Painting I is an introduction to the fundamentals of the discipline and practice of acrylic painting. We will investigate both historical and contemporary strategies of painting and engage in observational and imaginative uses of materials and subject matter. This course promotes and includes a wide variety of opportunities to enhance our educational experience including guest artists, an emphasis on sketchbook habits and critique skills, writing exercises, material experiments, and student presentations on contemporary painters.

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of bookbinding and artist's books. A variety of sculptural book structures as well as basic hand papermaking will be demonstrated, discussed and used throughout the semester. Throughout the course students will develop a basic understanding of what a book is, where it fits in contemporary art practice, as well as its historical context. Students will use the technical bookmaking and papermaking skills discussed to create a series of one-of-a-kind books throughout the semester.

This course will introduce basic mold-making practices in relief casting, multi-part plaster mold building, life casting, vacuum forming, and more. These molds will then be used to mass produce objects in wax, plaster, concrete, pewter, and glass, as well as non-traditional materials like candy. Throughout this initial skill-building portion of the course, students will work closely with partnering institutions on campus (such as the Botanical Gardens and the Williston Library) to propose, fabricate, and ultimately install large-scale installations of their cast objects.

The primary goal of this course is to provide strategies for each student to develop an individual studio art practice. Through experimentation, thematic development, strong sketchbook skills, and research, students will begin the process of developing and articulating a conceptual focus in their own art production.  Students will be asked to draw on technical skills acquired in 200-level medium-specific courses to create independently generated projects.  Simultaneously, students will be required to reflect clearly upon their work in short writing assignments towards the creati

Concentration on individual artistic development. Emphasis will be placed on experimentation, thematic development, and critical review. Students may elect to take this course more than once.

Although they cover ~0.6% of the earth's surface, wetlands perform more ecosystem services per hectare than any other ecosystem type. Alarmingly, over half of the earth's wetlands have been lost to agriculture and development. With these wetlands were also lost the valuable ecosystem functions wetlands perform. This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to examine the biogeochemical, ecological, societal, and regulatory aspects of wetland ecosystems.

A continuation of the knowledge gained in Ballet I. The course will emphasize maintaining correct body placement, coordination of the arms and head while using the whole body for dance. Curriculum covered will include the small and big classical poses and an increase in the allegro portion of the class.

The objectives of the course are for students to understand the profound influence African dance has had on American dance forms, to understand the significance of dance in African culture, and to understand the connection between drummer and dancer and to appreciate and respect a culture that is different yet similar in many ways to American culture.

This course is a continued practice of modern dance. Physically, the emphasis is on aligned, articulate and efficient dancing through modern dance technique and principles. Students will build capacity for physical endurance and active presence as well as a deepening awareness of the body's potential. Course work will include improvisation, moving into and out of the floor, shifting the centers of gravity, and finding agility and clarity in movement and thought.