Major requirements

The major requires at least 39 credit hours* (51 with the Addenda requirements), including the requirements listed below.

1. Creative Core.
   1. Pathways. One (1) course from the Pathways list.
      • SOAD-A 100 Pathways: Introduction to Art, Design and Merchandising Explores the fields of art, design, and merchandising within the contemporary landscape of creating and making. Identifies where these disciplines have mutually reinforcing values and opportunities for interdisciplinary study. Provides a common experience for art, design and merchandising students. (3 credit hours.)
   2. Color. One (1) course from the Color list.
      • SOAD-A 101 Creative Core: Color Explores color's fundamental principles and formal elements; its contextual meanings and sociological connotations; and its significance within the fields of art, design and merchandising. Cultivates visual sensitivity, develops aesthetic knowledge and the production of creative work through studio practices. (3 credit hours.)
   3. Drawing. One (1) course from the Drawing list.
      • SOAD-A 102 Creative Core: Drawing Development of visual awareness and coordination of perceptual and manual skills; seeing, representing, and inventing on an experimental, exploratory level in two dimensions. Includes placement, scale, volume, light, formal articulation, and investigation of graphic tools and media. Credit given for only one of FINA-F 100 or SOAD-A 102. (3 credit hours.)
   4. 3D Design. One (1) course from the 3D Design list.
      • SOAD-A 103 Creative Core: 3D Design Volume, space, material, and physical force studies provide the basis for exploration of three-dimensional form; includes carving, construction, modeling, and casting using wood, plaster, Styrofoam, clay, etc. Credit given for only one of FINA-F 101 or SOAD-A 103. (3 credit hours.)
   5. Cross-Disciplinary Workshops. One (1) course from the Cross-Disciplinary Workshops list.
      • SOAD-A 211 Cross-Disciplinary Workshops in Art, Design, and Merchandising A variable topic studio course that focuses on skill development and technical manipulation of materials within the specific traditions of a particular discipline. Emphasizes fundamental principles of art and design within a discipline. Designed around a variable topic such as image, time, narrative, space, materials, and markets. May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum total of 12 credit hours in SOAD-A 111 and SOAD-A 211. (3 credit hours.)
2. Intermediate Studio. Two (2) courses from the Intermediate Studio list.
   • SOAD-A 211 Cross-Disciplinary Workshops in Art, Design, and Merchandising (In addition to the Creative Core requirement above) A variable topic studio course that focuses on skill development and technical manipulation of materials within the specific traditions of a particular discipline. Emphasizes fundamental principles of art and design within a discipline. Designed around a variable topic such as image, time, narrative, space, materials, and markets. May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum total of 12 credit hours in SOAD-A 111 and SOAD-A 211. (3 credit hours.)
   • SOAD-S 200 Drawing I Preliminary course for advancement in drawing, stressing basic visual awareness; seeing, representing, and technical command on a two-dimensional surface. Problems in handling placement, scale, space, volume, light, and formal articulation. Credit given for only one of FINA-S 200 or SOAD-S 200. (3 credit hours.)
   • SOAD-S 210 Digital Art: Survey and Practice Beginning class on digital media's role in the world of art production and reception. Class emphasizes learning to use digital media to produce original, creative art work. Students use Adobe Photoshop, Premiere, Dreamweaver, and Autodesk Mudbox to create their own artworks. Topics include digital imaging, video art, interactive art, and 3D modeling. Credit given for only one of FINA-D 210 or SOAD-S 210. (3 credit hours.)
   • SOAD-S 220 Fibers I An introduction to fiber and textile-related techniques and concepts. This survey course investigates a variety of materials and processes including resist dyeing, printing, and felting, emphasizing the expressive potential of each of these techniques through demonstrations, hands-on projects, lectures, and critiques. Credit given for only one of FINA-S 220 or SOAD-S 220. (3 credit hours.)
   • SOAD-S 230 Painting I Preliminary course for advancement in painting; exploring technical and visual aspects of color media. Emphasis on media command and structural problems in painting. Media: oil and acrylics. Credit given for only one of FINA-S 230 or SOAD-S 230. (3 credit hours.)
   • SOAD-S 240 Basic Printmaking Media An introduction to printmaking through a survey of basic print media: intaglio, lithography, relief and screen print. Emphasis on ways in which drawing, painting, digital and photography are utilized through printmaking processes is emphasized. Credit given for only one of FINA-S 240 or SOAD-S 240. (3 credit hours.)
   • SOAD-S 250 Graphic Design I Drawing and perception in the history and practice of visual communication, including a basic introduction to the field and exercises with pencil, marker, computer, and other tools, to produce symbols, letter forms, and symbol-letter combinations. Credit given for only one of FINA-S 250 or SOAD-S 250. (3 credit hours.)
   • SOAD-S 260 Ceramics I Knowledge and skill development in the use of basic ceramic tools, techniques, and processes sufficient to produce work from concept to finished object. Students practice three-dimensional design and develop solutions to practical and aesthetic problems. The place of ceramics within the history of art, design, and culture is also discussed. Credit given for only one of FINA-S 260 or SOAD-S 260. (3 credit hours.)
   • SOAD-S 270 Sculpture I Foundation in basic technical and formal methods of traditional and contemporary sculpture. Use of tools and equipment for additive and subtractive techniques including wood construction, steel fabrication, clay modeling, plaster mold making and cold casting, and assemblage. Emphasis placed on technical execution, conceptualization, and creative problem solving. (3 credit hours.)
   • SOAD-S 271 Introduction to Figurative Sculpture Figurative sculpture has been the traditional method of introducing students to form, space, and proportion in sculpture. Students work from the model with clay, creating sculpture from observation. Credit given for only one of FINA-S 271 or SOAD-S 271. (3 credit hours.)
   • SOAD-S 280 Metalsmithing and Jewelry Design I Introductory course for exploring metalworking and jewelry design as a form of creative expression. Focuses on the basic techniques of sawing and piercing, sheet metal construction, surface embellishment, mechanical joining, wire forming, soldering, lost-wax casting, various metal patinas, and finishing techniques. Credit given for only one of FINA-S 280 or SOAD-S 280. (3 credit hours.)
   • SOAD-S 290 Fundamentals of Photography Basic practice of digital camera operation, exposure calculation, exposing, image file management, image optimization and digital printing. Guidance toward establishment of a personal photographic aesthetic. A digital SLR camera is required. Credit given for only one of FINA-S 291 or SOAD-S 290. (3 credit hours.)
   • SOAD-U 201 Special Topics in Studio Art Selected introductory-level topics not ordinarily covered in other studio art courses. May be repeated once with a different topic for a maximum of 6 credit hours in FINA-U 201 and SOAD-U 201. (1–3 credit hours.)
3. Advanced Studio.
   1. 18 credit hours from the Advanced Studio list.
      • SOAD-S 300 Drawing II P: FINA-S 200 or SOAD-S 200; and one of SOAD-A 101, SOAD-A 102, or consent of instructor. Intermediate course in drawing from the model and other sources. Emphasis on technical command of the media in conjunction with the development of a visual awareness. Continued problems in the articulation of space, scale, volume, value, and linear sensitivity. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours in FINA-S 301 and SOAD-S 300. (3 credit hours.)
      • SOAD-S 310 Interactive Multimedia P: FINA-D 210 or SOAD-S 210; or consent of instructor. Hands-on studio course exploring the intersection of art, technology, and human behavior by looking at the various bodies of knowledge that inform the interactive multimedia from storytelling, interaction design, installation, public intervention, and creative coding. This project-based course covers conceptually-oriented digital art practices spanning audio & video production, coding with HTML5, CSS, JavaScript, animation in Adobe After Effects, and physical computing with Arduino. May be repeated for up to 6 credit hours in FINA-D 310 and SOAD-S 310. (3 credit hours.)
      • SOAD-S 311 Video Art P: FINA-D 210 or SOAD-S 210; or consent of instructor. Exploration of the medium of video as an aesthetic expression. Time and sound are elements incorporated into visual composition's traditional concerns. Emphasis on technical command of video camera and digital editing procedures in conjunction with development of a visual sensitivity. Readings and a research project are required. Credit given for only one of FINA-D 317 or SOAD-S 311. (3 credit hours.)
      • SOAD-S 313 3D Computer Graphics P: FINA-D 210 or SOAD-S 210; or consent of instructor. Hands-on studio course exploring the technical development of three-dimensional computer graphics for state-of-the-art display systems. Students will investigate user-interface design, create 3D graphical environments, and explore the parallel drives toward content creation and visual aesthetics. May be repeated once for a maximum of 6 credits in FINA-D 318 and SOAD-S 313. (3 credit hours.)
      • SOAD-S 320 Fibers II P: One of FINA-S 220, SOAD-F 203, or SOAD-S 220; and one of SOAD-A 101 or SOAD-A 103, or consent of instructor. Expands students' technical, creative, and critical abilities when working with fibers and textile-related materials, processes, and concepts. Rotating semester topics include advanced dyeing, repeat-pattern design and screenprinting, weaving, soft sculpture, performance, wearables, and installation. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours in FINA-S 321 and SOAD-S 320. (3 credit hours.)
      • SOAD-S 330 Painting II P: FINA-S 230 or SOAD-S 230; and one of SOAD-A 101, SOAD-A 102, or consent of instructor. Intermediate course in painting from the model and other sources. Emphasis on technical command and understanding of the components of painting space, color, volume, value, and scale. Media: oil or acrylics. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours in FINA-S 331 and SOAD-S 330. (3 credit hours.)
      • SOAD-S 341 Printmaking II Intaglio P: FINA-S 240 or SOAD-S 240; SOAD-A 101 or SOAD-A 102; or consent of instructor. Advanced study with focus on intaglio. Emphasis on drawn, painterly and photographic Intaglio processes. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours in FINA-S 341 and SOAD-S 341. (3 credit hours.)
      • SOAD-S 343 Printmaking II Lithography P: SOAD-A 101 or SOAD-A 102; and FINA-S 240 or SOAD-S 240; or consent of instructor. Advanced study with focus on lithography. Emphasis on drawn and photographic lithography processes. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours in FINA-S 343 and SOAD-S 343. (3 credit hours.)
      • SOAD-S 344 Printmaking II Silkscreen P: SOAD-A 101 or SOAD-A 102; and FINA-S 240 or SOAD-S 240; or consent of instructor. Advanced study with focus on screen print. Emphasis on stencil, drawn and photographic screen processes. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours in FINA-S 344 and SOAD-S 344. (3 credit hours.)
      • SOAD-S 345 Printmaking II Relief Media P: FINA-S 240 or SOAD-S 240; and SOAD-A 101 or SOAD-A 102; or consent of instructor. Advanced study with focus on relief printing. Emphasis on woodcut, linocut, monotype, and collograph using traditional and computer generated techniques. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours in SOAD-S 345. (3 credit hours.)
      • SOAD-S 351 Typography I P: FINA-S 250 or SOAD-S 250; or consent of instructor. Studies in visual communication with an emphasis on typography, including measurement and structure, detail and refinement, hierarchy and legibility, tools, and application to various media in digital and print formats. An introduction to type history, aesthetics and analysis are also considered. Credit given for only one of FINA-S 351 or SOAD-S 351. (3 credit hours.)
      • SOAD-S 352 Production for the Graphic Designer P: FINA-S 351 or SOAD-S 351; or consent of instructor. A thorough set of practical exercises that combine design projects with related information about presentation of ideas through finished designs. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours in FINA-S 352 and SOAD-S 352. (3 credit hours.)
      • SOAD-S 360 Ceramics II P: FINA-S 260 or SOAD-S 260; or consent of instructor. Intermediate level practice in ceramic forming and glazing techniques, surface decoration and kiln firing. Instruction through lecture, demonstration, and group critiques. May have varied topical content based on instructor and semester. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours in FINA-S 361 and SOAD-S 360. (3 credit hours.)
      • SOAD-S 370 Sculpture II P: FINA-F 103 or SOAD-S 103; and FINA-S 270 or SOAD-­S 270; or consent of instructor. Development of skills in both traditional and contemporary sculpture methodology. Rotating semester topics may include figurative sculpture, carving, casting, steel/wood construction, computer- aided machining and rapid prototyping, installation art, performance art and public art. Emphasis on the exploration of ideas through the sculptural form and knowledge of materials and historical traditions. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours in FINA-S 371 and SOAD-S 370. (3 credit hours.)
      • SOAD-S 380 Metalsmithing and Jewelry Design II P: One of SOAD-A 101, SOAD-A 102, or SOAD-A 103; and one of FINA-S 280 or SOAD-S 280; or consent of instructor. Extensive designing and model making for exploring forms and ideas in metal and mixed media, either as jewelry or hollowware objects such as flatware, tea strainers/infusers, boxes, or small-scale sculpture. Focuses on the techniques of angle raising, forging, stone setting, jewelry mechanisms, and hinge making. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours in FINA-S 381 and SOAD-S 380. (3 credit hours.)
      • SOAD-S 390 Intermediate Photography P: SOAD-A 101; and FINA-S 291 or SOAD-S 290; or consent of instructor. Practice of digital color or chemical photography: camera work, darkroom practices, appreciation of photographs, and experience in expressive use of the medium. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours of FINA-S 392 or SOAD-S 390. (3 credit hours.)
      • SOAD-S 400 Drawing III P: FINA-S 301 or SOAD-S 300. Advanced drawing. Continuation of FINA-S 301 or SOAD-S 300. May be repeated for a total of 18 credit hours in FINA-S 401 and SOAD-S 400. (3 credit hours.)
      • SOAD-S 403 Anatomy for the Artist P: FINA-S 200 or SOAD-S 200. Intensive lecture/studio course describing all of the bones and muscles of the body. The emphasis is on joint movement and proportion. The areas of the body are divided into 3D mass conception, bone and muscle description, and joint description. Students draw from the skeleton, plaster cadaver casts, and the human figure. Credit given for only one of FINA-S 403, SOAD-S 401, or SOAD-S 403. (3 credit hours.)
      • SOAD-S 410 Advanced Multimedia P: FINA-D 310 or SOAD-S 310; or consent of instructor. Hands-on studio course exploring the intersection of art, technology, and human behavior by looking at the various bodies of knowledge that inform the interactive multimedia from storytelling, interaction design, installation, public intervention, and creative coding. Covers conceptually-oriented digital art practices spanning audio and video production, coding with HTML5, CSS, JavaScript, animation in Adobe After Effects, and physical computing with Arduino. Dialogue of timely issues through readings, screenings, websites, and gallery visits. Emphasis on a more self-guided conceptual practice. May be repeated for a maximum of 18 credit hours in FINA-D 410 and SOAD-S 410. (1–3 credit hours.)
      • SOAD-S 411 Digital Video P: FINA-D 317 or SOAD-S 311; or consent of instrutor. Advanced study of video's potential in contemporary fine art practice. Students will create a new visual vocabulary using the latest technology including high-definition video systems and interactive DVD authoring. Covers special effects and animation programs that allow artists to further explore the aesthetics of time-based media. May be repeated for a maximum of 20 credit hours in FINA-D 417 and SOAD-S 411. (1–3 credit hours.)
      • SOAD-S 413 Computer Graphical Environments P: SOAD-S 313 or FINA-D 318; or consent of instructor. Students develop 3D graphic environments to visualize and conceptualize creative constructs for virtual environments, explore art and spatial simulation, including animation, interaction, lighting, and design. Dialogue of timely issues is encouraged based on readings, videos, CD-ROMs and visits to galleries, Web sites and alternative spaces. May be repeated for a maximum of 20 credit hours in SOAD-S 413 and FINA-D 418. (1–6 credit hours.)
      • SOAD-S 420 Fibers III P: FINA-S 321 or SOAD-S 320. A continued exploration of fiber and textile-related materials, processes, and concepts with an emphasis on conceptual development, independent investigation and production. May be repeated for a maximum of 18 credit hours in FINA-S 421 and SOAD-S 420. (3 credit hours.)
      • SOAD-S 430 Painting III P: FINA-S 331 or SOAD-S 330. Advanced course in painting. Continuation of FINA-S 331 or SOAD-S 330. May be repeated in consecutive or concurrent terms for a maximum of 18 credit hours in FINA-S 431 and SOAD-S 430. (3 credit hours.)
      • SOAD-S 441 Printmaking III Intaglio P: FINA-S 341 or SOAD-S 341. Advanced work in intaglio for qualified students. May be repeated for a maximum of 15 credit hours in FINA-S 441 and SOAD-S 441. (3 credit hours.)
      • SOAD-S 443 Printmaking III Lithography P: FINA-S 343 or SOAD-S 343. Advanced work in lithography for qualified students. May be repeated for a maximum of 18 credit hours in FINA-S 443 and SOAD-S 443. (3 credit hours.)
      • SOAD-S 444 Printmaking III Silk Screen P: FINA-S 344 or SOAD-S 344. Advanced work in silk screen for qualified students. May be repeated for a maximum of 18 credit hours in FINA-S 444 and SOAD-S 444. (3 credit hours.)
      • SOAD-S 445 Relief Printmaking Media P: SOAD-S 345. Advanced work in relief media for qualified students. May be repeated for a total of 18 credit hours in FINA-S 445 and SOAD-S 445. (3 credit hours.)
      • SOAD-S 450 Graphic Design Problem Solving P: FINA-S 352 or SOAD-S 352; or consent of instructor. Professional problem solving in graphic design. Using a variety of mediums to communicate messages, students apply processes from printing to multimedia as appropriate for directed projects. May be repeated for a maximum of 18 credit hours in FINA-S 451 and SOAD-S 450. (3–6 credit hours.)
      • SOAD-S 459 Graphic Design Advanced Seminar: Topics in History, Theory, and Criticism P: FINA-S 352 or SOAD-S 352; or consent of instructor. Recommended for B.F.A. students in graphic design. Background on major graphic design movements, the design of the alphabet and type styles, the use of tools (printing press, wood cut, engraving, camera, airbrush, computer). Social and political forces such as industrial development and nationalism will be considered. Writings of theorists and historians will be reviewed. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credit hours in FINA-S 459 and SOAD-S 459. (3 credit hours.)
      • SOAD-S 460 Ceramics III P: FINA-S 361 or SOAD-S 360; or consent of instructor. Further practice in advanced ceramic techniques. Instruction through lectures, demonstrations, and critiques. Topics vary by instructor and semester. May be repeated in consecutive or concurrent terms with different topics for a maximum of 18 credit hours in FINA-S 461 and SOAD-S 460. (3 credit hours.)
      • SOAD-S 470 Sculpture III P: FINA-S 371 or SOAD-S 370; or consent of instructor. Advanced work in sculpture for qualified students working in the chosen materials. The course focuses on the development of ideas as manifest in sculptural form. May be repeated for a maximum of 18 credit in FINA-S 471 and SOAD-S 470. (3 credit hours.)
      • SOAD-S 480 Metalsmithing and Jewelry Design III P: SOAD-S 380 or FINA-S 381; or consent of instructor. A continued exploration of metalsmithing and jewelry design materials, processes, and concepts with an emphasis on independent investigation and production. Guidance toward developing a personal direction of creative expression, artistic aesthetic, and art philosophy. Rotating semester topics include; large-scale vessels from metal sheet fabrication, large-scale soldering, die forming, advanced jewelry mechanisms, chain making, chasing and repoussé, enameling, and working with alternative materials. May be taken in consecutive or concurrent terms for a maximum of 18 credit hours in FINA-S 481 and SOAD-S 480. (1–20 credit hours.)
      • SOAD-S 490 Advanced Photography P: FINA-S 392 or SOAD-S 390; or consent of instructor. Emphasizes advanced conceptual and technical development in digital and traditional photographic media and the expansion of creative possibilities. Topics vary. May include such topics as alternative processes, advanced Photoshop, documentary and large format photography, photographic theory, installation art, and black and white darkroom practice. May be repeated for a maximum of 18 credit hours in FINA-S 493 and SOAD-S 490. (3–6 credit hours.)
      • SOAD-U 301 Special Topics in Studio Art Selected intermediate-level topics not ordinarily covered in other studio art courses. May be repeated once with a different topic for a maximum of 6 credit hours in FINA-U 301 and SOAD-U 301. (1–3 credit hours.)
      • SOAD-U 401 Special Topics in Studio Art Selected topics in studio art not ordinarily covered in other departmental courses. May be repeated once with a different topic for a maximum of 6 credit hours in FINA-U 401 and SOAD-U 401. (1–3 credit hours.)
   2. The Advanced Studio courses selected above must also include:
      • Courses from both two-dimensional and three-dimensional disciplines
      • At least 3 credit hours at the 400–499 level
4. Residency.
   • At least 20 credit hours of Studio courses must be completed in residence on the Bloomington campus
5. Addenda Requirements**. At least 12 credit hours of Art History courses, including the following:
   1. Survey of European and American Art. One (1) course from the Survey of European and American Art list.
      • ARTH-A 102 Renaissance through Modern Art A survey of major artists, styles, and movements in European and American art and architecture from the fifteenth century to the present. Credit given for only one of ARTH-A 102 or FINA-A 102. (3 credit hours.)
   2. Art and Culture. One (1) course from the Art and Culture list.
      • ARTH-A 101 Ancient and Medieval Art A survey of major styles and monuments in art and architecture from prehistoric times to the end of the Middle Ages. Credit given for only one of ARTH-A 101 or FINA-A 101. (3 credit hours.)
      • ARTH-A 155 Introduction to African Art African art in its cultural setting. Major style areas: prehistoric Nok culture, kingdoms of Ife and Benin, Western Sudan, Guinea Coast, equatorial forests, Congo, eastern and southern Africa. Credit given for only one of ARTH-A 155 or FINA-A 155. (3 credit hours.)
      • ARTH-A 160 Introduction to East Asian Art A survey of major monuments, artists, and movements in Chinese and Japanese art. Credit given for only one of ARTH-A 160 or FINA-A 160. (3 credit hours.)
      • ARTH-A 207 Introduction to Contemporary Art and Its Discontents, 1960 to the Present Provides a chronological overview of contemporary art (from 1960) with a focus on the social and political engagements that have informed artistic developments in recent decades. Examines the qualities that have made particular genres and artistic practices significant to art history; how globalization, tourism, technology, current world conflicts, and social media have shaped artistic production, art criticism, and the art market today. (3 credit hours.)
   3. Intermediate Art History. At least one (1) ARTH-A course at the 200–499 level
   4. Advanced Art History. At least one (1) ARTH-A course at the 300–499 level
   5. Art History Residency. At least six (6) credit hours of Art History courses must be completed in residence on the Bloomington campus
6. GPA, Minimum Grade, and Other Requirements. Each of the following:
   1. At least 18 credit hours in the major must be completed in courses taken through the Indiana University Bloomington campus or an IU-administered or IU co-sponsored Overseas Study program.
   2. At least 18 credit hours in the major must be completed at the 300–499 level.
   3. Except for the GPA requirement, a grade of C- or higher is required for a course to count toward a requirement in the major.
   4. A GPA of at least 2.000 for all courses taken in the major—including those where a grade lower than C- is earned—is required.
   5. Exceptions to major requirements may be made with the approval of the department's Director of Undergraduate Studies, subject to final approval by the College of Arts and Sciences.