Art

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The Art major is designed to provide students with foundational skills in traditional and experimental media, a broad understanding of the history of art, and advanced study in their studio practice or art historical research. The major provides an introduction to a variety of media, processes, and topics that may be catered to suit particular student interest and career goals. The flexibility of the art major affords students the opportunity to pursue other academic interests, including a departmental major in another academic area. Art majors will produce and present a capstone project that is studio- or research- based. Students with an emphasis in Studio Art will finish their program of study with a body of work that is documented through a portfolio of works and supporting documentation. Students with an emphasis in Art History will prepare and present a research paper that incorporates art historical or curatorial methodologies and utilizes primary research.

Students majoring in Art find career opportunities in a wide variety of professional fields, including advertising and design studios; web design and development; teaching in public or private schools; management of cultural programs in city, state, or federal government agencies; museums, galleries and other cultural institutions; In addition, graduates start small businesses and begin independent professional practices. Our undergraduate major prepares students for graduate study in fine arts, curatorial, and art history programs.

Students completing a degree in Art within the Art Studio Track will:

  • demonstrate knowledge of 2-D design, 3-D design, digital media and art history;
  • apply studio skills to visual communication
  • defend conceptual work through presenting, writing and speaking effectively
  • create a portfolio that both encapsulates the student’s work and prepares her/him for future career opportunities

Students completing a degree in Art within the Art History Track will:

  • demonstrate knowledge of 2-D design, 3-D design, digital media and art history;
  • apply research skills to art historical facts, themes and issues
  • defend conceptual work through presenting, writing and speaking effectively
  • create a portfolio that both encapsulates the student’s work and prepares her/him for future career opportunities

All majors require a senior comprehensive experience. Art majors complete an oral defense as part of ART495 Senior Thesis. Majors must successfully defend the work they produce for the senior exhibition. Each student is notified of the results of the oral defense by the faculty member instructing ART495.

For more information about the Art major leading to a teaching certification, please contact the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education.

Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Program Contact: Professor Daniel Graham

 

Majors and Minors

Classes

ART115 : Drawing

This foundation-level art course deals with the basics of drawing using both traditional media and innovative techniques. The drawing approaches will range from representational to experimental. This course is suggested as a prerequisite for ART331.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Area of Inquiry

Fine Arts: ART

Semester Offered

Fall
Spring

ART117 : Design Basics and Color

This foundation-level art course deals with basic topics of visual structure, the elements of design, materials and design terminology, and color theory. This course is suggested as a prerequisite for ART331.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Area of Inquiry

Fine Arts: ART

Semester Offered

Fall

ART119 : Introduction to Three-Dimensional Design and Ceramics

This studio course addresses the fundamental concepts of sculpture and other three- dimensional practices. Working with a variety of materials including paper, wire, metal, clay, and installation, students will have the opportunity to examine the formal elements of three-dimensional forms through hands-on experience. In this course, students will observe the work of others in the studio environment; explore a broad repertoire of media possibilities; and critically analyze works.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Area of Inquiry

Fine Arts: ART

Semester Offered

Spring

ART121 : Introduction to Graphic Design

This course is an introductory study in the aesthetics, creative, and technical aspects of digital imaging and graphic design. Although no one area will be mastered in this course, students will gain a basic proficiency of Adobe’s Creative 51 Suite with emphasis in Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Course assignments will address a wide array of topics, including image manipulation, creation of graphics, overview of typography, and layout design. ART121 is recommended for all art majors/minors.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Area of Inquiry

Fine Arts: ART

Semester Offered

Fall
Spring

ART123 : Rock Paper Scissors

This course investigates contemporary art history and current practicing artists while students take part in creative exercises and projects. There is an optional one-hour lab, which addresses the fundamental concepts of studio practices including but not limited to conceptual development, collaboration, installation, and technical direction. In this course, students will observe the work of others in the studio environment, explore a broad repertoire of media possibilities, and critically analyze works.

Credit Hour(s)

2

Area of Inquiry

Fine Arts: ART

ART123L : Rock Paper Scissors Lab

This is an optional one-hour lab for ART123, which addresses the fundamental concepts of studio practices including but not limited to conceptual development, collaboration, installation, and technical direction.

Credit Hour(s)

1

ART125 : Handmade Photography

This is an introductory studio course that exposes students to a variety of historical, traditional, and alternative photographic processes, expanding their experience and understanding the medium of photography. Students will explore various techniques, including photograms, pinhole cameras, view cameras, cyanotypes, and mordancage. Photographic topics will typically be open-ended, allowing students to pursue a mastery of each technique or address artistic, conceptual development based on their future academic and career goals.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Area of Inquiry

Fine Arts: ART

Semester Offered

Spring

ART170 : Topics in Art

This course provides the opportunity to engage in visual and contextual analysis of art while investigating a topic of interest in the area of art history, art studio, or curatorial studies. The course is open to all students and may be counted toward the art major or minor. Topics include: “Design via Photography,” “The Grand Tour,” “Chemistry and Art,” “Artistic Traditions of Asia,” and “Rock, Paper, Scissors.” Consult the semester schedule for this information as well as the topic under study.

Credit Hour(s)

2 - 3

Area of Inquiry

Fine Arts: ART

Semester Offered

Fall
Spring

ART210 : Survey of Art History I

ART210 introduces the basic concepts of visual and contextual analysis in the form of a historical survey of paintings, sculpture, architecture, and other art forms from prehistoric and ancient cultures to circa 1450 CE. Art history explores how and why works of art and visual culture function in context, paying attention to issues such as religious identity, politics, patronage, and gender while reflecting, too, on the ways in which these works are mediated and understood by viewers across time. The course is taught from the Western perspective with some attention paid to content from beyond the Western tradition.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Area of Inquiry

Fine Arts: ART

Semester Offered

Fall

ART212 : Survey of Art History II

ART212 is the second half of a year-long introductory survey of art history which introduces the basic concepts of visual and stylistic analysis in the form of a historical survey of paintings, sculpture, architecture, and other art forms from 1450 CE to the present day. Like 210, this course emphasizes understanding how and why works of art and visual culture function in context, paying attention to issues such as religious identity, politics, patronage, and gender while reflecting, too, on the ways in which these works are mediated and understood by viewers across time. This course interrogates the role and biography of individual artists more explicitly than ART210. The course is taught from the Western perspective with some attention paid to content beyond the Western tradition.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Area of Inquiry

Fine Arts: ART

Semester Offered

Spring

ART220 : Digital Photography

This course explores the practice of photography through contemporary digital methods. Students will be instructed in the operation of digital cameras, Adobe Lightroom software, and fine art digital printing. Course foundations will underscore the basics of camera settings, subject and composition, and digital workflow. Students will address a variety of subjects, including topics such as landscapes and portraiture. Students will receive help in refining their knowledge and vision for the photographic medium, as well as preparation for further development of personal photographic work. (Students must provide their own dedicated digital camera, preferably a DSLR camera. The use of phones as cameras will not be accepted.)    

Credit Hour(s)

3

Area of Inquiry

Fine Arts: ART

Semester Offered

Spring

ART222 : Film Photography

This course explores the practice of photography through traditional film/analog methods. Students will be instructed in the operation of 35mm and medium format cameras, exposure and processing of black and white film, and printing in the darkroom. Students will also discover how film-based photography can be incorporated into a digital workflow through film scanning and inkjet printing. Course foundations will underscore the basics of manual camera controls, calculating exposure, and the craft of hands-on image making. Students will address a variety of topics designed to broaden their level of experience and personal vision within the medium of photography. (Both 35mm and medium format film cameras are provided.)

Credit Hour(s)

3

Area of Inquiry

Fine Arts: ART

Semester Offered

Fall

ART300 : Printmaking

This course introduces students to basic methods of traditional printmaking. Each student will complete individual assignments utilizing multiple printmaking media including monoprint, paper lithography, and silkscreen. Demonstrative instruction will be given in woodcut, etching, engraving, and multiple transfer techniques. Students will learn how to identify various types of papers and will become familiar with a number of fundamental print concepts such as editioning, registration, group problem solving, and collaboration. Students will also receive the fundamental processes found in bookmaking. No prerequisite, although ART121 is recommended.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Spring

ART310 : Modern Art History

This course surveys developments in nineteenth and twentieth-century art and architecture, beginning with the Crystal Palace Exhibition of 1851 and concluding around 1970, with the advent of color- field painting and minimalism. Particular emphasis is placed on theoretical and critical issues in addition to the historical, intellectual, and socioeconomic changes that are reflected or addressed in the works of artists and architects.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

ART210 or 212 or permission of instructor.

Area of Inquiry

Fine Arts: ART

ART313 : Art Education

This course is designed to address the needs of education majors while providing opportunities to develop skills in pedagogy, leadership and advocacy, and personal inquiry in visual arts. In this course, students will: understand the elements of art and principles of design and will be able to critique a work of art according to universally recognized criteria; create original works of art using a variety of media and styles; and write and present original lesson plans incorporating visual arts and Kentucky’s core content. No prerequisite; however, enrollment in the Teacher Education Program and/or declaration of art major/minor is recommended. This course offers students a Service Learning opportunity.

Credit Hour(s)

2 - 3

Area of Inquiry

Fine Arts: ART

Semester Offered

Spring

ART319 : 3-D Practices

This course is an exploration of materials and techniques leading toward conceptual advancement and an investigation of personal aesthetics. The assignments in each course will range from exercises to fully developed works based in conceptual research. 3-D Practices are offered in four major fields of sculptural pursuits: Furniture making (focusing on, but not limited to, wood as a material and furniture as a medium); Metal works (a survey of fabrication practices including, but not limited to, welding, casting, and blacksmithing); Ceramics (a course that investigates clay as a medium and a conceptual context, including wheel throwing); and Performance and Installation (using the medium of the body, working with spatial relationships, and creating installation works). This course is repeatable.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

ART119 or permission of instructor.

Semester Offered

Fall
Spring

ART321 : Intermediate Graphic Design

This course serves as an indepth study of problem-solving and conceptual development through digital image manipulation, integration of type and graphics, and overall layout design. Primarily utilizing Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, course assignments address a variety of complex design problems that encourage both technical and conceptual graphic design solutions.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

ART121.

Semester Offered

Fall

ART323 : Web Design

This course will teach students how to design and develop websites using HTML and CSS, with an emphasis placed on responsive, mobile-ready design. Students will become familiar with the basic tools of web development, including text editors, FTP appli-cations, and browser web inspectors, and will develop an understanding of the fundamental principles of standards-based web design. Skills developed in this course will allow students to design, develop, and trouble-shoot a variety of static websites.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

one art course or per-mission of the instructor.

ART325 : Pottery (Wheel Thrown Ceramics)

This course investigates the processes found in wheel throwing and glazing ceramic wares. The course focuses on functional works including but not limited to tumblers, mugs, bowls, jars, plates, and teapots. Students will learn about clay and their properties.

Credit Hour(s)

3

ART327 : Furniture Design and Fabrication

This course investigates the processes found in traditional and contemporary practices of furniture making, specifically with wood as a material. The course will cover the use power tools and hand tools as well as lumber structure, wood species, wood movement, and joinery techniques. Students will engage in a number of technical exercises leading up to the creation of finished works.

Credit Hour(s)

3

ART331 : Painting

This course deals with the basics of painting using traditional media and experimental techniques in which color and composition problems will be assigned. A broad range of approaches and styles are addressed, and one’s personal creative development will be emphasized.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

ART115 or 117 or permission of instructor.

Semester Offered

Fall
Spring

ART332 : Advanced Painting

This advanced painting course further explores composition and painting techniques while moving toward a greater independence and personal development for the student.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

ART331 or permission of instructor.

Semester Offered

Fall
Spring

ART361 : Curatorial Studies

Students engage in individual and group projects to further their understanding of art historical and curatorial activities in addition to collections care and management through reading, discussions, and the planning, design, and installation of exhibitions. One project includes the student collaboration in preparing an exhibition that focuses on an aspect of Georgetown College’s history. The exhibition is held in conjunction with the college’s Homecoming. Students also learn the basics of art handling, condition reporting, and the professional responsibilities of the curator. Students collaborate with peers and work closely with faculty, the Director of Art Galleries and Curator of Collections, and the College Archivist throughout the semester. This course is experience-based and employs collaborative learning. For this reason, students are not permitted to enroll in this course with the “Pass/Fail” option. Please see the course instructor for clarification.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Fall

ART375 : Tutorial Topics

The study of a special topic in art history or art theory using the one-on-one tutorial method of instruction adapted from humanities courses at the University of Oxford, one of the leading universities in the world. The course is required as preparation for students interested in pursuing study in art history through the Oxford Program at Georgetown College. Please consult the art department chair for current offerings.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

one course in art and permission of the instructor.

ART377 : Topics in Art Studio

This course allows students to engage with specialized Art Studio topics that may not occur on a regular basis. When offered, these courses will explore a new, experimental or specialized subject that aligns with faculty research and interests. Previous topics have included: Book Arts & Letterpress, Experimental Print Media, Puppets & Tattoos and Video & Sound Art. Consult the semester schedule during advising for the topic under study. This course may be repeated.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

One course in Art Studio or the permission of the instructor.

ART379 : Topics in Art History

This course allows students to engage with specialized Art History topics that may not occur on a regular basis. When offered, these courses will explore a new, experimental or specialized subject that aligns with faculty research and interests. Previous topics have included: 18th Century Painting, Art in the 21st Century, Supernatural and Women, Art & Society. Consult the semester schedule during advising for the topic under study. This course may be repeated.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

One course in Art History or permission of the instructor.

ART394 : Critique Seminar

Recommended for Art majors and minors, this course provides students with the opportunity to pursue an individualized topic of interest in the area of art studio or art history. This course will consist of critiques for personal work, research and conceptual writing, individual meetings with faculty, portfolio development and a small group show. Critique Seminar serves as an opportunity for students to produce and present independent work in the context of a group with critical feedback and insights. This course may be repeated.

Credit Hour(s)

1

Semester Offered

Fall

ART395 : Art History Methods

This course serves as an introduction to the concepts, methods, and issues in art history and art criticism. Students will explore several art historical methods before intensively examining a work or series of works firsthand. In consultation with instructor, students may choose to research a work(s) of art in the GC Archives, Permanent Collection, or Jacobs Gallery.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

one course in art history or junior standing.

ART440 : Independent Study

Students may select any studio area or art history or art education topic for research and development. For each hour of credit, a student must complete 45 contact hours. Students must consult with faculty for application and approval in the semester prior to taking the course. They must complete paperwork as well as seek approval from the Office of the Provost. This course may be repeated.

Credit Hour(s)

1 - 3

ART460 : Internship in Visual Arts

Students may undertake professional involvement in a studio, gallery, collection, archive, organization, or company as a means of preparing for a career goal or further studies in the visual arts. For each hour of credit, a student must complete 50 contact hours. Students must consult with faculty for application and approval in the semester prior to taking the course. They must complete paperwork and register with the Center for Calling and Career. This course may be repeated.

Credit Hour(s)

1 - 3

ART494 : Senior Seminar

Required for senior Art majors, this course provides students with the opportunity to pursue an individualized topic of interest in the area of art studio or art history. This course will consist of critiques for personal work, research and conceptual writing, individual meetings with faculty, portfolio development and a group show. Senior Seminar serves as an opportunity for Art majors to become accustomed to the process of researching, developing and producing independent work for exhibition or presentation in anticipation of ART495 Senior Thesis. Successful completion of this course is required for entrance into ART495 Senior Thesis.

Credit Hour(s)

1

Prerequisites

Note: ART394 is not a prerequisite for ART494 but rather serves as an opportunity for students to participate in the course before their senior year.

Semester Offered

Fall

ART495 : Senior Thesis

Students completing a BA in Art (with a specialization in art studio or art history) will produce a capstone project that addresses art studio, art historical or curatorial contexts. This course will focus on work leading to the Senior Exhibition. During the course studio-based majors will develop, exhibit and defend a consistent and relevant body of work based on mature concepts and well-developed ideas relevant to his/her study. During the course art history-based majors will conduct, write, present and defend an original research or curatorial project that evidences skill with primary literature and current art historical or curatorial methods. A supporting portfolio, art history exam and oral defense are also required components of the course. 

Credit Hour(s)

4

Prerequisites

ART494 Senior Seminar with C or above and/or a portfolio review the semester prior to enrolling into this course.

Semester Offered

Spring