Course Listings

Art and Art History: Art

ARTS 112 (CA) Color and Composition (1)

Studio demonstrations are given concerning the processes used to produce two-dimensional images which utilize color as the primary visual medium. A series of studio problems is used to provide direct experience with the instruments and materials employed to produce color surfaces.

Mode of Inquiry: Creating in the Arts

• Offering: Spring
• Instructor: Thompson

ARTS 113 (CA) Fundamentals of Design (1)

Lectures and creative work in the theoretical and practical use of basic principles underlying the structure of the visual arts through studio practice in handling the elements of color, volume, space, line and texture in various media.

Mode of Inquiry: Creating in the Arts

• Offering: Every semester
• Instructor: Staff

ARTS 114 (CA) Three-Dimensional Design (1)

This course introduces the fundamental sculptural principles of space, line, shape, mass, texture, unity, balance, emphasis and scale. The processes of linear, planar, modular and plastic construction will be undertaken. Emphasis will be on students discussing and understanding the principles of three-dimensional design as well as executing studio projects characterized by quality craft and successful composition.

Mode of Inquiry: Creating in the Arts

• Offering: Spring
• Instructor: Fourie

ARTS 116 (CA) Ways of Drawing (1)

Studio demonstrations are given concerning the processes used to produce drawings on two-dimensional surfaces. A series of studio problems is used to provide direct experience with the instruments and materials employed to produce drawing surfaces. Demonstrations and lectures.

Mode of Inquiry: Creating in the Arts

• Offering: Triennially in fall
• Instructor: Thompson

ARTS 117 (CA) Exploring Visual Art (1)

Students will create works of art utilizing a variety of techniques. They will begin with two-dimensional media such as drawing, painting, and/or collage, and progress to three-dimensional media including clay and other materials. Independent research, visits to the Hallie Ford Museum of Art, and occasional lectures by guest artists or art historians outside of class required.

Mode of Inquiry: Creating in the Arts

• Offering: Spring
• Instructor: Grew

ARTS 131 Etching I (1)

Studio demonstrations are given in the use of tools and materials that are required to produce etchings. Black and white printing techniques are introduced with an emphasis on drawing systems and design. Open to beginning printmakers.

• Offering: Alternate falls
• Instructor: Thompson

ARTS 210 (CA) Introduction to Sculpture (1)

This course will introduce students to the fundamental sculptural processes of addition, subtraction and substitution. Emphasis will be on students executing, understanding and discussing quality craft, successful composition, productive conceptualization and creative problem solving. Students will explore various sculptural methods including steel fabrication, wood construction, plaster construction, assemblage and mold-making.

Mode of Inquiry: Creating in the Arts

• Offering: Fall
• Instructor: Fourie

ARTS 211 Digital Media (1)

This class surveys and exposes the basic concepts of two dimensional image making in the electronic realm. A central theme of the course is the use of computer technology to generate visual points of view and to express precise thoughts through image and text. Students will be instructed in the basic operation of software programs and encouraged to go beyond the traditional applications of each software package.

Prerequisites: ARTS 112, 113, 116, 117, or consent of instructor

• Offering: Spring
• Instructor: Opie

ARTS 216 Video Art I (1)

This class explores the communicative and expressive potentials of single camera digital video production and editing. Students will gain a basic theoretical understanding of video as an art form and its relationship to film as an image making apparatus. Technical aspects of the course include lighting, sound, digital editing and the organization and planning involved in a video project.

Prerequisite: ARTS 112, 113, 114, 116, 117, or consent of instructor.

• Offering: Spring
• Instructor: Opie

ARTS 231 Etching II (1)

Studio demonstrations are given in the use of tools and materials needed to produce etchings. Color printing techniques are introduced with an emphasis on modern and contemporary techniques.

Prerequisite: ARTS 131 or consent of instructor

• Offering: Alternate springs
• Instructor: Thompson

ARTS 232 Black and White Photography I (1)

Technical and visual aspects of shooting and developing black and white film will be pursued. Darkroom printing will address technique and composition. Periodic student presentations and critiques of work will occur.

Prerequisite: ARTS 112, 113, 114, 116,  117 or consent of instructor. A 35mm SLR camera with a 50mm lens is required.

• Offering: Every Semester
• Instructor: Staff

ARTS 233 Black and White Photography II (1)

Technical and visual aspects of shooting, developing and printing black and white film will continue to be pursued. Emphasis will be on experimentation with altered images that may occur in both shooting and printing. Infrared and Technical Pan films will be explored. Experimentation with printing techniques will be with contact, photograms, altered images by collage, drawing on negatives, sandwiching negatives and toning.

Prerequisite: ARTS 232 and/or consent of instructor

• Offering: Spring
• Instructor: Opie

ARTS 235 Painting (1)

A series of studio problems using systems of design, composition and techniques that study past and modern problems in painting. Demonstrations are presented to show the integration of past drawing systems in the making of paintings. Open to beginning students.

• Offering: Fall
• Instructor: Thompson

ARTS 236 Contemporary Painting Techniques and Concepts (1)

A series of studio problems using systems of design, composition and techniques that study current problems in contemporary painting. Open to beginning students.

• Offering: Spring
• Instructor: Thompson

ARTS 241 Figure Drawing (1)

Lectures and creative work in drawing from the human figure for beginning students. Various media: charcoal, ink, pastel, oil.

Prerequisite: ARTS 100 level course or ARTS 240 recommended

• Offering: Annually
• Instructor: Grew

ARTS 242 Woodcuts and Collagraphs (1)

A series of studio problems introducing students to the materials and tools needed to produce woodcuts and collagraphs printed in both black and white and color. Demonstrations, assignments and lectures stress the relief nature of the printing surfaces. Offered to beginning and advanced-level printmakers.

• Offering: Alternate falls
• Instructor: Thompson

ARTS 243 Monoprinting (1)

A series of studio problems introducing students to the materials and tools needed to produce monoprints. Monoprints are images that are not reproduced in an edition and thus are unique prints. Demonstrations are given in black and white and color printing. Stress is placed on integrating drawing and painting ideas in the prints. Offered to beginning and advanced-level printmakers.

• Offering: Alternate springs
• Instructor: Thompson

ARTS 244 (CA) Topics in Sculpture (1)

This course allows students to conduct an in depth, focused exploration of topics, genres and modes of expression not covered by the regular sculpture curriculum, and could address such areas as: sculptural installation, site specific sculpture, the sculpture of the body/figure, multi-media sculpture, environmental sculpture, sculpture and the preformative aspect, and the found object in sculpture. The class will focus on one assigned topic, and the topic will vary from semester to semester. An experimental, innovative approach to the topic will be encouraged. May be repeated for credit if the topics varies.

Mode of Inquiry: Creating in the Arts

• Offering: Spring
• Instructor: Fourie

ARTS 245 Introduction to Ceramics (1)

The use of various clays will be explored in two-dimensional and three-dimensional design. Handbuilding, wheel work, glaze application and firing techniques will be pursued.

• Offering: Every semester
• Instructor: Grew

ARTS 311 Web Art and New Media (1)

This course investigates the conceptual and technical potential of electronic media and how it might extend other areas of art making. Topics covered include how the machine might extend what the artist and historian already know and do, the strengths of the machine and how they may be applied to enhance the individual's approaches, and how an idea transcends technique. Projects/exercises are designed to aid in answering such questions by exploring various techniques and concepts pertinent to new technologies and the computer as an image driving tool. Image manipulation, the computer and time based issues, internet art and web publishing, as well as the necessary software needed for these investigations, will be presented.

Prerequisite: ARTS 211

• Offering: Fall
• Instructor: Opie

ARTS 316 (CA) Video Art II (1)

Video Art II focuses on the use of video as an artistic medium. Students are encouraged to work experimentally and are expected to achieve a level of technical competence and confidence necessary to undertake ambitious creative work. Technical demonstrations expand students' knowledge of image/sound manipulations, capture, and editing techniques. The class views and discusses key contemporary works and related critical writings.

Mode of Inquiry: Creating in the Arts

Prerequisite: ARTS 216

• Offering: Alternate years
• Instructor: Opie

ARTS 340 Concepts of Sculpture (1)

This course focuses on the relationship between idea, form and material. Students will be required to produce a series of sculptures that explore one specific idea, concept, personal or social issue of their choice. Metaphor and symbolism will be examined and used as a vehicle for communicating meaning. Emphasis will be placed on the unity of the body of work being produced as well as on clarity, craftsmanship and presentation. Students will also be expected to analyze critically the use of conceptual content in contemporary sculpture.

Prerequisite: ARTS 114 or ARTS 210

• Offering: Alternate springs
• Professor: Fourie

ARTS 341 Material Exploration in Sculpture (1)

This course requires students to pick a specific sculptural material and to examine thoroughly its inherent meaning, physical properties, qualities and characteristics for three-dimensional expression. The structure of the course will allow the student to produce a unified body of work that reflects his/her specific interest. Emphasis will be on experimentation, the development of technical skill, and creative problem solving. The course will also involve a critical analysis on the use of materials by prominent contemporary sculptors.

Prerequisite: ARTS 114 or ARTS 210

• Offering: Alternate springs
• Professor: Fourie

ARTS 346 (CA) Ceramic Vessel Construction (1)

This studio course will devote equal time to handbuilding and wheel throwing as methods of vessel construction. The course will focus on form, design, function, and craftsmanship.

Mode of Inquiry: Creating in the Arts

Prerequisite: ARTS 245

• Offering: Alternate springs
• Instructor: Grew

ARTS 347 (CA) Ceramic Sculpture (1)

This course introduces students to sculptural ideas executed in various hand construction techniques including slab, coil, press mold, etc. Students will explore how the unique physical characteristics of clay can contribute to the content of the work. Emphasis will be on process, exploration, and discussion.

Mode of Inquiry: Creating in the Arts

Prerequisite: ARTS 245

• Offering: Alternate falls
• Instructor: Grew

ARTS 349 (CA) Ceramic Surface Techniques (1)

This course provides a variety of approaches to surface techniques including relief, drawing, printing, slip painting, texturing, and advanced glaze application. The course is open to students interested in vessels or sculpture.

Mode of Inquiry: Creating in the Arts

Prerequisite: ARTS 245

• Offering: Alternate springs
• Instructor: Grew

ARTS 360-377 Independent Projects (1)

For advanced art students. Individual study and work in areas of the Art major's special interest. Printmaking (360 and 361), Painting (362 and 363), Drawing (364 and 365), Ceramics (366 and 367), Sculpture (368 and 369), Design (370 and 371), Jewelry (372 and 373), Photography (374 and 375), and Electronic Media (376 and 377).

• Offering: On demand
• Instructor: Staff

ARTS 381 Advanced Media and Design (1)

Advanced studio work to permit the student to achieve a high level of competence in a selected area of interest. The student is expected, in consultation with the instructor, to identify and solve specific problems which will develop in depth an understanding and appreciation of the tools, materials and ideas used.

Prerequisite: Art Studio majors with junior standing, or consent of instructor

• Offering: Spring
• Instructor: Thompson

ARTS 440 (W) Writing for Artists (1)

This writing-centered course explores the variety of ways that artists need to communicate verbally for success as a developing professional. Topics will include writing an artist statement, reviews of work, grant and project proposals, research and discussion of issues directly relating to artists, and personal reflection upon the creative process. Emphasis will be placed on contemporary issues in the arts. Special topics will develop from guest artists and professionals in art administration, museums, galleries, and non-profit organizations.

General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Writing centered

Prerequisite: Senior Art Studio Majors only.

• Offering: Fall
• Instructor: Grew, Fourie, Opie

ARTS 496 (CA) Senior Seminar (0.5 Fall; 0.5 Spring)

The Senior Seminar is the culminating experience in the Studio Art major program. The seminar is devoted to all aspects of conceptualizing and preparing a major work or series of work for final exhibition in the Hallie Ford Museum of Art. Students work on their senior projects independently throughout fall and spring semesters with supervision of one or more studio faculty advisor. Special guest lecturers and topics also presented. This is offered as a single, year-long course. The credit is divided 0.5 in the Fall and 0.5 in the Spring. You must register for it each semester.

General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Creating in the Arts

Prerequisite: Senior Art Majors only

• Offering: Fall/Spring
• Instructor: Grew, Fourie, Thompson, Opie