatial illusions and translate observed information on to a two-dimensional surface.

AD 122 Ceramics: Foundations 4 cr.
  • Offered: Fall Winter

Introduction to the methods and techniques of producing ceramic objects covering the various forming, finishing and firing techniques. Students experience techniques ranging from pinch, coil and slab construction.

AD 123 Metalsmithing/Sculpture: Foundations 4 cr.
  • Offered: Fall Winter

An Introduction to methods of synthesizing form in the production of sculpture. Process, technique, design and composition will be emphasized in assigned projects throughout the semester. Mixed Media.

AD 124 Woodworking: Foundations 4 cr.
  • Offered: Fall Winter

Introduction to both traditional hand tool joinery and contemporary joinery practices. Students are introduced to wood as a material, the history of woodworking, and contemporary theory in the field.

AD 134 Computer Art: Foundations 4 cr.
  • Offered: Fall Winter

Introduction to the concepts and practices of computer art. Foundational approaches to photoillustration, animation, and 3D modeling will be explored.

Notes:

Formerly Electronic Imaging.

AD 181 Visual Literacy in Global Culture 4 cr.
  • Offered: Winter

An introduction to visual literacy, which is the ability to read visual images, to verbally describe them, and to understand their intended and implied meanings. A basic terminology for visual literacy will be studied in order to examine images from fine arts, advertisements, news, movies, video games, etc.

AD 200 Native American Art and Architecture 4 cr.
  • Offered: Fall
  • Prerequisites: EN 111 recommended.
A study of Native art and architecture from the pre-contact period to the present. A contextual approach is used to analyze material produced by the Anishinaabe, the Haudenosaunee and other indigenous peoples of North America.
AD 204 Presentation Design for Non-Designers 3 cr.
  • Offered: Fall Winter
  • Prerequisites: Sophomore Standing.

Presentations are essential for students working in any field, and the visual appearance of those presentations is a crucial part of the engagement. Learn how to create effective presentations, developing compelling visual designs, and providing information in a well-organized format. Students will learn practical photography and video usage, along with the essential tools in presentation software. Students will create informational graphics to convey complex information quickly.

AD 212 Digital Cinema: Image Design 4 cr.
  • Offered: Winter
  • Prerequisites: AD 112 or instructor permission.

Continued development of digital video production skills and knowledge emphasizing fiction video production; lighting strategies, camera work, composition, and post-production. 

AD 215 Printmaking/Papermaking: Forms 4 cr.
  • Offered: Fall
  • Prerequisites: AD 115 or instructor's permission.
Development of techniques necessary in the creation of an original print with an emphasis on intaglio or screen printing. Students may explore hand papermaking emphasizing sheetmaking, coloring or three-dimensional approaches.
AD 217 Photography: Methods and Techniques 4 cr.
  • Offered: Fall Winter
  • Prerequisites: AD 117.

The course focuses on extending students’ knowledge of fundamental photographic methodologies including professional lighting techniques, basic film and silver-based darkroom processes, and advanced non-destructive digital post-processing techniques. Students explore traditional photographic concepts and genres through relevant and interrelated readings, lectures, discussions, demonstrations, assignments, and individual and group critiques.

 

AD 218 Graphic Design: Typographic Systems 4 cr.
  • Offered: Fall Winter
  • Prerequisites: AD 118.

Implementation of typographic systems in concept and composition. Emphasis is placed on process, letterform, and layout as well as typography’s use in interactivity and motion.

AD 220 Intermediate Drawing/Painting 4 cr.
  • Offered: Winter
  • Prerequisites: AD 120.

Development of techniques and skills related to all aspects of spatial illusions. Emphasis is placed on the importance of drawing as a basis for visual growth. Techniques for developing personal style and content are introduced.