First Year Writing in Art and Design

Prerequisites: No Prerequisites.

Writing is a tool for thinking, a mode of communication, and an artform. This Stamps-specific First Year Writing Requirement course offers students the opportunity to develop transferable writing practices relevant to artists and designers at Stamps and beyond. This class is called ​“the experience of writing” because it emphasizes embodied, experiential writing processes over traditional writing products. In Unit I, ​“The Big Mess,” students explore writing as a tool for thinking, feeling, seeing and reflecting. In Unit II, ​“The Messy Middle,” students hone writing skills that can help them communicate effectively in a variety of contexts. In Unit III, ​“The Beautiful Object,” students draw on these practices to create a piece of writing imbued with artistic vision, original voice, and heart. Along the way, they have the chance to locate and explore the questions, topics and processes that align with their personal creative mission, as well as questions like: what does it mean to be an art & design student right now? How can I harness the resources of higher education while also recognizing its biases and limitations? What is the role of AI in my learning and making? The skills developed in this class also prepare students for other Stamps classes, including the Upper-Level Writing Requirement (ARTDES 399) and curricular milestones like Sophomore Review.

Frequency: This course is typically offered in both the fall and winter terms of every academic year, though scheduling may vary according to future term circumstances