Foundation Year
The first year, or foundation year, program is the basis for all students at PCA&D
The Foundation year provides you with a wide range of experiences in thinking, making, and communicating. The classes introduce a range of topics and coursework applicable to all of the majors. This allows for an opportunity for exploration and to support the breadth of the Liberal Arts education that underpins the granting of a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
Skill-building
While every Foundation course emphasizes a specific area of study, skill-building is reinforced throughout the entire curriculum. For example, Digital Media emphasizes digital practices and software, but some digital skills are reinforced in every Foundation Class. 2D Design teaches composition, but every Foundation course reinforces that skill through multiple assignments.
thinking as well as making
Every Foundation class includes assignments where you’ll need to generate and develop ideas. These concepts are realized through the media or craft of the specific class. Research and ideation are followed with the presentation and completion of an artwork. You are taught how to follow a professional path from idea to finished product.
Communication & Critique
Every Foundation course features critique, yet individual classes may approach them differently. For example, a Digital Media class may have students present and pitch work in a manner more in line with the Illustration industry, while a 2D class might feature a more traditional critique. This diversity of approaches serves to offer different industry practices and also presents alternative learning opportunities for you.
Foundation year trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City
Curriculumn
Your Foundation Year will consist of six foundation-year studio courses, two courses in the communication distribution area, and two courses in the art history distribution area.
A total of 30 credits are required…
FALL SEMESTER
Foundation-Year Studio Courses
- FD 101 Drawing I/FD 115 Drawing Concepts | 3.0 Credits
- FD 103 2-D Design | 3.0 Credits
- FD 109 Digital Imaging/FD112 Digital Media OR FD 106 3-D Design | 3.0 Credits
Art History Distribution Area Courses
- AH 110 Introduction to the History of Art & Visual Culture | 3.0 Credits
Communication Distribution Area Courses
- FVC 101 Foundations of Verbal Communication I | 3.0 Credits
SPRING SEMESTER
Foundation-Year Studio Courses
- FD 104 2-D Design II | 3.0 Credits FD 106 3-D Design OR FD 109 Digital Imaging/FD112 Digital Media | 3.0 Credits
- FD 114 Figure Drawing OR FD113 Narrative Drawing OR FD 111 Camera-Based Observ. | 3.0 Credits
Art History Distribution Area Courses
- AH 222 World Art Survey: Cultural Contacts | 3.0 Credits
Communication Distribution Area Courses
- FVC 102 Foundations of Verbal Communication II | 3.0 Credits
What you'll learn
When you successfully complete the foundation-year curriculum you’ll be able to:
- Demonstrate through class assignments the ability to use basic thinking strategies to develop ideas and seek conceptually-based solutions while incorporating global, historical, and contemporary influences.
- Demonstrate foundational making skills by creating work that strives to unify the concept, medium, and craft.
- Demonstrate the beginning of effective communication skills through the visual impact of their work, evaluating that work, and critiquing the work of others in an informed and constructive manner.
- Demonstrate professional work habits and the ability to meet deadlines.
Let's Connect
Whether you’re just starting to learn about PCA&D or ready to submit an application, connect with us. We offer a range of ways to visit, from on-campus visits to online info sessions and 1-on-1s with an admissions counselor.