Course General Description

At the University of Colorado at Boulder, the Foundations Arts Program introduces studio undergraduates to a cohesive curriculum offered through a sequence of first-year courses. The focus of this curriculum is on visual literacy and understanding the use of technique as a tool to illustrate concepts that span many different art disciplines and cultures. This program includes two core courses designed for the student to progressively build upon his or her existing aptitudes and to be introduced to new ways of working and thinking. Foundation Faculty carefully guide students through a comprehensive program, providing students with a thorough understanding of contemporary art and art practice to ensure a successful creative future. Students develop creative, expressive, and analytical skills through a variety of multidisciplinary assignments, including digital media. Each course consists of studio practice and a lecture series. The first Foundations Arts course ARTS 1010 focuses on introducing the students to two and three-dimensional design practices with exploration in color theory. ARTS 1020 is designed to introduce the students to a more conceptual approach to theme based projects with attention to Digital Arts. These courses introduce a range of theoretical positions, artistic methods, materials, and media that are key to art making.

School General Description

As one of only 36 public research institutions in the Association of American Universities (AAU), the University of Colorado Boulder is all about realizing the positive impacts of new knowledge. From offering dozens of exciting programs in a range of academic fields, to serving as one of the world’s most dynamic research and innovation hubs, to working closely through hundreds of public outreach efforts with communities across Colorado and the world, we take pride in helping our students, faculty, staff and partners turn new ideas into productive outcomes that change lives. CU Boulder’s vision is grounded in its statutory mission as a national public research university. In Colorado statute, the university is defined as the “comprehensive graduate research university with selective admissions standards . . . offer(ing) a comprehensive array of undergraduate, master and doctoral degree programs” of what is now designated the University of Colorado System. CU Boulder recognizes the exceptional opportunities associated with its role as a research university, and values the unique strength and character research achievements bring to undergraduate education. It is keenly aware of its responsibility for educating the next generation of citizens and leaders, and for fostering the spirit of discovery through research. Indeed, CU Boulder believes that its students, both graduate and undergraduate, benefit from the comprehensive mix of programs and research excellence that characterize a flagship university. Thus, CU Boulder’s statutory mission is relevant today and will remain relevant tomorrow.