The BA program in Art, Design, and Media offers students a range of contemporary, cross disciplinary, multi-media core courses which deal with concepts in art, design, and media and importantly in the interfaces between them. Students are also schooled in professional skills and techniques and appropriate theory and are directed towards ambitious creative goals. During their final semester, students undertake a major project. Art, Design, and Media graduates normally work as practitioners in the arts or media.
ADM 112 (3 CREDITS)
Making Your Mark
Is devoted to an exploration of modes of visual narrative. The course is particularly concerned with practical creative production and introduces students to the expression of their narrative ideas through a variety of fine art forms and media. While the course is designed to demonstrate the interconnectedness of the graphic media, its primary goal is to establish the primacy of ideas in any creative production.
A studio fee is levied on this course.
ADM 113 (3 CREDITS)
Cycling the Square
Explores the nature of measurement, structure, and organization in art and design. The course is particularly concerned with practical creative production and introduces students to the expression of their ideas through a variety of media and processes, notably model making, 3-D construction, and basic design. While the course is intended to enable students to explore the interconnectedness between 2-D and 3-D modes of expression, its primary goal is to establish the primacy of ideas in any creative production.
A studio fee is levied on this course.
ADM 210 (3 CREDITS)
Stamping Authority
Is concerned with the study of color, the development of discrimination, the use of technology and the use of Art and Design as a persuasive vehicle. The course features an interplay between practical and theoretical studies and involves work in Printmaking and Photography.
A studio fee is levied on this course.
ADM 211 (3 CREDITS)
Developing Spaces
This course focuses on the study of typography as a fundamental tool for the practice of communication design. It explores the basics of type design using a wide range of media and applications. The history of Graphic Design plays an important role in the course as it frames and demonstrates the importance of this medium.
A studio fee is levied on this course.
COM 231 (3 CREDITS)
Signs, Image and Meaning
This course explores images and representations across cultural and historical contexts: the way meaning and ideologies can be decoded from such cultural artifacts as advertising, photography, cinema, modern art, sculpture, architecture, propaganda and comic books. Through varied examples, it takes an introductory route through some of the most important cultural theories and concepts of the last 100 years. The class is based around lectures and group exercises, coupled with at least one major field trip to a London cultural institution (entrance fee may be required) and guest presentations on specific topics.
Prerequisite: Sophomore status and ENG 215.
ADM 251 (3 CREDITS)
The Language of Art
A discursive, topic-based course designed to familiarize the student with the range of ideas, the varieties of form, the uses of imagery and the nature of content in the visual arts. The material is considered from a practitioner’s viewpoint.
A studio fee is levied on this course.
plus one lower division studio course from the following:
ADM 103 (3 CREDITS)
Introduction to Drawing
Students are introduced to many types of drawing and work from the still life, natural forms and the life model. This course encourages experimentation in the two dimensional representation of form, space, structure and texture. Students learn to observe more closely through the discipline to appreciate art more fully. When offered in Florence, this course is taught in English and Italian.
A studio fee is levied on this course.
ADM 106 (3 CREDITS)
Introduction to Photography
This course concentrates on developing the student's visual intelligence via photography. Technically, students will learn to use digital Single Lens Reflex cameras and Photoshop for image workflow and editing. By looking at the work of a range of artists, students will be introduced to some of the theories that underpin photographic practice and consider photography's place and role in contemporary culture. Throughout the course students make images which finally result in an edited portfolio of photographic prints.
A studio fee is levied on this course.
ADM 110 (3 CREDITS)
Introduction to Spatial Design
The course introduces students to the uses and manipulation of spaces in sculpture, product design, architecture, and interior design. It also studies various standard ways of expressing and econding/decoding space for art and design needs. The course considers how space can be calculated and measured, the relationships between distance and size, linear and aerial perspectives, technical drawing, and the use of scales and projection. The majority of the coursework is conducted through the medium of drawing and building structures, but projects using other processes may be included.
A studio fee is levied on this course.
ADM 111 (3 CREDITS)
Introduction to Printmaking
Explores a variety of relief and experimental printmaking techniques. The course is intended to investigate linkages between drawing, photography and computer graphics as well as establishing sound basic skills in printmaking techniques.
A studio fee is levied on this course.
ADM 140 (3 CREDITS)
Introduction to Ceramics
Introduces practical studio skills in ceramics. Students work on a number of projects in tile-making and ceramic sculpture and also learn some of the standard methods of ceramic decoration. Students learn how ceramics are glazed and how work is processed in the electric kiln.
A studio fee is levied on this course.
ADM 205 (3 CREDITS)
Cutting Edges
Cutting Edges is a course for ADM majors who wish to acquire workshop skills and be able to make 3D physical art objects. It provides instruction in the use of tools, materials and construction methods as well as the use of electrical circuits, motors and other devices that might need to be incorporated into the working aspects of art pieces. Students develop their workshop skills through undertaking practical projects.
ADM 304 (3 CREDITS)
Research and Writing Methods
This course prepares students to conduct significant, original research in the Art Design and Media Disciplines. It requires the production of a full practice-based research proposal and presentation of a research project relating to the student's art design or media practice. Emphasis is placed on critical engagement with researched sources in conjunction with appropriate presentation and citation of sources used. Qualitative and quantitative research methods are presented and discussed in order for students to make an informed decision for their own research project. Students are provided with input and feedback throughout the preparation, organisation drafting and revising of their research proposal both from the tutor and their peers. By requiring the student to plan their research project and to write a full research proposal, the course provides practical preparation for ADM 450 Fourth Bridge the senior capstone course.
Prerequisite: ENG 215 and Junior Status
ARH 351 (3 CREDITS)
Museums and Galleries of London
Considers the nature of museums and art galleries and their role and function in our society and culture. Students visit many of the great London galleries and museums with their rich intercultural collections, as part of this course. A university-level survey of the history of international art is strongly recommended as a prerequisite.
ADM 361 (3 CREDITS)
Off the Wall
Examines the changes brought about in art production and display by the development and popularization of Time-Based media (video), Sound Art and the Installation form. The course considers some of the works, including their conceptual underpinnings, created by a cross section of important artists who have been working in the areas of video, sound and installation. Using that information as a spring board, students then make art work which simultaneously develops their conceptual and practical skills in the areas of video, sound and installation.
Prerequisite: Junior status. A studio fee is levied on this course.
ADM 362 (3 CREDITS)
Pixel Playground
This course focuses on the study of image-making -- both digital and hand-made. Through art and design briefs, students will study and explore color, composition, illustration and visual narratives. This course introduces students to two core visual applications: Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. No previous experience with design or computers is necessary. This course serves as a prerequisite for most of the ADM digital courses.
ADM 402 (3 CREDITS)
Going Public
Examines various professional strategies as aspects of the practice of art in the public realm. The focus of this course is on identifying and developing skills necessary to make the transition from being a student of art to a practicing artist engaged in the professional world. Various sites and related strategies are explored with the understanding that, in order to thrive and indeed survive as a practicing artist, one must be able to present one’s work and represent one’s practice to an assortment of individuals and institutions including museums, magazines, galleries, writers, dealers, designers and critics. This course takes a realistic, though critical approach towards the mechanisms of self-promotion that have developed in recent years as art and the creative industries have been subsumed within the culture of the image, celebrity and entertainment. The thrust of this course is concerned with developing practical skills, while at the same time, attention is paid to the fact that one must appreciate and understand the public realm critically if one is to be able to swim in those waters.
Prerequisite: ARH 351 or permission of instructor.
ADM 438 (3 CREDITS)
Contemporary Visual Culture I
Through theoretical and empirical insights into our image-based culture, this course deals with the multifariousness of contemporary visuality. It views traditional and media-generated images taken from various areas (art, design, film, print, photography, video, computer) in the context of urban life today. In a program of gallery visits, talks with artists and theoretical discussions, students will learn about visual representation and various ways of encountering the complexity of imagery in the 20th/21st century.
ADM 448 (3 CREDITS)
Contemporary Visual Culture II
This course continues the work undertaken in ADM 438. Further contemporary theory is Studied and its relevance to the understanding of current visual, sound and performance arts is explored by focusing on a variety of exhibitions and events available during the semester in London venues.
Prerequisites: ADM 304 and ADM 438 or equivalent.
ADM 450 (3 CREDITS)
Fourth Bridge: Art, Design and Media Projects
Provides an opportunity for senior students to bring their various skills and ideas together and focus them on an ambitious project devised by themselves. These pieces are expected to be conceptually sound, well designed and structured, and technically competent. Upon completion, the work is exhibited and serves as a capstone presentation. Students work under the supervision of a course coordinator and may also be assigned to a specialist technical advisor.
Prerequisite: Senior status or permission of the instructor. Students purchase their own materials.
plus five of the following courses, at least one at 400 level:
ADM 306 (3 CREDITS)
Intermediate Drawing
Develops drawing skills and provokes and stimulates thinking about both the technical and intellectual aspects of the drawing process. A developing understanding of the vocabulary and syntax of drawing is encouraged through projects which feature observation, analysis and expression. Students work from studio subjects and on location and are expected to undertake museum study.
A studio fee is levied on this course.
ADM 323 (3 CREDITS)
Photography: Theory and Practice
Photography: Theory and Practice Intended for students with modest or no background in the history, theory and practice of black and white photography. It is designed to familiarize students with skills which combine visual research, photographic composition, camera operation and printing, together with conceptual ideas, especially those of narrative photography. Students provide their own film and photographic paper. The University has cameras for student use, although it is recommended that students provide their own manual 35 mm SLR camera.
A studio fee is levied on this course.
ADM 325 (3 CREDITS)
Studio Photography
A studio-based course in studio lighting (tungsten and flash), the medium format camera (Hasselblad 6cm x 6cm) and effective studio-based image making. Demonstrations are followed by student projects in the main areas of still life and portraiture. Negative and positive, Polaroid, black and white and color film are employed. A three-hour workshop accompanies this course. Students provide their own film and photographic paper.
Prerequisite: ADM 323 or equivalent. A studio fee is levied on this course.
ADM 326 (3 CREDITS)
Video Production
A ‘hands-on’ course for students new to video, involving most aspects of production from camera work and sound recording to editing and audio dubbing. The theory and practice of video technology are taught through a series of group exercises and out-of- class assignments. Students also study a range of classic videos and film as a means of understanding the language of the medium. A studio fee is levied on this course.
A studio fee is levied on this course.
ADM 330 (3 CREDITS)
Exploring Paint Media
Combines study of pigments and various water, acrylic and oil-based media, their uses and technical characteristics with studies of style, composition, color theory and visual appearance. Students will undertake a number of practical projects designed to allow them to explore aspects of theory and the potentialities of paint and color, both as ends in themselves and as components integrated into work in other media. Discussion and the sharing of ideas and perceptions are an important part of this course.
A studio fee is levied on this course.
ADM 332 (3 CREDITS)
Color Photography
Intended for students who already have an understanding of the camera and basic technical principles of photography. It introduces students to the major processes in color photography, both analogue and digital, and affords them the opportunity to develop a proficiency in these processes. Students learn about contemporary practitioners, notions and issues regarding both the aesthetics and conceptual ideas related to color photography. Students provide their own film and photographic paper. The University has cameras for student use, although it is recommended that students provide their own manual 35mm SLR camera.
Prerequisite: ADM 323 or equivalent. A studio fee is levied on this course.
ADM 335 (3 CREDITS)
Photojournalism and Publication Layout
Concentrates on the reportage area of photography, using digital equipment. Students learn about the history, nature, and techniques of photojournalism by studying the work of eminent practitioners, and by designing, shooting, printing, and laying out a number of documentary style projects. This course is recommended for communications, journalism, and social science students as well as photographers. The University has digital SLR cameras for student use.
Prerequisite: ADM 323 or equivalent. A studio fee is levied on this course.
ADM 340 (3 CREDITS)
Communication Design: Type
This course focuses on the theory and practice of communication design, with emphasis on type-based solutions. It introduces students to the concept of graphic design as a social activity and projects include book design, grid systems and poster design. The course has an important theoretical component which includes visual culture and graphic design criticism.
Prerequisite: ADM 362 or equivalent.
ADM 365 (3 CREDITS)
Communication Design: Image
This course focuses on the study and application of image within the practice of communication design. Typical works include identity and logo design, pictograms/signage and poster design. The course has an important theoretical component which includes semiotics, visual culture and theory of image design.
Prerequisite: ADM 362 or equivalent.
ADM 372 (3 CREDITS)
Web Design
The course provides students with the core foundations and practical skills required to design a fully functional and interactive website. It offers a snapshot of the brief history and current status of the medium, and practitioners working within it. Web Design focuses on two main areas: prepartion and design of a website, followed by the design/build ready for online publication. It is ideal for students who want to showcase a portfolio of work on the web.
Prerequisite: ADM 362 or equivalent.
ADM 379 (3 CREDITS)
Animation and Motion
Intended for students who want to create moving image work within an art and design studio environment. The course enables progress in animation, time-based media, motion graphics and video art within a single screen display (monitor or projection). Both the theory and history of moving image work is considered. A major focus of the course is practical; students will learn to develop new skills and gain hands-on technical and digital production experience in the creation of moving image work.
Prerequisite: ADM 362 or equivalent.
ADM 386-397 (3 CREDITS)
Special Topics in Art, Design, and Media
An advanced course on a topic of current interest or in a faculty member's specialty.
ADM 407 (3 CREDITS)
Communication Design: Studio
This course aims to deepen and broaden the student's understanding and experience of the graphic design practice. The goal is to develop both the theoretical grasp of the subject and the practical response to specific briefs. The briefs are based on real needs of Richmond University, using the course as a communication design studio. Emphasis is placed upon research, process, design solutions, professionalism, self-criticism and self-sufficiency. It is also a platform for individual projects within the field of communication design.
Prerequisite: ADM 340 or ADM 365.
ADM 418 (3 CREDITS)
Printmaking Workshop
Intended for students who have acquired graphic skills in drawing, illustration and computer graphics or who have experience of photographic printing. It aims not so much to give in-depth knowledge of particular printmaking processes as to stimulate a creative response to all areas of image making that involve printing. The course is practical in nature although museum and gallery study will be assigned and some reading will be assigned relating to techniques being explored in class.
A studio fee is levied on this course.
ADM 447 (3 CREDITS)
From Script to Screen
Intended for students who have experience of video production and want to expand their knowledge and skills. Students will create and produce a video, starting from the inception of the idea through to the realization of the idea as a finished film to be screened at the end of the course. Focusing on the journey from having an idea for a film through to writing a high spec script, students will learn how drama is represented in the written form, analyze and explore scripts from existing films and other forms of drama, and learn more about the film and TV industry and the place of screenwriting in it. In doing so, students have the opportunity to try the different 'parts' of film-making, from the creative and theoretical - writing, story boarding, workshopping, casting, and directing - to the technical - camera operation, sound recording, and video editing.
Prerequisite: ADM 362 or submission on video or DVD of a video/film made by the applicant. Can be in any genre, but must demonstrate the ability to use a video camera and basic skills in sound recording and editing. A studio fee is levied on this course.
ADM 483 (3 CREDITS)
Internship in Art, Design and Media
This program offers upper division students the opportunity to do a full-time internship in London. The experience provides the opportunity to enhance and complement classroom learning and to develop professional skills and competencies. The Internship Program is open to students enrolled in a degree program who have successfully completed 75 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.75.
Prerequisites: Senior status and permission of adviser.
Degree Planner/GCL form - for students who started in September 2009 or later.
Degree Planner/GCL form - for students who started in September 2007 or later.
