Art and Art History (ART)Academic Catalog: 2020–2021

  • Betsy Byers, Chairperson
  • Priscilla Briggs
  • Nicolas Darcourt
  • Kristen Lowe, (On leave, Fall 2020 and January 2021)
  • Donald Myers
  • Mary Rohl
  • Stan Shetka
  • Colleen Stockmann

The Department of Art and Art History values the universal human need for artistic expression and celebrates the contributions of artists in all cultures throughout history. We are committed to high quality teaching that develops the creative spirit, intellectual potential, and aesthetic sensibilities of every student. Through our teaching and advising, we also prepare majors for professions in the visual arts.

Our faculty, staff, and students collaborate to offer programs, activities, and service projects that enrich the College campus and community at large. It is our belief that every person can contribute to the vitality of the arts in contemporary society and to the betterment of our shared communities.

ART-101 and ART-102 are considered introductory to other art history experiences. ART-110 and ART-115 studio courses are considered introductory to other studio experiences.

Majors in Art and Art History are encouraged to study abroad to gain an international perspective on their discipline. Students should talk to their advisors early in their studies about international programs and internships that will be best for them.

Art Studio Major:

Eleven required courses, graded C (2.0) or better:

  1. ART-101 or ART-102, ART-110, ART-115, ART-299, ART-362 and ART-399;
  2. Three courses from ART-220, ART-234, ART-235, ART-238, ART-240, ART-242, ART-243, ART-244, ART-256, ART-258, ART-270, ART-272, or ART-291;
  3. Two Advanced Studio Art courses from ART-344, ART-370, ART-372, ART- 374, ART-378, ART-380, ART-382, ART-383, ART-386, ART-388 or ART-391;

Art Education Major:

Admission to the major is by application and interview in the Department of Education. Applicants present a portfolio of their work in their sophomore and junior years. Completion of a major in Art Education includes a written statement of artistic development and participation in a senior Art major group exhibition, normally held in the spring of the senior year. Majors also must complete EDU-354 and all other requirements for licensure (see Department of Education).

Eleven courses, graded C (2.0) or better:

  1. ART-101, ART-102, ART-110, ART-248, and ART-362;
  2. ART-115 or ART-258
  3. One course from ART-234, ART-235, ART-242 AND ART-243;
  4. Two courses from ART-238, ART-240 AND ART-256;
  5. Two courses selected from any advanced level studio courses or two courses focused on different methods of working in one studio area (for example: ART-234 and Art-235)

Art History Major:

Twelve courses, including:

  1. ART-101, ART-102, ART-362, and ART-392;
  2. Four of the following: ART-239, ART-245, ART-250, CLA-211, CLA-212;
  3. One of the following: ART-265, ART-267;
  4. One of the following: ART-255, T/D-260;
  5. One elective to be chosen from the Arts Studio courses;
  6. One elective to be chosen, with the approval of the advisor, from the Art/Art History Department or from related disciplines such as aesthetics, film studies, and communication studies

Note: Art History majors are strongly encouraged to work with their advisors in arranging internships, and arts-oriented study programs abroad and in urban set- tings in the United States.

Art Studio Minor: Five required courses: four Art Studio courses and one additional course in either Art Studio or Art History.

Art History Minor: ART-101, ART-102, ART-392, and two Art History electives chosen with the consent of the advisor.

Art Studio Courses

110 Drawing—Techniques and Theories (1 course) An introductory studio arts course. The goal is to develop the ability to use the techniques, processes, and tools of drawing as investigation into meaning, intention, audience, craft, execution, and presentation. The framework of this course is designed to demonstrate how the art of drawing is the mind’s connective link to endless analytical and poetic processes. ARTSC, Fall and Spring semesters

115 The Day Course—Idea Development (1 course) This course is an introduction to the working methods of contemporary artists. Developing ideas using non-traditional art materials and methods, discussion, and writing, students learn techniques and questioning strategies that lead to better understanding of the relationship and value of art in our society. ARTSC, Fall and Spring semesters.

220 Introduction to Graphic Design (1 course) This course will introduce students to the fundamentals of visual communication problem-solving through digital applications and Adobe creative software. Students will engage in critical thinking about digital aesthetics through research, conceptual development, and other processes specific to design and typography. Together, these course elements will expose students to the foundational concepts of graphic design for practical and professional utilization. Additional studio course fee for supplies $60.00. Offered occasionally.

222 Experiments in Arts Technology

234 Sculpture—Clay Modeling/Bronze Casting (1 course) An intense exploration into three- dimensional form using wet clay on Projects include a series of object, portrait, and/ or figure studies. All aspects of plaster mold making to different casting techniques will be addressed. Finished works will be cast in bronze. Lectures and critiques will address formal and contemporary issues related to sculpture. In terms of out-of-class work, emphasis will be placed on the creative process as it relates to personal growth and interest. Additional studio course fee for supplies $160.00. Fall and/or Spring semesters.

235 Sculpture—Metal (1 course) An exploration into three-dimensional form using metal as the medium. Students will learn how to fabricate sculpture using metal. Lectures and critiques will address formal and contemporary issues related to In terms of out-of-class work, emphasis will be placed on the creative process as it relates to personal growth and interest. Additional studio course fee for supplies $160.00. Fall and Spring semesters.

238 Introduction to Printmaking (1 course) An introduction to the craft and expressive potentialities of relief and screen printing through demonstrations, lectures, and studio work. Group discussions and individual critiques will be used to discern how technical skills can become a means to achieving a creative and meaningful art form. Additional studio course fee for supplies $40.00. ARTSC, Fall or spring semesters.

240 Darkroom Photography (1 course) This course is an introduction to the basic concepts of camera vision within a contemporary art context using black and white photographic materials. Students will learn to operate all the major controls of the camera, expose negatives accurately, and produce prints with good tonality. Through lectures, demonstrations, group critique, and individual discussion, students will be encouraged to pursue their own ideas in response to the assignments. Additional studio course fee for supplies $60.00. ARTSC, Fall semester.

242 Wheel-Thrown Ceramics I (1 course) This course is an introduction to the use of the potter’s wheel as a means of personal study of the creative art making A wide range of pottery forms and surface treatments will be studied and applied to the work made. Students will be given a strong foundation in the history, aesthetic, and technical aspects of working with clay on the potter’s wheel. Additional studio course fee for supplies $45.00. Spring semester.

243 Hand built Ceramic Sculpture I (1 course) An introduction to ceramics through hand building, glazing, and firing to make containers and sculptures. Development of capacities for positive critical analysis of volumetric function, sensitivity of three-dimensional form, and surface enrichment. Emphasis will be on the creation of work that is well crafted and reflects the student’s ability to develop ideas surrounding personal images and creative problem solving The hand-building techniques of slab, coil, pinch, and mold-making will be taught. Assignments will be structured to build both technical skill and problem-solving aptitude. Experience will be gained in the use of glazes and the firing of kilns. Materials presented will involve historical, technical, and aesthetic concerns of sculptural hand-built clay forms. Additional studio course fee for supplies $45.00. ARTSC, Fall semester.

244, 344 Special Topics (1 course) Special topics in art history and studio art. Content will vary from semester to semester. Course will explore an area in the studio arts or in art history in depth, and students will pursue projects that develop advanced skills in their appropriate disciplines. More than one special topic may be taken. Additional studio course fee for supplies. Fall and/or Spring semester.

248 Elementary Art Education Content and Methods (1 course) This course focuses on the development of art classroom teaching skills as well as individual hands-on art experiences. Discussions of art, creativity, and general philosophy of education are combined with a survey of the developmental stages of children and their art. Course contains practical, developmental, and philosophical considerations for planning and teaching an art program in the elementary school. Fall and Spring semesters.

256 Digital Photography (1 course) This course explores the conceptual and practical principles of photography in the digital age, through lectures, demonstrations, readings, hands-on assignments, and critiques. Discussion topics will focus on the impact of digital technology on contemporary photographic practice, as well as the aesthetic and ethical issues surrounding it. Adobe Photoshop will be used to explore creative and experimental possibilities for manipulating photographs. Studio work will emphasize printed, still imagery but students will also be encouraged to devise new uses for their digital materials. Introduction to input/output peripherals will include digital cameras, scanners, and ink-jet printers. Digital camera with fully manual capability is required. Additional studio course fee for supplies $60.00. ARTSC, Fall and Spring semesters.

258 Video Art (1 course) This course introduces video as a medium for artistic expression and social inquiry. Students gain an understanding of the video image-making process through class projects that explore formal, conceptual, and narrative approaches. Through workshops, students develop proficiency with video, lighting and sound equipment, and digital editing soft- ware. The class develops strategies to use the medium as a means of critical and aesthetic investigation. Additional studio course fee for supplies $60.00. ARTSC, Fall and Spring semesters.

270 Open Drawing Studio 1 (1 course) This is a course in drawing for both intermediate and advanced students. The class will study some of the compelling questions being asked in con- temporary drawing, and how drawing functions as a conduit between other processes. Using a broad set of traditional and mixed medium materials, students will continue to develop and remain engaged in the study of how drawing provides the artist with a vehicle to move any idea from conception to physical, visual realization. Whether working out best practices in figure drawing, landscape, abstraction, etc., students will study the impact methods have on subject matter and content. Prerequisite: ART-110. Additional studio course fee for modeling, $50.00. Spring semester.

272 Painting I (1 course) This course is an introduction to the creative practice of painting. Students will learn the practical mechanics and techniques of making a painting, and explore the conceptual and thematic possibilities of painting as a medium. Subject matter will derive from both observation and invention, with an emphasis on expression of personal content, ideas and concerns. As a class, we will engage with the historical and contemporary discourse surrounding painting including perception, representation and value in our society. Demonstrations, lectures, sketchbook assignments, critiques and gallery/museum visits will supplement studio work. Additional studio course fee for supplies $40.00. ARTSC, Fall and Spring semesters.

299 Junior Seminar (1 course) This required seminar will prepare junior art majors in the professional practices essential to their discipline: writing artist statements, preparing a portfolio, mounting an exhibition, applying to graduate school, grant writing, and soliciting exhibitions/ gallery representation. Spring semester.

268, 368 Career Exploration, Internship (Course value to be determined) Off-campus employment experiences related to the student’s major. See description of Internship Program. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior status. Fall and Spring semesters and Summer.

370 Open Drawing Studio 2 (1 course) This is a course in drawing for both intermediate and advanced students. What are some of the compelling questions being asked in contemporary drawing? One of the primary goals in this course is to continue to develop and remain engaged in the study of how drawing provides the artist with a vehicle to move an idea from conception to physical, visual realization. One of the most notable characteristics in contemporary drawing is intentionality. Within this framework the class will use half of the studio time learning best practices in figure drawing. This is a continuation of work in ART-270 dealing with visual problems of increased complexity both in classroom and out-of-class work. Prerequisite: ART-270. Additional studio course fee for modeling, $50.00. Spring semester.

372 Advanced Painting (1 course) An advanced level painting class that will focus on exploration of the potential of painting as a medium and independent experimentation in visual problems of painting. Prerequisite: ART-272. Additional studio course fee for supplies $50.00. Offered occasionally.

374 Advanced Sculpture (1 course) A continuation of ART-234 and ART-235, emphasizing individual research and projects without formal instruction or criticism. Prerequisite: ART-234 or ART-235. Additional studio course fee for supplies $100.00. Offered occasionally.

378 Advanced Printmaking (1 course) An advanced printmaking studio in which students will increase their technical competence, conceptual experimentation, and personal development in creating visual images through printmaking. Prerequisite: ART-238. Additional studio course fee for supplies $40.00. Offered occasionally.

380 Darkroom Photography II (1 course) This course is a continuation of work begun in ART-240 and deals with visual and technical photographic ideas and problems of increased complexity. The course emphasizes the development of the students’ personal photographic vision through class projects as well as individual self-directed experimentation. Prerequisite: ART-240. Additional studio course fee for supplies $60.00. Offered occasionally.

382 Wheel-Thrown Ceramics II (1 course) This course expands on experience from ART-242 and is a continued exploration into the use of wheel-thrown pottery as a means of personal study of the creative art making process. An expanded range of thrown forms, surface treatments, and firing techniques will be taught. Students are expected to begin developing further technical skills on the wheel and also create critical understanding of aesthetic qualities of ceramic forms in art. Prerequisite: ART-242. Additional studio course fee for supplies $45.00. Spring semester.

383 Hand built Ceramic Sculpture II (1 course) This course expands on experience from ART-243. Students are expected to build more complicated or larger forms and to demonstrate an ability to develop original personal images to convey ideas presented in the assignments they are given. Building techniques and surface treatments will be expanded to include various uses of styles, oxides, glazes, and firing techniques. Students are expected to take an active role in the firing of kilns and the mixing of glazes. Prerequisite: ART-243. Additional studio course fee for supplies $45.00. Fall semester.

386 Digital Photography II (1 course) This course expands on experience from ART-256, dealing with visual, conceptual, and technical problems of increased complexity. The course emphasizes the development of the student’s personal vision through class projects as well as individual self-directed experimentation. Digital camera with fully manual capabilities required. Prerequisite: ART-256. Additional studio course fee for supplies $60.00. Offered occasionally.

388 Video Art II (1 course) This is a continuation of work begun in ART-258, dealing with conceptual and technical problems of increased complexity. The course emphasizes the development of the student’s personal vision through class projects as well as individual self-directed experimentation. Prerequisite: ART-258. Additional studio course fee for supplies $60.00. Offered occasionally.

291, 391 Independent Study (Course value to be determined) An individualized art course arranged between student and instructor with departmental approval. The study should extend the limits of an existing course or explore media and content not contained in regular courses. Fall and Spring semesters.

399 Senior Seminar (1 course) A required seminar/studio course for the Art Studio major. Through dialogue and critiques in the senior studio, museums, galleries, and in the studios of accomplished professional artists off campus, students will be offered a broad example of practices to consider after graduation. Class members will work to improve the skills necessary to initiate independent work habits and learn self-assessment techniques required to develop form and content in their artwork. Teacher/student and peer feedback in an open studio context will occur frequently throughout the course. Students will use writing to develop ideas, conduct research, and verbally present their artwork to the public. Work made in this course will be juried for inclusion in the Senior Exhibition (ART-099) at the Hillstrom Museum of Art. Prerequisite: Senior status. Fall semester.

Art History Courses

101 Art History I (1 course) A global survey of painting, sculpture, and architecture from the remote past through CE Art traditions of the ancient Near East, Egypt, Greece, Rome, the Americas and other areas outside the Western tradition are included. The visual arts are examined as transmitters of cultural, humanistic, and aesthetic values. ARTSC, Fall semester.

102 Art History II (1 course) A global survey of painting, sculpture, and architecture from CE 1400 to the Artists and art works from Middle Eastern, Maori, European, and American traditions are included. The visual arts are examined as transmitters of cultural, humanistic, and aesthetic values. Spring semester.

239 Christian, Islamic, and Jewish Art: CE 0–1400 (1 course) An introduction to the arts of Europe in the Middle Ages. This course discusses the traditions of Christian, Islamic, and Jewish faiths as expressed in art and architecture. The course examines the ways that these traditions intersected each other and created a vibrant visual culture that continues to influence the con- temporary world. Offered occasionally.

245 Renaissance and Baroque Art (1 course) A study of the development of painting and sculpture from the fourteenth through the seventeenth century in Europe. Special attention will be given to the relationship between visual images and intellectual concepts such as the revival of classicism, the emergence of humanism, the changing social status of the artist, and the influence on art of the evolving dynamics of the church. Major masters (Giotto, Michelangelo, Leonardo, Raphael, Bernini, etc.) and monuments will be studied, with emphasis on the general artistic principles of the Renaissance and Baroque styles. ARTSC, Fall semester.

250 Gender and Art (1 course) This course will consider the impact of gender on the production, reception, and cultural understanding of art and imagery. We will study a number of artists, both women and men, who have used art to effect social change. Influenced by feminist approaches to art historical study, we will explore perceptions of gender through visual culture and personal experience. We will examine the ways that certain ideals of masculinity and femininity are represented in art and its history to gain insight into gender performance and sexual identity both in past periods and in contemporary society. This course counts toward the Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies major/minor. ARTSC, WRITL, Offered occasionally.

255 Museum Studies (1 course) This course will combine a consideration, both historical and philosophical, of museums (in particular, art museums) and the role they have played and continue to play in society, with an experiential component. The latter will include field trips and visits with various museum professionals, such as registrars, curators, conservators, preparators, etc., and will also use the Hillstrom Museum of Art as a classroom/lab; this latter element will include research and other work towards explicating specific artworks in the Hillstrom Collection with the goal of eventual public presentation. Spring semester.

265 Maya and Mexican Art and Archaeology (1 course) An introduction to the painting, sculpture, and architecture of Native American culture in Mexico, Guatemala, and North America from 700 BCE to CE 1500. The art forms will be studied as indications of the religious and philosophical thought of the peoples who created them. This course counts toward the LALACS major/minor. Offered occasionally.

267 The Arts of Asia (1 course) This course introduces students to the visual arts of Asia from prehistory to the present. While general content is organized chronologically, this course focuses on themes in Asian art that will foster an understanding of the paintings, sculpture, ceramics and architecture of India, China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. The course will combine the analysis of individual artworks with the understanding of the cultural, religious, and social contexts of the art. Offered occasionally.

362 Contemporary Art Seminar (1 course) The course is an investigation of theoretical developments and artistic practices from 1900 to the present. Texts by artists, critics, philosophers, and theoreticians will be read in conjunction with exploring work made by artists throughout modern, late modern, and postmodernist periods. Through the course, the changing identity of 20th century art and its influence, antagonisms, and evaluations of the boundaries of art and thought will be examined. This is a writing in the discipline course. Students will work through formal and informal writing exercises to better understand and evaluate the quite different conclusions about what art is and what it is used for. WRITD, Spring semester.

392 Art History: Theory and Methods (1 course) This course is the capstone course for the Art History major and minor. It introduces students to the dominant approaches in art criticism and theory. The writings of aestheticians, art critics, and art historians from the 19th and 20th centuries are read and discussed. Class presentations and a research paper are required. Prerequisite: ART-101 and ART-102. Offered occasionally.

The following courses are offered by other departments and may be selected as electives in the Art History major:

  • ENG-142 Film as Art
  • CLA-211 Art and Archaeology of Greece
  • CLA-212 Art and Archaeology of Rome
  • COM-235 Media and Society
  • FRE-352 French Cinema
  • PHI-241 Philosophy of Art
  • SCA-334 Scandinavian Film
  • SPA-390 Film in Spanish