academic catalogue

2023-2024 Catalogue

Art (ART) Course Descriptions

ART 101: Drawing.
Goal: To develop competence and confidence in the ability to draw. To organize perceptions in a logical and analytical manner. To explore a variety of media and paper surfaces.
Content: The elements, materials, and aesthetics of drawing.
Gen. Ed. Category: Exploring; Thinking & Expressing Creatively; (FA).
Credit: 3 hours.
 
ART 106: Understanding Images.
Goal: An introduction to two-dimensional design used to provide a formal structure for the study of visual images. Students will learn the use of visual elements (line, shape form, texture, value, color, pattern) and principles (composition, unity, variety, emphasis, contrast, rhythm, motion, etc.) In an analytical study of images from art and culture.
Content: Works of art will be formally analyzed. Visual meaning in images will be evaluated by studying the artist's intentions and stylistic execution.
Gen. Ed. Category: Exploring; Thinking & Expressing Creatively; (FA).
Credit: 3 hours.
 
ART 108: 3-D Design.
Goal: An introduction to the techniques and concepts of three-dimensional design used in the making of sculpture. Students will learn to analyze works of art - their own and those of contemporary artists - using design principles. Students will learn to utilize some of the art methods discussed in class in making their own work. By moving freely from the classroom to the studio, students will gain an understanding of the rich correlations between developing ideas and content and making art works.
Content: Contemporary sculptures will be discussed and analyzed. Students will make artworks of their own, and then discuss how effective their studio projects are in terms of the assignment and the design principles. Students will also analyze objects and artworks in written form.
Gen. Ed. Category: Exploring; Thinking & Expressing Creatively; (FA).
Credit: 3 hours.
 
ART 110: Creativity: Art/Design from Nature.
Goal: We will consider creativity: what it is, how it happens, and why it is essential to the advancement of our world. To do this, we will study the creative  process of known innovators, and practice the development of original ideas. We will consider  biomimicry, and use our Arboretum as a resource, where students will explore image and design development through a study of objects and conditions found in nature. Drawing, photography, and journal entries will provide opportunities to record, analyze, express, transform and  innovate. We will attempt to better understand how original ideas result from the information input of our senses (particularly vision), the processing in our brain, and the output through our mind and hands.
Content: Assignments will focus on explorations through three progressive approaches: 1. Naturalistic and scientific rendering and photography, 2. Expressive and metaphorical realism  through drawing and a study of photographic works, and 3. The creation of new shape and form  through abstraction, stylization, and photographic manipulation. Students will practice creativity  through the development of individual portfolios of art and writing, and through collaborative idea development.
Gen. Ed. Category: Exploring; Thinking & Expressing Creatively; (FA).
Credit: 3 hours.
 
ART 205. Concepts in Drawing.
Goal: To allow students further exploration in drawing through a variety of media and subjects.
Content: Students will be introduced to drawing techniques and media beyond those of introductory drawing. These may include sequential thinking through illustration, nontraditional drawing approaches, perspective, collage, and abstraction.
Prerequisite: ART 101.
Credit: 3 hours.
 
ART 221: Painting.
Goal: To introduce the painting process and the concepts of value, color, and paint surface. To incorporate all aspects of visual thought and technique in producing compositions. To express oneself in terms of paint and color.
Content: An introduction to the materials and techniques of painting; the application of contemporary thought and personal experiences to the process of painting. Students work on exercises and finished works in oil paint and oil pastel.
Prerequisite: ART 101 or permission of instructor.
Credit: 3 hours.
 
ART 225: Graphic Design.
Goal: To understand the methods of commercial art through the use of the computer. To work through the design stages, working with type, layout, photographic art and drawn images. To understand the persuasive and informative nature of design.
Content: Projects in the field of graphic design. Use of computer drawing, painting, image manipulation and page-layout programs.
Gen. Ed. Category: Exploring; Thinking & Expressing Creatively; (FA).
Credit: 3 hours.
 
ART 231: Ceramics.
Goal: To introduce students to various methods of construction with clay. To develop safe and proper studio practices. To explore the aesthetic and functional aspects of the medium. To explore textural and color possibilities of surface.
Content: Understanding clay as an art medium. Technical instruction in hand building, throwing, and glaze experimentation with various clay bodies and firing processes.
Gen. Ed. Category: Exploring; Thinking & Expressing Creatively; (FA).
Credit: 3 hours.
 
ART 250: Printmaking Processes.
Goal: To explore a variety of printmaking processes ranging from traditional to photographic in the execution of creative imagery. To develop understanding and control of printmaking tools, materials, and processes in the development of fine art multiples.
Content: An introduction to a range of printmaking processes from traditional to photographic techniques.
Gen. Ed. Category: Exploring; Thinking & Expressing Creatively; (FA).
Credit: 3 hours.
 
ART 260: Introduction to Jewelry.
Goal: To introduce historical and contemporary jewelry design and techniques. To incorporate ceramics, metals, fiber and computer aided design in the creation of small and wearable sculpture.
Content: Introducing jewelry concepts in relationship to time and culture. Using a wide range of materials students learn many techniques that they can apply to finished pieces and begin to develop a personal aesthetic.
Gen. Ed. Category: Exploring; Thinking & Expressing Creatively; (FA).
Credit: 3 hours.
 
ART 275: Digital Photography.
Goal: To develop visual communication skills through the study of the history of photography and the use of the digital camera. To understand the artistic and journalistic uses of photography, to understand how the camera relates to and differs from the human eye, to learn the basic operations of the digital camera and enlarger, and to control contrast and composition in a photograph.
Content: Introduction to digital photography with special emphasis on photography as fine art, documentary, and journalistic photography using the digital camera.
Gen. Ed. Category: Exploring; Thinking & Expressing Creatively; (FA).
Credit: 3 hours.
 
ART 285: Video.
Goal:
An introduction to the use of video cameras in the production of sequential imaging. This course will expand the visual vocabulary by means of exploring diverse techniques in the production of video.
Content: This is an introductory course in capturing, editing, and producing video. Students will learn to use video equipment and software for pursuing fine art and commercial video projects.
Credit: 3 hours.
 
ART 291: Directed Independent Study.
Goal: To provide an opportunity for intermediate-level independent study.
Content: Independent work of interest to the student and approved by the instructor and program director.
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor and program director.
Credit: 1-6 hours.
 
ART 302: Intermediate Painting & Drawing.
Goal: To allow for personal growth and advanced work in painting and drawing. To develop expressive content and to improve technical ability.
Content: The student will work with the instructor to develop personal goals for achievement. The student will focus on content development through media in painting and drawing. The student will work under the guidance of the instructor and meet regularly to assess progress, concepts and strategies. Group critiques will be held.
Prerequisites: ART 101 or 221.
Credit: 3 hours.
 
ART 318: Intermediate 3D Studio.
Goal: To allow for further artistic development in ceramics. To develop expressive content and to improve technical ability within the medium.
Content: The student will work in the studio with the guidance of the instructor. The student will work with the instructor to develop goals for achievement and meet individually once a week to discuss ideas, development and progress. Monthly group critiques will be held to assess improvement and to suggest new directions. This course may be repeated once for a total of six hours.
Prerequisites: ART 108 and ART 231.
Credit: 3 hours.
 
ART 338: Intermediate Printmaking.
Goal: To allow for personal growth and advanced work in traditional and digital printmaking processes. To develop and effectively communicate through visually expressive content, critically analyze fine art print, and improve technical ability.
Content: The student will work with the instructor to develop personal goals for achievement focusing on experimentation with a variety of printmaking processes. Individual and group critiques will be held to assess the progress of student projects and to analyze concepts and strategies.
Prerequisites: ART 250: Traditional and Digital Printmaking.
Credit: 3 hours.
 
ART 340: Intermediate Graphic Design.
Goal: To allow for personal growth and advanced work in computer graphic design, layout, typography, and image creation and manipulation. To develop, and effectively communicate through visually expressive content, critically analyze design, and improve technical ability.
Content: Working through the design process, students will use drawing, image manipulation, and page layout programs in the execution of creative projects in the field of graphic design. Group and individual critiques will be held to assess the progress of student projects and to analyze concepts and strategies.
Prerequisites: ART 225: Graphic Design.
Credit: 3 hours.
 

ART 345: Web Design.
Goal:
 To understand how to apply design theory and the design process to the development of web pages. Students will further develop their ability to effectively communicate through visually expressive content, critically analyze design, and build technical skill.
Content: This course explores creating art and design for the web through coding (HTML and CSS), typography, layout, usability, problem solving, and the use of graphics software to develop/optimize graphics for the web. Students will learn how to apply basic design theory to web pages, analyze web design for usability and accessibility. Group and individual critiques will be held to assess the progress of student projects and to analyze design concepts and strategies.
Prerequisite: ART 225.
Credit: 3 hours.

ART 360: Documentary Photography.
Goal: To expose students to the history of important documentary photographic works that have altered society. Each student will develop a body of photographs that documents a selected subject. Students will expand their technical facility with photographic processes.
Content: The student will work with the instructor to develop personal goals for achievement. The student will meet regularly with the instructor and will participate in group critiques and lectures.
Prerequisite: ART 275.
Credit: 3 hours.
 
ART 361: Integrating Art into Elementary Content.
Goal: To familiarize students with the process of creative development in elementary school children. To equip elementary school teachers with strategies to integrate creative elements and art into their content-based lessons. To provide students with strategies to adapt art activities so that they can enhance opportunities for learning across several content areas.
Content: Strategies, lesson plans, and practical experiences for the integration of art and creative experiences into content-based lessons appropriate for elementary school children P-5.
Credit: 3 hours. May not be repeated.
 
ART 385: Studio Photo: Portrait & Product.
Goal: Students will learn the skills required for professional portrait and product photography.
Content: This course offers the experience of photographing in an interior studio setting. The students will expand their knowledge of the use of the digital camera, studio lighting, subject positioning, and product placement.
Prerequisite: ART 275.
Credit: 3 hours.
 
ART 396: Special Topics in Art.
Goal: To offer the student opportunities to pursue fields of study outside traditionally offered courses.
Content: An in-depth examination of a special area of art. Topics offered vary from time to time.
Prerequisite: Depends on course content.
Credit: 3 hours. A student may take a maximum of six to eight semester hours (two courses) of special topics in any one field.
 
ART 402: Portfolio Building: Painting & Drawing.
Goal: To allow for personal growth and advanced work in painting and drawing. To develop expressive content and to improve technical ability.
Content: The student will work with the instructor to develop personal goals for achievement. The student will focus on content development through media in painting and drawing. The student will work under the guidance of the instructor and meet regularly to assess progress, concepts and strategies. Group critiques will be held.
Prerequisite: ART 302.
Credit: 3 hours.
 
ART 408: Senior Studio Seminar.
Goal: to enable the student to complete her A.B. or BFA degree senior art exhibition and to develop the skill and knowledge of discussing and analyzing works of art through the writing component.
Content: Seminar for the A.B. or BFA degree candidate in the studio arts. Emphasis will be on the development of the student's senior art exhibition with a writing component.
Prerequisites: Senior standing.
Credit: 3 hours.
 
ART 418: Portfolio Building: 3-D.
Goal: To allow for personal growth and advanced work in a three dimensional medium. To develop expressive content and to improve technical ability with a particular medium.
Content: The student will work in the studio with the medium of her choice, with the guidance of the instructor. The student will work with the instructor to develop goals for achievement and meet individually once a week to discuss ideas, development and progress. Monthly group critiques will be held to assess improvement and to suggest new directions.
Prerequisite: ART 318.
Credit: 3 hours.
 
ART 438: Portfolio Building: Printmaking.
Goal: To allow for personal growth and advanced work in traditional and digital printmaking processes. To develop and effectively communicate through visually expressive content, critically analyze fine art print, and improve technical ability.
Content: The student will work with the instructor to develop personal goals for achievement focusing on experimentation with a variety of printmaking processes. Individual and group critiques will be held to assess the progress of student projects and to analyze concepts and strategies.
Prerequisite: ART 338: Intermediate Printmaking.
Credit: 3 hours.
 
ART 440: Portfolio Building: Graphic Design.
Goal: To allow for personal growth and advanced work in computer graphic design, layout, typography, and image creation and manipulation. To develop, and effectively communicate through, visually expressive content, critically analyze design, and improve technical ability.
Content: Working through the design process, students will use drawing, image manipulation, and page layout programs in the execution of creative projects in the field of graphic design. Group and individual critiques will be held to assess the progress of student projects and to analyze concepts and strategies.
Prerequisite: ART 340: Intermediate Graphic Design.
Credit: 3 hours.
 
ART 451: Directed Independent Study.
Goal: To allow the student to explore a field of study not covered in the regular course structure. To allow a concentrated course of study for the serious and independent student.
Content: Independent work in any of the specialized art history or studio art areas.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor and program director.
Credit: 1-6 hours.
 
ART 452/199: Field Study.
Goal: To offer the student the opportunity to explore real-life training with local businesses.
Content: Student-initiated field studies in any of the specialized art history or art areas.
Prerequisite: Permission of the faculty sponsor and art faculty.
Credit: 1-12 hours.
 
ART 460: Portfolio Building: Photography.
Goal: To expose students to the history of important photographic works. Each student will develop a professional photographic portfolio. Emphasis will be placed on content development. Students are encouraged to investigate the impact of contemporary aesthetic and social theory including postmodernism and politics of representation.
Content: The student will work with the instructor to develop personal goals for achievement. The student will meet regularly with the instructor and will participate in group critiques and lectures.
Prerequisite: ART 360 or ART 385.
Credit: 3 hours.

 

ART 499: Honors Thesis. (Fee required).

 

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