Courses and Curricula

2011-12 curriculum and course descriptions

Connections Through Color and Design
ILMS100 2 credits
Second-semester studio course introduces Foundation students to contextually-based problem solving using fundamentals of color and design. Students learn Munsell color theory, practical aspects of color mixing such as value, hue and chroma, as well as computer color application. Skills developed: Students solve problems that engage the larger community, trans-disciplinary practice, research, and collaboration.

Integrated Learning Studio Elective
ILMS300 2 credits
An upper-division interdisciplinary studio course offering unique core content that shifts from term to term. This studio affords students the opportunity to engage with professionals from various fields and expand their notion of problem solving beyond their major in public site realworld challenges.

Integrated Learning Liberal Arts Elective
ILML400 3 credits
An upper-division interdisciplinary seminar course affording students a synergistic investigation of special themes. The integrative methodology promotes the ability to work collaboratively and synthesize diverse perspectives.
Skills developed: advanced researching techniques, critical analysis, creative thinking, articulate expression, and information literacy.
See Liberal Studies Courses

The Current Jr. Studios are:

CREATIVE SOLUTIONS TO THE AUTISM EPIDEMIC
In this course students will work with staff at CARD and the families for whom they provide services (either in person or via wiki/blog) to learn more about their experiences and to define solutions that transform and enhance those experiences.
Instructor: Michele Jaquis
Mentor: Virginia Heine
Partner: CARD (Center for Autistic and Related Disorders)

COLLABORATING WITH CATASTROPHE: Disaster Design
Are we ready for the unexpected? If the Big One or another catastrophe hits Los Angeles tomorrow, how can artists and designers help to mitigate the crisis and participate in the rebuilding of LA? Results will range from preventative design, to survival design, to design for a post-catastrophic future.
Instructor: Chris Michlig
Mentor: Patty Kovic
Partner: El Segundo

COMIC HEROES: FROM 2D TO 3D
An exploration of comics and their 3-D counterparts. Outcome may be an intriguing marketing promotion or perhaps a “final product” that could range from a virtual world, to an action figure, a digital game, or even a user-created and edited website.
Instructor: Candace Lavin
Partner: Hero Initiative

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIO: Reclaiming The Oil Fields
Conceptualize and produce art and design interventions that rethink the relationship between public and private open space. Engage issues of sustainability, environmental stewardship and blue-sky project development for a historically significant LA landscape.
Instructor: Todd Erlandson
Mentor: Lara Hoad
Partner: Los Angeles Urban Rangers

NEIGHBOR / GAP / BRIDGE: Design in your own backyard
How are Neighborhoods defined? How will they be defined in the future?

Our neighbors, the Westchester Senior Citizens Center and the Westchester – Loyola Branch Library are 50 yards apart, yet there's a big "gap." They have virtually no connection or communication with each other. Students will consider how to "bridge" these two "neighbors" with "blue sky" design proposals.
Instructor: Patricia Kovic
Partner: Westchester Senior Citizens Center + The WC / Loyola Branch Library

DESIGN FOR SOCIAL IMPACT:
Introducing students to the complexities of social design leadership and teach them to design local product systems that can be validated and then scaled to fit different contexts. Engaging directly with local communities in need, students will conduct hands on research and develop actionable social design strategies, with an emphasis on systems and tools.
Instructor: Project H (LA) / Christopher Michlig
Partner : Tom's Shoes

MADE FOR KIDS: CHILDHOOD LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT STUDIO
Otis students from all departments will develop tools, toys, clothing and learning spaces for the students and faculty of Aces Elementary School in South Los Angeles.
Instructor: Candace Lavin
Partner: ACES Elementary Charter School

MADE FOR KIDS II: CHILDHOOD LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT STUDIO
Otis students from all departments will develop tools, toys, clothing and learning spaces for the students and faculty of Aces Elementary School in South Los Angeles.
Instructor: Isabelle Duvivier
Partner: La Tijera School