WCSU Undergraduate Catalog 2021-2022 : School of Visual and Performing Arts

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 Art: Beginnings to the Renaissance  3 SH
This survey traces the global development of art from prehistoric times to the art of the Renaissance. Trips to major museums in the New York area are required. Fall semester.

ART 101 History and Appreciation of Art: Renaissance to the Present 3 SH
This survey continues to examine the global development of art from the Renaissance to present. Trips to major museums in the New York area are required.

ART 102 Art Appreciation 3 SH
An introduction, broad survey and exploration of the Visual Arts from the historical origins of civilization to contemporary manifestations of art. Students will learn basic terminology and tools for examining, analyzing, interpreting and writing about works of art. Contextual and cultural factors as well as the artist’s role in society will be evaluated and examined. The purpose of this course is to cultivate a deeper and more expansive awareness and appreciation of the Visual Arts. But more importantly, to foster an understanding of the power and value of Visual Art as a compelling (and often persuasive) method of communication and human expression. Competency: Intercultural (IC).

ART 104 Art Fundamentals: Collage/Assemblage 2 SH
This is an introductory course that introduces students to the ideas, materials and techniques of collage and assemblage. Simple hand tools (rulers, scissors, glue sticks, etc.) will be used to fabricate class projects using found and/or readily available materials (magazines, newspapers, old books, etc.). Class projects will explore the historical, theoretical and conceptual ideas associated with collage/assemblage and provide practical skills to successfully craft two-dimensional and three-dimensional artworks. Competency: Creative Process (CP).

ART 105 Media and Methods 3 SH
Students will explore a range of approaches for creating finished art through projects designed to foster painting and drawing media exploration. Through in class and independent study of specific materials, study of works by artists, in class demonstrations and other written and visual resources, students will be directed toward imaginative and inventive solutions for assigned projects. Students will explore working in colored pencil, pastel, ink, watercolor, gouache and acrylic paints. Color usage, composition, and material craft are the focus of the course. Prerequisites: ART 130 Color Theory and ART 150 Drawing II.

ART 106 Art Fundamentals: Smart Phone Photography Basics 2 SH
An introductory course in digital photography using your smartphone. This overview course begins with a foundation in phone camera photography, understanding its shortcomings and how to overcome them. This course explores basic shooting techniques including exposure, composition, focus, characteristics of light, etc. Instruction will be through lectures, class demonstrations, tutorials, and class discussions around assigned work. For Non-Art majors. Competency: Creative Process (CP).

ART 117 Introduction to 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. Competency: Creative Process (CP).

ART 121 Fundamentals of Two-Dimensional Design 3 SH
A broad exploration of the fundamental techniques and principles 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. Competency: Creative Process (CP).

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. Competency: Creative Process (CP).

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 cray pas crayons, will be used on different kinds of paper. Competency: Creative Process (CP).

ART 145 History of Photography 3 SH
A survey of the development of photography as a medium of documentation, communication and artistic expression.

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. Competency: Creative Process (CP).

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. Competency: Creative Process (CP).

ART 201 Non Western Art History 3 SH
This survey course examines the historical and cultural heritage of Non-Western societies from antiquity to the present. Non-Western cultures are those initially developed outside the realm of Western culture and include Africa, the Pacific, Asia and cultures of the Americas (Pre-Conquest and Native American)  Students will examine paintings, sculptures, architecture and other art forms through classroom presentations, video clips, selected readings as well as the required text. Competency: Intercultural (IC).

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. 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. Prerequisite: ART 130 and ART 270.

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.

ART 258 Gallery Techniques 3 SH
This course is an introduction to the fundamental components behind the development of a successful gallery exhibition. Working closely with the gallery curator, students will gain an understanding of the various methods needed to organize, implement and promote an exhibition. Topics covered will include curatorial practices, exhibition design, installation techniques and public relations. Site-visits to a variety of art organizations, museums, galleries and artist studios will be integrated.

ART 266 Fundamentals of Three Dimensional Design 3 SH
A broad exploration of the fundamental techniques and principles 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.  Prerequisite: ART 121.

ART 268 Alternative Creative Process 3 SH
In the early 20th Century, made up of fragments, common artifacts, and rejected pieces of popular culture, the act of collage and matière historically revolutionized ideas about the nature of art. Using art made of found objects and readily available materials, students will fabricate class projects that explore the historical, theoretical and conceptual ideas associated with collage and matiére and provide practical skills to successfully craft two-dimensional and three-dimensional artworks. Collage and matiére will emphasize the everyday and commonplace over precious materials and refinement; concept and process over end product; the temporary and ephemeral over the lasting. Prerequisite: Art 105 Materials and Methods

ART 270 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. Prerequisite: ART 150.

ART 274 Bookmaking 3 SH
This course is a studio introduction and survey of the techniques, processes and equipment that introduces the basic techniques of book making. Through demonstrations and hands-on projects, this course includes how to create pamphlets, multi-section bindings and art books. This class will explore conceptual book structures and contemporary applications of book binding. Students will learn skills relevant to both design and art with a focus on creativity, design and craftsmanship. We will also be examining the history of bookmaking and techniques that were used to create books during different time periods. This will include a brief overview of the cultural contexts that influenced the creation of books. Prerequisite: Art 266 or Art 309. Competency: Creative Process (CP).

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. Prerequisite: ART 208 and ART 216.

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. Prerequisite: ART 208 and ART 266.

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. Prerequisite: ART 208 and ART 266. Competency: Creative Process (CP).

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. Prerequisite: ART 208 and ART 216.

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. Spring Semester. Prerequisite: ART 302.

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. Prerequisite: ART 304.

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. Prerequisite: ART 208.

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. Prerequisite: ART 309.

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. Prerequisite: ART 304.

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.  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 302.

ART 333 Introduction to Animation 3 SH
An exploration of the fundamental aspects of animation. Students will learn the history behind various forms of animation, and how today’s software is being used by today’s professionals. Various software will be used to complete projects designed to engage student interest. Prerequisite: ART/DIMA 210 or ART 318.

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 216.

ART 342 Digital Imaging & Production 3 SH
Students will expand upon their digital skills and knowledge using software tools such as Adobe Illustrator and Adobe InDesign as digital design and production tools. Students will learn through lectures, demonstrations, exercises and real-world projects and explore the basic and most useful tools in Illustrator and InDesign. Students will learn how to create digital graphics, typographic effects and solve design problems in print and web environments. This course will provide step-by-step instructions as well as explanations of the basic program features. Prerequisite: ART/DIMA 210 or ART 304.

ART 346 Color Photography I 3 SH
This course explores the technical and aesthetic use of color in photography as a creative tool. Topics covered include color theory, perception and the history of color photographic processes. Students are required to have their own DSLR camera. Fall semester. Prerequisite: ART 207 and ART 216.

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 356 Advanced Photographic Methods 3 SH
This course concentrates on the expanded use of Photoshop and the digital darkroom for photographers. Emphasis is placed on the use of Camera Raw, advanced retouching techniques and preparation of images for output to print, web or video. Students are required to have their own DSLR. Spring semester. Prerequisites: ART 216

ART 429 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 319.

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. 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. Prerequisite: ART 329.

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. Prerequisite: ART 432.

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.

ART 448 Gallery Interactions 3 SH

This course will provide students an overview of the standard practices and methods applied in gallery and museum professions. Students will gain a working knowledge of the planning, installing, publicity and funding exhibitions. Students will also develop skills for the proper handling of artwork and historical artifacts, installing exhibitions in the university gallery and other designated spaces on and off campus. Students will conduct research and complete a series of written projects that are relevant to the professional artist and the field of Arts Exhibition and Management, including artist marketing materials, writing exhibition proposals, and responses to grant applications. Field trips and guest speakers may be integrated. In addition, the thoroughness of the written component of this course will satisfy the specifications of the W3 competency. Prerequisite: WRT 101, Writing Intensive Tier II (W2) and must have Junior standing. Competency: Writing Intensive Tier 3 (W3).

ART 472/474/476/478/479 Portfolio 

These courses are an intensive exploration of the student’s individual artistic direction and the capstone academic experience within the student’s selected 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 majors, Senior status, in good academic standing, who have completed other requisite courses within their option. Competency: Culminating Experience (CE).

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