Art and Art History Courses
Below is a list of available courses offered by the Art Department. Consult the Registrar’s Office and the College Catalog for registration information.
ART 101 - HISTORY OF ART I: EGYPTIAN TO EARLY REN
This course introduces the student to the field of art history by giving an understanding of the major developments in a variety of forms of artistic expression as these are related to the unfolding of history. The course pursues the establishment of the Western artistic canon by the Greeks and Romans, its development over the course of the Middle Ages, and concludes with the Early Renaissance.
Hours credit: 3.
ART 102 - HISTORY OF ART II:HIGH REN TO MODERN
This course surveys Western art from the High Renaissance to the modern era. By setting representative examples of european artworks into their relevant historical and cultural contexts, this class both exposes students to major artistic achievements and introduces them to ways the visual arts can be read as expressions of deeply held human values and attitudes towards the worlds in which they were made.
Hours credit: 3.
ART 103 - INTRODUCTION TO STUDIO ART
An introduction to the principles and visual vocabulary of studio art with emphasis on drawing and color using a variety of materials and techniques.
Hours credit: 3. Not open to students who have previously completed an advanced studio art course.
ART 173 - MASTERWORKS OF GREEK & ROMAN ART
As an introduction to the artistic culture and heritage of ancient Greece and Rome, this team-taught course discusses thirteen works of art in depth, from both art historical and archaeological perspectives. The objects are drawn from fine and decorative arts to architecture, and range in complexity from the site of Delphi to a late Roman silver service. Its aim is to set works of art, broadly defined, in their specific historical and cultural context while exploring the connections (in style, material, technique, aesthetic) between them and our world.
Hours credit: 3. One time only.
ART 181 - INTRO TO PHOTOGRAPHY
An aesthetic and technical examination of the medium of black and white photography and its history. The basics of exposure, developing and darkroom printing as well as alternative techniques will be taught. Identical with Communication 181.
Hours credit: 3.
ART 201 - WATERCOLOR PAINTING
An introduction to the materials and techniques of watercolor.
Hours credit: 3.
ART 204 - RENAISSANCE PAINTING TECHNIQUES
This course offers the opportunity to combine studio practice with Art History in one class. Students will learn the techniques that were used in the Renaissance to create different kinds of paintings. The techniques covered may include panel painting, manuscript illumination, fresco painting, and mosaic. The class will also explore the history of these media as they were practiced in Italy during Antiquity through the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance. Class time will be devoted to in-depth study of sites that will be visited during the study trip to Italy planned for May-June 2013. In this aspect of the course, students will learn the historic, cultural, literary, and/or religious meaning of the works they will see for themselves during the optional study tour to Italy.
Hours credit: 3. Alternate years.
ART 204S - RENAISSANCE PAINTING STUDY TOUR
This two-week study tour will travel to sites where Renaissance painting can still be seen in its original location and context. The group will also study paintings in the outstanding museum collections in Florence and Rome. Day trips to cities such as Siena and Ostia are also on the itinerary. All work will be submitted by the end of the fourth week of the fall semester following the tour.
Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: Art 204. Alternate years.
ART 213 - AMERICAN ART I:COLONIAL TO CIVIL WAR
A survey of painting, sculpture, and the related arts that developed in the United States from the colonial period through the Civil War. Lacking formal training and a cultural "past," artists struggled to create a distinctly American style during this era. Did they succeed? Special use will be made of the works in the Maier Museum of Art.
Hours credit: 3.
ART 214 - AMERICAN ART II:CIVIL WAR TO WWII
This course examines representative examples of the art of the United States from the reconstruction era through World War II. Addressing issues of nationalism, identity, race, and gender, the class will explore the relationship between American art and society, that is, how societal values inform art as well as how art can shape human beliefs and cultural attitudes. The resources of the Maier Museum, with its superb collection of American art, will be essential for this class.
Hours credit: 3.
ART 231 - INTERMEDIATE DRAWING I
This course will focus on developing observational skills and hand/eye coordiantion. Drawing from the human fiqure will be emphasized.
Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: ART 103R or permission of the instructor.
ART 233 - OIL PAINTING
An introduction to the process of painting in oils. Both traditional and contemporary approaches will be used. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: ART 103R or permission of the instructor.
ART 235 - PRINTMAKING-MONOTYPE
This course will focus on the history and technique of monotypes. Often called the "painterly print" monotypes have drawn artists to explore the spontaneous and expressive depths of this colorful print technique. Contemporary modes will be explored.
Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: Art 103R or permission of the instructor.
ART 238 - MEDIEVAL ART
Through lecture and seminar style discussion, this course introduces the major ideas and artistic trends of the Medieval period. The political, philosophical, and spiritual changes that shaped the Western world after the dissolution of the Roman Empire are related to a selection of artistic periods and styles so that students can achieve an understanding of Medieval art and architecture within its context.
Hours credit: 3.
ART 242 - BAROQUE ART AND ARCHITECTURE
This course studies the emergence of the Baroque style in painting, sculpture, and architecture as a response to the political and spiritual upheaval wrought by the Protestant Reformation, the Council of Trent, and the Counter-Reformation. The formation of the style in Italy and its modification by northern European artists is addressed within their varied cultural contexts.
Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: ART 101 or 102 or permission of the instructor.
ART 243 - 19 C EUROPEAN ART
A survey of European art from the 1770s to 1900. Modernization, experimentation, and struggles with traditional art training characterize the century. The various artistic styles that developed during this turbulent century will be examined within their historical, cultural, and political contexts.
Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: ART 101 or 102. Offered alternate years.
ART 244 - MODERN EUROPEAN ART
Covers roughly a century of rapidly changing styles artistic styles ("isms," such as Post-Impressionism, Expressionism, Cubism, and Surrealism) as a result of the re-definition of art, the rise of the avant-garde, and major political events, such as World War I.
Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: ART 101 or 102. Offered alternate years.
ART 248 - TOPICS HIST & TECH OF JAPANESE WOODCUTS
An exploration of printmaking through the technique of woodcut. Inspiration will be drawn from the arts and culture of Japan.
Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: ART 103R or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit when topic differs.
ART 257 - POST-WAR AND CONTEMPORARY ART
A study of the major movements and key figures in American and European art since World War II. Discussion will focus on the interplay among artists, their work, critical writings, and historical events that exemplify the salient trends of the last sixty-five years, including abstraction, conceptual art, and exploration of new media. What will the next new trend be?
Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: ART 101 or 102 or permission of the instructor. Offered second semester.
ART 261 - INTRODUCTION TO MUSEUM STUDIES
This course explores the history, philosophy, and functions of museums in society and the socio-cultural meanings embodied in such institutions. Students interpret and critically examine museum collections and exhibitions, and are introduced to the various facets of museum work including curating, education, conservation and management. Special focus is placed on the exhibitions and programs of the Maier Museum of Art. Field trips required.
Hours credit: 3. Prerequisites ART 101 or 102.
ART 263 - EARLY RENAISSANCE ART & ARCHITECTURE
This course examines the intellectual, spiritual, and cultural origins of the Italian Renaissance and considers the influence of these contexts on the development of painting, sculpture and architecture in fifteenth-century Italy.
Hours credit: 3. Prerequisites: ART 101 or 102.
ART 264 - HIGH RENAISSANCE ART & ARCHITECTURE
Leonardo and His Legacy: Art and Architecture of the High Renaissance
This class will examine the relationship between patronage and the painting, sculpture, and architecture of major artistic centers in Italy such as Rome, Venice, and Florence. Contemporary artistic theory, rivalry among the artists, and the emergence of the "mannered" style will also be considered.
Hours credit: 3. Prerequisites: ART 101 or 102.
ART 273S - REPRESENTATIONS IN ENGLISH & ITALIAN ART
This course examines the social constructs of power in the Renaissance as they were manifested in art, drama, and literature. A week-long intensive seminar on the Reading campus is followed by six days in London and four days in Venice. The seminar will investigate how Renaissance men and women defined their roles within the home, as courtiers, and as monarchs. All work must be submitted by the end of the fourth week of the fall semester. Identical with English 273.
Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: ART 101, ART 102, ENGL 277 or permission of the instructor. Offered Summer 2011. One time only.
ART 274 - INTRODUCTION TO 2D ANIMATION
This course is an introduction to the production of 2D digital animation. It will provide a brief overview of the historical development of the genre as well as a range of techniques but is primarily a hands-on digital production course. Animation will be explored as a technique for storytelling, promotional media, fine art and titling and informational graphics for film, broadcast, and video productions. Identical with COMM 274.
Hours credit: 3. Recommended prerequisite: COMM/ART 277 or COMM/ART 279. One time only.
ART 277 - AMERICAN MOVIES
Identical with Communication 277.
Hours credit: 3.
ART 279 - DIGITAL FILM MAKING
Identical with Communication 279.
Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: ART/COMM 181 or 277 or permission of the instructor.
ART 280 - PHILOSOPHY OF ART
Identical with Philosophy 280.
Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: sophomore standing.
ART 284 - TOPICS IN PHOTOGRAPHY
An exploration of contemporary photography. Coursework will include camera and darkroom techniques necessary to the field of inquiry. Identical with Communication 284.
Hours credit: 3. Prerequisites: ART 103R and ART/COMM 181; or permission of instructor.
ART 312 - SPECIAL TOPICS IN STUDIO ART
Topics in studio art will vary from year to year. Possible topics include mosaic and fresco painting.
Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: ART 103 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit when topic differs.
ART 314 - SPECIAL TOPICS IN ART
See individual semester course offerings for topic. Topic will vary from year to year.
Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: ART 101 or 102 and permission of the instructor.
ART 315 - CURATORIAL SEMINAR
Students will co-curate an exhibition drawing on artworks from the permanent collection at the Maier Museum of Art. The instructor, with the assistance of the museum staff, will supervise the students.
Hours credit: 3. Prerequisites: ART 261 or permission of instructor.
ART 323A - STUDIO:DRAWING
A student will continue her study of a studio discipline at an increased level of challenging, independent work. Section A: Drawing.
Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite ART 231; 233; 235; or permission of the instructor.
ART 323B - STUDIO:OIL PAINTING
A student will continue her study of a studio discipline at an increased level of challenging, independent work. Section B: Painting.
Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite ART 231; 233; 235; or permission of the instructor.
ART 323C - STUDIO:PRINTMAKING MONOTYPE
A student will continue her study of a studio discipline at an increased level of challenging, independent work. Section C: Printmaking.
Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite ART 231; 233; 235; or permission of the instructor.
ART 323E - STUDIO: WATERCOLOR
A student will continue study of a studio discipline at an increased level of challenging, independent work.
Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite ART 231; 233; 235; or permission of the instructor.
ART 324A - STUDIO:DRAWING
A student will continue her study of a studio discipline at an increased level of challenging, independent work. Section A: Drawing.
Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite ART 231; 233; 235; or permission of the instructor.
ART 324B - STUDIO:OIL PAINTING
A student will continue her study of a studio discipline at an increased level of challenging, independent work. Section B: Painting.
Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite ART 231; 233; 235; or permission of the instructor.
ART 324C - STUDIO:PRINTMAKING MONOTYPE
A student will continue her study of a studio discipline at an increased level of challenging, independent work. Section C: Printmaking.
Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite ART 231; 233; 235; or permission of the instructor.
ART 324E - STUDIO: WATERCOLOR
A student will continue study of a studio discipline at an increased level of challenging, independent work.
Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite ART 231; 233; 235; or permission of the instructor.
ART 378 - GENDER IN RENAISSANCE ART & LITERATURE
This course seeks to understand, analyze, and interpret representations of gender and sex within Renaissance art and literature (in both England and Italy). Using contemporary texts when possible and readings from the disciplines of literature, social history, feminist theory, and art historical texts, the course aims for a fuller assessment of gendered Renaissance life as it pertains to art and literature. Identical with English 378.
Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: junior standing or permission of the instructor.
ART 380 - WORLD CINEMA
Identical with Communication 380.
Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: ART/COMM 277 or permission of the instructor.
ART 382 - STUDIES IN FILM
Identical with Communication 382.
Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: ART/COMM 277 or permission of the instructor.
ART 384 - DOC HIST & THEORY
Identical with Communication 384.
Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: ART/COMM 277 or permission of the instructor.
ART 421 - SENIOR STUDIO PROJECT
All studio majors are required to explore some aspect of creative visual expression while working on a year-long theme. The art education student will begin this project during the period of student teaching.
Hours credit: 1. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Required of all studio art majors with an emphasis in studio art enrolled in the Teacher Licensure Program.
ART 423A - ADV STUDIO:DRAWING
For students who have completed Art 323,324. A student will continue study of a studio discipline pursuing a set of issues in depth. Section A: Drawing.
Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: Art 323,324 and permission of the instructor.
ART 423B - ADV STUDIO:OIL PAINTING
For students who have completed Art 323,324. A student will continue study of a studio discipline pursuing a set of issues in depth. Section B: Painting.
Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: Art 323,324 and permission of the instructor.
ART 423C - ADV STUDIO:PRINTMAKING MONOTYPE
For students who have completed Art 323,324. A student will continue study of a studio discipline pursuing a set of issues in depth. Section C: Printmaking.
Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: Art 323,324 and permission of the instructor.
ART 423E - ADV STUDIO: WATERCOLOR
For students who have completed Art 323,324. A student will continue study of a studio discipline pursuing a set of issues in depth. Section B: Painting.
Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: Art 323,324 and permission of the instructor.
ART 424A - ADV STUDIO:DRAWING
For students who have completed Art 323,324. A student will continue study of a studio discipline pursuing a set of issues in depth. Section A: Drawing.
Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: Art 323,324 and permission of the instructor.
ART 424B - ADV STUDIO:OIL PAINTING
For students who have completed Art 323,324. A student will continue study of a studio discipline pursuing a set of issues in depth. Section B: Painting.
Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: Art 323,324 and permission of the instructor.
ART 424C - ADV STUDIO:PRINTMAKING MONOTYPE
For students who have completed Art 323,324. A student will continue study of a studio discipline pursuing a set of issues in depth. Section C: Printmaking.
Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: Art 323,324 and permission of the instructor.
ART 424E - ADV STUDIO:WATERCOLOR
For students who have completed Art 323,324. A student will continue study of a studio discipline pursuing a set of issues in depth. Section B: Painting.
Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: Art 323,324 and permission of the instructor.
ART 425 - SENIOR STUDIO I
Seniors are expected to develop their individual artistic sensibility that will allow them to explore, in-depth, some aspect of creative visual expression.
Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Required of all art majors with an emphasis in studio art not enrolled in the Teacher Licensure Program.
ART 426 - SENIOR STUDIO II
Continuation of the senior program described in Art 421 or 425. At the end of the year students will present an exhibition of their work at the Maier Museum of Art.
Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: ART 421 or 425. Required of all art majors with an emphasis in studio art, including those enrolled in the Teacher Licensure Program.
ART 489 - INDEPENDENT STUDY
ART 490 - INDEPENDENT STUDY
ART 493 - SENIOR SEMINAR
The seminar has two purposes: to provide a systematic consideration of the major methods practiced by art historians, both pre-modern and modern, ranging from connoisseurship, biography, iconography, and social history to feminism, semiotics, and post-structuralism; and to offer a framework for the early stages of work on the senior paper.
Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: permission of the Department.
ART 494 - SENIOR PAPER
Carefully supervised course, the purpose of which will be to produce a substantial research paper and public presentation on an issue or artist of historical significance. This is the culminating experience of the art history major.
Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: ART 493 and permission of the Department.
ART 497H - DEPARTMENTAL HONORS
ART 498H - DEPARTMENTAL HONORS
