Penn Arts & Sciences Logo

2017 FALL

FALL 2017 COURSES

 

VISUAL STUDIES COURSES

Please see PennIntouch for VLST course offerings during the Fall 2017 Semester. 

 

STAGE 1:

 

Attention: Only one Visual Studies Stage 1 Course is offered in the Fall 2016 semester: VLST 102. Those interested in the Visual Studies major are highly recommended to take this course. VLST 101, 103 and 301 will be offered in the Spring 2017 semester. 

 

Visual Studies Stage 2 Courses offered in the Fall 2016 semester are limited in Sectors B.  

 

VLST 102. 2-Dimensions: Form and Meaning 

001 W 2:00-6:00 | Bendtsen/Hyland

Counts toward Stage 1 or 2 of the VLST major requirements.

 

This course will introduce students to the theory and practice of image making, focusing on the development of observational skills and analytical thinking. We will look at conventions of pictorial representation across time and cultures; discuss types of visual information and modes of formal language; explore visual narrative techniques; and seek to expand our understanding of the role images play in our culture. We will look at conventions of pictorial representation across time and cultures; discuss types of visual information and modes of formal language; explore visual narrative techniques; and seek to expand our understanding of the roll images play in our culture.

 

STAGE 2:

 

Sector A: 

 

VLST 305. What is an image?  

401 SEM R 1:30-4:30pm | Verstegen

This course may be applied to Visual Studies (Stage 2 or 3, Sector A) major requirements. 

 


The course explores various concepts of images. It considers natural images (as in optics), images as artifacts, virtual images, images as representations, and works of art as images.  Themes to include: the image controversy in cognitive science, which asks whether some cognitive representations are irreducibly imagistic; the question of whether some images resemble what they represent; the development of the concept of the virtual image and of three-dimensional images; the notions of pictorial representation and non-representational images in art.  Readings from C. S. Peirce, Nelson Goodman, Robert Hopkins, Dominic Lopes, W. J. T. Mitchell, John Kulvicki, and Mark Rollins, among others.  

 

VLST 211/PSYC 111. Perception  

401 LEC T R 9:00-10:30am | Burge

This course may be applied to Visual Studies (Stage 2 or 3, Sector A) major requirements.

 

The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of the facts and concepts of perception. The course will cover the different human senses and their physiological and perceptual characteristics, and the psychophysical methods used to measure those. Also, it will introduce the computational theories that attempt to describe the fundamental purpose of perception, and show how these theories will help us to not only better understand human perception as such, but ultimately to understand the human brain. 

 

PHIL 526. Philosophy of Psychology  

401 SEM T 3:00-6:00pm | Hatfield

This course may be applied to Visual Studies (Stage 2 or 3, Sector A) major requirements.

 

Where is mind to be found in nature? Is it revealed by end-driven behavior, by mental contents, by the ability to perceive an external environment? This seminar will consider these and related questions as they arise in selected episodes from the history of philosophy and in contemporary discussions of the evolution of minds, brains, and behavior.
 
Registration Notes
UNDERGRADUATES NEED PERMISSION

 

 

Sector B: 

 

VLST 235/ARTH 235. Introduction to the Visual Culture of Islam

401 LEC T R 12:00noon-1:20pm | Holod

This course may be applied to Visual Studies (Stage 2 or 3, Sector B) major requirements. 


A one-semester survey of Islamic art and architecture which examines visual culture as it functions within the larger sphere of Islamic culture in general. Particular attention will be given to relationships between visual culture and literature, using specific case studies, sites or objects which may be related to various branches of Islamic literature, including historical, didactic, philosophical writings, poetry and religious texts. All primary sources are available in English translation.

 

ARTH 278. American Art

401 LEC T R 12:00noon-1:20pm | Leja

This course may be applied to Visual Studies (Stage 2 or 3, Sector B) major requirements. 

This course surveys the most important and interesting art produced in the United States (or by American artists living abroad) up through the 1950s. This period encompasses the history of both early and modern art in the U.S., from its first appearances to its rise to prominence and institutionalization. While tracking this history, the course examines art's relation to historical processes of modernization (industrialization, the development of transportation and communications, the spread of corporate organization in business, urbanization, technological development, the rise of mass media and mass markets, etc.) and to the economic polarization, social fragmentation, political conflict, and the cultural changes these developments entailed. In these circumstances, art is drawn simultaneously toward truth and fraud, realism and artifice, science and spirituality, commodification and ephemerality, nationalism and cosmopolitanism, individualism and collectivity, the past and the future, professionalization and popularity, celebrating modern life and criticizing it.

 

Sector C:

 

VLST 251/FNAR 271. Introduction to Photography. 

401 STU T 1:30-4:30pm | Staff

402 STU W 10-1:00pm | Neighbor

403 STU R 5:00-8:00pm | Rodewald

404 STU W 2:00-5:00pm | Staff 

This course may be applied to Visual Studies (Stage 2 or 3, Sector C) major requirements.

 

This course is an introduction to the basic processes and techniques of black & white photography. Students will learn how to expose and process 35mm film, SLR camera operation, darkroom procedures & printing, basic lighting and controlled applications. It begins with an emphasis on understanding and mastering technical procedures and evolves into an investigation of the creative and expressive possibilities of making images. This is a project-based course, where students will begin to develop their personal vision, their understanding of aesthetic issues and photographic history. Assignments, ideas and important examples of contemporary art will be presented via a series of slide lectures, critiques and discussion. No previous experience necessary. 35mm SLR cameras will be available throughout the semester for reservation and checkout from the photography equipment room.

 

VLST 252/FNAR 145. Sculpture Practices. 

401 STU MW 10-1pm | Lopez

402 STU TR 1:30-4:30 | Staff 

This course may be applied to Visual Studies (Stage 2 or 3, Sector C) major requirements. 

 

As an introduction to traditional and contemporary three-dimensional practice, this course is concerned with the concepts and methodologies surrounding three-dimensional art making in our time. Students experiment with a variety of modes of production, and develop some of the fundamental techniques used in sculpture. In addition to these investigations, assignments relative to the history and social impact of these practices are reinforced through readings and group discussion. Processes covered include use of the Fab Lab, wood construction, clay, paper, mixed media, and more.

 

VLST 253/ FNAR 123. Drawing I 

401 STU MW 10-1pm | Staff

402 STU TR 1:30-4:30pm | Murphy

403 STU MW 10-1pm | Hornick

404 STU TR 9-12noon | Murphy

405 STU TR 5-8pm | Edgerton

This course may be applied to Visual Studies (Stage 2 or 3, Sector C) major requirements. 

 

This course is designed to develop visual awareness and perceptual acuity through the process of drawing. Students learn to sharpen perceptual skills through observational drawing, and to explore the expressive potential of drawing. A variety of problems and media will be presented in order to familiarize students with various methods of working and ways of communicating ideas visually. Subject matter will include object study, still life, interior and exterior space, self-portrait and the figure. Different techniques and materials (charcoal, graphite, ink, collage) are explored in order to understand the relationship between means, material and concept. Critical thinking skills are developed through frequent class critiques and through the presentation of and research into historical and contemporary precedent in drawing.

 

VLST 260/FNAR 150. Photography Practices 

401 STU R 1-4pm | Wahl

This course may be applied to Visual Studies (Stage 2 or 3, Sector C) major requirements. 

 

This course is an introduction to the basic principles, strategies and processes of photographic practice. It is designed to broaden the student's aesthetic explorations and to help the student develop a visual language based on cross-disciplinary artistic practice. Through a series of projects and exercises students will be exposed to a range of camera formats, techniques and encouraged to experiment with the multiple modes and roles of photography - both analogue and digital. Attention will also be given to developing an understanding of critical aesthetic and historical issues in photography. Students will examine a range of historical and contemporary photowork as an essential part of understanding the possibilities of image making.

 

VLST 261/FNAR 061. Video I

401 SEM TR 9-12pm | Hayes

402 SEM MW 10pm-1pm | Staff

403 SEM MW 2am-5pm | Staff

404 SEM TR 1:30-4:30pm | Staff

405 SEM MW 5-8pm | Staff

This course may be applied to Visual Studies (Stage 2 or 3, Sector C) major requirements.

 

This course provides students with the introductory skills and concepts related to producing short works that explore the language of the moving image. Students will learn the basics of cinematography and editing through a series of assignments designed to facilitate the use of the medium for artistic inquiry, cultural expression and narrative storytelling, through both individual and group projects. 

 

VLST 264/FNAR 264. Art, Design and Digital Culture 

401 STU MW 2-5pm | Rivkin

402 STU TR 1:30pm-4:30pm | Comberg

403 STU MW 5-8pm | Rivkin

404 STU TR 9am-12pm | Reifsnyder

405 STU TR 4:30-7:30pm | Fledderman

This course may be applied to Visual Studies (Stage 2 or 3, Sector C) major requirements.
 

This course is an introduction to the fundamental perception, representation, aesthetics, and design that shape today's visual culture. It addresses the way artists and designers create images; design with analog and digital tools; communicate, exchange, and express meaning over broad range of media; and find their voices within the fabric of contemporary art, design, and visual culture. Emphasis is placed on building an extended form of visual literacy by studying and making images using a variety of representation techniques; learning to organize and structure two-dimensional and three-dimensional space, and designing with time-based and procedural media. Students learn to develop an individual style of idea-generation, experimentation, iteration, and critique as part of their creative and critical responses to visual culture. 

 

VLST 265/FNAR 340. Digital Photography 

401 STU M 10-1pm | Staff

402 STU M 2-5pm | Staff

403 STU W 5-8pm | Staff

404 STU T 5-8pm | Martinez

405 STU W 10-1pm | Martinez

406 STU W 2-5pm | Diamond

407 STU W 5-8pm | Diamond

408 STU F 10-1pm | Staff

This course may be applied to Visual Studies (Stage 2 or 3, Sector C) major requirements.
 

 

This class offers an in-depth technical and conceptual foundation in digital imagery and the opportunity to explore the creative, expressive possibilities of photography. Students will become proficient with the basic use of the camera, techniques of digital capture, color management and color correction. They will also develop competency in scanning, retouching, printing and a variety of manipulation techniques in Photoshop. Through weekly lectures and critiques, students will become familiar with some of the most critical issues of representation, consider examples from photo history, analyze the impact of new technologies and social media. With an emphasis on structured shooting assignments, students are encouraged to experiment, expand their visual vocabulary while refining their technical skills. No previous experience is necessary. Although it is beneficial for students to have their own Digital SLR camera, registered students may reserve and checkout Digital SLR cameras and other high-end equipment from the department. 

 

ARCH 201. Visualization II: Fabrication 

201 STU TR 1:30-4:30pm | Bouchehrian

This course may be applied to Visual Studies (Stage 2, Sector C) major requirements for students in the ArchPT track only. 

 

Continues research into visualization with a special emphasis introducing the fabrication shop, tools and techniques. The capacity of materials, their manipulation and the consequences of their inter-relationships are explored as a fundamental issue in making. Through the analysis of precedents and the production of new works, visualizing these relationships complements drawing with a material imagination and vocabulary. 

 

STAGE 3:

Stage 3 course selections in your sector of concentration should made in consultation with your Sector Adviser and approved by the Visual Studies Program Director.  These course selections are meant to create specialized depth in the chosen area of concentration to complement the breadth offered by the core curriculum. Many of the courses offered but not completed in Stage 2 may be applied to Stage 3, but many courses without VLST cross-listings are also options. 

 

Sector A: Courses in Philosophy, Psychology, and Cognitive Science that have a significant portion of the course related to perception

 

Sector B: Courses in Cinema Studies, History of Art and Visual Culture (perhaps even in Communications)

 

Sector C: Courses in Fine Arts and Architecture offered through the School of Design and other design courses. 

 

STAGE 4:

 

VLST 395. Senior Project. (E) 

301 SEM T 3-4:30pm | Freedman/Verstegen 

Prerequisite(s): Permission of Instructor Required. 

 

VLST 399. Independent Study

Staff 

 

VLST 599. Independent Study 

Staff