Majors and Minors in Art

Art

The primary emphasis is making works of art in applied studio classes. In the junior year, art majors undertake a course sequence including junior project, junior seminar, senior seminar, and senior show, a series of classes designed to train studio majors to develop professional habits, conceptual focus, and a strong portfolio prior to the capstone exhibition in the campus gallery.

 

Art history

Students choosing an art history direction focus on developing art historical knowledge as well as observation and research skills needed to better appreciate, understand, and communicate the significance of visual art in its broader cultural context. Art history majors use the same sequence as the Studio Artists to learn critical research and writing skills for the purpose of strengthening their final research presentation.

 

The junior and senior seminar series is designed to be challenging. For the student with the will to rise to the occasion and the dedication and discipline needed to truly give it a best effort, classes like these cannot help but spark a burst of intense personal and artistic growth. This is a very good thing! Meanwhile, friendships among art majors deepen and provide a source of mutual support and encouragement.

 

Requirements for Majors/Minors

A major in art will consist of 45 semester hours: six hours in art history (ART 251 and 255); six hours chosen from the following: ART 322,352, 353, 354, 355, and ART 300; ART 110-111, 120-121, 122-123, 391, 392, 491, and 492; twelve hours of studio art selected from: ART
220-221, 224-225, 230-231, 232-233, 240-241, 242-243, 244-245, 260-261, 262-263, 270-271, 272-273, 310-311, and 336-337.

Major in Art with an Art History Emphasis

The major in art with an art history emphasis requires a total of 45 semester hours to include ART 110, 111, 120, 121, 122, 123, 251, 255, 391, 392, 491, and 492 and 18 hours chosen from ART 256, 257, 352, 353, 354, 355, 458, 300, or PHIL 322.

Minor in Art

The minor in art requires 18 hours: 3 hours of basic drawing (ART 110-111); 6 hours in design (ART 120-121 and 122-123); 6 hours selected from ART 251, 255, 352, 353, 354, 355, or ART 300; and 3 additional hours of elective credit in art.

Minor in Art History:

The minor in art history requires a total of 18 semester hours to include ART 251 and 255 and 4 additional art history courses chosen from ART 256, 257, 352, 353, 354, 355, 458, or ART 300.

 

Courses in art include:

Art (ART) The Department reserves the right to retain at least one example of a student’s work for its permanent exhibitions, with student’s approval.

 

101. Art Appreciation (3)
An introduction to the arts of painting, sculpture and architecture. As a general survey course, emphasis is placed both on the development of an informed art vocabulary and on the exercise of those perceptual and cognitive skills which enhance aesthetic experiences in the arts. (Lectures slide presentation, field trips and creative applications.)

110. Basic Drawing (2)
(Coreq: ART 111) A foundation course that explores various approaches to a range of drawing problems from landscape and still-life to human anatomy, from rendering to nonobjective abstraction. A variety of wet and dry media is employed in a series of projects and exercises designed to enhance both eye-hand coordination and perceptual acuity. No previous drawing experiences are required. A materials fee is assessed for this course, in addition to necessary art supplies purchased by individual students. (Studio applications and field trips.)

111. Basic Drawing Studio (1)
(Prereq/Coreq: ART 110) An independent studio experience in drawing. Each student will create a series of projects based on the concepts presented in ART 110. A materials fee is assessed for this course, in addition to necessary art supplies purchased by individual students.

120. Basic 2-D Design (2)
(Coreq: ART 121) A foundation course surveying the elements and principles of visual organization in two-dimensional art. Perceptual and conceptual skills are enhanced through a series of experimental studio projects focused on composition and color theory. No previous design experiences are required. A materials fee is assessed for this course, in addition to necessary art supplies purchased by individual students. (Lectures and studio applications.)

121. Basic 2-D Design Studio (1)
(Prereq/Coreq: ART 120) An independent studio experience in 2-D design. Each student will create a series of projects based on the concepts presented in ART 120. A materials fee is assessed for this course, in addition to necessary art supplies purchased by individual students.

122. 3-D Design (3)
A foundations course surveying materials, concepts, and principles of visual structure/organization in the dimensional world. Through a series of problem solving projects, readings, and class discussion, students will gain insight into the basic language of three-dimensional design. A materials fee is assessed for this course, in addition to necessary art supplies purchased by individual students.

123. 3-D Design Studio (1)
(Prereq/Coreq: ART 122) An independent studio experience in 3-D design. Each student will create a series of projects based on the concepts presented in ART 122.

220. Graphic Design (2)
(Prereq: ART 110 and 120 or consent of instructor; coreq: ART\ 221) Introduction to the foundational elements that make up good design. Special emphasis given to the creative process of visual problem solving using thumbnails, roughs, and finals. An historical overview of graphic design to provide an adequate context for student projects. All work will be done by hand to provide a strong understanding of design before technology skills are added. A materials fee is assessed for this course, in addition to necessary art supplies purchased by individual students. (Lectures, field trips, and studio applications.)

221. Graphic Design Studio (1) (Prereq/Coreq: ART 220)
An independent studio experience in graphic design. Each student will create a series of projects based on the concepts presented in ART 220. A materials fee is assessed for this course, in addition to necessary art supplies purchased by individual students.

224. Color Theory (2) (Prereq: Art 120-121 or consent of instructor)
This is a studio foundation course in which the student will explore the nature of color, the uses of color and will develop an understanding of color as a vital element in design. This course is a continued investigation of two-dimensional form, space, and creative visual organization. The material will be covered in lectures, demonstrations, class discussions (critique) and specific text reading assignments. Students should gain a better understanding of the application and use of color in studio courses such as painting, ceramic glazing, graphic design and color photography.

225. Color Studio (1)
(Prereq: Art 120-121 or consent of instructor) This studio portion of the Color Theory course is an independent studio experience in color practice and problem solving. Each student will create a series of projects based upon concepts and principles in Color Theory Art 224. (Alternate Semesters in conjunction with Art 224.)

230. Painting I (2)
(Prereq: ART 110 and 120 or consent of instructor; coreq: ART 231) An introduction to the theory and practice of painting in oils; stressing color and surface in response to direct visual observations. This course covers a range of materials and technical skills that are presented with frequent reference to the broader history of painting. A materials fee is assessed for this course, in addition to necessary art supplies purchased by individual students. (Demonstration, painting on location in the landscape and studio application.)

231. Painting I Studio (1)
(Prereq/Coreq: ART 230) An independent studio experience in oil painting. Each student will create a series of projects based on the concepts presented in ART 230. A materials fee is assessed for this course, in addition to necessary art supplies purchased by individual students.

232. Watercolor (2)
(Prereq: ART 110 and 120 or consent of instructor; coreq: ART 233) An introduction to the materials and techniques common to the practice of painting in transparent watercolors. A series of works on paper will be created while exploring thefundamental nature of the materials. (Demonstrations, painting on location in the landscape, and studio application.) (Alternate years)

233. Watercolor Studio (1)
(Prereq/Coreq: ART 232) An independent studio experience in watercolor. Each student will create a series of projects based on the concepts presented in ART 232. (Alternate years in conjunction with ART 232)

234. Landscape Painting (2)
(Prereq: ART 110 and 120 or consent of instructor; coreq: ART 235) An applied study of landscape painting in a variety of media with numerous references to the history of the subject. (Demonstration, painting on location in the landscape and studio applications. A materials fee is assessed for this course, in addition to necessary art supplies purchased by individual students.

235. Landscape Painting Studio (1)
(Prereq/Coreq: ART 234) An independent studio experience in landscape painting. Each student will create a series of projects based on the concepts presented in ART 234. A materials fee is assessed for this course, in addition to necessary art supplies purchased by individual students.

240. Sculpture (2)
(Prereq: ART 110 and 120 or consent of instructor; coreq: ART 241) A study of both additive and subtractive approaches to sculptural representation in the context of art history and executed in a variety of media such as clay, stone, plaster, metals, wood and glass. A materials fee is assessed for this course, in addition to necessary art supplies purchased by individual students. (Demonstrations and studio applications.) (Alternate years)

241. Sculpture Studio (1)
(Prereq/Coreq: ART 240) An independent studio experience in Sculpture. Each student will create a series of projects based on the concepts presented in ART 240. A materials fee is assessed for this course, in addition to necessary art supplies purchased by individual students. (Alternate years)

242. Ceramics I (2)
(Coreq: ART 243) An exploration of basic ceramic processes such as hand building, wheel throwing, glazing and firing, with a focus on three dimensional design and the history of ceramic forms. A materials fee is assessed for this course, in addition to necessary art supplies purchased by individual students. (Alternate years)

243. Ceramics I Studio (1)
(Prereq/Coreq: ART 242) An independent studio experience in ceramics. Each student will create a series of projects based on the concepts presented in ART 242. A materials fee is assessed for this course, in addition to necessary art supplies purchased by individual students.

244. Ceramics II (2)
(Prereq: ART 122 or 242; coreq: ART 245) This art course explores basic principles and techniques of functional and nonfunctional ceramics while prioritizing a more profound development of personal imageries. Subjects included are: (1) glaze formulation, (2) slab, coil and thrown form construction, (3) basic kiln firing, and (4) contemporary ceramic history. A materials fee is assessed for this course, in addition to necessary art supplies purchased by individual students.

245. Ceramics II Studio (1)
(Prereq: ART 122 or 242; coreq: ART 244) An extended independent studio experience in Ceramics I. Each student will create projects based on concepts addressed in ART 244. A materials fee is assessed for this course, in addition to necessary art supplies purchased by individual students.

251. Art History Survey I (3)
The art of the Western world from its earliest known examples in caves of France and Spain up to the beginning Renaissance ideals in art and architecture of Western Europe, with a brief view of some of the arts of the Islamic world created during that same era. Examines the way that the visual arts and architecture gives expression to a culture values and ideas about life, death and spirituality. (Fall)

255. Art History Survey II (3)
This course surveys the art of Western Europe and the Americas from the Renaissance through the 20th century. Particular attention paid to change in social and cultural institutions leading to the development of modernism. (Spring)

256. Topics in Latin American Art (3)
A survey of the art of one region or country in Latin America, such as Mesoamerican art, art of the Caribbean, South American art, Mexican art, or Brazilian art. (Alternate years in rotation with ART 257)

257. History of Women in Art (3)
A survey of women's art production in Western Europe and the United States from 15th century to present. (Alternate years in rotation with ART 256)

260. Printmaking I (2)
(Prereq: ART 110 and 120 or consent of instructor; coreq: ART 261) An introduction to the techniques of relief and intaglio printing processes such as woodcut, linocut, etching, aquatint and dry point. A materials fee is assessed for this course, in addition to necessary art supplies purchased by individual students. (Demonstrations and studio applications.) (Alternate years)

261. Printmaking I Studio (1)
(Prereq/Coreq: ART 260) An independent studio experience in relief and intaglio printmaking. Each student will create a series of projects based on the concepts presented in ART 260. A materials fee is assessed for this course, in addition to necessary art supplies purchased by individual students. (Alternate years)

262. Printmaking II: Screenprinting (2)
(Prereq: ART 110 and 120 or consent of the instructor; coreq: ART 263) An introduction to the techniques and processes of screen-printing with an emphasis on fine arts applications. A materials fee is assessed for this course, in addition to necessary art supplies purchased by individual students. (Demonstrations and studio applications.) (Alternate years)

263. Printmaking II: Screenprinting Studio (1)
(Prereq/Coreq: ART 262) An independent studio experience in screen-printing. Each student will create a series of projects based on the concepts presented in ART 262. A materials fee is assessed for this course, in addition to necessary art supplies purchased by individual students. (Alternate years)

270. Photography I (2)
(Prereq: ART 120 or consent of the instructor; coreq: ART 271) An introductory experience in black and white photographic theory and practice, this course is designed to explore the creative use of the camera and cover the technical aspects of film developing, printing, and mounting, while surveying the history of photography. A materials fee is assessed for this course, in addition to necessary art supplies purchased by individual students. (Slide lectures, demonstrations and studio applications.) (Alternate years)

271. Photography I Studio (1)
(Prereq/Coreq: ART 270) An independent studio experience in black and white photography. Each student will create a series of projects based on the concepts presented in ART 270. A materials fee is assessed forthis course, in addition to necessary art supplies purchased by individual students. (Alternate years)

272. Photography II (2)
(Prereq: ART 270; coreq: ART 273) This second course in photography will focus on advanced black and white print photography, color photography, and photo editing. Through a series of projects involving the camera, darkroom, and computer technology, the student will seek to create significant works of art while simultaneously learning the more sophisticated processes of advanced photography. A materials fee is assessed for this course, in addition to necessary art supplies purchased by individual students.

273. Photography II Studio (1)
(Coreq: ART 272) An independent studio experience in advanced photography. Each student will create a series of projects based on the concepts presented in ART 272. A materials fee is assessed for this course, in addition to necessary art supplies purchased by individual students.

280. Art for the Child (3)
A study of the child's creative growth in arts and crafts. Designed to help the classroom teacher develop the creative skills that enhance instruction in all content areas while facilitating a quality art program within the broader context of a general classroom environment. This class is limited to majors in Early Childhood Education, Christian Education, and Art. Other students may contact the art department with a request to be enrolled on appeal. A materials fee is assessed for this course, in addition to necessary art supplies purchased by individual students. (Lectures and studio applications.)

282. School Art (3)
(Prereq: ART 110 and 120 or consent of the instructor) An exploration of the methods and materials common to the teaching of art on levels K-12. (Lectures and studio applications.) (Alternate years)

291. The Expressive Process: The Open Studio (3)
This class will explore a selection of expressive art practices commonly used to enhance personal development, creativity, and spiritual experience. It will address the devotional and developmental uses of art by people seeking an enhanced practice of creativity, personal vocation, and social engagement. This course combines historical, theoretical, and experiential learning in an applied studio format with supplemental lecture, film, and assigned text presentation. By participation in expressive arts activities and reflecting on the products and processes, students will have an opportunity to learn how studio art practice can help a person achieve improved awareness of self and others, develop and enhanced sense of personal responsibility and self efficacy, while learning to more effectively deal with setbacks, disappointments, or confusing experiences, overcome creative blocks, and more consciously engage the process of personal growth and development. A materials fee is assessed for this course, in addition to necessary art supplies purchased by individual students.

292. Expressive Process: Art Therapy (3)
This class will introduce students to concepts of art therapy in the broader context of the expressive tradition. It will address the therapeutic and developmental uses of the art by people who experience illness, trauma, or challenges in living, as well as by people without trauma or psychopathology who seek personal development and enhanced psychological and social well being. This course combines theoretical and experiential learning in lecture and studio formats. By participating in expressive arts activities and reflecting on the products and processes, students will have the opportunity to learn how studio art practice can help a person achieve improved awareness of self and others, cope with symptoms of stress, more effective deal with the aftereffects of traumatic experiences, and more consciously engage in the process of personal growth and development. A materials fee is assessed for this course, in addition to necessary art supplies purchased by individual students.

300. Media and Society (3)
(Prereq: ENGL 110-111 or equivalent and consent of instructor) A course dealing with media history, uses, and values. It will consider such media as newspapers, magazines, radio, television, recordings, motion pictures, theatre, music, and the arts in regard to how they affect society and the individual. Students will investigate these media and the social, economic, and historical milieu from which they emerge as well as the aesthetic and ethical values attributed to them. The course will use nontraditional approaches to the subject matter, and active participation by the students will be an essential element of the course. Enrollment limited. Students will be selected by GPA and faculty interview.

307. 3D Modeling and Animation (4)
(Prereq: CSC 201 or 241; cross listed with CSC 307) This course explores concepts and methodologies for creating and exploring 3D graphics and animation. This class will introduce fundamental 3D theories and principles of computer modeling and animation. The class will also explore the history, development, and theories behind modeling and animation. Essential concepts will be made concrete through a major term-long team project in which student teams will develop their own 3D models that are then used in a short animation.

308. Graphics Programming and Animation (3)
(Prereq: CSC 241; cross listed with CSC 308) This course introduces the student to programming that draws 2D or 3D images on the screen. In particular, we will study graphics packages that enable interactive drawing and animation in 2D and 3D spaces. (Alternate years)

310. Life Drawing (2)
(Prereq: ART 110 and 120 or consent of the instructor; coreq: ART 311) An extensive study of artistic anatomy and the expressive potential of the human form. Drawing from the model and skeleton with a wide array of drawing and painting media. A materials fee is assessed for this course, in addition to necessary art supplies purchased by individual students. (Lecture/demonstrations and studio applications.) (Alternate years)

311. Life Drawing Studio (1)
(Prereq/Coreq: ART 310) An independent studio experience in life drawing. Each student will create a series of projects based on the concepts presented in ART 310. A materials fee is assessed for this course, in addition to necessary art supplies purchased by individual students. (Alternate years)

320-321. Graphic Design II and Studio (3)
This course offers advanced practices in visual communications with a greater emphasis on the final stage of the creative problem solving method. The course focuses especially on the design studio use of information technology. An historical overview of graphic design addresses the evolving communication needs of major professions in a wide variety of mediums.

322. Aesthetics (3)
(Crosslisted with PHIL 322 and THEA 322) A consideration of beauty and what various philosophers (such as Plato, Aristotle, Hume and Kant) have had to say about it. The class will also consider arts forms, such as painting, sculpture, poetry, music and photography to appreciate the presence or absence of beauty therein.

336. Advanced Painting (2)
(Prereq: ART 230, 232 or 234; coreq: ART 337) An exploration of the form/content relationship in the practice of painting in a variety of media; this course stresses the synthetic integration of painterly concerns through the creation of a suite of related paintings. A materials fee is assessed for this course, in addition to necessary art supplies purchased by individual students. (Studio applications videotape and slide lectures.)

337. Advanced Painting Studio (1)
(Prereq/Coreq: ART 336) An advanced independent studio experience in painting. Each student will create a series of projects based on the concepts addressed in ART 336. A materials fee is assessed for this course, in addition to necessary art supplies purchased by individual students.

352. Renaissance and Baroque Art History (3)
(Prereq: ART 251 and 255) A survey of art and architecture created in Western Europe between1400 and 1700 AD. Of particular interest are the roles played by the Reformation and Counter-Reformation on the art production. (Alternate years)

353. Romantic and Early Modern Art History (3)
(Prereq: ART 251 and 255) This survey of art and architecture created in Western Europe and the Americas in the period of 1700-1871. The development of the independent gallery system and the role of art academies, leading to modernism movement in the 19th century are emphasized. (Lectures, slide presentations, field trips.) (Alternate years)

354. Late Modern and Contemporary Art History (3)
(Prereq: ART 251 and 255) A survey of the art and architecture created in Western Europe and America during the late 19th and through the 20th century. Major modernist movements and avant-garde styles are discussed in depth (Alternate years)

355. Modern Art Theory and Criticism (3)
(Prereq: ART 101 or 255 or consent of instructor)An examination of the writings of artists and critics of the late 19th and 20th centuries whose works construct the history of modernism in the arts. (Alternate years)

370. Photographic Arts (3)
(Prereq: ART 270 and 272) A project directed course designed to allow the student maximum freedom to define and develop directions in personal artistic growth through the medium of photography. Alternative methods and materials such as pinhole photograph and medium format images will be explored.

371. Web Design (3)
(Prereq: ART 320 and 321) A course to introduce students to the basics of web site development. Web Design will introduce students to concepts meant to enhance their critical thinking, analytical, conceptual, and design communication skills. Instruction will be delivered through lectures, demonstrations, and the hands-on manipulation of computers and software.

391. Junior Project (3)
In this course, students will plan, execute, present, and critique a project in studio art or art history selected in consultation with the art faculty. Studio majors will explore concepts and experiment with art methods and materials prior to the senior year when production focuses on the senior exhibit. Art history students will work on preliminary research for the senior thesis. All students will meet regularly with faculty individually and as a group for direction and feedback. Students may elect to take this course in conjunction with an internship or study abroad. Mandatory field trips taken each year to New York City and another major urban art center. Participation required.

392. Junior Seminar (3)
This is a supervised open-studio and seminar course with assigned readings and research in contemporary art and art historical methodologies. This course will build on the work done in the junior project, internship, or study abroad of the previous semester. Each studio major will produce a series of related artworks while doing graded research on an aspect of the art world. Art history students will continue to work on their thesis projects while writing regular critiques of the work produced in the studio section of the course and preparing assignments on readings. Mandatory field trips taken each year to New York City and another major urban art center. Participation required.

491. Senior Seminar (3)
(Senior art majors only) This course aims to focus the student's development toward the final senior exhibition or thesis to be presented at the end of the year. The faculty will work with each student to develop her or his individual artistic vision or art historical position through regular individual and group critiques. Because the medium, subject, and style of the work produced will vary, the principle emphasis will be on the formal concerns and presentation of the art. These issues will be addressed in critiques, reading, and research. Studio majors will strive to integrate ideas of concept, form, and content in the preparation of the artist statement for the final exhibit. Art history students will finalize the research and complete a draft of the final thesis. Mandatory field trips taken each year to New York City and another major urban art center. Participation required.

492. Senior Show (3)
(Prereq: ART 491) Studio majors will focus on the preparation of the final exhibition and the presentation of a carefully crafted artist statement. Art history students will revise and refine the thesis for presentation either in a pubic symposium or the Honors Research Symposium in the spring. Critique of ongoing studio work and writing will take place prior to the senior show and/ or symposium. Studio majors will submit a slide portfolio or CD and art history students, a bound copy of the thesis for review by the art faculty. A formal critique will be made of all work submitted. Mandatory field trips taken each year to New York City and another major urban art center. Participation required.

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