Program Overview

Undergraduate Certificate in Book Arts

The Undergraduate Certificate in Book Arts requires 12 credit hours. The specific requirements are as follows:

Cornerstone Courses

• VISC 310: Letterpress (4 credit hours)
• VISC 440: Bookmaking (4 credit hours)
  • Total Hours: 8

Electives

• Choose 6-7 credit hours from the following options:
  • VISC 410: Digital Letterpress (4 credit hours)
  • VISC 414: Publication and Editorial (4 credit hours)
  • VISC 435: Book Arts (4 credit hours)
  • VISC 450: Typographic Universe (4 credit hours)
  • PHTO 360: The Photobook (4 credit hours)
  • ART 121: Fundamentals of Printmaking (3 credit hours)
  • PRNT 300: Special Topics in Printmaking: Papermaking (3 credit hours)
  • ADS 560: Topics in Design (4 credit hours)
  • ADS 580: Special Problems in Design (1-6 credit hours, Coordinator Approval Required)
  • ADS 532: Study Abroad (3 credit hours)
  • ADS 533: Study Abroad Documentation (3 credit hours)

Important Notes

To officially earn the Certificate in Book Arts, students must declare the certificate, which can be done at any point up until the time of a student's graduation.

Program Goals and Learning Objectives

The Undergraduate Certificate in Book Arts program aims to provide undergraduate students with an education that inculcates craft skills required for proficiency in the book arts and develops a sound foundation for the aesthetics and methodology of these arts. The program's goals and learning objectives include:

1. Providing each student with fundamental technical skills in each of the crafts comprised by the book arts.
2. Providing advanced technical skills in each student’s area of professional specialization and instilling in each student a desire to acquire and upgrade skills beyond the formal program.
3. Instilling students with the ability to think, write, and speak critically about their work and its place within contemporary art, book arts, and book craft.
4. Encouraging familiarity with critical texts and information resources in areas connected to the book arts and contemporary practices.
5. Preparing students to document and disseminate their work through artist statements, curriculum vitae, photo documentation, website development, social media, and participation in and presentations at conferences, workshops, and national book arts events.
6. Preparing students to apply their creative skills and techniques in the marketplace.
7. Providing and reinforcing an appreciation for the aesthetics of the crafts of letterpress printing, bookbinding, and hand paper-making.