Course Descriptions

ART 110 - Close Looking

The course introduces students to the visual arts through first-hand encounters with works on and near campus. Written assignments and discussion will emphasize art as a visual language comprised of multiple media and conceptual frameworks. The course will provide an understanding of and appreciation for the cultural impact of art. (AR)

ART 111 - Foundation Art

This course explores the foundations of color, form and design through studio projects in two and three dimensions. It seeks to foster creative processes and problem solving suitable for innovations in art, design and culture. It also serves as the foundation for the development of aesthetic practices and is required for art majors. (AR) Offered each fall. 

ART 113 - Drawing I

Drawing is a perceptual experience based on working from still life, the human form and other sources approached from a specific skill based emphasis. Familiarity with a variety of drawing media is stressed as well as the techniques relating to composition and concept. Coursework is structured around a sequence of problems concerned with developing an understanding of form, structure, value, shape, line, edge and color using various media. Additional emphasis will be given to understanding the historical significance of drawing, developing a critical language about drawing and gaining insight into the various ways artists use this medium to achieve their conceptual goals. (AR) Offered each semester. 

ART 115 - Introduction to Art History

This course explores the relationship between artistic production and audience in a historical and global context. Students will focus on select works of art to develop the ability to engage visual texts in an analytical and critical manner. Course includes visits to campus galleries and collections. (AR) Offered each spring.

ART 121 - Beginning 3-D Design

ART 125 - Introduction to Kiln Glass

An introduction to glass-working techniques using electric kilns. Explores glass fusing and casting as medium of aesthetic expression and develops an awareness of selected historical and contemporary methods of making glass art in the kiln. Critiques, group discussions, research and information gathering assignments, lectures, and demonstrations complement studio work. (AR) Offered each fall.

ART 130 - Painting I

A course designed to introduce students to painting processes and concepts. Students explore painting as a medium of aesthetic expression and develop an awareness of selected historical and contemporary modes of painting. A series of critiques, group discussions, research and information gathering assignments, lectures, and demonstrations, complement studio work. (AR) Offered each semester.

ART 135 - Printmaking I

An introduction to printmaking processes and concepts. Students explore printmaking as a medium of aesthetic expression and develop an awareness of selected historical and contemporary modes of printmaking. A series of critiques, group discussions, research and information gathering assignments, lectures, and demonstrations, complement studio work. (AR) Offered occasionally.

ART 137 - Sculpture I

An introduction to three-dimensional problem solving and to sculptural processes and concepts. Students explore sculpture as a medium of aesthetic expression and develop an awareness of selected historical and contemporary trends in sculpture. A series of critiques, group discussions, research and information gathering assignments, lectures, and demonstrations, complement studio work. (AR) Offered occasionally.

ART 139 - Ceramics I

An introduction to ceramic processes and concepts. Students explore ceramics as a medium of aesthetic expression and develop an awareness of selected historical and contemporary modes of ceramics. A series of critiques, group discussions, research and information gathering assignments, lectures and demonstrations complement studio work. (AR) Offered each semester.

ART 140 - Photography I

An introduction to black and white photographic processes and concepts. Students explore photography as a medium of aesthetic expression and become aware of both historic and contemporary trends in photography. Beyond collecting photographic images and studio work, students will engage in group discussions and a series of critiques. Slide lectures, demonstrations of studio processes and research assignments will complement the studio experience. (AR) Offered each fall and occasionally in spring.

ART 141 - Graphic Design I

Introduction to visual communication, aesthetic theory, and computer graphics tools and techniques. Explores graphic design as a means of communication, artistic expression, and organization of information. Critiques, group discussions, research and information gathering assignments, lectures and demonstrations complement studio work. (AR) Offered each semester.

ART 201 - Designing for People

ART 213 - Drawing II

A consideration of problems in perceptual and conceptual drawing. The aim of the course is to further the understanding of drawing as an intermediary step which leads toward a completed work of art, and as a distinct art form having its own aesthetic qualities and being fully capable of producing an art object. Prerequisite: 113. Offered each semester.

ART 220 - Introduction to Visual Culture

What might our contemporary attitudes toward images share with ancient image beliefs? The course explores the ideas prevalent in a society represented in visual cultural production. Through close reading of primary sources, we will investigate theories that persist and reveal the motivations of image producers endlessly fighting for our consciousness. (IT, W) No prerequisites.

ART 225 - Three Dimensional Glass

This course explores the fundamentals of kiln cast and flame-worked glass. Both historical and contemporary ideologies of these glassmaking techniques will be discussed, researched, and put into practice. The technical basis of the class is equally paired with assignments that encourage and promote thoughtfulness with gained hand skills. (AR) Offered each spring.

ART 230 - Painting II

A continuation of 130. Individual problems in painting. Prerequisites: ART 111 and 130. Offered each semester. 

ART 235 - Printmaking II

An introduction to the processes of lithography and color intaglio. Techniques and skills achieved in art 135 will continue to be utilized. Prerequisite: 135. Offered occasionally or by special arrangement.

ART 237 - Sculpture II

A continuation of 137. Individual problems in sculpture. Prerequisite: 137. Offered occasionally or by special arrangement.

ART 239 - Ceramics II

A continuation of 139. Individual problems in ceramics. Prerequisite: 139. Offered each semester.

ART 240 - Digital Photography

Explores the conceptual, creative and technical processes of the medium. The course includes demonstrations of technological best practices, from image capture to print, including web publishing. Each student will create a portfolio of digital images through studio work. (AR) Offered each semester. 

ART 241 - Graphic Design II: Image/Design

A continuation of the study of imagery and image making in design through a series of projects. Visual communication through original photography, manipulated photography and illustration are explored using both hand and digital tools. Both theory and the process of design are emphasized through a variety of media ranging from print to digital. Prerequisite: 141. Offered each fall.

ART 242 - Graphic Design: Web Design

A studio course exploring visual layout principles of interactive website design. Survey of methodology, theory, and best practice of web design solutions. Projects will explore current technologies. Prerequisite: ART 141. Offered each Fall Term.

ART 297, 397, 497 - Internships

Individually designed experiential learning. May include field studios or internship placements such as commercial printing, graphic design, museum or gallery work. Prerequisites: consent of the School of Art faculty. Offered each semester.

ART 302 - Contemporary Professional Practices

This course will address the material, technical, and theoretical choices necessary for producing and understanding contemporary art. It will be an exploratory seminar. The class will promote an interdisciplinary approach to the making of art and help the student to discover how different material and technical decisions can inform their visual and conceptual practice. Prerequisite: Junior standing within the School of Art. Offered occasionally.

ART 311 - Art and Architecture of The Roman World

This course follows the development of the forms and ideologies of Roman art from the republic to late antiquity. The issues to be discussed will include public and private and civic and religious art and architecture, urban planning, and the interaction of Roman art forms and provincial cultures in the forging of identity. The course is cross-listed with GRS/HIST 311. (AR) Offered occasionally.

ART 316 - European Art, 1750-1900

An examination of the visual arts and critical ideas shaping Europe from the Enlightenment to the beginnings of Modernism. The course explores the visual culture of the French Revolution, art and colonialism, the major artistic movements, and the rapid technological and societal changes associated with modernity. Familiarity with art history is not required. (AR) Offered occasionally.

ART 320 - Global Modern Art

Surveys major developments in global modernisms from the late nineteenth to the mid twentieth century in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North and South America. Key topics include artistic responses to two World Wars, European Imperialism and colonialism, the development of artistic trends, new technologies, the rise of avant-gardism and postcolonial responses creating their own modernisms. Familiarity with art history is not required. (AR, G) Offered each fall.

ART 322 - Global Contemporary Art

A critical survey of art since the 1960s, exploring strategies of artistic practice and art’s social engagement in Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania, North and South America. Course themes include ephemeral and collaborative multimedia projects, performance and process art, the rise of new media, decolonialism, and transnational artists. (AR, G) Offered each spring.

ART 330 - Painting III

A continuation of 230. Students are expected to demonstrate greater independence and experimentation in their work. Prerequisite: 230. Offered each semester.

ART 335 - Printmaking III

A continuation of 235. Students are expected to demonstrate greater independence and experimentation in their work. Prerequisite: 235. Offered occasionally or by special arrangement.

ART 337 - Sculpture III

A continuation of 237. Students are expected to demonstrate greater independence and experimentation in their work. Prerequisite: 237. Offered occasionally or by special arrangement.

ART 339 - Ceramics III

A continuation of 239. Students are expected to demonstrate greater independence and experimentation in their work. Prerequisite: 239. Offered each semester.

ART 340 - Photography III

A continuation of 240. Students are expected to demonstrate greater independence and experimentation in their work. Prerequisite: 240. Offered each semester.

ART 341 - Graphic Design III: The Narrative & Design

A study of visual narrative design, emphasizing creativity and effective visual communication. Through a variety of projects students will learn the historical basis of typography and the relationship between language and form. A continuation of the study of design principles will be emphasized in both static and interactive media. Prerequisite: 241. Offered each spring.

ART 343 - Graphic Design IV: Problem Solving & Design

A course that will challenge designers to look at larger questions of design and social change. Working as a team with either campus or community organizations students study the complexity of an issue. Students define the challenges and design experiences, artifacts, and/or contemporary media to innovate change, educate, or inspire. Students will use advanced branding practices to create cohesive communication. Prerequisite: 341. Offered each fall.

ART 370 - Special Topics in Art History

A course which may vary in content with each offering. The central focus may be on one or more art movements, particular artistic problems or concepts, time periods or geographical locations which are more or less narrowly defined, or on the work of an individual artist. Each course offering under this title bears a subtitle which indicates the specific subject matter and the type of course experience that is planned. May be repeated for credit if course content is not duplicated. (Recent courses) Offered occasionally.

ART 381 - Special Topics in Studio Art

A course which may vary in content with each offering. The central focus may be on one or more issues of process, content, or style. Each course offering under this title bears a subtitle which indicates the specific type of course experience that is planned. May be repeated for credit if course is not duplicated. Offered occasionally.

ART 399 - Art Seminar

A seminar on a theme in art and visual culture, open to all upper-level undergraduates and required of seniors in the School of Art. Topics will vary, and the course may be repeated for credit. The seminar is research-focused and fulfills the General Education requirements for a Writing Intensive course (W). Offered each fall.

ART 415 - Advanced Drawing

For advanced students who have an awareness of the basic problems in drawing. The course has three aims: development of a personal drawing style, familiarity with all drawing media, and a greater general appreciation of drawing. Prerequisite: 213. Offered each semester.

ART 430 - Painting IV

A, B. Concentrated individualized work for advanced students. Prerequisite: 330. May be repeated once for credit. Offered each semester.

ART 435 - Printmaking IV

A, B. Concentrated individualized work for advanced students. Prerequisite: 335. May be repeated once for credit. Offered occasionally or by special arrangement.

ART 437 - Sculpture IV

A, B. Concentrated individualized work for advanced students. Prerequisite: 337. May be repeated once for credit. Offered occasionally or by special arrangement.

ART 439 - Ceramics IV

A, B. Concentrated individualized work for advanced students. Prerequisite: 339. May be repeated once for credit. Offered each semester.

ART 440 - Photography IV

A, B. Concentrated individualized work for advanced students. Prerequisite: 340. May be repeated once for credit. Offered each semester.

ART 441 - Graphic Design V: Portfolio

A concentrated study of complex design problems building on the students' previous design experiences. New work may range from an illustration series, branding or promotional campaigns, and complex educational or informational communication to design entrepreneur projects. Students propose a plan for the semester for faculty approval. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: 343. Offered each spring.

ART 450 - Advanced Studies in Art History

The seminar topic varies with each offering and may include a specified historical moment or group of artists, methodological trends or conceptual problems in the field. The seminar combines discussion and presentation, research and writing. The course fulfills the General Education requirements for a Writing Intensive course (W). Offered occasionally.

ART 480 - Special Individual Projects

Individually designed research studies, field experiences, or experimental studio projects in an area of special interest; carried out under the guidance of the instructor or a special supervisor. May be repeated for a maximum of three units of credit. Prerequisite: consent of the instructor. Offered as needed.