Studio Art Course Offerings
104 – Digital Approaches to Fine Art (3)
This course introduces basic tools and techniques of computer-generated art in the context of studio art theory and practice.
105 – Design Principles (3)
Basic study of design elements and their use in the organization and construction of visual communication in both two and three dimensions. Introduction to basic writing and speaking skills.
120 – Drawing I (3)
Prerequisite: Studio Art 105 or permission of instructor. Introduction to the principles of traditional and experimental drawing practice in diverse media. Reading, writing, research and speaking assignments accompany studio activity.
220 – Intermediate Drawing (3)
Pre-requisite: Studio Art 120 or permission of instructor. Advanced problems in drawing practice with emphasis on the relationship of perceptual, conceptual and media aspects. Reading, writing, research and speaking assignments accompany studio activity.
223 – Ceramics I (3)
Pre-requisite: Studio Art 105 or permission of instructor. Introduction to clay and the processes of hand building and wheel throwing. Studio procedures include clay making, glazing preparation and application, and a variety of firing methods. Reading, writing, research and speaking assignments accompany studio activity.
224 – Printmaking I (3)
Prerequisite: Studio Art 120 or permission of instructor. Introduction to the principles and techniques of print media. Course uses non-toxic, water-soluble materials. Reading, writing, research and speaking assignments accompany studio activity.
225 – Color Theory (3)
Prerequisite: Studio Art 105 or permission of instructor. The study of color as it relates to visual perception, artistic expression, and structure; the theories of Munsell, Itten, Goethe, and others are used as tools. Reading, writing, research and speaking assignments accompany studio activity.
231 – Sculpture I (3)
Prerequisite: Studio Art 105 or permission of instructor. Basic techniques of construction are introduced, focusing on additive and subtractive approaches to form. Fundamentals of creative problem solving are covered, as well as an introduction to studio procedures and the use of power tools and machinery. Reading, writing, research and speaking assignments accompany studio activity.
241 – Photography I (3)
Prerequisite: Studio Art 105 or permission of instructor. Offers a practical introduction to 35mm film cameras and basic darkroom techniques for printing black-and-white photographs. Study of the history of photography, along with contemporary directions in both silver-based and digital photography is included. Reading, writing, research and speaking assignments accompany studio activity.
242 – Painting I (3)
Prerequisite: Studio Art 120 or permission of instructor. Introduction to the principles of traditional and experimental painting practice primarily in oil and acrylic paints. Reading, writing, research and speaking assignments accompany studio activity.
263 – Textile Design (3)
Prerequisite: Studio Art 105 or permission of instructor. Introduction to the creation of fiber structures using a variety of processes including weaving, needle arts, embroidery, basketry, and quilting. Traditional and non-traditional materials are incorporated with an emphasis on broad experimentation. Contemporary issues in fiber arts is discussed. Reading, writing, research and speaking assignments accompany studio activity.
281 – Topics in Studio Art (3–6)
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Offers special topics in the theory and practice of making art.
311– Ceramics II (3)
Prerequisite: Studio Art 223 or permission of instructor. Further exploration of wheel-thrown and hand-built forms with an emphasis on developing technical sophistication and personal direction. Introduces the use of porcelain and earthenware (in addition to stoneware), as well as broad experimentation with glazing and firing. Reading, writing, research and speaking assignments accompany studio activity.
313 – Life Drawing (3)
Prerequisite: Studio Art 220 or permission of instructor. Focuses on comprehensive linear and painterly drawing techniques using the human figure. Emphasis ranges from traditional proportion and composition to experimental and personal interpretations of the figure. Reading, writing, research and speaking assignments accompany studio activity.
324 – Printmaking II (3)
Prerequisite: Studio Art 224 or permission of instructor. This course expands on techniques learned in Printmaking I. Other printmaking processes will be discussed long with historical aspects of printmaking and contemporary work in a variety of print media. Course uses non-toxic, water-soluble materials and concentrates on multiple color printing and editions. Reading, writing, research and speaking assignments accompany studio activity.
331– Sculpture II (3)
Prerequisite: Studio Art 231 or permission of instructor. Conceptual approach to space and form is explored through a broad range of media. Performance, installation, and site-specific works employing found objects, constructed objects, sound, movement, etc., are introduced. Focus is on development of individual creative ideas and approaches to sculpture as a visual language. This is a writing and speaking intensive course designed to promote recognition, formulation and articulation of concepts and perceptions about sculpture and extended media.
342 – Painting II (3)
Prerequisite: Studio Art 242 or permission of instructor. Advanced problems in painting practice including technical exploration in multiple painting media. This is a writing and speaking intensive course designed to promote recognition, formulation and articulation of concepts and perceptions about painting. Emphasis is on individual technical and conceptual development broadened by readings and research.
350 – Photography II (3)
Prerequisite: Studio Art 241 or permission of instructor. Course expands upon traditional darkroom techniques and concepts learned in Photography I. Examines contemporary concepts and techniques in photography as a fine art. Reading, writing, research and speaking assignments accompany studio activity.
361 – Experimental Watercolor ( 3)
Prerequisite: One year of drawing or permission of instructor. Problems and techniques in traditional and non-traditional approaches to the medium of watercolor and related water media are explored. Does not fulfill the painting requirement in the major but can count as elective credit.
450 – Topics in Art and Art History (3)
Prerequisite: Studio Art 105 and Art History 114 or 115, or permission of instructor. Offers topics that bridge traditional boundaries between Art History and Studio Art.
454 – Approaches to Video Art (3)
Prerequisite: Studio Art 105 and Art History 114 or 115. A comprehensive look at the development of video and other time-based media as valid art forms in contemporary art; explores the formal development, content, and format of various multi-media art forms.
470 – Special Studies in Studio Art (3)
Prerequisite: Must have completed at least one 300-level course. Provides a study of a specific area in Studio Art. Topic is selected by faculty in consultation with students.
474 – Professional Practices in Studio Art (3)
Prerequisite: Must have completed at least two 300-level studio art courses. Senior status preferred. Course addresses contemporary issues in art and professional development as an artist. The course covers: development of a body of work, professional development in speaking and writing, artist resume and statement, artist biography, portfolio preparation, job opportunities, interview practices, graduate school application process, exhibition opportunities, grant funding, artist residencies, and financial accounting.
491, 492 – Individual Study in Studio Art (3, 3)
Prerequisite: Must have completed at least one 300-level studio art course in the medium. Permission of department chair and instructor required. Allows for independent work under the supervision of a member of the Studio Art faculty. Available on a competitive basis. Vehicle for those seeking honors in Studio Art.
499 – Internship (Credits variable)
A supervised off-campus experience developed in consultation with the Studio Art faculty. A maximum of three credits may count toward elective credit in the major.