Academics

Integrated Learning


Integrated Learning provides all BFA students with a series of collaborative experiences that extend beyond the boundaries of their major, integrate disciplinary skills and knowledge, and are sited within a public context.




View Full Size		   

This unique initiative comprises a series of collaborative and community experiences. Students work in trans-disciplinary teams in tandem with a community and/or corporate partner. They focus on team building, researching and addressing the needs of their partners as well as implementing real-world solutions when possible. The goal is to extend the traditional boundaries of the classroom, and respond to community challenges using students’ diverse visions.
Integrated Learning Objectives

Connections Through Color and Design
ILMS100 2 credits
A second-semester Integrated Learning studio course introducing 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 LIVING WITH AUTISM
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: Michelle 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: Candice Lavin
Partner: Platinum Studios

 


ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIO: Reclaiming The Oil Fields
Conceptualize and produce art and design interventions in partnership with Baldwin Hills Conservancy. Engage issues of sustainability, environmental stewardship and blue-sky project development for a historically significant LA landscape.
Instructor: Todd Erlandson
Mentor: Lara Hoad
Partner: Baldwin Hills Conservancy

 


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
Mentor: Christopher Michlig
Partner: Westchester Senior Citizens Center + The WC / Loyola Branch Library

 
 


THE RIGHT TO THE STREET:
Social objectives through semi-guerrilla tactics The Right to the Street (a variation of Henri Lefebvre's 'right to the city'), is the first in a series of Integrated Learning studios that examines through research, design, and action our rights to the production of the ouvre, or the city as a creative work.
Instructor: Linda Samuels
Partner : Los Angeles Poverty Dept.

 


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.
Mentor: Rogan Ferguson
Instructor: Iona Urma
Partner: ACES Elementary Charter School







 

See slide shows of student work with community partners:

Integrated Learning Wiki

View E-Portfolios

Integrated Learning / Department Life / Projects