College of Visual and Performing Arts
Foundation
The School of Art and Design offers a foundation program in the first year that is a prerequisite for all B.F.A. degree programs and the B.I.D. degree program in the School of Art and Design.
The Department of Foundation is comprised of energetic faculty who are specifically dedicated to first-year students. The foundation curriculum is designed to provide the most rigorous introductory courses necessary for a complete education in art and design. The basic structure of the year includes four required studios: Time Arts, Foundation Drawing, Two-Dimensional Creative Processes, and Dimensional Arts. The goal of these courses is to strengthen conceptual and technical abilities, promote research activity, and provide a cultural and historical context for a broader and more diverse understanding of students’ ideas.
The curriculum also includes two art history courses and one of the University writing requirements. In addition, you have choices of studio art and academic electives in both semesters. The goal of the studio art electives is to provide you with a broad, rich experience. You may choose to take your academic electives in other areas of the University, including within the School of Art and Design.
Throughout the foundation year you come in contact with faculty and students from all programs in the School of Art and Design, with opportunities for conversations and presentations about the different majors so that you are prepared to choose one at the end of the year. By the end of the foundation program, you are prepared for both the intensive focus of your art and design major and the intellectual challenge of a liberal arts education.
Students in the B.F.A. degree programs in fashion design and textile design have specific foundation requirements and should refer to their program of study for more information. Students who enter the B.S. degree program in environmental design (interiors) begin their program in their first year of study.