A course designed to acquaint the student with the terminology, materials and goals of the artist. This class will survery Western Art from Ancient to Modern and introduce the student to artistic practices in World Art.

This course focuses on freehand drawing from direct observation. Students learn drawing techniques, methods, linear perspective, and compositional skills. The properties of line, value, texture, shape and space are dealt with as elemental to the drawing process. Drawing will be explored as a vehicle for thinking, seeing and communicating. An ability to render and draw expressively in a variety of materials is stressed. *3 credit hours/5 billed contact hours*

This course focuses on the drawing experience as a process for art-making and as a means to convey ideas. Different types of image-making processes are studied along with their potentials for meaning. Students learn to invent from observation and imagination. There is also an introduction to historical and contemporary drawing practices from many traditions. *3 credit hours/5 billed contact hours*

This course focuses on the elements of design in visual expression. Emphasis is placed on two- dimensional problem solving, organization of visual elements, and color theory. These elements will be explored using a variety of materials and methods. The student will be prepared to explore fine art or commercial design. *3 credit hours/5 billed contact hours*

This course focuses on the elements of design in sculpture and spatial arrangement. Emphasis is placed on three-dimensional problem solving and organization of form in space. These elements will be explored using a variety of materials and methods. The student will be prepared to explore fine art or commercial design. *3 credit hours/5 billed contact hours*

This course will introduce the various aspects of the graphic design field. Topics include visual communication theory and practice, an overview of typography, spatial relationships and the potential areas of specialization and employment. *3 credit hours/4 billed contact hours*

This class will cover the theory of color with special emphasis on the unique color theories used in print and web application. The class will introduce the importance and use of color in all dimensions of commercial art and graphic design. The focus will be on practical assignments related to commercial projects. *3 credit hours/4 billed contact hours*

This is an introductory course in the processing and camera techniques of 35mm photography and will explore both digital and analogue techniques. Emphasis is placed on basic photo composition, lighting, camera usage, darkroom techniques and procedures. The course accommodates both those who want to explore photography as a profession and those who want to improve their photographic skills. Students will be responsible to provide their own digital camera for coursework. Students must have Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) camera, camera phone is not acceptable. *3 credit hours/4 billed contact hours*

This course will explore the spectrum of image input into the digital format, manipulation of the image and the desired output using Adobe Photoshop. This class will be accessible to the beginning student and those pursuing graphic design or fine art application. *3 credit hours/4 billed contact hours*

This course explores the basics of illustration using Adobe Illustrator and relevant computer hardware. Digital illustration will be used as a tool to create brochures, labels and packaging as well as fine art applications. Emphasis will be placed on creating audience appropriate illustrations. *3 credit hours/4 billed contact hours*

This course focuses on drawing the human form from live models and the study of anatomy. The student will explore skeletal, muscular, and surface anatomy, as well as the essential aspects of life drawing (such as gesture, contour, proportion, structure and articulation). *3 credit hours/5 billed contact hours*

This course is a historical survey of art from prehistory to the Renaissance. Art will be explored in the context of the culture in which it was created and the perspective of the artists. An exploration of the principles and practices of the artistic disciplines will enhance understanding of the art that will be covered.

This course is a historical survey of art from the Renaissance to present day. Art will be explored in the context of the culture in which it was created and the perspective of the artists. An exploration of the principles and practices of the artistic disciplines will enhance understanding of the art that will be covered.

This is an introductory course in sculpture which will explore the theories and concepts of three- dimensional art forms in space. Mechanical, structural and compositional principles will be studied. A variety of sculptural techniques and materials will be used. *3 credit hours/5 billed contact hours*

This is an introductory course in painting, which will prepare the student to realize visual observations and find personal expression through painting media. The class will explore oil, acrylic, watercolor and tempera painting techniques. Emphasis will be placed on learning to see and mix color, as well as the use of color in composition. A survey of historical painting styles and techniques will be included. *3 credit hours/5 billed contact hours*

This course is a survey of the application, techniques, and limitations of watercolor as a representational painting medium. Students will experiment with a variety of traditional and contemporary watercolor processes. Included will be a survey of historical use of watercolor in fine art. *3 credit hours/5 billed contaat hours*

This is an advanced course in the application, techniques, and limitations of watercolor as a representational painting medium. Students will further experiment with a variety of traditional and contemporary watercolor processes. Included will be a survey of historical use of watercolor in fine art. *3 credit hours/5 billed contact hours*

This is an introductory course in oil painting which will examine the traditional oil painting techniques of imprimitura, under-painting, over- painting and glazing. Oil painting materials, pigments, and mediums will be explored in depth. Included will be a survey of the historical and contemporary use of oil piant in fine art. *3 credit hours/5 billed contact hours*

This is an advanced course in oil painting which will further examine the traditional oil painting techniques of imprimitura, under-painting, over- painting and glazing. Oil painting materials, pigments, and mediums will be explored in depth. Included will be a survey of the historical and and contemporary use of oil paint in fine art. *3 credit hours/5 billed contact hours*

This class will expand on the material covered in Introduction to Digital Photography and will give the student practical experience in Portrait, Product, and Location Photography with emphasis on professional photographic processes that are applicable to both the fine art and commercial photographer. Both the photographic studio and off site locations will be utilized for student work. Student will be responsible to provide their own digital camera for coursework. *3 credit hours/4 billed contact hours*

A course designed to give on-the-job expericence that is commensurate with the student's career objectives. It's intended to provide the student with proactical experience in a professional work environment. Internships vary in length but or normally for sone semester after 75% of the coursework is completed. Required are 135 to 240 hours of on-the-job experience, plus attendance in a scheduled seminar. The intership is cooperation the Sturgis Journal located in Sturgis, MI. and with its parent company, GateHouse Media. This is a paid intership and the Sturgis Journal determines the wages. A completed GOCC internship application is required for consideration.

This course is designed to introduce students to the basics of typography and the use of type in graphic design and visual communication. The class covers type and the letterforms as fundamental and aesthetic elements of visual design. This course uses traditional and digital media

This course is designed to give practical insight into the discipline of marketing and how it applies to the creative process within advertising agencies to create effective, integrated advertising campaigns for diverse markets and media. Advertising strategy based on media and marketing realities will be investigated and applied. Students will learn about the basic role and responsibilities of the art director/designer and how they influence and guide how products and services are brought to market.

This is the capstone course for the Associate of Arts in Visual Art degree. In this course the student will create a portfolio of their work in preparation for submission to potential employers, galleries, or schools. The student will work individually with the instructor to select representative pieces of their work, design the presentation and produce the final portfolio in both digital and traditional media. The successful completion of this course if necessary to receive the Associate of Arts in Visual Arts degree.