In these courses students investigate how we communicate and form a visual voice, while integrating their thinking and intentions with their craft. Changes in point of view, interpretation of images, diverse cultural contributions and visual vocabulary are discussed. Two-dimensional formal properties such as composition, figure/ground, value organization, grouping principles, and rhythm and pattern will be covered. These courses engage in methods other than drawing and will cover cutting, measuring, adhesives, thumbnail sketching, digital literacy, and presentation. Students can opt to focus on the two-dimensional plane through color mixing, the relation of text to images, or the processes and materials that develop surface. Each of the 2D courses will establish a practice that builds professional time management skills, while encouraging students to add depth to their work through developmental assignments, design methods, research, writing and versioning.

As a multilingual-focused course, this section integrates the 2D making component with an introduction to the practice of critique in North American art/design education. By reading, watching, listening to, and discussing other people’s experiences with critique and participating in their own critiques, students will explore its languages and conventions (or expectations), historical lineages (or origins), and power dynamics to gain familiarity and fluency in critique.