Art Department: Course Descriptions
ARTHI-105 Foundations in Art
This course will introduce various basic art media (both academically and artistically) to enhance understanding of the artistic process. The course will also present an art historical survey to help students appreciate how art media are used in different cultural contexts to create art. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTHI-155 Special Topics
See department for course description.
Credits: 1.00
ARTHI-255 Special Topics
See department for course description.
Credits: 1.00
ARTHI-270 Western Art I: Paleolithic - Gothic
This course surveys the history of Western art from pre-history to the Gothic era, focusing particularly on the social, political and religious contexts in which this work was created. Through an examination of major monuments, artists and movements, students will gain a greater understanding of the general development of art in the Western world, as well as a familiarity with the basic vocabulary and methods of art analysis. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTHI-271 Western Art II: Renaissance - Present
This course surveys the history of Western art from the Renaissance to the present day, focusing particularly on the social, political and religious contexts in which this work was created. Through an examination of major monuments, artists and movements, students will gain a greater understanding of the general development of art in the Western world, as well as a familiarity with the basic vocabulary and methods of art analysis. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTHI-273 Art and Architecture of China
This course is a selective survey of the architecture and visual arts of China from prehistory to the present, with an emphasis on major monuments and themes. Art in China will be examined and discussed from various perspectives where appropriate, e.g. formal, sociological, cultural, historical, psychological. Students will develop an understanding of the significance of art and architecture in specific Chinese cultural and historical contexts. Meets comparative cultural core requirement. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTHI-274 Art and Architecture of Japan
This course is a selective survey of the architecture and visual arts of Japan from prehistory to the present, with an emphasis on major monuments and themes. Art in Japan will be examined and discussed from various perspectives where appropriate, e.g. formal, sociological, cultural, historical, psychological. Students will develop an understanding of the significance of art and architecture in specific Japanese cultural and historical contexts. Meets comparative cultural core requirement. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTHI-275 Art and Architecture of India
This course is a selective survey of the architecture and visual arts of South Asia from prehistory to the present, with an emphasis on major monuments and themes. Art in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and the Himalayas will be examined and discussed from various perspectives where appropriate, e.g. formal, sociological, cultural, historical, psychological. Students will develop an understanding of the significance of art and architecture in specific South Asian cultural and historical contexts. Meets comparative cultural core requirement. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTHI-280 Women in Art
This course is designed to explore the place of women in art. The course investigates both the image of women in art and women as artists. The class examines how women have been portrayed in art at different times and in different cultures. The goal of the class is to shine light on material that has often been overlooked by the traditional art history canon. Feminist theory class desirable. Meets Gender & Sexuality Studies minor requirement. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTHI-355 Special Topics in Art History
Topics vary. See department for details.
Credits: 1.00
ARTHI-372 Contemporary Art
This course is intended to help students better understand the complex world of contemporary art, through a survey of art movements since 1970. The varied social, political and technological contexts of contemporary art will be examined, as well as the various critical and theoretical models used to describe it. Prerequisite: ARTHI-105 or ARTHI-270 or ARTHI-271. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTHI-382 Special Topics in Art History
This is a special topics course focusing on the specific interests of students and faculty, including thematic courses and in-depth studies of particular artists and movements from throughout the history of art. May be repeated for credit as topic varies. Prerequisite: ARTHI-105, ARTHI-270, or ARTHI-271. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTHI-455 Special Topics
See department for course description.
Credits: 1.00
ARTHI-475 Career Internship in Art History
See department for details. Internship contract required.
Credits: 1.00
ARTHI-485 Art History Seminar
This seminar is designed for the advanced student who wants to pursue intensive, in-depth study, culminating in a research paper on a specific art historical topic. Students study under an instructor's supervision on their research project, and as the seminar is designed to help students create an artistic community on campus, are also required to participate in the seminar meetings. Prerequisite: Junior standing or above, ARTHI-270 and ARTHI-271. Instructor's consent required. May be repeated for credit. 2-7 credits.
Credits: 2.00
ARTST-110 Basic Design
This course is an introduction to the basic elements of design, through a concentrated study of its theory and application and by assignments in two- and three- dimensional media. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTST-117 Intro to Digital Imaging
A basic introduction to imaging programs. Class projects include combinations of image generation (drawing, photography), image capturing, image composition, image editing and manipulation, and digital output options. Students work both on and off the computer. Emphasis is on becoming familiar with the Adobe operating environment and other graphic processes options. Special attention will be paid to copyright awareness in the age of digital image. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTST-155 Special Topics
See department for course description.
Credits: 1.00
ARTST-210 Drawing I
This course provides general studio instruction in drawing, covering work in pencil, conte crayon, charcoal, pen and ink, and brush and ink. Design, composition, the rendering of light and perspective are explored, as well as working from the human figure. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTST-211 Observational Drawing I
Students taking this drawing course will develop the skills to accurately record visual observations from life using a variety of drawing media. In addition, students will be exposed to a variety of journaling styles and methods as well as practice keeping a journal that reflects an individual observational personality. Offered in Spring. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTST-217 Digital Art I
This course concentrates on the production and processing of images with current digital photographic tools. Explores the techniques and applications of acquiring, manipulating and outputting digitized photographic images for a variety of media. Discusses image resources and development, printing, papers, links, and presentation. Prerequisite: ARTST 117. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTST-218 Digital Illustration I
This course will focus on creating illustrations in a digital medium. Assignments will emphasize traditional illustration skills such as visual problem solving, composition and drawing skills while exploring the digital possibilities of executing the artwork. This course will also promote an understanding of the importance of digital technology in contemporary illustration. Prerequisite: ARTST 117. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTST-219 Painting: Watercolor
This is a studio course in expressive and illustrative watercolor painting techniques. Students explore and develop handling and control of watercolor processes and learn numerous painting techniques, as well as the analysis of various papers and working surfaces. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTST-220 Painting I: Oil/Acrylic
This course involves studio work investigating methods and techniques related to acrylic, polymer, and/or oil-based paints. Each student generates a series of studies and original paintings. Readings and discussion explore the essence of painting. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTST-225 Sculpture I
This course involves developing a working understanding of sculptural form. Through reading, discussion, critique, and individual sculpting projects in various mediums and with both subtractive and additive processes, students explore geometric, abstract and organic form. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTST-226 Photography I
This is a thorough nuts and bolts course to teach students basic camera handling operations as well as introductory photography concepts. Transparency film, pinhole photography and class critiques are important elements of the course. A 35mm SLR camera is required. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTST-227 Photography Field Class I
This course covers practical applications of photography in various locations. Students must have a 35mm SLR camera and produce a print portfolio in advance of the field trip. Additional course costs include some meals and lodging, admission fees, and film and processing. Limited to 15 students. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTST-230 Printmaking I:Relief/Silk-Screen Prntmk
This course will explore relief printmaking processes including, but not limited to, stamp prints, linoleum block prints and woodcut prints. In addition, it will teach the basics of one color silk-screen techniques. All methods will be taught with non-toxic materials. The history of printmaking and tradition of the multiple will also be discussed. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTST-233 Printmaking:Collagraphs/NonTox Intaglio
This class is designed to introduce students to the basic techniques of intaglio printing including, but not limited to collagraphs, etching and intaglio. Monoprints will also be taught. All methods will be taught with non-toxic materials. The history of printmaking and tradition of the multiple will also be discussed. Offered concurrently with ARTST 333. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTST-235 Illustration I
This course is an introduction to illustration, including drawing and rendering techniques, compositional reduction, structural studies, as well as various transfer and printing processes. Emphasis is placed on acquiring skills for use in a wide variety of artistic, commercial and occupational areas. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTST-238 Papermaking
This course is an introduction to the creation of handmade paper as an art form. Sheet formation and decoration will be introduced. The processing of natural and recycled materials to create paper will also be taught. Uses of handmade paper in art forms such as sculpture and the artist book will be explored. The goal in offering this course is to enable students to explore handmade paper as a fine art medium. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTST-240 Ceramics: Handbuilding I
This class is an introduction to clay with an emphasis on handbuilding techniques and an exploration of historical and contemporary directions. Included are discussions of how surface embellishment and firing processes affect both the function and the aesthetics of the ceramic object. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTST-245 Ceramics: Throwing I
This class is an introduction to wheelworking techniques used with clay. Emphasis is on developing skills to create various simple forms. Included are discussions of how surface embellishment and firing processes affect both the function and aesthetics of the ceramic object. Prerequisite: ARTST 240. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTST-246 Eco-art I
Through readings, discussion, and studio practice, students will explore a conceptual approach to artmaking, the role of the artist in society, and the idea of the artist as activist who produces work that seeks to remediate and restore damaged social and ecological systems. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTST-250 Stained Glass I
This course is designed to acquaint students with three basic areas in the study and construction of stained glass; history, design concepts, and skills in cutting, soldering, and fitting glass. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTST-255 Special Topics
See department for course description.
Credits: 1.00
ARTST-260 Jewelry/Metals Fabrication I
This course is an introduction to non-ferrous metals fabrication techniques as applied to jewelry making and metalsmithing. Students will learn to solder, saw and form metal, as well as develop basic stonesetting techniques. A historical overview of the meaning and use of jeweled and metal objects and their relationship to various cultures is also included. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTST-265 Jewelry/Casting I
This course is an introduction to the lost wax casting process as applied to jewelry making and metalsmithing. Students will learn wax carving and mold-making procedures to produce models for casting. A historical overview of the meaning and use of jeweled and metal objects and their relationship to various cultures is also included. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTST-275 Internship
See department for details. Internship contract required.
Credits: 1.00
ARTST-310 Drawing II: Advanced Drawing
This course is an advanced drawing class that challenges students to expand on the skills learned in Drawing I. Prerequisite: ARTST 210. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTST-311 Observational Drawing II
Students will continue to refine their skill and accuracy in recording observations through journaling and drawing. Continued practice with a variety of drawing materials and surfaces will allow students to develop an individual approach. Emphasis will be placed on building a portfolio that demonstrates versatility with subjects and presentation styles. Offered in Spring. Prerequisite: ARTST 210 or ARTST 211. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTST-317 Digital Art II
A continued exploration into the concepts and processes of photo manipulation through complex composite images, special effects, color balancing and image/text integration. Emphasis is placed on creating a personal vision and style. Students develop skills necessary to create their own unique body of work using a variety of advanced photographic and photo manipulative approaches. Prerequisites: ARTST 217 and ARTST 226. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTST-318 Digital Illustration II
A continued exploration into advanced methods of conceptualizing, organizing and executing digital illustrations. The course emphasizes problem solving methods while building experience in preparation and production with a variety of input and output devices. Discusses image resources and development, printing, papers, inks, and presentation. Alternative color systems and pre-press file formats will also be covered. Prerequisites: ARTST 218 and ARTST 210 or ARTST 211. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTST-320 Painting II: Oil/Acrylic
This class is a continuation of ARTST 220, incorporating further study of the processes involved in painting using oil and acrylic colors and mediums. Emphasis is on the creation of original, advanced works. Prerequisite: ARTST 220. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTST-325 Sculpture II
In this class, advanced concepts and techniques of sculpting are explored, including the expressive and structural elements of human-made form. Emphasis is on the expressive potential to be found in sculpting. Prerequisite: ARTST 110, ARTST 210, or ARTST 225. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTST-326 Photography II
This course is intended for those students who have completed Photography I. The major emphasis is to give students a solid foundation for seeing, processing and printing black and white images. The course takes a fine-art approach to photography. Historical aspects of American photographers are introduced. Prerequisite: ARTST 226. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTST-327 Photography Field Class II
This course covers practical applications of photography in various locations. Students must have a 35mm SLR camera and produce a print portfolio in advance of the field trip. Additional course costs include some meals and lodging, admission fees, and film and processing. Limited to 15 students. Prerequisite: ARTST 226 or ARTST 326. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTST-330 Printmaking II:Adv Relief & Silk-Screen
This class involves the more advanced printmaking student in further exploring the processes taught in ARTST 230. It also challenges the student to explore their own artistic voice through the relief and silk-screen processes. Prerequisite: ARTST 230. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTST-333 PrintmakingII:Adv Colla/Non-Toxic Prntm
This class challenges advanced printmaking students to develop their own personal artistic voice in the mediums taught in ARTST 233. Prerequisite: ARTST 233. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTST-335 Illustration II
This course is a continuation of ARTST 235. This class includes further development of illustration skills and advanced techniques related to professional illustration. Students prepare a portfolio of illustrations related to their discipline. Prerequisite: ARTST 235. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTST-338 Advanced Papermaking
This course is designed to further explore the creation of handmade paper as an art form. Taking the basic skills learned in ARTST 238, students will use the media of papermaking to express their own personal artistic voice. The goal in offering this course is to have students become more sophisticated in their understanding of papermaking. Prerequisite: ARTST 238. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTST-339 The Artist Book
This course is designed to explore the artist book as an art form. Different book structures will be taught to help each student find their own personal artistic voice. An extensive investigation of the importance of the structure of the book (exterior, use of letter forms, and illustrations), as well as aesthetically matching the interior content of the book to its structure, will be an important part of the class. This class will be about both the creation and theory of bookmaking. Prerequisite: ARTST 110. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTST-340 Ceramics: Handbuilding II
This course is a continuation of the exploration of the ceramic media with an emphasis on handbuilding techniques. Additional study of firing techniques, glaze and slip application and their formulation will further an understanding of how surface treatment can enhance the three dimensional form. Students will be challenged to use this information to express their own creativity. Students are expected to assist in the bisque and glaze firing of their own work. Prerequisite: ARTST 240. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTST-345 Ceramics: Throwing II
This course includes continued study of ceramic media with an emphasis on wheelworking techniques. Additional study of firing techniques, as well as glaze application and formulation will further an understanding of how surface decoration can enhance form. Students are challenged to use this information to express their creativity. Prerequisite: ARTST 245. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTST-346 Eco-art II
Through readings, discussion, and studio practice, students will explore a conceptual approach to artmaking, the role of the artist in society, and the idea of the artist as activist who produces work that seeks to remediate and restore damaged social and ecological systems. Prerequisite: ARTST 246 or ENV 246; ARTHI 271 or ARTHI 372; and ENV 141 ENV 160 or ENV 200. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTST-350 Stained Glass II
This course is designed to encourage experimentation with glass through slump molds, fusion and three-dimensional construction application. Prerequisite: ARTST 250. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTST-354 Elliott Visiting Artist
This course is taught by a visiting artist and is designed to challenge the advanced art student in a variety of ways. Course will include intensive engagement in critique, discussion of current art topics, and studio production. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: one 300-level ARTST course; ARTST 110; and ARTST 210 or ARTST 211. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTST-355 Special Topics
See department for course description. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or above.
Credits: 1.00
ARTST-356 Color Photography
This is a comprehensive advanced course covering scanning and printing traditional and digital images with inkjet technology. Students will also use studio lighting to create still-life and portrait images using film and digital cameras. Comparisons and perspective of film and pixel will be explored. Students will be encouraged to investigate their own emotional response to color. Prerequisite: ARTST 226 and ARTST 326. Requires instructor consent. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTST-360 Jewelry/Metals Fabrication II
This course involves continued study of the techniques learned in Fabrication I with a more complex application of skills. The emphasis is on the use of acquired skills to produce objects that become a personal expression. Prerequisite: ARTST 260. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTST-365 Jewelry/Casting II
This class includes a continuation of the study of the techniques learned in Casting I with a more complex application of skills. Emphasis will be on the use of learned techniques to produce objects that communicate a personal interpretation of the ideas and theory presented in class. Prerequisite: ARTST 265. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTST-395 Independent Study
See department for details. Independent Study contract required.
Credits: 1.00
ARTST-426 Photography III
This course deals with the traditional approach to achieving a "fine print." Shooting techniques, print size and shape, and archival processes in darkroom procedures, including toning with a variety of paper toners, will be covered. Students will use 35mm and medium-format cameras for their field photography. The work of Adams, Weston, Strand, and others will be used as a historical perspective to understand various approaches to the "fine print." Prerequisite: ARTST 226 and ARTST 326. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTST-475 Career Internship in Art
See department for details. Internship contract required.
Credits: 1.00
ARTST-497 Studio Production and Seminar
This course is designed for the advanced art student who is developing a body of work for senior exhibition, portfolio and presentations. Students choose to work with a faculty mentor according to their area of study. Students will also meet together in a seminar to create an artistic community for the advanced art student as well as provide support for the studio production experience through discussion, critique, workshop experiences, and guest speaker presentations. Intended to be taken in the fall of the senior year. Prerequisite: Instructor consent required. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00
ARTST-498 Senior Show/Seminar
This class is the capstone experience for art majors. It gives the senior art major an opportunity for concentrated study to prepare a body of art work to be displayed in a senior show. A portfolio will be required. Each student will also give a thesis presentation on Senior Project Day. In addition, students will be required to participate in Seminar, designed to create an artistic community for the advanced art student. Prerequisite: ARTST 110 and instructor's consent. 4 credits.
Credits: 4.00