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Curriculum

Herron’s renowned Foundation Year curriculum is rich in variety and substance, providing students with the best possible basis for the targeted education that will follow.

Foundation year curriculum consists of the following courses:

Fall Semester - 16 credits

  • D101 Drawing I
  • F121 Two-Dimensional Basic Design
  • F123 Three-Dimensional Basic Design
  • X101 Foundation Resources
  • H101 History of Art I
  • W131 English Composition

Spring Semester - 16 credits

  • D102 Drawing II
  • F122 Color Concepts
  • F100 Creative Processes
  • X102 Foundation Capstone
  • H101 History of Art II
  • L105 or L115 English Literature
Academic programs / Undergraduate programs /
Foundation Year / Curriculum

D101
Drawing I

3 credits		 Drawing I serves as an introduction to the basic skills of drawing and the development of sound observational skills. Working from nature, manufactured objects, and the human figure, students develop their draftsmanship with an emphasis on space, proportions and structure.

D102
Drawing II

3 credits		 Drawing II serves as a continuation of issues addressed in Drawing I with a greater emphasis placed on compositional aspects and spatial configurations. The human figure serves as a major point of investigation with an emphasis on anatomical understanding and accurate portrayals of form and proportion. Prerequisite: Drawing I

F121
Two-Dimensional Design

3 credits		 Two-Dimensional Design provides a comprehensive study of design elements and principles through the investigation of two-dimensional space. Students explore basic two-dimensional concepts, such as figure/ground relationships, grouping principles, gestalt theories, grid systems, balance, space, and time design. As a result of this course, students develop a visual language for analyzing, organizing, and communicating two-dimensional principles.

F122
Color Concepts

3 credits		 Color Concepts investigates color theory in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional exercises and projects. Students develop perceptual skills and learn to influence color through mixing and manipulating color relationships. Concepts include properties of colors and pigments, kinds of colors, simultaneous contrast, transparency, color chords, and atmospheric perspective. This course explores image development with an emphasis on color theory and on utilizing observational and interpretive color in various media processes.

F123
Three-Dimensional Design

3 credits		 Three-Dimensional Design introduces basic concepts of three-dimensional art and design through a series of assignments dealing with the organization of space and form using a variety of materials, processes and tools. Students investigate formal, functional, and conceptual issues while developing effective material choices, construction methods, and safe studio working habits.

F100
Creative Processes

3 credits		 In Creative Processes, students experience multiple art concepts and processes working with two faculty members in half-semester workshops. The course provides reinforcement of design concepts with a focus on problem solving, ideation and the stages of the creative process.

X101
Foundation Resources

1 credit		 Foundations Resources serves to introduce incoming students to the resources of Herron, IUPUI and Indianapolis. This seminar, while teaching students how to develop the study skills, time management and utilization of the resources needed for success in this university setting will also include content which is specific to Herron’s curricular mission.

X102
Foundation Capstone

1 credit		 The Foundation Capstone course serves to prepare students for Sophomore Review, promote early career planning, develop skills in documenting and presenting their work, and aid in the selection of a major studio emphasis.

H101-102
History of Art I-II

3 credits each		 History of Art I-II centers on the visual analysis of selected works from the history of Western art. The first semester defines historical terms, processes, and principles of architecture, painting, and sculpture, and covers the history of art from Prehistoric through Late Gothic. The second semester examines problems of style and subject matter from Early Renaissance to the 20th century.