Undergraduate Program

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Visual Arts offers unique opportunities to investigate an array of courses in art history, animation, interactive forms, film, graphic design, photography, video, print media and foundations. The Foundation curriculum provides an interdisciplinary approach, an historical, theoretical perspective and conceptual context for twenty-first century artists, especially as it relates to the various media-art forms.

Foundation Courses

All undergraduate students majoring in Visual Arts (VAAV) are required to take the following foundation courses regardless of their area of concentration:

ART 210
Visual Concepts I: Two Dimensions[3]
Visual Concepts I introduces the art major to basic design principles, various perception and notation techniques, personal narrative, expression and time. Other issues covered include symmetry and asymmetry, formal and informal organization, proportion, perspective, dimensions in space, visualization, imagination, illusion, rhythm, typography, narrative (linear/non-linear), drawing, painting, collage and text/image relationships.

ART 211
Visual Concepts II: Camera Vision [3]
Visual Concepts II introduces the visual art major to creating still images via a camera. Formal and technical issues connected to camera operation, two-dimensional design, lighting, framing and introduction to chemistry photography will be covered. Emphasis will be placed on developing a vocabulary for talking about images and on the ability to think critically about images. This course also will serve as introduction to using the computer as a tool for manipulating images.

ART 212
Visual Concepts III: Three-dimensional Form, Space and Interaction[3]
Visual Concepts III introduces the visual art major to compositional issues as they relate to real, recorded and virtual space. Basic concepts of threedimensional design, lighting and fabrication are covered, as are navigation and interaction design principles. The body in space is addressed in the context of installation, architecture and site-specific practices. Prerequisite: ART 210 and 211.

ART 213
Visual Concepts IV: Time-based Media[3]
Visual Concepts IV will introduce the visual art major to time-based media and will focus on the relationship of image and sound in timebased media production. Students will study how sequencing and juxtaposition work in relation to narrative and non-narrative animation, video, and film. Prerequisite: ART 210 and 211.

ART 214
Drawing I: Beginning Drawing[3]
Drawing I will introduce the visual art major to the visual vocabulary of drawing. Through materials and processes, drawing will be explored as a means of visual thinking, a way to depict what we see and visualize what we think, and a method of communicating ideas. Technical skills will be applied to an exploration of representation and visual invention, including figurative imagery. There are no prerequisites for this course. However, it is recommended that students take ART 210 either previously or concurrently.

ART 215
Introduction to Art and Media Studies[3]
Introduction to Art and Media Studies will introduce the visual art major to the conceptual and historical commonalities shared among photography, film, video, computer and other visual arts. Artists working in these interdisciplinary forms will be viewed and discussed.

ART 220
Art History I [3]
A survey of the major movements of Western painting, sculpture and architecture through the end of the Middle Ages. Slide lectures will explore the development of artistic traditions through an analysis of style and cultural contexts.

Note: This course may be taken independently of Art History II.

ART 221
Art History II [3]
A survey that traces the key movements in Western painting, sculpture and architecture from the beginning of the Renaissance to the 20th century. Slide lectures will explore how various historical, social, religious and intellectual currents are reflected in the style and content of works of art.

Note: This course may be taken before Art History I.

ART 323
20th Century Art [3]
A survey of visual art centering on the twentieth century, beginning with European movements (e.g. cubism, German expressionism, Italian futurism, Russian constructivism, dada and surrealism) and continuing with developments in American art (e.g. the Harlem renaissance, social realism, abstract expressionism). The course closes with reactions to abstract expressionism in forms such as pop art, happenings, minimalism and conceptual art, with a brief glimpse at newer media. All art historical developments will be considered in their specific sociopolitical and economic contexts.

Prerequisite: ART 221

Note: This course is designated as a gateway course for students concentrating in art history and theory and must be passed with a grade of "B" or better.

Note: Art 210, 220 and 221 are foundation courses and must be taken before the gateway courses.