Art Curriculum
Degree Requirements
- Bachelor of Arts Degree in Art History
- Bachelor of Arts Degree in Studio Art
- Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Studio Art
- Minor in Art History
- Minor in Studio Art
- Minor in Museum Studies
Course Catalog
Course Offerings
ARTH 101 – ART, CULTURE, AND SOCIETY BEFORE 1400
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. (HE)
ARTH 102 – ART, CULTURE, AND SOCIETY AFTER 1400
What can be learned about culture through art? Explore history through this survey of European and American art from the Renaissance to the present by artists such as Michelangelo, van Gogh, Picasso, and Warhol. Examine artworks in their historical, religious, and cultural contexts to discover what meanings and messages they conveyed at the time of their creation. Hours credit: 3. (HE)
ARTH 107 – HISTORY OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Students will explore the cultural history of photography in the United States and Western Europe from the 1830’s to the present. Students will investigate debates around the “nature” of photography as fine art, archive, scientific tool, and a medium for social justice. There will be opportunities to examine works at the Maier Museum of Art and in the College archives.
ARTH 179 – MASTERWORKS OF GREEK & ROMAN ART
As an introduction to the artistic culture of ancient Greece and Rome, this team-taught course discusses select works of art and architecture in depth, from both art historical and archaeological perspectives. Its aim is to set works of art in their specific historical and cultural context while exploring the connection (in style, material, technique, aesthetic) between them and our world. Identical with Classics 179. Hours credit: 3. Alternate years. (HE)
ARTH 186 – ARTH ONE TIME ONLY
Hours credit: 3. One time only.
ARTH 187 – ARTH ONE TIME ONLY
Hours credit: 3. One time only.
ARTH 204 – RENAISSANCE ART STUDY TOUR
This is a pre-trip component to a two-week study tour that will travel to sites where Renaissance art can still be seen in its original location and context. The group will also study art 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: 1. Prerequisite: ARTH 263 or 264 or permission of the instructor. (HE)
ARTH 204S – RENAISSANCE ART STUDY TOUR
This two-week study tour will travel to sites where Renaissance art can still be seen in its original location and context. The group will also study art 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: 2. Prerequisite: ARTH 263 or 264 or permission of the instructor. (HE)
ARTH 214 – AFRICAN AMERICAN ART
An introduction to the history of African American art, from textiles and ceramics to painting, sculpture, photography, video, and activist art. Topics include quilts by Harriet Powers and Faith Ringgold, portraits of Frederick Douglass and the Obamas, paintings by Jacob Lawrence and Jean-Michel Basquiat, photography by Gordon Parks and Lorna Simpson, and sculptures by Edmonia Lewis and Davis Hammons. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: sophomore standing, or permission of the instructor.
ARTH 215 – AMERICAN ART & ARCHITECTURE
How did artists form a distinctly “American” style, or did they? Painting, sculpture, and architecture developed largely from European models from the colonial period through World War II by artists such as Copley, Homer, Cassatt, and Hopper. This course addresses issues of nationalism, race, and gender in its exploration of America’s “identity crisis” following its independence. Special use will be made of the works in the Maier Museum of Art. Field trips to local architectural sites. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of the instructor. Alternate years. (CI,HE)
ARTH 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. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of the instructor. (HE)
ARTH 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: sophomore standing or permission of the instructor. (HE)
ARTH 243 – NINETEENTH-CENTURY EUROPEAN ART
Rebels, Rogues, and Royalty Frequent revolutions, rapidly changing technologies, and radical artists caused drastic changes in European art. Modernization, experimentation, and rebellions against traditional art training characterize the 1770s to 1900. Various artistic styles such as Romanticism, Realism, and Impressionism that developed during this turbulent century will be examined within their historical, cultural, and political contexts. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of the instructor. Alternate years. (HE)
ARTH 244 – MOD EUROPEAN ART
Rapidly changing artistic styles re-defined art from the 1860s through World War II. The rise of the avant-garde and reactions to major political events resulted in a succession of “isms,” including Post-Impressionism (Cézanne), Fauvism (Matisse), Expressionism (Kandinsky), Cubism (Picasso), and Surrealism (Dalí). Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of the instructor. Alternate years. (HE)
ARTH 257 – POST-WAR&CONT ART
How did American and European art evolve after 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 (Pollock), Minimalism (Judd), conceptual art (Baldessari), feminist art (Wilke), multiculturalism (Neshat) and exploration of new media (Ai Weiwei). What will the next new trend be? Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of the instructor. Alternate years. (HE)
ARTH 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 ARTH 101 or 102. Alternate years.
ARTH 263 – EARLY RENAISSANCE ART & ARCHITECTURE
A bold, new style emerged in fifteenth-century Florence, setting the standard for European painting until it was chalIenged by Impressionism. The course examines the intellectual, spiritual, and cultural origins of the Italian Renaissance to explore why this change occurred and will examine the response in painting, sculpture, and architecture. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of the instructor. (HE)
ARTH 264 – HI REN ART LEONARDO AND HIS LEGACY
Leonardo and His Legacy: Art and Archit
ecture 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: sophomore standing or permission of the instructor. (HE)
ARTH 274 – ARTH ONE TIME ONLY
ARTH 277 – AMERICAN MOVIES
Identical with Communication 277. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of the instructor. (AE,HE,WI)
ARTH 280 – PHILOSOPHY OF ART
Identical with Philosophy 280. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: sophomore standing.
ARTH 286 – ARTH ONE TIME ONLY
One time only.
ARTH 286S – ONE TIME ONLY SUMMER
One time only summer.
ARTH 314 – SPECIAL TOPICS IN ART HISTORY
See individual semester course offerings for topic. Topic will vary from year to year. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: 200-level art history course or permission of the instructor.
ARTH 315 – CURATORIAL SEMINAR
Students will co-curate an exhibition drawing largely 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: ARTH 215 and 261 and permission of instructor. Offered as needed.
ARTH 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. (CI,HE)
ARTH 380 – WORLD CINEMA
Identical with Communication 380. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: ARTH/COMM 277 or permission of the instructor. (AE,CI)
ARTH 382 – STUDIES IN THE FILM
Identical with Communication 382. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: ARTH/COMM 277 or permission of the instructor. (AE)
ARTH 384 – DOC HISTORY & THEORY
Identical with Communication 384. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: ARTH/COMM 277 or permission of the instructor. (AE,CI,HE)
ARTH 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.
ARTH 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: ARTH 493 and permission of the Department.
ARTS 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. (AE)
ARTS 106 – ANIMAL DRAWING
In this course students will draw birds and other live animals. Skeletons of birds, reptiles, and other animals will also serve as our models. Films and field trips will augment this course. Hours credit: 3. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of six hours.
ARTS 181 – INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
An introduction to the aesthetics and techniques of digital photography. Techniques include depth of field, lens choice, aperture settings, exposure, and use of software. Students will develop their creative vision, conceptualization skills, and technical proficiency, leading to a portfolio. Identical with Communication Studies 181. Hours credit: 3.0. (AE)
ARTS 185 – ARTS ONE TIME ONLY
Hours credit: 3. One time only.
ARTS 201 – WATERCOLOR PAINTING
An introduction to the materials and techniques of watercolor. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: ARTS 103R or permission of the instructor.
ARTS 210 – CHILD BOOK ILLUSTR
In this course students will develop, draw, and paint characters and creatures as illustrations for a children’s book that they will produce. Source materials will include folk tales, contemporary children’s books, and films for children. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: ARTS 103R or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of six hours. Alternate years.
ARTS 231 – INTERMED DRAWING
This course will focus on developing observational skills and hand/eye coordination. Drawing from the human figure will be emphasized. During the first semester, students draw from the figure. During a second semester, students will choose their own subject matter for the development of their drawings. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: ARTS 103R or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of six hours.
ARTS 233 – OIL PAINTING
An introduction to the process of painting in oils. Both traditional and contemporary approaches will be used. During a second semester the emphasis is on the development of individual expression. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: ARTS 103R or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of six hours.
ARTS 235 – PRINTMAKING-MONO
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: ARTS 103R or permission of the instructor.
ARTS 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: ARTS 103R or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit when topic differs.
ARTS 274 – ARTS ONE TIME ONLY
Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of the instructor. One time only.
ARTS 279 – DIGITAL FILM MAKING
Identical with Communication Studies 279. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: ARTH/COMM 277; ARTS/COMM 181R; or permission of the instructor. (AE)
ARTS 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: ARTS 103 or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit when topic differs.
ARTS 323A – STUDIO: DRAWING
A student will continue study of a studio discipline at an increased level of challenging, independent work. Section A: Drawing. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite ARTS 231R; 233R; 235; or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of six hours.
ARTS 323B – STUDIO: OIL PAINTING
A student will continue study of a studio discipline at an increased level of challenging, independent work. Section B: Painting. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite ARTS 231R; 233R; 235; or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of six hours.
ARTS 323C – STUDIO:PRINTMAKING MONOTYPE
A student will continue study of a studio discipline at an increased level of challenging, independent work. Section C: Printmaking. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite ARTS 231R; 233R; 235; or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of six hours.
ARTS 323E – STUDIO:WATERCO
LOR
A student will continue study of a studio discipline at an increased level of challenging, independent work. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite ARTS 231R; 233R; 235; or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of six hours.
ARTS 324A – STUDIO: DRAWING
A student will continue study of a studio discipline at an increased level of challenging, independent work. Section A: Drawing. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite ARTS 231R; 233R; 235; or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of six hours.
ARTS 324B – STUDIO: OIL PAINTING
A student will continue study of a studio discipline at an increased level of challenging, independent work. Section B: Painting. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite ARTS 231R; 233R; 235; or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of six hours.
ARTS 324C – STUDIO:PRINTMAKING MONOTYPE
A student will continue study of a studio discipline at an increased level of challenging, independent work. Section C: Printmaking. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite ARTS 231R; 233R; 235; or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of six hours.
ARTS 324E – STUDIO:WATERCOLOR
A student will continue study of a studio discipline at an increased level of challenging, independent work. Section C: Printmaking. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite ARTS 231R; 233R; 235; or permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of six hours.
ARTS 376 – ADVANCED DIGITAL FILMMAKING
This advanced course in the art of digital filmmaking teaches students how to create and tell visual multimedia stories in the digital age by using video, still images, time-lapse photography, and audio. Students will study new visual storytelling practices and film art using mobile devices and apps to produce narratives for the web, iPads, and smartphones. Hours credit: 3.0. May be repeated for up to 6 credit hours. Prerequisite: ARTS/COMM 279 or permission of the instructor.
ARTS 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: ARTS 323,324 and permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of six hours.
ARTS 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: ARTS 323,324 and permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of six hours.
ARTS 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: ARTS 323,324 and permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of six hours.
ARTS 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: ARTS 323,324 and permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of six hours.
ARTS 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: ARTS 323,324 and permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of six hours.
ARTS 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: ARTS 323,324 and permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of six hours.
ARTS 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: ARTS 323,324 and permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of six hours.
ARTS 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: ARTS 323,324 and permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of six hours.
ARTS 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 studio art majors.
ARTS 426 – SENIOR STUDIO II
Continuation of the Senior Studio. At the end of the year students will present an exhibition of their work at the Maier Museum of Art. Hours credit: 3. Prerequisite: ARTS 425. Required of all studio art majors.
