Art

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.

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.

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.)    

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.)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.