When attending SCAD, students are placed in a handful of classes intended to introduce them to new things. There are many general education and foundation courses required for all disciplines — it can be hard to understand why.
As a writing student, I was confused about the requirement of design and math classes. When I took math, I challenged professor Ashley Suominen to explain how the lesson would apply to my writing program. Although she may not have had the answer that day, she always gave me one, whether it be the next day or the next week. I began to think about other classes that would be able to help with my major and expanded my course layout. In the previous winter quarter, I was in one of professor Carl Linstrum’s drawing classes. Throughout the quarter and even now, people ask me why I registered for that course. Going into that class, I had the sole aspiration to slow down and focus on the detail of everyday objects. Although the drawings were pathetic, I ended the quarter focusing more on how I described objects and people through my writing. If I can somehow apply the importance of drawing to writing, any classes offered can be applied to every major.
To help other students fully understand the importance of these classes, I decided to reach out to professors of foundation studies and get their answer to the question, “how will this help me in my major?”
English/Writing
Dr. Christopher Bundy said, “If you’re interested in the human condition, beauty, meaning, an empathetic connection with your fellow human, and a deeper understanding of yourself, then you will benefit from taking composition.”
Math
Professor Suominen said, “Why do I need to take math? It is a question I hear numerous times each quarter. Luckily, the answer to this question is an easy one given — that we cannot ever escape the world of mathematics. Regardless of one’s major, most people will experience advertising, whether it be through watching television or YouTube videos. Being able to use the logic principles taught in mathematics help one to be a wise consumer. Likewise, being wise with one’s finances is important to avoid any financial stress later on in life. Using ideas found in financial mathematics and budgets will help build the necessary knowledge to assure financial success. In terms of SCAD-specific majors, geometric ideas about space prove useful when producing or designing just about anything. Drawing, illustrating, animating, painting, sculpting, developing games, visual effects, designing logos — these all use the ideas of geometry in regard to lines, shapes and angles. Decorating a space or fashioning an outfit utilize transformational geometry, specifically symmetry, to create products that are aesthetically pleasing to the eye. While these are just a few of the many answers I give my students regarding why they must take mathematics, there are hundreds more that could be said as to why it is beneficial to learn mathematics.”
Drawing/Design
Professor Linstrum said “I believe that what can be learned in foundation studies classes falls into two main categories: technical/conceptual skills and professional/life skills. The first is obvious — learning the techniques of drawing and design have a direct benefit to students continuing on with visual elements and compositional principles in their major. The second is more subtle, but has a much larger and lasting impact on the students — learning organizational skills, communication skills, analytical skills, gaining higher sensory acuity and becoming a more effective problem solver. These are all part of the foundations education, supporting all students regardless of major and setting the stage for being competitive and successful as a professional.”
Design
Professor Krista Grecco said, “Foundation studies classes are essential because they encourage creativity, concept building and problem solving. These skills are not material specific. When you approach art and design with an open mind, you see that narrative, craftsmanship, experimentation and risk-taking can be expressed in Photoshop, watercolor, cardboard and film. How liberating is that?!”
I’m not sure I would be where I am today if it weren’t for these professors and their classes. The beauty of foundation studies is that you meet so many different students studying a variety of majors, such as visual effects, interactive game design, writing, branded entertainment and interior design. Learning these skills early on will smooth the transition going into your professional career.
