Foundations

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Foundations Department Mission

Foundation Studies educates students in the development of creative studio practice by fostering individualized and collaborative learning that emphasizes cultural engagement, process, critical thinking, and visual literacy.

Foundations Program Description

Each RMCAD student, regardless of major, is required to take foundation coursework. The Foundations Department includes courses for all RMCAD students and is based on the simple philosophy that any student who is willing can learn the skills and principles necessary to be successful in the visual arts. The Foundations faculty strive to develop artists and designers as individuals with an awareness of their impact on community and environment. The departmental curriculum is designed to be progressive in nature, with ideas developed, integrated, and incorporated by students from one class to the next. Courses in Foundations are designed to provide a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of art and design through background, theory, and practice.

Foundation Studies seeks to instill in students the development of technical, conceptual, problem solving, verbal, and intuitive skills necessary for future success in the visual arts. During their first year, students develop the vocabulary to critique their own work and that of others in a professional manner. Later, principles of visual composition, observation, history, theory, practice, and critical thinking are integrated within students’ understanding of their role as professional artists and designers.

Program Outcomes

COMMUNICATION: Communicate clearly regarding art and design through the use of relevant vocabulary, context, and cultural connections when writing, speaking, or project creation.

TECHNICAL SKILLS: Apply tools, materials, techniques, and proper use and care for equipment through appropriate craftpersonship.

VISUAL STRATEGIES: Apply strategies of visual organization within two, three, and four-dimensional works.

PROBLEM SOLVING: Develop creative problem solving strategies in the design process.

CRITICAL THINKING: Apply critical thinking skills in the development of art and design through research supported by the development of visual literacy and awareness of culture and historic references.

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