Foundation Year
The Foundation year provides an opportunity for students to learn and practice the language of visual expression.
Foundation Year
| course title | Fall | Spring |
| Visual Elements: 2D | 3 | * |
| Visual Elements: Digital Tools | * | 3 |
| 3D Design | 3 | * |
| Time Arts | * | 3 |
| Basic Drawing | 3 | 3 |
| English Composition | 3 | 3 |
| Art & Design in Contemporary Society | 3 | 3 |
| Foundation elective (optional) | (1) | (1) |
| Total credits | 15 | 15 |
| * Can be taken Fall or Spring | ||
Foundation students at PNCA work together in a common first-year experience that introduces the basic vocabulary, concepts and skills shared by all disciplines of the fine and design arts. During this diverse year of immersion in studio and liberal arts, students explore a variety of tools, techniques and ideas as they
are introduced to the fundamentals of PNCA’s various studio majors. Students investigate the language of visual organization and acquire the materials and conceptual skills to successfully communicate ideas and manage projects as they move through the PNCA curriculum. Other Foundation fundamentals include:
- Developing the language tools for discussing visual phenomena
- Investigating the materials, processes and technologies of creative practice
- Understanding the professional activities and attitudes of the working artist and designer
- Practicing writing, reading, research and critical analysis skills
- Introduction to the major areas of study at PNCA, and assistance with choosing and declaring a major
- Exposure to the issues and ideas of contemporary art and design in the 21st century In addition to required courses, students may choose a one-credit elective each semester from a variety of offerings in PNCA’s Continuing Education (CE) program. Consult the current CE catalog or visit pnca.edu/programs/ce for specific courses and schedules.
