Art (B.A.)

This course gives students a working comprehension of the elements and principles of design in a variety of media.  Students are expected to develop a strong studio work ethic, increase creative problem-solving capabilities, and discover ways to communicate ideas visually.  Students learn through making, self-reflection, and critique to develop a verbal/visual vocabulary that forms the foundation for the future study of art.

An introduction to drawing by surveying its use as a foundation for future study in all 2D and 3D media.

A class focused on the human figure and portrait. Basic anatomy, movement, and composition will be covered by having each class session with a model. This class will benefit students who are interested in all artistic media by giving them an understanding of the human form.
Prerequisite(s): ART 1300 Drawing 1

A survey of art and architectural history in the western hemisphere: significant monuments from prehistory to the medieval period will be considered with particular attention to the interaction of art and its producing society so that political situation, theology, science, and aesthetics will be considered in lectures. Credit cannot be earned for both ARH 1000 Masterpieces of World Art and ARH 1010 Art and Society in the West: Ancient to Medieval.

A survey of art and architectural history in the western hemisphere: significant monuments from the Renaissance to the twentieth century will be considered with particular attention to the interaction of art and its producing society so that political situation, theology, science, and aesthetics will be considered in lectures. Credit cannot be earned for both ARH 1000 Masterpieces of World Art and ARH 1020 Art and Society in the West: Renaissance to Modern.

A survey of African, Asian, Native American, and Pre-Columbian arts.

In a seminar format, this course will survey different methodological and theoretical approaches to the art criticism and art production of the twentieth century.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.

A studio art investigation of basic design and color theory, composition, and use of light as it relates to painting. Experimentation with the technical processes of painting such as underpainting, scumbling, blending paint, glazing, and varnishing.

An introductory studio art class focusing on the creative, expressive potential of digital media with an emphasis on building a formal foundation utilizing image processing software, HTML and CSS. Projects begin by critically engaging with local visual culture. Discussions will be held on current issues surrounding digital media and field trips to local design hubs will supplement the classroom activities. Students will improve their visual literacy while becoming proficient in using a variety of tools, processes and design elements to create work with real-world applications. Students will participate directly in the campus and wider community by collaborating with university and local organizations to develop these projects that will be utilized in the community.

Introduction to the techniques of printmaking; relief print, serigraph, intaglio, and lithography. Emphasis on the study of the print as a multiple original with introductory edition printing. Focus on basic design concepts with introductory historical investigation related to printmaking.

An introduction to the basic tools and techniques of digital photography. Focus on the technical craft of using the camera, creating digital prints, and interpreting photographs. Discussion and development of student vocabulary related to subject matter, form, and content of the photographic image in the context of historical and contemporary photographic concerns. Emphasis on student development of a creative problem-solving process related to photographic image-making. This is not a course in professional commercial photography, rather is situated within a fine-art photographic dialogue.

An introduction to the basic tools and techniques of darkroom photography. Focus on the technical craft of using the camera, creating silver gelatin prints, and interpreting photographs. Discussion and development of student vocabulary related to subject matter, form, and content of the photographic image in the context of historical and contemporary photographic concerns. Engagement with local and regional photographic community. Emphasis on student development of a creative problem-solving process related to photographic image-making. This is not a course in professional commercial photography, rather is situated within a fine-art photographic dialogue.
Prerequisite(s): ART 1500 Photography 1: Digital.

Students will develop a basic foundation and understanding of clay – its nature, attributes, possibilities, and limitations – through basic handbuilding and throwing techniques.  Focus on appreciation for clay as a medium for personal and artistic expression. Additionally, the study and understanding of historical and contemporary works in clay will help each student better understand the material and its place in history.
This course may not be taken as "Pass/Fail".

This course is an introduction to the basic language of sculpture, spatial concepts and technical processes as they relate to sculptural practices.  Students will investigate three-dimensional design principles, sculptural strategies, and themes employed throughout history and contemporary object making.  A broad range of processes and versatile materials are explored including tools and equipment used in metal and wood fabrication, plaster mold making, and additive and subtractive construction methods.  In addition, students will gain knowledge and observe professional standards of shop conduct and safety.

Introduction to the basic tools and techniques of metalsmithing for use in body ornament or as small sculptural form. Broad studio art exploration in the techniques of sheet metal construction including cutting, piercing, soldering, mechanical joining, surface embellishment, and finishing. Emphasis on historical metalsmithing in relationship to contemporary attitudes in metalsmithing.

 To be taken during the spring semester of the junior year.  Students will begin to formulate an inclusive portfolio of their work and a thesis for presentation in the Senior Comprehensive. Students will participate in regularly scheduled portfolio critiques and will be required to address relevant questions in a comprehensive written thesis. 
Meets concurrently with the Senior Comprehensive course. 
Prerequisite(s): Junior status and permission of department chair.

Designed to prepare seniors in art for graduation, this course includes experiences in planning, promoting, and opening a senior gallery exhibition. Students and instructor will work together to prepare professional resumes and portfolios, which include a written artist statement. Includes a gallery talk, presentation to the public, and an exit evaluation by the art department faculty.
Prerequisite(s): ART 3980 Junior Project and art history courses.