Courses

Vertebrate Biology

Course No. BMA223.2

A survey of vertebrates from jawless fishes to mammals. Functional morphology, physiology, behavior and ecology as they relate to the groups' relationships with their environment. Evolution of organ systems. Two lectures and one laboratory per week. The laboratory will involve a study of the detailed anatomy of the shark and cat used as representative vertebrates. Students are expected to spend at least three hours of unscheduled laboratory each week. This course fulfills a laboratory requirement for the biology major. Recommended preparation: BIOL 214. You must choose a lab section, A (Tuesday) or B (Thursday). Cross-registration at CWRU required. 3 credits.

Video Basic Tools I

Course No. FVPA461.1  Credits: 3
Faculty Kasumi | Kristen Baumliér-Faber | Nicholas Economos

Video Basic Tools is a required class for Photography and TIME-Digital Arts. It is also an open elective class for fine art credit in all majors and for second year foundation students. Using the tools of video, computer graphics, audio and other electronic media, this course focuses on the design elements and thought processes inherent in effective audio/visual communications. Hands-on approach features work in videography, lighting, audio production and mixing, and video editing, as well as support activities such as scripting, research, brainstorming and storyboarding. Emphasis is placed on creative thinking and problem solving, with both group and individual projects required. This course is intended to be an introduction to a very broad area, rather than an in-depth concentration in one subject. 3 credits. An external Firewire drive is required for this class. Required of FVPA and TIME-Digital Arts majors. Electives accepted, including sophomores

Video II

Course No. FVPA497
Faculty Kasumi

Video II is an advanced studio elective, fulfilling the needs of students who have successfully completed Video I coursework. This class is geared for all disciplines and is designed for students who wish to further explore the use of audio-video media and motion graphics. This course will concentrate on editing techniques, compositing, and the narrative style of video.

Video II

Course No. FVPA497.1  Credits: 3

Video II is an advanced studio elective, fulfilling the needs of students who have successfully completed Video I coursework. ÊThis class is geared for all disciplines and is designed for students who wish to further explore the use of audio-video media and motion graphics. This course will concentrate on editing techniques, compositing, and the narrative style of video. Initial assignments are given to assess individual and group technical skills and initiate creative conceptualizing and problem solving. This often creates potentials for collaboration, interaction and idea exchange that develop within each class. Four projects are given each semester. All projects are designed to expand upon skills already learn in Video Basics. Note: Video II is a required course for all Video Majors. Required materials: An external hard drive, a set of headphones and a notebook.

Visual Anthropology: Ethnographic Film Survey

Course No. SNS321.1  Credits: 3

Visual anthropology is an important growing subfield of cultural anthropology. The course focuses on how anthropologists have used visual media of various kinds, especially ethnographic film, to record, document and study human cultural and social diversity worldwide. A series of ethnographic films, readings and class discussion will explore this method of anthropological data collecting and analysis. As a counterpoint to earlier, popular, western cultural biases in visually "representing" non-western, non-industrial peoples as "romantic," "noble," "savage," "enigmatic," "curiosity," anthropology's film studies sought a stronger objectivity. Did they succeed? Worldwide, indigenous peoples now make extensive use of visual media/communication to reflect on their "contested identities." How has visual anthropology helped in that effort? From the 19th century's still photographs to today's cyberspace, visible culture and visual media interface. The course reviews ethnographic film as part of that communication process. $15 course fee required. 3 credits.

Visual Concepts in Illustration

Course No. ILL371.1  Credits: 3
Faculty John Chuldenko

This course encourages students to develop a confident knowledge of design in illustration, the thinking process, and production techniques necessary to compete in the field of applied arts and prepares illustration students to become working professionals within the marketing communications community. It will motivate the student's visual awareness, teaching the student to conceptualize, design and execute on a professional level. Students become familiar with several techniques used in editorial illustrations, book illustrations, advertising illustrations, as well as many others using an extensive range of materials. Students learn to produce quality illustrations and to be responsible for the conceptual aspects of a project whenever necessary. Offered fall. 3 credits.

Visual Culture and the Manufacture of Meaning

Course No. ACD305.1  Credits: 3
Faculty David Hart | Gary D Sampson | Rita Goodman

This course will introduce students to critical theories and methods of analysis for interpreting contemporary visual art and culture. Topics include: formalism and stylistic analysis; semiotics and structuralism; Marxist theory; biography; psychoanalytic theory; feminist analysis and gender studies; postcolonial theory; post structuralism and postmodernity; and media arts studies (electronic/digital technologies). Select interpretive frameworks employed in the "manufacture of meaning" will be situated historically and discussed fully and critically, using seminal writings. Required for Visual Culture Emphasis. Offered each fall. 3 credits.

Visual Organization & Media

Course No. IME200.1  Credits: 3
Faculty Mary Jo Toles | Robert Kelemen

In this course students will develop better organization and composition, knowledge and appreciation for type, integration of type and grid, understanding hierarchy, and type as creative form. Students within IME take this course to help them consider sound design and layout principles in their own work, and organize information in combination with images created in their specific majors. This course is required for all students in Animation, Biomedical Art, Game Design, Illustration, Photography, T.I.M.E.-Digital Arts and Video majors and is open as an elective to students in any other major. Offered fall and spring. 3 credits.