Art Courses | 2025-2026 Graduate Catalog | SIU

This studio course develops the student's ability to conduct in-depth design research and to explore new needs and trends relating design to society. Additionally, students explore professional practice issues of designer/client, specific design business practices, and ethics. Graduate students will contextualize and execute multifaceted, research-driven problems, requirements include: creation/incorporation of design briefs and professional proposals with outcome solutions to include written research documentation. Undergraduates are restricted to senior standing or consent of instructor, with prerequisite: C or better in AD 363, 383. Studio Fee: $50.

Credit Hours: 6

Ceramic Design focuses on three-dimensional design principles concerning form, surface, and function. The objective of this course is to serve as an introduction to the basic fundamentals of design through working with the ceramic medium. A series of demonstrations will provide basic exposure to technical aspects related to prototyping, plaster mold-making, slip-casting, glazing, and firing. The ideas and activities presented here are meant to develop facility in visualization, organization, and creative problem solving; to gain a greater appreciation for the broad visual culture we call art. Material fee: $65.

Credit Hours: 3

Multifaceted problems with emphasis on continuity of design in more than one medium or format. Client-based projects, environmental graphics and identity issues in design. Professional proposals and portfolio preparation. Graduate student requirements include multifaceted problems incorporating design briefs/professional proposals with outcome solutions to include written research documentation; no text requirements. Undergraduate prerequisites: C or better in AD 322, 337, and 352. Studio fee: $30.

Credit Hours: 3-6

Through screenings, readings, writings, field trips, and practical exercises, students will gain a broad-based knowledge of critical approaches to contemporary photography. Prerequisite: AD 360D with a grade of C or better. Screening fee: $30.

Credit Hours: 3

Special study in current communication design topics. Selected topics will vary with emphasis on studio problems and concept development. Applied problems in advanced digital technologies may include interaction/motion and/or web design. Portfolio preparation. Graduate student requirements: Prepare and present a paper on a specific digital technology, interaction, motion, or web design topic of their choosing. Prerequisites: C or better in AD 322, 337, and 352. Studio fee: $30.

Credit Hours: 3-6

A close examination of the history of art and visual culture from Ancient or Medieval periods and regions. In addition to reading and discussion on a specific topic, this class also focuses on the methods and process of conducting a research project. May be repeated for credit as topics will vary. Prerequisites: AD 207A; graduate status; or permission of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3-6

A close examination of the history of art and visual culture from Early Modern (1400-1800) periods and regions. In addition to reading and discussion on a specific topic, this class also focuses on the methods and process of conducting a research project. May be repeated for credit as topics will vary. Prerequisites: AD 207B and AD 207C; graduate status; or permission of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3-6

A close examination of the history of art and visual culture from Modern and Contemporary periods and regions. In addition to reading and discussion on a specific topic, this class also focuses on the methods and process of conducting a research project. May be repeated for credit as topics will vary. Prerequisites: AD 207C and either one of AD 207A or AD 207B; graduate status; or permission of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3-6

A close examination of the history of art and visual culture from selected periods and regions. In addition to reading and discussion on a specific topic, this class also focuses on the methods and process of conducting a research project. May be repeated for credit as topics will vary. Prerequisites: Two from either AD 207A, AD 207B, or AD 207C; graduate status; or permission of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3-6

Art studio course directed toward individual research in the student's major field. Emphasis is placed upon the history, materials, processes, and ideas that form the content and experience of the student's major field. Designed to adapt to students' individual needs in problem research. Restricted to senior standing in the School of Art and Design. Prerequisite: an overall 3.0 GPA. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-21

A studio directed toward individual research in the student's major field. Emphasis is placed upon the historical materials, processes and ideas that form the content and experience of the student's major field. Special approval needed from the advisor. Studio fee: $25.

Credit Hours: 3-21

Art studio course directed toward individual research in the student's major field. Emphasis is placed upon the history, materials, processes and ideas that form the content and experience of the student's major field. Special approval needed from the advisor. Studio fee: $35.

Credit Hours: 3-21

Advanced studio course in printmaking directed toward individual research in the student's choice of print media. Emphasis is on the processes, which lead to the formation of personal content. Special approval needed from the advisor. Studio fee: $20 per credit hour enrolled.

Credit Hours: 3-21

Advanced studio course based upon focused individual research in the student's chosen media. Students develop a personal aesthetic in relation to the field of sculpture through technical accomplishment, intensive output, and engagement in rigorous critique. Special approval needed from the advisor. Incidental expenses may exceed $100. Studio fee: $30 per credit hour.

Credit Hours: 3-21

Art studio course directed toward individual research in the student's major field. Coursework is designed to assist the student's discovery of ceramic form and content as applied to personal artistic expression. Emphasis upon the development of creative studio research techniques and seminar-type experiences exploring historical and contemporary issues as they relate to ceramic art. Special approval needed from the advisor. Studio fee: $55 per credit hour enrolled. Incidental expenses may exceed $50.

Credit Hours: 3-21

Art studio course directed toward individual research in the student's major field. Emphasis is placed upon the history, materials, processes and ideas that form the content and experience of the student's major field. Special approval needed from the advisor. Studio fee: $20 per credit hour enrolled.

Credit Hours: 3-21

Independent study on topics in the history of art and visual culture developed in consultation with art history faculty. Typical projects include directed readings and research projects. Requires permission of the instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

This course prepares students with design research theory and methodology to tackle critical social issues of our times. It will introduce basic methods in design research and methodology, both in qualitative and quantitative methods. It also serves as a platform for scholarly inquiry into design in the disciplines of graphic design, industrial/product design, advertising/art direction, fashion design, and interior architecture and in other aesthetic, spatial and technological practices. Students develop conceptual skills, aesthetic awareness, and technical mastery in individual and collaborative studio projects.

Credit Hours: 3

An advanced glass course intended to increase the student's knowledge of the potential of glass as a medium of creative expression and to refine studio skills associated with the material. Coursework will include the investigation of historical and contemporary solutions to aesthetic problems related to the medium. Special approval needed from the advisor. Studio fee: $80 per credit hour enrolled.

Credit Hours: 3-21

This course introduces graduate students to the history of the disciplines of art history and visual culture, examining the assumptions and methods that have guided definitions, analyses, and critiques of art and visual culture. This course is required of students in the MA program in art history and visual culture.

Credit Hours: 3

Digital Craft focuses on three-dimensional design principles concerning form, surface, and function. This course serves as an introduction to the basic fundamentals of digital design for prototyping objects in craft media. Students will become familiar with several digital software programs used in basic prototyping and will be taught basic technical skills related to prototyping, plaster mold-making, 3-D modeling, 3-D printing, slip-casting, glazing, and firing kilns. The ideas and activities presented in this class are meant to develop facility in visualization, organization, and creative problem solving; to gain an understanding of how digital and design approaches can be used with craft materials. Material fee: $95.

Credit Hours: 3

Multifaceted problems with emphasis on continuity of design in more than one medium or format. Advanced multifaceted problems incorporating design briefs and/or professional proposals intended to increase a student's knowledge of the theory and practice of branding, identity systems and design process and methodologies. Coursework will include the development of a body of work including research with outcome solutions based on individual or client-based requirements. Fee: $30.

Credit Hours: 3

Independent inquiry into Printmaking topics, emphasizing technique and conceptual synthesis under the guidance of faculty. Prerequisite: none. Special approval is needed from faculty for enrollment. Studio fee: $20 per credit hour enrolled. Incidental expenses may exceed $50 for each section.

Credit Hours: 3-6

Independent inquiry into sculpture topics, emphasizing technique and conceptual synthesis under the guidance of faculty. Prerequisite: none. Special approval is needed from faculty for enrollment. Studio fee: $20 per credit hour.

Credit Hours: 3-6

Independent inquiry into ceramic topics, emphasizing technique and conceptual synthesis under the guidance of faculty. Prerequisite: none. Special approval is needed from faculty for enrollment. Studio fee: $40 per credit hour enrolled.

Credit Hours: 3-6

Independent inquiry into Small Metals topics, emphasizing technique and conceptual synthesis under the guidance of faculty. Prerequisite: none. Special approval is needed from faculty for enrollment. Studio fee: $20 per credit hour enrolled. Incidental expenses may exceed $75.

Credit Hours: 3-6

Independent inquiry into Blacksmithing topics, emphasizing technique and conceptual synthesis under the guidance of faculty. Prerequisite: none. Special approval is needed from faculty for enrollment. Studio fee: $20 per credit hour enrolled. Incidental expenses may exceed $75.

Credit Hours: 3-6

Independent inquiry into Drawing topics, emphasizing technique and conceptual synthesis under the guidance of faculty. Prerequisite: none. Special approval is needed from faculty for enrollment. Studio fee: $8 per credit hour. Expenses may exceed $100 per course.

Credit Hours: 3-6

Independent inquiry into Painting topics, emphasizing technique and conceptual synthesis under the guidance of faculty. Prerequisite: none. Special approval is needed from faculty for enrollment. Studio fee: $4 per credit hour. Expenses may exceed $100 per course.

Credit Hours: 3-6

Advanced design course intended to increase a student's knowledge of the theory and practical knowledge of digital design technologies and digital design problems. Coursework will include documentation of design process, user research, and exploration of concepts and topics related to interaction design, interactive design, and time-based graphic design.

Credit Hours: 3

A computer laboratory course focused on advanced utilization of two- and three-dimensional design processes, drawing and modeling software, and the application of such in the design profession. Course content covers advanced modeling techniques, surface modeling, power surface subdivision surface modeling, NURBS modeling, generative design, design for manufacturing assembly, disassembly and rapid prototyping, product planning, simulation, graphics and renderings, creation of tables used with assembly drawings and bill of materials.

Credit Hours: 3-6

Studio art course focusing on 3D software for modeling, rendering, and visualizing objects and environments. Projects include various 3D modeling methods and rendering techniques for 2D and 3D output for print, screen, and rapid prototyping equipment. Students who have completed AD 432 will not receive credit for this course. Studio fee: $85.

Credit Hours: 3

An exploration of wood as material through the use of traditional and digital technologies using hand tools, woodworking machines, and 3D software. Applications include functional as well as art objects. Repeatable for a maximum of 6 hours toward degree. Students who have completed AD 433 will not receive credit for this course. Studio fee: $75. Incidental expenses will be incurred.

Credit Hours: 3

Independent inquiry into sculpture topics, emphasizing technique and conceptual synthesis under the guidance of faculty. Prerequisite: none. Special approval is needed from faculty for enrollment. Studio fee: $80 per credit hour enrolled.

Credit Hours: 3-6

Introduces students to pedagogical methods relevant to teaching art history. Students enrolled in the practicum will serve under the close supervision of the art history faculty as discussion leaders for one section of AD 101 or the AD 207 sequence. Practicum students will attend the AD 207 lectures and participate in a weekly teaching workshop, which will address topics such as the development of course syllabi and assignments, grading criteria, classroom policies, and teaching strategies. Prerequisite: Art History Certificate program and/or special approval from the instructor required.

Credit Hours: 3

Time-based media art course covering topics and skills in 2D animation, motion graphics, video editing, composting, and visual effects. Students who have completed AD 442 will not receive credit for this course. Studio fee: $85.

Credit Hours: 3

This course instructs participants how to use software and hardware required for rapid prototyping and the fabrication equipment currently available in the S.A.M. Lab (Subtractive Additive Maker Lab). Students will learn 2D and 3D modeling, with the objective to create physical outcomes. Students who have completed AD 451 will not receive credit for this course.

Credit Hours: 3

Supervised work experience related to student's academic program and career objectives. Not repeatable for credit. Special approval needed from design area head. Students who have completed AD 459 will not receive credit for this course. Mandatory Pass/Fail.

Credit Hours: 1-6

Through screenings, readings, writings, field trips, and practical exercises, students will gain a broad-based knowledge of critical approaches to contemporary photography. Prerequisite: AD 360D with a grade of C or better. Studio fee: $30.

Credit Hours: 3

Problems in promotional design applications including campaigns, packaging and advertising graphics. Emphasis is placed on professional realities, problem solving, and further development of creative design abilities. Multifaceted problems that incorporate design briefs and professional proposals with outcome solutions to include written research documentation and finished concept creation. Fee: $60.

Credit Hours: 3

Problems in physical game applications including game ideation methods, game construction, playtesting, packaging, sales and promotional campaigns, and advertising graphics. Emphasis is on professional realities, problem solving, and further development of creative design abilities. Multifaceted problems that incorporate design briefs and professional proposals with outcome solutions to include written research documentation and finished concept creation. Fee: $75.

Credit Hours: 3

Advanced and comprehensive product design projects focusing on innovation and user needs. Projects may include corporate sponsors and/or interdisciplinary teams. Students will integrate research and 2D and 3D process documentation with additional focus on human factors and product interface. Undergraduates: Course parallels work in AD 363 and must be taken concurrently. Prerequisites: C or better in AD 313 and AD 323. Concurrent enrollment in AD 363. Graduates: Prepare and present a paper on a specific innovation, user needs, interdisciplinary teams, or collaboration topic of their choosing. Graduate students will serve as design directors for the client-based projects conducted by the undergraduate students in the class. Studio Fee: $60.

Credit Hours: 3

Art studio course directed toward individual research. Emphasis is placed upon the history, materials, processes, and ideas that form the content and experience of the student's creative and academic research. Designed to adapt to students' individual research needs. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-21

A comprehensive exam on the history, methods, and theory of the history of art and visual culture. Special written approval needed from the primary and secondary advisors.

Credit Hours: 3

A close examination of the history of art and visual culture from various periods and regions. Topics will vary, and include (A) Medieval Art. Each section may be repeated for credit as topics vary.

Credit Hours: 3

A close examination of the history of art and visual culture from various periods and regions. Topics will vary, and include (B) Early Modern Art. Each section may be repeated for credit as topics vary.

Credit Hours: 3

A close examination of the history of art and visual culture from various periods and regions. Topics will vary, and include (C) Modern and Contemporary Art. Each section may be repeated for credit as topics vary.

Credit Hours: 3

A close examination of the history of art and visual culture from various periods and regions. Topics will vary, and include (D) Selected Topics. Each section may be repeated for credit as topics vary.

Credit Hours: 3

A thesis course that is directed toward individual research in the student's major field. Emphasis is placed upon the development of each student's approach to his/her professional practice within the context of the appropriate studio, art history/visual culture, or design field requirement set.

Credit Hours: 3-6

For those graduate students who have not finished their degree programs and who are in the process of working on their dissertation, thesis or research paper. The student must have completed a minimum of 24 hours of dissertation research, or the minimum thesis, or research hours before being eligible to register for this course. Concurrent enrollment in any other course is not permitted. Graded S/U or DEF only.

Credit Hours: 1