Art
Chair Thelma S. Rohrer, Jeffrey M. Diesburg, Ejenobo R. Oke
The Department of Art offerings provide studio and lecture courses designed to develop an understanding of the fundamentals of aesthetics and the development of the artistic skills. The art major and minor are designed as a combination of foundation courses and flexible electives, providing an opportunity for students to specialize according to their interests. Students may follow different tracks, including areas of studio art (2-D and 3-D), graphics and photography, art history, and educational and community arts. Courses are provided for both students with professional interests, as well as for others seeking cultural enrichment. Students contemplating an art major may submit a portfolio for purposes of placement, although a portfolio is not required. Non-majors may have prerequisites waived.
Baccalaureate Degree
Bachelor of Arts only
Major in art; 39 hours; ART 131, 201, 210, 213, 315, 346, 499; two courses selected from: ART 342, 344, 348; twelve hours of electives in art.
Majors are expected to participate in a senior exhibition and to successfully complete the senior comprehensive evaluation prior to graduation.
Minor in art; 27 hours: ART 131, 201, 210, 213, 315; one course selected from: ART 342, 344, 346, 348; nine hours of electives in art.
Requirements for teaching majors are available in the Office of Teacher Education.
Courses ART
131 BASIC DESIGN - 3 hours
Introductory experiments and practice in various media with emphasis on understanding the principles of composition, color theory and mechanical perspective.
201 ART AND LIFE - 3 hours
A course emphasizing the role of the artist in society through an introductory study of materials, processes, and the history of art in its broadest sense. Progression from those areas with which the contemporary student is already acquainted (advertising, design, and architecture) to a survey of the fine arts up to the present day. C-4AR.
205 ELEMENTARY ART EDUCATION TECHNIQUES - 2 hours
A course to develop skills in handling various media for use in the elementary and junior high/middle schools. It combines a study of the art curriculum at these levels with a study of the general elementary curriculum and how the two are interrelated. Lab fee required.
210 PAINTING I - 3 hours
Introductory course in painting and drawing in various media. Prerequisite: ART 131.
213 FIGURE DRAWING - 3 hours
Figure and portrait drawing from live models. Prerequisite: ART 131.
216 ELEMENTARY ARTS AND CRAFTS - 3 hours
A companion course to ART 205 with emphasis placed on the construction and application of various craft media to the elementary and junior high/middle schools. There is further study of the art curriculum and its relationship to the total curriculum of the elementary and junior high/middle schools. Lab fee required.
221 DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY - 3 hours
An introduction to the principles, vocabulary, and techniques of photography. Students will learn to use the functions of their cameras and explore a range of digital editing, from subtle improvements to major alterations. Open to all majors, no photography experience needed. A personal digital camera is required.
225 FABRIC DECORATION - 3 hours
A study of surface design on fabrics, using dyes and inks. The student will explore discharge, tie dye, batik and silk screen methods of application of design principles to the fabric surface. Various finishing techniques will also be explored. Generally offered in January. Lab fee required.
230 INTRODUCTION TO VISUAL ART - 3 hours
An overview of artistic media, genres, and stylistic periods of western art, beginning with pre-renaissance icons through contemporary art. Students will identify definitive characteristics of examples from each period and use those characteristics to guide classification and analysis of other art. C-4AR.
241 CERAMICS - 3 hours
Practice in wheel throwing, sculpture, various methods of hand building and glaze formation. Lab fee required. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
251 ART IN CONTEXT - 3 hours
This intensive course introduces students to the art of a specific region within its geographic, historical, and social context. This course is designed as an off-campus travel offering. May be repeated to different locations. C-4AR. January
253 WOMEN IN THE VISUAL ARTS - 3 hours
This course offers an introduction to women's important and exciting participation and representation in the visual arts from a range of cultures and periods and in various media
and forms. In addition to studying the works of art created by women, our investigations will also address the ways gender identity is constructed in the arts, the conditions under which women artists have worked, and the ideologies and institutions that have shaped women's relationships to the arts. C-4AR.
261 GRAPHIC DESIGN - 3 hours
An introduction to the broad field of graphic design. This course will include visual problem-solving, typography and layout using industry-standard software, such as Adobe products, and will culminate in client-based projects. Lab fee required.
271 THREE-DIMENSIONAL CONSTRUCTION - 3 hours
Problems in three-dimensional design, using paper, metal, wood, plaster and clay. Lab fee required. Prerequisite: ART 131.
303 SCULPTURE - 3 hours
A basic course in sculpture in various media. Lab fee required. Prerequisites: ART 131, 271.
310 PAINTING II - 3 hours
Advanced studies in pictorial composition in various media, emphasizing experimentation and individual development. Prerequisites: ART 131, 210. Spring, alternate years.
313 FIGURE DRAWING II - 3 hours
Figure and portrait drawing from live models. A companion course to ART 213. Prerequisite: ART 213.
315 CRAFTS - 3 hours
Designing for and working with various craft media including paper, wood, metal, metal enamel, clay and other ceramic materials, plastic and weaving materials. Technical skill to be developed in two- and four-harness weaving, in the use of the potter’s wheel and in the compounding of ceramic glazes. Lab fee required. Prerequisite: ART 131.
336 OUTDOOR SKETCHING AND PAINTING - 3 hours
Drawing and painting of outdoor subjects with major emphasis on watercolor technique. Prerequisites: ART 131, 210.
342 HISTORY OF ANCIENT AND MEDIEVAL ART - 3 hours
The study of art from pre-history and ancient times through the 1200s. C-4AR. Spring, alternate years.
344 HISTORY OF RENAISSANCE AND BAROQUE ART- 3 hours
History of art from the 1300s through the 1700s, including the proto-Renaissance through Rococo. C-4AR. Fall, alternate years.
346 HISTORY OF MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY ART - 3 hours
History of art from the 1800s to the present, including both European and American movements and the impact of photography. C-4AR. Spring, alternate years.
348 HISTORY OF WORLD ART - 3 hours
The study of art from specific regions of the world, with emphasis on art from non-Western origins, including the art of China, Japan, India, and areas of Africa. This course is both history and project based. Course requirements include a practical component, whereby students are responsible for making art related to a specific region of study. C-3GC. Fall, alternate years.
361 GRAPHIC DESIGN II - 3 hours
This course builds on the foundation of graphic design skills learned in ART 261. Assignments focus on visual problem solving, typography, and layouts. Students improve their proficiency with the most recent Adobe Creative Suite software by working wtih clients on real-life graphic design projects. Prerequisite: ART 261.
475 INTERNSHIP - 1-12 hours
Students will work with professionals in institutions or occupations related to their educational goals. They might act as research assistants, helpers in photo labs, catalogers, text-panel writers, or packers/unpackers for art exhibits. This experience links classroom instruction to actual career responsibilities. The student is supervised by a professional employed by the specific agency. May be repeated for a maximum of twelve hours of credit. Prerequisite: approval of the department chair.
499 SENIOR PROJECT (W) - 3 hours
The senior project consists of a portfolio of works and writings, and a senior exhibition and/or thesis under the guidance of a primary and secondary faculty advisor. The senior project can be geared to the student’s area of specialty, whether it is studio or history emphasis. The writing portions and revising process will provide advanced writing opportunities. The senior project will serve as an individualized, capstone experience in the major. Prerequisite: Senior standing; permission of department chair.
380 or 480 SPECIAL PROBLEMS - 1-4 hours
A student who has demonstrated ability to work independently may propose a course and pursue it with a qualified and willing professor. The department chair and the vice president and dean for academic affairs also must approve. A set of guidelines is available at the Office of the Registrar.
385 or 485 SEMINAR - 1-4 hours
An in-depth consideration of a significant scholarly problem or issue. Students pursue a supervised, independent inquiry on an aspect of the topic and exchange results through reports and discussions.