Course Descriptions

This course directs the students to an understanding and appreciation of the visual arts — especially drawing, painting, sculpture, and architecture. Students will learn to analyze art works in regard to their design elements and principles, as well as in the context of certain art movements.

ART 102 FUNDAMENTALS OF PHOTOGRAPHY / 3 credits
This course will explore basic camera and digital darkroom techniques. Students will cultivate the aesthetic and conceptual skills of photographic image making. Success in this course will be measured in the understanding of basic camera functions, basic digital imaging skills (scanning, retouching, printing), conceptual development and a final portfolio. (Same as JRN 102)

ART 110 DRAWING STUDIO I / 3 credits
This is an introductory course for the development of basic drawing skills and practices in various drawing materials.  Students will explore drawing as a process of seeing, develop technical skills, and engage in the use of drawing media as materials for communication.  Course assignments will acquaint students with the basic elements and principles of design.  There will be a balance between learning the skills of rendering what is seen, the qualities of drawing such as mark making, and learning to draw what is imagined.  Emphasis will be on discovering the “art” of drawing while perfecting the mechanics and skill of drawing.

ART 120 TWO-DIMENSIONAL DESIGN / 3 credits
This foundation course will introduce the basic elements and principles of design and color theory as well as a wide range of problem-solving strategies.  Working with balance, proportion, contrast, color, and so on will help the student develop the skills needed for more advanced work in your major area.

ART 201 WORLD ART I / 3 credits
A survey of Western and Non-Western art from Prehistory through the 13th century.  Study of cross-cultural influences and regional stylistic attributes.

ART 202 WORLD ART II / 3 credits
A survey of  Western and Non-Western art from the 14th century to the present.  Study of cross-cultural influences and regional stylistic attributes.

ART 220 DIGITAL STUDIO I / 3 credits
This course will focus on digital imaging techniques and the industry-standard software applications used by professional graphic designers, photographers and multimedia artists. Students will learn how to use pertinent software and hardware through a series of in-class tutorials and weekly assignments. This course is designed to introduce art majors to a wide breadth of digital arts.

ART 230 HISTORY OF MODERN ART / 3 credits
This course focuses on the modern art movement from Realism to the present with an emphasis on artistic innovation during this time of social, political, technological and religous revolution. Major movements including Expressionism, Surrealism, Pop Art and Minimalism will be covered with a close inspection of painting, sculpture, photography and architecture.

ART 232 PAINTING  STUDIO I / 3 credits
This course is designed to introduce students to the dynamic conventions and material concerns of painting. These conventions of painting include: color mixing, paint application, building your own canvas, and the creation of ideas through sketching and the use of the computer. There will be investigations into both representational and abstract forms. The beginning projects will focus on the student learning how paint functions and not to be so concerned about the finished product. As each student gains technical confidence, we will explore assignments through historical art movements and contemporary trends. There will be an emphasis on creativity and problem-solving skills. In addition to studio assignments, we will survey a diverse range of contemporary painting and its relation to its historical background. Prerequisites: ART 110 or ART 120.

ART 233 PRINTMAKING STUDIO I / 3 credits
This is an introductory course designed to initiate a basic understanding of printmaking as an art form through the study and execution of monotype, relief, and intaglio processes. Prerequisites: ART 110 or ART 120.

ART 234 THREE-DIMENSIONAL STUDIO I / 3 credits
This course is an introduction to a wide range of three-dimensional materials, where student work takes the form of small pedestal objects to large indoor and outdoor installations. Students are encouraged to mix media and incorporate nontraditional materials into their process. Basic skills and craft are emphasized as the building blocks for communication in three dimensions. Students will be introduced to and participate in the critique process, which teaches critical thinking and evaluation in order to improve the quality of student work.

ART 282  SPECIAL TOPICS IN ART / 3 credits
Study of selected topics in art. Prerequisites will vary.

ART 299 ART IN CONTEXT / 1 credit
This travel course will allow students to engage with artworks, learn about exhibition and museum culture and visit artist studios in the major artistic centers of the United States. The seminar portion of this class will include readings, discussions, and research presentations on special topics related to the tavel itinerary. Prerequisite: One of the following: ART 101, 201, 230, 308, and permission of the instructor.

ART 302 Methods OF TEACHING ART / 3credits
To prepare art students for their roles as secondary art teachers. Emphasis on curriculum and lesson planning, readings in art education, art classroom management and evaluation; selection, preparation, and use of teaching material.

ART 305 GALLERY PRACTICUM / 1 credit
Practical experience in photography, graphic design, writing and design of publicity materials, and/or exhibition preparation. Placement in the Kresge Gallery. Prerequisite: 15 credits in Art, including ART 120 and ART 102 or ART 220 and permission of instructor. May be repeated up to 5 credits. Pass/fail. May not be used to satisfy the requirements of the Art major or minor. The class is limited to three students. Priority given on the basis of seniority.

ART 308 RENAISSANCE ART / 3 credits
This course will explore the artistic development of 15th and 16th century Europe with an emphasis on Italian art and artists. Key topics will include partronage, urban development, perspective techniques,  humanism and the changing roll of the artist.

ART 310 PHOTOGRAPHY II / 3 credits
This course is designed to build upon photography skills developed in ART 102:?Fundementals of Photography. Prerequisite: ART 102 or JRN 102.

ART 320 DIGITAL ART STUDIO II / 3 credits
This course is designed to build upon digital imaging skills developed in Art 220. Students will study advanced techniques and hone their skills using industry-standard imaging software. Students can choose a concentration of graphic design, typography, digital video or multimedia. Prerequisites: ART 220 Digital Studio I.

ART 332 PAINTING AND DRAWING STUDIO II / 3 credits
This course is a further investigation of ART 110 and ART 232.  This course is designed for students who desire to learn more advanced techniques in drawing and painting.  Emphasis is placed upon individual interpretation and improvement of technical ability.  Mixed media and experimental techniques will be introduced. Prerequisites: ART 110 and ART 232.

ART 333 PRINTMAKING STUDIO II / 3 credits
A focused investigation of skills and ideas developed in ART 233, with emphasis on concept and subject continuity with respect to modes of personal expression. Prerequisites: ART 233.

ART 334 THREE-DIMENSIONAL STUDIO II / 3 credits
This course builds on 3-D Studio I. Students continue to develop technical proficiency and further develop their ability to think critically and communicate visually. Students are encouraged to mix media and incorporate nontraditional materials into their process. The assignments for this class will be student driven, and emphasis will be placed on careful planning, execution and completion of projects. Prerequisite: ART 234.

ART 340 FILM STUDIES / 3 credits
Students will acquire the basic vocabulary necessary to analyze film as a visual medium and narrative discourse. Various classic and noncanonical films will be examined through close visual and diegetic analysis. Major critical approaches to film will be examined through readings in secondary scholarship. Attendance at weekly evening screenings is required. Prerequisites: ART 101, ENG 110, or THE 101, or permission of instructor. (Same as ENG 340)

ART 382 SPECIAL TOPICS IN ART / 3 credits
Study of selected topics in art. Prerequisites will vary.

ART 399 ART INTERNATIONAL Studies COURSE: Variable topics / 1 credit
Studies of varying topics in art, including a two-week Nichols trip. Prerequisites will vary depending upon course topic.

ART 440 ADVANCED STUDIO CONCEPTS / 3 credits
This course allows students to work at the advanced level in the medium of their choosing and teaches them to develop the conceptual dimensions of their work through research on contemporary art. Prerequisites: ART 320, ART 333, ART 310 or ART 332. May be repeated once for credit.

ART 450 INDEPENDENT STUDY / variable credit
Concentrated study in selected topic.

ART 482 SPECIAL TOPICS IN ART / 3 credits
Study of selected topics in art. Prerequisites will vary.

ART 490 SENIOR PROJECT / 3 credits
The senior project is an independent project designed by the student with the guidance of the faculty. The student will produce a body of work that synthesizes the knowledge and skill acquired during their course of study in the Art discipline. The course should result in a show, evidencing a well-developed body of work. Prerequisite: Senior status.