Course Descriptions


For Undergraduates Only

1010. DESIGN I. (3-1-5). Foundation for art and graphic communications. Introduction to elements of design and principles of visual organization via theory and application of two-dimensional creative expression.

1020. DESIGN II. (3-1-5). Continuation of Design I. Focus on color theory and the affect/effect relationships of color. In addition, Design II seeks the coalescence of design elements and principles in the development of two-dimensional work. Prerequisite: 1010 or consent of instructor.

1060. DRAWING I. (3-1-5). Understanding visual organization and structure expression by delineation and modeling; drawing media.

1070. DRAWING II. (3-1-5). Continuation of 1060.

1110. GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION I. (3-1-5). Development of a conceptual approach to visual literacy through creative thinking and problem solving exercises.

1120. GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION II. (3-1-5). Typographic conventions and the expressive possibilities of type. Exploration and experimentation with letter, word, text and methods of organization. Prerequisite: 1110.

1150. INTRODUCTION TO ART. (3-3-0). An introduction to the art world and all its aspects; the people who are active in that world, the many kinds of work that are created, the sensations and ideas we receive from those works, and the way the life of art has transmitted across many times and places.

1180. PAINTING I. (3-1-5). Problems of design and representation in acrylic media; development of pictorial composition through techniques and media for visual expression. Prerequisites: 1010, 1060, or consent of instructor.

1190. PHOTOGRAPHY I. (3-1-5). Theory and skills in making the digital photographic image. Small cameras, lenses, filters; lighting techniques, introduction to digital manipulation procedures.

1350. SCULPTURE I. (3-1-5). Theory and techniques of three-dimensional art; planning, plaster modeling, welded forms, woodcarving and constructions. Prerequisite: 1020 or consent of instructor.

1700. NEW MEDIA DESIGN I. (3-1-4). Introduction to the concepts, processes and technologies involved in designing for the web. Prerequisite: 1120 or consent of instructor subsequent to portfolio review.

2000. CERAMICS I. (3-1-5). Elementary ceramic design; hand building, and wheel-throwing of pottery; decoration, glazing, and firing. Prerequisite: 1010, 1020, or consent of instructor.

2020. DRAWING III. (3-1-5). Individual creative expression in still-life and landscape studies. Prerequisite: 1070.

2040. ART EDUCATION I. (2 or 3-1-5). Laboratory experience with media and techniques for elementary grades; educational implications and associated problems.

2050. PAINTING II. (3-1-5). Advanced problems in pictorial organization in oils, watercolor, lacquers, media and methods for stimulating individual expression. Prerequisite: 2010.

2060. CERAMICS II. (3-1-5). Techniques of mold making, casting, ceramic sculpture; clays and glazes, their working and firing characteristics; kiln operation. Prerequisite: 2000.

2070. CRAFTS I. (3-1-5). Crafts, beginning level. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

2090. PRINTMAKING I. (3-1-5). Basic printmaking techniques; woodcut, collagraph, silkscreen, etching, engraving. Prerequisite: 1010 or consent of instructor.

2100. GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION III. (3-1-5). Experience with various computer applications in the production of typography, graphic layouts and image/text unification. Prerequisite: 1120.

2110. GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION IV. (3-1-5). The development of visual solutions to communication problems through a process guided methodology of examination, investigation, ideation and evaluation. Prerequisite: 2100.

2120. FIGURE DRAWING I. (3-1-5). Foundational studies in drawing the human form. Prerequisite: 1060. Will substitute in Art core for 1070.

2130. FIGURE DRAWING II. (3-1-5). Continuation of 2120. Prerequisite: 1070 or 2120. Will substitute In Art core for 2020.

2160. CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY. (3-1-5). Basic understanding of the three industry standard computer programs used by graphic designers.

2190. PHOTOGRAPHY II. (3-1-5). Improved technique and advance lighting. Composition and elements of a good picture. Prerequisite: 1190.

2220. ART HISTORY I. (3-3-0). Prehistoric through medieval art. Prerequisite: FA 1040 or ART 1150, sophomore standing.

2230. ART HISTORY II. (3-3-0). Renaissance through contemporary trends. Prerequisite: FA 1040 or ART 1150, sophomore standing.

2700. NEW MEDIA DESIGN II. (3-1-4). Introduction to interactive and motion design including the concepts and technologies specific to web based multimedia applications and environments. Prerequisite: 1700 or consent of instructor subsequent to portfolio review.

3000. CERAMICS III. (3-0-6). Continuation of 2060. Prerequisite: 2060.

3010. PAINTING III. (3-1-5). Watercolor painting, transparent watercolor techniques. Prerequisite: 2050, or consent of instructor.

3020. DRAWING IV. (3-1-5). Varied media with advanced problems and experimentation with drawing materials. Prerequisite: 2020.

3040. ART EDUCATION II. (3-1-4). Children's art and its relationship to their healthy mental, emotional and creative growth; media and methods of stimulation at various stages of development; problems of evaluation.

3100. GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION V. (3-1-5). Continuation of 2110. Prerequisite: 2110 or consent of instructor.

3120. SCULPTURE II. (3-1-5). Continuation of 3110.

3150. FIGURE PAINTING I. (3-1-5). Continuation of 2130 studies in painting the human form. Advanced problems in pictorial organization in oils; experimentation with visual forms for individual expression. Prerequisites: 2010, 2050. Will substitute in Art core for 3210.

3160. FIGURE PAINTING II. (3-1-5). Continuation of 3150. Advanced problems in pictorial organization in acrylic media; currently acceptable standards of stylization. Prerequisites: 3210 or 3150. Will substitute in Art core for 3250.

3190. PHOTOGRAPHY III. (3-1-5). Wet media film photography. Introduction to 35 mm cameras and techniques. Basic darkroom techniques, B&W film processing and printing. Use of various formats as applied to professional photographers. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

3210. PAINTING IV. (3-1-5). Advanced problems in pictorial organization in oils; experimentation with visual forms for individual expression. Prerequisite: 3010 or consent of instructor.

3220. HISTORY OF WORLD ARCHITECTURE I. (3-3-0). History of architecture from its earliest stages until the Renaissance. Exploration of early authors and texts in three-dimensional design application and theory. Prerequisite: 1150 or FA 1040.

3230. HISTORY OF WORLD ARCHITECTURE II. (3-3-0). Continuation of 3220 the history of architecture from the Renaissance until today. Exploration of early authors and texts in three-dimensional design application and theory. Prerequisite: 1150 or FA 1040.

3240. HISTORY OF GRAPHIC DESIGN. (3-3-0). History of Graphic Design from prehistoric written communication systems through its evolution to present. Prerequisites: 2220, 2230, and familiarity with multi-media or consent of instructor.

3250. PAINTING V. (3-1-5). Advanced problems in pictorial organization in acrylic media; currently acceptable standards of stylization. Prerequisite: 3210.

3260. CERAMICS IV. (3-1-5). Advanced form, original glaze formulation; kiln operation. Prerequisite: 3000.

3290. PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY. (3-3-0). Fundamentals of portrait lighting, posing, retouching and camera technique. Psychology and technology needed to create a professional portrait; business aspects of the portrait photographer. Prerequisites: 1190, 2190, 3190.

3390. ADVERTISING AND COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY. (3-3-0). High technical quality and mechanics and techniques of commercial and advertising photography. Students learn to photograph a variety of commercial subjects using the large format camera. Prerequisites: 1190, 2190, 3190.

3500. PRINTMAKING II. (3-1-5). Emphasizing one medium specializing in color techniques. Prerequisite: 2090.

3540. HISTORY OF MODERN ART. (3-3-0). History of art from the rise of Modernism in the nineteenth century through its evolution in Europe and America to present. Theories of art history and seminal writings are explored.

3600. STUDIES IN SOCIAL MARGINALIZATION AND ETHNIC ART. (3-3-0). The history of social marginalization and ethnic art through the study of the visual record. History of art of the minority from its rise to the present. Images, artists, subjects, and theories of art history and seminal writings are explored in social context. Specific areas designated as follows: (01) History of African Art, (02) History of Hispanic Art, (03) History of Asian Art, (04) History of Native American Art, (05) History of Creole Art, (06) Gender issues in Art.

3700. NEW MEDIA DESIGN III. (3-1-4). Contemporary problems in new media design including concept development and visualization, practical application of nonlinear navigation systems and information architectures, media integration and device independent design. Prerequisite: 2700 or consent of instructor subsequent to portfolio review.

4000. PRINTMAKING III. (3-1-5). Emphasizing advanced technical processes. Prerequisite: 3500.

24030. ADVANCED STUDIO PROBLEMS. (3-1-5). Work with a member of the faculty in advanced studio problems. May be repeated for nine hours toward an undergraduate degree when topic varies. Prerequisites: Junior standing, six hours in art. Subtitles: 01-Painting, 02-Drawing, 03-Sculpture, 04-Design, 05-Ceramics, 06-Advertising Art, 07-Watercolor, 08-Stained Glass, 09-Graphics.

4110. CRAFTS II. (3-1-5). Advanced experience in the design and construction of various craft projects. May be repeated for a total of six hours credit when topic varies. Prerequisite: Six hours of art.

4120. SCULPTURE III. (3-1-5). Continuation of 3120.

4150. SCULPTURE IV. (3-1-5). Continuation of 4120.

4180. PREPRESS TECHNIQUES. (3-1-5). Process photographic and photomechanical techniques. Emphasis on design, technique, and computer applications. Prerequisite: 2100 or consent of instructor.

4220. PRINTMAKING IV. (3-1-5). Advanced printmaking, personal experimentation with mixed media appropriate to individual pursuits. Refinement of technical competence and proficiency. Prerequisite: 2090.

4290. EARLY ART AND CRITICAL THEORY. (3-3-0). Foundations for the discourses on the nature of art are studied in historical context. This course examines the methods and motives of international art critics and theorists from their earliest roots to the beginnings of the study of art history. Prerequisites: Junior standing, 4100 or permission of the instructor.

4320. SCULPTURE V. (3-1-5). Continuation of 4150.

4400. COMMERCIAL ILLUSTRATION. (3-1-5). Planning and execution of a complete design project such as web-site design, multimedia design, computer graphics, illustration of sequential art. Prerequisite: Art 3100 or consent of instructor.

4450. ADVANCED WATERCOLOR. (3-1-5). Further experimentation with watercolor as a medium. Prerequisite: 3010, or consent of instructor.

4460. CERAMICS V. (3-1-5). Clays, glazes, computation, and measurements. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

4590. SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN PHOTOGRAPHY. (3-3-0). Student selects an area of photography to be investigated in depth. Many include new technical applications and equipment, creative theme development in black and white, color, film-making, or a combination of any of these. Student must present a paper or creative project at the end of the course. Prerequisite: 1190, or consent of instructor.

4700. NEW MEDIA DESIGN IV. (3-1-4). Advanced new media types, applications and outcomes. The utilization of multiple media technologies in the development of web, interactive and experimental projects. Experimentation with video, motion graphics and 3-D communications design and development of a digital portfolio. Prerequisite: 3700 or consent of instructor subsequent to portfolio review.

4980. PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE AND SENIOR EXHIBITION. (3-1-5). Exploration of current trends in the professional practice of art. Includes portfolio preparation, exit critiques, and senior exhibition. All Art Majors must take ART 4980 their senior year to satisfy graduation requirements. Prerequisite: Senior standing.


1. Minimum grade of C required of art majors.

2. If six hours are to be taken during one semester, they must be divided between two areas of study. May be repeated for a maximum of nine semester hours.



For Graduates Only

5010. ADVANCED PROBLEMS IN PAINTING. (3-1-5). Contemporary trends; research and laboratory practice in painting problems. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. May be repeated for a total of six hours credit when topic varies.

5020. ADVANCED PROBLEMS IN DRAWING. (3-1-5). Contemporary trends; research and laboratory practice in drawing problems. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. May be repeated for a total of six hours credit when topic varies.

5080. ADVANCED PROBLEMS IN DESIGN. (3-1-5). Work in design-related subjects. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. May be repeated for a total of six hours credit when topic varies.

5090. ADVANCED PROBLEMS IN PHOTOGRAPHY. (3-1-5). Student selects an area of photography to be investigated in depth. May include new technical applications and equipment, creative theme development in black and white, color, filmmaking, or a combination of any of these. Student must present a paper or creative project at the end of the course. May be repeated for a total of six hours credit when topic varies.

5110. ADVANCED PROBLEMS IN CRAFTS. (3-1-5). Advanced experience in the design and construction of various craft projects. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. May be repeated for a total of twelve hours credit when topic varies. Subtitles: 01 - Stained Glass, 02 - Musical Instrument Construction, 03 - Exhibition Techniques, 04 - Mixed Media.

5130. ADVANCED PROBLEMS IN SCULPTURE. (3-1-5). Exploration in a specialized direction of personal significance. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. May be repeated for a total of six hours credit when topic varies.

5140. EXPERIMENTAL STUDIO. (3-1-5). Work with a member of the faculty in new and experimental studio problems. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. May be repeated for a total of six hours credit when topic varies.

5150. DISCOURSES ON ART AND CRITICAL THEORY. (3-3-0). Discourses on the nature of art are studied in historical context. This course uncovers the methods and motives of international art critics and theorists from the genesis of critical mass publishing until today. New experiences and paradigms are to be created. Offered concurrently with 4100.

5220. ADVANCED GRAPHICS. (3-1-5). Exploration in a specialized direction of personal significance. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. May be repeated for a total of six hours credit when topic varies.

5240. GRADUATE STUDIO.(3 to 6-1-5). Advanced studio problems. Students must meet with instructor to approve specific problem in writing prior to registration. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. May be repeated for a total of fifteen hours credit when topic varies. Subtitles: 01 - Painting, 02 - Drawing, 03 - Sculpture, 04 - Design, 05 - Ceramics, 06 - Advertising Art, 07 - Watercolor, 08 - Stained Glass, 09 - Photography, 10 - Graphics.

5410. ADVANCED PROBLEMS IN FIGURE STUDIES. (3-1-8). Contemporary trends; research and laboratory practice in drawing, painting, sculpture, and photographic problems regarding the human figure. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. May be repeated for a total of nine hours credit when topic varies.

5420. ADVANCED PROBLEMS IN WATERCOLOR. (3-1-5). Further experimentation with watercolor as a medium. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. May be repeated for a total of six hours credit when topic varies.

5440. ADVANCED PROBLEMS IN CERAMICS. (3-1-5). Clays, glazes, computation, and measurements. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. May be repeated for a total of six hours credit when topic varies.

5450. ADVANCED PROBLEMS IN COMMERCIAL ART. (3-1-5). Planning and execution of a complete design project such as a web-site design, multimedia design, computer graphics, illustration of sequential art. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. May be repeated for a total of six hours credit when topic varies.

5460. RESEARCH IN ART HISTORY. (3 to 6-6-0). Research in art history. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

5700. ADVANCED PROBLEMS IN NEW MEDIA DESIGN. (3-1-4). Advanced problem/solution equations involving research and experimentation. Prerequisite: Graduate status and consent of instructor subsequent to portfolio review.

5900. GRADUATE SEMINAR. (3-3-0). Discussion of contemporary trends and developments in art; investigation of studio or theoretical problems.

5950. RESEARCH IN ART. (3 to 6-3-0). Research techniques and their application in visual arts; preparation of prospectus.

5980. GRADUATE EXHIBITION AND DOCUMENTATION. (3-3-0). Each graduate student is required to present an exhibition of his or her work and to write a supporting document (paper-in-lieu of thesis) to accompany it. Details of both are designed in consultation with the student's graduate committee. The culmination of this work will be a comprehensive oral exam.