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High School Programs

Early College Program Online Summer Institute Courses

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Early College Program Online Summer Institute

Online classes take place Monday through Friday in Central Time. Times will be adjusted for international students outside of the US to ensure meeting times work for your time zone. On average, students will join their peers in a virtual classroom and will navigate the virtual resource library and work on studio projects on a schedule that works best for them. Faculty will work with each student to determine a one-on-one advising schedule and assist students as they work in a more self-driven way on their projects. Virtual classroom meetings and critiques will be complemented by visiting artist lectures, workshops, admissions presentations, and portfolio reviews. Note that faculty will have office hours and will be available to assist students during designated independent studio work time and will help students make meaningful connections with peers. 

Click here to sign up for our info session that outlines all of the details of the On-Campus and Online Summer Institutes.

Courses Includes

  • Online: Advanced Drawing and Painting Projects
  • Online: Animation and Video Projects*
  • Online: Design Projects (Topic: Architecture)*
  • Online: Drawing/Painting/Comics and Graphic Novels
  • Online: Fashion Design
  • Online: Portfolio Prep Studio
  • Online: Visual Communication Design

Note: Students are required to have their own computer. If enrolled in Animation and Video Projects, Design Projects, or Visual Communication Design, you will be provided with an Adobe Creative Cloud license for the duration of the course. We recommend that you have a laptop that meets the minimum requirements for Adobe Creative Cloud.

Title Catalog Instructor Schedule

Description

This course is a rigorous exploration of contemporary sculptural practices with an emphasis on critical relationships between form, material, and content. Students use research, instructor feedback, and peer support to realize their own unique visions in three dimensions. Discussions of materials, processes, and hands-on practice empower students to move from concept to completed work, generating a better understanding of how sculpture is situated within the context of culture and society at large. Projects allow for an investigation of traditional and contemporary materials and methods, including installation, carving, casting, fabrication, mold making, and construction. Demonstrations of SAIC's digital tools, field trips to the Art Institute of Chicago, and artist presentations supplement the studio experience. Artwork and/or performances that are temporary in nature or that cannot be easily transported will be properly documented through photography and/or video.
*NOTE* Previous experience in sculpture helpful, but not required. SAIC will provide basic equipment, but students are encouraged to bring their own digital camera, tablet, and/or laptop for homework and after-studio hours projects.

Class Number

1040

Credits

2

Department

Early College Program Summer Institute

Subject

CS Sculpture

Location

Sharp 332, Sharp 332

Description

In this course, students are introduced to both concepts and processes utilized in the production of digital 2D animation. Turn your drawings into moving images using compositing, layering, and collaging. Students are encouraged to experiment while building skills in software programs such as Adobe Photoshop, After Effects and others. Trips to the Art Institute of Chicago and local galleries/studios, artist presentations, and group critiques supplement the studio experience. *NOTE* Basic drawing and computer experience required. Previous experience in animation or with Adobe Creative Suite is helpful, but not required. SAIC provides computers with the appropriate software, but students are also encouraged to bring their own digital camera, tablet, and/or laptop for homework and after-studio hour projects.

Class Number

1020

Credits

2

Department

Early College Program Summer Institute

Subject

CS Film, Video, New Media,Anim

Location

MacLean 908, MacLean 908

Description

In this course, students are introduced to both concepts and processes utilized in the production of digital 2D animation. Turn your drawings into moving images using compositing, layering, and collaging. Students are encouraged to experiment while building skills in software programs such as Adobe Photoshop, After Effects and others. Trips to the Art Institute of Chicago and local galleries/studios, artist presentations, and group critiques supplement the studio experience. *NOTE* Basic drawing and computer experience required. Previous experience in animation or with Adobe Creative Suite is helpful, but not required. SAIC provides computers with the appropriate software, but students are also encouraged to bring their own digital camera, tablet, and/or laptop for homework and after-studio hour projects.

Class Number

1034

Credits

2

Department

Early College Program Summer Institute

Subject

CS Film, Video, New Media,Anim

Location

MacLean 908, MacLean 908

Description

In this course, students are introduced to both concepts and processes utilized in the production of digital 2D animation. Turn your drawings into moving images using compositing, layering, and collaging. Students are encouraged to experiment while building skills in software programs such as Adobe Photoshop, After Effects and others. Trips to the Art Institute of Chicago and local galleries/studios, artist presentations, and group critiques supplement the studio experience. *NOTE* Basic drawing and computer experience required. Previous experience in animation or with Adobe Creative Suite is helpful, but not required. SAIC provides computers with the appropriate software, but students are also encouraged to bring their own digital camera, tablet, and/or laptop for homework and after-studio hour projects.

Class Number

1045

Credits

2

Department

Early College Program Summer Institute

Subject

CS Film, Video, New Media,Anim

Location

MacLean 908, MacLean 908

Description

Designed for writers who want to investigate the craft of writing through experimentation with style, format, and media, students explore the possibilities of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and hybrid practices as they investigate the many intersections between visual art and language, such as comics, artists¿ books, film, and performance. This one-week course offers a sampling immersion into interdisciplinary writing practices as experienced in studio writing courses at SAIC. Students will generate new writing and learn how to work through revision toward building future finished projects.

Through traditional and unconventional forms of writing, students develop their own voice and vision, express ideas in new ways, and give their writing a new creative edge. With faculty guidance and peer support, students share their literary efforts in class and are assigned reading and writing exercises to clarify, expand, and challenge written expressions.

*Note: Some previous writing experience is beneficial. Students are required to bring their own laptop or tablet with word processing software, such as Word, Pages, TextEdit, etc.

Class Number

1009

Credits

1

Department

Early College Program Summer Institute

Subject

CS Writing

Location

Sharp 329, Sharp 329

Description

This course explores traditional and non-traditional methods of altering, enriching, and manipulating existing fiber-based materials and objects; using techniques such as soft-sculpture building, stitching, cutting, dyeing, wrapping, printing, stenciling, paper manipulation, and layering in combination with waxes, adhesives, and collage. Projects may range from fabric sculptures to embellished clothing to altered objects to layered reliefs and beyond. Emphasis is placed on surface treatment and experimentation while also considering conceptual concerns to create portfolio-quality works. Looking to artists such as Nick Cave, Tara Donovan, Anna Betbeze, Isa Genzken, Carlos 'Dzine' Rolan, and Samantha Bittman, students learn to make artwork through appropriation and object/paper manipulation as well as an introduction to soft sculpture techniques. Trips to the Art Institute of Chicago, thrift stores, and local galleries/studios, artist presentations, and group critiques supplement the studio experience. Artwork and/or performances that are temporary in nature or that cannot be easily transported will be properly documented through photography and/or video.
*NOTE* Students do not need prior experience for this course, but basic hand sewing skills are helpful. Students are encouraged to bring their own digital camera, tablet, and/or laptop for homework/research and after-studio hours projects.

Class Number

1044

Credits

2

Department

Early College Program Summer Institute

Subject

CS Fiber and Material Studies

Location

Sharp 902, Sharp 902

Description

Grounded in an interdisciplinary approach, students in this advanced course explore a range of creative strategies used by contemporary artists in order to develop new ideas and create strong, portfolio-quality work. This course is designed to introduce students to a number of new media, materials, and methods to expand skills in areas such as drawing, painting, sculpture, installation, video, sound, and performance. With extensive faculty guidance and peer support, students will develop individual projects, learn to clearly articulate their ideas, and produce work that fully represent them as artists. Artist presentations, critiques, and field trips supplement studio coursework. This course is intended for students that have previous experience and a deep interest in the visual arts, want to add new work to their portfolio, and are comfortable working independently from specific assignments using interdisciplinary practices. Artwork and performances that are temporary in nature or that cannot be easily transported will be properly documented through photography and video.

*NOTE* Previous experience in art/design and the ability to work independent of specific assignments required. SAIC provides basic equipment for this course, but students are encouraged to bring their own digital camera, tablet, and/or laptop for homework and after-studio hours projects.*NOTE* Previous experience in art/design and the ability to work independent of specific assignments required. SAIC provides basic equipment for this course, but students are encouraged to bring their own digital camera, tablet, and/or laptop for homework and after-studio hours projects.

Class Number

1021

Credits

2

Department

Early College Program Summer Institute

Subject

CS Interdisciplinary

Location

Sharp 213, Sharp 213, Sharp 214, Sharp 214

Description

Grounded in an interdisciplinary approach, students in this advanced course explore a range of creative strategies used by contemporary artists in order to develop new ideas and create strong, portfolio-quality work. This course is designed to introduce students to a number of new media, materials, and methods to expand skills in areas such as drawing, painting, sculpture, installation, video, sound, and performance. With extensive faculty guidance and peer support, students will develop individual projects, learn to clearly articulate their ideas, and produce work that fully represent them as artists. Artist presentations, critiques, and field trips supplement studio coursework. This course is intended for students that have previous experience and a deep interest in the visual arts, want to add new work to their portfolio, and are comfortable working independently from specific assignments using interdisciplinary practices. Artwork and performances that are temporary in nature or that cannot be easily transported will be properly documented through photography and video.

*NOTE* Previous experience in art/design and the ability to work independent of specific assignments required. SAIC provides basic equipment for this course, but students are encouraged to bring their own digital camera, tablet, and/or laptop for homework and after-studio hours projects.*NOTE* Previous experience in art/design and the ability to work independent of specific assignments required. SAIC provides basic equipment for this course, but students are encouraged to bring their own digital camera, tablet, and/or laptop for homework and after-studio hours projects.

Class Number

1021

Credits

2

Department

Early College Program Summer Institute

Subject

CS Interdisciplinary

Location

Sharp 213, Sharp 213, Sharp 214, Sharp 214

Description

3D animation is a versatile and fast growing industry used in applications from video games to movies to virtual immersive environments. Students in this course learn how to build three dimensional spaces, audio, interactivity, life forms, and/or objects using Maya software. Looking to 3D artists such as Alex McLeod, Jennifer Steinkamp, and the Zeitguised, students research how 3D animation as a medium can be used in traditional and non-traditional ways. The course begins with introductory exercises to explore the possibilities in 3D modeling and animation, ultimately focusing on the skills necessary to complete individually-driven final project(s).

*NOTE* Previous experience with computers and digital imaging software such as Adobe Photoshop is preferred. Experience with animation helpful but not required. SAIC provides computers with the appropriate software, but students are also encouraged to bring their own laptop with software for after-studio hours and homework. This is a great course to take along with 3D Game Spaces and Virtual Environments.

Class Number

1035

Credits

2

Department

Early College Program Summer Institute

Subject

CS Film, Video, New Media,Anim

Location

MacLean 819, MacLean 819

Description

Grounded in an interdisciplinary approach, students in this advanced course explore a range of creative strategies used by contemporary artists in order to develop new ideas and create strong, portfolio-quality work. This course is designed to introduce students to a number of new media, materials, and methods to expand skills in areas such as drawing, painting, sculpture, installation, video, sound, and performance. With extensive faculty guidance and peer support, students will develop individual projects, learn to clearly articulate their ideas, and produce work that fully represent them as artists. Artist presentations, critiques, and field trips supplement studio coursework. This course is intended for students that have previous experience and a deep interest in the visual arts, want to add new work to their portfolio, and are comfortable working independently from specific assignments using interdisciplinary practices. Artwork and performances that are temporary in nature or that cannot be easily transported will be properly documented through photography and video.

*NOTE* Previous experience in art/design and the ability to work independent of specific assignments required. SAIC provides basic equipment for this course, but students are encouraged to bring their own digital camera, tablet, and/or laptop for homework and after-studio hours projects.*NOTE* Previous experience in art/design and the ability to work independent of specific assignments required. SAIC provides basic equipment for this course, but students are encouraged to bring their own digital camera, tablet, and/or laptop for homework and after-studio hours projects.

Class Number

1047

Credits

2

Department

Early College Program Summer Institute

Subject

CS Interdisciplinary

Location

Sharp 213, Sharp 213, Sharp 214, Sharp 214

Description

Grounded in an interdisciplinary approach, students in this advanced course explore a range of creative strategies used by contemporary artists in order to develop new ideas and create strong, portfolio-quality work. This course is designed to introduce students to a number of new media, materials, and methods to expand skills in areas such as drawing, painting, sculpture, installation, video, sound, and performance. With extensive faculty guidance and peer support, students will develop individual projects, learn to clearly articulate their ideas, and produce work that fully represent them as artists. Artist presentations, critiques, and field trips supplement studio coursework. This course is intended for students that have previous experience and a deep interest in the visual arts, want to add new work to their portfolio, and are comfortable working independently from specific assignments using interdisciplinary practices. Artwork and performances that are temporary in nature or that cannot be easily transported will be properly documented through photography and video.

*NOTE* Previous experience in art/design and the ability to work independent of specific assignments required. SAIC provides basic equipment for this course, but students are encouraged to bring their own digital camera, tablet, and/or laptop for homework and after-studio hours projects.*NOTE* Previous experience in art/design and the ability to work independent of specific assignments required. SAIC provides basic equipment for this course, but students are encouraged to bring their own digital camera, tablet, and/or laptop for homework and after-studio hours projects.

Class Number

1047

Credits

2

Department

Early College Program Summer Institute

Subject

CS Interdisciplinary

Location

Sharp 213, Sharp 213, Sharp 214, Sharp 214

Description

Grounded in an interdisciplinary approach, students in this advanced course explore a range of creative strategies used by contemporary artists in order to develop new ideas and create strong, portfolio-quality work. This course is designed to introduce students to a number of new media, materials, and methods to expand skills in areas such as drawing, painting, sculpture, installation, video, sound, and performance. With extensive faculty guidance and peer support, students will develop individual projects, learn to clearly articulate their ideas, and produce work that fully represent them as artists. Artist presentations, critiques, and field trips supplement studio coursework. This course is intended for students that have previous experience and a deep interest in the visual arts, want to add new work to their portfolio, and are comfortable working independently from specific assignments using interdisciplinary practices. Artwork and performances that are temporary in nature or that cannot be easily transported will be properly documented through photography and video.

*NOTE* Previous experience in art/design and the ability to work independent of specific assignments required. SAIC provides basic equipment for this course, but students are encouraged to bring their own digital camera, tablet, and/or laptop for homework and after-studio hours projects.*NOTE* Previous experience in art/design and the ability to work independent of specific assignments required. SAIC provides basic equipment for this course, but students are encouraged to bring their own digital camera, tablet, and/or laptop for homework and after-studio hours projects.

Class Number

1036

Credits

2

Department

Early College Program Summer Institute

Subject

CS Interdisciplinary

Location

Sharp 213, Sharp 213, Sharp 214, Sharp 214

Description

Grounded in an interdisciplinary approach, students in this advanced course explore a range of creative strategies used by contemporary artists in order to develop new ideas and create strong, portfolio-quality work. This course is designed to introduce students to a number of new media, materials, and methods to expand skills in areas such as drawing, painting, sculpture, installation, video, sound, and performance. With extensive faculty guidance and peer support, students will develop individual projects, learn to clearly articulate their ideas, and produce work that fully represent them as artists. Artist presentations, critiques, and field trips supplement studio coursework. This course is intended for students that have previous experience and a deep interest in the visual arts, want to add new work to their portfolio, and are comfortable working independently from specific assignments using interdisciplinary practices. Artwork and performances that are temporary in nature or that cannot be easily transported will be properly documented through photography and video.

*NOTE* Previous experience in art/design and the ability to work independent of specific assignments required. SAIC provides basic equipment for this course, but students are encouraged to bring their own digital camera, tablet, and/or laptop for homework and after-studio hours projects.*NOTE* Previous experience in art/design and the ability to work independent of specific assignments required. SAIC provides basic equipment for this course, but students are encouraged to bring their own digital camera, tablet, and/or laptop for homework and after-studio hours projects.

Class Number

1036

Credits

2

Department

Early College Program Summer Institute

Subject

CS Interdisciplinary

Location

Sharp 213, Sharp 213, Sharp 214, Sharp 214

Description

Grounded in an interdisciplinary approach, students in this advanced course explore a range of creative strategies used by contemporary artists in order to develop new ideas and create strong, portfolio-quality work. This course is designed to introduce students to a number of new media, materials, and methods to expand skills in areas such as drawing, painting, sculpture, installation, video, sound, and performance. With extensive faculty guidance and peer support, students will develop individual projects, learn to clearly articulate their ideas, and produce work that fully represent them as artists. Artist presentations, critiques, and field trips supplement studio coursework. This course is intended for students that have previous experience and a deep interest in the visual arts, want to add new work to their portfolio, and are comfortable working independently from specific assignments using interdisciplinary practices. Artwork and performances that are temporary in nature or that cannot be easily transported will be properly documented through photography and video.

*NOTE* Previous experience in art/design and the ability to work independent of specific assignments required. SAIC provides basic equipment for this course, but students are encouraged to bring their own digital camera, tablet, and/or laptop for homework and after-studio hours projects.*NOTE* Previous experience in art/design and the ability to work independent of specific assignments required. SAIC provides basic equipment for this course, but students are encouraged to bring their own digital camera, tablet, and/or laptop for homework and after-studio hours projects.

Class Number

1011

Credits

1

Department

Early College Program Summer Institute

Subject

CS Interdisciplinary

Location

Sharp 213, Sharp 213, Sharp 214, Sharp 214

Description

Grounded in an interdisciplinary approach, students in this advanced course explore a range of creative strategies used by contemporary artists in order to develop new ideas and create strong, portfolio-quality work. This course is designed to introduce students to a number of new media, materials, and methods to expand skills in areas such as drawing, painting, sculpture, installation, video, sound, and performance. With extensive faculty guidance and peer support, students will develop individual projects, learn to clearly articulate their ideas, and produce work that fully represent them as artists. Artist presentations, critiques, and field trips supplement studio coursework. This course is intended for students that have previous experience and a deep interest in the visual arts, want to add new work to their portfolio, and are comfortable working independently from specific assignments using interdisciplinary practices. Artwork and performances that are temporary in nature or that cannot be easily transported will be properly documented through photography and video.

*NOTE* Previous experience in art/design and the ability to work independent of specific assignments required. SAIC provides basic equipment for this course, but students are encouraged to bring their own digital camera, tablet, and/or laptop for homework and after-studio hours projects.*NOTE* Previous experience in art/design and the ability to work independent of specific assignments required. SAIC provides basic equipment for this course, but students are encouraged to bring their own digital camera, tablet, and/or laptop for homework and after-studio hours projects.

Class Number

1011

Credits

1

Department

Early College Program Summer Institute

Subject

CS Interdisciplinary

Location

Sharp 213, Sharp 213, Sharp 214, Sharp 214

Description

This course explores contemporary thinking and making within architecture and its impact on public life. Students will develop skills in hand drawing, digital modeling, as well as physical modeling in 3D. Through collaborative work and one-on-one mentorship, students learn how architects develop design ideas, do research and represent proposals. Conceptual thinking is emphasized as students work to envision new approaches to the built environment through multiple design approaches. An active studio practice will feature drawing and hand-built models of proposed spaces, buildings, sculptures and/or future environments. In addition, students examine the works of artists, architects and writers for inspiration. Students can expect to gain knowledge of the contemporary architectural landscape and the appreciation of the impact other disciplines have on architecture and design. Students will be able to create a portfolio-quality collection of sketches, technical drawings, physical models and design presentation boards.

Class Number

1015

Credits

2

Department

Early College Program Summer Institute

Subject

CS Architecture

Location

Sullivan Center 1241, Sullivan Center 1241

Description

This course is for students interested in exploring contemporary fashion design methods and materials rather than constructing specific garments. Students develop skills in illustrating the fashion figure, styling, draping, and fabric selection; are introduced to the history of fashion design and new research and documentation methods; and are exposed to contemporary designers and design practices. Students may explore resources such as SAIC's Fashion Resource Center, which houses a library on fashion and the history of costume, a number of individual garments and accessories of significant historical importance, and a rich collection of visual material not accessible to the general public, as well as the AIC's collection of art and textiles to develop an informed, thoughtful, and creative approach to design. The class will draw on these resources to develop unique textile and garment designs and to learn about clothing as a language, how garments communicate, and what they signify.

*NOTE* Basic drawing skills and figure drawing/illustration experience is beneficial. Students are encouraged to bring their own digital camera, tablet, and/or laptop for homework/research and after-studio hours projects.

Class Number

1019

Credits

2

Department

Early College Program Summer Institute

Subject

CS Fashion

Location

Sullivan Center 704, Sullivan Center 704

Description

Designed for students with little or no experience in oil painting, this course introduces the specific materials and processes of the medium. Demonstrations on stretching a canvas, laying out a palette, various paint application techniques, and color mixing provide the fundamentals of oil painting and a strong foundation for creating portfolio-quality work. In addition, color theory, composition, structure, proportion, and perspective are explored through observational painting, as well as exercises that encourage students to confidently experiment to find their own direction and style. Additional exercises expanding the idea of what painting can be may also be included. Please note that a nude model may be used in this course.
*NOTE* Basic drawing and water-based painting experience required. Students are encouraged to bring their own digital camera, tablet, and/or laptop for homework/research and after-studio hours projects. Note: Figure Drawing, Figure Painting, Painting, and Drawing courses may use nude models hired by the School. Other classes may use them to a lesser degree.

Class Number

1022

Credits

2

Department

Early College Program Summer Institute

Subject

CS Painting

Location

280 Building Rm 318, 280 Building Rm 318

Description

What are the differences and similarities between fine art, graffiti art, and street art? Many contemporary artists have discovered that viewers engage with their work differently at street level than on the walls of a gallery. Through daily experiments, presentations, workshops, field trips, and discussions, students focus on producing publicly engaged visual statements, aimed at new ways of thinking. Working in SAIC's studios and public spaces, students have the opportunity to create their own individual portfolio-quality works in addition to a collaborative mural or public project. Students investigate a variety of methods, including spray-painting, stencil and lettering, wheat pasting, and graphic drawing. Discussions about the work of contemporary artists inspire projects. While primarily a painting and drawing course, students may choose to work in a variety of media and forms, following their personal interests and research.

*NOTE* Some basic drawing experience is preferred, but not required. SAIC provides basic equipment for this course, but students are encouraged to bring their own digital camera, tablet, and/or laptop for homework and after-studio hours projects.*NOTE* Some basic drawing experience is preferred, but not required. SAIC provides basic equipment for this course, but students are encouraged to bring their own digital camera, tablet, and/or laptop for homework and after-studio hours projects.

Class Number

1023

Credits

2

Department

Early College Program Summer Institute

Subject

CS Painting and Drawing

Location

Sharp 332, Sharp 332

Description

What are the differences and similarities between fine art, graffiti art, and street art? Many contemporary artists have discovered that viewers engage with their work differently at street level than on the walls of a gallery. Through daily experiments, presentations, workshops, field trips, and discussions, students focus on producing publicly engaged visual statements, aimed at new ways of thinking. Working in SAIC's studios and public spaces, students have the opportunity to create their own individual portfolio-quality works in addition to a collaborative mural or public project. Students investigate a variety of methods, including spray-painting, stencil and lettering, wheat pasting, and graphic drawing. Discussions about the work of contemporary artists inspire projects. While primarily a painting and drawing course, students may choose to work in a variety of media and forms, following their personal interests and research.

*NOTE* Some basic drawing experience is preferred, but not required. SAIC provides basic equipment for this course, but students are encouraged to bring their own digital camera, tablet, and/or laptop for homework and after-studio hours projects.*NOTE* Some basic drawing experience is preferred, but not required. SAIC provides basic equipment for this course, but students are encouraged to bring their own digital camera, tablet, and/or laptop for homework and after-studio hours projects.

Class Number

1023

Credits

2

Department

Early College Program Summer Institute

Subject

CS Painting and Drawing

Location

Sharp 332, Sharp 332

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!