Noncredit Courses
Noncredit Courses
Upcoming Sessions
Summer Courses: May 28–August 9
Engage in material exploration and learn new skills or refresh existing ones in our state-of-the-art facilities and studios. Investigate new modes of creative production, including laser cutting and 3D printing, or find inspiration with access to the Art Institute of Chicago museum, the Fashion Resource Center, Joan Flasch Artists' Book Collection, the Roger Brown Study Collection, and Video Data Bank. As a member of our community, one defined by practice and inquiry, you will cultivate creative confidence, learning with and from your instructors and peers as you produce work based on your personal research and interests.
See All Upcoming Courses and Register Online
What does online learning look like?
Synchronous online courses will use the Zoom video conferencing platform, Canvas learning management system, and SAIC.edu email addresses to deliver course content and facilitate communication between the instructor and students. These courses meet at a specific time of day and are scheduled in Central Time.
Asynchronous online courses are project-based with no set meeting times and 24/7 access to course materials. Weekly activities may include readings, video demonstrations, tutorials, online discussions, assignments, and critiques.
Students enrolled in asynchronous courses will have weekly deadlines encouraged to promote interaction with the instructor and peers. Some instructors may also offer optional video conferencing opportunities through Zoom.
Register online
View current and past brochures including course listings.
Interested in furthering your artistic development? Learn more about combining ACE courses to earn a Certificate.
| Title | Catalog | Instructor | Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Graphic Design | 501 (001) | Mon
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM October 06, 2024 - December 08, 2024 |
|
Description
This course examines the fundamentals of two-dimensional design in the digital age. Students will explore principle elements of design including composition, color, and typography through a series of projects that introduce Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop as primary graphic design tools. The importance of effective visual communication in both commercial and experimental design is stressed as students gain an understanding of the professional design process from the client brief to the finished digital project. Students will leave this course with a solid foundation in strategies for solving design problems, a basic design vocabulary, and an understanding of the specific role that Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop play in creating professional work. Before starting this course, students should be comfortable creating, deleting, renaming, and moving files and directories without assistance.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
| Introduction to Illustration | 501 (001) | Tues
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM October 07, 2024 - December 09, 2024 |
|
Description
Explore the illustration process as your instructor guides you from ideation to freehand sketching and ultimately creating a final illustration. Experiment with a variety of materials and styles, including traditional and digital illustration techniques. As you begin to craft your illustrative point of view throughout the course, you will also learn more about the landscape of contemporary illustration. This course will not focus on the development of observational drawing skills. All levels are welcome, even those with no prior drawing experience.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
| Introduction to Interior Design | 501 (001) | Wed
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM October 01, 2024 - December 10, 2024 |
|
Description
This course introduces the skills and insights needed to be a successful interior designer and examines why some designs are more successful than others. More than a style-selection course, you will learn what is required to design and build an interior space, gain a general knowledge of how interior designers work, and examine what it takes to move creative designs from idea to reality. Included is a survey of important and innovative designs happening today.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
| Art Survey at AIC: American Art | 501 (001) | Fri
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM October 03, 2024 - December 12, 2024 |
|
Description
Meeting in the galleries of the Art Institute of Chicago museum, this course investigates American art from the Prairie School, Tiffany, the Aesthetic movement, and American Impressionists, among others. Additionally, students will examine Luminist landscapes and the work of modern and contemporary American artists, including, but not limited to: Ivan Albright, Edward Hopper, Barbara Kruger, Georgia O'Keefe, Cindy Sherman, Andy Warhol, and Grant Wood. Students will develop the ability to look closely at, analyze, and discuss the works presented as they learn about the history, literature, music, and theater of the period in which it was created.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
| Introduction to Graphic Design | 501 (002) | Sun
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM October 05, 2024 - December 14, 2024 |
|
Description
This course examines the fundamentals of two-dimensional design in the digital age. Students will explore principle elements of design including composition, color, and typography through a series of projects that introduce Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop as primary graphic design tools. The importance of effective visual communication in both commercial and experimental design is stressed as students gain an understanding of the professional design process from the client brief to the finished digital project. Students will leave this course with a solid foundation in strategies for solving design problems, a basic design vocabulary, and an understanding of the specific role that Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop play in creating professional work. Before starting this course, students should be comfortable creating, deleting, renaming, and moving files and directories without assistance.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
| Introduction to Interior Design | 501 (002) | Tues
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM October 07, 2024 - December 09, 2024 |
|
Description
This course introduces the skills and insights needed to be a successful interior designer and examines why some designs are more successful than others. More than a style-selection course, you will learn what is required to design and build an interior space, gain a general knowledge of how interior designers work, and examine what it takes to move creative designs from idea to reality. Included is a survey of important and innovative designs happening today.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
| Art Survey at AIC: Modernism and Beyond | 501 (002) | Sat
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM October 04, 2024 - December 13, 2024 |
|
Description
This course meets in the Art Institute of Chicago's Modern Wing where students observe, discuss and learn how to analyze a work of art. Lectures and discussions give students insight into the context of specific periods and the lives of the artists. Part of a series, this course focuses on the dawn of Modernism, exploring the work of important artists such as Cezanne, Picasso, Braque, Matisse and others, and traces breakthrough developments in drawing, painting, collage and sculpture.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
| Introduction to Interior Design | 501 (003) | Sat
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM October 04, 2024 - December 13, 2024 |
|
Description
This course introduces the skills and insights needed to be a successful interior designer and examines why some designs are more successful than others. More than a style-selection course, you will learn what is required to design and build an interior space, gain a general knowledge of how interior designers work, and examine what it takes to move creative designs from idea to reality. Included is a survey of important and innovative designs happening today.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
| Patternmaking and Construction: Below the Belt | 502 (001) | Wed
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM October 01, 2024 - December 10, 2024 |
|
Description
Students in this course create, manipulate, and sew patterns that cover the lower half of the female form. Students learn to draft a basic skirt and pant to develop professional slopers, build waistbands, and pattern pockets and fly fronts. Prerequisite(s): Sewing Techniques: Fundamentals or equivalent experience. Note: A sewing machine is required if taking this course online.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
| Digital Design: Adobe Illustrator | 502 (001) | Sat
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM October 04, 2024 - December 13, 2024 |
|
Description
Want to use Adobe Illustrator to create sophisticated and complex designs and illustrations while you hone your skills? Learn the basics of the program before moving on to master transparency, feathering, masking, compound paths, gradients, layering techniques, and the specifics of the pen tool. This course will feature dynamic class demonstrations, and group critiques, as well as personalized feedback from your instructor on each assignment and throughout the creative process. Students should have basic computer skills before signing up for this course.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
| Introduction to Drawing | 503 (001) | Sun
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM October 05, 2024 - December 14, 2024 |
|
Description
This course emphasizes the development of observational drawing skills and hand-eye coordination. The learning sequence progresses from simple forms and skill levels toward more complex compositions. Basic drawing elements such as line, proportion, perspective, composition, texture, and the study of light and shade are investigated through various perceptual and conceptual approaches. Open to beginning students as well as those who want to refresh their skills before moving on to more advanced studio courses.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
| Digital Design: Adobe Photoshop | 503 (001) | Wed
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM October 01, 2024 - December 10, 2024 |
|
Description
Learn the skills you need to manipulate and enhance photographs and digital images. Explore the principal elements of design including composition, color, and typography, as you develop strategies for solving design problems, a design vocabulary, and an understanding of the key role Photoshop can play in creating professional work. Students should have basic computer skills before signing up for this course.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
| Digital Drawing: Objects + Space | 503 (001) | Mon
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM October 06, 2024 - December 08, 2024 |
|
Description
Students will develop an understanding of software interfaces as they learn to translate 2D drawings into 3D models, working with digital drawing tools including Autodesk AutoCAD and SketchUp, and using SU Podium for renderings. This course is taught in Mac OS.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
| Introduction to Digital Photography | 503 (001) | Wed
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM October 01, 2024 - December 10, 2024 |
|
Description
This course focuses on the foundations of photography and the various ways to use a digital camera. Students examine how to choose and shoot subjects that are both personally meaningful in content and contemporary in context. Instruction includes capturing and printing images in both black and white and color, and investigating digital photo editing. Discussions on the history of photography and individual and group critiques are included. Students must supply their own digital SLR (single-lens reflex) camera with manual functions; no point and shoot cameras.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
| Introduction to Drawing | 503 (002) | Tues
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM October 07, 2024 - December 09, 2024 |
|
Description
This course emphasizes the development of observational drawing skills and hand-eye coordination. The learning sequence progresses from simple forms and skill levels toward more complex compositions. Basic drawing elements such as line, proportion, perspective, composition, texture, and the study of light and shade are investigated through various perceptual and conceptual approaches. Open to beginning students as well as those who want to refresh their skills before moving on to more advanced studio courses.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
| Digital Design: Adobe InDesign | 504 (001) | Tues
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM October 07, 2024 - December 09, 2024 |
|
Description
Learn the skills you need to format layout projects in InDesign. Explore the principal elements of the software including paragraph and character styles, object styles, layers, and master pages, as well as how to import graphics. Develop strategies for solving design problems, a design vocabulary, and an understanding of the key role InDesign can play in creating professional work. Students should have basic computer skills before signing up for this course, experience with Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop is recommended.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
| Color Theory | 504 (001) | Wed
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM October 01, 2024 - December 10, 2024 |
|
Description
Gain a competitive edge as a designer, artist, or maker by advancing your understanding of color theory. Learn about the variety of ways that color is considered and used as a design element. Working with current color theory principles and models, develop color plans and concepts in relationship to individual and group projects. This research is compiled in sketchbook/notebook format and is used as reference for independent projects. Studies and hands-on studio work reveal the multiple ways that color can transform concepts with cohesive and expressive results.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
| Color Theory | 504 (002) | Tues
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM October 07, 2024 - December 09, 2024 |
|
Description
Gain a competitive edge as a designer, artist, or maker by advancing your understanding of color theory. Learn about the variety of ways that color is considered and used as a design element. Working with current color theory principles and models, develop color plans and concepts in relationship to individual and group projects. This research is compiled in sketchbook/notebook format and is used as reference for independent projects. Studies and hands-on studio work reveal the multiple ways that color can transform concepts with cohesive and expressive results.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
| Introduction to Frame Loom Weaving | 505 (001) | Tues
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM October 07, 2024 - December 09, 2024 |
|
Description
Learn to weave in this beginner's course, exploring traditional tapestry approaches such as interlocking, inlay, and shape-building alongside basket weave, twill, soumak, pile, rya, and twining techniques. Don’t have a frame loom? No problem. Your instructor will walk you through building your own. Through faculty guided discussion and presentations, you’ll also deepen your understanding of weaving's relevance in relation to material production, fine art, and craft. Presentations on contemporary handweavers supplement this studio experience. No experience is necessary.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
| Introduction to Typography | 507 (001) | Thurs
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM October 02, 2024 - December 11, 2024 |
|
Description
This introduction to typography is recommended for those pursuing a career in art and design fields, and those interested in the history and development of analog and digital type. The course functions as a working lab with multiple projects guaranteed to build confidence and knowledge in typographic usage. Students learn about typographic history, type dos and don?ts, type terminology, setting copy and display text, using style sheets, type styles, and handwriting and illustrative calligraphy. Prerequisite(s): Introduction to Graphic Design or equivalent experience.
|
Class Number |
Credits |
DepartmentSubjectLocation |
Contact Us
Continuing Studies staff members are available Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. –4:30 p.m. CT at 312.629.6170 or cs@saic.edu to answer your questions. We are here to help!