Art

Degrees and Certificates

Classes

AR 100 : Drawing I

Basic principles of drawing using various media. Students may request to test out of this class by showing a recent portfolio to the art faculty.

Hours

3

AR 115 : Design Fundamentals

This entry-level studio course explores two- and three-dimensional principles of design. The emphasis is on creative thinking, visual communication and problem solving. The course is split into two, eight-week sections. The first eight weeks involve design philosophy and theory focusing on traditional fine art mediums. The second eight weeks transition to implementing the newly learned design theories and concepts in digital technologies, introducing the Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Course format consists of lectures, open class discussions, demonstrations, studio time and assignments completed outside of class. Both analog and digital methods of creation will be used.

Hours

3

AR 125 : Digital Photography

An introduction to the digital camera and its controls, new approaches and techniques of digital imaging with specific emphasis on the use of Adobe Photoshop. The course explores the technical and aesthetic potential of digital photography in both graphic design and fine art. Students must have a digital camera that shoots in RAW format, and has manual controls (see instructor for specific cameras or questions).

Hours

3

AR 201 : Art Appreciation

Develops understanding and appreciation of the nature of art and its historical development. Illustrated lectures.

Hours

3

AR 212 : Drawing II

This course builds upon the basic perceptual skills learned in Drawing I. Further development of skills in depicting space and light, and compositional principles. Pencil, charcoal, watercolor, and possibly digital media will be used.

Hours

3

Prerequisites

Or permission of instructor

AR 224 : Ceramics I

A beginning course in clay as a creative medium and attention to the techniques and principles involved in creating functional and sculptural work. Hand-building will be emphasized.

Hours

3

AR 232 : Sculpture I

A problem-solving course in sculpture design for beginning students, exploring the relationship between form, volume, and space. Simple tools and media will be used. Some lecture periods.

Hours

3

AR 235 : Graphic Design I

This course offers fundamental skills necessary in the discipline of graphic design. Through studio projects, students learn the vocabulary of visual communication design and become familiar with graphic design digital and analog production processes. Students will use the Adobe Creative Suite.

Hours

3

Prerequisites

AR 100 or AR 212 

AR 242 : Fibers

Traditional paper-making techniques, weaving, sewing, macramé, and fiber sculpture. Required for all art education majors.

Hours

3

Prerequisites

or AR 115

AR 250 : Art on Location

Art on location explores the diverse arts in a major city. Students attend exhibits and see performances of the current cultural season. Students tackle questions such as: What does the art genre offer? How does each speak to us? How does art create, serve, and represent the people of the city and its diverse communities? Aesthetic appreciation is supported by social and historical investigations so that students are provided with opportunities for different kinds of engagement with art forms, including the interpretation, analysis, and creative endeavors.

Hours

3

AR 301 : Art History I

Prehistoric to Medieval art. Illustrated lectures on the history of Western and Mediterranean art, including sculpture, architecture, minor arts, and painting.

Hours

3

AR 305 : Web Design for Graphic Design, Marketing & Mass Communications

An introduction to building a website using Adobe Dreamweaver and the relevant programs in the Adobe Creative Suite. The design process, client expectations, and user experience will guide the development of the website.

Hours

3

Prerequisites

Junior or Senior standing, AR 115 and declared major in Art, Marketing or Mass Communication.

AR 310 : Art History II

Art History of Western Art from Medieval to Baroque, with emphasis on major movements and personalilties in Western Europe and the United States.

Hours

3

AR 312 : Drawing III

Further development of expanded drawing techniques to include watercolor and printmaking. Taught in the same time block as Drawing II.

Hours

3

AR 325 : Analog Photography

Use and history of analog photography; the art of taking quality film photographs; the development of film; and the printing of technically sound photographs in the darkroom. Students will be provided with a 35mm camera for the semester.

Hours

3

Prerequisites

AR125 or permission of instructor.

AR 330 : Figure Drawing

Continued experience in drawing, emphasizing work from the model.

Hours

3

Prerequisites

AR 100 or 212.

AR 331 : Painting I

Introduction to oil and watercolor painting emphasizing studio practices, fundamental principles and techniques.

Hours

3

Prerequisites

AR 100 or AR 212 or permission.

AR 332 : Sculpture II

A problem-solving studio course in sculpture design focusing on self portraiture, the figure and abstraction. Some lecture periods.

Hours

3

Prerequisites

AR 232.

AR 334 : Ceramics II

Continuation of AR 224, stressing design concepts and experimentation. Focuses on wheel throwing techniques and basic firing methods. Some handbuilding included.

Hours

3

Prerequisites

AR 224.

AR 335 : Graphic Design II - Typography

This course focuses on the fundamentals of typography as a core element in visual communication. Students will be introduced to historical and contemporary typographic practices as well as digital methods of designing with type. Students will refine their software proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite, particularly in Adobe InDesign.

Hours

3

Prerequisites

Declared Art major and AR 235 with a grade of a “C” or better.

AR 337 : Motion Graphics

An introductory studio course in two-dimensional motion graphics fundamentals including visual rhythm, kinetic typography, branding, imagery for social media marketing, and other industry techniques. Students will refine their skills with the Adobe Creative Suite, primarily in After Effects.

Hours

3

Prerequisites

Art major and passing grade of “C” or better in AR1115.

AR 340 : Graphic Design III: Type and Image

This course allows students to implement the fundamental knowledge and skills gained in previous design courses to explore the interaction of typography and visual image. Both analog and digital methods of production will be implemented. Students will refine their software proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite.

Hours

3

Prerequisites

Declared Art major and AR 335 with a grade of a “C” or better.

AR 345 : Painting II

Further problems in painting techniques including color theory using oil and watercolor paints.

Hours

3

Prerequisites

AR 331.

AR 350 : Intermediate Studio Elective

Independent study in Ceramics 3, Photography 3, or Sculpture 3. May be repeated in different media areas.

Hours

3

Prerequisites

Permission of the instructor.

AR 355 : Painting III

Further development of painting techniques and concepts. Oil and watercolor techniques will be explored, as will more advanced compositional methods. 

Hours

3

Prerequisites

AR 376 : Independent Study

Reading or research at a greater depth than is permitted in a normal class.

Hours

1 - 3

Prerequisites

Permission of the instructor, division dean, and Vice President of Academic Affairs.

AR 401 : Graphic Design Internship

Professional graphic design experience in a company setting. Internship work is to be completed at an approved enterprise. May be repeated for credit for a maximum of 6 credit hours.

Hours

1 - 3

Prerequisites

Permission of department.

AR 405 : Art History III

A history of art from Rococo to the present with an emphasis on major international movements in painting, sculpture, architecture and new media.

Hours

3

AR 410 : The Business of Art

A course focusing on completion of a competitive professional package to submit for art and design jobs, grants, residencies, and galleries. Mock interviews, submission to a juried show during the semester, and examination of current industry standards for a resume, online presence and sales of work will further prepare the student to thrive in the art job market.

Hours

3

Prerequisites

Junior or Senior, Declared Art major. 

AR 435 : Graphic Design IV: Branding Systems

This course provides students the opportunity to explore the critical theory and professional practice of branding and identity design systems. Topics included range from app development to packaging design and prototyping. This course is for advanced design students. Both analog and digital methods of production will be implemented. Students will refine their software proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite.

Hours

3

Prerequisites

Declared Art major and AR 3XX with a grade of a “C” or better.

AR 450 : Advanced Studio Elective

Independent study in Ceramics 4, Photography 4, Drawing 4, or Sculpture 4. May be repeated in different media areas.

Hours

3

Prerequisites

Permission of the instructor. AR 350.

AR 455 : Painting IV

Further development of painting techniques and concepts to develop an individual project. Oil and watercolor techniques will be explored.

Hours

3

AR 476 : Independent Study

Reading or research at a greater depth than is permitted in a normal class.

Hours

1 - 3

Prerequisites

Permission of the instructor, division dean, and Vice President of Academic Affairs.

AR 490 : Senior Project

Required of all art majors during their first (fall) semester of their senior year. Allows art majors to assemble and present representative work in their major field.

Hours

2

Prerequisites

Art major, senior standing, permission of instructor.

AR 495 : Senior Show

Mounting of a coherent gallery exhibit of the work developed in Senior Project. This course explores gallery practices including hanging, lighting, and publicity of the exhibit, and artist gallery talks. The course culminates in a solo or group senior show that is open to the public, mounted in the Morris Gallery or Vernon Nester Gallery.

Hours

2

Prerequisites

AR 490.