Total credits required: 120
The core courses in our Interior Design program follow a specific sequence. Latter courses build upon the knowledge and skills acquired from previous courses. So, in addition to your other classes, the following need to be taken one per term in the correct order.
- Semester 1: ID 1820 Drafting
- Semester 2: ID 2850 Basic Space Planning
- Semester 3: ID 2860 Residential Design
- Semester 4: ID 3810 Office Design*
- Semester 5: ID 3860 Restaurant + Retail Design*
- Semester 6: ID 4870 Special Use Design
- Semester 7: ID 4990 Senior Design Project
Students who do not transfer or receive portfolio credit for any of the above courses will require a minimum of seven terms to graduate.
Green Design Specialization
We offer a specialization in sustainable design. To earn this specialization please declare the Green Design emphasis when you register for classes, then choose Green Design 2 and Green Design 3 as your elective courses. Green Design must be declared before enrolling in Office Design or Restuaruant + Retail Design class. In addition to the required coursework students must:
- Complete no fewer than 3 major design projects emphasizing green design within the following courses: Residential Design, Restaurant + Retail Design, Office Design and Special Use Design.
- Focus on innovative green design solutions within their Design Thesis and Senior Project.
Core Interior Design Classes: 60 Credits
- Name2CreditsDescriptionThis course is an introduction to the interior design profession and practice. The course introduces students to the design process, fundamental skills, principles, and theories related to the interior environment and human behavior within as variety of contexts. Students learn vocabulary and terminology related to the profession of interior design and architecture. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have broad perspective awareness of the processes, practices, terminology and skills necessary for continued study; and a foundation for the ethical approach to creating interior environments. Prerequisite: none
- Name2CreditsDescriptionThis course presents an introduction to the philosophical and practical principles of green design. Students gain knowledge of environmental issues, sustainability, and professional design standards for ecological projects, services, and materials. Green design projects are highlighted through case studies and field trips. Local resources for green design research, materials, products, and services are introduced through guest speakers and class discussions. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have an understanding of sustainable design concepts in preparation for Green Design 2 and 3, as well as their application to other courses, and will develop research skills for green design criteria necessary for all future projects. Prerequisite: none
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis introductory course covers the principles and elements of drafting as applied to interior design, architecture, and environmental graphic design. Utilizing relevant industry tools and techniques, students learn the basic techniques and methods of hand drafting including: layout and lettering, dimensioning, and the development of floor plans and elevations. Upon successful completion of this course, students will acquire the necessary hand drafting skills to apply to future courses in the curriculum and to advance to the study of Computer Aided Design (CAD). Prerequisite: none
- Name2CreditsDescriptionThis course is an in-depth study of textiles, the industry that produces them and their integral relationship to interior design. Students investigate textile construction, and their use in interior design. Emphasis is on the selection of appropriate and code compliant products for environmental and life safety. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to recognize, categorize and evaluate different textile products to create aesthetic and functional designs appropriate for residential and commercial interiors that protect health, safety and welfare. Prerequisite: none
- Name2CreditsDescriptionThis course is an in-depth study of surface materials, the industries that produce them and their integral relationship to interior design. Students investigate appropriate conventional and sustainable material choices for use in non-structural applications and examine the process of selecting and specifying appropriate materials for different interior elements. Upon successful completion of this course, students will able to recognize, categorize and evaluate different surfacing materials to create aesthetic and functional designs appropriate for residential and commercial interiors that protect health, safety and welfare. Prerequisite: ID 1840 Textiles
- Name2CreditsDescriptionThis course is an introduction to the history of interiors and western architecture from antiquity to the mid-19th century. Students investigate period design within the context of the cultural, economic, lifestyle, and technological issues of each era including interior and exterior architectural elements; furniture, design motifs and ornamentation; fine arts; and construction methods. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have the ability to identify style elements of architecture, furniture and ornamentation for each period studied, and to apply these skills to period renovation/restoration, or to reinterpret historical design elements for current uses. Prerequisite: none
- NameCreditsDescriptionStudents who have completed over 60 credit hours (Junior year) are required to participate in a mid-career portfolio review before reaching 90 credits (Senior year). Upon successful completion of the Sophomore/Junior Portfolio Review, students will have identified their individual strengths and weaknesses so that they may address both in their upcoming major course work. Prerequisite: FD1990 Freshman Portfolio Review
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis course introduces students to the use of CAD systems as a drafting/design tool for interior design. Areas of study include CAD Systems (hardware, software, procedures and standards) and terminology as applied to architectural drawing types. Emphasis is upon proper use of software commands, layer organization and strategies, efficient drawing practices, and the production of scaled drawings. Upon successful completion of this course, students will establish time management skills to meet deadlines; understand the terminology and use of CAD Systems and commands following acceptable standards and procedures; and utilize appropriate file management methods. Prerequisites: FD 1010 Digital Image Making, and ID 2850 Basic Space Planning
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis course introduces the artistic and presentation techniques of perspective and rendering for the interior design profession. Students develop skills in both the conceptual and technical process of manually constructing one, two, and three-point perspective drawings as well as professional rendering techniques that include color palette use, light sources and shading, surface and detail indications and entourage. Upon successful completion of this course, students will understand and demonstrate the free-hand and mechanical drawing and rendering skills necessary to successfully illustrate their design solutions in presentation drawings. Prerequisite: ID 1820 Drafting
- Name3CreditsDescriptionStudents in this course investigate three principal areas of information required for design problem solving, within the confines of introductory building code and barrier-free requirements. Emphasis is upon the study of the physical and psychological factors of design that impact people in their environment including: ergonomics, behavioral patterns, and interpersonal interaction; the programming methods of gathering and organizing data for solving design problems; and creating appropriate spatial relationships and furniture layouts for residential and commercial projects. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have the ability to space plan common residential and commercial spaces with considerations for physical and psychological factors, spatial relationships, functionality, and safety. Prerequisite: ID 1820 Drafting
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis course examines the functional and aesthetic elements and considerations of design for residential environments within the context of current design philosophies and best practices. Students investigate and apply diverse design solutions through projects involving space planning, spatial development, and furniture and finish selections, as well as appropriate, professional presentation methods. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have the ability to recognize and evaluate different residential design alternatives; understand and apply aesthetic principles and human factors; utilize 2 & 3 dimensional elements and principles of design; and apply appropriate regulations, standards and codes to protect health, safety and welfare of residential clients. Prerequisite: ID 2850 Basic Space Planning
- Name2CreditsDescriptionThis course is a continuation of History of Architecture and Furniture 1 and examines the history of interiors and architecture of American and Western European cultures from the 19th century through Post-Modernism. Students investigate period design within the context of the cultural, economic, lifestyle, and technological issues of each era including interior and exterior architectural elements; furniture, design motifs and ornamentation; fine arts; and construction methods. Upon successful completion of the course, students will have the ability to identify style elements of architecture, furniture and ornamentation for each period studied, recognize and evaluate architectural and interior 3-dimensional principles, and apply these skills to period renovation/restoration, or to reinterpret historical design elements for current uses. Prerequisite: ID 1890 History of Architecture + Furniture 1
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis course examines building structural methods and materials as well as mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems as they relate to interior design practice. Emphasis is on understanding and illustrating building construction in compliance with building and life-safety codes. Upon successful completion of this course, students will understand typical constructions materials, methods and systems as well as variations, experimental and sustainable alternatives; utilize primary reference sources for specific building systems and materials; and complete a set of residential construction documents. Prerequisites: ID 2860 Residential Design (Residential Design may be taken concurrently)
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis course is a continuation of Introduction to Computer Aided Design, ID 2010 and provides an in depth study of industry CAD standards and procedures using advanced application and utility functions. Emphasis is upon two-dimensional drafting and design as they relate to the interior design industry through the development of detailed CAD drawings using advanced protocols and management/distribution systems. Upon successful completion of this course, students will demonstrate competence with advanced CAD standards and procedures through the development, management and distribution of CAD documents. Prerequisite: ID 2010 Introduction to Computer Aided Design (CAD)
- Name3CreditsDescriptionStudents in this course gain the technical and practical knowledge and skills necessary to design large-scale work environments. Emphasis is on advanced programming, space planning and systems, ergonomics, building system integration, finish and furnishing specification, fire and safety codes, and ADA requirements as they relate to problem solving strategies, design development and presentation. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have the ability to formulate and communicate a comprehensive design for a work environment. Prerequisite: ID 2860 Residential Design
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis course builds upon the skills acquired in previous courses to interpret the graphics, terms, and accepted practices necessary to prepare construction documents for commercial interior spaces. Students develop in-depth knowledge of the codes, laws, and references necessary to prepare a valid set of construction documents, and develop knowledge and skills required for the design of custom millwork, and the preparation of specifications and cost estimations. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have the ability to create and assemble a set of code compliant construction documents and related preliminary budget documentation. Prerequisites: ID 3750 Building Structures and Systems and ID 2010 Intro to Computer Aided Design (CAD)
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis course introduces students to the space planning techniques, image development, merchandising, and physical and psychological considerations involved in designing restaurants and retail spaces. Students investigate the color, material, furniture, and equipment selections necessary to design restaurant and retail spaces, with emphasis upon quick problem-solving and presentation methods. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have the ability to formulate and communicate a comprehensive design for a restaurant and a retail environment. Prerequisite: ID 2860 Residential Design
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis course provides students with information necessary to select light sources that enhance the functional and aesthetic elements of interior spaces. Students learn to apply criteria related to human activity and environmental psychology in the development of appropriate lighting strategies. Emphasis is upon the understanding and application of light criteria, as well as the development of calculation methods, lighting and reflected ceiling plans, and lighting specifications. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to determine and design appropriate lighting solutions within the context of design standards for human wellbeing within residential and commercial spaces. Prerequisites: ID 3810 Office Design or ID 3860 Restaurant + Retail Design (Office Design or Restaurant + Retail Design may be taken concurrently)
- Name2CreditsDescriptionThis course introduces students to the fundamental considerations and processes involved in creating and running a professional interior design business including the legal, ethical, practical and professional requirements involved in interior design practice. Students investigate types of business structures and practices, professional documents and contracts, effective marketing techniques, professional working relationships with related disciplines; principles of job cost estimating, budgeting methods, and project management methods. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have the ability to successfully assess their interior design career options and understand the principles and practices of the interior design profession. Prerequisite: ID 3810 Office Design or ID 3860 Restaurant + Retail Design
- NameCreditsDescriptionAll seniors who are ready to graduate are required to participate in their departmental Senior Portfolio Review. This pre-graduation portfolio review is an initial step in preparing students for both their graduation exhibition and their movement from the academic environment into the professional world. Specific portfolio requirements and schedules vary by department. Upon successful completion of the Interior Design Senior Portfolio Review, students will be able to further develop their individual portfolios for entrance into the design profession and/or graduate school. Prerequisite: ID 2000 Interior Design Sophomore/ Junior Portfolio Review
- Name2CreditsDescriptionStudents in this course develop an understanding of research methodologies and information-gathering techniques for application to their Senior Design Project. Emphasis is upon code analysis, surveys, literature reviews, observational and case studies, and critiques. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have researched, compiled, and analyzed all information relevant to their Senior Design Project and organized it into a professional reference notebook that includes a detailed project proposal and programming analysis. Prerequisite: ID 4870 Special Use Design (may be taken concurrently)
- Name2CreditsDescriptionThis course emphasizes innovation and creativity in the design of functional and aesthetically pleasing furniture designs. Students investigate appropriate materials including sustainable alternatives and apply appropriate assembly and construction techniques for their designs. Upon successfully completing this course, students will understand and implement the creative, technical and practical processes involved in the design and construction of custom furniture for specific uses. Prerequisite: ID 3850 Construction Documents
- Name3CreditsDescriptionBuilding complexes utilizing mixed function and use are the subject of the course. The student applies previously learned information to specific design problems associated with large building complexes. Project topics include retirement centers, health care facilities, and hotels. Emphasis is upon the preservation and rehabilitation of buildings, and design solutions for special needs. Upon successful completion of this course, students will demonstrate advanced abilities to plan and implement design solutions for complex design problems. Prerequisites: ID 3860 Restaurant + Retail Design and ID 3810 Office Design
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis program enables students to work with established design professionals specifically related to their career interests. Under the direction of the department Chair and the Director of Career and Alumni Services, students are carefully evaluated to facilitate the best possible student/sponsor connection, and a planned program of activities is then coordinated with the professional internship sponsor. Students are exposed to a variety of on-the-job experiences such as space planning, drafting, showroom use, presentation boards, installation supervision, and client and manufacturer interaction. Students must participate in a scheduled pre-internship seminar prior to enrolling for the Internship program. Upon successful completion of the internship program, students will have real-world experience working with a design and/or architectural firm that prepares them to successfully enter the design profession. Prerequisites: Senior status and department Chair approval
- Name3CreditsDescriptionStudents independently develop and present a major design project in this course. Emphasis is upon the application of research completed in the Design Research course to a project of special interest to the student. The project must meet the program’s guidelines and departmental approval. Each student presents and defends the finished project to a jury of professional designers. Upon successful completion of this course, students will demonstrate the ability to complete a comprehensive design project illustrating all of their skills and knowledge as pre-professional designers. Prerequisites: ID 4870 Special Use Design and ID 4840 Design Research, must be a senior in their last term (Special Use Design may be taken concurrently, although it is not recommended)
Electives: 9 credits
The following are recommended.
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis course introduces students to enhanced three-dimensional visualization techniques for commercial and residential environments. Principles and elements include scale, proportion, plane, volume, light and space. Various types of scale models and construction techniques are investigated. Students learn how to assemble accurate three-dimensional representations based on existing plans and elevations. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have the skills to create appropriate scale models to represent the desired 3-dimensional intent of a given design. Prerequisite: FD 2120 Visual Design 2
- Name3CreditsDescriptionReal-world applications of green design principles, products, and processes in the built environment are examined, through in-depth analysis of sustainable building procedures. Also, specifications of sustainable products, and a variety of interior applications are explored. Students visit local sustainable building sites, and meet with local sustainable interior designers, architects, and building experts. Students who successfully complete this course will create sustainable design checklists for projects utilizing appropriate LEED and other green rating systems and will have developed skills in identifying, specifying and applying successful sustainable design strategies to both residential and commercial design projects. Prerequisites: ID 1780 Green Design 1, ID 1870 Surfacing Materials, and ID 2860 Residential Design
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis course provides students with direction and guidance for the development of their interior design portfolio. Emphasis is on the format and presentation of course work completed to date to create of a visual representation of skill development and progression. Students investigate a variety of manual and digital methods to enhance their portfolios. Upon successful completion of this course, students will have a working portfolio that illustrates their individual skills and knowledge of interior design through completed projects in a professional format. Prerequisites: ID 3970 Lighting Layout + Design, ID 3790 Intermediate CAD, ID 3850 Construction Documents, and ID 3980 Business of Interior Design
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis course builds upon the previous Green Design courses to provide students with a working knowledge of the products, processes, and applications for sustainable interior design solutions. The course also examines how designers can quantify the impacts of their design decisions though research, and how to use this research to contribute to the body of green design knowledge. Students who successfully complete this course will understand how to use LEED rating systems, specify and describe sustainable building and interior materials in construction documents, work with local green designers, architects, and sustainability specialists in workshops, and produce a Green Design portfolio. Prerequisites: ID 3200 Green Design 2, ID 3850 Construction Documents, ID 3810 Office Design, and ID 3860 Restaurant + Retail Design
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis course introduces students to the theoretical and practical aspects of historic preservation as well as the current issues affecting the design and adaptation of existing and historic buildings. Students explore the design criteria, products, sources of information, and codes and standards applicable to historic preservation through discussion, lecture, projects, and site visits. Upon successful completion of this course, students will possess an enhanced understanding of the systems, policies, laws, treatments, and practices affecting historic preservation projects. Prerequisites: ID 1890 History of Architecture + Furniture 1 and ID 2920 History of Architecture + Furniture 2, junior or senior status
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis course introduces students to the skills and software for CAD based 3-dimensional computer modeling and rendering for architecture and interior design. Emphasis is upon the appropriate use of commands, routines, operations, and settings for studying and presenting 3-dimensional spaces. Upon successful completion of this course, students will understand terminology related to the software and systems studied and use those systems to develop 3-dimensional computer models to represent design solutions. Prerequisite: ID 3790 Intermediate CAD
Foundation Studies: 12 credits
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis course introduces students to the use of the computer as an image-making tool used across all art/design disciplines. Students are introduced to Photoshop and Illustrator techniques as well to printing and type management. At the conclusion of this course students will demonstrate their ability to solve visual, compositional, and technical problems on Mac/PC platforms. Prerequisite: none
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis course investigates the language, theories, and practices of color and two-dimensional design in the visual arts. This course familiarizes students with the basic relationships between color and compositional practices such as space, unity, emphasis, balance, rhythm, and proportion. Prerequisite: none
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis course investigates the creative possibilities found in the act of drawing and thinking. Students draw from seen and invented subject matter to practice with conceptual ideas, experimental materials, and techniques. Drawing exercises emphasize composition, positive/negative space, figure-ground relationship, and multiple points of view. At the conclusion of this course students demonstrate improved ability to implement creative, expressive, and personal solutions to visual problems. Prerequisite: none
- Name0CreditsDescriptionThis is a non-credit portfolio review taken by all Freshmen at the end of their second semester of study. Attendance at the Freshman portfolio review is mandatory as this is a graduation requirement. Prerequisite: two semesters of Foundation study
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis course explores theories and practices of three-dimensional design. Students use a variety of materials, processes, and techniques to explore fundamental issues such as volume mass, gravity, tension, compression, light, color, and structure. Prerequisite: FD 1115 Visual Design 1
Communication and Critical Thought: 6 credits
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis is the first course in the Liberal Studies sequence and serves as an introduction to college-level reading, writing, discussion and presentation. Relying upon significant works from our intellectual tradition as stimuli, students will increase their writing skills using a number of different genres and further develop oral communication skills commensurate with those required at the college level. Prerequisite: none
- Name0CreditsDescriptionWritten and Oral Communication Lab is designed to promote student success in college. By focusing on strategies and skills critical to academic progress and to personal adjustment, students become successful in college and throughout adult life. Six major topics such as research methods and are addressed within the Lab curriculum. Each topic is introduced within a large group session, then explored in depth within small group sessions. Students attend twelve sessions altogether, with the first session scheduled during Week 3 of the semester. At the conclusion of the labs students will demonstrate increased understanding of what academic success entails and be empowered to make appropriate choices for their own academic careers. Prerequisite: must be taken concurrently with WO1020 Written + Oral Communication
- Name3CreditsDescriptionIn this second and final course in freshman reading and writing, students explore major paradigms of aesthetic theory. Building upon the work of WO 1020, WO 1060 challenges students to greater complexity of thought and greater competency in verbal and written argumentation. Together, WO 1020 and WO 1060 provide the foundations for the rest of the Liberal Studies curriculum. Thus students will develop information literacy and research abilities, will critically examine the understanding of their own aesthetic, and will foster appropriate levels of communication necessary to proceed in their college careers. Prerequisite: WO 1020 Written + Oral Communication and WO1025 Written + Oral Communication Lab
History of Art + Design: 12 credits
- Name3CreditsDescriptionIn the first of four required courses in the history of art and design, students explore the major artists, movements and artistic themes of the Western tradition, beginning with Prehistoric art and concluding with the Gothic in the late thirteenth century. Lectures and readings examine ways in which artists conceive of religion, society, politics and the role of men and women within their historical and stylistic context. In addition, the course considers various media and materials, such as painting, sculpture, and architecture, and the fundamentals of design and composition. At the conclusion of this course, students will recognize a broad range of artists, works, and styles from ancient to medieval art. Further, students will learn to conduct research within the discipline of art history, and write knowledgeably on topics from ancient to medieval art. Prerequisite: none
- Name3CreditsDescriptionIn the second of four required courses in the history of art and design, students explore the major artists, movements and artistic themes of the Western tradition, beginning with the Renaissance and concluding with contemporary art of the twenty-first century. Lectures and readings examine ways in which artists conceive of religion, society, politics and the role of men and women within their historical and stylistic context. In addition, the course considers various media and materials, such as painting, sculpture, and architecture, and the fundamentals of design and composition. At the conclusion of this course, students will recognize a broad range of artists, works, and styles from Renaissance to contemporary art. Further, students will learn to conduct research within the discipline of art history, and write knowledgeably on topics from Renaissance to contemporary art. Prerequisite: AH 1010 Art + Design History 1: Ancient to Medieval
- Name3CreditsDescriptionIn the third of four courses focusing on the history of art and design, students study the painting, sculpture, craft, architecture and design of Africa, India, Southeast Asia, China, the Pacific, and the Americas. Students encounter appropriate works from the prehistoric period to the present, exploring the cultural, religious, political and historical circumstances of their creation. Nonwestern art and design are studied both in their own national and cultural contexts and from the perspective of the European cultures. Prerequisite: AH 1020 Art + Design 2: Renaissance to Contemporary
- Name3CreditsDescriptionIn the last of four required courses, students concentrate on one topic in the history of modern and contemporary art and design. Advanced studies are designed to allow students to focus intensively on themes, issues, and theoretical frameworks that define twentieth and twenty-first century art and design. Lectures, readings and assignments emphasize research, writing, and oral presentations. Topics vary from one semester to another. Sample topics include: Modern Latin American Art, Abstract Expressionism, The History of Photography, Modern German Art. At the conclusion of this course, students possess a deeper understanding of art historical movements, methods, and theories. Further, students refine and deepen their research and writing skills, researching and writing knowledgeably on topics from the course. Prerequisite: AH 2010 History of Art + Design in the Nonwestern World
Humanities + Contemporary Thought: 9 credits
Seminar 1, Seminar 2 and one other course.- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis is the first of three courses in which students examine important intellectual and social currents of the past in order to develop a broad context and perspective from within which to evaluate their culture, their own work as artists, and their lives as human beings. Students read primary source materials from a wide range of disciplines, including philosophy, social and political history, drama, poetry, fiction, music, sciences and religion. The goal of this course is not to provide full historical “coverage,” but to give students a basic intellectual vocabulary with which to engage in honest self-examination and thoughtful, reflective discourse. Prerequisite: WO 1060 Philosophy of Art + Design
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis is the second in a series of three courses in which students examine important intellectual and social currents of the past in order to develop a broad context and perspective from within which to evaluate their culture, their own work as artists, and their lives as human beings. Students read primary source materials from a wide range of disciplines, including philosophy, social and political history, drama, poetry, fiction, music, sciences and religion. The goal of this course is not to provide full historical “coverage,” but to help students develop increasingly sophisticated intellectual vocabulary with which to engage in honest self-examination and thoughtful, reflective discourse. Prerequisite: HU 2010 Humanities Seminar 1
- Name3CreditsDescriptionStudents examine important intellectual and social currents of the past in order to develop a broad context and perspective from within which to evaluate their culture, their own work as artists, and their lives as human beings. In this final course, students focus on contemporary intellectual debates within aesthetic and social theory. At the conclusion of the course students will have developed paradigms to understand the body from a variety of forms and across disciplinary and institutional contexts. Prerequisite: HU 2050 Humanities Seminar 2
- Name3CreditsDescriptionStudents examine important intellectual and social currents of the past in order to develop a broad context and perspectives from within which to evaluate their culture, their own work as artists, and their lives as human beings. In this final course, students focus on contemporary intellectual debates within aesthetic and social theory. At the conclusion of the course students will have developed a heightened awareness of theatre through a multi-disciplinary study, incorporating both theoretical perspectives and practical experiences. Prerequisite: HU 2050 Humanities Seminar 2
- Name3CreditsDescriptionStudents focus on contemporary intellectual debates within aesthetic and social theory. “Identity and Power” examines the role of society and culture in the construction of gender and ethnic differences in the American historical and contemporary contexts. As a result of work in this course, students will: know the history of the feminist movement and the civil rights movement in the United States from the 1800’s to the present; understand the impact of these movements on politics and self-identity; critically examine the role of society and culture in the construction of gender and ethnic differences; understand and use social theory to explore social inequalities. Prerequisite: HU 2050 Humanities Seminar 2
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis is the third in the series of three courses in which students examine important intellectual and social currents of the past in order to develop a broad context and perspective from within which to evaluate their culture, their own work as artists, and their lives as human beings. This seminar focuses on the activity of consumption in a variety of forms, emphasizing the various relations of human beings to the goods they produce, desire, exchange, and use. In this final course of the Humanities series, students focus on contemporary intellectual debates within aesthetic and social theory. Thus students develop a broad familiarity with the nineteenth century rise and twentieth century development of economic trends and their impact on philosophical, historical and social relations. Further, students gain a greater awareness of the complexities of economic structures and systems that permeate every aspect of contemporary culture. Prerequisite: HU 2050 Humanities Seminar 2
Mathematics: 3 credits
Choose one of the following:
- Name3CreditsDescriptionFor students who need a fresh start, this course will cover the basic mathematical concepts and skills that are relevant to anyone. This course starts with elementary mathematical operations, followed by the basic concepts of functional analysis, graphs, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, probability and statistics. Concepts will be introduced with examples that emphasize problem solving using visualization of the problem. Applications will address the many manifestations of mathematical laws in nature. Intended for those with little mathematical background. At the conclusion of the course, students will be able to solve simple mathematical equations, use and understand graphical methods, understand the mathematics of patterns found in nature and art, and appreciate the relevance of mathematics to everyday life: general scientific issues, polls, finance and business. Prerequisite: none
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis course introduces students to aspects of mathematics that are particularly relevant to art and design. A basic knowledge of mathematics is required (first year of high school level). Topics include: numeric and geometric patterns in art and nature (Fibonacci series, tilling), symmetry, perspective, polyhedra, equations and graphs of trajectories, computer graphics, and fractals. At the conclusion of this course, students will be able to apply mathematical equations to solve problems related to the topics listed above. Prerequisite: none
- Name3CreditsDescriptionStudents are exposed to the principles and practices of financial management in the contemporary world. Topics include basic financial concepts and tools, business plans, financial statement analysis, and working capital management investment strategies. Students set an earning goal and design a business plan and investment strategy to reach that goal. Prerequisite: none
Physical + Natural Science: 3 credits
Choose any one of the following:
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis course examines climate change from the perspective of several scientific disciplines. The class will introduce students to scientific thinking with concepts from plant ecology, glaciology, earth science and meteorology. Students will learn how scientists have begun to understand the earth as an integrated system. Special note will be taken of features in the intermountain West such as snowfields, glaciers, gas, oil and coal fields and emerging trends in energy use. At the conclusion of this course students will have the tools to critically evaluate climate issues using scientific principles to critique a rapidly evolving world of conscious consumerism and energy use. Prerequisite: WO 1060 Philosophy of Art + Design
- Name3CreditsDescriptionThis course introduces students to the major processes responsible for the physical appearance of our planet and for the changes in our environment. Through the study of minerals and rocks, and through field trips to explore the striking geology of Colorado, students study plate tectonics, volcanism, oceanography and ecological issues. Students explore the connections between art and design and earth science. Prerequisite: WO 1060 Philosophy of Art + Design
- Name3CreditsDescriptionStudents explore the basic aspects of life on Earth, including its requirements and patterns; its basic units; the organization of the living world; and the interdependence of living organisms. The concepts of flow of matter and energy; heredity and natural selection; population dynamics; and community interactions are also examined. Field trips and case studies are used to evaluate the living world. After completion of this course, students will be able to understand how biology explains the living world, and to address the questions of evolution and ethics that face the world today. Prerequisite: WO 1060 Philosophy of Art + Design
- Name3CreditsDescriptionHuman Ecology examines our relationship to the environment through an analysis of our historical and theoretical understanding of the relationship amongst the environment, our biology, and our cultures and through a review of ecological principles and terms. Topics will include, amongst others, disease, sustainability, famine, and pollution at the local and global levels. At the conclusion of the course, students will be able to knowledgeably discuss and write about the key theories in ecological anthropology, including the historical contexts in which they arose and environmental issues within the contexts of politics, economics, culture, and the environment. Prerequisite: WO 1060 Philosophy of Art + Design
Social + Behavioral Sciences: 6 credits
Choose two of the following:
- Name3CreditsDescriptionAnthropology is the study of human beings throughout time and across space. In this course, students explore human evolution, our place in the animal kingdom, our knowledge of others, and our knowledge of ourselves through a focus on specific peoples and cultures. Students also critically evaluate our perceived understanding of other cultures and the role of that understanding in our own culture. Outcomes: Students will learn about a variety of cultures; grasp and use the principles governing the discipline of anthropology, including its methods of research and writing. Prerequisite: WO 1060 Philosophy of Art + Design
- Name3CreditsDescriptionStudents investigate the multitude of environmental elements that contribute to the development of the personality or the “self.” Humans are born into a preexisting world of social demands and expectations, and so each person’s entry into and journey through that world shapes the personality in many ways; the individual journey takes place in the midst of social forces over which one has little or no control. This course provides an understanding of the balance between the internal workings of individuals and the external forces surrounding them. Prerequisite: WO 1060 Philosophy of Art + Design
- Name3CreditsDescriptionStudents explore the nature and function of belief structures or “world views.” The dynamic, living relationship between a religious organization or world view and its immediate cultural environment provides a “living laboratory” for the study of beliefs and believers. Students will gain initial exposure to Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The course focuses on the understanding of basic tenets of, as well as the similarities and differences between, belief systems and on developing tolerance for others’ views. Prerequisite: WO 1060 Philosophy of Art + Design
- Name3CreditsDescriptionBiological Anthropology examines human biology and genetics within an evolutionary framework. Beginning with basic genetics, students explore how we are similar to other animals and how we are unique. From this foundation, the uses, ramifications, and ethics of our knowledge of our biology and genetics will be studied and discussed. At the end of the course students will be able to knowledgeably discuss and write about biological anthropology, genetics and related ethical implications; human evolution; and our biological and genetic adaptations to the environment. Prerequisite: WO 1060 Philosophy of Art + Design