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2012-2013 CU Denver Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Fine Arts BFA — 3D Graphics and Animation, Digital Design, Drawing, Painting, Photography, Scientific Media Design, Sculpture, Transmedia Emphases
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All students pursuing the BFA in fine arts must complete 27 semester hours of visual arts courses and also select an emphasis area, consisting of 54 additional semester hours (63 for scientific media design). Students interested in pursuing a double emphasis (e.g., emphases in drawing and painting) are encouraged to consult a College of Arts & Media advisor to discuss required courses.
General Requirements
- All major courses for the major must be completed with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
- All upper-division visual arts courses must be taken at CU Denver unless otherwise approved by visual arts faculty.
- At least 27 semester hours of visual arts credits (at any level) must be taken at CU Denver.
- At least 25 semester hours of total visual arts courses must be upper-division.
Students must also follow the College of Arts & Media’s general degree requirements.
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Required Visual Arts Courses
To be completed by all BFA-seeking students: 3-D Graphics and Animation Emphasis Courses
The 3-D graphics and animation emphasis at the University of Colorado Denver is a competitive and rigorous four-year curriculum focused on preparing students to work in a wide variety of fields that use animated digital computer graphics (CG), including entertainment, film and television, gaming, medicine, and science. The 3-D graphics and animation emphasis is charged a higher rate than the standard course tuition due to the state-of-the-art technology used in the program. For more information regarding this rate, contact Howard Cook at howard.cook@ucdenver.edu or the College of Arts & Media Office CAMadvising@ucdenver.edu. In order to maintain the highest standards of excellence, acceptance into the 3-D graphics and animation emphasis comes at the end of the first year and is competitive by portfolio review. To be considered, students are required to take the first two courses in the 3-D graphics and animation curriculum, and . These two courses are open to all College of Arts & Media and CU Denver students. Students wishing to enroll in these entry level courses must contact faculty member Howard Cook at howard.cook@ucdenver.edu or the College of Arts & Media Advising office at CAMadvising@ucdenver.edu before registering. Selection for entrance into the 3-D graphics and animation emphasis occurs at the end of the first year of the program and is a competitive process (by faculty review) that includes: - Submission by the candidate of a “Portfolio Demo Reel”. The reel must include original works from either or (preferably both), as well as representative works created in other Visual Arts courses completed during the first year of the program. The Portfolio Demo Reel must be turned in as a .mov (Quicktime, H.264, 720x404 minimum frame size, 16:9 aspect ratio). Still work should be a component of the reel and should be on screen for at least 3 seconds but no more than 10 seconds. Name and contact information should appear at the beginning and end of the reel. The reel should not be greater in length than 3.5 minutes.
- A “breakdown sheet”: the run time at which the work occurs and which describes what work is included on the submission reel, and, if collaborative in nature, what aspect of the work shown was created by the applicant. Turn in.pdf only please.
- A one page double-spaced written statement regarding the applicant’s aspirations as a productive and contributing member of the 3-D graphics and animation cohort and the CG community as a whole. Turn in .pdf only please.
- A 2.8 GPA in courses taken in the CU Denver 3-D graphics and animation courses.
The student’s submission package must be submitted electronically - \DACps2>Cook Drop Box>FreshmanPortfolioSubmissions no later than the first Friday after the spring semester has ended. Notification is by e-mail and/or letter and occurs on or before the first Monday of June of the application year. Upon acceptance, students will be able to enroll in advanced digital animation classes. Students should show only their best work and show the very best work first. Students should be selective since reels may only be 3.5 minutes long. Music is not recommended for professional reels, but if music is used, students should choose wisely. Please see http://www.cu3d.org or www.ucdenver.edu/academics/colleges/CAM/programs/va/Pages/3danimation.aspx for the emphasis and portfolio information, or contact area head Howard Cook at howard.cook@ucdenver.edu. The following courses are required for 3-D graphics and animation students, but are offered at the standard CU Denver tuition rates:
Digital Design Emphasis Courses
The digital design emphasis integrates aesthetic, creative and critical thought with expertise in advanced electronic media. Configured as an interdisciplinary arts and design laboratory, digital design offers a hands-on education combining new art technologies and design concepts in a concentrated theoretical framework that promotes an understanding of the cultural impact and uses of digital technologies. Through this interdisciplinary approach combining arts and communication, digital design strives to produce artists and designers who will use technology in innovative ways in both commercial and artistic spheres. Students who are applying for entrance into the digital design emphasis are required to submit a written statement, a designed portfolio and unofficial transcript(s) from CU Denver and all previous post-secondary educational institutions. The digital design course sequence starts in fall semester. Students who meet the following requirements can apply. Upon acceptance students will be able to register for upper-division digital design courses. ELIGIBILITY University of Colorado Denver Students - The student has completed or is in the process of completing the following Foundation Studio classes: , , , and (FINE 2405 and FINE 2415 offered only in fall semester).
- A cumulative fine arts/art history GPA of 2.70.
Transfer Students - The student has completed and is transferring a minimum of 24 credit hours from a previous institution.
- Student has completed or is in the process of completing the equivalents of the following foundation studio classes: , , and .
- A cumulative fine arts/art history GPA of 2.70.
APPLICATION PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS Properly prepared application packets must be uploaded to http://designucd.com by 5 p.m. on November 1 or on the following business day if the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday. Students should register and create a page one week prior to uploading so that they understand how to format and prepare work. Instructions for creating your online submission can be found at: www.designucd.com/index.php/portfolio/ Applications are only accepted online and must be formatted to the specifications listed on http://designucd.com/portfolio. The portfolio samples should consist of images (jpgs) and embedded video. Written work should be integrated into the submission. It is VERY important for students to visit the submission page early and begin uploads one week before the due date. Late submissions due to technical difficulties on the part of the applicant will NOT be accepted. Portfolio - The portfolio must include 10-12 electronic examples of your creative work. At least four portfolio works must be taken from Intro to Digital Design or Typography. Additional works may comprise design, drawing, sculpture, photography, installation, painting, video, etc.
- All artwork must include a corresponding brief explanation of the concept and creative process behind each piece.
Written Statement
The written statement should address all of the following in a clear, detailed and accurate essay no more than two pages in length. The content of the answers has significant impact on the committee’s decision whether to offer admission to the digital design emphasis. - The applicant describes why he or she would like to be a designer in the digital design emphasis and what goals and expectations the applicant has regarding digital design as a career. Include any special considerations that would be useful for the committee in making a decision, such as a high GPA, art-related extracurricular activities or relevent professional experience.
- The applicant reflects on the artists and designers who have influenced his or her artistic interests. Use at least two examples of each artist’s work, discussing both form and content.
- The applicant identifies their creative strengths and areas that need further development. How will the applicant best utilize strengths? How does the applicant plan to resolve any deficiencies in work and performance?
Course Transcripts These may be official or unofficial transcripts from CU Denver and previous post-secondary institutions. The Evaluation Process - A committee of design faculty members reviews the application packet. The decision for admission into the digital design emphasis is based on the portfolio, written statement and grades/GPA. For acceptance, the committee looks for a high level of skill and sophistication in studio, written and presentation skills.
- If not admitted into the digital design emphasis, a student has the choice of attempting the review process again the following year or selecting another emphasis. Students not admitted into the digital design emphasis are encouraged to schedule a meeting with a digital design faculty member to learn of ways to improve portfolios for future admissions.
The application is evaluated on the following criteria: - Presentation - Is the portfolio well crafted and well organized in content and presentation? Are all of the required components included?
- Visual Literacy - Does the portfolio reflect sensitivity to design concepts and visual logic, and does it demonstrate fundamental understanding of composition? Does the work communicate effectively?
- Technical Skill - Does the portfolio reflect a strong knowledge of tools and materials and a strong aptitude for digital design skills?
- Conceptual Skills - Do the portfolio and written statement demonstrate analytical thinking as it applies to visual art and design? Is there a developing conceptual exploration of the digital medium?
- Written Statement - Does the statement reflect an understanding of digital design and explain your goals as a student in the digital design emphasis? Are potential strengths and weaknesses addressed clearly?
- Academic Performance - Do your grades reflect a commitment to learning and growth?
Questions Please contact CAMadvising@ucdenver.edu for emphasis and portfolio information, or contact the digital design area head, Brian DeLevie, at brian.delevie@ucdenver.edu. Digital Design Electives Painting Emphasis Courses
Photography Emphasis Courses
Students in the Photography emphasis develop technical skills in traditional and digital photographic practice while refining creative and conceptual approaches to the medium. The Photography curriculum emphasizes individual artistic development while integrating the history of photography as well as contemporary work and critical theory. Through an exploration of a variety of photographic methods, students are given the tools to create visually compelling photographs that communicate their artistic ideas. Students who apply for entrance into the Photography emphasis must submit a portfolio packet including a written statement, a portfolio of images, and unofficial transcript(s) from CU Denver and all previous post-secondary educational institutions. Students who meet the following requirements and are accepted into the emphasis will be eligible to register for upper-division Photography courses. ELIGIBILITY University of Colorado Denver students and transfer students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.70 in Fine Art and Art History courses. In order to apply to the Photography minor, students must have completed or be in the process of completing the following courses: FINE 1100 - Drawing I FINE 2155 - Introduction to Digital Photography FINE 2600 - Art History Survey I PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS Students applying to the minor should submit a CD or DVD to the Area Head of Photography, Carol Golemboski, in room 815M of the CU Building. The CD or DVD is due by 5 p.m. on November 1, or on the following business day if the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday. Late submissions will not be accepted. The CD or DVD must include the following: Portfolio of Images - The portfolio must include ten examples of creative work. At least six portfolio images should be photographic (three images from Introduction to Darkroom Photography and three images from Introduction to Digital Photography). Additional examples may be in the form of design, drawing, sculpture, installation, painting and/or video.
- All portfolio images must include a brief explanation of the concept and creative process behind each piece.
- All images should be formatted as JPEGs.
Written Statement The written statement must address the following in a clear, detailed essay no more than two pages in length. - The applicant should describe why he or she would like to be in the Photography emphasis and what goals and expectations the applicant has regarding photography as a career. Include any special considerations that would be useful for the committee in making a decision, such as a high GPA, art-related extracurricular activities or relevant professional experience.
- The applicant should reflect on the artists and photographers who have influenced his or her artistic interests. Reference at least two examples of their work, discussing both form and content.
- The applicant should identify his or her creative strengths and areas that need further development.
Course Transcripts These may be official or unofficial transcripts from CU Denver and previous post-secondary institutions. The Evaluation Process - A committee of Photography faculty members reviews the portfolio packets. Acceptance into the photography emphasis is based on the portfolio images, written statement and GPA.
- If not admitted into the Photography emphasis, a student has the choice of attempting the review process again the following year or selecting another emphasis. Students not admitted into the Photography emphasis are encouraged to schedule a meeting with the Area Head of Photography to learn ways to improve their portfolio for future submissions.
Portfolios are evaluated based on quality of presentation, technical skill, creativity, conceptual development, and overall aptitude for excelling in the Photography emphasis. Additional evaluation is based on the applicant’s written statement and GPA in Visual Arts courses. The application is evaluated on the following criteria: Presentation - The portfolio should be well crafted and well organized in content and presentation. Technical Skill - The portfolio should demonstrate strong knowledge of the fundamental tools of photography including camera functions, analog film development and printing, digital imaging, as well as an understanding of design, form, composition and color. Creativity – The portfolio should demonstrate creative choices in content and aesthetics. Conceptual Skills - The portfolio and written statements should reflect analytical thinking and conceptual exploration of the photography medium. Written Statement - The statement should outline academic and artistic goals, addressing any potential strengths and weaknesses. Academic Performance - The grades must reflect a commitment to learning and growth. All required documentation included (images, written statement and transcripts.) Questions Please contact CAMadvising@ucdenver.edu for emphasis and portfolio information, or contact the photography Area Head, Carol Golemboski, at carol.golemboski@ucdenver.edu Scientific Media Design Emphasis Courses
Through a truly interdisciplinary approach that integrates design, art and science, the scientific media design emphasis offers an educational experience that combines collaboration, exploration, project-based learning and real world problem solving skills. Theoretical as well as practical knowledge prepares graduates for successful careers designing clear, accurate, communicative works for science and medicine. Admission into the scientific media design emphasis is by portfolio review. This review process occurs November 1 (or on the following business day if the deadline falls on a weekend or a holiday) during a student’s sophomore year after the student has met the following eligibility criteria. University of Colorado Denver Students The student has completed or is in the process of completing the following foundation studio classes: Cumulative fine arts/art history GPA of 2.7 Grade of C (2.0) or better required Transfer Students The student has completed and is transferring a minimum of 24 semester hours from a previous institution. The student has also completed or is in the process of completing the equivalents of the following foundation studio classes: Cumulative fine arts/art history GPA of 2.7 Grade of C (2.0) or better required Students who are applying for entrance into the scientific media design emphasis are required to submit a portfolio that consists of (1) a written statement, (2) a digital portfolio and (3) unofficial transcript(s) from all previous post-secondary education institutions. Upon acceptance into the scientific media design emphasis, students may register for upper-division classes in the scientific media design curriculum. APPLICATION PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS Properly prepared application packets must be uploaded to http://designucd.com by 5 p.m. on November 1 or on the following business day if the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday. Students should register and create a page one week prior to uploading so that they understand how to format and prepare work. Instructions for creating your online submission can be found at: www.designucd.com/index.php/portfolio/ Applications are only accepted online and must be formatted to the specifications listed on http://designucd.com/portfolio. The portfolio samples should consist of images (jpgs) and embedded video. Written work should be integrated into the submission. It is VERY important for students to visit the submission page early and begin uploads one week before the due date. Late submissions due to technical difficulties on the part of the applicant will NOT be accepted. Portfolio - The portfolio must include 10-12 electronic examples of your creative work. At least four portfolio works must be taken from Intro to Scientific Media Design or Intro to Digital Design. Additional works may comprise design, drawing, sculpture, photography, installation, painting, video, etc.
- All artwork must include a corresponding brief explanation of the concept and creative process behind each piece.
Written Statement
The written statement should address all of the following in a clear, detailed and accurate essay no more than two pages in length. The content of the answers has significant impact on the committee’s decision whether to offer admission to the scientific media design emphasis. - The applicant describes why he or she would like to be a designer in the scientific media design emphasis and what goals and expectations the applicant has regarding scientific media design as a career. Include any special considerations that would be useful for the committee in making a decision, such as a high GPA, art-related extracurricular activities or relevent professional experience.
- The applicant reflects on the artists and designers who have influenced his or her artistic interests. Use at least two examples of each artist’s work, discussing both form and content.
- The applicant identifies their creative strengths and areas that need further development. How will the applicant best utilize strengths? How does the applicant plan to resolve any deficiencies in work and performance?
Course Transcripts These may be official or unofficial transcripts from CU Denver and previous post-secondary institutions. The Evaluation Process - A committee of design faculty members reviews the application packet. The decision for admission into the scientific media design emphasis is based on the portfolio, written statement and grades/GPA. For acceptance, the committee looks for a high level of skill and sophistication in studio, written and presentation skills.
- If not admitted into the scientific media design emphasis, a student has the choice of attempting the review process again the following year or selecting another emphasis. Students not admitted into the scientific media design emphasis are encouraged to schedule a meeting with a scientific media design faculty member to learn of ways to improve portfolios for future admissions.
Portfolios are evaluated based on organization, craft, quality, creativity of ideas, compositional skills, concepts and consistency. Additional evaluation is based on the applicant’s statement and overall fine arts performance to date. The application is evaluated on the following criteria: - Presentation - Is the portfolio well crafted and well organized in content and presentation? Are all of the required components included?
- Visual Literacy - Does the portfolio reflect sensitivity to design concepts and visual logic, and does it demonstrate fundamental understanding of composition? Does the work communicate effectively?
- Technical Skill - Does the portfolio reflect a strong knowledge of tools and materials and a strong aptitude for digital design skills?
- Conceptual Skills - Do the portfolio and written statement demonstrate analytical thinking as it applies to visual art and design? Is there a developing conceptual exploration of the digital medium?
- Written Statement - Does the statement reflect an understanding of scientific media design and explain your goals as a student in the scientific media design program? Are potential strengths and weaknesses addressed clearly?
- Academic Performance - Do your grades reflect a commitment to learning and growth?
Questions Please contact CAMadvising@ucdenver.edu for emphasis and portfolio information, or contact the scientific media design area head, Travis Vermilye, at travis.vermilye@ucdenver.edu. Emphasis Course Requirements in Sciences
Emphasis Course Requirements in Fine Arts
Sculpture Emphasis Courses
Transmedia Emphasis Courses
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