Visual StudiesFALL 2015 COURSES
VISUAL STUDIES COURSES
Please see PennIntouch for VLST course offerings during the Fall 2015 Semester.
STAGE 1:
Attention: Only one Visual Studies Stage 1 Course is offered in the Fall 2015 semester: VLST 102. Those interested in the Visual Studies major are highly recommended to take this course. VLST 101, 103 and 301 will be offered in the Spring 2016 semester.
Visual Studies Stage 2 Courses offered in the Fall 2015 semester are limited in Sectors B.
VLST 102. 2-Dimensions: Form and Meaning
001 STU MW 9:00-12:00noon | Hyland/Bendtsen
Counts toward Stage 1 or 2 of the VLST major requirements.
This course will introduce students to the theory and practice of image making, focusing on the development of observational skills and analytical thinking. We will look at conventions of pictorial representation across time and cultures; discuss types of visual information and modes of formal language; explore visual narrative techniques; and seek to expand our understanding of the role images play in our culture. We will look at conventions of pictorial representation across time and cultures; discuss types of visual information and modes of formal language; explore visual narrative techniques; and seek to expand our understanding of the roll images play in our culture.
STAGE 2:
Sector A:
VLST 305. What is an image?
401 SEM R 1:30-4:30pm | Verstegen
This course may be applied to Visual Studies (Stage 2 or 3, Sector A) major requirements.
The course explores various concepts of images. It considers natural images (as in optics), images as artifacts, virtual images, images as representations, and works of art as images. Themes to include: the image controversy in cognitive science, which asks whether some cognitive representations are irreducibly imagistic; the question of whether some images resemble what they represent; the development of the concept of the virtual image and of three-dimensional images; the notions of pictorial representation and non-representational images in art. Readings from C. S. Peirce, Nelson Goodman, Robert Hopkins, Dominic Lopes, W. J. T. Mitchell, John Kulvicki, and Mark Rollins, among others.
VLST 211/PSYC 111. Perception
401 LEC T R 9:00-10:30am | Burge
This course may be applied to Visual Studies (Stage 2 or 3, Sector A) major requirements.
The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of the facts and concepts of perception. The course will cover the different human senses and their physiological and perceptual characteristics, and the psychophysical methods used to measure those. Also, it will introduce the computational theories that attempt to describe the fundamental purpose of perception, and show how these theories will help us to not only better understand human perception as such, but ultimately to understand the human brain.
VLST 221/PHIL 244. Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind
401 LEC M W 11:00am-12:00pm | Miracchi
402 REC F 12:00noon-1:00pm403 REC F 1:00-2:00pm
This course may be applied to Visual Studies (Stage 2 or 3, Sector A) major requirements.
What makes you the same person as you were yesterday? How do we know other people think and feel in the same ways we do? what can we learn from perception? Is the mind the brain? Is pain just a physical process? We will be addressing classical questions such as these in philosophy of mind, covering extracts of classic texts and also modern commentaries.
Sector B:
VLST 234/ARTH 104. Introduction to Art in South Asia
401 LEC T R 12:00noon-1:30pm | Meister
This course may be applied to Visual Studies (Stage 2 or 3, Sector B) major requirements.
This course is a survey of sculpture, painting and architecture in the Indian sub-continent from 2300 B.C., touching on the present. It attempts to explore the role of tradition in the broader history of art in India, but not to see India as 'traditional' or unchanging. The Indian sub-continent is the source for multi-cultural civilizations that have lasted and evolved for several thousand years. Its art is as rich and complex as that of Europe and diverse. This course introduces the full range of artistic production in India in relation to the multiple strands that have made the cultural fabric of the sub-continent so rich and long lasting.
Sector C:
VLST 250/FNAR 250. Introduction to Printmaking.
401 STU M W 5-8pm | Blumthal
This course may be applied to Visual Studies (Stage 2 or 3, Sector C) major requirements.
The course offers an introduction to several forms of printmaking including: intaglio, screen printing, relief, and monoprinting. Through in-class demonstrations students are introduced to various approaches to making and printing in each medium. The course enhances a student's capacity for developing images through two-dimensional design and conceptual processes. Technical and conceptual skills are developed through discussions and critiques.
VLST 251/FNAR 271. Introduction to Photography.
201 STU R 9-12noon | Staff
401 STU T 1:30-4:30pm | Martinez
403 STU M 2:00-5:00pm | Rodenwald
This course may be applied to Visual Studies (Stage 2 or 3, Sector C) major requirements.
This course is an introduction to the basic processes and techniques of black & white photography. Students will learn how to expose and process 35mm film, SLR camera operation, darkroom procedures & printing, basic lighting and controlled applications. It begins with an emphasis on understanding and mastering technical procedures and evolves into an investigation of the creative and expressive possibilities of making images. This is a project-based course, where students will begin to develop their personal vision, their understanding of aesthetic issues and photographic history. Assignments, ideas and important examples of contemporary art will be presented via a series of slide lectures, critiques and discussion. No previous experience necessary. 35mm SLR cameras will be available throughout the semester for reservation and checkout from the photography equipment room.
VLST 252/FNAR 145. Sculpture Practices.
201 STU TR 9-12pm | Open
401 STU MW 2-5pm | Bendtsen
This course may be applied to Visual Studies (Stage 2 or 3, Sector C) major requirements.
As an introduction to traditional and contemporary three-dimensional practice, this course is concerned with the concepts and methodologies surrounding three-dimensional art making in our time. Students experiment with a variety of modes of production, and develop some of the fundamental techniques used in sculpture. In addition to these investigations, assignments relative to the history and social impact of these practices are reinforced through readings and group discussion. Processes covered include use of the Fab Lab, wood construction, clay, paper, mixed media, and more.
VLST 253/ FNAR 123. Drawing I
401 STU MW 10-1pm | Curran
402 STU MW 2-5:00pm | Edgerton
403 STU TR 1:30-4:30pm | Hornick
404 STU TR 4:30-7:30pm | Murphy
405 STU MW 5:00-8:00pm | Edgerton
This course may be applied to Visual Studies (Stage 2 or 3, Sector C) major requirements.
This course is designed to develop visual awareness and perceptual acuity through the process of drawing. Students learn to sharpen perceptual skills through observational drawing, and to explore the expressive potential of drawing. A variety of problems and media will be presented in order to familiarize students with various methods of working and ways of communicating ideas visually. Subject matter will include object study, still life, interior and exterior space, self-portrait and the figure. Different techniques and materials (charcoal, graphite, ink, collage) are explored in order to understand the relationship between means, material and concept. Critical thinking skills are developed through frequent class critiques and through the presentation of and research into historical and contemporary precedent in drawing.
VLST 260/FNAR 150. Photography Practices
401 STU R 1:30-4:30pm | Wahl
This course may be applied to Visual Studies (Stage 2 or 3, Sector C) major requirements.
This course is an introduction to the basic principles, strategies and processes of photographic practice. It is designed to broaden the student's aesthetic explorations and to help the student develop a visual language based on cross-disciplinary artistic practice. Through a series of projects and exercises students will be exposed to a range of camera formats, techniques and encouraged to experiment with the multiple modes and roles of photography - both analogue and digital. Attention will also be given to developing an understanding of critical aesthetic and historical issues in photography. Students will examine a range of historical and contemporary photowork as an essential part of understanding the possibilities of image making.
VLST 261/FNAR 061. Video I
201 SEM R 10:00am-1pm | Staff
402 SEM T 1:30pm-4:30pm | Staff
403 SEM T 10:00am-1:00pm | Staff
404 SEM T 4:30-7:30pm | Staff
406 SEM M 1:00-4:00pm | Staff
407 SEM W 2:00pm-5:00pm | Staff
This course may be applied to Visual Studies (Stage 2 or 3, Sector C) major requirements.
This course provides students with the introductory skills and concepts related to producing short works that explore the language of the moving image. Students will learn the basics of cinematography and editing through a series of assignments designed to facilitate the use of the medium for artistic inquiry, cultural expression and narrative storytelling, through both individual and group projects.
VLST 264/FNAR 264. Art, Design and Digital Culture
401 STU TR 9:00-12:00pm | Reifsnyder
402 STU TR 1:30pm-4:30pm | Comberg
403 STU MW 5-8pm | Alejandro
404 STU MW 10:00am-1:00pm | Staff
405 STU TR 4:30-7:30pm | Fledderman
This course may be applied to Visual Studies (Stage 2 or 3, Sector C) major requirements.
This course is an introduction to the fundamental perception, representation, aesthetics, and design that shape today's visual culture. It addresses the way artists and designers create images; design with analog and digital tools; communicate, exchange, and express meaning over broad range of media; and find their voices within the fabric of contemporary art, design, and visual culture. Emphasis is placed on building an extended form of visual literacy by studying and making images using a variety of representation techniques; learning to organize and structure two-dimensional and three-dimensional space, and designing with time-based and procedural media. Students learn to develop an individual style of idea-generation, experimentation, iteration, and critique as part of their creative and critical responses to visual culture.
VLST 265/FNAR 340. Digital Photography
401 STU M 10-1pm | Neighbor
402 STU M 1-4pm | Martinez
403 STU T 5-8pm | Ward
404 STU W 5-8pm | Martinez
405 STU W 10-1pm | Rodewald
406 STU W 2-5pm | Neighbor
407 STU F 10-1pm | Stolfa
408 STU W 8-11pm | Stolfa
409 STU F 1-4pm | Ward
This course may be applied to Visual Studies (Stage 2 or 3, Sector C) major requirements.
This class offers an in-depth technical and conceptual foundation in digital imagery and the opportunity to explore the creative, expressive possibilities of photography. Students will become proficient with the basic use of the camera, techniques of digital capture, color management and color correction. They will also develop competency in scanning, retouching, printing and a variety of manipulation techniques in Photoshop. Through weekly lectures and critiques, students will become familiar with some of the most critical issues of representation, consider examples from photo history, analyze the impact of new technologies and social media. With an emphasis on structured shooting assignments, students are encouraged to experiment, expand their visual vocabulary while refining their technical skills. No previous experience is necessary. Although it is beneficial for students to have their own Digital SLR camera, registered students may reserve and checkout Digital SLR cameras and other high-end equipment from the department.
ARCH 201. Visualization II: Fabrication
201 STU TR 1:30-6pm | Bouchehrian
This course may be applied to Visual Studies (Stage 2, Sector C) major requirements for students in the ArchPT track only.
Continues research into visualization with a special emphasis introducing the fabrication shop, tools and techniques. The capacity of materials, their manipulation and the consequences of their inter-relationships are explored as a fundamental issue in making. Through the analysis of precedents and the production of new works, visualizing these relationships complements drawing with a material imagination and vocabulary.
STAGE 3:
Stage 3 course selections in your sector of concentration should made in consultation with your Sector Adviser and approved by the Visual Studies Program Director. These course selections are meant to create specialized depth in the chosen area of concentration to complement the breadth offered by the core curriculum. Many of the courses offered but not completed in Stage 2 may be applied to Stage 3, but many courses without VLST cross-listings are also options.
Sector A: Courses in Philosophy, Psychology, and Cognitive Science that have a significant portion of the course related to perception
Sector B: Courses in Cinema Studies, History of Art and Visual Culture (perhaps even in Communications)
Sector C: Courses in Fine Arts and Architecture offered through the School of Design and other design courses.
STAGE 4:
VLST 395. Senior Project. (E)
301 SEM T 3-4:30pm | Freedman/Verstegen
Prerequisite(s): Permission of Instructor Required.
VLST 399. Independent Study
Staff
VLST 599. Independent Study
Staff