<<
[ home ] [ major ] [ FAQs ] [ news ] [ works ]

 
 

ARTH 101 Introduction to the History of Art Part II: Renaissance to the Present
Staff
A foundation course in the history of art. From Michelangelo to media culture, this course introduces the visual cultures of Europe, Africa, and the Americas beginning with the Renaissance, using key issues and monuments as the focus of discussion. Two lectures and one conference per week.Weekly conferences emphasize observational and analytical skills and are normally given in the Davis Museum and Cultural Center. Required course for all art history, architecture, and studio art majors, who should plan to elect both ARTH 100 and 101 in their first or second year at Wellesley. Prerequisite: ARTH 100 and 101 can be selected separately, but students are advised to elect 100 before 101. Distribution: Arts,Music, Theatre, Film,Video Semester: Spring Unit: 1.0

ARTH 101/WRIT 125 Introduction to the History of Art Part II: Renaissance to the Present
Rhodes
See description for ARTH 101 above. Students in this section of ARTH 101 will attend the same twice-weekly lectures as the other ARTH 101 students, but their assignments will be different, and they will attend two special Writing 125 conferences each week. Through writing about art, students in 101/125 will develop skills in visual and critical analysis. This course satisfies the Writing 125 requirement and counts as a unit towards a major in art history, architecture, or studio art. Prerequisite: Open to all first-year students. Distribution: Arts,Music, Theatre, Film,Video Semester: Spring Unit: 1.0

ARTH 225 Modern Art Since 1945
Berman

A survey of art since World War II, examining painting, sculpture, photography, performance, video, film, conceptual practices, and the mass media. Critical issues to be examined include the art market, feminist art practices, the politics of identity, and artistic freedom and censorship. Prerequisite: None. ARTH 100 and 101 recommended. Distribution: Arts,Music, Theatre, Film,Video Semester:N/O Unit: 1.0

ARTH 226 History of Photography: From Invention to Advertising Age
Berman

Photography is so much a part of our private and public lives, and it plays such an influential role in our environment, that we often forget to examine its aesthetics, meanings, and histories. This course provides an introduction to these analyses by examining the history of photography from the 1830s to the present. Considering fine arts and mass media practices, the class will examine the works of individual practitioners as well as the emergence of technologies, aesthetic directions, markets, and meanings. Prerequisite: None. ARTH 100 and 101 strongly recommended. Distribution: Arts,Music, Theatre, Film,Video Semester:N/O Unit: 1.0

ARTH 291 Persuasive Images
Berman
NOT OFFERED IN 2005-6
Visual images have always been enlisted to influence individual and collective decision making, action, and identity. However, the rise of the mass media in the nineteenth century, and the multiplication of visual technologies in the twentieth century, have created unprecedented opportunities for the diffusion of persuasive images. This course examines the uses and functions of visual images in advertising and propaganda and considers, in particular, graphic arts, photography, film, and other reproductive media. It also considers the interplay between elite and popular arts. The goal of the course is to refine our critical understanding and reception of the visual world. Prerequisite: None Distribution: Arts,Music, Theatre, Film,Video Semester: Spring Unit: 1.0

ARTS 108 Photography I
Palu-ay, Black
This introductory course explores photography as a means of visual communication by producing and analyzing photographic images. Emphasis is on acquiring basic black-and-white technical skills with 35mm cameras and traditional darkroom practices. Class discussions and studio projects address a range of technical, compositional, and aesthetic issues fundamental to imagemaking. Strong emphasis is on the development of both a technical grasp of the tools and a critical awareness of the medium through assignments and critiques. Prerequisite: None. Permission of instructor required. File application online through the art department Web page before preregistration. Distribution: Arts,Music, Theatre, Film,Video Semester: Fall, Spring Unit: 1.0

ARTS 109 Basic Two-Dimensional Design
Slavick
This studio course focuses on the issue of composition in two-dimensional imagery. It introduces the fundamental elements of design (e.g. line, shape, value, space, color) and their function in the process of composition. Studio projects emphasize formal problem-solving skills as a means of achieving more effective visual communication. Weekly assignments given in a variety of media. Recommended for those interested in pursuing any type of two-dimensional or digital media. Prerequisite: None. Open to all nonseniors. Seniors must obtain permission of the instructor. Distribution: Arts,Music, Theatre, Film,Video Semester: Fall, Spring Unit: 1.0

ARTS 113 Basic Three-Dimensional Design (pre-req for ARTS 264)
Dorrien
This introductory course explores the basic formal and spatial considerations when working with three-dimensional structure and form. Studio projects incorporate a range of materials and methods of visualization. Outside assignments and class discussions are aimed towards helping students enhance their creativity and spatial awareness while acquiring sensitivity for placement, process, and materials. Strongly recommended for those interested in sculpture, architecture, installation art, and/or product design. Prerequisite: None. Open to all nonseniors. Seniors must obtain permission of the instructor. Distribution: Arts,Music, Theatre, Film,Video Semester: Fall, Spring Unit: 1.0

ARTS 165 Introduction to Video Production (pre-req for ARTS 265 & 260)
Mekuria, Staff
Introduction to the principles of video production with emphasis on developing basic skills of recording with a video camera, scripting, directing, and editing short videos. Prerequisite: None. Permission of instructor required. File application online through art department Web page before preregistration. Distribution: Arts,Music, Theatre, Film,Video Semester: Fall, Spring Unit: 1.0

ARTS 219 Introductory Print Methods: Lithography/Monotype
McGibbon, TBA
TBA
An introduction to the central concepts of printmaking, using planographic printing methods such as stone and plate lithography, image transfers, and monotype. Students develop visual and creative flexibility through hands-on work with image sequences, text, and multiples. Several assignments explore color layering and some incorporate digital methods. Students participate in a collaborative print exchange in addition to completing individual projects.
ARTS 219 and 220 are complementary courses addressing similar concepts but different printing techniques and may be elected in either order. Studio fee of $35.
Prerequisite: ARTS 105 or 109 or permission of instructor required.
Distribution: Arts, Music, Theater, Film, Video
Semester: Fall Unit: 1.0

ARTS 220 Introductory Print Methods: Intaglio/Relief
McGibbon, TBA
This course examines the major concepts of printmaking using intaglio methods such as copper plate etching and relief methods including linocut. Students develop visual and creative flexibility while exploring image sequences, text, and multiples. Several projects involve extensive work in color and some incorporate digital applications. Students participate in a collaborative print portfolio exchange in addition to completing individual projects. ARTS 219 and 220 are complementary courses and may be elected in either order. Studio fee of $35. Prerequisite: ARTS 105 or 109 or by permission of the instructor. Distribution: Arts Music, Theater, Film,Video Semester: Spring Unit: 1.0

ARTS 221 Digital Imaging
Olsen
Artistic production through electronic imaging, manipulation, and design. Emphasis is on expression, continuity and sequential structuring of visuals through the integration of image, type, and graphics. Handson production techniques of image capturing, lighting and processing are explored in conjunction with print and screen output methods. Lectures and screenings of historic and contemporary uses of technology provide a background and context for the coursework. Prerequisite: ARTS 108 or by permission of instructor. File application online through art department Web page before preregistration. Distribution: Arts,Music, Theatre, Film,Video Semester:N/O Unit: 1.0

ARTS 255 Dynamic Interface Design
Olsen
Creative exploration of the expanding field of interface design for online interactive media. Emphasis will be on effective visual communication and creative content. Hands-on production will focus on design methods,multimedia web, vector-based media, and dynamic audio. Screenings and discussions on contemporary practices, and theoretical, artistic, and cultural issues. Prerequisite: ARTS 109 and CS 110; or by permission of instructor. File application online through art department Web page before preregistration. Distribution: Arts,Music, Theatre, Film,Video Semester: Spring Unit: 1.0

ARTS 260 Moving Image Studio
Olsen
Creative exploration of the moving image as it relates to digital methods of animation, video, and motion graphics. Hands-on production of audio, image, text, and time-based media synthesis, with a conceptual emphasis on nonlinear narrative, communication design and visual expression. Screenings and lectures on historical and contemporary practices, coupled with readings and discussions of the theoretical, artistic, and cultural issues in the moving image. Prerequisite: ARTS 108 or 165 or 221 Distribution: Arts,Music, Theatre, Film,Video Semester:N/O Unit: 1.0 48 Art /Studio Art

ARTS 265 Intermediate Video Production
Mekuria, TBA

An exploration of the techniques and styles of producing documentary videos.We will survey current issues surrounding objectivity and representation as it concerns the documentary form. Strong emphasis on storytelling. Special focus on lighting, sound recording, and editing.We will screen and analyze various styles of documentary films. Final projects will be short documentaries. Prerequisite: ARTS 165 or by permission of instructor. Distribution: Arts,Music, Theatre, Film,Video Semester:N/O Unit: 1.0

ARTS 313 Virtual Form
Olsen, NOT OFFERED IN 2005-6
Introduction to the design and production of three-dimensional objects and spaces using industry-standard modeling software. Overview of basic modeling, surface design and camera techniques. Emphasis on creative application of the media, in relation to architectural, experimental and time-based forms. Screenings and lectures on traditional and contemporary practices, coupled with readings and discussions of the theoretical, artistic, and cultural issues in the virtual world. Prerequisite: ARTS 113 or MIT 4.101 or 4.125. Permission of instructor required. File application online through the art department Web page before preregistration. Distribution: Arts,Music, Theatre, Film,Video Semester: Fall Unit: 1.0

ARTS 317 Seminar. Topics in the Visual Arts
Harvey
Topic for 2005-06: Art’s Dialogue with Nature. Each student will work towards developing an understanding of her personal connections to the natural world as she develops a visual language that allows her to investigate and express those connections. This course emphasizes close observation and active interpretation of personally selected natural elements (ranging from miniature insects to geological formations to the night sky, for example). In addition to ongoing critiques of classroom assignments in a variety of media there will be readings, field trips and guest lectures. Each student will also pursue a self-directed final project for inclusion in a group exhibition.
Prerequisite:
ARTH 101, ARTS 105 and 3 other studio courses (one at the 200 level) required. Permission of instructor required based on presentation of portfolio of previous work in Studio Art.
Distribution: Arts, Music, Theater, Film, Video
Semester: Spring Unit 1.0

ARTS 320 Architectonics and Installation
Staff
Creative inter-media collaboration within the practice in architecture, art, and design. Studio projects will emphasize the synthesis and interrelation of imaging and time-based media to spatial art forms and structures.Materials, techniques, and issues in the creation of hybrid forms, architectonics and the solution of problems. Lectures on the historic and contemporary practices of intermedia artists, designers, thinkers and scientists, coupled with readings and discussions. Prerequisite: Two 200-level courses in ARTS. By permission of instructor. File application online through the art department Web page before preregistration. Distribution: Arts,Music, Theatre, Film,Video Semester: Spring Unit: 1.0

CAMS 175 Introduction to Cinema Studies
Viano
In this introductory course students will learn about cinema studies as a recently formed discipline. Starting with a reflection on the difference between film and cinema, we will question the field’s theoretical lynchpins, such as spectatorship and authorship, intertextuality and cultural production. The role played by audio-visual technology in the formation of what is called modernity’s structure of feeling will be investigated through the analysis of feature films, documentaries, animation, and various videotaped materials. Finally, students will get a sense of film history, with a special focus on silent films and cinema’s beginnings worldwide. Prerequisite: Preference given to cinema and media studies majors, first-year students and sophomores. Distribution: Arts,Music, Theatre, Film,Video

CS 110 Computer Science and the Internet
Anderson, Kakavouli, Lee, Sheldon
This course explains the basics of how the Internet works and how to build a Web site. Topics include client-server architecture, structuring Web pages with HTML, the representation of colors, images, and sound on the computer, file compression, encryption, cookies, and copyright, intellectual property issues, and critical thinking in the context of the Internet. The required project also models most phases of the standard software lifecycle. Students are introduced to programming by building an interactive Web site using JavaScript. Students are required to attend an additional discussion section each week. Students considering additional computer science courses should take 111, not 110. Students can receive Mathematical Modeling distribution credit for only one of 110, 111, and 199. Consult “Choosing an Introductory CS Course” online at http://cs.wellesley.edu/~cs/whichCS1xx.html. Prerequisite: None. No prior background with computers is expected. Distribution:Mathematical Modeling Semester: Fall, Spring Unit: 1.0

CS 111 Computer Programming and Problem Solving
Shull, Stephan, Tjaden
An introduction to problem solving through computer programming. Using the Java programming language, students learn how to read, modify, design, debug, and test algorithms that solve problems. Programming concepts include control structures, data structures, abstraction, recursion, modularity, and object-oriented design. Students explore these concepts in the context of interactive programs involving graphics and user interfaces. Students are required to attend an additional two-hour laboratory section each week. Required for students who wish to major or minor in computer science or elect more advanced courses in the field. Students can receive Mathematical Modeling distribution credit for only one of 110, 111, and 199. Consult “Choosing an Introductory CS Course” online at http://cs.wellesley.edu/~cs/whichCS1xx.html. Prerequisite: None. No prior background with computers is expected. Distribution:Mathematical Modeling. Does not satisfy the laboratory requirement. Semester: Fall, Spring Unit: 1.0

CS 115/PHYS 115 Robotic Design Studio
(Wintersession) Berg (Physics),
Turbak In this intensive course, students are introduced to engineering principles while designing and assembling robots out of LEGO parts, sensors, motors, and tiny computers. Fundamental robotics skills are learned in the context of studying and modifying a simple robot known as SciBorg. Then, working in small teams, students design and build their own robots for display at a robot exhibition. These projects tie together aspects of a surprisingly wide range of disciplines, including computer science, physics, math, biology, psychology, engineering, and art. Students may register for either CS 115 or PHYS 115. Credit will be given in the department in which the student is registered. Prerequisite: None Distribution: Natural and Physical Science Semester:Wintersession Unit: 0.5

CS 215 Multimedia Design and Programming
Metaxas
.
The purpose of this course is to give students a broad foundation in issues related to creating multimedia and hypermedia applica- tions. Topics to be covered include history and philosophy of hypermedia; principles of humancomputer interaction; multimedia programming; optimizing for CD-ROMs and the World Wide Web; digital representation and editing of media (audio, graphics, video); media compression and transmission; and delivery of multimedia applications. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. File application on line before preregistration. At least 111 (preferred) or 110 is required. At least one of ARTS 105, ARTS 108 or ARTS 109 is recommended. Distribution:Mathematical Modeling Semester: N/O. Unit: 1.0

CS 230 Data Structures
Hildreth, Turbak
An introduction to techniques and building blocks for organizing large programs. Topics include: modules, abstract data types, recursion, algorithmic efficiency, and the use and implementation of standard data structures and algorithms such as lists, trees, graphs, stacks, queues, priority queues, tables, sorting, and searching. Students become familiar with these concepts through weekly programming assignments using the Java programming language. Prerequisite: 111 or permission of the instructor. Students who received a grade of C+ or lower in 111 must contact the instructor before enrolling. Distribution:Mathematical Modeling Semester: Fall, Spring Unit: 1.0

CS 231 Fundamental Algorithms
Tjaden
An introduction to the design and analysis of fundamental algorithms. General techniques covered: divide-and-conquer algorithms, dynamic programming, greediness, probabilistic algorithms. Topics include: sorting, searching, graph algorithms, compression, cryptography, computational geometry, and NP-completeness. Prerequisite: 230 and either MATH 225 or permission of the instructor. Distribution:Mathematical Modeling Semester: Fall, Spring Unit: 1.0

CS 242 Computer Networks

A systems-oriented approach to data networks, including a theoretical discussion of common networking problems and an examination of modern networks and protocols. Topics include point-to-point links, packet switching, internetworking, end-to-end protocols, congestion control, and security. Projects may include client-server applications and network measurement tools. Alternate year course. Prerequisite: 230 or permission of the instructor. Not open to students who have taken this course as 249 in Fall 2003. Distribution:Mathematical Modeling. Semester: N/O. Unit: 1.0

CS 304 Databases with Web Interfaces
Anderson
A study of the design of file systems and databases, including file organization and access methods, concepts of database management, and database querying using SQL.We will look at the entity-relationship model as a way of structuring data, and we will use relational algebra and relational calculus as a formal system for operating on data.We will investigate how databases are represented, including B+ trees and hash indexes.We will briefly discuss sorting methods for databases. Finally, we will create dynamic Web documents driven by database entries. Alternate year course. Prerequisite: 230. Not open to students who have taken this course as 349 in Spring 2003. Distribution:Mathematical Modeling Semester: Spring Unit: 1.0

CS 307 Computer Graphics
Anderson
A survey of topics in computer graphics with an emphasis on fundamental techniques. Topics include: graphics hardware, fundamentals of three-dimensional graphics including projection, coordinate transformation, synthetic camera specification, color, shading, hidden surface removal, animation, and texture-mapping.We also cover the mathematical representation and programming specification of lines, planes, curves, and surfaces. Prerequisite: 230 Distribution:Mathematical Modeling Semester: Fall Unit: 1.0

EXP 240 Papyrus to Print to Pixel
Rogers (Library) and Ruffin (Library)
The electronic revolution wasn’t the first: written communication changed radically from the hand-written papyrus rolls of the ancient Greeks and Romans to the codex-form manuscripts of the Middle Ages, again with the invention of printing from moveable type, again with the development of industrial, mass-market, low cost printing and the paperback, and again with the development of electronic texts. Lectures, discussions, and weekly hands-on labs will examine how previous and contemporary revolutions in the technology of written communication have affected society, from religion to economics to politics. Assignments will include making papyrus sheets, producing a manuscript, making paper, setting type and printing letterpress, designing Web sites, and creating a hypertext version of a rare book. Prerequisite: By application. Distribution: Arts,Music, Theatre, Film,Video or Historical Studies Semester: Fall Unit: 1.0

MAS 250 Research or Individual Study Prerequisite: Open to all students by permission. Distribution: None Semester: Fall, Spring Unit: 1.0

MAS 350 Research or Individual Study Prerequisites: Open to Juniors and Seniors by permission Distribution: None Semester: Fall, Spring Unit: 1.0

MAS 360 Senior Thesis Research Prerequisites: By permission of department. See Academic Distinctions Distribution: None Semester: Fall, Spring Unit: 1.0

MAS 370 Senior Thesis Prerequisites: 360 Distribution: None Semester: Fall, Spring Unit: 1.0

MUS 275 Computer Music: Synthesis Techniques and Compositional Practice
Brody
An overview of the fundamental concepts, techniques, and literature of electronic and computer music. Topics include the technology of acoustic and digital musical instruments, MIDI programming, sound synthesis techniques (frequency modulation, sampling, linear synthesis, waveshaping, etc.), and the history of electronic music. Students will undertake brief compositional exercises, and learn basic programming and related technical skills. Prerequisite: None Distribution: Arts,Music, Theatre, Film,Video Semester: Fall Unit: 1.0

SOC 216 Sociology of Mass Media and Communications
Srinivas
Analysis of the interplay between social forces, media, and communication processes in contemporary society. Significance of historical changes from oral to written communication, development and structure of modern forms of mass media such as radio, television, and film; political economy of the mass media, rise of advertising and development of consumer culture; mass media in the formation of cultural representations of other societies and cultures, role of the media in the process of identity formation, and in the democratic process. Discussions of the rise and social implications of the Internet. Students will use computer technologies to analyze mass media. Prerequisite: One 100-level unit or permission of instructor. Distribution: Social and Behavioral Analysis Semester: Fall Unit: 1.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[created & maintained by Panagiotis Metaxas, last updated June 24, 2009 ]