Art (ART)
ART 100. Experiencing the Arts. 1 Credit Hour.
Students will be given the opportunity to view, evaluate, and critique the visual and performing arts in several different mediums. Course may not be repeated for credit. Students are required to also attend multiple arts events in the community and on campus as a component of their coursework. Course is only 5 weeks long. Please check course availability to see exact meeting dates.
Fulfills Core Requirement(s): Visual and Performing Arts (VPA).
ART 105. Global Masterpieces: a Survey of World Art. 3 Credit Hours.
In this introductory course, students will experience the many facets of the dynamic visual language of art in order to develop skills in comprehension and appreciation of a varity of art forms. The course will encompass a selective number of works in drawing, painting, sculpture and architecture drawn from prehistoric times to the present including North and South America, Africa, Europe and Asia in order to convey a deeper understanding of the role that art plays in human history and culture. Open to all students.
Fulfills Core Requirement(s): VPA.
ART 106. Contemporary Developments in the Visual Arts. 3 Credit Hours.
This course addresses the major theories, cultural and political events, and technological developments that have shaped and continue to shape contemporary art. The definitions and functions of art have changed radically since 1917, revolutionizing the role of the audience, the appearance of art, and its impact on culture. in contemporary art, the traditional boundaries between art disciplines are dissolving, and the boundary between art and life has blurred, raising questions about how art might "look" in the future. This course examines the impact of myriad forces on art: globalism, diversity, relational aesthetics, activism, feminism, and more. Fulfills Core requirement: Visual and Performing Arts (VPA).
ART 120. Introduction to Visual Design. 3 Credit Hours.
This course introduces the elements of art and principles of design that create the language of visual communication. Through a variety of projects, in-class exercises, and homework assignments, students will engage in a rigorous creative process: brainstorming, conceptualizing, sketching, refinish, and producing. Students will be introduced to a variety of media and techniques and will become more conscious of the conceptual, expressive, and perceptual qualities of their aesthetic decisions, so they can effectively communicate visually. Through exposure to everything from Grand Masters to Madison Avenue ads, students will learn from examples of artists and designers from the past and present who have contributed to the visual landscape, to foster an awareness of visual systems of different cultures, time periods, and contemporary artists and to develop the ability to ask critical questions. Slide presentations and sketchbook assignments will introduce a variety of interpretations on how visual thinkers have perceived and used visual concepts and elements in their own artwork.
ART 220. Drawing. 3 Credit Hours.
This studio course examines the theory and practice of drawing. The goal is to gain confidence in drawing skills as students master the basic principles that form the foundation for visual arts by using traditional studio practice: drawing from observation and drawing as investigation of the visual world. Individually tailored instruction emphasizes the student's role in continuous artistic improvement through drawing, sketching, critical thinking, personal exploration, and study of art and artists of past and present. Work in pencil, charcoal, ink, pastel, and conte crayon. There is a lab fee associated with this course. No prerequisite. Fulfills Core requirement(s): VPA.
ART 223. Digital Illustration. 3 Credit Hours.
This course introduces the basic techniques of digital illustration and imagin. Students will create original artwork using Adobe Illustrator. The fundamental tools of this vector art program will be taught through a series of lectures, demonstrations, tutorials, and exercises. Students will create and manipulate images based on formal design principles and conceptual frameworks. Assignments will have an emphasis on concept, creativity, communication, technical achievement, and presentation. There is a fee associated with this course.
Fulfills Core Requirement(s): Visual and Performing Arts (VPA).
ART 230. Painting. 3 Credit Hours.
Using a variety of approaches, students are instructed in the skills and techniques needed to produce a finished acrylic painting. The basic steps of stretching canvas begin a process that includes instruction in such important components as composition, tonal values and design. No prerequisites. There is a lab fee associated with this course. Fulfills Core requirement(s): VPA.
ART 233. Scene Painting. 3 Credit Hours.
This course introduces students to the world of illusionist scene painting. Students learn the types of the scenic painting projects and various painting techniques that are needed for the execution of these projects. Students will understand the role of the scenic artist as well as learn about each and every step of the scene painting process leading from an artistic rendering to a creation of scene painting. Course fulfills VPA requirement.
ART 235. Watercolor Painting. 3 Credit Hours.
A studio course exploring traditional and nontraditional use of watercolor in compositional form. Subject matter may include still life, landscape, and the human figure. No painting or drawing experience necessary. There is a lab fee associated with this course.
Fulfills Core Requirement(s): Visual and Performing Arts (VPA).
ART 240. Black and White Photography. 3 Credit Hours.
A studio course in which the creative aspects of digital black and white photography are explored. Shooting assingments are geared towards expanding students' creative vision and encouraging personal expression. Traditional and experimental approaches to image-making will be presented. Students can use their phone cameras for the course but will have the opportunity to sign out digital SLR cameras as well. No prerequisites. Note: There is a lab fee associated with this course. Fulfills Core requirement(s): Visual and Performing Arts (VPA).
ART 243. Color Photography. 3 Credit Hours.
A studio course in which the creative aspects of color digital photography are explored. Shooting assignments are structured to explore both the visual and emotional aspects of color and to develop a personal approach to color image making. Students can use their phone cameras for the course but will have the opportunity to sign out digital SLR cameras as well. Note: There is a lab fee associated with this course. No prerequisites. Fulfills Core: Visual and Performing Arts (VPA).
ART 260. Sculpture. 3 Credit Hours.
This studio course introduces students to artistic practice in three dimensions using a variety of materials and approaches. Problems require students to address materials in terms of cultural and historical context as well as space and environment. Assignments will utilize a variety of mediums including traditional (wood, plaster, clay) and non-traditional (fabric, found objects, etc.). No prerequisite. Note: There is a lab fee associated with this course. Fulfills Core requirement(s): VPA.
ART 265. Introduction to Ceramics. 3 Credit Hours.
This studio course is designed to introduce students to the basic methods of constructing and forming clay. In this basic hand-building course, students will concentrate on three basic methods of working with clay: pinch, coil, and slab construction. Class assignments will also familiarize students with certain methods of decorating, glazing, and firing ceramic objects. Students will develop a working knowledge of shop usage and safety as well as being involved in every step of the ceramic process from conceptualization to loading kilns. Regular slide lectures, handouts, and museum research will give visual reference in areas of personal ceramic interest. Note: There is a lab fee associated with this course. Fulfills Core requirement(s): VPA.
ART 267. Intermediate Ceramics. 3 Credit Hours.
This course builds upon foundational ceramic techniques, with an emphasis on wheel throwing, hand-building refinement, surface decoration, and kiln operation. Students will explore both functional and sculptural ceramics while developing a personal voice in clay. Intermediate Ceramics also introduces more complex glazing methods, firing processes, and ceramic history and theory. Fulfills Core requirement: Visual and Performing Arts (VPA).
Prerequisite: ART 265 or permission of instructor required.
ART 390. Independent Study. 1-3 Credit Hours.
A student who wishes to pursue advanced study in visual art (drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, etc.) for academic credit must submit, prior to registration: a proposed plan that includs a description of the project and its goals, the methods to be followed, schedule of work and supervision, end product, evaluation procedure, and number of credits sought. The proposal must be approved by the supervising faculty member, the department chair and the Academic Dean. The usual prerequisite is one or more courses in visual art and permission of department chair prior to registration. The course may be repeated for credit not to exceed a total of 6 credits.