Courses

An introduction to the principles of two-dimensional design and color theory and their use as tools for effective visual communication. (3 units; Fall/Spring)

This course functions as the introductory drawing course for Art Majors and Minors. In it, the perceptual and technical skills, and the basic media of drawing are introduced and exercised. Drawing as an historic art form is studied and used to develop a sophisticated awareness of its current expressive potential. Credit cannot be earned for ART 204 and ART 208. (4 units; Spring)

Basic elements of sculpture. Creating forms in clay, plaster, paper and multi-media techniques. (3 units; Fall, odd years)

Introduction to working with clay, using pinch, coil, slab and wheel; applying glazes, exploring decorating techniques using oxides. History of clay as an art form. Additional lab fee. (3 units; Fall/Spring)

This course will introduce you to the major monuments of art and architecture across the globe beginning with prehistoric civilizations and ending with medieval societies. As a survey, we will be covering a wide range of objects, concepts, terms, chronology and geography. (3 units; Fall, odd years)

This course will introduce you to the major monuments of art and architecture across the globe beginning with medieval societies and ending with the modern world. As a survey, we will be covering a wide range of objects, concepts, terms, chronology and geography. (3 units; Fall, even years)

Projects introduce traditional painting methods in oils or acrylic paints. Applied studio work, slide lectures, group discussions, and field trips are possible. May be repeated one time for credit. Prerequisite: ART 201, 204 or 208. (3 units; Fall, even years)

This is an introduction to the essential computer software tools used in the modern production of information society, with a focus on the workflow and productions native to design oriented tasks utilized in design and allied design professions. Students will be introduced to foundational design software applications - including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign - and will be introduced to other workflow applications such as word processing, presentations, spreadsheets, databases, and email. Project-based learning activities will provide hands-on experiences for student to practice and apply skills to real-world situations. (3 units; Fall/Spring)

This course provides an introduction to creativity through discussion and project-based learning. The course provides overview and practice of creative processes (e.g. ideation, research, empathy, proto-typing, etc), in-depth discussion of the theological foundations for creativity, and practice for developing creative habits. (3 units; Fall/Spring)

This course will introduce digital painting methods including conceptualizing, composing, refining and evaluating digital illustration. Additionally, the course will introduce digital illustration workflows and software applications for composition, color, contrast and value as a means to broaden skill sets in storytelling. Prerequisite: DES 101. (3 units; Fall)

An essential course for the serious art student. Projects in painting, drawing and digital media. Emphasis on developing skills and concepts. Course is designed to be repeated for credit. Section (a), emphasis in painting and drawing; section (b), emphasis in digital media using the Macintosh platform; section (c), Senior Exhibit preparation. Section (c) must be taken during student's graduating semester. Prerequisite: ART 201, 204 or 208. (4 units; Fall, even years)

This is a combination studio and lecture course that focuses exclusively on issues of color, its aesthetic, symbolic and psychological dimensions, as related to visual expression. This content is applicable to both fine art and design-related fields. Prerequisite: ART 201 or ARC 122. (4 units; Spring)

This course concentrates on developing a mastery of the two principle means for creating the illusion of space on a two-dimensional surface: arial and linear perspective.

This course is dedicated to developing facility at rendering the human form in a variety of dry media. The context for this is drawing from live models (clothed), augmented with anatomical drawing exercises. It will also introduce students to the metaphorical and expressive possibilities of the human form. Prerequisite: ART 204 or 208. (4 units; Fall)

Senior Exhibition, provides unit reward for the work art majors perform en route to the creation and mounting of their required thesis exhibit. Prerequisites: Senior status and permission of the Department Chair. (3 units; Fall/Spring)

This course builds on a foundational understanding of creativity's process and purpose. The aim of the course is for students to apply these foundations to the act of completing interdisciplinary creative projects in context. Additional course fee. Prerequisite: DES 110. (3 units; Fall/Spring)

An introduction to philosophical aesthetics, which has been marginalized and often ignored in philosophical discourse during the past four hundred years. During the last few decades the questions posted by aesthetics have moved back into the center of the philosophical discussion, including the use of the concept by "post-modern" thinkers. The course seeks to bring the student into the longer conversation concerning beauty, "retrieve" important elements that have been lost, and provide a basis for further study. Prerequisite: ARC 210, ART 242, DES 310, FLM 250, GDM 310, HON 101, ILL 210, PHI 213, PHO 330, or WLD 181. (3 units; Spring)

Sculpture II is an expansion of Sculpture I. There will be an emphasis on scale and new materials such as wood, metal, and found object assemblage. A large scale collaborative object for community outreach also gets explored in this class as well as a history in object making and their various functions. Prerequisite: ART 225. (4 units; Spring, even years)

Developing clay as an art form; study of properties of clay, glaze and their origin; fusion of materials; stacking and loading kiln, emphasis on wheel throwing. Prerequisite: ART 232. (4 units; Spring)

Projects further develop skills learned in Painting 283. Applied studio work, slide lectures, group discussions, and field trips are possible. Prerequisite: ART 283. (4 units; Spring, odd years)

This course is an advanced digital painting methods course that moves beyond basic digital workflows and software into advanced digital illustration techniques for composition, color, contrast, and value as a means to effective storytelling. Prerequisite: GDM 235 or ILL 250. (3 units; Spring)

The purpose of this course is to enable students to understand the formation and context of various architectural ideas. This course on architectural theory provides students with a means to propose and navigate architectural discourse as a part of their development as architects. Prerequisite: ARC 242, ART 241, or 242. (3 units; Fall)

A study of the major developments in the visual arts in Europe from David to the first Impressionist show in 1874. Lecture and slides. Prerequisite: ART 241 or 242. (3 units; As offered)

A study of the development of modern painting from the French Impressionist movement to the present day in the United States. Lecture and slides. Prerequisite: ART 241 or 242. (3 units; As offered)

This course critically examines visual art and design on a global scale from 1945 to the present. We will consider art in its broader framework of visual culture that includes performance, installation, print media, video and propaganda. Prerequisite: ART 241 or 242. (3 units, As offered)

The course will examine the pivotal role that the curators play in museums, and the ways in which the expanding art-world functions today. It will introduce students to aspects of museum work, with an emphasis on the role of the fine arts curator and curatorial theory and how this can integrate with becoming a professional arts administrator. May be repeated one time for credit. Prerequisite: ART 241, 242 or PHO 140. (3 units; Fall, odd years)

As an introduction to the ancient Americas, this course will focus on seven major cultures in Mesoamerica (Olmec, Teotihuacan, Maya, Aztec) and Andean South America (Chavín, Moche, and Inca). The course concludes with the arrival of Spanish explorers in the 16th century and a brief analysis of new visual forms produced in response to new social, political and religious contexts. Prerequisite: ART 241 or 242 (3 units; As offered)

This course covers the development of art in India and Southeast Asia (i.e. Cambodia, Thailand, Burma (Myanmar), Vietnam and Indonesia) from pre-historic periods to the present. Prerequisite: ART 241 or 242 (3 units; As offered)

This course will focus on women both as the subjects and the creators of art. It will be organized chronologically and thematically. This will involve a historical survey of women artists and their artistic contributions, as well as an examination of the religious, mythological and secular images of women in art. Extensive attention will be given to the creation, modification and persistence of these images throughout history, due to their respective religious, social, economical, psychological and intellectual conditions. Prerequisite: ART 241 or 242. (3 units; As offered)

This is a seminar style class in which readings, critique sessions, writing, discussion, peer review, and the making of original artwork are used to discuss topics in art theory. This writing-centered course provides a forum for the exploration of contemporary art theories and practice. The course also examines the role of artists and artmaking in contemporary culture so students must respond critically to the subject matter at hand, analyze the texts and art works and understand the methods, practices and materials utilized in the creation of contemporary art. (3 units; As offered)

Projects in Art History topics of current interest not normally covered by established courses. Content variable. May be repeated twice for credit with change of topic. (1-4 units; As offered)