Art-Fine Art
47 courses · San Diego City College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
ARTF 100 Art Orientation
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is a survey of the visual arts. Emphasis is placed on the various aesthetic approaches, philosophies, and artistic orientations around the world in historical and contemporary perspective. This course is intended for humanities majors and all students interested in art and/or art history.
ARTF 104 Artists and Designers Today
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is an overview of current artist and designer practices. Students gain insight into art, design, and craft fields such as painting, sculpture, graphic design, interior design, industrial design, furniture, fibers, ceramics, metalwork, and multimedia. This course is designed for students beginning the study of art and/or related disciplines.
ARTF 109 Modern Art
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ARTH C1100 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and ARTH C1200 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course provides a survey of modern art and architecture examining theoretical and cultural influences on art from the 19th century to mid 20th century. The course is designed for students interested in modern art history, as well as for art majors who are focusing on modern design, painting, sculpture or ceramics.
ARTF 115 African Art
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is a survey of the history of African art. Emphasis is placed on the distinct history, cultural aesthetics, styles and iconography of various African cultures from prehistoric times to present day. This course is designed for all students interested in art, art history and the humanities.
ARTF 125 Art History: Arts of the Asian Continent
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course provides a survey of paintings, sculpture, architecture, and associated fine arts from India, China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, and other countries throughout the Asian continent. It emphasizes the social, religious, and political highlights of each culture and their effects on art forms from prehistoric to modern times. This course is designed not only for art students, but also for those who are interested in history, religion, philosophy, humanities, and cultural enrichment.
ARTF 150A Two-Dimensional Design
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is an introduction to two-dimensional space and form. Emphasis is placed on ways of organizing visual space into vivid and coherent images. This course is designed for students beginning a study of art and/or related disciplines.
ARTF 151 Three-Dimensional Design
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent; Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: ARTF 150A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is an introduction to three-dimensional space and form. Emphasis is placed on organizing visual space into valid and coherent structures. This course is designed for students beginning the study of art and/or related disciplines.
ARTF 155A Freehand Drawing I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This is an introductory course designed to develop the student's ability to perceive and translate visual relationships from 3-dimensional (3-D) space into 2-dimensional (2-D) drawings. Emphasis is placed on the use of art theory, basic art elements and compositional strategies to create pictorial space and compose original images based on observation. This course is intended for art majors and all students interested in learning freehand drawing whether or not they have previous art experience.
ARTF 155B Freehand Drawing II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- ARTF 155A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is an intermediate course in which students apply art principles and theory to create solutions to particular problems of graphic representation and expression. Emphasis is placed on visual analysis and inquiry in creating pictorial space and applying drawing media. Students are introduced to the use of interdisciplinary art forms and image making and explore New Genres as a means of continued intellectual and artistic development. This course is intended for art and graphic art students.
ARTF 156A Drawing for Animation
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 32 - 36 hours lecture/64 - 72 hours lab
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is an introduction to drawing and design for animation. Emphasis is placed on the principles of motion, storytelling and conceptual development. This course is designed for students beginning the study of art and/or related disciplines.
ARTF 165A Composition in Painting I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- ARTF 155A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Advisory
- ARTF 152 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and ARTF 150A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is an introduction to oil and acrylic painting methods and techniques. Emphasis is placed on composition, color, and application of general design principles. A variety of subject matter, such as still-life, landscape, portrait and non-objective subjects, and a variety of stylistic approaches such as cubism, collage, realism and expressionism are explored. This course is designed to develop students' creative abilities and critical thinking in visual terms. This course is intended for students majoring in Art and those who wish to improve their artistic skills.
ARTF 165B Composition in Painting II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- ARTF 165A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is the second semester of introduction to oil and acrylic painting methods and techniques. Emphasis is placed on the concepts of pictorial space, composition, and color. The course is designed to further develop students' creative abilities and critical thinking through the construction of images designed to address specific pictorial problems and goals. This course is intended for students majoring in Art and those who wish to improve their artistic skills.
ARTF 165C Composition in Painting III
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- ARTF 165B with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is the third semester of introduction to oil and acrylic painting methods and techniques. Emphasis is placed on composition, color, and application of general design principles at a more advanced level of creativity and sophistication. This course is designed to develop students' creative abilities and critical thinking in visual terms through the use of individual assignments tailored to students' skills. This course is intended for students majoring in Art and those who wish to improve their artistic skills.
ARTF 165D Composition in Painting IV
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- ARTF 165C with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is the fourth and final semester of introduction to oil and acrylic painting methods and techniques. Emphasis is placed on contemporary methods and theories related to conceptualism and new genre. Students produce large format and mural scale paintings. This course is designed to develop students' creative abilities and critical thinking in visual terms through the use of individual assignments tailored to students' skills. This course is intended for students majoring in Art and those who wish to improve their artistic skills.
ARTF 170A Contemporary Crafts I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and ARTF 150A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This is a course exploring techniques, methods, and processes to produce a variety of crafts. Topics include developing projects using various media including ceramics, wood, fibers, glass, plastic, and metal. Students explore design principles, expressive quality, and individual ideas. This course is intended for students pursuing careers or future studies in studio arts, applied design, or industrial arts.
ARTF 170B Contemporary Crafts II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- ARTF 170A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course continues the study of various crafts media at an intermediate level. Emphasis is placed on individual exploration and expression. This course is intended for students pursuing careers or future studies in Studio Art, Applied Design, or Industrial Design.
ARTF 170C Contemporary Crafts III
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- ARTF 170B with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course continues the study of various crafts media at an advanced level. Emphasis is placed on structured development of media and preparation of work for public exhibition. This course is intended for students pursuing careers or future studies in Studio Art, Applied Design, or Industrial Design.
ARTF 174A Book Arts I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Advisory
- ARTF 150A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or DSGN 100 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This is an introductory level book arts course. Emphasis is placed on the fundamental techniques and principles of constructing hand-made books. Topics include book arts terminology, materials, techniques, basic book structures, and worldwide books. Students develop content in the form of image and text for a hand-crafted book. This course is intended for graphic design students, fine art students, interaction design students, and anyone interested in the art and design of hand-crafted books.
ARTF 175A Sculpture I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Advisory
- ARTF 150A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is an introduction to sculptural materials, processes, forms, contexts and content. Emphasis is placed on the basic forms and cultural functions of sculpture (past and present). Students produce sculptural artworks under direct guidance of the instructor. This course is intended for students majoring in art and for all students interested in producing three-dimensional art.
ARTF 175B Sculpture II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Advisory
- ARTF 175A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is an intermediate level course in sculptural materials, processes, forms, context and content. Emphasis is placed on articulation of sculptural goals and experimentation with materials and methods. Students plan and produce sculptural artworks based on original concepts. This course is intended for art majors and for all students interested in working in three-dimensional art.
ARTF 175C Sculpture III
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Advisory
- ARTF 175B with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is an advanced study in sculptural materials, processes, context and content. Emphasis is placed on the refinement of conceptual skills in their selection and pursuit of sculptural goals. Students experiment with advanced-level concepts and materials to create original sculptural artworks, including large scale pieces. This course is intended for art majors and for all students interested in working in three-dimensional art.
ARTF 179A Figurative Ceramic Sculpture I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 32 - 36 hours lecture/64 - 72 hours lab
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is an introduction to ceramic figurative sculpture. Emphasis is placed on representational and expressive forms and learning various techniques of building with clay. This course is designed for students beginning the study of art and/or related disciplines.
ARTF 195A Ceramics I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This is an introductory ceramics course. Emphasis is placed on the design and construction of hand-built and wheel-thrown ceramic forms. This course is designed for art majors and all students interested in developing ceramic skills.
ARTF 195B Ceramics II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- ARTF 195A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is an intermediate level ceramics course in which students design and construct wheel thrown and hand-built ceramic objects. Emphasis is placed on form and surface enrichment. This course is designed for art majors and for students interested in developing ceramic skills.
ARTF 195C Ceramics III
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- ARTF 195B with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This is an advanced-level ceramics course in which students design and construct wheel-thrown and handbuilt ceramic forms. Students select an area of focus emphasizing form and surface enrichment. Students develop, mix, and use clay and glazes, as well as load and fire both gas and electric kilns. This course is intended for art majors and all students interested in developing ceramics skills.
ARTF 196 Clay and Glaze Technology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- ARTF 195A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Advisory
- ARTF 195B with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is a study of advanced techniques in clay and glaze formulation, mixing, and testing. Emphasis is placed on the physical and chemical nature of ceramic materials and how they affect glaze fired surface results. This course is intended for students majoring in art and anyone interested in ceramics.
ARTF 197A Handbuilding Ceramics I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- ARTF 195A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course provides instruction in the design and construction of handbuilt ceramic forms. Students create ceramic objects emphasizing form and surface enrichment, while gaining experience applying glazes and loading kilns. This course is designed for art majors and for students interested in developing ceramic skills.
ARTF 197B Handbuilding Ceramics II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- ARTF 197A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This is an advanced level ceramics course in which students design and construct hand-built ceramic forms. Emphasis is placed on form and surface enrichment, weighing, mixing and use of glazes, and loading and firing electric kilns. This course is designed for art majors and for students interested in developing ceramic skills.
ARTF 198A Introduction to Printmaking I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Advisory
- ARTF 150A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and ARTF 155A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is an introduction to the basic printmaking media of intaglio, relief, and monoprinting. Emphasis is placed on the techniques for creating and printing plates. Students investigate papers, select for properties, analyze aesthetic strategies for image making, and practice the principles of editioning and print conservation. This course is designed for art majors and all students interested in printmaking.
ARTF 202A Public Art I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Advisory
- ARTF 150A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and ARTF 151 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent; Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This is the first in a series of courses in public art. This course explores the study and practice of art for public spaces. Topics include historical and contemporary examples of public art as well as constructing a series of maquettes. Emphasis is placed on identifying projects, planning a piece, and creating proposals for submission. This course is intended for art majors and those interested in the study and creation of art in the public sphere.
ARTF 202B Public Art II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- ARTF 202A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This is the second in a series of courses in public art. This course explores the study and practice of art for public spaces. Topics include a deeper analysis of public art in a historical and contemporary context as well as the multi-layered processes of constructing a public art piece. Emphasis is placed on appropriate business procedures, the submission process, and the construction of a public art piece. This course is intended for art majors and those interested in the study and creation of art in the public sphere.
ARTF 205A Installation, Performance, and New Genres
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Advisory
- ARTF 175A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is an introduction to concept-based New Genres art practices. Emphasis is placed on the intersection of form/medium and concept as well as on the role of art in contemporary culture. Students develop concepts based on issues related to social commentary, political action, institutional critique, community involvement, and personal identity and experiment with forms, such as installation, performance, technological, hybrid, and emerging art forms. This course is designed for art majors and anyone interested in contemporary art practices.
ARTF 206 Art Entrepreneurship
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is an overview of current business and marketing practices related to being an artist. Students gain promotional and presentation skills and develop a business plan. This course is intended for students interested in art and creating a small art business.
ARTF 207A Industrial and Architectural Ceramic Design I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and ARTF 150A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and ARTF 195A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is the first course in a sequence of contemporary industrial and architectural ceramic design. Emphasis is placed on creating beginning-level multiples in production and architectural ceramics. Student produce designs suitable for basic mold making and casting to produce multiples. This course is designed for students interested in industrial design, public arts, and creating a small business.
ARTF 207B Industrial and Architectural Ceramic Design II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- ARTF 207A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is the second course in a sequence of contemporary industrial and architectural ceramic design. Students produce designs suitable for more complex mold making and casting to produce multiples. Students also create architectural designs for installation, connect multiple parts from molds, and design using multi-piece molds. This course is designed for students interested in industrial design, public arts, and creating a small business.
ARTF 208A Ceramic Production I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Advisory
- ARTF 195A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or ARTF 195B with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or ARTF 195C with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This is the first in a series of courses in the art of ceramic production. This course explores the study and practice of art for ceramic production. Topics include historical, contemporary, and utilitarian examples of ceramic production as well as constructing a sense of material use and business practices. Emphasis is placed on planning bodies of work, the creation of multiples, and marketing practices. This course is intended for art majors and those interested in the study and creation of utilitarian ceramic art and design.
ARTF 208B Ceramic Production II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- ARTF 208A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This is the second in a series of courses in the art of ceramic production. This course explores the study and practice of art for ceramic production. Topics include a deeper analysis of historical, contemporary, and utilitarian examples of ceramic production as well as additional practice with materials, business management, industrial methods, and technical skills. Emphasis is placed on planning bodies of work, the creation of multiples, and understanding the business of material use and electrical energy. This course is intended for art majors and those interested in the study and creation of ceramic art in the production sphere.
ARTF 210A Life Drawing I
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- ARTF 155A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Advisory
- ARTF 150A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This is a basic course in drawing the human form as a sequence of studies from live models. Accurate and expressive translations of the mass as two-dimensional drawings are refined in a variety of achromatic media. This course is designed for students who are majoring in fine art and is also a relevant foundation for those that are interested in disciplines that use the human form, such as animation and fashion design.
ARTF 210B Life Drawing II
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- ARTF 210A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
- Advisory
- ARTF 150A with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent and ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This is an intermediate course in drawing the human form as a sequence of studies from live models. Students work with color and experiment with concepts related to figure drawing. This course is designed for students who are majoring in fine art and is also a relevant foundation for study in disciplines that use the human form, such as animation and fashion design.
ARTF 210C Life Drawing III
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- ARTF 210B with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This is an advanced course in drawing the human form as a sequence of studies from live models. Students work closely with the instructor to develop, create and present original artwork. This course is designed for students who are majoring in fine art.
ARTF 212 Sustainable Art and Design
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 48 - 54 hours lecture
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course provides a survey of sustainable art and design examining its effects on policies, culture, and practices from the late 20th century to the present. Topics include social justice and engagement, ecological and environmental health restoration, regenerative practices, material ecology, and economic shifts. Emphasis is placed on compassionate awareness, climate optimism, cultural perspectives, and historical and contemporary practices. This course is intended for art, design, architecture, and engineering majors.
ARTF 260 Studio Art Studies
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 24 - 27 hours lecture/72-81 hours lab
- Advisory
- ARTF 155B with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or ARTF 165D with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or ARTF 175C with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or ARTF 197B with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or ARTF 198C with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or ARTF 200 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent or ARTF 232 with a Grade of "C" or better, or equivalent
This course is intended for advanced art students. Students enrolled in this course work closely with the instructor to develop a transfer portfolio, artist statement, curatorial concept and/or resume exhibition list.
ARTF 270 Work Experience
- Units
- 1-4
- Hours
- 54 - 216 hours other
This course provides on-the-job learning experiences for students employed in an art-related job or internship. Students develop workplace competencies, critical thinking skills, and problem solving abilities through the creation and achievement of job-related behavioral learning objectives. This course may be taken up to four times. One unit of credit may be earned for every 54 hours of work experience. A maximum of fourteen credit hours for all work experience subject areas may be earned during one enrollment period. This course is intended for students majoring or interested in the field of fine art.
ARTF 280A 2-Dimensional Art Studio Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 48-54 hours lab
- Corequisite
- ARTF 150A or ARTF 152 or ARTF 155A or ARTF 155B or ARTF 165A or ARTF 165B or ARTF 165C or ARTF 165D or ARTF 174A or ARTF 198A or ARTF 198B or ARTF 198C or ARTF 210A or ARTF 210B or ARTF 210C
This course is a supervised studio laboratory in 2-dimensional media. Emphasis is placed on technical refinement of personal drawing and painting skills. This course is designed for fine art majors.
ARTF 280B 3-Dimensional Art Studio Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 48-54 hours lab
- Corequisite
- ARTF 151 or ARTF 175A or ARTF 205A or ARTF 220A or ARTF 220B or ARTF 220C
This course is a supervised studio laboratory in 3-dimensional media. Emphasis is placed on technical refinement of fabrication skills specific to the various media explorations presented in the accompanying courses. This course is designed for fine art majors.
ARTF 280C Ceramics Studio Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 48-54 hours lab
- Corequisite
- ARTF 195A or ARTF 195B or ARTF 197A or ARTF 197B
This course is a supervised studio laboratory in ceramics. Emphasis is placed on technical refinement of personal ceramic skills. This course is designed for fine arts majors. Students must demonstrate increased proficiency with each repetition.
ARTF 290 Independent Study
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- 48-162 hours other
This course is designed for students who wish to conduct additional research, a special project, or learning activities in the field of art/fine art. It is not intended to replace an existing course in the discipline. In this course students have a written contract with their instructor for activities such as: preparing problem analyses, engaging in primary research, preparing reports, and meeting with the instructor at specific intervals.