This course is an introduction to artistic practice and aesthetic analysis. Students are inspired to communicate their ideas and experiences through various media such as sculpture, installation, performance, video and computer imaging. Projects evolve through stages of conceptual and material development to final presentation and critical discussion. Lectures, Visiting Artist presentations, field trips and readings supplement studio practice, providing an index to the historical, cultural and environmental forces that affect both the development of artistic vision and the reception of the work of art.

The course meets twice a week, three hours each session for 12 units of credit. A maximum of six hours per week of outside class work is expected. Each section is staffed by at least one professor (two in the case of large enrollments), a teaching assistant and a technical instructor. There is a maximum of 25 students per class. At least three studio projects must be completed for the course of study. Student evaluation is based on individual development of artistic concepts, technical facility, quality of class presentations and participation in group critiques and class discussions. Readings are assigned that provide a historical and theoretical framework for each studio project. Writing projects related to studio production can be required at the discretion of the professor. Lab fee.