IL Program of Study

In Digital 2D, students are introduced to image/content creation, manipulation, editing, and management through Adobe Suite programs. Students will learn proper file management and workflow techniques, along with proper digital documentation and presentation of work. Students will also employ digital terminology across a wide range of disciplines and practices while also recognizing the cultural implications of digital creation, appropriation, and distribution. By the end of the course, students will have built a solid foundation of digital knowledge and skills that will benefit them as visual creators and communicators.

Introduction to Advanced Study offers a unique and broad-based exposure in advanced-level art and design disciplines offered at MIAD. The philosophy behind Introduction to Advanced Study is to invite students to explore problem solving and ways of working within the majors. Students will be actively engaged in making as a mode of inquiry and will gain experience in both the conceptual basis for the disciplines as well as the practical processes of the disciplines studied. Faculty will offer a variety of course structures and themes.

Credits: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): FYE100, FYE110 & FYE130

This course is an introduction to composition and color theory. Students will learn and apply the elements and principles of art and design in a variety of assignments through a variety of traditional and digital tools and media. All assignments will focus on how ideation techniques are fundamental to creative problem solving. Students will gain a clear understanding of how 2D elements and compositional theory are employed to create clear and effective visual communication, aid personal expression, and help comprise a personal aesthetic. Students will learn to identify how 2D fundamentals are employed in contemporary, professional, and historical work.

Research, Process and Connection is a theme-based introductory course in which students conduct research and engage in a creative process that leads to a body of visual work. Each section of RPC is devoted to a particular idea, process, or approach. Students will develop concepts, translate ideas, and apply methods as they make their work. Students will explore their work and thinking within a historical, cultural, and personal context. This will be reinforced through critical dialogue during stages of ideation, production, completion, and evaluation.
At the end of the semester, students are required to present their final research in a digital presentation. These presentations should demonstrate visual evidence of work completed throughout the semester as well as the ability to analyze their progress and learning in a public format.

In Illustration I, this basic introduction to the broad field of illustration, problem-solving, creativity, effective communication and aesthetics are explored through the working process common to the professional. Drawing and other visual skills are defined and refined through exploration of various media and style solutions. Visual solutions will emphasize appropriate and inventive application of formal elements.

The field of illustration is a unique amalgamation of ideals from fine art and design. Like the designer, the illustrator’s duty is problem solving – solving someone else’s problems. Illustrators work with editors and art directors to create imagery that visually communications a specific message clearly. Like fine artists, illustrators seek to find their personal artistic voice with which to communicate, developing style from their own aesthetic concerns, personal experience or political conviction.

This course will provide students with the skills necessary to solve complex visual problems and develop a personal approach to concept and image. Daily lectures and exercises will focus on the illustration process, tracts within the field of illustration, professional practices of illustrators, media techniques, drawing and analysis of successful student and professional work.

Credits: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): FYE110, FYE150, FYE130

Illustration Media is a comprehensive exploration of medias and their application to the process of 2D and 3D communicative illustration. Emphasis is placed on the development of technical skills and the creative concepts related to traditional and emerging media. Student gain the ability to analyze applications, media and techniques, assess and develop a working process that will produce the desired effect and be able to execute the selected technique to successfully solve the original problem.

Attention is paid to the sharpening of technique and conceptual skills. Media to be explored are: pen and ink, watercolor, gouache, pastel, colored pencil, acrylic paint, linocut, Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, in addition to other selected media.

The student will also be introduced to line technique and media supports such as paper, canvas, masonite, illustration board and the Mac computer. Critiques, demonstrations, and discussions augment student assignments.

Credits: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): FYE100, FYE150, FYE130

Figure Drawing for Illustrators is an in depth study of the figure and it’s relationship and application in contemporary Illustration. Course work and assignments will focus on a thorough understanding of anatomy through observation, personal expression, and practical application to Illustration. Traditional and non-traditional drawing methods will serve as the vehicle for exploration.

Credits: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): FYE100, FYE150, FYE130

Advanced Digital 2D furthers students’ understanding of essential software and hardware commonly used by designers and artists through intensive and thorough exploration. By means of instructor lead demonstration and student explorations, students expand upon existing skill sets using programs largely from Adobe’s Creative Cloud applications. An understanding of the technical aspects within a design project’s lifecycle as well the distinction between digital and print output requirements are covered.

Credits: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): FYE100, FYE150, FYE130

In Illustration II, this further journey into the world of illustration, students will start to streamline and refine their work ethic, using the working process they were introduced to in Illustration I. As before, drawing and other visual skills are defined and refined through exploration of various media and style solutions. Visual solutions will emphasize appropriate and inventive application of formal elements. Professional presentation of work will be emphasized.

Your experiences in this course will closely mirror what you can expect to encounter in the professional world. To successfully progress through this course you must be absolutely mindful of deadlines and specific project parameters. At the conclusion of this course, if you have applied yourself, you should have developed a well rounded body of work and gained the skills necessary to begin pursuing freelance work on your own. Classroom discussions will include marketing your work, how to find clients, and portfolio building.

Credits: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): IL210

Advanced Figure Drawing for Illustrators is an in depth study of the figure and it’s relationship and application in contemporary Illustration. Course work and assignments will focus on a thorough understanding of anatomy through observation, personal expression, and practical application to Illustration. Traditional and non-traditional drawing methods will serve as the vehicle for exploration.

Careful and in-depth study of the figure will help inform and strengthen the imagination. This class will focus on how to take the observational studies and apply them towards more creative processes such as storytelling, expressive caricature, and animation.

Credits: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): IL214

WR200 is a course in which students use writing and research to engage in critical conversations about topics that matter. You will compose and communicate in a variety of forms as you hone your awareness of the relationship between audience, context, and purpose in a variety of rhetorical situations. This course emphasizes writing- in-process, and you will be challenged to take responsibility for all phases of the process: from journaling through drafting and revision to composing carefully crafted and polished texts. You will also conduct self-directed inquiry and develop proficiency evaluating and working with a variety of primary and secondary sources. Throughout, you will be required to demonstrate evolving critical judgement and self-reflection. Ultimately, students will develop the tools to shape informed opinions and engage thoughtfully and meaningfully in public dialogue about contemporary issues.

Credits: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): WRTG120 & HUMT121

The Introduction to Natural Sciences is based upon first hand investigations and discoveries in the field of Natural Sciences. In this course students will deepen their understanding of the nature of the scientific method, its theoretical challenges, and pursue a series of empirical applications in the lab and in the field. This practical knowledge will be broadened through intensive reading, discussions, critiques, and oral assignments. This is an intensive, practical approach that uses the scientific method as a tool for investigation, problem solving and critical thinking. This course is challenging and demanding, but rewarding. Excellence in analytical and critical thinking skills are of utmost importance.

Credits: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): none

In this in-depth course, students will explore key works of illustration and communication design from 1850 to the present, while using proper terminology and methodology for analyzing works within the study of these disciplines. Students will contextualize and interpret two-dimensional design recognizing that different interpretive and cultural frameworks can be used to analyze works of illustration and communication design. As a focused approach to the disciplines, the course encourages inquiry, critical evaluation, and curiosity about illustration and communication design history. Through selected readings and discussions, students will broaden their awareness of illustration and communication design history and demonstrate their understanding through critical writing, research, and presentation.

Credits: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): WRTG120 & ARTH151

The Typography courses provide students with an understanding of the integral use of typography in the overall design concept. Type as a communicative and creative element is explored. Students become familiar with the organizational skills necessary for clear communication as well as the formative aspects of typographic symbols and arrangement.

Typography I is an introductory course that deals with the history and practice of using typography in design. This course will familiarize students with several methods for structuring type so that they might gain an understanding of how typographic variables and the principles of legibility and readability affect visual communication. Each student will be encouraged to develop their own personal awareness of and appreciation for typography; so that they will become equipped with the terminology, theory and practice necessary for making design decisions that facilitate understanding among their intended audience.

Credits: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): FYE100, FYE150, FYE130

Illustration III expands on the skills learned in Illustration I and Illustration II while stressing the importance of the professional working process. Visual thinking as it applies to the field of communication is explored, with an emphasis on creative problem-solving.

The primary focus of this course will be to develop your personal sensibilities regarding the field of illustration and how these sensibilities can best be applied. In addition to focusing on conceptual growth and technique, we will also address issues of professional practice, including portfolio development, markets, contracts, copyright, freelance business practices, self-promotion techniques, production requirements and ethical guidelines.

Credits: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): IL211

Illustration IV expands on the skills learned in Illustration I-III while stressing the importance of the professional working process. In Illustration IV, you will refine individual approaches to problem solving and visualization and bridge the gap between student and professional illustration.

Emphasis is put on conceptual and critical approach to the visualization process. A continuous exploration of media and techniques will strengthen and individualize your formal skills.

A continuous goal of this course is to refine your personal sensibilities regarding the field on illustration and determine how these sensibilities can best be applied. The aim is not to acquire standard styles but to find areas of interest and media forms that best complement your idiosyncratic conceptual and formal handwriting.

The course will again integrate image and text within a design context to promote a comprehensive understanding of the role of the illustrator, the art director, and the designer. You are required to think beyond the content and aesthetics of an image and consider the formal and conceptual context of its application.

Projects in class will mimic the diversity of the profession and require you to develop flexibility and sensitivity to the needs of a particular client. Issues of professional practice will be addressed, including portfolio development, markets, contracts, copyright, freelance business practices, self-promotion techniques, production requirements, and ethical guidelines.

Credits: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): IL310

A design elective is any design major course, as long as it not a requirement of the student’s major, and as long as the student meets the prerequisite(s). In addition to required courses from all eleven majors, each semester MIAD offers various special design electives with a range of topics.

A studio elective is any studio course (art or design major course) within MIAD’s entire Program of Study, as long as it not a requirement of the student’s major, and as long as the student meets the prerequisite(s). In addition to required courses from all eleven majors, each semester MIAD offers various special electives with a range of topics.

A studio elective is any studio course (art or design major course) within MIAD’s entire Program of Study, as long as it not a requirement of the student’s major, and as long as the student meets the prerequisite(s). In addition to required courses from all eleven majors, each semester MIAD offers various special electives with a range of topics.

In The Creative Professional in Context, students explore the process of constructing a professional, public identity through written and verbal communication about their work in Fine Art and/or Design. They refine their skills in writing, speaking, and listening, and use writing as a means to examine the conceptual, critical, philosophical, and historical foundations of their emerging creative work within the broader contexts of their chosen fields and of visual culture broadly conceived.

In this course students learn to use writing as a means of effectively communicating ideas and information about their emerging professional identities. To these ends, students will write, edit and revise often; engage in self-directed research; analyze different rhetorical situations within the professional sphere; and refine their professional selves through both oral and written assignments. Instructors in WRTG300 employ frequent use of writing workshops and writing groups as well as individual writing assignments. Because the course is conducted in seminar fashion, students are expected to assume considerable responsibility for course materials and processes.

WRTG300 emphasizes the composition of polished, substantive written work, including description of studio work and processes, critical analysis of art/design texts, reflective writing, and communication with colleagues and peers. Assignments foster the development of a professional identity by engaging students in critical reading and discussion of key texts in visual culture and their major field, and identifying personal, cultural, and professional influences and connections that impact the student’s work. The course work will culminate in the creation of a substantive document representing a professional self, conceived in relation to these critical contexts.

Credits: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing & WRTG200

ARTH318 provides students the opportunity to give in-depth focus to a wide range of elective topics in Art History. Experience in the disciplines is broadened through intensive reading, writing, research and oral assignments. Among the topics which students may choose to study are courses such as: 19th Century American Masters; Early Chinese Art; Women, Art, and Society; The Bauhaus; The History of Industrial Design; and others.

ARTH318 is an advanced-level elective course in Art History. In ARTH318 students will undertake an in-depth and systematic investigation of one area of study in Art History. This topic may focus on the art of a geographic area or culture, a particular movement in the history of art, or on the life and work of one artist or group of artists. In each case, the course of study will include an extensive analysis of individual works of art, the cultures from which these emerged, and the critical discourse that helps us understand this art more clearly.

As an advanced-level course, ARTH318 is designed with the understanding that the coursework will feature interpretation, analysis and critical method rather than the mere assimilation and recall of factual material. Students will be presented with readings and lecture material from a variety of sources – and from a range of historic and critical literature on the topic under consideration. Each student will be expected to engage actively with course materials and methods.

Credits: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): WRTG200 & ARTH214

NASC320 Topics in Natural Sciences description should be updated to reflect our current course offering:

NASC320 is an advanced-level course that examines one of the many fields of Natural Sciences. Topics in Natural Science will rotate on a semester basis. Students will study the nature of scientific inquiry, the methods, theories, discoveries, technology, and language important to the specific field of science of their choosing. As part of the course, students will also conduct an independent inquiry utilizing the basis of scientific inquiry and research.

As an advanced course, NASC320 builds upon skills and knowledge acquired in NASC220. It is designed with the understanding that the coursework will focus on interpretation, analysis and critical method rather than on mere assimilation and recall of factual material. Students will examine a field of natural science through readings and lecture material from a variety of sources and from a range of scientific and critical opinion. The material and assignments will vary depending upon the field of natural sciences taught. This course can be retaken with change in topic for a 6 credits maximum.

Credits: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): NASC220

NASC321: Topics in Natural Sciences – Field Experiences

As an advanced course, NASC321 builds upon skills and knowledge acquired in NASC220. It is designed with the understanding that the coursework will focus on interpretation, analysis and critical method rather than on mere assimilation and recall of factual material. Students will first examine the field of natural science through readings and lecture material from a variety of sources and from a range of scientific and critical opinion. Students will apply in the field the theoretical knowledge gained by a literature review, with direct inquiry and hands-on activities and investigations. This course relies heavily on field work, direct inquiry and self-directed independent research culminating with a peer-reviewed oral examination. Note: The field component of this course i9 days, located at offsite from MIAD.

Prerequisites: NASC220 or equivalent and permission of the instructors.

Credits: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): NASC220

Service Learning is an interdisciplinary course with a service-learning component and is designed as the synthesis of a student’s four-year humanities and social science experience. In HUMT380 students will study a topic in-depth (i.e., cities, families, borders, aging, food) and be presented with many opportunities for interdisciplinary investigation. Through intensive reading, writing, research and oral assignments, students will analyze an issue in order to evaluate how social groups function and work towards resolution. Topics will be dealt with through scholarly and community investigations that may include sociology, psychology, anthropology, economics, political science, and history.

In HUMT380 students will have the opportunity to examine a social issue in depth, from a variety of perspectives. The coursework will focus on the historical and philosophical background of a given topic, as well as helping students to learn how to assess a variety of approaches to social systems through an examination of the nature of service in the community.

In the study of the social sciences, we examine patterns in our personal lives, the communities we live in, and a larger global context in order to see how they are connected. Through the in-depth study of a particular topic (i.e., food, cities, family, rivers, borders, aging), students will be able to analyze an issue in order to evaluate how social groups understand and work towards resolution. HUMT380 includes a service- learning component that is connected to the topic being studied. This will take place in the larger community, and it will allow students to examine the information they are learning through thinking and acting in a multicultural context.

Credits: 3
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing & WRTG200

Professional Practice for Illustrators is presented to those students exhibiting a solid understanding of technical skills, creative attitude and high motivation. The primary goal of this course is to prepare students to enter the field of illustration by providing them with the tools and information to begin to build a freelance client base.

Credits: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): IL311

This course offers an overview of the illustration field. Each semester consists of a series of seminars presented by practicing professionals representing a cross-section of the field. Specific deadlines, one- on-one interaction and an evaluation of performance by outside professionals prepare the student for entry into the illustration field.

Credits: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): IL311

Illustration Thesis is the final course of study in the Illustration program at MIAD. Each student is required to submit a written proposal and timeline for an Illustration Thesis project reflecting the primary interests and career goals of the illustrator. The thesis proposal will encompass a specific project utilizing the student’s skills and knowledge with the intention of fully exploring the student’s abilities within a specific field of illustration. Course work and assignments will focus on the execution and completion of the thesis project and a portfolio of the student’s illustrations for professional presentation and final review at the Senior Exhibition. Participation in the Senior Exhibition is required.

Coursework will emphasize the student’s facility for research, comprehension, understanding, and execution of visual communication between the artist, client, and the prospective audience. Supplementary coursework shall include production of promotional materials with attention to both content and style.
Professionalism is an essential component of the course and students are required to attend and be prepared for all scheduled meetings and critiques. Students are also required to be actively involved in the overall preparation of the general MIAD thesis exhibition, e.g. lighting crew, painting crew, signage, gallery monitoring, etc.
Students are required to submit digital documentation of their thesis project by the end of the semester.

Credits: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): IL410 & IL412

This course offers an overview of the illustration field. Each semester consists of a series of seminars presented by practicing professionals representing a cross-section of the field. Specific deadlines, one- on-one interaction and an evaluation of performance by outside professionals prepare the student for entry into the illustration field.

Credits: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): IL410 & IL412

A studio elective is any studio course (art or design major course) within MIAD’s entire Program of Study, as long as it not a requirement of the student’s major, and as long as the student meets the prerequisite(s). In addition to required courses from all eleven majors, each semester MIAD offers various special electives with a range of topics.

A studio elective is any studio course (art or design major course) within MIAD’s entire Program of Study, as long as it not a requirement of the student’s major, and as long as the student meets the prerequisite(s). In addition to required courses from all eleven majors, each semester MIAD offers various special electives with a range of topics.

ARTH318 provides students the opportunity to give in-depth focus to a wide range of elective topics in Art History. Experience in the disciplines is broadened through intensive reading, writing, research and oral assignments. Among the topics which students may choose to study are courses such as: 19th Century American Masters; Early Chinese Art; Women, Art, and Society; The Bauhaus; The History of Industrial Design; and others.

ARTH318 is an advanced-level elective course in Art History. In ARTH318 students will undertake an in-depth and systematic investigation of one area of study in Art History. This topic may focus on the art of a geographic area or culture, a particular movement in the history of art, or on the life and work of one artist or group of artists. In each case, the course of study will include an extensive analysis of individual works of art, the cultures from which these emerged, and the critical discourse that helps us understand this art more clearly.

As an advanced-level course, ARTH318 is designed with the understanding that the coursework will feature interpretation, analysis and critical method rather than the mere assimilation and recall of factual material. Students will be presented with readings and lecture material from a variety of sources – and from a range of historic and critical literature on the topic under consideration. Each student will be expected to engage actively with course materials and methods.

Credits: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): senior standing & WRTG300

ARTH318 provides students the opportunity to give in-depth focus to a wide range of elective topics in Art History. Experience in the disciplines is broadened through intensive reading, writing, research and oral assignments. Among the topics which students may choose to study are courses such as: 19th Century American Masters; Early Chinese Art; Women, Art, and Society; The Bauhaus; The History of Industrial Design; and others.

ARTH318 is an advanced-level elective course in Art History. In ARTH318 students will undertake an in-depth and systematic investigation of one area of study in Art History. This topic may focus on the art of a geographic area or culture, a particular movement in the history of art, or on the life and work of one artist or group of artists. In each case, the course of study will include an extensive analysis of individual works of art, the cultures from which these emerged, and the critical discourse that helps us understand this art more clearly.

As an advanced-level course, ARTH318 is designed with the understanding that the coursework will feature interpretation, analysis and critical method rather than the mere assimilation and recall of factual material. Students will be presented with readings and lecture material from a variety of sources – and from a range of historic and critical literature on the topic under consideration. Each student will be expected to engage actively with course materials and methods.

Credits: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): WRTG200 & ARTH214

Topic in Cultural Studies offers students a range of topics in the interdisciplinary study of cultural phenomena in various societies. Courses may draw on or combine the methods and perspectives of an array of disciplines, including literary theory, media theory, film/video studies, cultural anthropology, history, philosophy, political economy, communication, sociology, social theory, psychology, museum studies, art history, and the history, philosophy or sociology of science. Experience in the topic is broadened through intensive reading, writing, research and oral assignments. As an advanced-level course, HUMT360 is designed with the understanding that the coursework will feature interpretation, analysis, and critical method rather than mere assimilation and recall of factual material. Each student will be expected to engage actively with course materials and methods and contribute regularly to class discussions and/or oral collaborative efforts—such as focus groups and panel discussions—that relate to course material.

Credits: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): WRTG200

Topic in Cultural Studies offers students a range of topics in the interdisciplinary study of cultural phenomena in various societies. Courses may draw on or combine the methods and perspectives of an array of disciplines, including literary theory, media theory, film/video studies, cultural anthropology, history, philosophy, political economy, communication, sociology, social theory, psychology, museum studies, art history, and the history, philosophy or sociology of science. Experience in the topic is broadened through intensive reading, writing, research and oral assignments. As an advanced-level course, HUMT360 is designed with the understanding that the coursework will feature interpretation, analysis, and critical method rather than mere assimilation and recall of factual material. Each student will be expected to engage actively with course materials and methods and contribute regularly to class discussions and/or oral collaborative efforts—such as focus groups and panel discussions—that relate to course material.

Credits: 3.0
Prerequisite(s): WRTG200