Early College Program Summer Institute Courses

Summer 2025 Registration is Open.

Merit scholarships and financial aid are offered!

Summer 2025 Session Dates

Session 1: 2-weeks, June 16–27
Session 2: 2-weeks, July 07–18
Session 3: 2-weeks, July 21–August 1
Session 4: 4-weeks, July 07–August 1
Session 5: 1-week, August 04–August 08

View all courses.

ECPSI classes are Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. providing you with an immersive studio experience. On Tuesday/Thursday evenings from 6:00–8:00 p.m. you will participate in exciting workshops designed to help you gain new skills and explore new ideas. Exhibition of student work will take place on the final day of each session. Note: Figure Drawing, Figure Painting, Painting, and Drawing courses may use nude models hired by SAIC.

Title Catalog Instructor Schedule

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

1063

Credits

2

Department

Early College Program Summer Institute

Subject

CS Film, Video, New Media,Anim

Location

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

1063

Credits

2

Department

Early College Program Summer Institute

Subject

CS Film, Video, New Media,Anim

Location

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

1063

Credits

2

Department

Early College Program Summer Institute

Subject

CS Film, Video, New Media,Anim

Location

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

1063

Credits

2

Department

Early College Program Summer Institute

Subject

CS Film, Video, New Media,Anim

Location

MacLean 908

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.<br>*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

1127

Credits

2

Department

Early College Program Summer Institute

Subject

CS Sculpture

Location

Sharp 332

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.<br>*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

1127

Credits

2

Department

Early College Program Summer Institute

Subject

CS Sculpture

Location

Sharp 332

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.<br>*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

1127

Credits

2

Department

Early College Program Summer Institute

Subject

CS Sculpture

Location

Sharp 332

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.<br>*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

1127

Credits

2

Department

Early College Program Summer Institute

Subject

CS Sculpture

Location

Sharp 332

Description

This course introduces students to basic photography skills while developing a personal, creative vision. Students study manual camera functions, exposure, lighting, digital workflow and output, and the creation of high quality prints using Adobe Bridge and Photoshop software, Canon inkjet printers, and high resolution laser printers. Contemporary art concepts and issues are examined as students explore the work of significant photographic artists, and consider the ideas and obstacles of communication through lens-based images. Presentations and discussions on contemporary and historical photography, visits to the Art Institute of Chicago's world-renowned photographic print study room, and regular critiques supplement the studio experience. This is a great course for students who have little experience in photography or experience making photographs using the auto functions on their camera, and want to gain a deeper understanding of the technical and conceptual forces behind lens-based imagery. <br>*NOTE* Students must provide their own digital SLR camera with manual functions (no point-and-shoot). SAIC provides computers with the appropriate software, but students are also encouraged to bring their own laptop with Adobe Bridge/Photoshop for after-studio hours and homework.

Class Number

1264

Credits

2

Department

Early College Program Summer Institute

Subject

CS Photography

Location

280 Building Rm 106

Description

This course introduces students to basic photography skills while developing a personal, creative vision. Students study manual camera functions, exposure, lighting, digital workflow and output, and the creation of high quality prints using Adobe Bridge and Photoshop software, Canon inkjet printers, and high resolution laser printers. Contemporary art concepts and issues are examined as students explore the work of significant photographic artists, and consider the ideas and obstacles of communication through lens-based images. Presentations and discussions on contemporary and historical photography, visits to the Art Institute of Chicago's world-renowned photographic print study room, and regular critiques supplement the studio experience. This is a great course for students who have little experience in photography or experience making photographs using the auto functions on their camera, and want to gain a deeper understanding of the technical and conceptual forces behind lens-based imagery. <br>*NOTE* Students must provide their own digital SLR camera with manual functions (no point-and-shoot). SAIC provides computers with the appropriate software, but students are also encouraged to bring their own laptop with Adobe Bridge/Photoshop for after-studio hours and homework.

Class Number

1264

Credits

2

Department

Early College Program Summer Institute

Subject

CS Photography

Location

280 Building Rm 106

Description

This course introduces students to basic photography skills while developing a personal, creative vision. Students study manual camera functions, exposure, lighting, digital workflow and output, and the creation of high quality prints using Adobe Bridge and Photoshop software, Canon inkjet printers, and high resolution laser printers. Contemporary art concepts and issues are examined as students explore the work of significant photographic artists, and consider the ideas and obstacles of communication through lens-based images. Presentations and discussions on contemporary and historical photography, visits to the Art Institute of Chicago's world-renowned photographic print study room, and regular critiques supplement the studio experience. This is a great course for students who have little experience in photography or experience making photographs using the auto functions on their camera, and want to gain a deeper understanding of the technical and conceptual forces behind lens-based imagery. <br>*NOTE* Students must provide their own digital SLR camera with manual functions (no point-and-shoot). SAIC provides computers with the appropriate software, but students are also encouraged to bring their own laptop with Adobe Bridge/Photoshop for after-studio hours and homework.

Class Number

1264

Credits

2

Department

Early College Program Summer Institute

Subject

CS Photography

Location

280 Building Rm 106

Description

This course introduces students to basic photography skills while developing a personal, creative vision. Students study manual camera functions, exposure, lighting, digital workflow and output, and the creation of high quality prints using Adobe Bridge and Photoshop software, Canon inkjet printers, and high resolution laser printers. Contemporary art concepts and issues are examined as students explore the work of significant photographic artists, and consider the ideas and obstacles of communication through lens-based images. Presentations and discussions on contemporary and historical photography, visits to the Art Institute of Chicago's world-renowned photographic print study room, and regular critiques supplement the studio experience. This is a great course for students who have little experience in photography or experience making photographs using the auto functions on their camera, and want to gain a deeper understanding of the technical and conceptual forces behind lens-based imagery. <br>*NOTE* Students must provide their own digital SLR camera with manual functions (no point-and-shoot). SAIC provides computers with the appropriate software, but students are also encouraged to bring their own laptop with Adobe Bridge/Photoshop for after-studio hours and homework.

Class Number

1264

Credits

2

Department

Early College Program Summer Institute

Subject

CS Photography

Location

280 Building Rm 106

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

1064

Credits

2

Department

Early College Program Summer Institute

Subject

CS Film, Video, New Media,Anim

Location

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

1064

Credits

2

Department

Early College Program Summer Institute

Subject

CS Film, Video, New Media,Anim

Location

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

1064

Credits

2

Department

Early College Program Summer Institute

Subject

CS Film, Video, New Media,Anim

Location

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

1064

Credits

2

Department

Early College Program Summer Institute

Subject

CS Film, Video, New Media,Anim

Location

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

1066

Credits

2

Department

Early College Program Summer Institute

Subject

CS Film, Video, New Media,Anim

Location

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

1066

Credits

2

Department

Early College Program Summer Institute

Subject

CS Film, Video, New Media,Anim

Location

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

1066

Credits

2

Department

Early College Program Summer Institute

Subject

CS Film, Video, New Media,Anim

Location

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

1066

Credits

2

Department

Early College Program Summer Institute

Subject

CS Film, Video, New Media,Anim

Location

MacLean 908

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!