Course Listings

Studio 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: Annually
• 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 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 230 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 132 Fundamentals of Experimental Photography (1)

This course introduces experimental photographic practices. Pinhole photography will feature prominently as the technology of choice in the class. In any given semester one or more of the following photographic practices may also be explored: cyanotype, Van Dyke Brown, Photogram and digital scanner-bed. Assignments will focus on the fundamentals of photography: use of light, composition and the development of necessary technical skills. Additionally, students will earn to develop content-driven photographic series focusing on the relationship between form and content, subject matter and meaning. To inform students studio practice, this course will introduce historical and contemporary photographic practices through readings and slide lectures.

Mode of Inquiry: Creating in the Arts

• Offering: Alternate years
• Instructor: Opie

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 216 Video Art I (1)

This course introduces video as a medium for artistic expression, personal and social inquiry. Students gain an understanding of the video art-making process and develop proficiency with video equipment, using single-camera shooting and non-linear editing. Assigned work will guide students in exploration of video as an art-making tool. Theoretical texts and work by video artists will be viewed and discussed.

Prerequisite: ARTS 100 level course

Instructor: Opie

ARTS 230 Etching (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 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 Introduction to Black and White Photography (1)

This course introduces technical and conceptual uses of black and white photography. Students explore technique through shooting, developing and darkroom printing of 35mm film. Periodic student presentations and critiques of artwork address uses of photography as an art form to communicate ideas. A 35mm SLR camera with fully manual settings and a 50mm lens is required.

Prerequisite: Any ARTS course

• Offering: Annually
• Instructor: Opie

ARTS 235 Introduction to 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 241 Figure Drawing (1)

Lectures and creative work in drawing from the human figure. Various media: charcoal, graphite, ink, and conte.  Previous drawing experience strongly recommended.

Prerequisite: ARTS 100 level course

• 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 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: Annually
• Instructor: Grew

ARTS 252 Introduction to Printmaking (1)

A series of studio problems using systems of design, composition and techniques that study the diverse ways of producing prints. Demonstrations will be presented on the techniques necessary to produce intaglio etching, woodcuts, monoprints, collagraphs and digital prints. 

• Offering: Alternate years
• Instructor: Thompson

ARTS 315 Installation Art (1)

This course introduces students to installation art studio practices. This course explores installation art in all media. Students will incorporate a variety of media including video, performance art, photography, painting, projected light, sound, and sculptural materials in works that expand the physical boundaries of art beyond the discrete object. The class views and discusses key contemporary works and related critical writings.

Prerequisite: ARTS 216, 232, 236 or 244

• Offering: Alternate years
• 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 336 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 340 (CA) 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.

Mode of Inquiry: Creating in the Arts

• Offering: Alternate springs
• Professor: Fourie

ARTS 341 (CA) 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.

Mode of Inquiry: Creating in the Arts

• Offering: Alternate springs
• Professor: Fourie

ARTS 343 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 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: Staff

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: Staff

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: Staff

ARTS 355 (CA) Topics in Photography & Video (1)

This interdisciplinary studio course will allow students of photography and of video to focus on in-depth work on a topic, genre, or mode of expression in fine arts practice. Topics offered will include experimental documentary, installation and performance, influence and response, and contemporary approaches to traditional forms (landscape, still life, portrait). The topic will vary from semester to semester. Students will choose to work in either photography or video for the semester. The course can be repeated for credit as the topic varies.

Prerequisites: ARTS 232 or ARTS 216

Mode of Inquiry:  Creating in the Arts

• Offering: Annually
• Instructor: Opie

ARTS 357 Photography II (1)

This course extends and elaborates on the skills developed in ARTS 232. Through a series of individual projects of increasing complexity, the student will be introduced to alternative and experimental techniques in black and white photography. Use of color digital photography will also be explored. Emphasis on the photographic process as a creative medium will be stressed throughout the course as students are encouraged to develop personal imagery.

Prerequisites: ARTS 232

• Offering: Alternate years
• Instructor: Opie

ARTS 360-377 Independent Projects (.5 or 1)

For advanced art students. Individual study and work in areas of the Art major's special interest. Printmaking (360 & 361), Painting (362 & 363), Drawing (364 & 365), Ceramics (366 & 367), Sculpture (368 & 369), Photography (374 & 375), and Video (376 & 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: Studio Art 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, Thompson

ARTS 441 (W) Contemporary Art Theory and Practice (1)

Through essential readings, critique sessions, writing, discussion, peer review, and the making of original artwork, this writing-centered course provides a forum for the exploration of contemporary art theories and practice. Oral and written assignments will be required of the students in response to selected reading from texts, periodicals, books, journals, artist interviews in a variety of media, and videos dealing specifically with critical art theory and practice as well as current and recent discourse in the field of contemporary art. Students will also be asked to examine and contextualize their own artistic production, and compare it to the theories they are introduced to through readings and other media. The course also examines the role of artists and artmaking in contemporary culture so students must respond critically to the subject matter at hand, analyze the texts and art products and understand the methods, practices and materials utilized in the creation of contemporary art. The course also aims to integrate theory and practice by requiring that students conceive, design, and execute original works of art that embody their understanding of the theories and concepts they are introduced to during the course of the semester.

General Education Requirement Fulfillment: Writing centered

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

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 Studio Art Majors only

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