Art

The art curriculum is designed to give students a variety of experiences in different media, which will provide them with a broad, knowledgeable background. The role of the art program is to provide sequential instruction aimed at mastery in the disciplines of aesthetics, art production, criticism, and art history.

Students in teacher education may earn a major in art. See Education Program for information on admission, testing, clinical practice and certification requirements. These students are given insights and knowledge to create the methods and procedures for classroom teaching situations. Students who are interested in art as a profession are given every opportunity to foster their creative potential. Art is not reserved for the artist; each student is taught to develop an understanding and appreciation for the creative art works of others.

Degrees and Certificates

Courses

ART 202: Survey of Art History I

A survey of the development of the visual arts from prehistory through the 15th century. The course examines how diverse cultures and civilizations have shaped artistic expression, with attention to both Western and global art history. Students develop visual analysis skills, learn key art-historical vocabulary, and strengthen communication through discussion and writing. CORE: Academic Writing & Information Literacy.

ART 204: Survey of Art History II

A survey of the development of the visual arts from the 16th century to the early 20th century. The course examines how diverse cultures and civilizations have shaped artistic expression, with attention to both Western and global art history. Students develop visual analysis skills, learn key art-historical vocabulary, and strengthen communication through discussion and writing. CORE: Academic Writing & Information Literacy.

ART 206: American Art History

A study of the evolution of American art within a historical context. Artistic movements as well as the work of individual artists are presented in light of historical and cultural trends.

ART 208: Women in Art

A study of the role and work of women artists from the Middle Ages to the present in an effort to foster an appreciation for the contributions of women to art which have been largely overlooked.

ART 211: Color and Design

Basic introduction to the elements and principles of visual expression both for the design student and for the individual who wishes to develop an understanding of art. Studio six hours per week.

ART 213: Basic Drawing

Designed to expand the student's conceptual range and capacity for critical and personal vision. Basic problems are designed to experiment with a wide range of materials and techniques. Studio six hours per week.

ART 215: Beginning Painting

An introduction to basic techniques of painting with acrylic. Emphasis on representational subject matter, primarily landscapes and still life. Studio six hours per week.

ART 217: Ceramics

Techniques in hand building, wheel throwing, glazing and decoration. Emphasis on functional and aesthetic design. Studio six hours per week.

ART 223: Printmaking

A study of materials and techniques involved in the fundamental processes of silk-screening and relief printmaking. Studio six hours per week.

ART 225: Jewelry

Techniques of metal work adapted to three-dimensional design. Cutting, soldering and casting techniques are explored. Students work with silver, bronze, and copper metals. Studio six hours per week.

ART 227: Sculpture

An exploration of different materials, such as wood, clay, plaster, and plastics. Emphasis is placed on learning various casting techniques and use of tools. Studio six hours per week.

ART 230: Introduction to Watercolor

This class is an introduction to the basic technical processes involved in creating watercolor paintings. The painting processes taught in this course will cover the traditional watercolor techniques and practices. Class periods will consist of demonstrations, painting and critical analysis of the painted work. Students at all levels are expected to be self-motivated, responsible and interested in their own course development. The work throughout the semester should show increased levels of challenge, development, and craftsmanship.

ART 233: Introduction to Photography

Introduction to basic concepts, processes and techniques of black and white photography including camera use, exposure, darkroom procedures, lighting and its controlled application. Studio six hours per week.

ART 250: Production Art

This course will touch briefly on the various aspects of preparing art for reproduction (primarily lithoprinting). This would include layout, design, typography, and actual production (keyline, paste-up). Also included will be problem solving with photography and illustration as it pertains to production.

ART 313: Advanced Drawing

Advanced students will work out problems with the instructor that will use sound drawing skills with thought-provoking problems in composition and individual expression. Studio six hours per week.

ART 315: Advanced Painting

This course serves as an opportunity for the serious painter to study in-depth. Students will work closely with the instructor in developing a structured experience, balanced with an opportunity for personal exploration. Studio six hours per week.

ART 317: Advanced Ceramics

This course builds on the hand-building techniques learned in beginning ceramics. This course focuses on improving the student's ability to work and create with clay. This increase in student's technical skill set will further push student ideas, concepts and abilities. Concept development and execution with clay is the underlying theme of this class. Practical working limits of clay will be discussed and examined. Challenging the clay through technique and process is the main theme of the advanced ceramic course. Student projects/pieces will be fully developed and well thought out before attempting fabrication in clay. Firing techniques will be discussed to further student knowledge of the ceramic process. A sketch book is required to develop ideas and concepts and serve as a reference point/map for the student's work.

ART 323: Advanced Printmaking

This course is a continuation of advanced technical processes involved in creating fine art prints. The print processes taught in this course are: relief, dry point, and a variety of monoprint and monotype print methods. Class periods will consist of demonstrations, printing and critical analysis of the printed work. Students at all levels are expected to be self-motivated, responsible and interested in their own course development. The work throughout the semester should show increased levels of challenge development and craftsmanship.

ART 327: Advanced Sculpture

Students will further develop an understanding of the elements of three-dimensional design in the visual arts. This course will also include an understanding of the history and materials of sculpture, both traditional and experimental. This course will examine approaches to seeing, analyzing, and creating form in space and discerning how the elements of form define space. The student will be asked to organize and arrange formal elements into three dimensional compositions, which employ the principles of order: balance, harmony, variety, movement, proportion, rhythm, and repetition.

ART 330: Advanced Watercolor

This class is a continuation of technical processes involved in creating watercolor paintings. The painting processes taught in this course will cover the traditional watercolor techniques and practices. Class periods will consist of demonstrations, painting and critical analysis of the painted work. Students at all levels are expected to be self-motivated, responsible and interested in their own course development. The work throughout the semester should show increased levels of challenge development and craftsmanship.

ART 333: Advanced Photography

This course serves as an advanced course in photography equipment, materials and processes. This course will incorporate historical and contemporary perspectives of photography. Students will be expected to successfully take, develop, and manipulate photographs. This course will offer problems in conceptualization, composition, and content in which students will be encouraged to experiment and develop personal images.

ART 397: Art Internship

The internship is an actual work experience in an art organization, giving students a working knowledge of art practices outside of the classroom. The internship will enhance classroom learning with practical experience.

ART 495: Senior Thesis

Directed study in a major area, culminating with an art exhibit in the Hillmer Art Gallery. The University reserves the right to keep for its permanent collection one piece of student work completed under its direction. An exhibition in the Hillmer Art Gallery is a privilege reserved for those students whose works meet standards established by the art department. Studio six hours per week.