Fine Woodworking
Studio art supplies can be expensive. Lab fees may be required. Additional lab hours outside of class will be necessary for students to complete the requirements of a studio course.
Fine Woodworking Fundamentals
VAFW100
This studio course focuses on structural, functional, and sculptural properties of wood, together with the traditional studio techniques of professional woodworkers. Emphasis is on a variety of design approaches, the execution of working drawings, and completing wood projects.
3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None
Woodcarving - Furniture
VAFW133
This studio course focuses on the creation of well-crafted functional and sculptural carved wood objects. Students explore low and high relief, 3-dimensional forms, figurative and decorative subjects, tool use and care to develop their carving skills and creative expression.
3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None
Bending and Veneering
VAFW136
This studio course focuses on design, drawing, and execution of curved forms and laminating techniques. Students employ bending and veneering techniques in the design and construction of a piece of furniture. Emphasis is on a variety of joinery, bending, and veneering techniques.
3 credits
Prerequisite: VAFW100 (C or better)
Corequisite: None
Chair Construction
VAFW137
This comprehensive course covers the structural, design, and historical basis of good seating devices. Students learn to develop designs and construct models and finished pieces, using classical and contemporary guidelines that satisfy functional requirements and reflect personal creativity.
3 credits
Prerequisite: VAFW100 (C or better)
Corequisite: None
Table Systems
VAFW138
This studio course focuses on table design and construction. Students study classical and contemporary shapes and employ construction techniques. Students explore the relationship of structural issues and design.
3 credits
Prerequisite: VAFW100 (C or better)
Corequisite: None
Cabinetmaking
VAFW140
This studio course focuses on the design, construction, and joinery requirements necessary in cabinet construction when using sheet goods for both free-standing and built-in applications. Students work with a variety of materials, including plywood and composite boards.
3 credits
Prerequisite: VAFW100 or
Corequisite: VAFW100
Conceptual Furniture
VAFW145
This course focuses on designing and planning furniture. Students will explore design possibilities through hand-drawings, model-making, and digital software. Various construction methods will be addressed. The student, through studio experience, will utilize these concepts to design and create a digital 3-D rendering of furniture leading to a realized experimental piece.
3 credits
Prerequisite: VAFW100 (C or better) or VAFA102 (C or better)
Corequisite: None
Woodturning
VAFW180
This studio course explores the historical and contemporary basics of lathe work. This course investigates both spindle (between center) and bowl (faceplate) turning techniques. Students learn how to care for, sharpen, and use a variety of lathe tools. Students design and make a variety of lathe-turned objects.
3 credits
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None
Woodturning II
VAFW181
This course provides an in-depth exploration of lathe turning in the traditional, as well as the contemporary context. Multi-axis spindle turning, split turning, and turning in conjunction with processes off the lathe, including carving, shaping, surface ornamentation, and joinery are used to create sculptural and functional items.
3 credits
Prerequisite: VAFW180 (C or better)
Corequisite: None
History of American Furniture
VAFW190
Students analyze American furniture in the context of craft, elements of style, connoisseurship, historical influences, connections to European and Eastern traditions, socio-economics, regionalism, pattern books, and related domestic architecture.
3 credits
Prerequisite: Writing Placement Test score of 6 or COMP107 (C or better)
Corequisite: None
Cooperative Education - Fine Woodworking
VAFW280
On-the-job experience occurs in a field directly related to the student's academic preparation and career objectives. Periodic meetings between the College Coordinator and the student are held to evaluate the student's performance.
3 credits
Prerequisite: Fine Woodworking major, 30 BCCC credits, a GPA of 2.5 earned in courses offered by the Arts and Communication Department.
Corequisite: None