Art and Design

Requirements & Courses

  • Two degree options are offered by the Art and Design Department. The Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Art and Design is a pre-professional program for students planning to earn an M.F.A. and/or who would like to work within a specific area of art. Students select one of the following areas of concentration: Ceramics, Drawing and Painting, Graphic Design, Photography, and Sculpture. The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Art and Design is designed for students seeking a broad overview of various media within the Studio Arts, and is often combined with other majors such as Business, English or Psychology.

  • Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree Requirements

    Acceptance to the B.F.A. program requires the candidate to submit a portfolio to the Department for approval after completing 24 studio credits. This portfolio must be submitted by December of the Junior Year. The Department may elect to consider portfolios of students with an overall GPA below 3.0 or those submitted after this deadline.

    Completion of 80 credits in ART (142 total credits to earn BFA degree) and require the following major requirements:   

    1. Twenty-eight credits of Core: ART-101, 111, 112, 120, 150, 162 and 213.

    2. Four credits of Art History selected from: ART-210, 211, 212, 215 or 218.

    3. Thirty-two credits selected from one required concentration below:

    • Ceramics: ART-140, 240, 250, 340, 440 and 12 additional credits of pre-approved electives in the area of concentration.
    • Drawing and Painting: ART-261, 262, 361, 362, 461, 462 and 8 additional credits of pre-approved electives in the area of concentration.
    • Graphic Design: ART-230, 331, 332, 333, 334, NMS-232, ART/NMS 385, and complete either ART-270 or 224, or other pre-approved ART / NMS electives.
    • Photography: ART-224, 324, 424, 425, NMS-232, ART/NMS 385, and at least 8 credits from the following: ART-270, 320M, NMS-204, 210, 220, 381 or other pre-approved electives from ART or NMS
    • Sculpture: ART-140, 240, 250, 350, 450, PHY-140, and 8 additional credits of pre-approved electives in the area of concentration.

    4. Twelve credits of ART electives: at least eight credits must be taken at the              upper  level.

    5. Four credits of ART Capstone: ART-501 or ART-502.

    6. Senior Exhibition: a senior exhibition of caliber, successful Advisory Board and        ART Faculty Review. 

    7. 3.0 overall cum GPA, 3.5 GPA in all ART classes.

  • Bachelor of Arts (Art Major) Degree Requirements

    Thirty-six credits which must include:

    1. Core: ART-101, 111, 112, 120, 150, 319
    2. Electives (8 cr): ART-140, 162, 210, 211, 212, 213, 215, 218, 222, 224, 228, 230, 250, 380, 385, or NMS-232
    3. Capstone: ART 501, ART-502, a senior exhibition approved by the Department with a successful Advisory Board review.

    Students pursuing the B.A. are strongly encouraged to pursue additional credits within an area of concentration to increase employment opportunities within the arts.

  •

    An emphasis in Animation, Graphic Novel and Comic Design are available within the B.A. and the B.F.A programs through our partnership with Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design (DJCAD) at the University of Dundee in Scotland. In addition to the above coursework required for the major, students wishing to continue in Animation should take ART-162, 228, 253, and NMS-232 to prepare for their semester or year-long experience in Scotland during their Junior year.

  • Art Minor Requirements

    Twenty-four credits which must include:

    1. ART-101, 111, 112, 120, 150

    2. Four elective credits in Studio Art courses

  • Art History Minor Requirements

    Twenty-four credits which must include:

    1. ART-111 and 112

    2. Sixteen upper level credits in Art History from 210, 211, 212, 215, 218, 280 (which may be taken more than once for credit if different topics), or other pre-approved course. Students may substitute up to four upper level credits from other related disciplines with prior department approval.

  • Program Considerations for Art History Minor
    • Students who have had little or no studio experience are strongly encouraged to complete at least one studio course from the 100-200 level series.
    • Because graduate programs in Art History typically require proficiency in at least two foreign languages, students who are considering advanced studies in this discipline should plan to include at least four terms of foreign language coursework in their curriculum.
    • A Program of Emphasis (P.O.E.) in Art History or in Arts or Gallery Management is also available in consultation with the Art History faculty. Art History courses are supplemented with other appropriate courses in coordinate disciplines (Business, Anthropology, History, Religious Studies, etc.). Each P.O.E. is tailored to the student’s particular interests and goals.
    • Completion of a senior thesis is strongly encouraged if student is considering graduate school.
  • Transfer Credits in Studio Art

    Up to three studio art courses may be included in the major by transfer from an accredited institution. Transfer of upper level studio work will require Departmental review.

  • Four credits from ART, with the exception of practicum or independent study courses, count towards the Distributive Requirements in the Humanities.
  • ART
    101
    .
    Beginning Drawing
    4 credits
    Through observation, this class will concentrate on the essential elements of drawing, its materials, and methods. This is an introductory level class, which prepares the student for higher levels of visual problem solving. Course fee.
  • ART
    111
    .
    History of Art I
    4 credits
    Survey of the human visual cultures from its earliest visual record to the Medieval Period. Course fee.
  • ART
    112
    .
    History of Art II
    4 credits
    Survey of the human visual cultures from the Renaissance through the 20th century. Course fee.
  • ART
    120
    .
    Two-Dimensional Design
    4 credits
    Investigation of foundational elements and principles of visual design as the basic building blocks for visual art and communication. Critical thinking skills, as they apply to studio art, are explored using traditional and digital techniques. Course fee.
  • ART
    140
    .
    Ceramics I
    4 credits
    Introduction to direct forming processes in clay; hand building and wheel-throwing. Investigation of the uses of slips, glazes, underglazes and other methods of surface enrichment. Participation in class kiln firings. Course fee.
  • ART
    150
    .
    3-Dimensional Design
    4 credits
    Introduction to studio work with emphasis on exploring a variety of materials in three-dimensions in solving visual and spatial problems. Line, volume, mass, scale, composition, plane, as well as other elements of design will be utilized in investigating form. Course fee.
  • ART
    162
    .
    Figure Drawing I
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: ART-101 or ART-120 or Permission
    An introductory drawing course using the human body to discuss proportion and space. Much of the class will focus on developing drawing technique and observational skills for naturalistic rendering. Course fee.
  • ART
    180
    .
    Topics in Studio Art
    1 credit
    Selective topics in studio art. Topics can be taught within the college or external experiences in department recommended workshops, residencies, or other special programming from other qualified institutions. Credit will be awarded based on program content, length of time/hours, and portfolio brought back for review. May require a course fee.
  • ART
    210
    .
    Survey of Classical Art
    4 credits
    Introduction to the visual cultures of ancient Greece and Rome with emphasis on the context in which the arts were produced. Survey of ancient history, literature and mythology are included to enrich students’ comprehension of the artworks. Course fee.
  • ART
    211
    .
    Survey of Medieval Art
    4 credits
    Introduction to the visual cultures of Medieval Europe, with an emphasis on the context in which the arts were produced. Survey of Medieval history, literature and religion are included to enrich students’ comprehension of the artworks. Course fee.
  • ART
    212
    .
    Survey of Renaissance Art
    4 credits
    Introduction to the visual cultures of the Renaissance in Northern and Southern Europe, with an emphasis on the context in which the arts were produced. Surveys of Renaissance history, literature and religion are included to enrich students’ comprehension of the artworks. Course fee.
  • ART
    213
    .
    Survey of Modern Art
    4 credits
    Survey of the visual cultures of Europe and the United States that gave rise to “Modernity,” with an emphasis on the theory of its development and the cultural contexts in which it occurred. The course covers the arts produced from 1840 to 2001, and includes careful consideration of the different art movements that comprise modern art. Course fee.
  • ART
    215M
    .
    Contemporary Art
    4 credits
    Introduction to the major artistic movements and critical theory in the last two decades. Students spend approximately one week in New York City, or other appropriate large city in the U.S or overseas exploring galleries, museums, and artists’ studios. Seminar includes readings, discussion, and a research paper on a special topic. Course fee. Spring Term only.
  • ART
    218M
    .
    History of Photography
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: Permission
    Student will explore the history of photography and its social impact. Connections will be made between the various photographic techniques, camera formats, and the aesthetics of the medium as the technology developed through the years. Course fee.
  • ART
    224
    .
    Film Photography
    4 credits
    Introduction to basic 35mm traditional photography (Film and Darkroom techniques). Students will learn all aspects of the basic camera body, lenses, Black and White film, film and print development using traditional black and white film, paper and chemistry. Traditional 35mm SLR film camera is required. Course fee.
  • ART
    225
    .
    Digital Photography
    4 credits
    Students will explore the aesthetics of digital photography as it relates to the digital SLR camera, color aesthetics, post-production techniques and color management for printing or viewing. Course fee.
  • ART
    228
    .
    Lighting Studio
    2 credits
    Introduction to studio lighting concepts and techniques for still life, portraiture, documenting artwork, and commercial uses. These techniques are applicable to film, video and still images. Course fee.
  • ART
    230
    .
    Graphic Design Studio
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: ART/ NMS-120
    Development of communication skills through the organization of image and text to inform, persuade, identify, or clarify an idea to a specific audience. Students will design works for printed media and Web-based communications. Course fee.
  • ART
    240
    .
    Ceramics II
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: ART-140
    A continuation of direct hand-building and throwing techniques, continued surface enrichment, and an introduction to basic mold-making and glaze mixing/testing. Course fee.
  • ART
    241
    .
    Wheel Throwing
    2-4 credits
    An introduction to wheel throwing with a secondary emphasis on altering and hand-building forms. Glaze mixing, surface development, and kiln firing will be covered. We will investigate traditional and contemporary forms and figure out how a pot is never just a pot. Course fee.
  • ART
    243
    .
    3D Printing and Pottery
    4 credits
    Introduces the use of contemporary technology in designing pottery and tableware through the use of the 3-D modeling programs, 3-D printing, mold-making, casting, ceramic decal printing, as well as some direct hand forming methods. We will investigate the pot as a vessel for driving content; who will use these pots and for what purpose? Course fee.
  • ART
    245
    .
    Raku Ceramics
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: Permission
    An introduction to the history, aesthetics and techniques of raku-fired ceramics. Course fee.
  • ART
    250
    .
    Sculpture I
    4 credits
    An investigation of both traditional and contemporary materials, methods, and subject matter. Form will be approached through processes that utilize addition, subtraction, manipulation and transformation. Course fee.
  • ART
    253
    .
    Figurative Clay Sculpture
    4 credits
    An introduction to building figures and animals in clay. Through the use of visual references, there will be a focus on understanding measurement, alignment, and proportion. Narrative development and content exploration will be supported by class discussions, lectures, and independent research. Works will be prepared for kiln firing and will be surfaced with glazes and paint. Course fee.
  • ART
    255
    .
    Metal Sculpture
    2 credits
    An introduction to working with metal from the sketchbook, to model, to sculpture. The models will be small-scale “sketches” that we assemble by soldering small scale wire and cardboard. We will be cutting metal with the aid of hand-made templates and a plasma cutter, then welding together complex forms with clamps and a MIG-welder. Course fee.
  • ART
    261
    .
    Beginning Painting
    4 credits
    This course is an introductory course discussing basic concepts of painting in oil. Focusing on value, minimal color, space and developing observational skills. Course fee.
  • ART
    262
    .
    Figure Drawing II
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: ART-101 and ART-162 or permission
    This course is an advanced drawing course, which reaffirms practice in proportion, space, drawing techniques and observational skills applied to the figure. In addition, this course will discuss various materials, color, scale, and concept. Course fee.
  • ART
    270
    .
    Introduction to Printmaking
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: ART-101
    This course will explore the basic printmaking methods and their art historical significance. The students will gain basic knowledge of techniques and vocabulary that will further develop their artistic expression through the creation of the multiple print and/or presentation processes. We will cover Monotype, Collagraph, Relief, and Dry point Etching using a more contemporary, less toxic process. Course fee.
  • ART
    271
    .
    Introduction to Lithography
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: ART 101
    This course will give an overview of historical techniques and contemporary methods used in creating a lithograph. The emphasis of this course will be to visually express the students’ ideas and concepts through the technical manipulation of the surface of the stone and/or plate resulting in a editions of prints. These techniques will include both drawing and painting methods on traditional stone and ballground plate lithography. Course fee.
  • ART
    272
    .
    Introduction to Lithography
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: ART-101
    This course will give an overview of techniques used within both contemporary and historical references. The emphasis of this course will be to visually express the students’ ideas and concepts through the technical manipulation of the surface of the stone and/or plate resulting in a suite of prints. These techniques will include both drawing and painting methods on traditional stone and ballground plate lithography. Course fee. Prerequisites: ART 101.
  • ART
    280
    .
    Topics in Art History
    4 credits
    Selected topics in the history of art. Subject varies according to instructor’s field. Course content and instructor announced in advance. May be repeated for credit if course content covers a different topic. (Past courses include women in art, history of prints). Course fee.
  • ART
    280IM
    .
    The Art and Literature of Ireland
    4 credits
    The powerful Irish tradition of dinnseanchas, or place name poetry has ensured that Ireland’s landscape is vividly literary - every place we will visit resonates with multiple layers of ancient stories, stories that have taken form in both literature and the visual arts. As we explore why and how ancient and later monuments articulate the status and power of the landscape - its control, and its bounty - we will also investigate the stories written by later inhabitants who sought to explain and appropriate such monuments even as they added their own art and architecture at or near those sites. From the early myth cycles to William B. Yeats, James Joyce, and Seamus Heaney, the dinnseanchas reveals in Ireland’s landscape artifacts of culture, mythology, and natural wonder. Course fee.
  • ART
    280M
    .
    Topics in Art History
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: Take ART-101 or ART-120;
    Selected topics in the history of art. Subject varies according to instructor’s field. Course content and instructor announced in advance. May be repeated for credit if course content covers a different topic. (Past courses include art history in Rome, and world ceramics: London). Course fee. Spring Term only.
  • ART
    281
    .
    Topics in Studio Arts
    2-4 credits
    Selected topics in studio art. Subject varies according to instructor’s field. Course content and instructor announced in advance. May be repeated for credit if course content covers a different topic. May include course fee.
  • ART
    281M
    .
    Painting Community: A Mural Project
    4 credits
    We will produce a mural in downtown Alma. This course focuses on multiple facets of building and executing an outdoor, semi-permanent painting. We will be studying murals as a form of urban art designed to uplift and support local community. Students will be asked to collaborate within small groups, build a proposal for outside committee approval, and execute the accepted class proposal. Course fee.
  • ART
    290
    .
    Directed Studio
    2-4 credits
    Prerequisite: Permission
    Exploration at the intermediate level through a studio project in a selected medium. Open to majors and non-majors. Utilizes a directed studio format. (Past courses included bookarts, jewelry, watercolor, wheel-thrown ceramics, etc.). Course fee.
  • ART
    299
    .
    ART Independent Study
    1 credit
    Prerequisite: Permission
    Individual study of a subject in Art or Art History. Course fee may apply.
  • ART
    319
    .
    Art Theory
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: Junior or Senior Standing
    An exploration of the main theoretical discourses (philosophical, critical, historical) that impel both the creation and the reception of art, including the very definition of art, as deployed throughout the 20th century. Course fee.
  • ART
    320M
    .
    Photojournalism
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: ART-224 or Permission
    Student will explore historic and current photojournalism practices and aesthetic. They will travel to different countries and work on a specific assignment that applies to the cultural experiences of that location. Locations vary from year to year. Course fee. Spring Term only.
  • ART
    324
    .
    Photography II
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: ART-224
    An exploration of various camera formats including pinhole, medium and large format cameras, and the manner in which they communicate. Various printing methods will be explored based on aesthetic goals. Course fee.
  • ART
    330
    .
    Graphic Design II
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: ART 120 and ART 230
    Explores the function of type as it relates to various aspects of graphic design. Anatomy of type, type structure, font families, and a brief history of type will be considered. Course fee.
  • ART
    331
    .
    Graphic Design III
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: ART-120 and ART-230
    Introduction to aesthetic components in web design as it applies to graphic design. Course fee.
  • ART
    332
    .
    Graphic Design IV
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: ART 120 and ART 230, or permission
    Introduction to the use of various narrative forms in art and graphic design. Techniques include motion graphics as applied to web design and basic animation techniques. Course fee.
  • ART
    333
    .
    Graphic Design V
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: ART 120 and ART 230
    An intensive consideration of logo design as it applies to graphic design in print and animated form. Course fee.
  • ART
    340
    .
    Ceramics III
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: ART-240
    This course is designed around developing an individual voice with fired clay and ceramic surface. Both form and surface will be explored in contributing to the content of the piece. Through research, surface testing, and experimentation, students will develop skills towards a disciplined studio practice. Course fee.
  • ART
    350
    .
    Sculpture II
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: ART-250
    A continued material investigation in three-dimensions with a focused introduction to wood. Additionally, there will be a stronger emphasis on the students’ individual investigation of material, process, and conceptual thought process. Course fee.
  • ART
    361
    .
    Drawing and Painting I
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: ART-262 or Permission
    This is an intermediate course, which discusses contemporary as well as traditional ways of creating a drawing and a painting. Time will be devoted to developing ideas of a unique body of work as well as material experimentation. Course fee.
  • ART
    362
    .
    Drawing and Painting II
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: ART-361 or Permission
    This is an intermediate course, which discusses contemporary as well as traditional ways of creating a drawing and a painting. Time will be devoted to developing ideas of a unique body of work as well as material experimentation. Course fee.
  • ART
    375
    .
    Photo Intaglio and Relief
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: Take ART-225 or ART-224
    Students will explore photo intaglio and relief as it is applied in a contemporary context. They will consider historical images to gain an understanding on how co-images may work well using this particular process. They will gain an understanding of the technical aspects in creating digital negatives and solar plates for intaglio and relief photo-based prints. Class fee.
  • ART
    380
    .
    Topics in Studio Art
    2-4 credits
    Prerequisite: ART-101 and ART/NMS-120; or Permission
    Selected topics in studio art. Subject varies according to instructor’s field. Course content and artist announced in advance. May be repeated for credit if course content covers a different topic. (Past courses included advanced illustration, landscape photography and architectural ceramics.) Studio courses may be taught overseas during Spring Term. Course fee.
  • ART
    380M
    .
    Topics in Art
    4 credits
    Selected topics in the history of art. Subject varies according to instructor’s field. Course content and instructor announced in advance. May be repeated for credit if course content covers a different topic. (Past courses include women in art, history of prints). Course fee.
  • ART
    385
    .
    Art Internship
    1 credit
    Prerequisite: ART-101, 111, 112, 120, 150 and Permission
    Designed to provide on-site working experiences in the student’s area of interest. Examples include: apprenticeships with professional artists, internships with museums or art centers, internships with community art councils, or short-term employment in firms specializing in an art-related area. Internships are arranged with assistance of faculty advisor. Possible course fee.
  • ART
    390
    .
    Advanced Directed Studio
    2-4 credits
    Prerequisite: Instructor Permission
    In-depth study in the student’s area of interest under direction of a faculty member in that area. Designed for junior and senior Art and Design majors who have completed 12 credits of studio work. Exceptions to this policy made only with Departmental permission. Subject matter arranged through close consultation with advisor according to individual needs or to specified curricula available. Course fee.
  • ART
    399
    .
    ART Independent Study
    1 credit
    Prerequisite: Permission
    Individual study of a subject in Art or Art History. Course fee may apply.
  • ART
    400
    .
    Art History Thesis
    2-4 credits
    Prerequisite: Permission
    Readings, discussion and research paper on special topics in Art History. Course fee.
  • ART
    424
    .
    Photography III
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: ART-120, 224, and 225.
    Exploration of images made with digital and traditional technology. Students learn to create digital negatives that are printed using alternative hand-mixed light sensitive chemicals on papers. Students may also explore photo lithography, intaglio, and relief. Course fee.
  • ART
    425
    .
    Photography - Alt. Processes
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: ART-101, ART-224, and either ART-120 or NMS-120, or Permission
    Exploration of images made with digital and traditional technology. Students learn to create digital negatives that are printed on light sensitive chemicals made by the students. Platinum/palladium and gum printing are two non-silver processes considered. Course fee.
  • ART
    440
    .
    Ceramics IV
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: ART-340
    This course is designed around developing an individual voice with fired clay and ceramic surface. Both form and surface will be explored in contributing to the content of the piece. Through research, surface testing, and experimentation, students will develop skills towards a disciplined studio practice. Course fee.
  • ART
    450
    .
    Sculpture III
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: ART-350
    This course is designed for students exploring complex technical procedures pertaining to sculpture. It will require in-depth research, presentation, and application of knowledge into a focused body of work. Course fee.
  • ART
    461
    .
    Drawing and Painting III
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: ART-362 or Permission
    This is an advanced course, which discusses contemporary as well as traditional ways of creating a drawing and a painting. Time will be devoted to creating a unique series of work, which will be applied to a capstone experience. Course fee.
  • ART
    462
    .
    Drawing and Painting IV
    4 credits
    Prerequisite: ART-461 or Permission
    This is an advanced course, which discusses contemporary as well as traditional ways of creating a drawing and a painting. Time will be devoted to creating a unique series of work, which will be applied to capstone experience. Course fee.
  • ART
    490
    .
    Advanced Directed Studio
    2-4 credits
    Prerequisite: Permission
    In-depth study in the student’s area of interest under direction of a faculty member in that area. Designed for junior and senior Art and Design majors who have completed 12 credits of studio work. Exceptions to this policy made only with Departmental permission. Subject matter arranged through close consultation with advisor according to individual needs or to specified curricula available. Course fee.
  • ART
    499
    .
    ART Independent Study
    1 credit
    Prerequisite: Permission
    Individual study of a subject in Art or Art History. Course fee.
  • ART
    500
    .
    Senior Show Studio
    2-4 credits
    Prerequisite: Permission
    Student will work on a specific thesis and body of work as it relates to their capstone senior show thesis within their area of emphasis. Course Fee.
  • ART
    501
    .
    Lighting Studio
    2 credits
    Prerequisite: Senior standing and permission
    Studio lighting techniques specifically for documenting artwork. Seniors will be required to create a database of their art work and a website that promotes their work for senior show thesis review, graduate school applications and job application. Course fee.
  • ART
    502
    .
    Professional Practices
    2 credits
    Prerequisite: Senior standing and permission
    This class prepares BA (with an emphasis) and BFA students for success after graduation. This class discusses opportunities, topics, and developments which will best prepare the student to be prepared and competitive in the visual art field after graduating. Course fee.