PDF reflects print Courses of Instruction
Fine Arts (FA)
The terms indicated are expected but are not guaranteed. For the courses offered during any given term, consult the Schedule of Classes.
FA 101ab Drawing (4-4, FaSpSm) a: An introduction to drawing, both skill and perception oriented, as the basic tool for all the visual arts. b: Continuation of a.
FA 102 Design Fundamentals (4, FaSp) Introduction to the basic elements and processes of visual communication and design. Instruction includes studio projects, lectures and readings. Various media used.
FA 105 Painting I (4, FaSpSm) Practical introduction to oil and acrylic pigments, painting equipment, processes, and media. Also, primary experience in: color, composition and perception through representational and abstract painting.
FA 106 Sculpture I (4, FaSp) Practical and theoretical introduction to sculpture as dimensional manipulation. Primary exploration of form, mass, gravity, surface, structure and associative recognition in three-dimensional art.
FA 112 Ceramics (4, FaSpSm) Practical and theoretical exploration of the nature of surface, form, volume and mass as fundamental elements of clay sculpture and the ceramic object.
FA 136 Modeling and Mold Making (2, FaSp) Introduction to plaster mold making using clay and wax for both ceramics and sculpture. Exploration of casting materials. (Duplicates credit in FA 208ax.)
FA 140x A Cultural Guide to Los Angeles (2, FaSp) An experiential and critical survey of the cultural phenomena that make up Los Angeles: dance, music, theater, film; emphasis on visual arts. Not available for major credit to fine arts majors. Graded CR/NC.
FA 150 Visual Culture and Literacy I (4, FaSp) Introduction to modern and contemporary visual culture with emphasis on the major aesthetic theories and practices of the past 150 years.
FA 201ab Life Drawing (4-4, FaSp) An introduction to the representation and depiction of the human form. Emphasis on anatomical, compositional, gestural, environmental and interpretive drawing. Prerequisite: FA 101b. b: Continuation of a.
FA 202 Design II (4, FaSp) Exploration of essential elements of traditional and digital design, including color and image-text integration, editing information, typography and sequencing. Prerequisite: FA 102; corequisite: FA 203.
FA 203 Digital Tools for Design (2, FaSp) Exploration of the processes of germination, ideation and application/execution in design integrated with computer usage.
FA 205ab Painting II (4-4, FaSpSm) A continuation of the practical and theoretical skills introduced in Painting I. Color as an issue in personal expression and perception; color as content, cultural and social subjects/objects, symbols and to signify a personal language. Prerequisite: FA 105. b: Continuation of a.
FA 206 Sculpture II (4, FaSp) Continued examination of the concepts of three-dimensional art: interrelation of material and image, public, human and intimate scale. Prerequisite: FA 106.
FA 207abx Two-Dimensional Art Workshop (a: 2, max 8, Fa; b: 2, max 8, FaSp) a: Studio practice to develop standards of judgment and appreciation of the visual arts. Not available for credit to studio majors. b: Continuation of a.
FA 208abx Three-Dimensional Art Workshop (a: 2, max 8, FaSp; b: 2, max 8, FaSp) a: Studio practice to develop standards of judgment and appreciation of the visual arts. Not available for credit to studio majors. b: Continuation of a.
FA 209ab Photography (4-4, FaSp) Introduction to the practice of photographic image making within a fine arts context. Emphasis on the development of technical skills in relation to personal vision. a: Work is in black and white. b: Work is primarily in color. Prerequisite: FA 209a.
FA 210 Introduction to Digital Photography (4, FaSp) An introductory course exploring the processes and practices of digital capture, imaging and printing, from web-based image posting to large-scale printing. (Duplicates credit in former FA 210a.)
FA 212 Wheel Throwing (2, FaSp) An introductory course using wheel throwing techniques for ceramics to explore a variety of forms through three-dimensional exercises.
FA 213 Clay and Glazes (2, Sp) Provides a foundation in clay and glaze materials as they relate to making ceramic art. Prerequisite: FA 112.
FA 214 3-D/Actual and Virtual (4, FaSp) A conceptually inventive introduction to clay and computer modeling. An investigation of the relationship between actual and virtual objects and how it affects our perception.
FA 220 Introduction to Video and Time-based Experimentation (4, FaSp) An introductory course exploring contemporary processes and practices of video experimentation including the camera, desktop production, and editing. Experimentation with multiple modes of execution, presentation, and distribution. (Duplicates credit in former FA 215.)
FA 236 Metal (2, FaSp) Introduction to metal in fine art. Emphasis on technical proficiencies and effective solutions working in a variety of metals. Recommended preparation: FA 106.
FA 246 Construction Techniques (2, FaSp) Exploration of art fabrication and the techniques and philosophies of working with a variety of materials. Recommended preparation: FA 106.
FA 250 Visual Culture and Literacy II (4, FaSp) Critical examination of the key developments and theoretical discourses of 20th century visual culture. Recommended preparation: FA 150.
FA 301 Advanced Drawing (4, FaSpSm) Directed examination of personal approaches in drawing; emphasis on making visual and artistic decisions and developing an appropriate attitude towards individual expression. Prerequisite: FA 201b.
FA 302 Design III (4, FaSp) Advanced exploration of typography and image-text integration, including collaborative projects, pre-press and proofing techniques, narrative concepts and information architecture. Prerequisite: FA 202.
FA 305 Advanced Painting (4, FaSpSm) Directed examination of aesthetic concepts; investigation into personal ideas related to the development of a creative visual language in painting. Prerequisite: FA 205b.
FA 306 Advanced Sculpture (4, FaSp) Directed examination of three-dimensional aesthetic concepts; development of an individual creative vision. Prerequisite: FA 206, FA 436, or FA 366.
FA 309 Advanced Photography (4, FaSp) Continuation of the practice of photographic image making within a fine arts context, furthering technical and conceptual abilities. Continuation of critical readings. Prerequisite: FA 209b.
FA 310 Digital Photo Studio (4, FaSp) A technically and conceptually intensive studio in digital 2-D imaging/photography. Prerequisite: FA 210.
FA 311 Printmaking (4, FaSp) Introductory course in various printmaking techniques; necessary skills and inherent expressive qualities of different printmaking methods are explored.
FA 312 Advanced Ceramics (4, FaSpSm) Directed examination of aesthetic concepts and investigation into personal ideas as they relate to the development of a creative visual language in ceramics. Prerequisite: FA 112.
FA 320 Video Studio (4, FaSpSm) An intensive video studio in the understanding and method of time-based, narrative and non-narrative art. Prerequisite: FA 220.
FA 330 Ideas in Intermedia (4, max 12, FaSp) An examination of the impact of digital media on contemporary culture, with attention to a particular, changing topic each semester.
FA 330 Ideas in Intermedia (4, max 8, FaSp) An examination of the impact of digital media on contemporary culture, with attention to a particular, changing topic each semester.
FA 331 The Human Figure in Narrative Drawing (2, Sp) An introduction to visual storytelling in both its historical and contemporary contexts. Emphasis on aesthetic, conceptual and technical skills for figurative narration. Prerequisite: FA 101a.
FA 332ab Typography (2-2) a: The study of visual communication through the use of letterforms from historical tradition to contemporary experimental rebellion. b: Continuation of a. (FA 332a duplicates credit in former FA 332.)
FA 333 New York Design Study Tour (2, Sp) Historical and contemporary aspects of the New York design world, including a one-week trip to New York City to visit design firms, studios and museums. Airfare and accommodations extra. By application only.
FA 334 Space/Motion/Site: Investigating Performance and Installation (2) Exploration of performance and installation art, including historical influences and integration of multimedia and new technologies.
FA 335 New Genres: Experimental Practices in Contemporary Art (4, FaSp) Ideas in New Genres, topic changes each semester.
FA 350 Art Theory and Criticism (4, FaSp) An intellectual framework for the practice of art making; the historical context for current ideas. (Duplicates credit in former FA 204.)
FA 366 Art and Site (4, Fa) Exploration focusing on site as a major component of artwork in both content and form, emphasizing multidimensional work in relation to context, material and intent. Prerequisite: FA 106 or PAS 371.
FA 390 Special Problems (1-4) Supervised, individual studies. No more than one registration permitted. Enrollment by petition only.
FA 401 Topics in Advanced Drawing (4, max 12, FaSpSm) Continued directed examination of personal approaches in drawing, emphasis on making visual and artistic decisions and developing an appropriate attitude toward visual expression. Prerequisite: FA 301.
FA 402 Advanced Design Projects (4, max 12, FaSp) Advanced information design within a flexible curriculum. Emphasis on team-oriented projects. Prerequisite: FA 302.
FA 405 Topics in Advanced Painting (4, max 12, FaSpSm) Directed painting with continued emphasis on personal choices regarding appropriation of conceptual images and arrangement, material processes, scale, number of paintings. Ongoing critical response to painting. Prerequisite: FA 305.
FA 406 Topics in Advanced Sculpture (4, max 12, FaSp) Individual direction of the study of aesthetic issues in sculpture; investigation of an individual creative vision. Prerequisite: FA 306.
FA 409 Topics in Advanced Photography (4, max 12, FaSp) In-depth exploration of photographic and artistic concepts as they apply to the articulation of personal work. Prerequisite: FA 309.
FA 410 Advanced Digital Photo Studio (4, max 12, FaSp) Intensive open studio environment for individually-directed student art projects in the digital media, with an emphasis on 2-D photography. Prerequisite: FA 310.
FA 411 Topics in Advanced Printmaking (4, max 12, FaSp) Directed examination of specific printmaking media in relation to personal aesthetic goals and expressive concepts. Prerequisite: FA 311.
FA 412 Topics in Advanced Ceramics (4, max 12, FaSpSm) Continued directed examination of aesthetic concepts and investigation into personal ideas as they relate to the development of a creative visual language in ceramics. Prerequisite: FA 312.
FA 418 Independent Studies in Studio Arts (1-4, max 10, FaSpSm) Independent research of specific topics under the direction of a faculty member. Administrative and faculty approval required. Recommended preparation: appropriate 300-level course work.
FA 419 Professional Internship in the Arts (2, max 4, FaSpSm) An experiential/academic opportunity in a museum, gallery, community cultural center, or related facility. Lectures, seminars, written analysis, and working internship. Open to upper division fine arts majors.
FA 420 Advanced Video Studio (4, max 12, FaSp) An intensive open studio environment for individually-directed student art projects in the digital media, with an emphasis on video. Prerequisite: FA 320.
FA 432 Special Projects in Design (2, max 6, FaSp) Students work on projects for outside clients, and receive instruction in professional practices, advanced design techniques, and sophisticated technology. By invitation or portfolio review only. Only open to upper division students. Prerequisite: FA 302.
FA 436 Art and Technology (4, FaSp) An interdisciplinary course between art and engineering that addresses creative thinking in the manipulation of media and the communication of ideas. (Duplicates credit in former FA 336).
FA 450x Senior Seminar (4, FaSp) Contemporary professional issues facing the studio artist; current directions in the visual arts; forces and attitudes affecting the practicing artist in our society. Available for credit to Fine Arts majors only.
FA 490x Directed Research (2-8, max 8, FaSpSm) Individual research and readings. Not available for graduate credit.
FA 499 Special Topics (2-4, max 8, FaSpSm) Comprehensive exploration of particular aspects of visual art.
FA 515 Visiting Artist Forum (1, max 6, FaSpSm) Lecture and discussion course in the professional practice of art featuring formal presentations by visiting artists.
FA 520 Individual Studies (1-5, max 16, FaSpSm) Investigation of creative problems through various media. Course may be repeated; maximum number of units to be determined by advisor.
FA 550 Seminar: Contemporary Issues (1, max 4, FaSp) Study of issues relative to current directions in the visual arts; analysis and implications of forces contributing to conceptual development.
FA 551 Fine Art and Interdisciplinary Studies (4, max 12, Fa) Issues and theories of contemporary art in relation to philosophy, history, literature, music, theatre, film, culture, politics, science, psychology and other disciplines.
FA 555 Seminar in Art Theory and Criticism (4, max 8, Sm) An intensive seminar taught by well-known visiting critics, writers and artists addressing the deconstruction of a variety of theories in the humanities, including art, film, literature, and philosophy.
FA 560 Studies in Two-Dimensional Media (1-8, max 22) Investigation of creative problems through two-dimensional media. Course may be repeated; maximum number of units to be determined by advisor.
FA 570 Studies in Three-Dimensional Media (1-8, max 22) Investigation of creative problems through three-dimensional media. Course may be repeated; maximum number of units to be determined by advisor.
FA 580 Studies in Intermedia (1-8, max 22) Investigation of creative problems through intermedia. Course may be repeated; maximum number of units to be determined by advisor.
FA 590 Directed Research (1-12, FaSpSm) Research leading to the graduate degree. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department. Graded CR/NC. Prerequisite: departmental approval, approval by Dean of School of Fine Arts or formal contract for research project.
FA 594abz Master’s Thesis (2-2-0, FaSpSm) Credit on acceptance of thesis. Graded IP/CR/NC.
Public Art Studies (PAS)
PAS 371 Art in the Public Realm: Contemporary Issues (4, FaSp) Critical frameworks and theoretical perspectives of contemporary public art issues explored through case studies and discussions with artists, architects, and designers engaging the public realm.
PAS 400 Contemporary Public Art (4) A survey of contemporary public art, its historical context and current trends, focusing on significant pieces and artists in Los Angeles and Southern California.
PAS 400 New Models of Art in City-Space (4) A focused examination of innovative processes utilized by contemporary local, national and international artists working in the public/social spaces of cities.
PAS 499 Special Topics (2-4, max 8, FaSp) Comprehensive exploration of particular aspects of public art.
PAS 549 Methodologies of Art Writing (2) An overview of contemporary writing methods on art practices in the public sphere and public space, by curators, organizers, critics, scholars and artists. (Duplicates credit in MPW 950.)
PAS 549 Methodologies of Art Writing (2) Writing methods on art practices in the public sphere and public space, by curators, organizers, critics, scholars and artists.
PAS 550 Art, Communities, and Global Publics (2, Fa) Exploring notions of “community” and “public” in relation to urban social space. Collaboration with artists, curators and others on projects in the public realm.
PAS 550 Social Space, Publics and Counter-Publics (1) Seminar on interconnections between art, social space, media culture, in relation to notions of audience, community, and publics.
PAS 555abcd Practicum (1-2-2-1, FaSp) Students collaborate as a group for a two-year period to conceptualize, organize, and realize all aspects of an exhibition project in an urban public space.
PAS 555abc Curatorial Practicum (2-2-2, FaSp) Students collaborate as a group for three terms to conceptualize and organize an exhibition project in an urban public space.
PAS 561 Organizational Models (2, Fa) Overview of strategies utilized by public art organizations, museums and non-profit/alternative spaces to conceptualize, develop, and administer art projects in the public realm.
PAS 561 Curatorial/Organizational Models (2, Fa) Overview of strategies utilized by art organizations, curators, museums and non-profit/alternative spaces to conceptualize, develop, and organize art projects in the public realm.
PAS 562 Curatorial Methods and Institutional Programming (2) Frameworks of curatorial organization and institutional programming of art projects in public space, led by professional curators, organizers and artists in the field. Prerequisite: PAS 561.
PAS 571 Histories of Art in the Public Sphere (3) A selective overview of the history of art practices in the public sphere and public space, focusing on critical moments during the 20th century.
PAS 571 Histories of Art in the Public Sphere (3) Topics in the history of the avant-garde in relation to public space and the public sphere, focusing on critical moments during the 20th Century.
PAS 572 Contemporary Art in the Public Sphere (3) Investigation into recent developments of art’s interconnection with social space and the public realm, emphasizing significant practices and critical issues over the past 10-20 years. Prerequisite: PAS 571.
PAS 572 Contemporary Art in the Public Sphere (3) Thematic investigation of artists who engage social space/the public realm, emphasizing practices and critical issues in contemporary art from the 1970s to the present.
PAS 575 Practice of Public Art (2-6, max 12, FaSp) Collaborative experience between artist, designer, and problem solver involved in developing public art solutions. Development of principles, processes, and skills utilized during the preparation of public art proposals.
PAS 581 Critical Conversations (3) A series of guest presentations by important artists, curators, organizers, architects, and theorists on seminal issues regarding the public sphere and public space. Prerequisite: PAS 561, PAS 562, PAS 571, PAS 572.
PAS 581 Critical Conversations (3) A series of conversations with visiting artists, curators, organizers, critics, architects and theorists on seminal issues regarding the public sphere and public space.
PAS 582 Seminar: Contemporary Issues (3, Sp) Study of issues relative to current directions in public art; analysis and implications of forces contributing to conceptual development. Graded CR/NC. Prerequisite: PAS 561, PAS 562, PAS 571, PAS 572, or departmental approval.
PAS 582 Seminar: Contemporary Issues (3, Sp) Thematic seminar on the most recent developments of art in public space, and analysis of debates regarding the theorization of public space/the public sphere. Graded CR/NC.
PAS 585 Theorizing the Public Realm (3) Cross-disciplinary exploration of theories on the public realm, public space, and art practices in the public domain, from the 19th century to the present. Prerequisite: PAS 561, PAS 562, PAS 571, PAS 572.
PAS 585 Theorizing the Public Realm (3) Interdisciplinary exploration of theories of public space and the public domain, from the 19th century to the present.
PAS 590 Directed Research (1-12, FaSpSm) Research leading to the master’s degree. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department. Graded CR/NC.
PAS 591 Field Internship Experience (1, max 2) Supervised internship in an art institution or an art agency, or with an independent curator or artist, on projects and research specific to public space. Graded CR/NC. Recommended preparation: completion of first year of courses.
PAS 594abz Master’s Thesis (2-2-0, FaSpSm) Credit on acceptance of thesis. Graded IP/CR/NC.
PAS 599 Special Topics (2-4, max 8, FaSpSm)