The Foundation Studies Program comprises a series of sequential courses taken by all
B.F.A. in Art and B.A. in Art degree-seeking students. These courses occur during
the first two consecutive semesters of a student's first year within the Fine Arts
Department at Winthrop University. Concepts contained in these courses serve to educate
the beginning student on broad issues concerning art and art history in order to adequately
prepare them for their area of specialization.
Foundation courses in Drawing, Two-Dimensional Design and Three-Dimensional Design
make up the ˜core courses' in Foundations Studio. The Foundation year also includes
Art History surveys and Introduction to Fine Arts. Students may exempt some 100 level
studio courses upon production of a portfolio, which is juried by the Fine Arts Faculty.
During the Foundation year, students are given the opportunity to work with a wide
variety of media. Drawing classes focus on observational drawing and include the study
of both linear and atmospheric perspective. Graphite, charcoal, ink, color pencil
and pastel are typically used in a variety of approaches and techniques including
gesture, contour, tonal rendering and geometric or planar analysis. Two-dimensional
design classes focus on the composition of the picture plane. Media such as ink, paint,
marker, color pencil and collage are used with an emphasis on process, visual research
and craftsmanship. In three-dimensional design, students explore spatial concepts
in a variety of media including wood, paper, cardboard, wire, clay and mixed-media.
A focus on both creative problem-solving and craftsmanship is emphasized. Extensive
study of the Elements and Principles of Design is undertaken in all subjects in order
to produce unified and effective composition.
In addition, the Foundation Studies Program, as part of a professional degree program
within a Liberal Arts University, reflects the core ideology of a sound Liberal Arts
Education through exposure to a breadth of art concepts and experiences related to
interdisciplinary issues.
By providing a common experience, the Foundation Studies Program also educates the
student in numerous other, less obvious yet vital ways, such as problem-solving, time
management, the discovery and growth of one's aptitudes and skills, redirecting one's
mistakes into accomplishing a successful outcome, and staying on task.
The Freshman Foundation Portfolio Review serves to assess the individual student artist's progress in learning the basic elements and principles associated with art and design. The review goes beyond course evaluation to consider overall skill and concept development within the areas of Foundation studies:
In addition, it seeks to determine the student's level of self-motivation and initiative, as well as his/her growing abilities to sustain creative effort and visual inquiry. As such, the review is a vital opportunity for students to demonstrate their potential to move into Specialization areas. The Freshman Foundation Review typically takes place during the last month of the spring semester.
Seth Rouser, Assistant Professor
118 McLaurin Hall
rousera@winthrop.edu
