ARTS - Art

Investigates a variety of techniques, media, and subjects. Explores perceptual and descriptive possibilities. Fee.

Emphasis on two-dimensional design, including the elements of line, color, form, texture, and space as they relate to balance, unity, rhythm, and contrast. Fee.

Emphasis on color systems and vocabulary for analyzing color phenomena, properties and relationships. The use of color by various artists and theorists are examined. The ability to utilize color in a variety of media and disciplines is emphasized. Recommended before ARTS 2320 Painting I. Fee.

A general overview of the visual arts with emphasis on developing appreciation and understanding of the various methods and styles of art. Students with little or no art background are welcome.

Required of all BFA and BA Art Majors, this prepares students for upper level course work and to support academic and artistic success. Successful completion of this requirement allows students to proceed as upper-level art majors. When a student has completed at least 21 hours of ARTS courses, he/she is considered an “Art Sophomore” for the purpose of the review process. Actual class standing may vary according to the registrar. It is expected that Art Sophomores complete Drawing I, Drawing II, Design, Color Theory, Art History I or II, 3-D Design and Painting I before registering for Sophomore Review. Slight variations on completed courses may occur.

Further exploration of the language of drawing, and use of techniques and concepts introduced in ARTS 1310. Emphasis is on more complex problem solving in the visual interpretation of natural and fabricated forms. Students will use a variety of graphic drawing media. Prerequisite: ARTS 1301, or permission of instructor. Fee.

Explores the potentials of painting media, emphasizing color and composition. Prerequisites: ARTS 1310 and ARTS 1320 or permission of the instructor. Fee.

An introduction to the technical and aesthetic properties of photography as a tool for creating art and the expression of ideas. Students will learn about camera functions as a means of developing photographic concepts, the creation of strong compositions, and the execution of techniques while researching and analyzing the history of photography and its impact on art and culture. The course includes instruction in lighting, scanning processes, image editing software, digital workflow, and outflow for print. Fee.

Emphasis upon three-dimensional design including form, texture, and space as they relate to balance, unity, and contrast. Fee.

A chronological survey of the visual arts exploring purposes and processes. Includes an examination of paintings, sculptures, architecture, and other arts through the Middle Ages. Non-western areas will be covered including but not limited to Asian and Mesoamerican art.

A chronological survey of paintings, sculptures, architecture, and other visual arts encompassing the Renaissance through Modern periods. Non-western areas will be covered including but not limited to Asian and Mesoamerican art. This course qualifies as Writing Emphasis.

A survey of art created in the Middle and Near East, India, Southeast Asia, China, Japan, Korea, the Pacific, Africa, and the Americas. Students in this course are introduced to art produced outside the so-called “western tradition.” Material covered in the class will be art created in the past along with works created by current artists. Students will study how the various artistic traditions changed over time as a result of new creative methods, media, and global trade.

An introduction to the history and processes of ceramic art. Students will investigate a variety of traditional and contemporary methods, aesthetic theories, and conceptual frameworks practiced by diverse cultures throughout history while learning basic hand-building techniques such as pinch-forming and coil building. Fee.

This course introduces students to the production of vector, raster, and motion graphics. The creation, editing, and distribution of visual information is examined as both a skill and a form of critical, cultural production. Presentations, critiques, class discussions, and reading and writing assignments allow the student to develop a vocabulary and a critical framework for speaking about artistic skills, techniques, and practices. Historical and contemporary cultural literacy is emphasized. Discussions and critiques address the nature of digital image production- and consumption, with topics of special interest including: image inundation, the production of images as visual content, and the distinguishing characteristics of visual knowledge. Prerequisites: ARTS 1310 and ARTS 1320 or permission of the instructor. Fee.

A continuation of ARTS 2370 Digital Art, with particular emphasis on Adobe Creative Cloud applications as it pertains to Graphic Design. Prerequisite: ARTS 2370 Digital Art. Fee.

Historical overview of type and letterforms; introduction to professional typography in print and digital environments; primary focus will be application to the contemporary communications and software introduction to InDesign. Prerequisites: ARTS 1310, ARTS 1320, ARTS 2370 or permission of the instructor. Fee.

An introduction to basic printmaking processes of relief and silkscreen printing. Students are introduced to a number of short projects designed to give a broad experience with the media. Screen Printing will be offered in the fall semester and Relief will be offered in the spring semester. Additional topics include print presentation, care of tools and materials, and a historical survey of printmaking. Prerequisite ARTS 1310 and 1320 or permission of instructor. May repeat for credit. Fee.

Explores various expressive aspects of the human figure. Prerequisite: ARTS 2311 or permission of instructor.  May repeat for credit. Fee.

Study and creation of handmade books with emphasis on sound conservation techniques and good craftsmanship. Students learn both traditional and contemporary book structures, letterpress, and binding techniques while creating books with unique and original content. Prerequisites: ARTS 1310, 1320, and 1325.
May repeat for credit. Fee.

Studies in various problems and media according to individual need. Prerequisite: ARTS 2320. Lab fee.

Further studies in photography. Prerequisite: ARTS 2322 or permission of the instructor. May repeat for credit. Fee.

Exploration of experimental and inventive approaches of various materials and techniques related to collage. Students will investigate the dynamics of design, composition, and aesthetic concerns related to the boundary between painting and drawing while combining materials in unique ways. May repeat for credit. Prerequisites: ARTS 1310, 1320, and 1325. Fee.

Art for the elementary classroom teacher. Twenty (20) hours of field experience (observation in public school art classes is required). Fee.

Art for the junior and senior high school teacher. Emphasis on the design, organization, and presentation of curricula materials. Twenty (20) hours of field experience (observation in public school art classes is required). Fee.

Exploration of traditional and contemporary sculptural mediums. Prerequisite: ARTS 2340 May repeat for credit. Fee.

(Jewelry/Metalworking) Introduction to the language of small-scale three-dimensional form and space through hands-on creative studio experience exploring design, construction and casting techniques. Prerequisite: ARTS 1310 and ARTS 1320 or permission of the instructor. Fee.

A survey of art created between approximately 300 and 1400. Typically characterized as the “age of faith” and “the Dark Ages,” medieval European society was more complex, nuanced, and diverse than the simplified impressions fostered by succeeding centuries. This course will examine the styles, trends, and subjects created by the many cultures that occupied medieval Europe. Students will also explore the transmission of artistic developments throughout Europe and beyond. May not be repeated for credit.

A survey of art created between approximately 300 and 1400. Typically characterized as the “age of faith” and “the Dark Ages,” medieval European society was more complex, nuanced, and diverse than the simplified impressions fostered by succeeding centuries. This course will examine the styles, trends, and subjects created by the many cultures that occupied medieval Europe. Students will also explore the transmission of artistic developments throughout Europe and beyond. May not be repeated for credit.

A survey of art from the 19th century to the present. This course qualifies as Writing Emphasis.

A chronological survey of the development of graphic design and visual communication.

An introduction to the history and processes of wheel-thrown ceramics. Students will learn the techniques necessary to create pottery on a potter’s wheel as well as finishing methods such as glazing and kiln firing. Historical and contemporary artworks and concepts are investigated. Health and safety concerns are emphasized. May repeat for credit. Fee.

This course introduces students to graphic design as a form of visual knowledge production, documentation, and communication. Historical and contemporary cultural literacy is emphasized. Digital print and screen-based projects familiarize students with the process of problem discovery, creation, setting, and solving. Presentations, critiques, reading assignments, and class discussions allow the student to develop a vocabulary and a critical framework for speaking about and developing design skills, techniques, and practices. Prerequisites: ARTS 2375, 2370, or permission of the instructor. Fee.

This course covers intermediate level graphic design as a form of visual knowledge production, documentation, and communication. Historical and contemporary cultural literacy is emphasized. Digital print and screen-based projects familiarize students with the process of problem discovery, creation, setting, and solving. Presentations, critiques, reading assignments, and class discussions allow the student to develop a vocabulary and a critical framework for speaking about and developing design skills, techniques, and practices.  Prerequisite: ARTS 3370 or permission of the instructor. Fee.

Development of individual directions and exploration of various techniques in warm and hot glass process. Basic techniques of offhand glass blowing and lampworking. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. May repeat for credit. Fee.

Capstone course required of all B.A. and B.F.A. Art majors. Preparation of a portfolio, artist's statement and exhibition of selected works. Students develop a critical approach to viewing, exhibiting and thinking about art as well as familiarizing them with the basics of the business of art. Students complete self-directed projects in either two- or three-dimensional disciplines, meet regularly for collective review and criticism, and focus on problems related to the development and continuity of portfolios. The successful completion of this requirement is a prerequisite for graduation for Arts majors. Pre-requisite: For BFA candidates a grade of at least a "B" in ARTS 4380 Senior Studio.

An introduction to basic printmaking processes of intaglio and lithography. Students are introduced to a number of short projects designed to give a broad experience with the media: methods of platemaking, such as etching, drypoint, and aquatint; also hand-drawn imagery and transfer on to metal and stone lithography surfaces. Additional topics include print presentation, care of tools and materials, and a historical survey of printmaking. Prerequisite ARTS 1310 and 1320 or permission of instructor.
May repeat for credit. Fee.

Explores aspects of drawing that are of special interest. Prerequisite: ARTS 2311 or permission of the instructor. May repeat for credit. Fee.

Studies in various media according to individual need. Prerequisite: ARTS 3320.
May repeat for credit. Fee.

Exploration of transparent watercolor techniques. Students with competent drawing skills will use water media to explore art concepts stressing individual thematic projects. Prerequisite: ARTS 1310, 3320, 2320.
May repeat for credit. Fee.

Further studies in Art Metals. Prerequisite: ARTS 3345 or permission of the instructor. May repeat for credit.  Fee.

A history of American architecture, painting, and sculpture from the colonial period to the present. May not be repeated for credit.

A study of the theories and methods that inform contemporary installation art. Students will investigate the use of form and material to activate space and explore strategies for engaging viewers in immersive, non-object based art making. Coursework will include a survey of key artworks and artists who employ installation as a means of creative expression. No Prerequisites.

An advanced study in ceramics intended to broaden experience with clay techniques, glazing, and kiln firing. Students will build on skills and concepts learned in Ceramics I and/or Ceramics II in order to explore special topics of interest and develop a cohesive body of artwork that synthesizes the conceptual and technical aspects of art making. Historical and contemporary works are emphasized. Health and safety concerns are stressed. Prerequisites: ARTS 2360, or ARTS 3360 or permission of instructor. May repeat for credit. Fee.

This course introduces web design (prompt and feedback), motion graphics, generative art, UI/UX design principles, systems design, and Processing. Instruction in HTML, CSS, and some JavaScript. The creation, editing, and distribution of visual information is examined as both a skill and a form of critical, cultural production. Presentations, critiques, class discussions, and reading and writing assignments allow the student to develop a vocabulary and a critical framework for speaking about artistic skills, techniques, and practices. Historical and contemporary cultural literacy is emphasized. Discussions and critiques address the nature of digital image production-and consumption, with topics of special interest including: image inundation, the production of images as visual content, and the distinguishing characteristics of visual knowledge. Prerequisite: ARTS 3375 of permission of the instructor. May repeat for credit. Fee.

This course covers advanced graphic design as a form of visual knowledge production, documentation, and communication. Historical and contemporary cultural literacy is emphasized. Digital, web-based, motion graphics, generative design, and UI/UX design projects familiarize students with the process of problem discovery, creation, setting, and solving. Presentations, critiques, reading assignments, and class discussions allow the student to develop a vocabulary and a critical framework for speaking about design skills, techniques, and practices. Prerequisite: ARTS 4370 or permission of the instructor. May repeat for credit. Fee.

This course provides students with an opportunity to work on visual communication and graphic design projects for on- and off-campus organizations, institutions, and groups. Prerequisite: ARTS 3375 or permission of the instructor. May be used in place of 4395 Internship in Graphic Design.  Fee.

Capstone course required of all B.F.A. Graphic Design Majors. This course is to be taken the semester before ARTS 4081 Senior Exhibition. Prepares students for stepping into the graphic design workforce and/or graduate programs. Participants review and reflect on the integration into their professional lives critical and creative thinking skills and strategies. Students demonstrate competencies in the process and stages of working toward a cohesive design sense; writing an artist’s statement; and preparation for advanced study. Taken the semester before ARTS 4081 Senior Exhibition. Fee.

Capstone course required of all B.F.A. Art majors taken the semester before ARTS 4081 Senior Exhibition. Prepares students for lives as working visual artists and graduate programs. Participants review and reflect on the integration into their professional lives critical and creative thinking skills and strategies. Students demonstrate competencies in the process and stages of working toward a cohesive body of work; writing an artist's statement; and preparation for advanced study. Taken the semester before ARTS 4081 Senior Exhibition. Fee.

Supervised professional experience in an ad agency, design studio, or business (paid or unpaid) as a means of preparing the student for a career goal in graphic design or further studies. Prerequisite: ARTS 3375 or permission of the instructor. May be used in place of ARTS 4375 Applied Graphic Design.