Art Courses Offered

The following courses are offered within the Art Department:

ARTS 100: Art Appreciation (3 credit hours – On demand)

The objective of this course is to develop a basic knowledge and understanding of the visual arts. This course will examine the contexture of art, the aesthetic experience and value of art, the terminology and media of art, and the history of art.

ARTS 110: Visual Art Seminar (3 credit hours – On demand)

This course is a hands-on emersion in various areas of the visual arts. Students will learn gallery management skills and participate in exhibition plannings, work on studio based projects with visiting artists, and participate in enrichment opportunities that are related to the visual arts. One hour of this course is required but may be repeated as elective credit and there are no prerequisites.

ARTS 120: Design I  (3 credit hours – Fall)

This course is an introduction to design theory. Emphasis is on design principles and elements, and their applications to two and three-dimensional art forms. Design theory applied to the visual communication medium of letterforms is also examined.

ARTS 130: Typographic Design (3 credit hours – Odd year Fall)

This course introduces the student to the history of typography and its function in design and visual communication. The student will demonstrate a knowledge of using typography as both a communication device and an aesthetic object. Prerequisites include ARTS 120, or consent of the art faculty.

ARTS 150: Digital Layout and Design (3 credit hours – On demand)

This course introduces the student to basic layout and design principles using the latest page design software. Students will learn how to use professional design techniques, proper fonts and how to prepare files for printing. Design problems will include a variety of formats and a historical perspective of techniques and theory relating to page design as well as an overview of how to convert print documents for use in web publishing.

ARTS 200: Drawing (3 credit hours – Fall)

This course will explore beginning drawing techniques. The student will learn contour, sketching, gesture, blocking and perspective using a variety of drawing media. Emphasis is on the acquisition of drawing skills and an understanding of drawing media.

ARTS 202: Drawing II (3 credit hours – Fall)

Drawing II builds on skills acquired in Drawing I. It will include work in wet and dry media as well as some mixed media applications. Prerequisite: ARTS 200 or instructor permission.

ARTS 210: Painting (3 credit hours – Spring)

The techniques of painting in watercolors, oils, acrylics, and inks are examined, with emphasis on painting media and appropriate methods of execution using beginning apllication methods.

ARTS 212: Painting II   (3 credit hours – Spring)

Painting II builds on skills acquired in Painting I. Students will learn new techniques of layering and applying paint and will be involved in more complex form and content. ARTS 210 or instructor permission.

ARTS 220: Printmaking (3 credit hours – On demand)

Printmaking is an exploration of graphic techniques including relief printing, intaglio, planography, and serigraphy. Emphasis is on the media and methods of printmaking.

ARTS 222: Printmaking II (3 credit hours – Spring)

Printmaking II builds on skills acquired in Printmaking I. Students will work with multi-plate printing processes using intaglio and relief printing techniques. Prerequisite: ARTS 220 or instructor permission.

ARTS 230: Ceramics (3 credit hours – Spring)

Ceramic processes and techniques are studied from clay bodies, through the making of clay forms (pinch, coil, slab, press molds and wheel throwing), to glaze formulations, finishing and firing processes.

ARTS 232: Ceramics II (3 credit hours – Spring)

Ceramics II explores wheel thrown forms. Students will become proficient in throwing bowls, cups, vases, covered jars, teapots, and pitcher forms as well as gaining skill in decorating and glazing finished work. Prerequisite: ARTS 230 or instructor permission.

ARTS 240: Jewelry (3 credit hours – On demand)

This course examines jewelry fabrication and casting techniques. Emphasis is on jewelry design and the media and methods of jewelry making.

ARTS 248: Arts in the Elementary School (2 credit hours – Fall)

This course seeks to provide future teachers with a practical body of skills and knowledge which can beg effectively used to teach art in the elementary school. The areas covered include foundations of art and art education, fundamentals of teaching, curriculum and development, and art media and techniques. Prerequisites: Art majors need consent of the instructor.

ARTS 250: Sculpture (3 credit hours – On demand)

Sculpture includes the study of sculptural design and media. Emphasis is on the techniques of modeling, casting, carving, and assembly.

ARTS 260: Photography (3 credit hours – Fall)

A study of photography as an art form is emphasized. This course examines the camera, photographic techniques, darkroom production of prints and slides, and related photo media concepts.

ARTS 262: Photography II (3 credit hours – Fall)

Photography II explores advanced techniques of lighting and exposure in digital photography. Students will be challenged in the development of content based image making and advanced printing and finishing techniques. Prerequisites: ARTS 260 or instructor permission.

ARTS 271: Graphic Design I (3 credit hours – Spring)

This is a first semester graphic design course designed to introduce the student to bitmap image creation and manipulation using Adobe Photoshop. Students will explore the use of scanners, digital cameras, and various printing devices to create original digital art and illustration. Basic problems relating to the creation of original commercial and fine art will be explored. ARTS 120 or ARTS 200 are recommended prerequisites but not required.

ARTS 272: Graphic Design II (3 credit hours – Spring)

This is a second semester graphic design course designed to introduce the student to vector graphics using Adobe Illustrator software. Students will utilize original drawing or images to create vector based magazine and commerical designs. Book illustrations, posters, editorial illustrations, and original graphics will be created for use in portfolio or other professional applications. ARTS 120, ARTS 200 and ARTS 270 are recommended prerequisites but not required.

ARTS 286: Special Topics (Lower Level) (Variable credit – On demand)

This course (when offered) deals with special issues and events related to the visual arts. It may include contemporary philosophy of beauty and new media, acts of creation in the artistics process, or specific historical perspectives such as the history of art since World War II. These course are created and offered as departmental need and scheduling allow.

ARTS 290: Independent Study (Variable credit – On demand)

Students wishing to explore media, theory or history of art in their field of study are encouraged to present a proposal to the department chair for consideration. In most cases a student must complete or show adequate knowledge of a media or art discipline by completing an entry level. The Art Department Chair has the right to modify, reject, or accept proposals for independent study. These courses are not intended to replace regularly offered courses. Students should make their requests for this course at least 30 days prior to the beginning of the semester.

ARTS 315: Visual Communication Design (3 credit hours – On demand)

This course will refine the student’s knowledge of visual communication techniques and theory. It includes learning design software applications, interpretation and analysis of design problems, professional presentation of studio material, and working in a design team environment. Prerequisites include ARTS 120, ARTS 300 H, or consent of the art faculty. This course may be repeated for credit.

ARTS 325: Junior Studio (3 credit hours – Fall and Spring)

This course will allow the student to develop their studio discipline in both form and content. The instructor will provide the structure and some assignments for this course and the student will also be responsible for designing and executing a body of work in a specific discipline. This course may be repeated one time. Prerequisites include two semesters of work in the media in a specific discipline or the consent of the instructor. This course and ARTS 425 Senior Studio are offered each semester at the same time.

ARTS 349: Arts in the Secondary School (2 credit hours – Spring)

This course seeks to develop the knowledge and skills needed by art educators to be well organized, effective teachers of the arts. The areas covered include the history of art education, functions of art in education, curriculum development fundamentals, teaching art production techniques, art history and appreciation, and evaluation procedures and instruments development. Art administration and supervision is also included. Prerequisites: ARTS 248 or consent of instructor.

ARTS 350: Art History I (3 credit hours – Fall)

This course is a survey of the history of the visual arts from prehistoric times through the Gothic period.

ARTS 355: Art History II (3 credit hours – Spring)

This course is a continuation of Art History I and is a survey of the visual arts, from the Renaissance to contemporary art.

ARTS 360: Art History Since 1940 (3 credit hours – Even Year Spring)

This course explores the history of visual art from WWII to the present day. Students will explore the shift of attention from Paris to New York during this period and the social, political, and philosophical influences which affected contemporary art and artists. ARTS 350 and ARTS 355 are recommended prerequisites for art majors but are not required to successfully complete the course.

ARTS 425: Senior Studio (3 credit hours – Fall and Spring)

This course will allow the student to develop their studio discipline in both forms and content. The instructor will provide the structure and some assignments for this course and the student will also be responsible for designing and executing a body of work in a specific discipline. This course may be repeated one time. Prerequisites include at least three semesters work in the media being explored or the consent of the instructor. This course and ARTS 325 Junior Studio are offered each semester at the same time.

ARTS 450: Senior Exhibit and Portfolio (3 credit hours – Fall and Spring)

This course gives the student an opportunity to focus on a single body of work and prepare an exhibit of that work in the University Gallery. Upon completion the student will have a professional portfolio, resume, and focus on continuing education or employment. Prerequisites: Senior status and permission of the department chair.

ARTS 460: Art Internship (3 credit hours – On demand)

The student is offered an intensive field experience in a community organization. Placement will be based on the student’s career orientation. Prerequisites: Senior status, departmental approval and satisfaction of entry criteria where applicable. See Internship under Alternate Means to Academic Credit, for a more detailed description. May be repeated for credit, up to 12 hours.

ARTS 467: Historical Research in the Visual Arts (3-12 credit hours – On demand)

This is a research course for a specific discipline or period of art history. Students will demonstrate a knowledge of research techniques, presentation methods and advanced writing skills. This course may be repeated in different areas of emphasis. Prerequisite: ARTS 350, 355, Junior Status and Art Faculty consent.

ARTS 485: Special Topics (Upper Level) (Variable credit – On demand)

This course (when offered) deals with special issues and events related to the visual arts. It may include contemporary philosophy of beauty and new media, acts of creation in the artistic process, or specific historical perspectives such as the history of art since World War II. These course are created and offered as departmental need and scheduling allow.

ARTS 490: Independent Study (Variable credit – On demand)

Students wishing to explore media, theory or history of art in their field of study are encouraged to present a proposal to the department chair for consideration. In most cases a student must complete or show adequate knowledge of a media or art discipline by completing an entry level. The Art Department Chair has the right to modify, reject, or accept proposals for independent study. These courses are not intended to replace regularly offered courses. Students should make their requests for this course at least 30 days prior to the beginning of the semester.