This is an archived copy of the 2013-14 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.fitnyc.edu/.

Fine Arts

http://fitnyc.edu/finearts

Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree Program (BFA)

Applications accepted for fall only. HEGIS 1001

The major in Fine Arts provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to develop their artistic talent as painters, sculptors, and printmakers. It also enables them to assume a variety of positions in the art world, such as art handlers, experts in art transportation and installation, and preparators in gallery and museum settings.

Semester 5Credits
MAJOR AREAFA 341 - Drawing Workshop/Experimental Drawing1
FA 351 - Painting V: Contemporary Concepts3
FA 361 - Sculpture III: Advanced Traditional Materials3
FA 371 - Printmaking III: Advanced Works on Paper1.5
RELATED AREACG 211 - Computer-Assisted Design2
LIBERAL ARTSchoice - see Foreign Language* G83.5
HA 331 - Contemporary Art and Culture: 1945 to the Present3
Semester 6
MAJOR AREAFA 352 - Painting VI: Sources of Painted Imagery3
FA 363 - Sculpture: Casting as a Creative Medium3
FA 471 - Advanced Experimental Printmaking1.5
RELATED AREACG 214 - Web Page Construction
  or 311 - 2D Computer Image Generation
1.5-2
LIBERAL ARTSchoice - see Foreign Language*3.5
HA 411 - Western Theories of Art3
ELECTIVEchoice - General Elective1.5-3
Semester 7
MAJOR AREAFA 451 - Painting VII: Development of Personal Aesthetics3
FA 462 - Sculpture: New Materials3
RELATED AREAchoice - see Related Area Elective**3
LIBERAL ARTSchoice - see American History* G103
ELECTIVEchoice - General Elective1.5-3
Semester 8
MAJOR AREAFA 411 - Interdisciplinary Media1.5
FA 491 - Senior Project Thesis: Painting
  or 492 - Senior Project Thesis: Sculpture
3
IC 496 - Senior Internship B: Career Planning2
RELATED AREABE 403 - The Artist in the Marketplace3
LIBERAL ARTSchoice - see Other World Civilizations* G93
choice - see Writing Elective*3
TOTAL CREDIT REQUIREMENTS
MAJOR AREA28.5
RELATED AREA9.5-10
LIBERAL ARTS22
ELECTIVE3-6
 Total Credits: 63-66.5

 

SUNY General Education Requirements:
A “G” followed by a number 1-10 identifies specific courses that meet SUNY General Education baccalaureate degree requirements (or visit fitnyc.edu/gened ).

G1 Basic Communication; G2 Mathematics; G3 Natural Sciences; G4 Social Sciences; G5 Western Civilization; G6 The Arts; G7 Humanities; G8 Foreign Language; G9 Other World Civilizations; G10 American History.

*Requirements: See below.

American History: 3 credits
CHOICE of any non-HA course that meets General Education American History requirement (G10).

Foreign Language: 7 credits
Two semesters of the same foreign language, both of which must be 3.5 credit non-conversational courses (G8).

Other World Civilizations: 3 credits
CHOICE of HA 121, 221, 223, 224, 225, or 226 (any one of these meets G9).

Writing Elective: 3 credits
CHOICE of EN 266, 321, 361, 362, 363, or 364.

**Related Area Elective: 3 credits
CHOICE of SD 101 or 227, or IL 133.

Courses

FA 101 — Painting

1.5 CREDITS; 3 LAB HOURS

For students not majoring in Fine Arts. Through observation of still life and the figure, students are introduced to the use of oil or acrylic paint. Students develop color-mixing techniques emphasizing varied approaches to the use of paint. (G6: Arts)

FA 102 — Painting

1.5 CREDITS; 3 LAB HOURS

For students not majoring in Fine Arts. This course is a continuation of FA 101, with an emphasis on painting from still life and the figure. (G6: Arts)
Prerequisite(s): FA 101 (waived for Visual Presentation and Exhibition Design students)

FA 103 — Painting

1.5 CREDITS; 3 LAB HOURS

For students not majoring in Fine Arts. Abstract painting is explored through design, color, and composition. Experimentation with materials is encouraged. Painting medium is open. Any level of experience. (G6: Arts)

FA 104 — Sculpture - Basic

1.5 CREDITS; 3 LAB HOURS

For students not majoring in Fine Arts. Introduces the basic principles of sculpture and relief through the figure and other references. Clay and plasteline are used, and basic casting techniques are introduced. (G6: Arts)

FA 105 — Life Drawing

1.5 CREDITS; 3 LAB HOURS

For Fashion Design and Menswear students. Focus on figure drawing, stressing line, gesture, and composition. Study of proportion and anatomy of the human figure is undertaken. (G6: Arts)

FA 106 — Printmaking - Basic

2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS

For students not majoring in Fine Arts. Fundamental procedures in relief and intaglio printing are studied, using linoleum, woodcuts, and etching techniques. Students are introduced to basic printmaking processes, with an emphasis on exploring printmaking as a medium. Some drawing experience helpful

FA 107 — Basic Design

1.5 CREDITS; 3 LAB HOURS

For Fashion Design, Jewelry Design, and Menswear students. Exploration of fundamental concepts of two-dimensional design. Line, shape, texture, rhythm, and color are emphasized, with an introduction to three-dimensional design. (G6: Arts)

FA 108 — Basic Drawing

1 CREDIT; 2 LAB HOURS

For Photography majors. Students are introduced to drawing in black and white. Line, volume, composition, and perspective are taught through observation of still life and interiors. (G6: Arts)

FA 109 — Portrait and Figure Painting

1.5 CREDITS; 3 LAB HOURS

For students not majoring in Fine Arts. Students paint the portrait and the figure from an objective point of view, utilizing fundamental approaches. Initial studies are in charcoal and culminate in finished paintings of the head and figure. Oil or acrylic paint is used.
Prerequisite(s): FA 101

FA 113 — Fundamentals of Design I: 2D and Color

1.5 CREDITS; 0 LECTURE AND 3 LAB HOURS

Students explore the principles of two-dimensional design and color for the designer and fine artist, including the study of line, shape, positive and negative space, texture, and composition. (G6: Arts)

FA 114 — Fundamentals of Design II: 3D Form and Structure

1.5 CREDITS; 3 LAB HOURS

The concepts basic to all three-dimensional design are studied: definition of space through the use of line, planes, and solid forms; manipulation of mass, volume, and void; the use of structural systems; the relationship of surface and color to form; and the importance of proportion and scale, light, and shadow. (G6: Arts)

FA 116 — Creative Media

2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS

Using a wide variety of materials and design concepts, this course offers an opportunity for students to explore different approaches in creating nontraditional works of art. Emphasis is on enlarging students' capacity for imaginative expression in two- and three-dimensional projects. (G6: Arts)

FA 117 — Traditional Techniques in the Fine Arts

2 CREDITS; 1 LECTURE AND 2 LAB HOURS

This course develops students' insight into the techniques of masterworks in art history. The course combines lectures, demonstrations, visits to museums, and hands-on work in the studio. Students study and create works using such techniques as wet and dry media, ink and silverpoint, and encaustic, tempera, and oil painting

FA 131 — Life Drawing I

1.5 CREDITS; 3 LAB HOURS

An introduction to drawing the figure, students study line, proportion, gesture, and composition using pencil and charcoal. Study of anatomy is introduced. (G6: Arts)

FA 132 — Life Drawing II

1.5 CREDITS; 3 LAB HOURS

This course continues the study of the figure, with focus on a more sophisticated use of materials and the study of anatomy. (G6: Arts)
Prerequisite(s): FA 131

FA 141 — Drawing I

1.5 CREDITS; 3 LAB HOURS

This course introduces drawing with an emphasis on developing perceptual skills. Line, value, placement, and perspective with still life and interiors as subjects are studied. Black-and-white materials are used. (G6: Arts)

FA 142 — Drawing II

1.5 CREDITS; 3 LAB HOURS

A continuation of Drawing I, this course emphasizes compositional concepts using still life, interiors, and the figure. A variety of media, including ink wash and color, are used. (G6: Arts)
Prerequisite(s): FA 141 or CD 113

FA 151 — Painting I

3 CREDITS; 6 LAB HOURS

An introduction to the use of oil paint, this course uses a perceptual approach to still life and the figure. Color mixing, paint application, and compositional strategies are emphasized

FA 152 — Painting II

3 CREDITS; 6 LAB HOURS

This course is a continuation of Painting I, focusing on the figure, with further exploration of painting techniques and continued emphasis on drawing, composition, and color.
Prerequisite(s): FA 151

FA 153 — Watercolor and Its Applications

1.5 CREDITS; 3 LAB HOURS

The basic principles of watercolor technique are introduced. Students gain knowledge of color mixing and perception by direct observation and study of color theory as it pertains to watercolor, both transparent and opaque. Museum visits provide the opportunity to examine artists' uses and applications of various techniques

FA 161 — Sculpture I

3 CREDITS; 6 LAB HOURS

This basic course emphasizes traditional sculpture skills with the head and full figure as the subject. Clay is the medium

FA 171 — Printmaking I

1.5 CREDITS; 3 LAB HOURS

Students are introduced to basic printmaking processes, with an emphasis on exploring printmaking as a medium. Relief (woodcut, lino cut), intaglio (etching on metal or plastic), and monotype techniques are explored. Hand tools, edition printing, artists' proofs, and press operation are discussed

FA 172 — Printmaking II

1.5 CREDITS; 3 LAB HOURS

A continuation of Printmaking I, this course studies more advanced printmaking techniques, including color, paper, and metal plate lithography, resulting in the development of a portfolio or artist's book.
Prerequisite(s): FA 171

FA 202 — Basic Design: 3D

1 CREDIT; 2 LAB HOURS

For students not majoring in Fine Arts, this course is an introduction to the vocabulary of form in space and encourages inventiveness in concept and use of materials. (G6: Arts)

FA 203 — Drawing for Accessories

1.5 CREDITS; 3 LAB HOURS

Students draw still life and the figure from observation. Emphasis is on proportion, line, composition, and value. Accessories are incorporated as part of the subject matter from which the students will draw

FA 231 — Life Drawing III

1.5 CREDITS; 3 LAB HOURS

A study of the human figure, this course introduces the use of color, experiments with scale and materials, and further develops compositional strategies.
Prerequisite(s): FA 132

FA 232 — Life Drawing IV

1.5 CREDITS; 3 LAB HOURS

A continuation of Life Drawing III, this course emphasizes sustained drawings using mixed media and the development of a more complex relationship between the figure and space.
Prerequisite(s): FA 231

FA 251 — Approaches to Abstract Painting I

3 CREDITS; 6 LAB HOURS

Students are introduced to the tradition of abstraction. Projects emphasize color, composition, and experimentation with paint application in a nonobjective context.
Prerequisite(s): FA 152

FA 252 — Painting III

3 CREDITS; 6 LAB HOURS

Students explore painting from a representational viewpoint (still life and figure).
Prerequisite(s): FA 152

FA 253 — Approaches to Abstract Painting II

3 CREDITS; 6 LAB HOURS

This course is a continuation of Approaches to Abstract Painting I, with an emphasis on developing a personal style.
Prerequisite(s): FA 251

FA 254 — Painting IV

3 CREDITS; 6 LAB HOURS

A continuation of work in Painting III. Students are encouraged to develop their own style.
Prerequisite(s): FA 252

FA 261 — Sculpture II

3 CREDITS; 6 LAB HOURS

This course is a continuation of the aims of Sculpture I with emphasis on the use of new materials and methods.
Prerequisite(s): FA 161

FA 299 — Independent Study in Fine Arts

1-3 CREDIT

Prerequisite(s): a minimum 3.5 GPA and approval of instructor, chairperson, and dean for Art and Design

FA 301 — Anatomy for Toy Designers

1.5 CREDITS; 3 LAB HOURS

For Toy Design students. Students learn the basic human bone and muscle structure and compare it to the anatomies of other living forms in order to nurture creativity and invention

FA 341 — Drawing Workshop/Experimental Drawing

1 CREDIT; 2 LAB HOURS

Experimenting with material, scale, imagery, and process, students integrate observation, imagination-invention, abstraction, and conceptualization into their working methods. Through the drawing process, students develop their perception of visual components and their relationships in the physical world.
Prerequisite(s): FA 142 and FA 232 or equivalent
Co-requisite(s): FA 351

FA 351 — Painting V: Contemporary Concepts

3 CREDITS; 6 LAB HOURS

This course explores the postmodern idea that imagery may be combined with abstraction to construct pictorial space. Students study the use of the figure in a perceptual context and as an element in a narrative construct.
Prerequisite(s): FA 252 or equivalent

FA 352 — Painting VI: Sources of Painted Imagery

3 CREDITS; 6 LAB HOURS

Students develop their own vocabulary by learning to assimilate multiple sources of information and processes to meet their own creative needs. Art of other cultures, technology, personal psychology, and popular cultures provide resources for their work.
Prerequisite(s): FA 351

FA 361 — Sculpture III: Advanced Traditional Materials

3 CREDITS; 6 LAB HOURS

The study of figurative sculpture in abstract or realistic modes continues, using such materials as wax, plaster, stone, wood, and clay. Concepts include fragmentation and/or large-scale execution of the subject.
Prerequisite(s): FA 261 or equivalent

FA 363 — Sculpture: Casting as a Creative Medium

3 CREDITS; 6 LAB HOURS

Mold-making and casting as methods of reproduction, a way to transfer work into other materials, and a medium of sculptural expression are studied. Students research the use of traditional and nontraditional materials and produce finished works of art using the methods of mold-making and casting. A commercial casting operation is observed.
Prerequisite(s): FA 361

FA 371 — Printmaking III: Advanced Works on Paper

1.5 CREDITS; 3 LAB HOURS

Projects in lithography, relief, intaglio, stencil, collagraph, and the monotype are undertaken to explore both traditional and contemporary ideas in visual expression.
Prerequisite(s): FA 172
Co-requisite(s): FA 351

FA 411 — Interdisciplinary Media

1.5 CREDITS; 3 LAB HOURS

Exploring the use of technology in art, students break traditional boundaries that have defined the disciplines of painting, photography, sculpture, and printmaking in order to create multimedia work.
Prerequisite(s): FA 451

FA 451 — Painting VII: Development of Personal Aesthetics

3 CREDITS; 6 LAB HOURS

Through a series of paintings and sketches, students focus on an area of aesthetic or cultural concern. They develop conceptual consistency while also exploring differences among individual works in preparation for the thesis.
Prerequisite(s): FA 352

FA 462 — Sculpture: New Materials

3 CREDITS; 6 LAB HOURS

The exploration of sculpture continues with a focus on how the choice of materials communicates artistic voice. Students are introduced to the concept of public art and site-specific works.
Prerequisite(s): FA 363

FA 471 — Advanced Experimental Printmaking

1.5 CREDITS; 3 LAB HOURS

Advanced photo techniques in printmaking are studied. Students explore new ideas and printmaking formats by using photosensitized plates in methods of lithography, etching, and relief printmaking. The course deals with contemporary issues of content in printmaking.
Prerequisite(s): FA 371

FA 491 — Senior Project Thesis: Painting

3 CREDITS; 6 LAB HOURS

Under faculty supervision, students produce a coherent body of work in painting or related disciplines. They write and present a paper addressing the developmental process and aesthetic concerns of their work.
Prerequisite(s): FA 451

FA 492 — Senior Project Thesis: Sculpture

3 CREDITS; 6 LAB HOURS

Students pursue individual work supervised by faculty, producing a coherent body of work in sculpture or related disciplines that represent a culmination of their studies. In this capstone course, they write a paper that addresses the developmental process and the aesthetic concerns of their work.
Prerequisite(s): FA 462

FA 499 — Independent Study in Fine Arts

1-3 CREDIT

Prerequisite(s): a minimum 3.5 GPA and approval of instructor, chairperson, and dean for Art and Design