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. Various levels (1-4) of this studio art medium may meet together. The course requirements of each level are different.

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. Various levels (1-4) of this studio art medium may meet together. The course requirements of each level are different.
Prerequisite(s): ART 1300 Drawing 1

This course surveys western art chronologically from prehistory through the fifteenth century. Discussions center on understanding various civilizations through their visual arts, the cultural exchange between these civilizations, and how images are used for political, economic, religious, and social purposes. Students gain familiarity with movements, time periods, and individual works of art. Students learn to identify works of art, are introduced to art terminology, practice the fundamentals of visual analysis, and develop the ability to analyze the content and contexts of works of art.

This course surveys Western art chronologically from the Renaissance period to the present day. Guiding themes within this course, such as patronage, gender, identity, political/religious turmoil, colonialism, and global trade, will introduce students to why certain types of art are created and how these works of art function within society. Students gain familiarity with movements, time periods, and individual artists. Students learn to identify works of art, are introduced to art terminology, practice the fundamentals of visual analysis, and develop the ability to analyze the content and contexts of works of art.

The course surveys African, Asian, Native American, Oceanic, and Pre-Columbian arts from pre-history to the present day. This course is defined by what it will not cover - art of the European tradition. The term "non-western" does not imply a lesser quality or an opposition to art in western tradition. It is a term used to reflect a growing awareness of the richness and diversity of world culture. Since this is a survey course, the art we will examine will be the most representative of each culture. Students gain familiarity with movements, time periods, and individual artists. Students learn to identify works of art, are introduced to art terminology, practice the fundamentals of visual analysis, and develop the ability to analyze the content and contexts of works of art.

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. Various levels (1-4) of this studio art medium may meet together.  The course requirements of each level are different.

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. Various levels (1-4) of this studio art medium may meet together. The course requirements of each level are different.

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. Various levels (1-4) of this studio art medium may meet together. The course requirements of each level are different.

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. Various levels (1-4) of this studio art medium may meet together. The course requirements of each level are different.
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. Various levels (1-4) of this studio art medium may meet together.  The course requirements of each level are different. No 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. Various levels (1-4) of this studio art medium may meet together.  The course requirements of each level are different.

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. Various levels (1-4) of this studio art medium may meet together.  The course requirements of each level are different.

 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.