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Course Offerings

This master list of Visual Art Department course offerings can be used as a planning tool for currently enrolled students as they plan their academic path in the Visual Arts. Current semester courses are listed under VA Courses. 

 Foundation Courses (0100 Series)
VISA0100,
Studio Foundation
 Required for all VA and RISD courses covering select principles of drawing, 2D and 3D design while cultivating the capacity for visual thinking. The Registrar’s Office manages an on-line lottery for registration for this popular course.
VISA0110,
Advanced Studio Foundation
 For students who have extensive experience in art making. Admission to the class is by permission of instructor and based upon a portfolio review.
VISA0120,
Foundation Media: Screen/Image/Sound
 Foundation media focuses on the production and theory of screen-based digital media and introduces the computer as a medium and a tool for art.
VISA0130,
3D Foundation
 This is an extensive investigation into the fundamentals of 3D design and construction. Students explore the structural, compositional and conceptual implications of basic materials – wood, metal, plaster and found objects.

Drawing Courses (1000 series)
 

These studios focus on drawing from nature, the still life, the model and the imagination in a variety of media with emphasis on creative work and classroom participation.
VISA1110,
Drawing I
VISA1120,
Drawing II

Printmaking Coures (1200 series)
These studio courses focus on rigorous instruction in traditional printmaking as well as experimental techniques including monotype, collography, multimedia explorations and digital printing.
VISA1210,
Big Woodcut
VISA1210,
Silkscreen
VISA1210,
Lithography
VISA1210K,
Pixel, Paint & Print
VISA1240 & VISA1250, Book Arts

Painting Coures (1300 series)
VISA1310,
Painting I
 Explores painting principles related to both traditional and contemporary issues.
VISA1320,
Painting II
 A second semester of painting affords in-depth investigations of painting principals with a strong emphasis on individual critiques.
Sculpture Coures (1400 series)
VISA1410,
Sculpture I:
Material Investigations
 Basic sculptural methods and materials, i.e., wood, metal, plaster and found objects are covered in this studio with an emphasis on problem solving.
VISA1420,
Sculpture II:
Conceptual Propositions
 By covering a number of contemporary sculptural theories and practices and emphasizing critiques and readings, students develop sculptural solutions to a given set of problems using materials of their own choosing.

Photography Coures (1500 series)
VISA1510,
Photography I
 Introduction to black and white photographic production and theory.
VISA1520,
Photography II
 Students in this studio are introduced to digital photography and printing. This course emphasizes the history of photography and critical theory.

Electronic Media (1700 series)
VISA1710,
New Genre: Site and Sound
 This studio provides a broad overview of contemporary sonic art practice, facilitates the development of site-based sonic artwork, and encourages a critical approach to sound and audio practice.
VISA1720,
Physical Computing
 This is an intensive introduction to electronic devices for use in art making and includes hands-on experience working with sensors, motors, switches, gears, lights, simple circuits, microprocessors and hardware-store devices to create kinetic and interactive works of art.

Topics Courses (1800 series)
VISA1800A,
Accessorizing Painting/The Exalted Surface
 Crossing in between decorative arts and painting, students are encouraged to experiment with a wide
VISA1800C,
Honors Seminar
 A yearlong course that focuses on art making. Semester one is a seminar with readings and discussions and is followed by a second semester of intensive studio work, individual and group critiques. Visiting artists are often invited for critiques. A weeklong exhibit and final presentation are required.
VISA1800J,
Exploration in Video Art
 An overview of contemporary video art and video installation practices facilitates the development of video work in expanded space and encourages a critical approach to interactive moving image practice. Students will develop a set of video installation pieces by working individually and in groups.
VISA1800L,
Hybrid Art
 This studio will foster experimentation, collaboration and multidisciplinary studio practice by building upon a visual arts foundation but drawing upon the interests of a diverse range of students. We will work to establish a studio environment that encourages intermodal artistic practices with emphasis placed upon innovation, risk and the cultivation of new ideas.
VISA1800P, ArtWork/Professional Practices for Studio Artists
 This is a studio course with projects and discussions designed to ease the transition from student to working artist. Topics covered are: documenting artwork, writing an artist statement, creating a CV, how to apply for residencies, graduate school and grants. Guest lecturers and artists from many fields are brought in throughout the semester.

Independent Study - ISP (1900 series)
VISA1910,
Independent Study, Sem I
VISA1920,
Independent Study, Sem II
VISA1930, Advanced Visual Art Studios from approved courses at the Rhode Island School of Design
 STUDY AT THE RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN (RISD) - Students may obtain cross registration forms at the Brown Registrar’s Office. (In person or on-line.) Permission of the RISD instructor and VISA0100 or VISA0110 is required for cross-registration. When students intend to enroll in five or more courses at RISD or if they wish to enroll in a RISD course that satisfies RISD’s Liberal Art’s requirements, they must file a petition.