Jewelry + Metalsmithing Courses
JM 3217-01
STONES & GOLD
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This J+M elective offering is an intensive technical course that focuses on the subject and material investigation of Stones + Gold. The course will be divided into two segments: the first half focuses on the working with gold as material and the second on intermediate and advanced stone setting. Technical demonstrations will discuss and outline material properties, preparation and proper handling, alloying, soldering/fabrication, finishing, etc. Lectures and discussion will address the history of the materials, their mining and sourcing, environmental impacts and concerns, and methods for establishing an ethical practice. The course aims to address and prepare students with the practical knowledge, experience, and the necessary specialized skills to launch professionally into industry, produce independent commission work, and/or advance their personal creative practices.
Please contact the instructor for permission to register. Preference is given to Junior, Senior or Graduate Jewelry + Metalsmithing Students.
Elective
JM 4404-01
JUNIOR JEWELRY 1
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course emphasizes the refinement of technical and design skills acquired in sophomore level. A variety of new techniques are introduced. The nature of the assignments encourages the development of a personal aesthetic and asks for greater independence in the design process. The structure of the assignments is designed to present formal and conceptual challenges, promote innovative problem solving and individual exploration. Research and ongoing discussions are part of this course.
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. Enrollment is limited to Junior Jewelry + Metalsmithing Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Jewelry + Metalsmithing
JM 4405-01
JR METAL FORMING + CASTING
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This studio course will continue to advance students' metalsmithing techniques. Chasing and repousse, along with lost wax casting, will be introduced and developed throughout the semester. Skills and material knowledge learned in the sophomore year will also be used to fulfill assignments. Overlap between all skills is encouraged in most assignments. Inquiry into the finer points of fabricating and inventing innovative findings for jewelry will be an ongoing consideration. Research, drawing, and sample making are expected to precede each class assignment to facilitate students design process.
Students are pre-registered for this course by the department. Enrollment is limited to Junior Jewelry + Metalsmithing Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Jewelry + Metalsmithing
JM 4406-01
ELECTROFORMING
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This class is an intensive investigation of the processes of electroplating and electroforming copper metal by covering objects of various modeling materials to create new metal objects. All aspects of this technical application are discussed. Students are required to maintain an accurate logbook of their investigation while developing a body of work.
Please contact the instructor for permission to register.
Elective
JM 4407-01
SENIOR STUDIO
SECTION DESCRIPTION
An advanced studio course, students propose and develop individual research projects surrounding their interests in jewelry and metalsmithing. In preparation for the Degree Project, conceptual development and critical thinking are highly emphasized, and students are encouraged to explore materials and processes that best serve their ideas. Digital process documentation, display/presentation and participation in-group critiques/discussions are required and highly evaluated.
Students are pre-registered for this course by the department; registration is not available in Workday. Enrollment is limited to Senior Jewelry + Metalsmithing Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Jewelry + Metalsmithing
JM 4408-01
SENIOR JEWELRY
SECTION DESCRIPTION
An advanced studio course, students propose and develop individual research surrounding their interests in jewelry and metalsmithing. In support of the Degree Project year, conceptual development and critical thinking are highly emphasized, and students are encouraged to explore materials and processes that best serve their ideas. As the structure of this term allows for more individual freedom, it is necessary that students maintain a high level of self-initiative, curiosity, work ethic, and time management to be successful in their independent degree project.
Students are pre-registered for this course by the department; registration is not available in Workday. Enrollment is limited to Senior Jewelry + Metalsmithing Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Jewelry + Metalsmithing
JM 4417-01
SOPHOMORE JEWELRY 1
SECTION DESCRIPTION
Sophomore Jewelry I is the first of two introductory studio classes which will familiarize students with the creative jewelry studio environment. Fundamental tools and techniques integral to working with metal are introduced during class demonstrations over the semester. Class projects are structured to blend the use of tools with techniques and are introduced in order of complexity. The course begins with designing and constructing structurally sound 3D objects from 2D metal sheet stock. By the conclusion of the semester students are equipped with technical skills to make jewelry informed with an awareness of the body as site. This is the first of a two-semester course.
Students are pre-registered for this course by the department; registration is not available in Workday. Enrollment is limited to Sophomore Jewelry + Metalsmithing Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Jewelry + Metalsmithing
JM 441G-01
GRADUATE STUDIO 1
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course is designed to challenge first year graduates to rethink their previous assumptions about their work, prior training, working methodologies and approaches to their practice. Through a series of rigorous and innovative start-up exercises, graduates are encouraged to expand their subjects, abandon their comforts zones, fail, edit, and (re) direct their work. Equal emphasis is placed on critical thinking and critical making. Faculty, meet weekly, individually with each student to provide constructive feedback and necessary structure. In small group discussions and in-class reviews, first years are required to actively participate in discourse and take responsibility for the collective dialogue. The resulting insight and shared knowledge between students, along with their own personal gain, sets the tone and direction for their work at RISD over the next two years.
Students are pre-registered for this course by the department; registration is not available in Workday. Enrollment is limited to Graduate Jewelry + Metalsmithing Students.
Major Requirement | MFA Jewelry + Metalsmithing
JM 4424-01
SOPHOMORE METALSMITHING
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This introductory metalsmithing course blends technical instruction with an investigation of design and concept as it relates to ornament and function. Students develop confidence and proficiency with the basic skills of forming non-ferrous metal. Specific techniques that will be covered are raising, forging, finishing non-ferrous metals, sawing, filing, drilling, sanding, polishing, annealing, surface embellishment, planishing and patination. We will also cover safety in the studio, proper hand-tool care, and the physical properties of metal. It is the goal of this course for students to gain an understanding of metal as a material and a broad understanding of the field of Jewelry and Metalsmithing. Assignments will build on each other and become more challenging throughout the semester. Each project given will rely on technical, formal and conceptual development. Classroom discussions, demonstrations and visual presentations will focus attention on traditional technical skills, design considerations, and the breadth of this exciting field.
Students are pre-registered for this course by the department; registration is not available in Workday. Enrollment is limited to Sophomore Jewelry + Metalsmithing Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Jewelry + Metalsmithing
JM 4436-01
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course is an interactive lecture class. A series of distinctly varied individuals active in the field of jewelry will be invited to make presentation about their professional development. These diverging presentations are intended to offer a catalyst to stimulate questions, and encourage group discussion. Among the subjects to be presented are: individual studio practice, designing for industry, gallery connections, non-profit opportunities, partnerships, global opportunities, curatorial and journalistic prospects, wide world of the web, post graduation educational options, support systems for RISD alumni, residency prospects, and technology as resource for design and production. Students will be asked to keep an active journal of weekly observations and fulfill 3 class assignments connected with their ambitions and career interests.
Students are pre-registered for this course by the department; registration is not available in Workday. Enrollment is limited to Senior Jewelry + Metalsmithing Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Jewelry + Metalsmithing
JM 4438-01
JUNIOR JEWELRY: DIGITAL 3D MODELING AND RENDERING
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course provides students with fundamental skills required to use Rhinoceros based 3D modeling CAD software. Rhino 3D facilitates the exploration of materials, and offers opportunities to push traditional fabricating techniques and enhance drawing skills. Research, models and innovative approaches are in direct response to questions of inquiry brought forward through design problems in the class. This class much like other software driven courses tend to be front end heavy with technical information. This information is obtained by completing assignments in an ordered fashion to ensure that the software covered in order for students to have a strong foundation moving into the JUNIOR JEWELRY: FROM CAD TO CAM course.
Students are pre-registered for this course by the department; registration is not available in Workday. Enrollment is limited to Junior Jewelry + Metalsmithing Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Jewelry + Metalsmithing
JM 443G-01
GRADUATE STUDIO 3
SECTION DESCRIPTION
Following the completion of the first year, second-year graduates identify their personal areas of interest essential to the development of their thesis research and practice. Students are required to outline and pursue independent work with a self-determined structure, timeline, and intentions. Regardless of outcome, students are expected to evidence their progress weekly during individual meetings with faculty. Central to the second year, graduates are required to demonstrate a high level of self-motivation, vision, and initiative reflected through their concentrated inquiry and the rigorous exploration of their ideas. In conclusion of the term, second year graduates are required to complete a thesis presentation, to a J+M faculty review committee, in approval of their preliminary objectives and strategies in preparation for Graduate J+M Thesis.
Students are pre-registered for this course by the department; registration is not available in Workday. Enrollment is limited to Graduate Jewelry + Metalsmithing Students.
Major Requirement | MFA Jewelry + Metalsmithing
JM 4440-01
SOPHOMORE HISTORY OF ADORNMENT
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This history seminar provides an overview of personal adornment in both western and non-western cultures. The goal is for the student to gain a deeper understanding of the history of jewelry and the context in which the objects are placed. The course is structured around weekly, thematic slide presentations that are supported by visits to RISD Museum collections, local research facilities and fieldtrips. Readings and class discussions examine topics such as placement of value (spiritual, material, social, sentimental) and how these are reflected in the contemporary field. Class projects focus on strengthening research and presentation skills.
Students are pre-registered for this course by the department; registration is not available in Workday. Enrollment is limited to Sophomore Jewelry + Metalsmithing Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Jewelry + Metalsmithing
JM 4441-01
JEWELRY INTRODUCTION
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of design and metal fabrication techniques for both jewelry and small objects. Working with precious and non-precious metals, students learn traditional jewelry construction including sawing, filing, forming, soldering, and polishing. A series of structured assignments guide students as they transform their ideas into finished pieces. Solutions for projects are open to enable the student to explore his/her own aesthetic, but taught in a way to insure that students master the basic processes. Lectures on historical and contemporary jewelry supplement, inform, and inspire students' work.
Elective
JM 4441-02
JEWELRY INTRODUCTION
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of design and metal fabrication techniques for both jewelry and small objects. Working with precious and non-precious metals, students learn traditional jewelry construction including sawing, filing, forming, soldering, and polishing. A series of structured assignments guide students as they transform their ideas into finished pieces. Solutions for projects are open to enable the student to explore his/her own aesthetic, but taught in a way to insure that students master the basic processes. Lectures on historical and contemporary jewelry supplement, inform, and inspire students' work.
Elective
JM 447G-01
GRAD JEWELRY SEMINAR 1
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course utilizes general and specific topoi to critically analyze the field of contemporary jewelry. Students will develop the ability to write and speak with precision and complexity regarding their own work and that of others. In the process, we will create a communal topography generated by a network of inquiry to aid in locating ourselves and objects. Students have significant latitude to incorporate individual interests in written assignments. Themes addressed include but are not limited to: cultural identity, material history, marginalization, and exhibition strategies.
Students are pre-registered for this course by the department; registration is not available in Workday. Enrollment is limited to Graduate Jewelry + Metalsmithing Students.
Major Requirement | MFA Jewelry + Metalsmithing
JM 451G-01
GRADUATE JEWELRY SEMINAR 3
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course is devoted to developing one's abilities to write and speak with precision and complexity, about one's own work and the work of others. We will examine trends and movements in contemporary art through the lens of critical theory. We will investigate what contemporary art can tell us about the relationships between history, images, and visual culture, subsequently developing the skills necessary to write about your work, what it articulates and argues, and the ideas and traditions from which it emerges. Each term will identify and address a new set of themes relevant to course content.
Students are pre-registered for this course by the department; registration is not available in Workday. Enrollment is limited to Graduate Jewelry + Metalsmithing Students.
Major Requirement | MFA Jewelry + Metalsmithing
JM 453G-01
GRADUATE JEWELRY 1
SECTION DESCRIPTION
In this studio, first-year graduates begin to recognize and develop personal areas of interest. Direction is given to bring structure to the exploration of various processes, materials, concepts, and formats. Weekly individual meetings focus on student's progress and response to assignments, as well as independent research.
Students are pre-registered for this course by the department; registration is not available in Workday. Enrollment is limited to Graduate Jewelry + Metalsmithing Students.
Major Requirement | MFA Jewelry + Metalsmithing
JM 455G-01
GRADUATE JEWELRY 3
SECTION DESCRIPTION
In this studio course, second-year students identify and pursue personally driven research. Weekly individual meetings and studio visits take place with the instructor, and also with scheduled first-year and second-year group critiques. Students are required to maintain a continuous record of their research and development through drawings, writings, samples, models, etc. Active participation in group discussions and critiques is mandatory.
Students are pre-registered for this course by the department; registration is not available in Workday. Enrollment is limited to Graduate Jewelry + Metalsmithing Students.
Major Requirement | MFA Jewelry + Metalsmithing