ARTS (Art)

Program of Study Information

This listing of art courses includes new course numbers and descriptions. Students should review course listings carefully and consult with academic advisors or art department faculty to ensure proper course sequence and avoid duplication of course credits.
Art Course Numbers:
ARTS 1001 through ARTS 1009 are introductory level courses and are open to all students. These courses offer fine arts elective credit for non-art students and liberal arts elective credit for art majors.

ARTS 1010 through ARTS 1599 are basic foundation level courses and are open to all students. These courses are either required or recommended for art majors and are strongly recommended for Liberal Arts or General Education program majors.

ARTS 1600 through ARTS 1999 are open to all students and provide basic study in a variety of art disciplines. Previous study in a foundation level course may be recommended but not required. Other prerequisites may apply.

Courses numbered ARTS 2000 and above are designed for continued work after basic studies have been completed. More than one prerequisite may be required.
ARTS 1001 - Introduction to Visual Arts - 3 Credits

This course is an introduction to the basic principles of analyzing and understanding the visual arts. Vocabulary, techniques and a brief history of art are covered with slide lectures, reading and discussion, studio art/design assignments and gallery visits. (Note: Visual Arts elective credit for non-art majors and liberal arts elective credit for art majors.) Lecture/studio: 4 hours

ARTS 1010 - Drawing I - 3 Credits

This course offers an introduction to basic drawing concepts including line, value, texture and structure. Students develop skills in visual perception and pictorial composition through drawing processes that are both analytical and inventive. Studio: 4 hours.

ARTS 1020 - Color - 3 Credits

This course provides an introduction to basic color theory and aesthetic concepts in both two- and three-dimensional art and design. Lectures, discussions, studio assignments and critiques focus on contemporary and historical aspects of color. (Prerequisite: NONE although ARTS 1010 or ARTS 1310 is recommended.) Studio: 4 hours

ARTS 1050 - Drawing II - Life Drawing - 3 Credits

This course offers an introduction to the study of the human figure and its relationship to the environment. Students draw from both nude models and skeletons. (Prerequisite: ARTS 1010) Studio: 4 hours

ARTS 1310 - Two-Dimensional Design - 3 Credits

This course examines the basic elements of design including line, shape, value, color, texture, movement and direction; and the principles of design, such as balance, unity, emphasis, variety and similarity. Primary focus is on studying the potential for visual communication when composing an image or design using the two-dimensional or flat, format. Classes include lectures, demonstrations, studio assignments and critiques. Studio Lecture: 4 hours

ARTS 1410 - Three-Dimensional Design - 3 Credits

This studio course introduces students to the elements, principles and construction methods used in making art and design in three-dimensions. Using simple materials such as wire, cardboard, form core and plaster, students learn to organize forms in space. The principles of scale, spatial orientation, balance, rhythm, positive and negative form and context is studied and used in the making of studio projects. Classes include lectures, demonstrations, studio assignments and critiques. Studio/Lecture: 4 hours

ARTS 1500 - Art Seminar - 1 Credit

Art Seminar is a course designed to help students set and pursue goals, such as transfer to a four-year art program and to explore careers in the fields of art and design. Seminar topics may include portfolio preparation, choosing an art school, photographing artwork and exploring careers in the arts. The seminar presents a variety of guest speakers including representatives from four-year art schools and professional artists and designers. This course is designed for art majors or for students considering a major in art. (Prerequisite: Permission of instructor required for non-art students.) Lecture: 1 hour

ARTS 1510 - Art History: Ancient to Medieval - 3 Credits

This course is a survey of visual art from prehistory through Gothic Europe. Emphasis is placed on how art, architecture and functional objects provide evidence of the religious beliefs and cultural structures of early civilizations. Regions covered include Egypt, the Near East and Europe. Lecture: 3 hours

ARTS 1520 - Art History: Renaissance to the Modern - 3 Credits

This course is a survey of visual art and architecture from the Renaissance through the 20th century, focused primarily upon European and American study. The manner in which art both reflects and shapes history is a central means of exploration, leading to the complexities of art in the Post-Modern period. (Recommended: ARTS 1510 ) Lecture: 3 hours

ARTS 1530 - Topics in Art History: - 3 Credits

This seminar-style course analyzes art outside of Europe and America through focused studies of world cultures, providing a depth of understanding rather than a comprehensive survey. Creative expressions in Africa, Asia, the Americas and the Pacific Islands are the landscape of investigation. Through weekly readings and writing exercises; lecture, discussion and film; online research and visits to museums and galleries, this class builds a vision of the world seen through diverse cultural traditions. Lecture: 3 hours

ARTS 1610 - Textile Design/Fibers - 3 Credits

This studio course is designed to introduce students to a variety of dyeing and surface design techniques on fabric, with an emphasis on learning the elements and principles of two-dimensional design. Techniques may include shibori tie-dye, batik wax-resist, paste-resist, blockprinting and photo transfer. Traditional and contemporary examples of these processes are presented and good craftsmanship is emphasized. This course is recommended for all art majors and can serve as an introductory art course for all students. (Recommended: ARTS 1010 or 1020 or 1310) Studio: 4 hours

ARTS 1630 - Introduction to Sculpture and Form - 3 Credits

Concept development and structural problem-solving are emphasized in this advanced study of three-dimensional design. Examples of form in nature, sculpture and architecture as well as current approaches to sculpture using basic materials and techniques are practiced and discussed. Classes include demonstrations, studio assignments, critiques and lectures. (Recommended: ARTS 1410) Studio: 4 hours

ARTS 1650 - Ceramics I - 3 Credits

This course acts as an introduction to fine art ceramics. Coil, slab and other basic hand building methods as well as glazing and various kiln firing methods are covered. Kiln and basic glazes are provided; clay and tools must be purchased. (Recommended: ARTS 1410) Studio: 4 hours

ARTS 1660 - Ceramics II - 3 Credits

This is a continuation of fine arts ceramics using advanced hand-building techniques. Wheel throwing, glaze formulation, kiln management and alternative firing methods are introduced. Kiln and basic glazes are provided; clay and tools must be purchased. (Prerequisite: ARTS 1650 or permission of instructor) Studio: 4 hours

ARTS 1710 - Graphic Design I - 3 Credits

This course provides an introduction to the basic principles of graphic design and visual communication. Graphic representation and typographic fundamentals are explored with electronic and traditional media, tools, skills and methodology. A history of graphic communication is presented through example and slide presentation. (Prerequisite: none, although ARTS 1310 is recommended) Studio: 4 hours

ARTS 1720 - Graphic Design II - 3 Credits

This course continues coverage of concepts introduced in Graphic Design I. Focus is on creative image making and typographic development in a variety of visual formats. Projects provide experience with elements of book design, product design, logo design, poster design and/or the design of visual systems. (Prerequisite: ARTS 1710 or permission of instructor) Studio: 4 hours

ARTS 1810 - Photography I - 3 Credits

This course emphasizes the creative and expressive aspects of form and content in black-and-white photographic imagery. Course content includes the operation of a camera, film development and printing and may include alternative and contemporary processes. A 35 mm camera with adjustable controls, film, paper and developing equipment are required. (Prerequisite: NONE - although ARTS 1010 or ARTS 1310 is recommended) Studio: 4 hours

ARTS 1820 - Photography II - 3 Credits

This course refines basic photographic techniques and introduces material such as photographic lighting, archival processes, toning, exposure, developmental controls and alternative and contemporary processes. The history, styles and critical theory of photography are presented through lectures, reading, gallery visits and studio assignments. Students develop portfolios focusing on presentation, sequencing and multiple images. (Prerequisite: ARTS 1810 or permission of instructor) Studio: 4 hours

ARTS 1840 - Digital Art I - 3 Credits

This course explores electronic image-making as an effective means of artistic expression. Projects provide experience with image manipulation, video capture, montage and/or collage, color correction, retouching and layout and design as applicable to the Web and electronic media. Studio: 4 hours

ARTS 2010 - Painting I - 3 Credits

This course offers an introduction to the painting process through an investigation of theories; materials and techniques. Historical and contemporary aesthetic issues are explored through studio assignments, slide lectures, discussions, critiques and museum and gallery visits. (Prerequisite: ARTS 1010. Recommended: ARTS 1020). Studio: 4 hours

ARTS 2020 - Painting II - 3 Credits

A continuation of Painting I, this course encourages further development of personal artistic expression with emphasis on aesthetic and critical theory. Lectures, discussions, studio assignments, critiques, and museum and gallery visits are included. (Prerequisite: ARTS 2010 or permission of instructor) Studio: 4 hours

ARTS 2030 - Watercolor - 3 Credits

Basic watercolor materials and techniques are studied in this course. Color relationships and pictorial composition are emphasized. (Prerequisite: ARTS 1010 and ARTS 1020 or permission of instructor) Studio: 4 hours

ARTS 2050 - Drawing III - Life Drawing - 3 Credits

A continuation of Drawing II, this course emphasizes excellence in drawing, design and color in exploring relationships between the human figure and the environment. (Prerequisite: ARTS 1050 or permission of instructor) Studio: 4 hours

ARTS 2120 - 1 Credit ARTS 2130 - 1 Credit
ARTS 2140 - 1 Credit ARTS 2150 - 1 Credit
ARTS 2160 - 1 Credit ARTS 2170 - 1 Credit

Studio Seminar

This seminar course is for any student who wants to do advanced work in any studio area. The most advanced course offered by the Art Department in that particular studio area must have been successfully completed or be taken concurrently. Seminar work involves independent projects and research done under the guidance of an Art Department faculty advisor. Before signing up for this seminar, students must choose a faculty advisor and submit to him or her a proposed program of study for approval. Studio Seminar may be elected for 1 to 3 Credit. Lecture/ Studio: TBA

ARTS 2660 - Ceramics III - 3 Credits

Students are required to develop a proposal for a project(s) they will develop and create by the conclusion of the semester. Exploration of alternate construction methods other than those covered in Ceramics I and II are encouraged as well as an investigation into a personal artistic voice in clay. Kiln and basic glazes are provided; clay and tools must be purchased. (Prerequisite: ARTS 1660 or permission of instructor) Studio: 4 hours

ARTS 2820 - Photography III - 3 Credits

A continuation of Photography II, this course requires students to create a visually and thematically cohesive portfolio of exhibition quality photographs. Through research on photographic history, artists and styles, students identify influences and acquire historical perspective. (Prerequisite: ARTS 1820 or permission of instructor) Studio: 4 hours

ARTS 2840 - Visual Web Design - 3 Credits

This course provides students an opportunity for continued exploration of electronic image making and preparation of images for print or electronic display. Students gain experience with design principles involving color, light, motion, transformation, sequence and visual rhythm through computer paint programs, animation programs and image processing techniques. (Prerequisite: ARTS 1840 or permission of instructor) Studio: 4 hours

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