Undergraduate Catalog 14-16 : School of Visual and Performing Arts

Art

Art

Note: Independent trips to major museums and galleries in New York City are required for all art courses.  All students taking Studio Art courses are assessed a $50 fee per course.

ART 100 History and Appreciation of Western Art: Beginnings to the Renaissance  3 SH
This survey traces the development of Western art from prehistoric times to the art of the Renaissance. Trips to major museums in New York are required at student’s expense. Fall semester. General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts.

ART 101 History and Appreciation of Western Art: Renaissance to the Present 3 SH
Western art’s development from the Renaissance to the present is covered in this survey. Trips to major museums in New York are required at student’s expense. Spring semester. General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts.

ART 108 Design I 3 SH
An introduction to the vocabulary essential for all work in visual communication. Composition, line, mass, volume, texture, surface, balance, tone, space, scale, etc., and the relationships between various components are investigated through personal practice (6 studio hrs). General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 109 Color I 3 SH
The course covers characteristics, relationships and theories of color. Spring semester (6 studio hrs). Prerequisite: ART 108. General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 111 Drawing I 3 SH
An exploration of the ways of looking and drawing, using forms from nature, still life, and the human figure as subject matter. Also, development of drawing from imagination. Varied but simple materials, such as pencil, charcoal, pen, brush and ink, pastels, chalks and crayons, will be used on different kinds of paper (6 studio hrs). General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 112 Sculpture I 3 SH
An introductory course in all fields of sculpture. Students work in clay, plaster and wire construction. The course includes use of welding equipment for metal sculpture, carving in wood and stone. Students may also select material with which they wish to work. Discussion of cultural styles from past to present with illustrated slide lectures is also included (6 studio hrs). Prerequisite: ART 108 and ART 111. General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 115 Ceramics 3 SH
An introduction to the use of the potter’s wheel as well as hand building and sculpting techniques in clay, with emphasis on the study of functional and nonfunctional form, texture and simple decoration. Preliminary work in clay preparation, glazing and firing (6 studio hrs). General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 140 Introduction to Photography 3 SH (for non-art majors)
Basic photographic techniques in camera handling, film exposure, lighting, composition, darkroom and display. 35 mm camera required (4 studio hrs). General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 145 History of Photography 3 SH
A survey of the development of photography as a medium of documentation, communication and artistic expression. General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts.

ART 152 Photography I 3 SH
The aesthetics of photographic image-making and its relationship to other image-making media. The course covers the basic skills of black and white photography. Emphasis is placed on the individual’s development of expression. A 35mm (manually operated) camera required. This course is for Art majors and Photography minors (6 studio hrs). Prerequisite: ART 108. (6 studio hrs) General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 209 Design II 3 SH
A studio course dealing with the principles of three-dimensional forms. A variety of materials, such as paper, cardboard, plaster, clay, papier-mâché, wood or metals, may be used (6 studio hrs). Prerequisite: ART 109. General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 211 Drawing II 3 SH
This course concentrates on developing the individual’s powers of graphic imagery through sustained drawing in figure drawing, portrait, landscape, still life and imagination problems and exercises. Special emphasis will be on the figure. A required course for graphic communications. Frequent individual and class critiques (6 studio hrs). Spring semester. Prerequisite: ART 111. General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 212 Sculpture II 3 SH
A continuation of Sculpture I. Designed to develop technical skills and techniques. Emphasis is on advanced sculptural expression and awareness of three-dimensional form through various mediums (6 studio hrs). Prerequisite: ART 112. General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 213 Painting I 3 SH
This course explores the painting mediums — oil, water, tempera, collage — and develops the individual’s power of expression in creative painting. Some research and study of contemporary modes of expression are included (6 studio hrs). Prerequisite: ART 108, ART 109 and ART 211. General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 214 Painting II 3 SH
Continuation and extension of ART 213 Painting I with emphasis on individual development (6 studio hrs). Prerequisite: ART 213. General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 217 Etching I 3 SH
Includes work in the intaglio media. Emphasis will be on the direct methods: i.e., etching, aquatint, soft ground, and may include direct methods such as burin engraving and dry point. Black and white printing from intaglio metal plates will be stressed (6 studio hrs). Prerequisite: ART 108 and ART 211. General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 218 Etching II 3 SH
Continuation and extension of ART 217 with emphasis on individual development (6 studio hrs). Prerequisite: ART 217. General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 219 Lithography I 3 SH
A course in the planographic process. Emphasis on drawing and designing from still life, figure and photographs. Exploration of the linear form as well as tonal value and texture in the designing of lithographs. Emphasis on black and white printing from stones (6 studio hrs). Prerequisite: ART 108 and ART 211. General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 220 Lithography II 3 SH
An advanced course in lithography (technical) including the study of color lithography. Visits to print and drawing exhibitions are encouraged (6 studio hrs). Prerequisite: ART 219. General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 221 Printmaking 3 SH
An introduction to the different forms of printmaking. This course explores various aspects of relief printing, engraving, etching and planographic techniques. Students are encouraged to visit print collections when possible (6 studio hrs). Prerequisite: ART 108, ART 111 and ART 211 or permission of instructor. General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 222 Typography 3 SH
A focus on the fundamentals of typography. Development of an appreciation for, and an understanding of letterforms along with the ability to manipulate type with increased knowledge and sensitivity. Both theoretical and practical applications will be explored. Fall semester (6 studio hrs). Prerequisite: ART 209 and ART 211. General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 225 Communication Design I 3 SH
An introduction to the fundamentals of graphic design problem-solving with an emphasis on concept. Students will be exposed to a variety of graphic design problems formulated to foster self reliance and encourage personal creative growth (6 studio hrs). Prerequisite: ART 222. General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 252 Photography II (for Art majors) 3 SH
An exploration of the materials and processes of black and white photography, emphasizing application through darkroom techniques and studio lighting. Students are expected to have their own 35 mm camera (6 studio hrs). Prerequisite: ART 140 or ART 152. General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 265 Watercolor 3 SH
This course is designed to offer the graphic design, illustration and painting major an understanding of the watercolor medium. Various techniques and approaches in the use of watercolor will be investigated and explored by the student, with emphasis on the medium’s usage in graphic design, illustrating and painting. Museum and gallery visits will be included when possible. Critiques are an essential part of the course (6 studio hrs). Prerequisite: ART 109, ART 111 and ART 211. General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 275 Illustration I 3 SH
This course deals with creating illustrations and developing an illustrational vocabulary. The direct relationship among concept, technique and execution in creating an illustration will be given special emphasis (6 studio hrs). Prerequisite: ART 209, ART 211 and ART 213. General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 298 Faculty Developed Study 1–6 SH

ART 299 Student Developed Study 1–6 SH

ART 305 Illustration II 3 SH
Emphasis on long-term intensive projects focusing on specific areas (techniques or subject matter) of interest to student. Under advisement of the professor, the student will work towards the development of an individual illustration style and preparation of a professionally-competitive illustration portfolio (6 studio hrs). Prerequisite: ART 275. General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 311 Advanced Figure Drawing 3 SH
An intensive workshop in drawing and painting from the figure. Students will develop their individual visual awareness and perception of the figure in terms of forms, color, movement, structure and anatomy as it relates to the artist (6 studio hrs). Prerequisite: ART 211. General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 312 Production Processes 3 SH
An introduction to the myriad techniques, processes and equipment by which designed visual communication pieces are produced and printed (6 studio hrs). Prerequisite: ART 209 and ART 211. General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 313 Painting III 3 SH
A continuation of Painting II designed to further develop personal concepts, technical skills and techniques. Emphasis is on concepts related to figure, landscape and nonobjective paintings. Museum and gallery visits are mandatory. Individual/group critiques are integral to this course (6 studio hrs). Prerequisite: ART 214. General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 314 Painting IV 3 SH
A continuation of Painting III with assignments oriented toward the individual student’s personal interests and direction. A focus on one area of subject matter or technique should be developed in anticipation of the intensive concentrations which will be expected in portfolio (6 studio hrs). Fall semester. Prerequisite: ART 313. General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 322 Sculpture III 3 SH
A continuation of Sculpture II designed to further develop personal concepts and technical skills. Museum and gallery visits required. Individual critiques are an essential part of this course. Prerequisite: ART 212.  General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 323 Sculpture IV 3 SH
A continuation of Sculpture III with assignments oriented toward the individual student’s interest. Students will focus on one area of subject and material should be directed in anticipation of fulfilling requirements for a portfolio show. Prerequisite: ART 322. General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 325 Communication Design II 3 SH
Intermediate level studies in visual communication with an emphasis on aesthetics and function. Word and image will be the focal point of this course. Knowledge of photography and darkroom techniques are required (6 studio hrs). Fall semester. Prerequisite: ART 225. General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 328 Illustration III: Animation Production 3 SH
This course will explore the ways in which an illustrative concept is conveyed through animation. Students will learn skills that will allow them to translate their original ideas into a finished animated production. Prerequisite: ART 305.  General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 340 Advanced Photographic Methods 3 SH
In the computerized field of graphics and the Web, photography has become an important design component. This course will help students develop skills to create computer-enhanced images. Students will also learn basic color correction and retouching; the course will culminate in the creation of multi-image montages (6 studio hrs). Every third semester. Prerequisite: ART 140 or ART 152. General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 346 Color Photography I 3 SH
An exploration of color vision, design, and composition. A Digital SLR camera and portable hard drive is required (6 studio hrs).  Fall semester. Prerequisite: ART 140 or ART 152. General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 348 Photography III 3 SH
A culminating course in the study of photography that allows student to explore their technical expertise. Students may work in traditional black and white, color or computer imagery. Students are expected to have their own cameras. Prerequisite: ART 252.  General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 368 Communication Design III 3 SH
Advanced studies in visual communication with an emphasis on aesthetics and function. Principles and techniques of graphic design theory will be applied in response to a variety of increasingly complex problems (6 studio hrs). Prerequisite: ART 325. General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 370 Art Portfolio 3 SH
(Appropriate to Chosen Option)
This course will be an intensive exploration of the student’s individual artistic direction and a summation of his/her art courses at Western. Emphasis is on the development of a professional level student portfolio and participation in a Senior portfolio show. Open only to graduating seniors in the Art Department who have completed other requisite courses in their art track/option. Student may take this course more than once under a different subtitle. Spring semester.  General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

The following courses also have been approved and are offered periodically:
ART 105 Studio Art
ART 119 Blockprinting
ART/PHI 206 Philosophy of Art
ART 260 Silkscreen
ART 268 Collage
ART 280 Exhibition Techniques
ART 327 Digital Design
ART 365 Watercolor II