Art Course Descriptions
ART 100 - Studio Humanities
3 Credits
An introduction to the creative process through visual art studio experience. Emphasis
is on materials exploration and the variety of media considered “fine art,” as well
as the development of critical thinking skills involved in art production. Fee.
ART 101 - Academic Drawing
3 Credits
A studio exploration of traditional drawing techniques and materials focusing on the
realistic depiction of observed forms and objects. Using basic drawing materials,
students will concentrate on the construction of still life objects, landscape forms,
objects in nature and the human figure. Designed to provide a foundation for advanced
study in art. Fee.
ART 116 - Introduction to Photography
3 Credits
This class is an introduction to the technical and artistic aspects of photography,
both film-based and digital. Students will use the traditional photographic darkroom
as well as the computer lab to process images. Student must have a 35mm single reflex
camera (SLR) with a manual override. Fee.
ART 140 - Introduction to Painting
3 Credits
Introduction to Painting is a focused exploration of a variety of painting materials
such as watercolor, acrylic and encaustic (wax-based pigment) as vehicles for expression
and the development of a personal aesthetic. Emphasis will be on painting from nature,
the emulation of forms in space, and the refinement of the gestural brushstroke. Fee.
ART 150 - History of Western Art I
3 Credits
A survey of Western art from prehistory through 16th century Mannerism. Emphasis is on the formal development of art and its connection
to society through the examination of the visual arts as cultural artifacts.
ART 151 - History of Western Art II
3 Credits
A survey of Western art from the 17th century Baroque to the present day. Emphasis is on the formal and technological development
of art, both traditional and postmodern forms, in relation to society.
ART 156 - Ceramics
3 Credits
A general introduction to studio ceramics. Emphasis is placed on acquisition of hand
building techniques, ceramic design concepts, development of individual design criteria,
glaze experimentation, fundamental types of ceramic ware and kiln procedures. Fee.
ART 203 - Observational Drawing
3 Credits
This class introduces drawing from observation (figure, architecture, landscape) with
an emphasis on skill development, naturalism, conceptual awareness, and formal presentation.
Further development of the technical exploration begun in ART 101, Academic Drawing.
Prerequisites: ART 101 or permission of the instructor. Not open to students with
credit for ART 201–202. Fee.
ART 210 - Botanical Illustration
3 Credits
This course is an introduction to the history and technique of botanical illustration.
Emphasis is on the development of observational skills and how they can be refined
and used in conjunction with basic drawing principles to create aesthetically pleasing
and scientifically accurate depictions of botanical specimens. Fee.
ART 215 - Introduction to Textiles
3 Credits
This course explores the diverse and fascinating world of textiles through an in-depth
study of surface design techniques. Attention is given to the history, materials,
and techniques of different color applications. This course explores traditional and
nontraditional means of altering and enriching the surface of pliable materials using
techniques such as wax resist, paste resist, silk painting, and the tied and shaped
resist processes of Shibori. Fee.
ART 220 - Introduction to Book Arts
3 Credits
This course is an introduction to the creation of books from non-Western forms such
as the scroll and side-stitch to the traditional hard-cover codex. Students will learn
about the traditional book binder’s canon of materials and then explore how contemporary
book artists have expanded this canon. Fee.
ART 237 - Art for Teachers
3 Credits
A survey of art materials and techniques appropriate for young children. Emphasis
is on the integration of principles and historic developments of art with methods
for promoting and evaluating the visual development of young children. Emphasis will
be placed on curricular adaptations for children with special needs, evaluation techniques,
student portfolios, cross-disciplinary planning and whole curriculum development.
Fee.
ART 262 - Color Theory &Production
3 Credits
Study of the history, nature, and use of color as a vital element of art and design.
Emphasis is on physical properties of color (hue, value, and intensity), color and
pigment mixing, additive and subtractive color, and aesthetic relationships based
on the color wheel. Secondary focus is on the emotive, symbolic, and functional impact
of color. Students will explore the uses of color through a variety of technical and
studio projects, and will begin developing a personal aesthetic with regard to color.
Not open to students with credit for ART 260 and ART 261. Fee.
ART 270 - The History of Women in Art
3 Credits
This course looks at the vital role women have played as artists in Western society
from the beginning of recorded history to the present day. Emphasis will be placed
on the analysis of the artist as a distinct product of her specific historical time
and an exploration of the wide-ranging media she used, from clay and plant matter
to embroidery, ceramics, oil paint, and digital media.
ART 279A - CORE: Art & the Global Community
3 Credits
This course introduces students to the concept of art as an agent for social change
through case studies of community/communal art “movements” through history from around
the globe as well as the United States and our local community.
Prerequisite: CORE 179 or appropriate transfer status. Pre- or Co-requisite: ENG 102
or ENG 111.
ART/HST/POL 279C - CORE: American Political Thought: Nature & the Common Good
3 Credits
A study of the concept of nature as used in Anglo-American thought and how these usages
influence an understanding of the natural, social, and political environments of the
United States. Special emphasis given to American political theory, its illustration
through the 19th century American landscape movement, and the inability of U.S. thinkers to appreciate
the common good.
Not open to students with credit in POL/HST/ART 335 or POL 348F.
ART 312 - Green Art
3 Credits
An introduction to the concept of green art, or art that utilizes the philosophy of
sustainability/environmental responsibility as a matrix for production. Students will
gain exposure to international green artists and create projects using recycled materials
or media that are environmentally friendly and/or made FROM the environment.
ART 320 - Materials Exploration
3 Credits
This course draws on a basic art foundation and delves into how specific media are
used for targeted effects and expressive/analytic content. Students will explore historic
methods such as (but not limited to) manuscript illumination, fresco, and printmaking
as well as develop an individual body of work based on a preferred material/media.
Primary site visits and critique are a major part of this class. Fee.
ART 325 - Contemporary Art
3 Credits
What are the questions of our time and how are artists addressing these concerns?
This course will examine current and contemporary artists, new media art (including
the recent trend towards digital video), the interrelation of fine art and design,
as well as conceptual frameworks that reflect current social issues. We will explore
these topics through lecture, discussion, readings, writings, interpretations, and
local gallery and exhibition visits.
ART 337 - Visual Art Methods Grades 4–12
3 Credits
An exploration of art materials, techniques and developmental theory for use in classrooms,
grades 4–12. Evaluation techniques, cross-disciplinary planning, whole curriculum
development, multicultural theory, critique mechanisms, classroom critical writing
skills, and student portfolio development will also be emphasized.
Includes a minimum of 30 hours of field experience. May be a co-requisite with EDU
410. Please see EDU 410 course description for details.
ART/POL 348H - Modernism in its Time
3 Credits
An interdisciplinary study of the social, political and intellectual culture of Modernism
through the lens of the visual arts. Selected examples of visual art of the Western
World will be studied in the context of their specific artistic movements as well
as in conjunction with contemporaneous events in Western society such as the Great
War, the American Depression, WWII, the Holocaust and the dropping of the Atomic Bomb.
Prerequisites: ENG 101–102 or 110–111.
ART/POL 379E - Justice, Art, Politics
3 Credits
An interdisciplinary study of the influences politics has on art and the question
of how art and politics inform the human search for truth through an investigation
of artistic masterworks from the Middle Ages through the twentieth century. Selected
images of masterworks will be discussed and annotated.
Prerequisites: ENG 101–102 or 110–111; or consent of instructor.
ART 479 - CORE: The Role of the Artist in Contemporary Society
3 Credits
This course is the culminating experience for the Fine Arts and Graphic Design major
as well as the core curriculum. This course will consist of readings, reflection,
and discussion of texts which will address the role of the artist/designer in history
as a purveyor of information about society and as a creative social catalyst in contemporary
society.
Students will also be creating the conceptual framework for their Senior Thesis Exhibition
including both the material form and the written text. They will be applying the knowledge
base gained through their prior courses to their own individual major body of work
as well as peer mentoring others in the class and engaging in a group project in the
community. Fee.
ART 497 - Internship
1–3 Credits
Supervised internship of 40 clock hours for each semester credit in a setting meeting
the needs and interests of the student.
Prerequisite: Junior standing; B average; consent of instructor, academic advisor
and division chairperson; successful completion of application requirements for internship.
ART 498 - Senior Exhibition
3 Credits
As a culmination of their study, seniors will select, research, produce and exhibit
an individual project related to the goals of their specific major and their individual
interests. Students will also work as a group to curate and prepare all aspects of
the exhibition from public relations to opening.
Prerequisites: Completion of the major course sequence. Fee.
ART 1/2/3/485 - Special Topics
1–3 Credits
A study of topics in art of special interest to a specific group of students.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Fee.
ART 2/3/486 - Independent Study
1–3 Credits
Intensive individual work in an area of art.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor, academic advisor, division chairperson. Fee.
ART/HST/POL 279C - CORE: American Political Thought: Nature & the Common Good
3 Credits
A study of the concept of nature as used in Anglo-American thought and how these usages
influence an understanding of the natural, social, and political environments of the
United States. Special emphasis given to American political theory, its illustration
through the 19th century American landscape movement, and the inability of U.S. thinkers to appreciate
the common good.
Not open to students with credit in POL/HST/ART 335 or POL 348F.
ART/POL 348H - Modernism in its Time
3 Credits
An interdisciplinary study of the social, political and intellectual culture of Modernism
through the lens of the visual arts. Selected examples of visual art of the Western
World will be studied in the context of their specific artistic movements as well
as in conjunction with contemporaneous events in Western society such as the Great
War, the American Depression, WWII, the Holocaust and the dropping of the Atomic Bomb.
Prerequisites: ENG 101–102 or 110–111.
ART/POL 379E - Justice, Art, Politics
3 Credits
An interdisciplinary study of the influences politics has on art and the question
of how art and politics inform the human search for truth through an investigation
of artistic masterworks from the Middle Ages through the twentieth century. Selected
images of masterworks will be discussed and annotated.
Prerequisites: ENG 101–102 or 110–111; or consent of instructor.
DSN 112 - Foundations in Design
3 Credits
This project-based course builds a foundation for meaningful and effective visual
communication. Areas of focus include: the formal elements and principles of design,
visual problem solving, the creative process, and knowledge and skills for the production
of visual works. Students will utilize a variety of media, tools, and processes including
Adobe software applications; no prior experience with Adobe software is necessary.
This course is also ideally suited for non-majors who wish to fulfill the university
Arts requirement.
Not open to students with credit for ART 110 and ART 111 except with permission of
the instructor. Not open to students with credit for ART 112. Fee.
DSN 207 - Design I: Layout
3 Credits
A focus on traditional and experimental design layout including utilization of complex
grids, text-heavy design, multipage layout for print and digital formats, and production
of finished works. Students will use an integrated workflow between industry-standard
software programs like Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.
Prerequisites: DSN 112 or permission of the instructor following demonstration of
one’s ability to use Adobe Illustrator. Not open to students with credit for ART 207.
Fee.
PHL 320 - Philosophy of Art
3 Credits
An examination of the nature of art and beauty. Includes a study of major works from
Plato to the present.
Prerequisites: ENG 102 or ENG 111 and CORE 179 or transfer equivalent. Not open to students with credit in PHL 348C.