Visual Arts - Lyndon

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Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation and Illustration

• Animation/Illustration
• Game Design

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design

Bachelor of Arts in Cinema Production

Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design

Associate of Arts in Cinema Production

Associate of Science in Visual Arts

Associate of Science in Visual Communications

Associate of Science in Photography

Minors: Cinema Production, Photography, and Visual Arts

Mission Statement

A spirited and engaging environment, the Northern Vermont University-Lyndon Visual Arts Department provides a venue for dynamic self-expression. Our programs challenge students to become adept problem-solvers and to not only expand the breadth of their design, communication, and artistic techniques, but also to enrich their own personal aesthetic. Through an awareness of art history and contemporary visual culture, students develop a context for their own innovative practice and developing visual literacy. Through hands-on coursework that demands original thought, our program stimulates critical thinking and instills a passion for the visual arts.

Program Goals

In the Visual Arts programs, students are prepared with:

• an entry-level portfolio specific to the major
• an ability to use design principles to communicate effectively
• expertise and professionalism in the development process for the visual arts
• competency and creative skills in using animation, graphic design, illustration, and/ or web design software
• an ability to work collaboratively and independently in solving specific design problems

Formal Acceptance into the Major

During the second year of study, students majoring in the B.F.A. in Animation/Illustration are required to submit an application to the department for formal acceptance into the Animation/Illustration degree. Students in the B.A. in Graphic Design can also submit an application to be formally accepted into the B.F.A. in Graphic Design. The student is granted formal acceptance into the B.F.A. major based on the faculties evaluation of the application. The B.A. in Cinema Production does not require formal acceptance into the major.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation and Illustration - Students will demonstrate:

• an ability to work collaboratively and/or independently in solving advanced problems in animation and/or illustration
• an advanced ability to create effective, professional-level animation and/or illustration projects.
• a proficiency in the use of appropriate creative tools for specific animation and/or illustration projects

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design - Students will demonstrate:

• an ability to work collaboratively and/or independently in solving advanced problems in graphic design
• an advanced ability to create effective, professional-level graphic design projects
• a proficiency in the use of appropriate creative tools for specific graphic design projects

Bachelor of Arts in Cinema Production - Students will demonstrate

• a proficiency in the skills and techniques of digital filmmaking
• an understanding of the process of filmmaking through pre-production, production, and post-production phases
• a sophisticated appreciation of the history of cinema as a context for original artworks

Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design - Students will demonstrate:

• an ability to work collaboratively and/or independently in solving advanced problems in visual communications
• an ability to create effective, professional-level graphic design projects
• a proficiency in the use of appropriate creative tools for specific visual communications projects

Associate of Science in Photography - Students will demonstrate:

• an ability to express original ideas using photographic visual practices
• an ability to use a variety of techniques specific to the medium of photography
• a basic understanding of general aesthetic principles in the context of photography
• a knowledge of historical and/or contemporary photographers and photographic genres

Associate of Science in Visual Arts - Students will demonstrate:

• an ability to express original ideas in a visual fashion
• an ability to use a variety of techniques specific to the art medium
• an ability to exhibit artwork following standard conventions
• an awareness of historical and/or contemporary artists or art forms

Associate of Science in Visual Communications - Students will demonstrate:

• an ability to work collaboratively and/or independently in solving basic problems in visual communications
• a basic understanding of general aesthetic principles in the context of visual communications
• a basic ability in the use of appropriate creative tools for specific visual communications projects

Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes

The NVU-Lyndon Visual Arts Department assesses the Student Learning Outcomes in four primary ways. The methods of evaluation correspond to the Student Learning Outcomes for individual majors.

• course evaluations in DES 3111, DES 3112, VID 4060, ART 4170 and 2000/3000-level ART courses
• supervisor evaluations in Internship, Animation Illustration Workshop, and Design Studio
• senior portfolio presentations in DES 4950
• final project evaluations in DES 1045 and VID 3060

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