Undergraduate Catalog 2017-18 : 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. 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. Spring semester. General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts.

ART 117 Digital Photography 3 SH
An introductory course in digital photography using digital photographic media in various contexts. This overview course begins with a foundation in traditional camera mechanics and proceeds with digital darkroom techniques. Instruction will be by lectures, class demonstrations, slide talks, computer tutorials, and class discussions around assigned work. (6 studio hrs).

ART 121 Fundamentals of Two-Dimensional Design 3 SH
A broad exploration of the fundamental techniques and principals of two-dimensional design. Through a series of visual exercises; composition, line, mass, volume, texture, surface, balance, tone, space, scale, etc., and the relationships between various elements are explored. (6 studio hrs). General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 130 Color Theory 3 SH
An essential foundation in the interactions of color through applied exploration. Students will focus on the properties and concepts of color, color composition and color relationships. (6 studio hrs).

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 141 Drawing I 3 SH
An exploration of the ways of looking and drawing, using forms from nature, still like, and the human figure as subject matter. Also, development of drawing from imagination. Varied but simple materials, such a pencil, charcoal, pen, brush and ink, pastels, chalks and craypas crayons, will be used on different kinds of paper (6 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 150 Drawing II 3 SH
 A continuation of Drawing I, this course advances the development of drawing techniques through a range of exercises. Lessons derive from drawing still life, landscapes, live models, and imagination. Spring semester. Prerequisite: ART 141. General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 160 Ceramics 3 SH
An introduction to the use of the potter’s wheel as well as hand building and sculpting techniques in clay. Students will focus on the study of functional and nonfunctional form, texture and decoration. Fundamental techniques in clay preparation, glazing and firing will be explored. General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 207 Photography I 3 SH
This course concentrates on the aesthetics of creative photographic image making for visual expression and communication. Emphasis is placed on composition, lighting, exposure and the basic skills of black and white film processing and printing. Students are required to have their own manual 35mm SLR film camera. (6 studio hrs). Prerequisite: ART 150.

ART 208 Painting I 3 SH
An introduction to the methods of oil or acrylic painting. Students learn to mix and blend colors, develop various painting techniques and use value and tone to create volume and depth. Composition and aspects of color theory, as well as the use of paint as a medium of self-expression and communication are also explored. Spring semester. (6 studio hrs). Prerequisite: ART 130, ART 270. General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 216 Photography II  3 SH
 An exploration of the materials and processes of black and white photography, emphasizing advanced film and darkroom techniques. Students will be introduced to studio lighting equipment and techniques. A manual 35mm SLR film camera is required. Prerequisite: ART 207. General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 258 Gallery Techniques 3 SH
An introduction for the artist in search of gallery representation. Students will gain practical knowledge for presentation of their work to galleries and other areas of exposure. An artist’s portfolio (cv, bio, statement, and images) will be developed. Participation in the myriad aspects of the university gallery exhibitions will be required and interaction with outside galleries will be encouraged. Field trips and guest speakers may be integrated.

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 266 Fundamentals of Three Dimensional Design 3 SH
A broad exploration of the fundamental techniques and principals of three-dimensional composition, form, structure and construct. A variety of materials, such as paper, cardboard, plaster, clay, papier-mâché, wood or metals, may be used.  (6 studio hrs). Prerequisite: ART 121.

ART 270 Advanced Figure Drawing 3 SH
An intensive course in drawing 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 observation (6 studio hrs). Prerequisite: ART 211. General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 298 Faculty Developed Study 1–6 SH

ART 299 Student Developed Study 1–6 SH

ART 302 Graphic Processes 3 SH
 This course is a studio introduction to the traditional processes and techniques associated with the creation and production of visual communication. Through a series of assignments, students will learn to integrate verbal content into fully developed projects. Emphasis is placed on comprehension, preparation and craftsmanship (6 studio hrs). Prerequisite: ART 208 and ART 216. General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 304 Illustration I 3 SH
An introduction to the skills and range of techniques integral to the process of creating effective illustrations. The application of concept development and implementation, technique and execution will be emphasized in response to a range of projects. (6 studio hrs). Prerequisite: ART 208 and ART 216. General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 309 Sculpture I 3 SH
An introduction to the understanding and application of three-dimensional visual thinking. Line, volume, structure, surface, scale, form and space are among the concepts that are explored and expanded upon. Students will be introduced to a broad range of tools, materials and processes (6 studio hrs). Prerequisite: ART 208 and ART 260. General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 310 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 208 and ART 216. General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 317 Illustration II 3 SH
Intermediate level exploration of the problem solving skills and range of techniques integral to the process of creating effective illustrations. Principles of visual communication and design, applied through the process of developing and creating illustrated imagery, will be the focus (6 studio hrs). Prerequisite: ART 304. General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 315 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 broad range of graphic design problems formulated to foster self-reliance and encourage personal creative growth. (6 studio hrs). Spring Semester.  Prerequisite: ART 312. General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 318 Painting II 3 SH
A continuation of Painting I, this course advances the development of painting techniques through a series of exercises designed to enhance painting skills and reinforce understanding of the medium. (6 studio hrs). Prerequisite: ART 208. General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 319 Sculpture II 3 SH
A continuation of Sculpture I, this course is designed to develop technical skills and techniques. Emphasis is on advanced sculptural expression and awareness of 3-dimensional form through various mediums (6 studio hrs). Prerequisite: ART 309. 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 324 Digital Illustration 3 SH
An introduction to the process of developing and creating vector-based illustrations and designs through the utilization and application of Adobe Illustrator, the industry standard. Digital images ranging from simple vignettes to complex compositions will be developed for both print and screen publication. Spring semester.

ART 329 Painting III 3 SH
A continuation of Painting II designed to further develop personal concepts, technical skills and techniques. Emphasis focuses on concepts related to figure, landscape and nonobjective painting. Museum and gallery visits are mandatory. (6 studio hrs).  Spring Semester.  Prerequisite: Art 318.

ART 332 Digital Production: InDesign 3 SH
This course is an introduction to Adobe InDesign. Students will develop skill sets that will allow them to utilize the myriad tools and functions available within the InDesign environment. Emphasis is on the digital production of page layout and design within the problem-solving context of graphic design. Prerequisite: ART 312.

ART 336 Photography III 3 SH
An advanced course in the study of photography that expands the students’ technical expertise in both analog and digital formats. Students will be introduced to large format film cameras, advanced studio techniques and digital storytelling. Students will be required to have their own DSLR camera. Prerequisite: ART 252.

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 342 Digital Production: Illustrator 3 SH
This course is an introduction to the vector-based drawing program. Students will develop skill sets that will allow them to utilize the myriad tools and functions available within the vector based drawing environment. Emphasis is on the development, creation and transformation of vector-based objects.

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 352 Digital Production: Web Development 3 SH
This course is an introduction to web development and production software. Students will develop skill sets that will allow them to utilize the myriad tools and functions available within the application environment. Emphasis is on the process of planning, development, and implementation of web sites.

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.

ART 432 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 315.

ART 434 Advanced Digital Illustration 3 SH
An in-depth exploration in the development and creation of vector-based illustration and design. This course will focus on the utilization of advanced methods to create complex digital illustration and design solutions. Industry standard software will be utilized in the production of projects incorporating advanced design principles and refined concept development. Prerequisite: ART 324.

ART 438 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 intensive exploration and articulation to be further developed and executed in Portfolio. (6 studio hrs). Prerequisite: ART 328. General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 442 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 432. General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 444 Illustration III 3 SH
Advanced level exploration of the problem solving skills and range of techniques integral to the process of creating highly effective illustrations. Principles and techniques of illustration will be applied in response to a variety of increasingly complex creative problems. Prerequisite: ART 317.  General Education: Humanities/Fine Arts Studio.

ART 448 Gallery Interactions 3 SH
This course is an introduction to the theory and practice of gallery exhibition and management. Students will gain a working knowledge of gallery techniques through lecture and participation in gallery management and requisite collateral activities including curatorial duties, exhibition preparation, and installation and publicizing. Students will install exhibitions in the university gallery. Field trips and guest speakers may be integrated.

ART 472 Art Portfolio: Graphic Design 3 SH
This course will be an intensive exploration of the student’s individual artistic direction and the capstone academic experience within the Graphic Design option. Emphasis is on the development of a professional level student portfolio and participation in the annual senior thesis exhibition. Open only to graduating seniors in the art department who have completed other requisite courses within the option. Prerequisite: ART 432.

The following courses also have been approved and are offered periodically:
ART 105 Studio Art
ART 119 Blockprinting
ART/PHI 250 Philosophy of Art
ART 260 Silkscreen
ART 268 Collage
ART 280 Exhibition Techniques
ART 327 Digital Design
ART 365 Watercolor II