Information for First Year Undergraduates

WELCOME Class of 2030 and all incoming and returning students!

Whether you are considering concentrating....
or simply looking for a course out of curiosity or passion....
there are many ways to explore Art, Film, and Visual Studies.   

Wondering how to get started? 

Here are some of our recommended introductory courses

... in filmmaking
                  First Year Seminar 68I – Reality Beyond Fiction : Introduction to Documentary Filmmaking 
                  AFVS 50A&B - Introduction to Nonfiction Filmmaking [year-long course]
                  AFVS 60X - Approaching Narrative: Intro to Fiction Filmmaking [SPRING TERM]

... in painting, drawing or printmaking
                  General Education 1114 -  Painting’s Doubt: A Studio Course [FALL TERM]
                  AFVS 12 -  Drawing 1: Drawing as Visual Language [FALL TERM]
                  AFVS 15AR  - Silkscreen [FALL TERM]
                  AFVS 20 - Contemporary Painting Practice [SPRING TERM]

                  AFVS 32K - Sculpture 1: Material Making [FALL TERM]

                  AFVS 35R – Building Thought: Sculpture Course [FALL TERM]
... in animation
                  AFVS 53AR - Fundamentals of Animation [FALL TERM]
                  AFVS 154BR – Animation Workshop [SPRING TERM]
... in photography
                  AFVS 40E - Introduction to Photography [Offered both FALL & SPRING TERMS]

                   AFVS 41- Introduction to Photography [SPRING TERM]

... in video art, installation or performance
                  AFVS 63 - Introduction to Time-Based Media [FALL TERM]
                  General Education 1072 -  Video Commune [SPRING TERM]
 ... in film history, film studies or visual studies
                  AFVS 70: The Art of Film [FALL TERM]
                  General Education 1156 – Modern Art and Modernity [SPRING TERM]
 

All AFVS studio or filmmaking (hands-on) courses are limited enrollment, by instructor consent only. Different courses have different application and enrollment procedures. Check the Canvas site of all your desired courses early! That's where you will find deadlines and procedures for applying. Most courses have held spots for incoming students. Some intermediate and advanced courses will accept students based on your work or experience, without strictly defined prerequisites. If you have questions you should never hesitate to reach out to the instructors, and TAs & TFs.

We are always happy and available to advise on the courses and concentration! Write us if you have questions!