Courses

Ways of Thought: Confucianism, Taoism, & Zen

Course No. HCS367.1  Credits: 3
Faculty Allen Zimmerman

This course is an introduction to systems of belief and action in China and Japan. It begins with a critical cross-cultural comparison of Confucianism, Taoism and Ch'an Buddhism in China and Zen Buddhism in Japan, concluding with a comparison between two representative systems, one Eastern and one Western. The aim of this course is twofold: to explore traditional philosophical, religious and psychological perceptions that have influenced life (ideal and otherwise) in China and Japan, and to provide a basis for understanding selected Asian cultures and, through perspectives gained, to reflect upon our own. 3 credits.

Ways of Thought: Hinduism & Buddhism

Course No. HCS366.1  Credits: 3
Faculty Allen Zimmerman

This two-semester course begins with an introduction to similarities and differences between Eastern and Western systems of belief and action. It proceeds with a critical cross-cultural comparison of Hinduism, Indian and Chinese schools of Buddhism, Taoism in China, and Zen Buddhism in Japan. It concludes with a comparison between two representative systems, one Eastern and one Western. The aim of this course is twofold: to explore traditional philosophical, religious, and psychological perceptions that have influenced life (ideal and otherwise) in India, China and Japan, and to provide a basis for understanding selected Asian cultures and, through perspectives gained, to reflect upon our own. 3 credits.

Weaving Patterns: Collective Activity

Course No. FIB275.2  Credits: 3
Faculty William Lorton

Students will learn to weave and explore the possibilities of the process on traditional floor looms (floor, tapestry, Computer-assisted Dobby) and alternative weaving devices (constructed from found objects or using architectural influences). Technical vocabulary and conceptual focus will be developed through an investigation of process, material, tools and the many and varied histories of weaving. The intersection between weaving and collaboration will be explored in discussions on the development of pattern/structure as a form of communication; looms built in situ; implication of globalization on craft production; traditional and contemporary practice of gifting; and social participation. Required sophomore FMS majors. Open elective. 3 credits.

Web Design/Interactive I

Course No. CDS305.1  Credits: 3
Faculty Pat Lally

Through this course, students will learn how to use different software tools to design, implement, and produce a Graphic User Interface. Our efforts will be mostly concentrated on creating web/internet/ interactive projects, as these will allow for the exercise of ideas and tools across the entire design spectrum. Students will have a grasp of the essential technology used for web applications: the Hyper-Text Markup Language (including HTML 5) and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). You will be introduced to several techniques that will allow you to begin making interactive applications, which include PHP, JQuery and Javascript, as well as looking at user experience and design of apps for smart phone and pads. The course will also include an introduction to designing and creating Epub formats.

Web Design/Interactive I

Course No. CDS405.1  Credits: 3

Through this course, students will learn how to use different software tools to design, implement, and produce a Graphic User Interface. Our efforts will be mostly concentrated on creating web/internet/ interactive projects, as these will allow for the exercise of ideas and tools across the entire design spectrum. Students will have a grasp of the essential technology used for web applications: the Hyper-Text Markup Language (including HTML 5) and Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). You will be introduced to several techniques that will allow you to begin making interactive applications, which include PHP, JQuery and Javascript, as well as looking at user experience and design of apps for smart phone and pads. The course will also include an introduction to designing and creating Epub formats.

Web Design/Interactive II

Course No. GDS305B/405B  Credits: 3

This class builds and expands the study begun in Web Design/Interactive 1 (Graphic User Interface 1). Students move to more advanced structures and interface ideas. Experimental possibilities are explored as students develop web and portable device designs, furthering the skills learned in the first section of the class.

Web Practice & Presence

Course No. IME320.1  Credits: 3
Faculty Thomas Nowacki

In this course, students will learn about various strategies of making websites and how these are part of contemporary practice as an artist. The ability to frame a project, solve a problem, do research, then implement and use web techniques is explored in this course. Projects will explore the contemporary practice of working with web technologies in professional practice including using FTP, social networking tools and listings, and other interactive forms. Learning basic HTML, exploring online existing portfolio solutions, accessibility, hosting, and ftp will be part of this course. In class students will experience interacting with website examples, discussing selected readings, doing weekly assignments, and participating in critiques. Offered fall and spring. 3 credits.

Web Practice and Presence

Course No. IME320

In this course, students will learn about various strategies of making websites and how these are part of contemporary practice as an artist. The ability to frame a project, solve a problem, do research, then implement and use web techniques is explored in this course. Projects will explore the contemporary practice of working with web technologies in professional practice including using FTP, social networking tools and listings, and other interactive forms. Learning basic HTML, exploring online existing portfolio solutions, accessibility, hosting, and ftp will be part of this course. In class students will experience interacting with website examples, discussing selected readings, doing weekly assignments, and participating in critiques.