The Studio Art Option supports students interested in creative expression It allows the student to discover, explore, and refine their own creative abilities through a selection of courses designed to give a free reign to creativity in a supportive environment that provides important feedback and instruction. Students will develop and refine skills that will be transferrable to the study of studio practice at four-year institutions and beyond. Successful completion will prepare students for careers for which the ability to communicate visually is key, such as illustration, design, or production. Studio Art Option students will: Develop and refine skills that will allow for creative expression. Develop effective oral, written, and visual communication and analytical skills in order to create, discuss, compare, contrast, and critique works of art. Learn to use technology and vocabulary for the study and practice of art in a meaningful way. Learn to understand, discuss, and create works of art within a complex social, cultural, and political context. Learn to identify and appreciate both Western and non-Western traditions in art, and the social/cultural context in which the art works were created. Learn how to research and cite sources from Hostos Library resources both on-line and in the physical collection. The Visual and Performing Arts Unit at Hostos Community College (CUNY): Those who elect to earn credits in the visual and performing arts will find a variety of approaches to learning that include lecture and studio based classes as well as workshops that allow for the exploration of extracurricular interests or even for the development of career centered skill sets vital to the pursuit of employment opportunities. The successful completion of courses in the arts are a useful and, in many cases, essential basis for study in other disciplines. They are also a valuable source for personal development. Students interested in planning a concentration in the visual arts are advised to consult with the Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator. ART STUDIO OPTION: COURSES I. Foundation | Complete 2 Courses If students have already taken a course in this category as part of their Common Core or Flexible Core course of study, students can complete an additional course in this category. HUM 100 Introduction to Global Humanities 3 Credits, 3 Hours This course will offer a global awareness and understanding of the expansive history of humanity and the diversity of cultural forms and practices. Its aim is to give foundational knowledge from multiple perspectives that describe the chronological and geographical relationships between cultures. This course will also pique students’ interest in history, philosophy, literature, social sciences, art, and music. This will encourage the student to reflect on how personal origins and beliefs affect actions and values. OR VPA 111 - Arts and Civilization I: Prehistory to 1400 3 Credits, 3 Hours Students will become familiar with core global examples of material culture, art, design, and architecture from the Paleolithic era to the fifteenth century. Through museum visits, readings, class discussions, and writing assignments, students will consider the crucial role of these images and objects in the formation of their respective historical and cultural context. OR VPA 112 Arts and Civilization II: 1400 to Present 3 credits, 3 hours Students will expand and refine their knowledge of core global examples of material culture, art, design, and architecture from the fifteenth century to the present in Arts and Civilization II. Through museum visits, readings, class discussions, and writing assignments, students will consider the crucial role of these images and objects in the formation of their respective historical and cultural context. OR VPA 113 Introduction to Art 3 credits, 3 hours The student will analyze, discuss, and define: nature of art, meaning of art, major forms of art, and components of art; art periods, narration, description, illusion and reality, criteria for criticism, and art in New York. The student will engage in field trips and special projects. OR VPA 114 Modern Art in the City 3 credits, 3 hours Modern Art in the City introduces students to a diverse range of twentieth and early twenty-first century visual art and architecture. Students will consider the crucial role of art and architecture in their respective historical and cultural contexts. Through museum visits, readings, writing assignments, web resources, and by exploring New York City itself as a case study, students will examine the history of modern art and the role of the city in the creation and reflection of our modern, global experiences. AND (Choose 1) VPA 121 Painting and Drawing I 3 credits, 3 hours The beginning art student will master the basic principles of composition, design, and color through the use of collage, paint, and photographic montage; s/he will develop basic skills in the use of paint and collage materials. S/he will be required to complete at least two pictures to the satisfaction of the instructor. OR VPA 133 Digital Photography I 3 credits, 3 hours This course introduces the student to fundamentals of two-dimensional digital art forms created from original images shot with a digital camera. This course covers technical aspects of the digital image using image enhancement through photo-editing software. Imagination and originality of images and their manipulations will be emphasized. OR VPA 133H Digital Photography I (HONORS) 3 credits, 3 hours This course introduces the student to fundamentals of two-dimensional digital art forms created from original images shot with a digital camera. This course covers technical aspects of the digital image using image enhancement through photo-editing software. Imagination and originality of images and their manipulations will be emphasized. II. Elaboration I Complete 2 Courses Students may not fulfill Foundation and Elaboration requirements with the same courses. VPA 122 Painting and Drawing II 3 hours, 3 credits The advanced art student will develop or improve skills in painting, assemblage, and three-dimensional art. S/he will become acquainted with and master the use of "found objects" in making a picture. S/he will complete a master project to the satisfaction of the instructor. OR VPA 124 - Still Life Oil Painting 3 credits, 3 hours Students learn to create still-life paintings. This class will focus on classical painting techniques such as chiaroscuro, under-painting and glazing. OR VPA 134 Digital Photography 2 3 credits, 3 hours This course covers in-depth exploration of digital photography using advanced editing software for students who already have a working knowledge of the medium. The connection between original digital images, composition, ideas and attitudes will be investigated. OR ENG 240 The Graphic Novel 3 credits, 3 hours This course will introduce students to the graphic novel, and will examine the cultural history and defining features of the genre. Students will examine the relationship of text and art in the graphic novel. Students will learn to write effectively about the graphic novel in a variety of modes, including a research paper using print and online sources. At the end of the course, students will put knowledge into practice by creating their own short graphic narrative and artist’s statement.