Programs and Curriculum
Courses Offered
Course Offerings 2007 - 2008
Art Foundation Program Courses
General Education, Electives and VCUQ-wide Courses
Fashion Design Courses
Graphic Design Courses
Interior Design Courses
Art Foundation Program Courses
ARTF 101-102 Conceptualization and Presentation
Continuous course. 1 lecture and 6 studio hours. 3-3 credits. A foundation course with emphasis on conceptualization, sensing and knowing. This course includes studies in preconceptions, value systems, visual semantics, attitudes, criticism, and analysis of visual phenomena.
ARTF 103-104 Design Fundamentals
Continuous course. 1 lecture and 6 studio hours. 3-3 credits. A foundation course with emphasis on systems and non-systems of spatial order, as well as color applications and theory. Included in this course is the understanding and application of the computer as a tool to support the design process. Perfected craftsmanship and professional presentation are important aspects of this class.
ARTF 105-106 Survey of World Art
Continuous course. 4-4 lecture hours. 4-4credits. Writing Intensive. Prerequisite for 106: 105 or permission of instructor.
A survey of the history and development of painting, sculpture, architecture and the related visual arts of major world cultures, including European, American, Oriental, African, Islamic and Pre-Columbian. 530 TOEFL score required.
ARTF 109-110 Drawing Fundamentals
Continuous course. 1 lecture and 6 studio hours. 3-3 credits. A foundation course that begins with emphasis on traditional realistic drawing that includes still life, landscape, perspective drawing, anatomy, and artistic structure and progresses toward emphasis on the formal and conceptual nature of drawing.
General Education, Electives and VCUQ-wide Courses
ARTS 370, 371 Topics in Art
Semester course. 3 lecture or 9 studio hours (or combinations thereof). 3, 3 credits. An in-depth study of a selected topic in art. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
ARTH 457 Women, Art and Society
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A re-examination of a variety of issues, concerning women, art and society; the position assigned women within the history of art as it related to historical place and the aesthetic values of the canon, the gendering of style, patronage, audience and gaze. Through a survey of images of and by women, as well as through an anaylsis of art historical and critical text, this course addresses the question: "How are the processes of sexual differentiation played out across the representations of art and art history?"
ARTH 474 Studies in Film
Semester courses; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated. An in-depth examination of selected topics.
ARTH 489 Topics in Advanced Art History
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. May be repeated. An in-depth study of a selected topic in art history not included in the curriculum.
GDES 300 Creative Strategies
Semester course. 1 lecture and 6 studio hours. 3 credits. A course in which alternative creative communication problem solving strategies are investigated.
GDES 330/IDES 330/FASH 330 The Business of Design
Semester course. 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Introduction to global economics and general business concepts such as the free enterprise system, legal forms of business and financial considerations. Survey of business and management practices such as planning, decision making, communication, global ethics, marketing, human resources, finance and entrepreneurial skills.
GDES 370/IDES 370/FASH 370: Design History: 20th and 21st Centuries
Semester course. 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites ARTF 105-106. Study of the major theories and styles of communication arts, fashion and interior environments and furnishings of the 20th and 21st Centuries. Contemporary analysis of cultural conditions and the manner in which designers respond to those conditions. Writing Intensive.
CRAF 491: Topics in Crafts
Semester Course; 1-3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of nine credits. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. A seminar or workshop on a selected issue or topic in the field of crafts. See schedule of classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.
ENGL 100: Introductory Writing and Rhetoric Workshop
Semester Course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Placement in either ENGL 100 or 101 by Writing Assessment Exam (sophomore standing and completion of 24 credits). This course introduces students to the critical thinking, conventions and language requirements of academic writing. Emphasis is coherence, fluency, grammar and usage. These credits may not be used to satisfy general education requirements.
ENGL 114: English Grammar and Usage
Semester course: 3 lecture hours. 2 credits. Permission of the English faculty. An intensive study of the fundamentals of English grammar, usage, punctuation, mechanics, and spelling through drills and written exercises. This course is not equivalent to ENGL 101 or 200 and these credits may not be used to satisfy the college of Humanities and Sciences degree requirements in composition and rhetoric
ENGL 101 Writing and Rhetoric Workshop I
Semester course. 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Introduction to effective writing and critical analysis. Emphasis is on preparing students to write essays and to answer exam questions and for preparing students to communicate effectively in the world of work. Offered as onesemester or year long class.
ENGL 200 Writing and Rhetoric Workshop II
Semester course. 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite ENGL 101. Principles and practices of critical reading, analysis, and writing; methods and criteria for finding and evaluating information from a variety of printed and electronic sources; appropriate ways to use and document outside evidence in academic writing.
ENGL 291 Topics in Literature
Semester course. 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Maximum six credits in all topic courses at the 200 level. Prerequisite: ENGL 101. An introduction to literature through the in-depth study of a selected topic or genre.
ENGL 303 Writing for the Workplace
Semester course. 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 200 and three credits in a 200-level literature course (or equivalent). Development of critical writing skills used in business, science, technology and government, including instructions, descriptions, process explanations, reports, manuals and proposals. The course will include such topics as communication theory, technical skill, illustrations, format for proposals, reports and manuals.
MATH 001 Elementary Algebra
Semester course. 3 lecture hours. No credit. Topics include basic properties of real numbers, operations with algebraic expressions, solution of equations and inequalities, exponents and radicals, introduction to functions and graphing.
NOTE: The credits awarded to course numbers beginning with "0" do not count toward the credits required for the BFA degree program.
MATH 131 Introduction to Contemporary Mathematics
Semester course. 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: MATH 001 or satisfactory score on the VCU Math Placement Test. Topics include optimization problems; data handling; growth and symmetry; and mathematics with applications in areas of social choice. Major emphasis is on the process of taking a real-world situation, converting the situation to an abstract modeling problem, solving the problem and applying what is learned to the original situation.
PHOTO 243 Photography
Semester course. 1 lecture and 6 studio hours. 3 credits. Study of fundamental camera techniques and basic photographic processes in relation to visual communication. An emphasis will be placed on photography's expressive possibilities.
PHYS 107 Wonders of Technology
Semester course. 5 lecture/laboratory/recitation hours. 4 credits. Introduction to physics concepts involved in everyday technological applications. The course covers selected topics in mechanics, heat, optics, electricity, and magnetism, and modern physics by depicting their role in common devices. The laboratory focuses on applications of physics principles to everyday real-life situations. Not applicable toward the physics major.
SOCY 101 General Sociology
Semester course. 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An introduction to the study of human society. The basic concepts of society and culture and their relationships to each other are studied and then used to analyze the major social institutions.
VCUQ 101 Introduction to the University
Ten Weeks: 1 lecture hour. I credit. A course to orient new students to the rich traditions and purposes of a university education. Students will assess their expectations and evaluate their academic strengths and career goals. Through lectures, guest speakers and individual projects, students will discover the VCUQ resources and services designed to help them solve problems and to achieve a personally rewarding and successful academic program.
VCUQ 102 Turning Point - Discover a New Direction
Ten Weeks: 1 lecture hours. 1 credit. A ten-week course designed for students who find themselves on academic warning at the end of the fall term. A small classroom environment will help students identify their academic difficulties, analyze study skills and develop a plan to improve their academic lives. Students will learn about VCU resources designed to help them succeed academically. Finally, through participating in class discussions, keeping a reflective journal and producing individual projects, students will develop a plan for improving their academic performance at VCU.
Fashion Design Courses
FASH 201 Construction Techniques
Semester course. 1 lecture and 4 studio hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Foundation Program studio courses. The basic principles involved in garment construction with emphasis on professional design- room practices in sewing, pressing and finishing of garments. Knowledge of basic sewing is advisable.
FASH 202 Draping
Semester course. 1 lecture and 4 studio hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: Successful completion of FASH 201. Basic principles of three-dimensional patternmaking by draping muslim.
FASH 205-206 Fashion Drawing
Continuous course. 1 lecture and 4 studio hours, 3-3 credits. Introduction to the fashion figure working from models and photographs. Covers flat drawing techniques and fashion design theory. Explores different media and the use of color.
FASH 290 Textiles for the Fashion Industry
Semester course. 2 lecture, 3 studio hours. 3 credits. Development of the understanding of the factors which influence the tactile behaviors of fabrics during garment design, manufacture and wear. Apparel fiber construction, finish and properties both natural and man-made will be analyzed.
FASH 301, 302 Design I Studio
Semester course. 1 lecture and 4 studio hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: successful completion of all FASH sophomore level courses. A series of courses which focus on selected topics in design, reflecting current fashion emphasis.
FASH 319 Contemporary Fashion
Semester course. 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. An in-depth study of fashion beginning at the Industrial Revolution and continuing to the present from a historical and socioeconomic point of view. Hands on examination of vintage garments and fieldtrips. Writing Intensive.
FASH 343 Fashion Forecasting
Semester course. 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Using basic principles to identify, track and analyze current trends, students will develop a fashion forecast. Demographic, economic, social and historical forces of behavior will be evaluated.
FASH 350 Fashion Promotion
Semester course. 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Through lecture and field experience, students are exposed to technical and creative aspects of fashion promotion and public relations. A variety of media are used. Students may be required to spend time outside the class on promotional activities.
FASH 391 Fashion Workshop
Semester course. Variable. 1-3 credits per semester. May be repeated for a maximum total of six credits. A topical workshop offered in various areas of fashion not included in the regular curriculum.
FASH 401, 402 Design II Studio
Semester course. 1 lecture and 4 studio hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: completion of all FASH sophomore level courses and permission of instructor. A series of upper level design classes for the advanced or skilled student, reflecting current topics in the fashion industry.
FASH 403 Design Theory and Illustration l
Semester course. 1 lecture and 6 studio hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite; completion of all FASH sophomore level courses. A series of design theory and illustration topics that address current fashion.
FASH 404 Design Theory and Illustration ll
Semester course. 1 lecture and 6 studio hours. 3 credits. May be repeated. Prerequisites: Completion of all FASH sophomore level courses. A series of advanced design theory illustration topics that address current fashion and challenge the skilled student.
FASH 490 Fashion Seminar
Semester Course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. A professional seminar for senior fashion majors. Lectures will cover career opportunities, job preparation and current events impacting the global fashion industry.
FASH 492 Independent Study in the Fashion Industry
Semester course; 1-3 credits. May be repeated. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing as a major in fashion design. Learning experiences should be designed with the supervising faculty member in the form of a contract between student and instructor; approval of a department chair necessary prior to registration. This course will be limited to those students who have demonstrated intense commitment to a particular area of study within the fashion industry.
FASH 493 Fashion Internship
1-3 credits. It may be a single internship for three credits or several (maximum three) totaling three credits. Open to junior and senior-level fashion majors only. A practicum in which students apply on-the-job the formal classroom and studio training they have received on campus.
Graphic Design Courses
GDES 210 Communication Design: Visual Fundamentals
Semester course. 4 lecture and 6 studio hours. 6 credits. Required course. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Foundation Program. Required for communication design emphasis. A course in which basic visual and cognitive organizational processes for the practice of communication arts and design are presented through lectures and demonstrated through studio exercises. The course includes visual perception and organization, visual problem solving techniques, and visual ideation.
GDES 215 Typography I
Semester course; 2 lecture and 3 studio hours. 3 credits. Required course. Prerequisite GDES 210. Corequisite: GDES 212. An introduction to communication problem solving through the visual medium of language. The fundamentals of typography and typographic design are explored in experimental and practical projects.
GDES 212 CommunicationDesign: Form and Communication
Semester course; 4 lecture and 6 studio hours. 6 credits. Required course. Prerequisite: GDES 210. Corequisite: GDES 212. The relationship of form and communication in graphic design is explored through theoretical and applied projects. The impact of typography and imagery and their syntactic relations upon audience and content is stressed.
GDES 252 History of Visual Communications I
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Required course. An investigation of contemporary visual communications concepts, media, and images, and their role in contemporary society.
GDES 253 History of Visual Communications II
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Required course.
An historical overview of the development of visual communication as specifically defined by technological advancements and media concerns.
GDES 291 Studio Topics in Communication Arts and Design
Semester course; 3-9 studio hours. 1-3 credits. May be repeated with different topics for a maximum if nine credits. Topical studio focusing on visual exploration and the creation of expressive imagery in conjunction with functional communications.
GDES 310 Communication Design: Publications
Semester course; 4 lecture and 6 studio hours. 6 credits. Required for communication design emphasis. Prerequisites: GDES 410. An introduction to the design process and applied realization of print based publications. It considers the form and communication of the printed page from the tradition of print to the organizational principles outside that tradition through lectures, demonstrations, and problem solving.
GDES 311 Communication Design: Interactive Design
Semester course; 4 lecture and 6 studio hours. 6 credits. Prerequisites: GDES 310 and 315. Pre - or corequisite: GDES 412. Required for communication design majors. An examination of the conceptual and technical issues involved in the design and production of interactive documents. The course addresses the possibilities and limitations of computer generated images, sound, and digital video as they relate to visual communication problem solving.
GDES 312 Typography II
Semester course; 2 lecture and 3 studio hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: GDES 215. Corequisite: GDES 410. Required course. An intermediate exploration of typography as an expressive and functional communication vehicle. Emphasis is placed on defining effective design criteria to meet the reader's needs and the communicator's intent and the designer's formal sensibilities.
GDES 315 Time-based Media
Semester course; 2 lecture and 3 studio hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: Completion of GDES sophomore program. Required course. A fundamental course that introduces the element of time as a design component and surveys the potential applications for motion in visual communication. The intent is to establish a working knowledge of software relevant to both GDES 415 Communication Design: Motion Graphics and GDES 311 Communication Design: Interactive Design. This course establishes the foundation principle for both vector and raster time-based software.
GDES 341 Art Direction I
Semester course; 2 lecture and 3 studio hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: GDES 211 and 212. Required course. An introduction to the integrated activities of strategy, conceptual development, and design. This course is an elective for communication design emphasis.
GDES 391 Topics in Design Semester course. Variable. 1-3 credits per semester. May be repeated for a total of 9 credits. Topical lectures in design issues and visual communications.
GDES 407 Senior Portfolio
Semester course; 2 lecture and 3 studio hours. 3 credits. Required course. Prerequisite: Senior status. Communication design track in the Department of Communication Arts and Design. A course oriented toward the creation of a professional portfolio and resume.
GDES 410 Communications Design: Systems in Design
Semester course; 4 lecture and 6 studio hours. 6 credits. Required course. Pre- requisites: GDES 211 and 212. The study of systematic and methodological approaches to communication design through the solving of complex problems in visual communication. Emphasis is placed on objective process and research in approaches to various professional situations.
GDES 412 Typography III
Semester course; 2 lecture and 3 studio hours. 3 credits. Required course. Prerequisites: GDES 310 and 312. Advanced problems in typographic design with emphasis upon the development of a personal creative approach to form and communication. Writing intensive.
GDES 414 Exhibition and Environmental Graphic Design
Semester course; 2 lecture and 3 studio hours. 3 credits. Required course. Prerequisites: GDES 310 and 312. Seniors have preference. Study of the presentation of information in large-scale, three-dimensional formats. Exploration of exhibition and environmental design, including developing imagery and typography, understanding the use of "wayfinding" (identification, interpretation, and orientation), human factors, communicating of programmed content.
GDES 415 Communication Design: Motion Graphics.
Semester Course; 4 lecture and 6 studio hours. 6 credits. Required for Communication Arts and Design students at the VCU School of Arts in Qatar. Prerequisites GDES 310 and GDES 315. An exploration of time and motion as it applies to visual communication in non-interactive linear narratives. Examines the basic principles of broadcast and film and covers the integration of motion graphics within these formats.
GDES 445 Problem Seeking
Semester Course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Required course. A seminar exploring the nature, scope, and implications of defining design objectives in terms of limitations, requirements, and potentials of a product's implementation, performance, and life-cycle.
GDES 491 Studio Topics in Communication Arts and Design
Semester course; 2 lecture and 3 studio hours. 3 credits. May be repeated for credit. Topical studio focusing on research and experimentation in specialized visual communication media.
KINE 336 Video 1
Semester course; 2 lecture and 3 studio hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: GDES 201. Required for communication arts, kinetic imaging emphasis. A comprehensive course in video communication nonnarrative strategies and documentary formats.
Interior Design Courses
IDES 201 Introductory Interior Design Studio I
Semester Course. 2 lecture/seminar and 6 studio hours. 4 credits. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Foundation Program studio courses. Introduction to the profession of interior design and to the identification and applications of fundamental interior design issues through applied projects.
IDES 202 Introductory Interior Design Studio II. Semester course: 2 lecture/seminar and 6 studio hours. 4 credits. Prerequisite: All Art Foundation Program studio classes, IDES 231, IDES 211 or 212, and IDES 201. The course expands upon the interior design issues introduced in IDES 201 through their application in small-scale interiors projects of increasing size and complexity. It emphasizes the further development of methods and processes for design development, understanding of basic design principles and elements, and ways of analyzing design requirements through written, oral, graphic and three-dimensional documentation.
IDES 211 Interior Graphics - Manual
Semester course. 1 lecture and 6 studio hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: Successful completion all Art Foundation studio courses and current enrollment in IDES 201, 301, 302, 303, or 304. Introduction to manual graphic communication techniques in interior design drafting, rendering, perspective drawing, presentation formats, and model-making for professional graphic presentations.
IDES 212 Interior Graphics - Computer
Semester course. 1 lecture and 6 studio hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: All Art Foundation Program studio courses .Introduction to the computer graphic communication techniques in interior design, drafting, rendering, perspective drawing, presentation formats and 3-D imaging for professional graphic presentations..
IDES 231 Fundamentals of Interior Design. Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Required of all incoming interior design majors; can take prior to or concurrent with IDES 201 and IDES 211 or 212. Introduction to the theories, methods, and processes of interior design. This course facilitates the transition of skills and knowledge from the Art Foundation Program to specific interior design applications and focuses on analysis and evaluation of interior environments as a support and supplement to the studio experience.
IDES 252 Historic Environments: Ancient thru 19th Century
Semester course. 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: ARTF 102 and 104.
Study of the major theories and styles of interior environments and furnishings until the late 19th century. Contemporary analysis of cultural conditions and the manner in which designers and architects respond to those conditions. Writing intensive.
IDES 301, 302 Interior Design Studio
Semester course. 2 lecture and 6 studio hours. 4 credits. Prerequisite: Successful completion of IDES 201,202 and 231 and concurrent enrollment in IDES 21l, 212, 311, or 312. Discussion and application of design philosophies, theories and creative design strategies with emphasis on development of the professional interior designer. Included will be investigation, selection and practical applications of materials, textiles, and color in the interior environment.
IDES 311 Advanced Interior Graphics - Manual
Semester course. 1 lecture and 6 studio hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: IDES 211. Advanced manual graphic communication techniques for interior design including drafting, sketching, rendering, perspective drawing, presentation formats and model making for professional graphic presentations
IDES 312 Advanced Interior Graphics - Computer
Semester course. 1 lecture and 6 studio hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: FASH/IDES 212. Computer graphic communication techniques in interior design drafting, rendering, perspective drawing, presentation formats, and 3-D imaging for professional graphic presentations.
IDES 321 Interior Materials and Textiles
Semester course. 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Investigation and practical application of materials and textiles in interior environments.
IDES 322 Color in Interior Environments. Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: All Art Foundation Program studio courses and IDES 231 or comparable experience by approval. Advanced study of color and its impact on people in interior spaces; theory and practical applications.
IDES 323 Light in Interior Environments
Semester course. 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: IDES 201, 211. The study of illumination and its impact on interior spaces, theory and practical applications.
IDES 324 Furniture Design
Semester Course. 1 lecture and 6 studio hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: IDES 201, 211 and 212. Advanced study of furniture design and custom millwork as related to the design of interior environments. Original student designs are developed through the study of structure and materials.
IDES 400 Senior Design Studio 1
Semester course. 2 lecture and 6 studio hours. 4 credits. Discussion and application of design philosophies, theories and creative design strategies with emphasis on development of the professional interior designer. Included will be investigation, selection and practical applications of materials, textiles, and color in the interior environment.
IDES 401 Senior Interior Design Studio II
Semester course. 3 lecture/seminar and 9 studio hours. 6 credits. Prerequisites: IDES 201, 211, 212, 251, 301, 302, 303, 304, 321, 323 and previous or concurrent enrollment in IDES 441. Advanced design experience of student's choice of an interior environment of complex scope and scale to meet the needs of specific clients and prepare students for the practice of the profession. The project addresses issues of design in the 21st century and integrates all aspects of the curriculum.
IDES 421 Construction Documents
Semester course. 1 lecture and 6 studio hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: IDES 201, 212, 312 and concurrent enrollment in IDES 301, 302, 303, 304 or 401. Study of construction documents on the computer as related to the design of interior environments.
IDES 422 Building Systems
Semester course. 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: IDES 201. Contemporary theories and techniques in the design of buildings as related to interior design, small structural considerations, HVAC, acoustics, plumbing, and the attributes of materials.
IDES 441 Senior Seminar
Semester course. 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: IDES 201, 211, 212, 251, 301, 302, 303, 304 3212,323 and previous enrollment in IDES 311 or 312. Discussions of current design theories, issues, and concerns of the built environment, futures study and the global community.
IDES 493 Interior Design Internship
Semester course. 3 credits. Prerequisite: Consent of coordinator and department chair. Interior design majors only. Provides supervised practical work experiences that are coordinated with professional interior designers in the field. Formal arrangements must be made. Graded as pass/fail.
