top of page

SPRING 2024 COURSES

The following courses are offered spring 2024 in Fine Arts, Film and Digital Media. Advisors are ready to assist you with choosing the most appropriate class for you. If you have specific questions about course content, please contact Sarah Stolar, Department Chair - sstolar@unm.edu, or the instructor for the course directly. Faculty bios and emails can be found here.

Contact an advisor directly at (575) 737-3698 or click HERE to register.

Under certain circumstances, prerequisites may be waived. You must contact an advisor directly to facilitate this request.

4-steps-small.jpg

Art Practices II - ARTS 1230
w/ Jaime Knight
Face to Face - Tuesdays, 9-2:30pm

Prerequisite: ARTS 1220

 

This is an interdisciplinary course, exploring the processes, ideas, and diverse media of visual arts. The course addresses the thematic concepts that are central to the nature of art making today. This second semester’s assignments will investigate issues of MOTIVE and CHANGE.   Students will complete projects in a variety of media, including works on paper, sculpture, photo, and video, and short response paper/artist statement will accompany each project. In some cases, students are encouraged to approach each project with the materials they feel are most appropriate. Visual problem solving will be emphasized throughout the course, in addition to the nature of artistic meaning. 

 

Drawing I - ARTS 1610
w/ Sarah Stolar
Face to Face - Wednesdays, 9-2:30pm

 

Drawing I introduces the basic principles, materials, and skills of observational drawing. Emphasis is placed on rendering a 3-D subject on a 2-D surface with visual accuracy. Other topics include historical and contemporary references as well as an investigation of linear perspective, line, value, shape, space & composition. 

 

This course is a survey of the basic techniques, materials, theory, vocabulary, and overall practice of observational drawing. Because abstraction is an exaggeration or alteration of reality, it is important to first learn to draw from life; therefore, the projects will be interpreted from a variety of natural forms including interior/exterior space, still-life, self-portrait, the skeleton, and an artist copy. These drawings will be executed using a variety of traditional drawing materials such as charcoal, pastel, Conté, pencil, and ink. With these materials, students will develop an understanding of technical variety in mark-making using perspective, proportion, scale, volume, texture, contrast, value, line and shade. Toward the end of the semester, students will be introduced to color and collage and create more experimental works on paper. Each session will be devoted to studio work with some art historical discussion and/or critique. 

 

Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 7: Arts and Design (Core)

 

 

Drawing II - ARTS 2610
w/ Sarah Stolar
Face to Face - Mondays and Wednesdays, 12-2:30pm

Prerequisite: ARTS 1610

 

This course introduces color and colored media as an element of composition while emphasizing descriptive and perceptual drawing skills and conceptual approaches to contemporary drawing. 

 

Drawing II is a course designed to investigate the next level of drawing exploration after Drawing I. Using basic drawing techniques as a foundation, students will begin to investigate more expressive and conceptual aspects of drawing, with an emphasis on personal artistic expression. Various types of observational drawing will be explored, such as still-life, interior and exterior space, and the figure, as well as addressing abstraction and deconstruction. Color will be introduced formally and expressively, and students are encouraged to approach drawing in a variety of non-traditional ways. Students will be given a series of theoretical problems to solve in an effort to discover multiple perspectives in drawing.

 

 

Painting I - ARTS 1630
w/ Gary Cook
Face to Face - Thursdays, 9-2:30pm

Prerequisite: ARTS 1610

 

Painting I introduces the tradition of painting as a medium for artistic expression. Students will investigate materials, tools, techniques, history and concepts of painting. Emphasis is placed on developing descriptive and perceptual skills, color theory, and composition.  

 

This course introduces basic concepts and develops technical and perceptual skills using acrylic or oil (preferred). Students will learn the fundamentals of observational oil painting, focusing on representational paintings of a variety of subjects including still-life, landscape, and self-portrait. We will discuss the visual information in painting, the dialogue surrounding painting and its formulas, and when it is appropriate to abandon those formulas. Students will make several short-session paintings throughout the semester, rather than focusing on one or two highly polished works, and learn of a variety of techniques accumulating in a confident, contemporary painting style. 

 

 

Painting II - ARTS 2630
w/ Sarah Stolar
Face to Face - Mondays and Wednesdays, 3-5:30pm

Prerequisite: ARTS 1630

 

Painting II continues exploration of the painting concepts and techniques presented in Painting I. Course objectives include increasing one’s visual vocabulary, seeing skills, and resolving visual images in the form of paintings. Noting that this is not an introduction class, the primary goal of the class is to further develop ones understanding of visual phenomena, surface development and composition as expressive tools. Assignments will be executed in medium to large scale painting formats. This course explores ideas on creativity and consciousness as they relate to knowing and conceptualizing ideas. Students are also be expected to enter a painting in the annual student show. 

 

 

Introduction to Ceramics - ARTS 1310
w/ Lee Akins
Face to Face - Tuesdays, 9-2:30pm

 

This course introduces the technical processes and conceptual concerns of working with ceramic material. Various methods of forming functional and expressive works out of clay are explored. Methods used include hand building and throwing, basic clay bodies, slip and glaze, and atmospheric firing.

 

Terminology, concepts, historical and technical information will be presented. Techniques will include the hand building techniques of pinch, coil, slab and molding. Wheel projects will include cylinders, bowls and mugs. Individual creative development is encouraged. There will be both self-selected and assigned projects.

 

Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 7: Arts and Design.

 

 

Ceramics I - ARTS 1320
w/ Lee Akins
Face to Face - Thursdays, 9-2:30pm

Prerequisite: ARTS 1310

 

An introduction to the medium of clay incorporating hand building and wheel throwing to introduce the student to both the sculptural and utilitarian uses of clay. The student will also be introduced to a variety of glazing and firing techniques. 

 

Continuation of Arts 1310 with an emphasis placed on the mastery of forming, surfacing, and firing processes. Intermediate hand building and wheel throwing techniques will include projects with lids, spouts and decorating. Making and formulating glazes, as well as variety of firing techniques will also be presented. Expanded critical awareness and the development of a personal aesthetic will be encouraged. There will be both self-selected and assigned projects. 

 

 

Intro to Printmaking - ARTS 1710
w/ Gary Cook
Face to Face - Tuesdays, 9-2:30pm

Prerequisite: ARTS 1610

 

This course provides direct experience of exploring basic printmaking processes, including relief, intaglio, and monoprint processes, as well as the investigation of materials/media, tools, techniques, history, and concepts of printmaking. Emphasis is given to solving problems through thematic development while producing a portfolio of prints. 

 

Fundamental techniques in Introduction to Printmaking are presented and practiced in a survey format. Methods and expressive potentials of the major printmaking processes are taught. Instruction includes lecture, demonstrations, practice, and critique. At the conclusion of this course, the student will develop awareness of the unique properties of a wide variety of print processes and the historical development of printmaking and it’s influences on contemporary works; develop technique and the proper use of tools and materials within the print shop as a collaborative working space; Utilize a journal/sketchbook as a documentation process, to develop concepts, generate source material and aid in self-criticism and exploration; increase understanding of his/her own aesthetic aspirations and how these objectives can be expressed using the print media; and create a foundation for more advanced study of print media. 

 

 

Topics: Monotype - ARTS 1996
w/ Gary Cook
Face to Face - Wednesdays, 9-2:30pm

 

Monotype explores the addition and subtraction methods of monotype printmaking to produce exciting images. Monotype is an old method that has received new attention in today's society. Students explore its relationship to other contemporary forms of art and develop a personal direction in their work. 

 

This is an intermediate level course in printmaking with emphasis on the monotype (and monoprint) processes. Students will explore the varied possibilities of the monotype medium while also developing safe and non-toxic printmaking procedures. Additive and subtractive methods, as well as oil inks, crayon, and pencils, will be used. Technical and aesthetic considerations will be addressed in one-on-one instruction and group critiques. Students will understand the working properties of inks, ink modifiers and solvents used in printmaking. The course is finalized with a portfolio of monotype prints. 

 

 

Jewelry & Small Metal Construction - ARTS 1810
w/ Kimberly Thompson
Face to Face - Tuesdays, 12-5:30pm

 

This course introduces the basic techniques, materials, and tools traditionally used in the creation of jewelry and/or small-scale sculptural objects.  Students will explore fundamental fabrication practices and demonstrate proficiency in skills and a comprehension of visual vocabulary. Coursework will include examination of the history and practices of jewelry-making and metal casting within a global perspective.  Techniques covered may include soldering, stone setting, lapidary, and casting. 

 

Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 7: Arts and Design.

 

 

Topics: Jewelry & Small Metal Construction II - ARTS 1996
w/ Kimberly Thompson
Face to Face - Wednesdays, 9-2:30pm

Prerequisite: ARTS 1810 or by instructor permission

 

Fabrication skills are further developed and refined while additional advanced fabrication methods are introduced. Emphasis is placed on developing a deeper understanding of form and content as it relates to creating on an intimate scale. This course builds on concepts learned in Jewelry and Small Metal Construction I and allows the student an opportunity to expand upon basic concepts, techniques, and processes of jewelry making, and miniature sculpture.  Students will explore alternative casting methods, advanced soldering applications, and intermediate level stone setting techniques.

 

Intro to Photography - ARTS 1410
w/ Adrian Pijoan
Online, asynchronous 

 

This course introduces the making of photographic images from a broad viewpoint to consider both as an art practice and as a cultural practice. The course covers basic technical information in camera use and functionality, composition, and visual design, digital workflow, editing, manipulating, and enhancing images correctly and effectively. 

 

Demonstrations, artist talks, assignments, and critiques will give students the beginning tools for creative exploration and expression in the medium of photography. Course content is created to get students thinking about the meaning of photographic images in history, culture, and in their own experiences. Students will gain the skills and knowledge to demonstrate visual voice through photography and competency in basic camera functions and composition.

 

Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 7: Arts and Design.

 

 

Intro to Photography - ARTS 1410
w/ Jaime Knight
Face to Face - Fridays, 9-2:30pm

 

This course introduces the making of photographic images from a broad viewpoint to consider both as an art practice and as a cultural practice. The course covers basic technical information in camera use and functionality, composition, and visual design, digital workflow, editing, manipulating, and enhancing images correctly and effectively. 

 

Demonstrations, artist talks, assignments, and critiques will give students the beginning tools for creative exploration and expression in the medium of photography. Course content is created to get students thinking about the meaning of photographic images in history, culture, and in their own experiences. Students will gain the skills and knowledge to demonstrate visual voice through photography and competency in basic camera functions and composition.

 

Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 7: Arts and Design.

 

 

Intro to Art and Ecology - ARTS 1143
w/ Adrian Pijoan
Online, asynchronous 

 

This course is an introduction to the history and practice of the interdisciplinary field of art and ecology. Students will investigate artistic practice, political ecology, environmental justice, and the interrelationships between cultural and ecological systems. 

 

Through readings, discussion, lectures, and projects, we will explore how art can respond to–and make meaning within–the context of climate crises, mass extinction, colonialism, extractivism, and beyond. In order to expand the space of possibilities for thinking/feeling/making, this course aims to identify and to challenge distinctions between art and science, theory and practice, knowledge and affect. 

 

Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 7: Arts and Design.

 

 

Intro to Graphic Design - ARTS 2431

w/ faculty TBA
Face to Face - Tuesdays, 3-5:30pm

 

Introduction to the principles of visual communication and digital media, letterforms, typography and identity marks. Projects produced using conventional and digital tools. Students will learn a working knowledge of the graphic design software, identify and apply basic design concepts for the purpose of visual communication, conduct visual research, create presentations on design topics, and solve graphic design problems by sketching, drawing, typographic composition, and use of image and color. This course provides marketable skills for anyone interested in pursuing a career in graphic design, marketing, or any other creative field.

 

 

Introduction to Digital Media - FDMA 1520
w/ Peter Walker
Face-toFace Plus - Fridays, 9-11:30am + online, asynchronous

 

This course is designed to provide students with a survey of the histories, innovative concepts, and creative possibilities of digital media. Additionally, students will learn fundamental skills in teamwork, storytelling, and design.

 

Students will be immersed in the development of the visual story through the study of The Cast of Visual Characters; Seven Basic Components; Space, Line, Shape, Tone, Color, Movement, and Rhythm; The Real World & the Screen World. This course dives into film history starting with the concept of movie magic and the first inventors of cinema to contemporary filmmaking. This course also focuses on diversity in storytelling introducing new perspectives and representation in filmmaking. Students will create original image sequences based on topics and themes each week.  Students will learn how to give their peers feedback to create a fun and dynamic learning environment.

 

 

Video Production II - FDMA 2525
w/ Peter Walker
Face-toFace Plus - Wednesdays, 9-11:30am + online, asynchronous

 

An in-depth exploration of digital video production, including camera, lighting and sound production techniques for studio and field production. This class will help the filmmaker visualize and execute a digital film in a real-world team environment.

 

This course will train students in advanced Video Production skills, knowledge and concepts necessary to work as a media professional. This course leads to an Associate’s Degree in Digital Media Arts. We begin with the Seven tools of Visual Storytelling: The frame; Light and color; The Lens; Movement; Texture; Establishing; POV - Point-of-view. Students get weekly opportunities to learn about Technical Storytelling starting with how Pixar uses tells a story without words. Iconic and evocative stories are the heart of any production that generates a receptive audience. Each week we examine such stories in a series called “Untold America” - a show by AJ+ that explores the underrepresented, forgotten and misunderstood communities in the United States. For the hands-on part of the class students will create their own Character Videos each week where they get to use the skills from each class and will emerge with a solid reel by the end of the 16-week course. 

 

 

Intro to Post Production Editing - FDMA 1550
w/ Peter Walker
Face-toFace Plus - Thursdays, 9-11:30am + online, asynchronous

 

A comprehensive introduction to the basics of editing short films, documentaries and commercials. This is the second course of a comprehensive 2 Year Certificate in Film and Television Production.

 

Students will learn introductory level working knowledge and demonstrate proper use of post-production and editing software, develop editing skills by putting together scenes of shot footage,  build an editing portfolio of their completed works, and learn to showcase their finished work on a variety of platforms.

Activating Digital Space - FDMA 2286
w/ Kelly Clement
Face to Face Plus - Thursdays, 12-2:30pm + online, asynchronous

Prerequisite: FDMA 1210

 

This course introduces students to the techniques of visual storytelling for non-fiction and fiction genres and how those techniques can inform a visual grammar where form follows function. Students will learn detailed knowledge of the fundamental principles of conventional fiction and non-fiction screenwriting as well as alternative storytelling styles for film, television, and other digital media. This course utilizes lecture, discussion, film screenings, readings, and reflective writing exercises to focus on issues of narrative structure, characterization, conflict, aesthetics, and the politics and ethical considerations of writing for the current professional marketplace. 

 

The short film form is an important place to begin one’s journey into filmmaking and become an effective storyteller in any medium. Students will write and storyboard several short form film projects of their choosing and participate in regular writing workshops in collaboration with fellow classmates who will respond to their work. A final project will be a 5 to 10 page film treatment paper/film script or a 3 to 7 minute short film for a class screening.

Introduction to Film Studies - FDMA 2210
w/ Kelly Clement
Online, asynchronous 

 

Analysis of film as a unique art, and a survey of main trends in film history. Screenings and critical study of major films.

 

This course is designed to provide you with a foundation for future film study; to expose you to a wide range of cinematic styles and approaches; and to move you from a passive viewer to an active “reader” of film. You will learn the basic elements of cinematic language (including narrative, mise-en-scene, cinematography, acting, editing, and sound) and will use that knowledge to analyze the way filmmakers convey information, story, and meaning, develop style, and elicit audience response within a single scene and over the course of an entire feature film. We’ll explore the central critical approaches to the study of cinema, and examine a wide range of film styles and movements. There are no prerequisites for taking this class. Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 7: Arts and Design.

 

Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 7: Arts and Design (Core)

 

 

Introduction to Art - ARTH 1120
w/ Paula King
Online, asynchronous 

 

This foundation course introduces and explores the visual arts on a personal, societal, cultural, and historical level. An excellent course for someone new to the study of art or the experienced artist, students learn about all art-making processes, art materials, and techniques used by artists, designers, and architects. Studies feature iconic artists throughout history and major art movements. Students will build on a broad knowledge base to practice the skill of formal analysis, in order to expand an art appreciation and grow a personal aesthetic. The course offers a creative project using basic photography.

 

Canvas Online Course. This course is completed 100% online, therefore access to a computer and the internet are required. Designed with Quality Matters Standards, ARTH 1120 provides an excellent learning experience and offers flexibility for busy students. Support with the technology of the course is provided on campus, by email, and by phone by the HELP support staff of UNM. Pacing may be accelerated for early completion.

 

Inclusive Access for this course: This course has been set up for inclusive access delivery, this means your materials will be accessible through UNM Learn when classes begin. You do not need to shop for the ‘title of the book’ ahead of time. You do not need to pay by credit card or any other method, you should not see a prompt for payment at all when using the inclusive access materials. Your specially discounted price will be billed to your UNM Bursar Account AFTER the add/drop deadline. Additionally, McGraw-Hill Connect Access will be required (includes ebook, Smartbook, course learning activities, and exams).

 

Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 7: Arts and Design

 

 

Art History II - ARTH 2120
w/ Paula King
Online, asynchronous 

 

This survey course will explore architecture, sculpture, ceramics, paintings, drawings, and art objects from the 14th century to the Modern era. While focused primarily on the art of the Western civilizations, this course will also provide insights into the works of other major cultures in order to provide alternate views of art and history. Emphasis will be placed on the relationship of artworks to political, social, spiritual, intellectual, and cultural movements that affect and are affected by their creation and development. The course offers a creative project.

 

Canvas Online Course. This course is completed 100% online; access to a computer and the internet are required. Designed with Quality Matters Standards, ARTH 2120 provides an excellent learning experience and offers flexibility to Learners. Support with the technology of the course is provided on campus, by email, and by phone by the HELP support staff of UNM. Pacing may be accelerated for early completion.

 

Inclusive Access for this course: This course has been set up for inclusive access delivery, this means your materials will be accessible through UNM Learn when classes begin. You do not need to shop for the ‘title of the book’ ahead of time. You do not need to pay by credit card or any other method, you should not see a prompt for payment at all when using the inclusive access materials. Your specially discounted price will be billed to your UNM Bursar Account AFTER the add/drop deadline.

 

Meets New Mexico General Education Curriculum Area 7: Arts and Design (Core)

 

 

Topics: Internship - FDMA 2280
w/ Peter Walker
Face to Face - Class location and times to be arranged with instructor

Instructor permission required

 

Internship students work on various film and media projects in professional settings. Students gain real-world experience working in the New Mexico film and media industry.

APII
Draw / Paint
Caly
Prnt
Metals
Photo
Eco
GD
FDMA
Film Studies
AH
FDMA intern
bottom of page