Undergraduate Courses
1000 Level Courses
ArtS 1001W. Concepts in Visual Art. (4 cr.)
Concepts of visual art making in contemporary and historical contexts. The media, environment, and concerns of the practicing artist. Creative process, visual expression, criteria. Aesthetic foundation for beginning studio courses. Required of all art majors.
ArtS 1101. Drawing. (4 cr.)
Introduction to fundamental principles and processes of drawing; exploration of various drawing media. Work from still life, nature, the life model, and imagination.
ArtS 1102. Painting. (4 cr. Prereq–1101 or #)
Introduction to painting with attention to understanding and applying the fundamental principles of spatial organization and color interaction.
ArtS 1301. Sculpture. (4 cr.)
An introduction to sculptural practice examining materials, methods, concepts, and history with emphasis on the correlation between concepts and materials. Work in clay, plaster, metal, and wood.
ArtS 1501. Printmaking. (4 cr.)
Introduction to techniques of printmaking: woodcut, etching, lithography, and screen-printing. Historical approaches and use through contemporary materials and concepts. Emphasis on the interrelationship of process, materials, and ideas.
ArtS 1505. Papermaking. (4 cr.)
Introduction to approaches, forms, and aesthetic possibilities of paper as an expressive medium. Studio work in both Eastern and Western traditions and sculptural applications.
ArtS 1601. Time and Interactivity. (4 cr.)
Introduction to the use of computer technologies as a source for creative art making. Emphasis on producing digital fine art in the context of computer based ideas such as interactivity, virtuality, agency, and community.
ArtS 1701. Photography. (4 cr.)
Presents conceptual, technical, and historical aspects of photography within the fine arts context. Emphasis on the creative process through hands-on experience in use of camera, film development, enlarging, and printing.
ArtS 1801. Ceramics. (4 cr.)
Fundamentals of wheel-thrown and hand-built ceramics as forms of creative expression. Introduction to clay, glazes, and firing techniques.
ArtS 1905. Topics: Freshman Seminar. (3 cr., A-F only, unless otherwise noted; Prereq freshman or no more than 36 cr.)
3000 Level Courses
ArtS 3101. Intermediate Drawing. (4 cr. Prereq–1001W, 1101)
Further exploration and understanding of drawing elements with emphasis on developing visual judgment, drawing process, and execution. Specific problems to promote the understanding of pictorial structure and personal expression.
ArtS 3102. Intermediate Painting. (4 cr. Prereq–1001W, 1101, 1102)
Emphasizes development of visual sensibility, individual direction, critical judgment.
ArtS 3105. Dimensional Painting. (4 cr. Prereq–1001W, 1101, 1102)
Application of two-dimensional visual concerns as they relate to sculptural form. Exploration of how painting ideas affect perception of real space.
ArtS 3106. Drawing: Interpreting the Site. (4 cr. Prereq–1001W, 1101)
Field trips to draw or paint in various metropolitan area locations. Site interpretations, experimentation with marks/symbols. Focuses on search for personal content as inspired by site.
ArtS 3111. Life Drawing I. (4 cr. Prereq–1001W, 1101)
Focus on the human form with an introduction to anatomy. Exploration of various concepts of representation and methods of image construction. Work from life, anatomical casts, memory and imagination.
ArtS 3112. Life Drawing II. (4 cr. Prereq–3111 or #)
The human form in pictorial structure, single, and multiple figure compositions. The creative process, work toward a personal direction. Attention to representation of the human image in cultural, historical, and contemporary context.
ArtS 3301. Sculpture: Direct Metal. (4 cr. Prereq–1001W, 1301)
Constructive approach to sculpture through welding in steel, other metals. Studio practice, investigation of historical/contemporary methods/concepts.
ArtS 3302. Sculpture: Spatial Problems. (4 cr. Prereq–1001W, 1301)
Focuses on sculptural practice outside traditional media/approaches. Theoretical constructions of space as primary medium of sculpture. Installation, theater, public art, architecture.
ArtS 3303. Sculpture: Metalcasting. (4 cr. Prereq–1001W, 1301)
Metal casting of sculpture in bronze, iron, aluminum, other metals. Studio practice, investigation of historical/contemporary methods/concepts.
ArtS 3304. Sculpture: Carving and Construction. (4 cr. Prereq–1001W, 1301)
Carving/construction using wood, other materials. Studio practice, investigation of historical/contemporary methods/concepts. Development of personal sculptural imagery.
ArtS 3305. Sculpture: Kinetics. (4 cr. Prereq–1001W, 1301)
The exploration of movement in sculpture (wind, water, electric). Studio practice and investigation of historical and contemporary methods and concepts.
ArtS 3306. Performance Art and Installation. (4 cr. Prereq–1001W, 1301)
Studio practice, investigation of forms of expression involving narrative, performance, installation. Hybrid art forms introduced by Dada movement in 1920’s, continued by Fluxus movement in 1950’s, to contemporary performance/installation artists.
ArtS 3307. Sculpture: Traditional Approaches. (4 cr. Prereq–1001W, 1301)
Clay modeling of human figure, other forms. Mold-making, plaster casting with historical/contemporary systems. Studio practice, investigation of traditional sculptural methods/concepts.
ArtS 3402. Artists’ Books. (4 cr. Prereq–1001W, one visual art course)
Study/creation of unique, handmade books using various structures, media, techniques. Critical, historical, theoretical issues surrounding contemporary book arts.
ArtS 3403. Women’s Images and Images of Women. (3 cr. Prereq–1001 or #)
Women’s place in Western art from the artist’s perspective. Women as artists and the imagery they have created. Women as the object of imagery and the social and political attitudes those images convey. Survey of women artists from late-Renaissance through contemporary feminism; relevant issues.
ArtS 3411H. Honors Tutorial in Visual Arts. (1-4 cr. [max 6 cr.]. A-F only. Prereq–Honors)
Individual consultation with a faculty member on visual work, research project, presentation, paper, or bibliography.
ArtS 3415H. Honors Exhibition. (2 cr. A-F only. Prereq–Magna or Summa Honors candidate)
Advanced problems in studio and research, leading to a magna or summa exhibition.
ArtS 3416H. Honors Thesis. (1 cr. A-F only. Prereq–Summa level honors candidate)
Summa thesis paper written in support of honors exhibition or in relation to candidate’s visual/conceptual interests.
ArtS 3420. Visiting Artists Program. (1 cr. [Max 2 cr.])
Guest speakers, artist presentations. Identification of themes, correlations between ideas presented by guest artists/critics and students' own creative work.
ArtS 3444. Major Project. (1 cr. S-N only. Prereq–#)
Individually designed independent project or exhibition in the final term.
ArtS 3496. Internship in the Arts. (1-3 cr. Prereq–BFA art major, #, S/N only)
Field work at local, regional, national, or international arts organization or with professional artist provides experience in activities/administration of art/art-based organizations.
ArtS 3499. Internship at Katherine E. Nash Gallery. (3 cr. S-N only. Prereq–1001W, #)
Hands-on experience in day-to-day operation/mission of Department of Art’s professional gallery.
ArtS 3501. Printmaking: Intaglio and Screen. (4 cr. Prereq–1001W, 1501)
In-depth investigation of intaglio/screenprinting. Application of traditional/contemporary techniques. Emphasizes individual artistic expression. Review of historical/cultural development of the media.
ArtS 3502. Printmaking: Relief and Lithography. (4 cr. Prereq–1001W, 1501)
Expressive/formal aesthetics of woodcut relief, hand lithography. Studio practice/investigation of artistic attitudes as exemplified through historical perspectives, traditional/contemporary usages.
ArtS 3505. Papermaking as an Art Form. (4 cr. Prereq–1001W, 1505)
Further exploration of Eastern, Western, and sculptural applications of papermaking as an art form. Development of visual vocabulary through experimentation and focused inquiry into historical and contemporary methods.
ArtS 3601. New Media: Making Art Interactive. (4 cr. Prereq–1001W, 1601)
Conceptual/aesthetic development of digital/ interactive works of art. How Web/screen based applications expand formal/conceptual issues of virtuality, community, agency, and non-linear structure within fine art. Critical theory. History of new media/technologies that can enable individual expression.
ArtS 3602. Narrative Digital Video. (4 cr. Prereq–1001W, 1601)
Digital/non-linear video processes to explore elements of time, cinematic space, narrative, and montage. Personal aesthetic/conceptual directions. Theory, critical readings about historical/contemporary works in digital media.
ArtS 3603. Time Arts: 2-D Animation. (4 cr. Prereq–1001W, 1601)
Experimentation and creating a personal voice with two-dimensional animation. Historical overview and contemporary issues. Creating 2-D animation with digital technologies focusing on vector and layerbased raster animation.
ArtS 3604. Animation. (4 cr. Prereq–1001W, 1601)
Conveying creative ideas visually with three-dimensional animation. Creating virtual objects in virtual spaces moving in time. Modeling objects and spaces, creating textures, lighting, movement, and animating to a sound track.
ArtS 3701. Photography: Silver Processes. (4 cr. Prereq–1001W, 1701)
Classical photographic practice, concentrating on camera/darkroom controls. Historical overview of the medium. Conceptual/contemporary approaches to traditional themes.
ArtS 3702. Photography: The Extended Image. (4 cr. Prereq–1001W, 1701)
Manipulation of the photo image using various camera and darkroom methods including sequence, multiples, narrative, and book formats. Marking and altering photographic surfaces, applied color, and toning. Use of the photograph in interdisciplinary projects.
ArtS 3703. Photography: Digital Imaging. (4 cr. Prereq–1001W, 1701)
Photographic digital imaging in fine arts. Manipulation, computer applications. Editing in photo imaging software.
ArtS 3801. Ceramics: Wheel Throwing. (4 cr. Prereq–1001W, 1801)
Expands wheel-throwing skills, develops aesthetic awareness of ceramic forms. Kiln firing, glaze formulation.
ArtS 3802. Ceramics: Handbuilding. (4 cr. Prereq–1001W, 1801)
Intermediate handbuilding. Development of abilities, critical awareness. Kiln firing, glaze formulation.
ArtS 3803. Ceramics: Mold Making. (4 cr. Prereq–1001W, 1801)
Introduction to plaster mold making for ceramics. Plaster mold fabrication, ceramic production, contemporary methods/concepts. Development of personal visual expression.
ArtS 3810. Intermediate Ceramics. (4 cr. [max 8 cr]. Prereq- 1001W, 3801, 3802)
Studio ceramics. Handbuilding, wheelthrowing, kiln firing, glaze formulation, contemporary issues. Development of a slide portfolio. Review for entrance into advanced ceramics.
5000 Level Courses
ArtS 5104. The Nature of Abstraction. (4 cr. Prereq–3102 or #)
Exploration of abstraction as concept. Studio practice with attention to developing individual work. Emphasizes understanding topics relevant to abstraction. Approached from discipline of painting, open to various material sensibilities.
ArtS 5105. Advanced Dimensional Painting. (4 cr. Prereq–3105 or #)
Illusionary space applied to sculptural forms. Practical applications of spatial/painterly concepts. Emphasizes critical/visual judgment. Development of cohesive body of work reflecting interaction of two/three dimensions.
ArtS 5120. Advanced Painting. (4 cr. [max 12 cr.]. Prereq–3102 or #)
Developing personal vision/content through painting. Emphasizes critical thinking, self-evaluation, and independent pursuit of ideas.
ArtS 5130. Advanced Painting: Watercolor. (4 cr. [max 12 cr.]. Prereq–3102 or #)
Expressive/technical possibilities of transparent watercolor. Emphasizes pictorial structure, color relationships, visual expression. Work from still life, nature, life model, imagination.
ArtS 5310. Advanced Sculpture: Direct Metal. (4 cr. [max 12 cr.]. Prereq–3301 or #)
Direct metal sculpture in steel, other metals. Studio practice, investigation of historical/contemporary methods/concepts. Development of personal sculpture imagery.
ArtS 5320. Advanced Sculpture: Spatial Problems. (4 cr. [max 12 cr.]. Prereq–3302 or #)
Sculptural practice outside traditional media/approaches. Installation, theater, public art, architecture as topics for individual investigations into spatial organization.
ArtS 5330. Advanced Sculpture: Metal Casting. (4 cr. [max 12 cr.]. Prereq–3303 or #)
Metal casting of sculpture in bronze, iron, aluminum, other metals. Studio practice, investigation of historical/contemporary methods/concepts. Development of personal sculptural imagery.
ArtS 5340. Advanced Sculpture: Carving and Construction. (4 cr. [max 12 cr.]. Prereq–3304 or #))
Carving/construction using wood, other materials. Studio practice, investigation of historical/ contemporary methods/concepts. Development of personal sculptural imagery.
ArtS 5350. Advanced Sculpture: Kinetics. (4 cr. [max 12 cr.]. Prereq–3305 or #)
Studio practice in kinetic sculpture. Historical/contemporary methods/concepts of sculpture produced by motion. Development of personal imagery.
ArtS 5360. Advanced Performance Art and Installation. (4 cr. [max 12 cr.]. Prereq–3306 or #)
Studio practice in performance art and installation; investigation of historical and contemporary methods and concepts of interdisciplinary expression. Development of personal imagery.
ArtS 5370. Advanced Sculpture: Traditional Approaches. (4 cr. [max 12 cr.]. Prereq–3307 or #)
Clay figure modeling. Mold making using historical/contemporary systems. Casting in semi-permanent materials. Studio Practice, traditional sculptural methods/concepts. Development of personal imagery.
ArtS 5400. Seminar: Concepts and Practices in Art. (3 cr. [max 6 cr.]. Prereq–BFA art major or #)
Various ideologies, cultural strategies that influence practice/interpretation of art. Emphasizes diversity of viewpoints. Application of issues in developing final BFA exhibition.
ArtS 5402. Artists’ Books. (4 cr. Prereq–3402 or #)
Advanced projects in creation of unique, handmade books using various structures, media, techniques. Critical, historical, theoretical issues surrounding contemporary book arts.
ArtS 5403. Women’s Images and Images of Women. (3 cr. Prereq–1001W or #)
Women’s place in Western art from the artist’s perspective. Women as artists and the imagery they have created. Women as the object of imagery and the social and political attitudes those images convey. Survey of women artists from late-Renaissance through contemporary feminism; relevant issues.
ArtS 5405. Visual Narrative Structures. (4 cr. Prereq–1001W & one 1xxx art course, or #)
Visual/verbal investigation of structures of visual narratives. Contemporary efforts to integrate cogent images in visual texts. Development of methods for personal visual communication of cultural, spiritual, aesthetic, environmental experiences. Historical/cultural focuses. Studio work.
ArtS 5441. Professional Practices. (3 cr. Prereq–Grad or #)
Intensive writing seminar provides a context for theoretical issues, business practices, and professional skills required for career management and development in the visual arts.
ArtS 5444. Bachelor of Fine Arts Exhibition. (1 cr. Prereq- BFA candidate, #)
Final solo or small group exhibition and artist's statement developed in consultation with faculty adviser. Visual documentation of work and statement as appropriate to media.
ArtS 5490. Workshop in Art. (1-4 cr. [max 12 cr.])
Selected topics and intensive studio activity. Topics vary yearly.
ArtS 5490. Workshop In Art: Color. (1-4 cr. [max 12 cr.])
Consideration of color theories from Goethe to the present. Hands-on, studio investigation of color phenomena leading to increased analytical and perceptive color evaluation. Subject covers principles applicable to all levels of visual inquiry.
ArtS 5490. Workshop in Art: Interdisciplinary Collaboration. (1-4 cr. [max 12 cr.])
ArtS 5490. Workshop in Art: Body Electric: Sensing Domain. (1-4 cr. [max 12 cr.])
ArtS 5490. Workshop in Art: Performed Photography. (1-4 cr. [max 12 cr.])
ArtS 5510. Advanced Printmaking: Intaglio and Screen. (4 cr. [max 12 cr.]. Prereq–3501 or #)
In-depth research of intaglio, screen printing. Historical/contemporary applications. Development of imagery using color, photo-mechanical, digital processes. Cross-media approaches.
ArtS 5520. Advanced Printmaking: Relief and Lithography. (4 cr. [max 12 cr.]. Prereq–3502 or #)
Relief printing, lithography for creative expression. Studio practice with stone, metal, wood. Developing personal visual language/aesthetics. Historical/ contemporary awareness, evolving technologies/ strategies.
ArtS 5550. Advanced Papermaking. (4 cr. [max 12 cr.]. Prereq–3505 or #)
Distinct expressive qualities of handmade paper, its versatility as contemporary art form. Independent research pursued in consultation with instructor.
ArtS 5610. New Media: Making Art Interactive. (4 cr. [max 12 cr.]. Prereq–3601 or #)
Web/screen-based and installation/performance projects in consultation with instructor. Focuses on individual expression, role of artists/audience, and synthesis of artistic form/content using interactive digital technologies.
ArtS 5620. Narrative Digital Video. (4 cr. [max 12 cr.]. Prereq–3602)
Individual projects exploring elements of time, cinematic space, narrative, and montage through experimental, documentary, or installation-based video art. Articulation of relationships between conceptual, aesthetic, and artistic process.
ArtS 5630. Time Arts: Advanced 2-D Animation. (4 cr. [max 12 cr.]. Prereq–3603 or #)
Individual projects and further development of a personal voice and critical thinking in time-based art. Creating digital 2-D animation with emphasis on vector and layer-based raster animation techniques. Compositing 2-D animation with video.
ArtS 5640. Advanced Animation. (4 cr. [max 12 cr.]. Prereq–3604 or #)
Advanced exploration of modeled objects in modeled space and time. Compositing of animated images with video images. Individual projects, expansion of personal voice and visual clarity within the framework of 3-D imagery and time-based artwork.
ArtS 5710. Advanced Photography. (4 cr. [max 12 cr.]. Prereq–Two sem. of 3xxx photography or #)
Design/implementation of individual advanced projects. Demonstrations, lectures, critique. Reading , writing, discussion of related articles/exhibitions.
ArtS 5810. Advanced Ceramics. (4 cr. [max 12 cr.]. Prereq–3801, 3802 or #)
Critical discourse of aesthetics, history, and contemporary issues in clay and criticism. Independent, advanced projects.
ArtS 5821. Ceramic Materials Analysis. (4 cr. Prereq–3801 or 3802 or #)
Ceramic materials, their interrelationships. Advanced investigation of glazes, slip formulation, clay bodies in high/low temperature ranges. Individual interests related to students’ aesthetic needs.
ArtS 5830. Advanced Ceramics: Mold Making. (4 cr. [max 12 cr.]. Prereq–3803 or #)
Advanced mold making for ceramics. Plaster mold fabrication, ceramic production, contemporary methods/concepts. Development of personal visual expression.
ArtS 5990. Independent Study in Art. (1-4 cr. [max 12 cr.]. Prereq– Art Major, #)
Independent study project designed by student in consultation with instructor.
