What are the skill levels of the students in these courses? What if I have never taken an art course before?
Since there are no prerequisite courses, Visual Literacy is designed to be an introduction and entering students have a wide variety of skill levels. However, the unique design of the curriculum provides a challenge for each student regardless of his or her prior experience.
How much should I expect to spend on materials?
Budget at least $100 per course ($200 per semester), less if you already have some supplies and possibly more depending on individual projects.
Is Visual Literacy right for you? Are you right for Visual Literacy?
Visual Literacy is a demanding program that requires a serious commitment from students. If you have a passion for art and design, a drive for creative problem solving and a love of making and learning, you may be right for Visual Literacy.
How much time should I expect to spend on homework outside of class?
Students say they spend 10-15 hours on average per week doing Visual Literacy homework. They recommend that Vis Lit students not have a job if possible. If students must work, they should limit employment to 15 hours a week (maximum) if they are taking a full course-load. It is not possible to work full-time and do well in Visual Literacy while taking a full course-load.
Which units do I need? How do I enroll?
Obtain class numbers from your corresponding department or college office.
Since there are no prerequisite courses, Visual Literacy is designed to be an introduction and entering students have a wide variety of skill levels. However, the unique design of the curriculum provides a challenge for each student regardless of his or her prior experience.
How much should I expect to spend on materials?
Budget at least $100 per course ($200 per semester), less if you already have some supplies and possibly more depending on individual projects.
Is Visual Literacy right for you? Are you right for Visual Literacy?
Visual Literacy is a demanding program that requires a serious commitment from students. If you have a passion for art and design, a drive for creative problem solving and a love of making and learning, you may be right for Visual Literacy.
How much time should I expect to spend on homework outside of class?
Students say they spend 10-15 hours on average per week doing Visual Literacy homework. They recommend that Vis Lit students not have a job if possible. If students must work, they should limit employment to 15 hours a week (maximum) if they are taking a full course-load. It is not possible to work full-time and do well in Visual Literacy while taking a full course-load.
Which units do I need? How do I enroll?
Obtain class numbers from your corresponding department or college office.
- Studio art majors and plan A studio art minors will need ARTP140A, ARTP140B, ARTP141A, and ARTP141B.
- Architecture students will need ARCH140A, ARCH140B, ARCH 141A, ARCH141B, and ARCH143X.
- Interior design students will need IDES140A, IDES140B, IDES141A, IDES141B, and IDES143X.
- Landscape architecture students will need LARC140A, LARC140B, LARC141A, LARC141B, and LARC143X.
- Textile apparel design students will need TXCD140A, TXCD140B, TXCD141A, TXCD141B, and TXCD143X.
- Merchandising students will need TXCD141A, TXCD141B and TXCD143X.
- Textile science students will need TXCD141A, TXCD141B, and TXCD143X.
- Textile journalism and mass communications majors will need TXCD140A, TXCD140B, and TXCD143X.
- Advertising, broadcasting, and news editorial students will need JGEN142.
How will these courses apply to my major?
The Visual Literacy courses provide an introduction to basic design, drawing and color and visual thinking. You will learn to generate ideas, read, analyze, discuss and produce images and objects and develop a strong work ethic. Courses in your major will build upon this interdisciplinary foundation.
What will we actually do in these classes?
Visual Literacy courses are fast-paced and intense. Studio time may be spent learning new techniques, viewing relevant examples of art and design or working on individual or group projects. You can expect homework between each class and frequent critical discussions of the work.
Will I ever sleep?
Yes, if you manage your time wisely and spread out your work. Student Anna Young counsels: "You don't want to cram on your projects, since this rarely leads to successful results. The occasional late nights and the sometimes heavy work load tend to give Vis Lit a 'bad rap.' Each session has unique strengths and challenges, but they all contribute to your growth as a designer. You'll be with people who have similar interests and goals but who represent a really diverse cross section of backgrounds, lifestyles and career goals. This is the real strength of this program!"
The Visual Literacy courses provide an introduction to basic design, drawing and color and visual thinking. You will learn to generate ideas, read, analyze, discuss and produce images and objects and develop a strong work ethic. Courses in your major will build upon this interdisciplinary foundation.
What will we actually do in these classes?
Visual Literacy courses are fast-paced and intense. Studio time may be spent learning new techniques, viewing relevant examples of art and design or working on individual or group projects. You can expect homework between each class and frequent critical discussions of the work.
Will I ever sleep?
Yes, if you manage your time wisely and spread out your work. Student Anna Young counsels: "You don't want to cram on your projects, since this rarely leads to successful results. The occasional late nights and the sometimes heavy work load tend to give Vis Lit a 'bad rap.' Each session has unique strengths and challenges, but they all contribute to your growth as a designer. You'll be with people who have similar interests and goals but who represent a really diverse cross section of backgrounds, lifestyles and career goals. This is the real strength of this program!"