Department of Art

ART 110. Introduction to the Visual Arts. 3 Credits.

A study of the visual arts of western and nonwestern cultures with an emphasis on understanding art and artmaking through form, content, and cultural context.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.

ART 115. Introduction to Digital Media. 3 Credits.

Students are introduced to essential foundation of digital media theory, practice, and tools. The course covers basic knowledge of computer skills, terminologies and the use of software for creating digital art and related works. Topics include creative applications of text, graphics, image, video, and audio. Course required of all art majors.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.

ART 120. Painting I. 3 Credits.

Students develop the foundational skills required working in non toxic painting media. Developing skills with black and white tonal ranges to color theory. Students progress through a series of projects that build skill and exposure to a diversity of contemporary painting practices. Working from observation, abstraction and digital processes to explore varied approaches to painting. Students will investigate materiality, design, historical context and concept. This course may not be audited.
Typically Offered: Spring, odd years.
Prerequisite: ART 122.

ART 122. Two-Dimensional Design. 3 Credits.

A basic course in the study of two-dimensional design for the studio artist. Students are introduced to formal art theory, vocabulary, and techniques in creating two-dimensional artworks. Topics include composition, content, and both traditional and digital presentation skills. This course may not be audited.
Typically Offered: Fall.

ART 124. Three-Dimensional Design. 3 Credits.

A basic course in the study of three-dimensional design for the studio artist. Students create three-dimensional forms through the exploration of material and design theory. Coursework includes developing decision making skills through studio projects and the analysis of artwork.
Typically Offered: Spring, even years.

ART 130. Drawing I. 3 Credits.

An introduction to the fundamentals of freehand drawing with an emphasis on representational drawing skills, perception, and traditional drawing materials. An emphasis will be on visual thinking through observation, analysis, and expression. This course may not be audited.
Typically Offered: Spring.

ART 150. Ceramics I. 3 Credits.

Students are introduced to basic clay forming and surface design techniques. Topics include the pottery wheel, hand building, glazing, art historical themes, and the development of concept and personal expression through clay. This course may not be audited.
Typically Offered: Fall.

ART 170. Printmaking I. 3 Credits.

Students are introduced to printmaking processes and equipment. Topics include relief, planographic, and intaglio print techniques, art historical themes, and the development of personal voice in image-making. This course may not be audited.
Typically Offered: Spring, even years.
Prerequisite: ART 122.

ART 180. Photography I. 3 Credits.

Introduction to basic Photography. Students are introduced to digital photography. The course covers the fundamentals of capturing photographic images using a DSLR camera, including exposure settings, digital camera settings, download, file storage, and organization. Emphasis is placed on developing an understanding of composition, visual communication, basic photo editing tools, and printing. Demonstrations, lectures, and presentations supplement hands-on practice. Basic computer literacy is required.
Typically Offered: Fall.

ART 199. Special Topics. 1-4 Credits.

Courses not offered in the regular catalog that provide an opportunity to extend student learning.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

ART 210. Art History I. 3 Credits.

A survey of western art from Paleolithic to the Renaissance. Students examine world art through historical objects and sites from prehistoric, ancient, and medieval periods. Students analyze visual art objects from stylistic, historical, political, religious, and anthropological perspectives. Topics include Paleolithic Rock Art Sites, Ancient Near East and Egypt, Ancient Greek and Roman, Early European Medieval, Ancient Medieval China and Japan, Southeast Asian Buddhist, and the Pre-Columbian Americas.
Typically Offered: Fall, even years.

ART 211. Art History II. 3 Credits.

Art survey of western art from Renaissance to the present. Students study world artwork from the Renaissance, Early Modern, and Modern periods, approximately the late 14th century through the early 20th century. Students analyze artwork from stylistic, historical, political, and religious perspectives. Topics include Renaissance Europe, European colonialism, colonial and early American art, South American independence, Native American traditions, and Modern Art and World War II.
Typically Offered: Spring, odd years.

ART 215. Graphic Design I. 3 Credits.

Students learn the fundamentals of visual communication and techniques. This project-based course is an intensive exploration of the fundamental principles of graphic design. Topics include typography, color, composition, and principles of visual organization.
Typically Offered: Fall.
Prerequisite: ART 115.

ART 221. Painting II. 3 Credits.

Students will advance on current skills learned in ART 120 and develop an understanding theory and history of color in painting. Color is both a descriptive and a formal compositional element. It can express or deny spatial depth and the illusion of form, as well as create various sensory and psychological effects. This course may not be audited.
Typically Offered: Fall, even years.
Prerequisite: ART 120.

ART 225. Digital Imaging I. 3 Credits.

Students learn the principles and fundamental techniques for creating and manipulating raster images for print and web applications using digital software. Course focus on creation, manipulation, aesthetic approaches, and inputs and outputs as it applies to digital imaging.
Typically Offered: Fall, odd years.
Prerequisite: ART 115 and ART 180.

ART 230. Drawing II. 3 Credits.

A foundation course with the emphasis on the formal and conceptual nature of drawing. This course is designed to challenge and develop the student's invention and imagination.Introduction to color media and theory. This course may not be audited.
Typically Offered: Fall.
Prerequisite: ART 130.

ART 233. History of Craft. 3 Credits.

Students examine historical events and contemporary social issues through the lens of craft material and techniques. The creation of craft projects complements the discussion of scholarly theory and traditional and contemporary craft practices. Topics include the Arts and Crafts Movement, Industrial Revolutions, the Bauhaus, gender and craft, the DIY movement, and socially engaged art activism.
Typically Offered: Fall.

ART 235. Digital Illustration I. 3 Credits.

Students learn the basic computer illustration software and techniques. Students create vector images for quality digital illustrations. Emphasis on the fundamentals of composition and design, and the proper use of equipment and materials along with the development of professional studio skills.
Typically Offered: Spring, even years.
Prerequisite: ART 115 and ART 130.

ART 245. Introduction to Web Design. 3 Credits.

The fundamentals of multimedia tools are introduced to students for webpage design and applications. This project-based course focuses on the overall aesthetics, typography, color choices, principles for organizing the user interface for user experience, prototyping an interactive project, and issues surrounding usability.
Typically Offered: Fall, odd years.

ART 251. Ceramics II. 3 Credits.

Students develop technical skills learned in Ceramics I. Topics include conceptual development, technical problem shooting, and basic kiln firing. This course may not be audited.
Typically Offered: Spring, even years.
Prerequisite: ART 150.

ART 265. Sculpture I. 3 Credits.

Students are introduced to basics of sculpture through the study of history, techniques, process, and concept. Coursework materials might include fiber, wood, found objects, and clay. This course may not be audited.
Typically Offered: Spring, odd years.

ART 266. Sculpture II. 3 Credits.

Students expand upon skills introduced in Sculpture I. New materials and techniques are introduced to build creative problem solving abilities.
Typically Offered: Spring, odd years.
Prerequisite: ART 265.

ART 271. Printmaking II. 3 Credits.

Students develop Printmaking I technical skills and explore new processes. Topics include relief, intaglio, planographic techniques, art historical themes, and the development of personal voice in image making. This course may not be audited.
Typically Offered: Fall, odd years.
Prerequisite: ART 170.

ART 280. Photography II. 3 Credits.

Students explore image manipulation as it relates to digital photography. Technical skills covered include studio lighting, photo editing techniques, and outputting techniques for print. An overview of artists working with digital photography is provided. Lectures and demonstrations supplement hands-on practice.
Typically Offered: Spring.
Prerequisite: ART 180.

ART 294. Independent Study. 1-3 Credits.

Directed reading, study, and/or activities in selected topics.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

ART 299. Special Topics. 1-4 Credits.

Courses not offered in the regular catalog that provide an opportunity to extend student learning.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

ART 309. Art Business. 3 Credits.

An introductory course that assists the student in understanding the business of art. Gives students a foundation in tax laws; copyright; commissions; contracts; wholesale and retail sales; and the operation of galleries, museums, and the online art environment.
Typically Offered: Spring, even years.

ART 311. Art History III. 3 Credits.

This is an intermediate course covering European and American art and art theory from 1945 to the present. Examines the major movements of High Modernism and Post-Modernism (including Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, Performance Art, Minimalism, and Appropriation) in relation to biographical and formal concerns, contemporary social and political conditions, and current art history debates.
Typically Offered: Fall, odd years.
Prerequisite: ENGL 120 or ENGL 125.

ART 315. Graphic Design II. 3 Credits.

Students build on Graphic Design I by exploring the interaction of text and images. Topics include page layout, brand identity development, visual storytelling, and marketing concepts for visual communication. This course may not be audited.
Typically Offered: Spring.
Prerequisite: ART 215.

ART 321. Painting III. 3 Credits.

Students engage in the process of building an image vocabulary. Various means of working with a personal bank of images are introduced, including serial processes, journals and working from memory. Final portfolio engages new forms of technology and substrates for display. This course may not be audited.
Typically Offered: Fall, even years.
Prerequisite: ART 221.

ART 325. Digital Imaging II. 3 Credits.

Students develop skills introduced in Digital Imaging I to develop technical skills and creative problem solving. Students further explore the potential use of digital imaging as critical artistic expression. Contemporary issues in digital imaging will be emphasized.
Typically Offered: Fall, even years.
Prerequisite: ART 225.

ART 330. Drawing III. 3 Credits.

Comprehensive drawing, from composition to perspective. An intensive drawing studio covering the historic principles of drawing and their place in contemporary practice. Provides an in-depth investigation of line, perspective, the figure, gesture, space, atmosphere, erasure, etc. Through the repeated physical activity of drawing, students will refine their intellectual powers of observation and visualization. This course may not be audited.
Typically Offered: Fall.
Prerequisite: ART 230.

ART 335. Digital Illustration II. 3 Credits.

Students develop skills introduced in Digital Illustration I for advanced concepts in layout and composition. Students will develop their own unique and inventive visual problem solving skills. Additional emphasis placed on developing picture idea through research and reference, composition and color application.
Typically Offered: Spring, odd years.
Prerequisite: ART 235.

ART 345. History of Graphic Design. 3 Credits.

A survey of the development of graphic design theory, practice, and technology from the printing press to current professional practices. Topics include the development of handwriting, typefaces, books, posters, history of printing, history of advertising, art and design movements, digital design and typography.
Typically Offered: Spring, even years.

ART 351. Ceramics III. 3 Credits.

Advanced research into ceramic techniques with emphasis on the development of a personal voice and concept. This course may not be audited.
Typically Offered: Spring, even years.
Prerequisite: ART 251.

ART 366. Sculpture III. 3 Credits.

Students develop personal creative voice by building upon skills introduced in Sculpture II.
Typically Offered: Spring, odd years.
Prerequisite: ART 266.

ART 371. Printmaking III. 3 Credits.

Students explore personal research in printmaking with emphasis on the development of technique and concept. This course may not be audited.
Typically Offered: Fall, odd years.
Prerequisite: ART 271.

ART 380. Photography III. 3 Credits.

This studio-based course engages students in non-traditional photographic processes. An advanced exploration of digital photography, emphasizing student development of technique, composition, and style through experimental methods and materials to produce a series of printed works for exhibition, edited book, and final portfolio.
Typically Offered: Spring.
Prerequisite: ART 280.

ART 390. Art Methods. 4 Credits.

A study of the principles of learning, instruction and curriculum in K-12 art education programs. Students will develop teaching competencies through mini-teaching experiences, analysis of instructional methods and writing units of study.
Typically Offered: Fall, odd years.
Prerequisite: Admitted to Teacher Education.

ART 394. Independent Study. 1-3 Credits.

Directed reading, study, and/or activities in selected topics.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

ART 397. VCSU CSA Internship. 1 Credit.

This course allows the student to teach under faculty supervision in the Community School of the Arts. May be repeated for credit. Approval of the Director of the Community School of the Arts required.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Grading: S/U only.
Repeatable: Up to 4 Credits.

ART 399. Special Topics. 1-4 Credits.

Courses not offered in the regular catalog that provide an opportunity to extend student learning.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

ART 411. Art History IV. 3 Credits.

This is an advanced course covering special topics in art and cultures, indigenous people, gender and politics, feminism, and current roles art plays in society. Students will create various connections to art history and its influence on today, via lectures, discussions, and performance work.
Typically Offered: Spring, even years.
Prerequisite: ENGL 120 or ENGL 125.

ART 415. Graphic Design III. 3 Credits.

Advanced applications of Graphic Design II techniques as they relate to creative problem solving for design issues. Students will acquire professional problem-solving skills through advanced practical exercises that combine graphic design projects, production, and implementation.
Typically Offered: Spring.
Prerequisite: ART 315.

ART 420. Advanced Research Studio. 4 Credits.

Students work on independent design and studio research with direction from faculty. Students must submit a proposal for research and a semester plan for approval prior to registering. Only open to students in their final three semesters.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Prerequisite: Junior Standing or Senior Standing.
Repeatable: Up to 16 Credits.

ART 491. Visual Arts Seminar. 2 Credits.

This course will provide directed studio work and research. To be taken at the end of sophomore year or junior year with the approval of the department chair; the student will work with their faculty to prepare for senior exhibition and the written artist statement according to the established written timeline, resulting in a final artist portfolio.
Typically Offered: Spring, odd years.
Prerequisite: Sophomore Standing or higher.

ART 492. Visual Arts Capstone. 2 Credits.

Capstone course focusing on the continued investigation of the art and design field with emphasis on the student's media area(s) of focus and installation of the Senior Exhibition, Portfolio, and Artist Talk.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisite: ART 491.

ART 494. Undergraduate Research. 3-12 Credits.

The course is designed to integrate subject matter from major coursework and other disciplines into a project that leads to the creation of an original body of knowledge.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

ART 497. Internship. 3-12 Credits.

An opportunity for students to apply classroom learning to an on-the-job work experience. Internship must be related to the student's major or minor course of study and may be in any geographic location. Credit is granted in the range of three to twelve hours per semester and may be repeated up to a maximum of 12 credit hours. Application and approval through Career Services.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Prerequisites: Junior Standing or Senior Standing and cum GPA of 2.50 or higher.
Grading: S/U only.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

ART 499. Special Topics. 1-4 Credits.

Courses not offered in the regular catalog that provide an opportunity to extend student learning.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.