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Academic Bulletin Art - Course Descriptions - 2006-07

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    Currently viewing 2006-07 bulletin


    Course Descriptions—Art History

    ART 101 History of Western Art-Foundations
    This course will survey the history of Western art, from the end of the Ancient world in the Fourth Century to the end of Modernism in the late Twentieth Century and beyond. We will look at Medieval and Gothic art, the Renaissance and Baroque, Modernism and Postmodernism, taking note of the unity-and the ruptures-in this broad sweep of Western cultural production. We will examine the various media of physical and visual expression: architecture; sculpture; painting. And we will inquire into the connections between the art of Western culture and the processes of historical change that affected that culture and its institutions. Along the way, we will acquaint ourselves with the methodologies of art history, and with the particular, established vocabularies of art description. The student will learn to articulate, verbally and in writing, the specifically visual qualities of works of art, as well as their many historical circumstances. This course is offered both semesters, 2006-2007.
    No Prerequisite.
    Credits: 1

    ART 103 Greek Art and Archaeology (CLA 103)
    A consideration of the art and architecture of Greece from an archaeological and art historical point of view. The course will cover material from the Bronze Age to the Hellenistic Age. This course is offered in the fall semester, 2005-2006.
    No Prerequisite.
    Credits: 1

    ART 104 Roman Art and Archaeology (CLA 104)
    A consideration of the origin and development of Roman art and architecture from the Etruscans to late imperial Rome. This course is offered in the spring semester, 2005-2006.
    No Prerequisite.
    Credits: 1

    ART 105 The Spirit Visualized: Ritual Objects and Native American Cultures
    The course will study the very rich and diverse cultures of the indigenous peoples of North America through an examination of their ritual objects. Through slide presentations, videos, readings, field trips and visits by Native American spiritual leaders and artists, we will discover the interdependence of the ritual object and dance, music, prayer songs, creation stories and healing ceremonies. Although the course will concentrate on traditional Native American Culture, the class will conclude with an examination of the work of selected contemporary Native American artists. In these sessions we will discuss how traditional visual images and ideas have been reworked by these artists to communicate contemporary political, economic and environmental issues. This course is not offered in 2006-2007.
    No Prerequisite.
    Credits: 1

    ART 207 Renaissance and Baroque
    This course will survey painting, sculpture, and architecture in Europe between 1400 and 1750. We will follow the development of a visual expression which valorized the human figure as a basic unit of meaning, and created a unified pictorial space in which figures could be placed in significant relation with one another, and which grew increasingly ambitious in its scale and effect. We will examine patterns of patronage as they shift from the newly wealthy merchant class of the fifteenth century to the papal courts of sixteenth century Rome and the absolutist monarchies of seventeenth century Northern Europe. We will examine the relationship between art and political and other cultural events of the period. The course will cover the artistic centers of Northern Europe as well as the Italian cities of Florence, Rome and Venice. The vigor of the Renaissance and the visual complexities of the Baroque will offer us a challenging opportunity to exercise our powers of description and aesthetic analysis. This course is offered spring semester 2006-2007.
    No prerequisite.
    Credits: 1

    ART 208 19th Century Art
    This course will examine the major trends in painting and sculpture between the end of the Baroque age and the beginning of Modernism, an era characterized by philosophical Enlightenment, political revolution, and scientific discovery. The art of this turbulent period was often in conflict with tradition and the established structures of artistic training, production and patronage; much of our contemporary understanding of the nature and role of artists and their work was formed in the crucible of this fascinating period. The dramatically shifting styles of this century of art history will offer us rich opportunities to develop our tools of formal, descriptive analysis, and to articulate the connections between visual styles and the cultural conflicts which produce them. This course is not offered 2006-2007
    No Prerequisite.
    Credits: 1

    ART 209 20th Century Art
    This course will survey the history of Modern art from the 1860s to the present, beginning in Paris, expanding to Europe, and eventually to New York and beyond. We will ask several questions about the works we look at: What is modern about modern art? Why does the way art looks change over time, and what directs that change? What is the relationship between art and the artists and societies that produce it? What is its relationship to our lives today? Is Modernism over? To answer these questions, we will look closely at the artworks themselves, as well as the writings of artists and critics, and the history of the society and culture that considered itself “modern.” This course is offered in the fall semester 2006-2007.
    No Prerequisite.
    Credits: 1

    ART 210 Special topics in Art History
    The objective of this class is to develop the student's understanding of art history. Through the analysis of a particular theme or topic, students will gain a greater understanding of visual communication and its history. Since the content of this course varies from year to year, it may be repeated for credit upon the instructor’s approval. Examples of course topics: Building for the Spirit; Religious Architecture from Antiquity to the Present; Women in Art; The Image of Man; Monumentality; Introduction to African Art, African American Art; The Art of the Ancient Americas; and Latin American Art. This course is offered in the spring semster, 2005-2006.

    Afro-American Art
    The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of the development of African American art from the Colonial period to the present. The course will combine the study of individual artist with the historical, social and political contexts that helped shape African American art. Romaticism, modernism, and formalism will be examined as well as issues identified with post-modernism and cultural nationalism.
    No Prerequisite.
    Credits: 1

    ART 311 Art Theory and Criticism
    This course will explore the major currents in the theories of meaning in and aesthetic response to works of visual art. What is the origin of the category “art”? Does it have universal validity? Are judgments about art merely subjective, or can they expect universal consensus? These are only some of the questions which will open the course; we will go on to consider the central problems of modern and postmodern art, and their role in our lives today. We will locate the roots of the issues of modern art criticism and theory in the Western philosophical tradition. We will pay particular attention to the relationship between visual expression and writing about visual art, between art and its criticism, and the ever narrowing gap between the two. Students should expect to do a significant amount of reading and writing. This course is offered in the fall semester, 2006-2007.
    Prerequisite: Junior or Senior Standing, one previous Art History course or consent of instructor.
    Credits: 1/2

    ART 312 Post Modern Art and Culture
    Modernism, as an art form and a historical, cultural condition, took many distinct forms and set out various contradictory goals. It has been said not only that the project of modernity is unfinished, but that every modernism has its own postmodernism. What does it mean to say that we are no longer modern, that the new is now old? Together we will discuss these questions from a variety of different angles, equipped with a variety of approaches. The course will concentrate on the relationships between art, culture, politics, and critical, theoretical writing. We will attempt to make sense out of what is often contentious, playful, contradictory, or even willfully obscure in contemporary art and criticism. This course is important for anyone wishing to participate in the contemporary public debates about the meaning and value of art and culture. This course is offered in the fall semester. 2006-2007.
    Prerequisite: Art 209 and junior or senior standing, or consent of instructor.
    Credits: 1/2

    ART 434 Senior Project in Art History
    One-half or one course credit, fall semester.
    Prerequisite: Senior Standing.
    Credits: 1/2

    ART 435 Senior Project in Art History
    One-half or one course credit, spring semester.
    Prerequisite: Senior standing.
    Credits: 1/2

    Course Descriptions—Studio Art

    ART 120 Introduction to Studio: 2-D Art Foundations
    The course is designed to help the student learn to work with basic 2- dimensional concepts and their vocabulary. The course investigates the elements of design, studies the interaction of color, and introduces the students to freehand drawing. Projects will address conceptual and perceptual problems through a variety of media. This course is offered in the fall semester, 2006-2007.
    No Prerequisite.
    Credits: 1

    Art 121 Introduction to Studio: 3-D Art Foundations
    This foundation course will expose the student to basic 3-dimensional concepts and materials. Through the use of the elements of art and principles of design, students will create a series of basic sculptural projects. Inherent in this process is the development of communication skills in a visual language. Projects will address conceptual and perceptual problems through the use of materials such as cardboard, wire, wood, clay, styrofoam, and plaster. This course is offered in the spring semester, 2006-2007.
    No Prerequisite.
    Credits: 1

    ART 122 Life Drawing
    An investigation of the human figure as a means of expression with emphasis on proportion, structure, line, value, and other aspects of composition. The student will pursue historical and contemporary approaches to the human figure through various media. Students who have successfully completed Art 122 and wish to continue their work with the human figure should consult with the department chair. This course is offered in the spring semester, 2006-2007.
    Credits: 1/2

    Art 123 Ceramics
    An introduction to the basic techniques of clay. The course will investigate the methods and aesthetics of ceramics, both functional ware and sculptural form. The course will also explore the historical perception of pottery and the contemporary uses of clay as a sculptural medium. This course is offered spring semester, 2006-2007.
    No Prerequisite.
    Credits: 1

    Art 124 Photography
    Students will be introduced to darkroom techniques and a sensitivity to B/W photography as a means of visual expression. The principles of design as a means of visual communication will be an emphasis in the course. The projects deal with texture, light, and space, with emphasis on the development of personal ideas. Some photographic history will be discussed, as well as current issues in art and photography. (Each student must have his own 35-mm camera with manual controls.) This course is offered in the fall semester, 2006-2007.
    Credits: 1

    ART 225 Special Topics in Studio
    The objective of this class is to develop the student's ability to think visually. Through the analysis of a particular theme, topic, medium, or technique students will gain a greater understanding of visual communication, creative expression, and its history. Since the content of this course varies from year to year, it may be repeated for credit upon the instructor’s approval. One-half or one course credit. This course is offered in the spring semester, 2006-2007.
    Credits: 1/2

    The objective of this class is to develop the student's understanding of art history. Through the analysis of a particular theme or topic, students will gain a greater understanding of visual communication and its history. Since the content of this course varies from year to year, it may be repeated for credit upon the instructor’s approval. Examples of course topics: Building for the Spirit; Religious Architecture from Antiquity to the Present; Women in Art; The Image of Man; Monumentality; Introduction to African Art, African American Art; The Art of the Ancient Americas; and Latin American Art. This course is offered in the spring semster, 2005-2006.

    Studies in Abstraction
    This course will examine the various approaches used in the production and understanding of abstract art ranging from analytical examination of the physical world to nonobjective invention. Students will explore how line, form, color, space, texture, emphasis, continuity and balance can become the subject matter of abstract art. Students will also consider how one discusses critcal issues of a work of art when that work is absent traditional subject matter. This course is offered in the second half, spring semester, 2006-2007.
    Prerequisite: Any one of the following courses: Art 120, 122, or 209.
    Credits: 1/2

    ART 227 Sculpture
    An investigation of techniques, procedures, and vocabulary necessary for three-dimensional visual expression. Three-dimensional design concepts, both traditional and contemporary, will be explored through applied problems. Media: plaster, clay, wood, and steel. This course is offered in the fall semester, 2006-2007.
    Prerequisite: Either Art 121 or 123.
    Credits: 1

    ART 228 Painting
    A continuation of the concerns of Art 120 in exploring and developing the organization of the two-dimensional surface as it relates to drawing and design. Media: acrylic and oil pigments. This course is offered in the spring semester, 2006-2007.
    Prerequisite: Art 120.
    Credits: 1

    ART 330 Advanced Studio
    For students wishing to continue serious pursuit of art making in any of the studio areas including multi-media and other non-traditional means of expression. This course emphasizes greater independence in approach to materials, techniques, and concepts. One-half or one course credit, fall semester, 2006-2007.
    Prerequisite: Art 120 or 121 and one of the following: Art 122, 123, 124, 227 or 228.
    Credits: 1/2

    ART 331 Advanced Studio
    For students wishing to continue serious pursuit of art making in any of the studio areas including multi-media and other non-traditional means of expression. This course emphasizes greater independence in approach to materials, techniques, and concepts. One-half or one course credits, spring semester, 2006-2007.
    Prerequisite: Art 120 or 121 and one of the following: Art 122, 123, 124, 227 or 228.
    Credits: 1/2

    ART 387 Independent Study
    Individual research projects. The manner of study will be determined by the student in consultation with the instructor. Students must receive written approval of their project proposal from a department member before registering for the course. One-half or one course credit, each semester, 2006-2007.
    Prerequisite: 2 previous art courses and consent of instructor.
    Credits: 1/2

    ART 388 Independent Study
    Individual research projects. The manner of study will be determined by the student in consultation with the instructor. Students must receive written approval of their project proposal from a department member before registering for the course. One-half or one course credit, each semester, 2006-2007.
    Prerequisite: 2 previous art courses and consent of instructor.
    Credits: 1/2

    ART 432 Senior Studio
    Art majors must examine a specific visual theme or concept, develop the idea through his selected mediums, and install an exhibition of the results of that study. The exhibition may be a one-man or group exhibit, depending on the requirements of the project and the availability of exhibition space. One-half or one course credit, fall semester, 2006-2007.
    Prerequisite: Art 330 or 331 and senior standing.
    Credits: 1/2

    ART 433 Senior Studio
    Art majors focusing in studio must examine a specific visual theme or concept, develop the idea through his selected mediums, and install an exhibition of the results of that study. The exhibition may be a one-man or group exhibit, depending on the requirements of the project and the availability of exhibition space. One-half or one course credit, spring semester, 2006-2007.
    Prerequisite: Art 330 or 331 and senior standing.
    Credits: 1/2