Art Curriculum

ARTH 1101 - Art, Culture, And Society Before 1400

Beginning with the very first evidence of human expression, students in this course explore the art and architecture of Western civilization. Students will acquire visual and critical skills that will allow them to understand how works were made and what messages they conveyed to their prehistoric, ancient and medieval audiences. Credit hours: 4. (AE, HE)

ARTH 1102 - Art, Culture, And Society After 1400

How does the study of art contribute to our understanding of history and the current moment? In this introduction to western art from the Renaissance to the present, students wille explore the relationship between a work of art and its historical context, while developing valuable skills in visual literacy and in the critical analysis of imagery. Credit hours: 4. (AE, HE)

ARTH 1107 - 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 photography as fine art, the role of photography in archives, as a scientific tool, and as a medium for social justice. There will be opportunities to examine works at the Maier Museum of Art and in the College archives. Credit hours: 4.

ARTH 1179 - Masterworks Of Greek & Roman Art

As an introduction to the artistic culture of ancient Greece and Rome, this 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 1179. Credit hours: 4. (AE, HE)

ARTH 1186 - Arth One Time Only

Credit hours: 4. One time only.

ARTH 1187 - Arth One Time Only

Credit hours: 4. One time only.

ARTH 2204 - 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. Credit hours: 1. Prerequisite: ARTH 2263 or 2264 or permission of the instructor. (AE, HE)

ARTH 2204S - 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. Credit hours: 2. Prerequisite: ARTH 2263 or 2264 or permission of the instructor. (AE, HE)

ARTH 2214 - African American Art

Students will discover and analyze a range of expressions of African American artistic creativity from the colonial period to the present, including: religious art, portraiture, landscape, photography, the Harlem Renaissance, social realism, abstraction, public art, performance, and art as a tool for social justice. Includes opportunities to examine works at the Maier Museum of Art. Credit hours: 4. Prerequisites: sophomore standing or permission of instructor. (CI, HE)

ARTH 2215 - American Art

This course will explore topics such as nationalism, race, gender, space and place in art of the United States from the colonial period to the 20th century. Special use will be made of the works in the Maier Museum of Art. Credit hours: 4. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of instructor. (CI, HE)

ARTH 2238 - Medieval Art Castles To Cathedrals

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. Credit hours: 4. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of the instructor. (AE, HE)

ARTH 2242 - 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. Credit hours: 4. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of the instructor. (AE, HE)

ARTH 2243 - Nineteenth-century European Art

This course analyzes major trends in European art from 1770 to 1900, from Neo-Classicism and Romanticism, to Realism and Post-Impressionism. Students will consider the shifting roles and definitions of art and the artist during a time of frequent revolutions, imperialist and capitalist expansion, rapid industrialization, urban development, and shifting social and cultural norms pertaining to gender, race, and class. Credit hours: 4. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of instructor. (AE, HE)

ARTH 2244 - Mod Art Eur & Americas

An examination of Modern art as it developed in Europe and the Americas between 1860-1945. Students will consider the central role that art and visual culture played in the social, cultural, and political transformations across Europe and the Americas in the early 20th century. Includes opportunities to examine works in the Maier Museum of Art. Credit hours: 4. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of instructor. (AE, HE)

ARTH 2257 - Contemporary Art

How did art evolve after 1960? How has globalization shaped contemporary art and its institutions? This course will focus on artists, objects, writings, and events that exemplify salient trends within contemporary art, including conceptual and performance art, feminist art, post-modernism and photography, site-specific art, new media, and socially-engaged art. Includes opportunities to examine works in the Maier Museum of Art. Credit hours: 4. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of instructor. (AE, HE)

ARTH 2261 - 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. Credit hours: 4. Prerequisites ARTH 1101 or 1102.

ARTH 2263 - Early Renaissance Art & Architecture

A bold, new style emerged in fifteenth-century Florence, setting the standard for European and American art until it was challenged by Impressionism and Modernism. Students will become familiar with cornerstones of the Western tradition in painting, sculpture, and architecture, made by great artists including Giotto, Donatello and Brunelleschi. By examining the intellectual, spiritual and political context of the works, students will understand not only their artistic significance but their original meanings as well. Credit hours: 4. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of instructor. (AE, HE)

ARTH 2264 - Hi Ren Art Leonardo And His Legacy

Who does not know the painting of the Mona Lisa? This course examines the career of one of the most influential artists of all time, Leonardo da Vinci, and focuses on his rival, Michelangelo. Students will also discover the contributions of Venetian masters such as Titian and Palladio, whose works have inspired artists and architects for centuries. Credit hours: 4. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of instructor. (AE, HE)

ARTH 2274 - Arth One Time Only

Credit hours: 4. One time only.

ARTH 2277 - American Movies

An overview of the history and aesthetics of American films made both in Hollywood and independently. It examines the stylistic and narrative techniques utilized by filmmakers, the political economy of the film industry, and cinema's role in the global market. Students will explore various types of writing about film and develop their critical analysis and writing skills. Identical with MAC 2277. Credit hours: 4. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of instructor. (AE, HE, WI)

ARTH 2280 - Philosophy Of Art

A survey of philosophical thinking about the nature of art. Students explore the most influential theories of art offered by philosophers from Plato through the postmodernists. Additional topics include the nature of artistic inspiration, the role of art in society, aesthetic judgment, postmodernism, and the evolutionary origins of art. Identical with CPHL 2280. Credit hours: 4. (HE, WI)

ARTH 2286 - Arth One Time Only

One time only.

ARTH 2286S - One Time Only Summer

One time only summer.

ARTH 3305 - Research In Art History

Each student works on a research project in conjunction with a faculty member in the department. Projects may be at any stage of the research process, including a review of the literature, thesis or topic development, research, or stages of writing. The research may precede or follow a Summer Research project or could prepare for a senior paper. The student's research and writing are guided by faculty with individual conferences. Credit hours: .5, 1, 2, 3, 4. Repeatable for up to 4 credits. By permission of instructor.

ARTH 3314 - Special Topics In Art History

See individual semester course offerings for topic. Topic will vary from year to year. Credit hours: 4. Prerequisite: 2200-level art history course or permission of the instructor.

ARTH 3315 - 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. Credit hours: 4. Prerequisites: ARTH 2215 and 2261 and permission of instructor. Offered as needed. (AE)

ARTH 3378 - 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 3378. Credit hours: 4. Prerequisite: junior standing or permission of the instructor. (CI,HE)

ARTH 3380 - Global Media And Society

This course explores the major movements in world cinema. It also examines such related issues as the impact of globalization on national cinemas, the role of the state in legislating film policy, and the integration of cinema with movements for political and economic change. Identical with MAC 3380. Credit hours: 4. Prerequisite: MAC/ARTH 2277 or permission of instructor. (AE, CI)

ARTH 3382 - Studies In Film

The topic of this course will vary from year to year. Students may examine specific genres, directors, national cinemas, or film theories. Identical with MAC 3382. Credit hours: 4. Prerequisite: MAC/ARTH 2277 or permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit when topic differs. (AE)

ARTH 3384 - Doc History & Theory

This course is an introduction to the history, theory, and aesthetics of documentary film. It traces several major historical movements in the development of documentary from Russia and Great Britain to Canada and the United States. Students will explore questions of ethics in documentary production, the development of various formal techniques, and a number of theoretical approaches to analyzing documentaries. Identical with MAC 3384. Credit hours: 4. Prerequisite: MAC/ARTH 2277 or permission of instructor. (AE, CI, HE)

ARTH 4493 - Senior Seminar

The seminar provides a systematic consideration of the major methods practiced by art historians, both pre-modern and modern, ranging from biography, iconography, and social history to feminism, post-structuralism, post-colonialism, and critical race art history Students will choose one or more of these methods to write the senior paper. Credit hours: 4. Prerequisite: permission of Department.

ARTS 1103 - 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. Particular attention is given to preparing students for the practice and expectations of a college-level studio art environment and a future of self-sustainable art- making. Credit hours: 4. (AE)

ARTS 1185 - Arts One Time Only

Credit hours: 4. One time only.

ARTS 2200 - Special Topics In Studio Art

The topics in this class will vary from year to year. Previous classes that have been taught include: "Painting Endangered African Animals", "Painting the Supernatural", "Seven Paintings in Seven Weeks", "Guerrilla Art", and "Character/Caricature/Cartoon". Credit hours: 4. (AE)

ARTS 2211 - Digital Photography

An introduction to the aesthetics and techniques of digital photography. This art course will teach photography as an expressive medium with reference to photography in art historically. 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. Identical with MAC 2211. Credit hours: 4. (AE)

ARTS 2220 - Drawing From Observation

As the course title suggests, students will practice rigorous concentration on and practice of observational drawing and the ability to capture both the physical and the ineffable in what they observe. This class includes figure drawing. Former students of this class can confirm that this class invariably produces large leaps in the quality and output of work for students who commit to the class's work ethic. Credit hours: 4. (AE)

ARTS 2222 - Drawing Abstraction

This class will focus on the historical and contemporary methods for creating abstract artwork using the medium of drawing. This class teaches students more about the technical limits of the materials of drawing than any class based on representational art can. For this reason alone, even if students do not imagine themselves wanting to make abstract art, this class is a way to amass knowledge of the drawing medium that might otherwise take years. Credit hours: 4. (AE)

ARTS 2224 - Drawing Nature

This course derives its thematic content from the natural world. Students will be expected to aspire to create work that shows intimate observation of the natural world that also reflects on the student's place in Nature as well as a critical look at the concept of what is "natural". The class will cover some of the ways that this has been done in drawing historically. Credit hours: 4. (AE)

ARTS 2230 - Painting From Observation

As the course title suggests, students will practice rigorous concentration on and practice of observational painting and the ability to capture both the physical and the ineffable in what they observe. This class includes the figure. Former students of this class can confirm that this class invariably produces large leaps in the quality and output of work for students who commit to the class's work ethic. Credit hours: 4. (AE)

ARTS 2232 - Painting Abstraction

This class will focus on the historical and contemporary methods for creating abstract artwork using the medium of painting. This class teaches students more about the technical limits of the materials of painting than any class based on representational art can. For this reason alone, even if students do not imagine themselves wanting to make abstract art, this class is a way to amass knowledge of the painting medium that might otherwise take years. Credit hours: 4. (AE)

ARTS 2234 - Painting Nature

This course derives its thematic content from the natural world. Students will be expected to aspire to create work that shows intimate observation of the natural world that also reflects on the student's place in Nature as well as a critical look at the concept of what is "natural." The class will cover some of the ways that this has been done in painting historically. Credit hours: 4. (AE)

ARTS 2240 - Printmaking:monotypes

This course will focus on the history and technique of which is often referred to as the "painterly print". The immediacy and range of this technique allows for a wide range of creative experimentation that can inform a student's work in many other mediums. Credit hours: 4. (AE)

ARTS 2242 - Printmaking:relief

This course introduces students to the first form of printmaking in which elements of a "block," in this case a block of wood covered with a layer of linoleum (yes, like the flooring), is carved away leaving an image in relief. These high spots are inked and then printed onto paper. Students will explore the historical stylistic possibilities in the medium as they gain the carving and printing skills necessary to begin to create their own styles of print. Credit hours: 4. Prerequisite: ARTS 1103 or permission of the instructor. (AE)

ARTS 2244 - Printmaking:intaglio

This printmaking class will teach the chemical and mechanical fundamentals of intaglio printmaking on metal plates. Topics will cover drypoint, mezzotint, aquatint, and chemical etching, how to create clean professional and consistent prints, and the creation of small editions. This printmaking form is often the most technically familiar and understandable to artists who gravitate towards drawing. Credit hours: 4. Prerequisite: ARTS 1103 or permission of the instructor. (AE)

ARTS 2248 - Printmaking:japanese Woodcuts

An exploration of printmaking through the technique of woodcut. Inspiration will be drawn from the arts and culture of Japan. Credit hours: 4. (AE)

ARTS 2274 - Arts One Time Only

Credit hours: 4. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or permission of the instructor. One time only.

ARTS 3324 - Advanced Studio I

A student will continue study of a studio discipline at an increased level of challenging, independent work. This course is taught in conjunction with a 2200-level ARTS course in the disciplines of drawing, painting, and printmaking. Credit hours: 4. Prerequisite: any 2200-level ARTS course or permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of twelve credit hours. (AE)

ARTS 4424 - Advanced Studio Ii

Students' work in this class will be focused on a single body of work, which for Studio majors is meant to be the beginning of the body of work that they will complete in ARTS 4425 as part of the requirement for their senior thesis. This course is taught in conjunction with a 2200-level ARTS course in the disciplines of drawing, painting, and printmaking. Credit hours: 4. Prerequisite: completion of ARTS 3324 and permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of twelve credit hours. (AE)

ARTS 4425 - Senior Studio

Seniors will complete, collect, and curate the work that will be exhibited in their senior show in the last session of the year. Seniors will develop a thesis that describes how the pieces they create constitute a body of work. This will take the form of a concise artist statement. Credit hours: 4. Prerequisite: completion of ARTS 4423 or permission of instructor. Required of all studio art majors.

ARTS 4490 - Independent Study