Undergraduate General Visual Arts Courses (VIS)
VIS 1000–2999 (lower level)
VIS 3000–3999 (upper level)
VIS 4000–4999 (upper level)
Note: In sequenced courses (e.g., I, II, III, IV), successful completion of each course is a prerequisite for the next course in the sequence. For example, VIS 2120/Crossover I is a prerequisite for VIS 3120/Crossover II.
Art+Design Freshman Seminar
VIS 1030 / 0 credits / Fall
Incoming freshmen are introduced to the School of Art+Design and the larger Purchase College community. The seminar includes field trips to New York City, visiting artist lectures, presentations on the different majors offered by the School of Art+Design, and selected readings that relate to work in foundation courses. Required for all visual arts majors in the freshman year.
Color Seminar
VIS 2110 / 4 credits / Every semester
Color is the most relative of all visual attributes. The seminar makes use of this relativity as the means by which visual awareness is heightened and refined through fundamental studies in color action and interaction. This is not a course in color theory; rather, it is a practicum in color as experienced. Mastery of basic color grammar and syntax leads to a personal sense of looking and expression. Offered as SOA 2010 for students in other disciplines.
Crossover I and II
VIS 2120 and 3120 / 4 credits (per semester)
Special topic (offered irregularly)
These cross-disciplinary courses for students in the visual and performing arts provide an opportunity for sharing knowledge of the materials and processes used in creative endeavors. Studio visits with artists and performers who are engaged in interdisciplinary work focus on a central theme, which structures three required interdependent term projects. Curatorial gallery lectures augment contemporary and historical perspectives. VIS 2120 is also offered as VDE 2110. VIS 3120 is designed for students who wish to pursue in greater depth the issues exemplified in VIS 2120.
Collage
VIS 2200 / 4 credits / Fall
The collage medium is often associated with Cubism because it has the power to both fracture and reassemble shapes and images. This course explores the fabrication of two-dimensional artworks, using a variety of materials (both found and created), including paper, fabric, wood, metal, and string, along with drawing and painting elements. Offered as SOA 2020 for students in other disciplines.
Internet as Public Art
VIS 3040 Refer to NME 3040 in New Media Courses (Interdisciplinary Studies) for description.
Master Class: Applied Design
VIS 3060 / 2–4 credits / Every semester
Coordinated by faculty in Art+Design, this master class includes guest lectures by the resident artist in the Center for Applied Design and focuses on areas related to the particular artist’s pursuits. Students engage in collaborative research and studio production as they explore the cultural relevance and social impact of objects. Open to students in other disciplines; may be taken a maximum of three times for credit.
Prerequisite: VSC 1020 and 2080, or permission of instructor
Crossover II
VIS 3120 Refer to VIS 2120 and 3120 for description.
Contemporary Issues in Art
VIS 3440 / 2 credits / Special topic (offered irregularly)
An introduction to contemporary art theory, criticism, and contemporary practice. Using 20th-century and contemporary artwork and ideas, artists’ writings, and other readings, students are exposed to a variety of contemporary art and encouraged to widen their visual vocabulary. A research component is required.
Prerequisite: Four semesters of visual arts studio courses
Special Topic Colloquium
VIS 3470 / 2 credits / Special topic (offered irregularly)
This colloquium augments the Art+Design undergraduate program by focusing on the independent research of a current M.F.A. student with advanced standing. The graduate student shares his or her unique research through readings, workshop activities, studio critiques, writing, and other assignments. Open to all visual arts majors (and to art history majors with permission of instructor).
Experimental Web Practice
VIS 3770 Refer to NME 3770 in New Media Courses (Interdisciplinary Studies) for description.
Undergraduate Learning Assistant
VIS 3800 / 2 credits / Every semester
Students assist faculty members with the delivery of an undergraduate studio course. Duties include grading, demonstrations, and other tasks assigned by the faculty sponsor. A maximum of 4 credits in VIS 3800 (or a combined maximum of 6 credits in VIS 3800 and VDR/VPA/VPH/VSC 3950) may be applied toward the B.F.A. degree.
Prerequisite or corequisite: VIS 4010
Teaching Practicum
VIS 4010 / 2 credits / Special topic (offered irregularly)
Provides pedagogical methods for the teaching assistantship experience. Students examine different approaches to the teaching of art through readings, discussions, and research. Topics and activities include syllabi formatting, common teaching problems, role-playing classroom situations, and course development.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Performance Art I
VIS 4440 / 4 credits / Special topic (offered irregularly)
An introduction to performance art as a creative, visual, experiential, and time-based medium. Through theme-based performance projects, students learn methods of creating and documenting unique performance pieces and installations. Projects include live performances, video and photo documentation of private actions, interactive pieces, and sculpture/installation works. Students are introduced to significant historical works as well as the work of contemporary and emerging performance artists. All mediums and backgrounds welcome. Offered as SOA 4010 for students in other disciplines.
Field Trips
VIS 4470 / 4 credits / Fall
The class meets at various museums, galleries, and alternative spaces in and around New York City, where students encounter a wide range of media, aesthetic sensibilities, and institutional settings. At least one class is devoted to discussing student work in relation to concepts explored during the field trips.
Senior Project (Two Semesters)
VIS 4990 / 4 credits per semester / Every semester
The two-semester, 8-credit senior project is required for all visual arts majors in their senior year. It is an intensive independent study undertaken with faculty sponsorship, in which students pursue a particular theme or topic as a culmination of their undergraduate experience. A written thesis and visual documentation of the project must be submitted to both the Art+Design Office and the Library before graduation.
Senior Project (One Semester)
VIS 4991 / 8 credits / Every semester
This is a one-semester variant of the two-semester VIS 4990 requirement. Students who wish to pursue their entire senior project in one semester register with this course number.
Prerequisite: Permission of the senior project advisor and the dean
Updated July 29, 2008