Foundation Program (BFA)
Program Goals
The Foundation program is designed to provide an extensive knowledge of the basic language, tools and techniques of visual thinking and communication. Foundation studies teach the principles of visual organization, in both two and three dimensions, color theory and drawing. Students learn perceptual acuity, conceptual understanding, and technical facility at an entry level. They become familiar with the major historical achievements in the history of art, and they learn to exhibit their work, both for in-class critiques as well as in an end-of-the-year exhibition.
As Foundation students are introduced to the visual process, so are they introduced to the critique as an essential tool in assessing their newfound visual competency. Group and individual critiques are a factor in every studio class, as students are taught to assess their own work and that of others. The Foundation portfolio review, the culmination of the freshman experience, provides the student with the opportunity to have his or her entire first year’s body of work critiqued, by faculty members as well as fellow students, while the Foundation student show introduces freshmen to the exhibition process.
Whether or not the student has mastered and incorporated the language, tools and techniques of visual thinking and communication is evident in that student’s final portfolio. Drawing ability, the use of color, an understanding of painting techniques, a knowledge of perspective, an appreciation and understanding of the history of art are evident in the work produced by the student by the end of their first year of the BFA. Evident also will be their ability to think through a problem and to solve that problem competently using a variety of tools and media.
Fine Arts (BFA)
Program Goals
Fine Arts majors must acquire an understanding of basic design principles, concepts, media and formats in the various fine arts disciplines (these include primarily drawing, painting, sculpture and printmaking). They must be able to draw competently, employing principles of design and color; they must have a working knowledge of various aesthetic issues, processes and media and their relationship to the conceptualization, development and completion of works of art; and they must have not only exposure to and an understanding of various specializations within the fine arts but must also develop an area of emphasis for their own work.
Graphic Design (BFA)
Program Goals
Graphic Design students must be able to solve communication problems. They must be able to identify the problem, gather and analyze information about it, generate alternative solutions, and evaluate the outcomes. They must learn to identify and respond to their audience, recognizing the physical, cultural and social factors that shape design decisions; understand visual organization, information hierarchy, symbolic representation, typography, aesthetics, and the construction of meaningful images; understand the use of tools and technologies, including, but not limited to, the computer, printing processes, and photography. Students must also understand design history as well as basic business practices, including the organization of design projects and working productively as a member of a team. Multidisciplinary/cross-platform situations will begin to figure more prominently in syllabi, as will environmental graphic design projects.
Illustration (BFA)
Program Goals
Illustration is the art of visual storytelling. The discipline combines traditional and digital skills, and contains elements of the fine arts and graphic design. There are innumerable ways in which these may be utilized; the individual illustrator will determine how this is to be achieved in response to his/her artistic objectives and an ever-changing cultural, technological, and economic landscapes.
To help them thrive in a dynamic profession, students will develop the proficiency in visual communication and critical thinking skills via studies in drawing, painting, design, digital media, and the liberal arts. In addition, emphasis will be placed on market theory, business principles, and practical skills, and on an understanding of the social and cultural role of the professional illustrator.
Interior Design (BFA)
Program Goals
Interior Design students must have an understanding of the principles and applications of design and color in two and three dimensions, particularly with regard to human response and behavior and in both commercial and residential applications. This requires an in-depth knowledge of the aesthetic properties of structure and surface, space and scale, materials, furniture, textiles and lighting, as well as an ability to research and solve problems creatively in ways that pertain to the function, quality and effect of specific interior situations. They must develop the ability to understand and integrate human factor considerations, such as ergonomics and environmental control systems. They must understand the technical aspects of construction and building systems, building codes, sustainable design, and health and safety issues; verbal, written and representational communication, including the use of the computer for drawing and drafting; the history of architecture, furniture and the decorative arts; ethical business practices; and research theories and methodologies. And, increasingly, students must be fully cognizant of environmental issues such as sustainability and “green” design. Cross-platform projects will increasingly play a larger role.
Graphic Design (MA)
Program Goals
The
goal of the Master of Arts in Graphic Design is to produce graphic design
professionals who think critically, analytically and independently; who
cultivate design excellence; who exhibit a robust and active interest in their
profession and in life, and who create intellectually centered communications
that are mindful of cultural trends and societal needs. The Master’s program
responds to students’ intellectual and professional interests through
personalized instruction tailored to the professional and academic objectives
of the individual. The flexibility of the program’s curriculum allows for
constant incorporation of contemporary technological trends and design
practices that are essential to a designer’s professional success. Using a
holistic pedagogy, students are exposed to a variety of media and to as many
interdisciplinary skills as possible, and through the course of their studies,
they develop the proficiency required for present and emerging disciplines in
support of the graphic design profession.
Assessment Methods
The
success of our curriculum content and teaching methods are measured by the
continuing growth of student learning and ever-increasing and changing
knowledge base. We provide and measure quality through the implementation of
the following methods:
Critiques
Critique-based
learning in an integral component of our teaching methodology and is
incorporated into every studio course in the graduate curriculum. The critique
method allows students to gain valuable feedback from faculty and peers on
their work in-process and incorporate that feedback into their final design
solutions.
Grades
Candidates
in the Master of Arts Graphic Design program must maintain a 3.0 GPA with no
grade below a C- in any graduate course.
Semester
Portfolio Reviews
At
the end of each semester, students present their studio work to a panel of
critics comprised of Graphic Design faculty from the School of Art & Design
and professionals for whom graphic design is an integral part of their
occupation. Subsequent to the review, students receive written evaluations of
their portfolios detailing areas of strength and those areas needing
improvement.
Thesis
Reviews
The
three-semester thesis sequence of Thesis Research (AGD840), Thesis (AGDS842)
and Thesis Documentation (AGD 844) culminates in the comprehensive thesis
presentation to a panel of critics that includes School of Art & Design
faculty and outside graphic design professionals.
Program
Course Evaluations
Course
evaluations are required at the midterm and end of the semester for all studio
and academic courses. Evaluations are reviewed by senior administrative staff,
the Graduate Program Director and the faculty member. When necessary,
modifications to course content or teaching methods may be made in order to
better meet course objectives and achieve learning outcomes.
Feedback
from the Graphic Design Profession
Feedback
about students’ skills and the efficacy of the Master’s curriculum is garnered
from internship placements and from students and graduates working in the
field. Intern Evaluation Forms, which are completed by both students and
employers, are used to assess internship placements, the caliber of students’
studio skills and the application of studio content in a professional design
setting. Additionally, overall program effectiveness is measured by collecting
data on where graduates are employed, the type of work they are producing,
their contributions to the field and the awards they receive as professional
designers.
Competitions
In
conjunction with course projects, students are encouraged (and in some courses
required) to enter design competitions from local and worldwide professional
organizations. Participation in such competitions is used as a litmus test for gauging
the caliber of students’ skills and the effectiveness of pedagogy.
Interior Architecture (MA)
Program Goals
The
goals of the Master of Arts in Interior Architecture are to foster creativity
and innovation through abstract thinking; to develop critical, analytical and
strategic thinking; to encourage a social and global conscious and a
sustainable design perspective; to encourage technical expertise and
flexibility with industry tools and to foster interdisciplinary collaboration.
Students must demonstrate a knowledge base in the fine arts, technical arts and
liberal arts, within a global and sustainable framework of design thinking and
be able to apply that knowledge to a wide-ranging cross-section of interior
architectural projects.
Assessment Methods
The
success of the Master of Arts in Interior Design Program curriculum is measured
in the continued growth of student learning and increased knowledge base. The
Program measures that learning most comprehensively through the following
methods:
Academic
Performance
Candidates
must maintain a 3.0 GPA with no grade below C- in any graduate course.
Thesis
Presentation
The
three-semester Thesis sequence of Thesis Research (ADI 840), Thesis (ADI S842)
and Thesis Documentation (ADI 844) culminates in the comprehensive thesis
presentation to a panel of critics which includes School of Art & Design
faculty and outside architecture and design professionals.
Portfolio
Reviews
Each
spring, all students in the program are required to submit an electronic
portfolio of their studio work for review by two faculty members. Feedback is
returned to the student by the start of the fall semester. A final exit
portfolio review & interview with outside professionals is required in the
final semester after passing the Thesis presentation. A written evaluation is
provided by the critics.
Surveys
Periodic
student surveys are administered by the program to gain feedback on the
curriculum and the program sequencing.
Program
Course Evaluations
Course
evaluations are required at the midterm and end of the semester for all studio
and academic courses. Evaluations are reviewed by senior administrative staff,
the Program Co-Directors and the faculty member. Action is taken where
indicated.
Industry
Feedback
The
placement of students in internships and, ultimately, in jobs provides the
program with valuable feedback as to the skill level of the graduating student.
Feedback is provided formally through Internship Evaluation Forms and through
the biannual meeting of the Interior Design Advisory Board. Informally,
feedback is gathered from students in both their advising sessions with faculty
and in their reporting of job placement success.
Competitions
The
program encourages, supports financially, and regularly includes interior
design competitions in the curriculum. The interior design student body has
been the recipient of many top national awards including the IES Lighting
Design Competition and the ASID Student Competition, and the IIDA New England
Student Awards, among others.
Interior Architecture(MFA)
Program Goals
Assessment
measures for this degree program will include those focused on student learning
objectives and outcomes and the effect on the commonwealth of individuals to be
able to understand, analyze, synthesize, evaluate, and apply topics in the
study of interior architecture.
Graduates
with a MFA in Interior Architecture will have met the following learning
objectives:
Students
will understand, analyze, synthesize, evaluate, and apply design theory as
related to interior architecture topics.
Students
will have the ability to apply, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate research and
ask creative questions from a sound theoretical and practical (applied)
perspective.
Students
will develop proficiency in the ability to communicate effectively through both
the written word and the visual statement.
Students
will possess the creative skills and research skills to make a significant
contribution to the research and application of the study of interior
architecture.
Students
will comprehend, apply, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate interior architecture
topics as related to the individual student’s research interest (area of
inquiry), and as applied to the thesis project.
Assessment Methods
Measures
of success of the MFA Program include the following:
- Success of
student and faculty publications of quality peer-reviewed creative or
scholarly work.
- Success of
papers and creative work presented by students at academic conferences and
other professional venues that result from the thesis project.
- Success of
academic and professional positions, commissions, or other professional
venues in which students practice their professional or creative work
resultant from the thesis.
- Success of
students and faculty in securing external funding for creative or research
work.
- Success of
students and faculty in securing other venues in which to create and
disseminate work.
- Success of
awards and honors received by students and faculty.
- Success of the
ability of graduates to enhance, continue, or secure meaningful employment
in their field upon graduation.
