Craft and Material Studies (CRAF) < Virginia Commonwealth University Academic Catalog

CRAF 211. Jewelry. 4 Hours.

Semester course; 2 lecture and 6 studio hours. 4 credits. Prerequisite: successful completion of the Art Foundation Program. Investigation of basic jewelry making processes such as construction, chasing, surface embellishment and basic stone setting. Research in contemporary and historical jewelry forms.

CRAF 221. Woodworking Techniques. 4 Hours.

Semester course; 2 lecture and 6 studio hours. 4 credits. Prerequisite: successful completion of the Art Foundation Program. Introduction to techniques of woodworking. Includes the use of hand tools; hand and machine joinery; shaping and carving; finishing; and techniques involving jigs and fixtures. Students participate in studio work.

CRAF 240. Introduction to Ceramics. 4 Hours.

Semester course; 2 lecture and 6 studio hours. 4 credits. Prerequisite: successful completion of the Art Foundation Program. Introduction to beginning processes of wheel throwing and hand-built construction techniques, design, aesthetics and the creative development of clay objects examining cultural, historical and personal modes of expression. Demonstrations and slide presentations are given for assignments along with handouts to assist in illustrating techniques and processes. Students will be introduced to various ceramic aesthetics in contemporary, social and historical context.

CRAF 250. Introduction to Glass Fabrication. 4 Hours.

Semester course; 2 lecture and 6 studio hours. 4 credits. Prerequisite: successful completion of the Art Foundation Program. An introduction and investigation into the physical and associative material properties of glass. Students will explore a variety of methodologies for hot, cold and casting glass fabrication. The history and modern application of each technique will be covered through lectures, demonstrations and studio work.

CRAF 260. Introduction to Textiles. 4 Hours.

Semester course; 2 lecture and 6 studio hours. 4 credits. Prerequisite: successful completion of the Art Foundation Program. An introduction to basic textile techniques, tools and materials. This course introduces dyeing, weaving, felt-making, embroidery, sewing and related techniques. The history and modern application of each technique will be covered through lectures, demonstrations and studio work.

CRAF 282. Sophomore Seminar. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: successful completion of the Art Foundation Program. Introduction to the fields within the Department of Craft and Material Studies, critique practices, planning for arts career and writing within the field.

CRAF 291. Introductory Topics in Craft/Material Studies. 1-3 Hours.

Semester course; 2-6 studio hours. 1-3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of nine credits. A studio focusing on a selected issue or topic related to the field of craft. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.

CRAF 295. Engaging With Art. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: UNIV 200. Enrollment is restricted to students enrolled outside of the School of the Arts. This course will introduce non-art majors to contemporary craft and art-making processes and strategies to gain a deeper understanding of the value of art within current social and cultural contexts. Students will participate in discussions and execute a variety of projects that strengthen their understanding of how to interpret works of art, utilize art terminology and engage with their art community.

CRAF 301. Advanced Metal Fabrication: Forming. 4 Hours.

Semester course; 2 lecture and 6 studio hours. 4 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Prerequisite: CRAF 211 with a minimum grade of C. This course introduces students to various metal forming techniques. While cultivating respect for craft, the underlying theme of the course explores form as a means of expression for both functional and nonfunctional work. It is designed to develop skill, craftsmanship and sensitivity to design in working with metal. The history and modern application of each technique will be covered through lectures, demonstrations and studio work.

CRAF 302. Advanced Metal Fabrication: Mechanisms. 4 Hours.

Semester course; 2 lecture and 6 studio hours. 4 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Prerequisite: CRAF 211 with a minimum grade of C. This course introduces students to various fabrication techniques, findings and mechanisms related to the production of jewelry and small-scale objects. It is designed to develop skill, craftsmanship and sensitivity to design in working with metal. The history and modern application of each technique will be covered through lectures, demonstrations and studio work.

CRAF 303. Advanced Metal Fabrication: Surface Techniques. 4 Hours.

Semester course; 2 lecture and 6 studio hours. 4 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Prerequisite: CRAF 211 with a minimum grade of C. This course introduces students to various surface treatments employed in the production of jewelry and metal objects. It is designed to develop skill, craftsmanship and sensitivity to design in working with metal. While cultivating respect for craft, the underlying theme of the course explores form as a means of expression for both functional and nonfunctional work. The history and modern application of each technique will be covered through lectures, demonstrations and studio work.

CRAF 304. Advanced Metal Fabrication: Casting and Stone Setting. 4 Hours.

Semester course; 2 lecture and 6 studio hours. 4 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Prerequisite: CRAF 211 with a minimum grade of C. This course introduces students to casting and stone setting techniques employed in the production of jewelry and metal objects. It is designed to develop skill, craftsmanship and sensitivity to design in working with metal. While cultivating respect for craft, the underlying theme of the course explores form as a means of expression for both functional and nonfunctional work. The history and modern application of each technique will be covered through lectures, demonstrations and studio work.

CRAF 320. Furniture Design. 4 Hours.

Semester course; 2 lecture and 6 studio hours. 4 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits. Prerequisite: CRAF 221 with a minimum grade of C. The course explores the development of ideas through drawings, mock-ups and the planning and execution of a small furniture object utilizing basic and specialized woodworking techniques.

CRAF 321. Advanced Woodworking and Furniture Design. 4 Hours.

Semester course; 2 lecture and 6 studio hours. 4 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Prerequisite: CRAF 221 with a minimum grade of C. Advanced design and construction investigation of varied materials and machine processes.

CRAF 322. Advanced Woodworking and Furniture Design. 4 Hours.

CRAF 341. Advanced Ceramics. 4,6 Hours.

Semester courses; 2 lecture and 6 or 12 studio hours. 4 or 6 credits. Each of the courses may be repeated for up to a maximum of 12 credits. Prerequisite: CRAF 240 with a minimum grade of C. Advanced problems in the design and production of functional and nonfunctional ceramic products.

CRAF 342. Advanced Ceramics. 4,6 Hours.

CRAF 344. Ceramics: Mold-Making. 4 Hours.

Semester course; 2 lecture and 6 studio hours. 4 credits. Prerequisite: CRAF 240 with a minimum grade of C. This course is a continuation of study in ceramics with a focus on prototyping and mold-making techniques. While focused on generating original artwork, the course will cover prototype development and serialized production using a variety of mold-forming processes. The history and contemporary application of ceramic mold-making techniques will be covered through student research, demonstrations and studio work.

CRAF 346. Tableware. 4 Hours.

Semester course; 2 lecture and 6 studio hours. 4 credits. Prerequisite: CRAF 240 with a minimum grade of C. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. This course is designed to expand student understanding of how pottery operates, both as utilitarian object and object of material culture. Students will develop technical understanding and innovation within utilitarian aspects of pottery. Assignments and research will challenge students to consider the role of utilitarian pottery in contemporary culture.

CRAF 351. Intermediate Glass Fabrication/Hot. 4 Hours.

Semester course; 2 lecture and 6 studio hours. 4 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Prerequisite: CRAF 250 with a minimum grade of C. A deeper and broader delving into hot and cold glass fabrication techniques, with an introduction to the utilization and application of color processes will be explored.

CRAF 352. Intermediate Glass Fabrication/Kiln Forming. 4 Hours.

Semester course; 2 lecture and 6 studio hours. 4 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Prerequisite: CRAF 250 with a minimum grade of C. A deeper exploration of warm glass (kiln forming) processes that will involve advanced mold-making techniques.

CRAF 353. Glassworking: Lampworking. 4 Hours.

Semester course; 2 lecture and 6 studio hours. 4 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Prerequisite: CRAF 250 with a minimum grade of C. Provides an opportunity for further investigation, specialization and technical mastery in glass lampworking design.

CRAF 354. Intermediate Glass Fabrication. 4 Hours.

CRAF 361. Intermediate Textiles: Tapestry/Weaving. 4 Hours.

Semester course; 2 lecture and 6 studio hours. 4 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Prerequisite: CRAF 260 with a minimum grade of C. An introduction to the floor loom with an emphasis on tapestry weaving. Concentrated studio work in contemporary and traditional loom techniques along with continuing individual investigation of other textile techniques.

CRAF 362. Intermediate Textiles: Pattern Weaving. 4 Hours.

Semester course; 2 lecture and 6 studio hours. 4 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Prerequisite: CRAF 260 with a minimum grade of C. An introduction to the floor loom with an emphasis on pattern weaving. Concentrated studio work in contemporary and traditional loom techniques along with continuing individual investigation of other textile techniques.

CRAF 363. Fabric Design I. 4 Hours.

Semester course; 2 lecture and 6 studio hours. 4 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Prerequisite: CRAF 260 with a minimum grade of C. Exploration of dye and pigment techniques for fabric along with pattern development and conceptual use of fabric.

CRAF 364. Fabric Design II. 4 Hours.

CRAF 382. Junior Seminar. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: CRAF 282 and UNIV 200 or HONR 200. Continued investigation of the craft field, critique practices, planning for careers through the lens of creativity and exploration, and a continuation of writing in the field.

CRAF 391. Topics in Craft/Material Studies. 1-3 Hours.

CRAF 447. Ceramic Technology: Claybodies and Glaze Formulation. 4 Hours.

Semester course; 2 lecture and 6 studio hours. 4 credits. Prerequisite: CRAF 240 with a minimum grade of C. In-depth study of ceramic materials and their application in claybody and glaze formulation. Beginning with geology and mineralogy, students will gain an understanding of how ceramic materials are formed and how they work together in clay and glaze recipes. Students will learn methods for testing and altering existing glaze recipes as well as formulating their own using the unity molecular formula. Focused on high-fire materials, students will also learn to fire both electric and gas kilns in oxidation and reduction atmospheres.

CRAF 480. Senior Studio/Critique Course. 4 Hours.

Semester course; 2 lecture and 6 studio hours. 4 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits. Prerequisites: CRAF 382; and CRAF 301, 302, 303, 304, 320, 321, 322, 341, 342, 343, 344, 351, 352, 353, 354, 361, 362, 363, 364 or 369, both with a minimum grade of C. Corequisite: CRAF 301, 302, 303, 304, 320, 321, 322, 341, 342, 343, 344, 351, 352, 353, 354, 361, 362, 363, 364 or 369. Focuses on the development of independent interests aimed at creating a cohesive series/body of work.

CRAF 481. Senior Studio/Critique Course. 4 Hours.

Semester course; 2 lecture and 6 studio hours. 4 credits. Prerequisite: CRAF 480 with a minimum grade of C. The course will focus on the continuation of creating a cohesive series/body of work begun during CRAF 480.

CRAF 482. Senior Seminar. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: CRAF 382. Enrollment is restricted to senior sculpture majors. Capstone course focusing on the continued investigation of the craft field with emphasis on the student’s media area(s) of focus and professional practices.

CRAF 491. Topics in Craft/Material Studies. 1-3 Hours.

Semester course; 1-3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. A seminar or workshop on a selected issue or topic in the field of crafts. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered each semester.

CRAF 492. Independent Study. 1-3 Hours.

Semester course; 1-3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. Prerequisites: senior standing in the major and permission of the instructor. The student will pursue advanced, individually directed study on a subject to be formulated in writing by the student and instructor.

CRAF 493. Fieldwork. 3 Hours.

Semester courses; 135 clock hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: senior standing in the major and permission of department chair. Opportunity for practical work experiences. Senior students are placed with professionals who offer supervised work or research experience appropriate to their major interests. Participation requires the approval of both the department chair and field supervisor. Students must work 135 clock hours and maintain a daily log of their experiences. Field supervisor will plan student's work and evaluate performance.

CRAF 494. Fieldwork. 6 Hours.

Semester course; 270 clock hours. 6 credits. Prerequisites: senior standing in the major and permission of department chair. Opportunity for practical work experiences. Senior students are placed with professionals who offer supervised work or research experience appropriate to their major interests. Participation requires the approval of both the department chair and field supervisor. Students must work 270 clock hours and maintain a daily log of their experiences. Field supervisor will plan student's work and evaluate performance.

CRAF 670. Graduate Studio. 6 Hours.

Semester course; 9 studio hours. 6 credits. Repeated for a total of 24 credits. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students in the M.F.A. in Fine Arts craft and material studies concentrations. Primary emphasis is placed on individual creative projects and on discussion of individual creative projects with regular exposure to the critical attention of other graduate students in the department, under the direction of the teaching faculty. Special emphasis is given to the development of personal expression through individual research and criticism.

CRAF 681. Candidacy Research. 1,3 Hour.

Semester course; 1.5 or 4.5 studio hours. 1 or 3 credits. Must be repeated for a total of six credits. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students in the M.F.A. in Fine Arts craft and material studies concentrations. This course comprises the process of producing work to achieve candidacy, a crucial qualifying step in which student’s academic achievements are reviewed and the student’s readiness to proceed to the final research phase of the degree program is determined.

CRAF 682. Thesis. 1,3 Hour.

Semester course; 1.5 or 4.5 studio hours. 1 or 3 credits. Must be repeated for a total of six credits. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students in the M.F.A. in Fine Arts craft and material studies concentrations. This course comprises the process of producing work for and exhibiting in the thesis exhibition; a written thesis; and an oral presentation by second-year M.F.A. students, a crucial qualifying step for students to complete the program. Graded as Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory.

CRAF 683. Independent Studio. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 4.5 studio hours. 3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of nine credits. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students in the M.F.A. in Fine Arts concentrations. An independent studio course that allows students to develop specific skills or explore techniques. Approval of supervising faculty member and department chair necessary prior to registration.

CRAF 690. Graduate Seminar. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 3 seminar hours. 3 credits. Must be repeated for a total of 12 credits. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students in the M.F.A. in Fine Arts craft/material studies concentration. Weekly seminar for the purpose of examining contemporary issues within the field of fine art, broadening critical discourse and considering artists’ work within the context of a creative practice.

CRAF 691. Special Topics Studio. 3 Hours.

Semester course; 4.5 studio hours. 3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of nine credits. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students in the M.F.A. in Fine Arts concentrations. A studio course that focuses on specific issues, theories or historical events in relationship to students’ research and studio practice.

CRAF 692. Directed Research. 1-3 Hours.

Semester course; 1-3 research hours. 1-3 credits. May be repeated for a maximum of nine credits. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students in the M.F.A. in Fine Arts concentrations. Approval of supervising faculty member and department chair necessary prior to registration. Learning experiences will be designed with the supervising faculty member in the form of a contract between student and instructor.