Early College Program Classes Courses

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Title Catalog Instructor Schedule

Description

Delve into the world of architecture, where creativity meets innovation. This course invites students to explore how architects transform concepts into captivating shapes, immersive spaces, and iconic buildings. Engage in a dynamic process that encourages experimentation with diverse forms and techniques, including foundational drawing, perspective, drafting, and advanced 3D modeling. During the course, you will tackle a variety of thought-provoking prompts and design challenges, utilizing materials such as chipboard, basswood, and foam core to bring your imaginative ideas to life in three-dimensional form. As a culmination of your journey, you will showcase your final projects, including compelling prints and drawings, tangible 3D models, or polished digital presentations. To enrich your understanding, you will also explore the influence of visionary artists, designers, and architects like Frank Gehry and Robert Irwin, examining how their work shapes digital and atmospheric experiences in design. While prior experience is not required, a familiarity with computers will enhance your creative process. Join us in this collaborative environment where art and architecture intersect, igniting your passion for design in exciting new directions.

Class Number

2411

Credits

1

Department

Early College Program

Subject

CS Architecture

Location

Sharp 407

Description

In this dynamic course, you'll explore drawing as a powerful way to express your thoughts, feelings, and unique ideas. Whether new to the medium or looking to sharpen your skills, you'll investigate contemporary themes and subjects while developing essential techniques like line, perspective, tone, proportion, composition, value, gesture, and contour. Get hands-on with various traditional and modern drawing materials, experimenting with everything from charcoal and graphite to ink and vibrant water-based paints. You'll also visit the Art Institute of Chicago, interact with professional artists, and take virtual tours of museums when available¿all designed to inspire your artistic journey. This course emphasizes personal expression and creative exploration, making it the perfect space for beginners and experienced artists to discover their artistic voice. Note: Figure Drawing and Figure Painting use nude models hired by the School. Other painting and drawing classes may use them to a lesser degree.

Class Number

2412

Credits

1

Department

Early College Program

Subject

CS Drawing

Location

280 Building Rm 325

Description

This engaging course invites you to unleash your creativity as you explore innovative design methods and materials, focusing on illustration, styling, draping, and fabric selection rather than the construction of specific garments. You'll learn about the rich history of fashion and discover research techniques that will spark your imagination. Plus, you'll examine contemporary works and practices currently reshaping the fashion industry. Visits to SAIC's Fashion Resource Center, a treasure trove of fashion history and stunning collection of garments and accessories, and the Art Institute of Chicago's collection of art and textiles will inspire your designs. Throughout this course, you'll create unique textile and garment designs while exploring how clothing communicates who you are. You'll develop skills in fashion illustration, draping, and even patternmaking while gaining a deeper understanding of garment history and contemporary designers. Whether you're new or have some experience, this course will help you unlock your design potential and express yourself through the powerful medium of fashion.

Class Number

2414

Credits

1

Department

Early College Program

Subject

CS Fashion

Location

Sullivan Center 701

Description

In this exciting course, you'll have the chance to bring your fashion ideas to life, from inspiration to finished garments. You'll start crafting original pattern blocks, then explore drafting and draping techniques. Along the way, you'll document your journey with dynamic photography and sketches that capture your creative process. Inspiring field trips to places like the Art Institute of Chicago and the Fashion Resource Center at SAIC help you transform your flat patterns into stunning fabric creations. You'll be free to experiment with various materials, including paper, muslin, secondhand clothing, and fabric off the bolt. This hands-on approach will allow you to express your unique style and vision. By the end of the course, you will create pieces that showcase your aesthetic and equip you with essential skills in garment construction.

Class Number

2415

Credits

1

Department

Early College Program

Subject

CS Fashion

Location

Sullivan Center 702

Description

**NOTE: This course is for College Arts Access Program (CAAP) students only and is closed to outside registrants.** Chicago, home to one of the country's largest concentrations of working artists, designers, and other creative professionals, is a city of unparalleled architecture, innovative public art, and world-class museums and galleries. In this course, students explore diverse contemporary practices through an interactive presentation series, including studio visits, with Chicago's leading art historians, artists, designers, writers and other creative professionals. Each presenter discusses their practice, followed by a guided workshop that asks students to respond through various exercises, ranging from making to performance to writing. Through the presentations, studio visits, and corresponding workshops, students reshape their definitions of contemporary art and design, explore the difference between cultural production and consumption, and learn what it takes to become a successful creative professional in the 21st century. This course is ideal for those who are engaged in art making as well as those interested in learning more about the professional paths of creative individuals and opportunities in the arts.

Class Number

2420

Credits

1

Department

Early College Program

Subject

CS Seminar

Location

Sharp 329

Description

**NOTE: This course is for College Arts Access Program (CAAP) students only and is closed to outside registrants.** Chicago, home to one of the country's largest concentrations of working artists, designers, and other creative professionals, is a city of unparalleled architecture, innovative public art, and world-class museums and galleries. In this course, students explore diverse contemporary practices through an interactive presentation series, including studio visits, with Chicago's leading art historians, artists, designers, writers and other creative professionals. Each presenter discusses their practice, followed by a guided workshop that asks students to respond through various exercises, ranging from making to performance to writing. Through the presentations, studio visits, and corresponding workshops, students reshape their definitions of contemporary art and design, explore the difference between cultural production and consumption, and learn what it takes to become a successful creative professional in the 21st century. This course is ideal for those who are engaged in art making as well as those interested in learning more about the professional paths of creative individuals and opportunities in the arts.

Class Number

2420

Credits

1

Department

Early College Program

Subject

CS Seminar

Location

Sharp 329

Description

In this hands-on studio course, students will not only develop new works of art to round out their portfolios for upcoming college applications but they will also select, revise, and edit their existing works. Through dynamic workshops and one-on-one meetings with SAIC faculty and admissions staff, students will discover the most effective way to document and organize their work and represent their unique points-of-views as artists to the colleges of their choice. This course also places emphasis on studio time and support from faculty to create final projects that will enhance student's overall portfolio presentation. Additional resources such as artist presentations, and virtual visits to the Art Institute of Chicago and other cultural institutions supplement the course curriculum.

Class Number

2421

Credits

1

Department

Early College Program

Subject

CS Seminar

Location

Sharp 402

Description

In this hands-on studio course, students will not only develop new works of art to round out their portfolios for upcoming college applications but they will also select, revise, and edit their existing works. Through dynamic workshops and one-on-one meetings with SAIC faculty and admissions staff, students will discover the most effective way to document and organize their work and represent their unique points-of-views as artists to the colleges of their choice. This course also places emphasis on studio time and support from faculty to create final projects that will enhance student's overall portfolio presentation. Additional resources such as artist presentations, and virtual visits to the Art Institute of Chicago and other cultural institutions supplement the course curriculum.

Class Number

2421

Credits

1

Department

Early College Program

Subject

CS Seminar

Location

Sharp 402

Description

In this hands-on studio course, students will not only develop new works of art to round out their portfolios for upcoming college applications but they will also select, revise, and edit their existing works. Through dynamic workshops and one-on-one meetings with SAIC faculty and admissions staff, students will discover the most effective way to document and organize their work and represent their unique points-of-views as artists to the colleges of their choice. This course also places emphasis on studio time and support from faculty to create final projects that will enhance student's overall portfolio presentation. Additional resources such as artist presentations, and virtual visits to the Art Institute of Chicago and other cultural institutions supplement the course curriculum.

Class Number

2422

Credits

1

Department

Early College Program

Subject

CS Seminar

Location

Online

Description

This course is perfect for students passionate about drawing but new to painting. Build your drawing skills as a solid foundation to explore exciting new painting techniques as you define your unique artistic vision with the guidance of your instructor. You will explore essential skills such as line, volume, space, materiality, form and function, and color. Various traditional and contemporary materials will be utilized, including graphite, charcoal, pastels, water-based paints, mixed media, and collage. Additionally, visits to the Art Institute of Chicago and discussions about contemporary artists will enhance the studio experience and inspire students to develop conceptual ideas in their artworks. By the end of this course, you'll have a deeper understanding of different art materials and the confidence to transition from drawing to painting. This course is beneficial for beginners as well as those looking to refine and enhance their skills. Note: Figure Drawing and Figure Painting use nude models hired by the School. Other painting and drawing classes may use them to a lesser degree.

Class Number

2417

Credits

1

Department

Early College Program

Subject

CS Painting and Drawing

Location

280 Building Rm 315

Description

Discover the exciting world of animation as you bring your drawings and ideas to life. In this course, you'll explore traditional and digital animation techniques, such as frame-by-frame and stop-motion. Get ready to work on various cool projects that let you express your imagination through motion studies, character and environment design, and captivating storytelling. You'll learn cinematic techniques, including composition, set design, and prop creation, while developing a final project that reflects your unique goals and interests. To enhance your experience, enjoy artist presentations, take inspiring trips to the Art Institute of Chicago, and engage in dynamic group discussions.

Class Number

2416

Credits

1

Department

Early College Program

Subject

CS Film, Video, New Media,Anim

Location

Sharp 403

Description

This advanced course is for students who have taken at least one or more Early College Program drawing or painting courses or have substantial experience in drawing or painting and want to take their work to the next level. The organization of ideas and development of self-directed work is emphasized with instructor guidance and peer support. Lead by their individual projects and goals, students may choose to work in a variety of media, such as water-based paint, oil paint, ink, pencil, charcoal, collage, or a combination of media. Trips to the Art Institute of Chicago, contemporary artist presentations, group critiques, and experimental interdisciplinary exercises supplement the studio experience. This course is intended for students with considerable experience in drawing or painting that want to add new work to their portfolio and are comfortable working independently from specific assignments.

Class Number

2418

Credits

1

Department

Early College Program

Subject

CS Painting and Drawing

Location

280 Building Rm 315

Description

Investigate visual storytelling through the dynamic art forms of comics and graphic novels. This course invites you to explore a range of creative techniques, including writing, storyboarding, penciling, inking, and coloring. Building a solid foundation in research methods will help you brainstorm and develop your ideas. You'll create compelling projects that explore narrative structures and seamlessly blend text with stunning visuals. Regular critiques will allow you to sharpen your skills. At the same time, inspiring visits to the Art Institute of Chicago will allow you to connect with contemporary artists, illustrators, and designers. Whether you're a seasoned artist or a beginner, this class is about unleashing your creativity and finding your unique voice in the art world.

Class Number

2413

Credits

1

Department

Early College Program

Subject

CS Drawing

Location

Sharp 213

Contact Us

Continuing Studies staff members are available Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. CT at 312.629.6170 or cs@saic.edu to answer your questions. We are here to help!