ART COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Introductory Courses
(Not suitable for Art
majors)
11.110
Introduction to Drawing (Gen. Ed. Goal 5)
A basic course in drawing
fundamentals specifically designed to facilitate the development of
drawing skills for non-majors. This course does not satisfy the Art major
requirement.
11.120
Introduction to Painting (Gen. Ed. Goal 5)
A beginning course in
painting designed for nonmajors. Emphasis is on development of basic
skills in visual expression. Some previous drawing experience is helpful.
This course does not satisfy the Art major requirement.
11.160 Introduction to the
World of Art (Gen. Ed. Goal 5)
An introductory course
designed for students with little or no background in art. The course uses
lectures, discussions, demonstrations, and field trips to introduce the
principles of visual arts and the role that the arts play in human
culture.
11.167 Introduction to Studio Art (Gen. Ed. Goal 5)
A beginning course for
students with little or no prior art experience. The course explores the
fundamental concepts of visual art through projects in various two- and
threedimensional media. The emphasis is on participation, effort, and
sensitivity to the principles of visual organization. Studio exercises are
supplemented by slides, lectures, and discussion.
Art Studio Courses
11.202 Two-Dimensional Design
A lecture/studio course
designed to help the student establish a basis for the evaluation of the
visual arts. Intrinsic qualities of various media are learned through
structured studio experiences. Lecture and discussion sessions introduce
thought and theories of the past and present.
11.203 Three-Dimensional
Design I
A course in which problems
in the nature of form, concepts of structure, and principles of design are
executed in paper, cardboard, wood, clay, plaster, and masonite. Emphasis
is placed upon the student’s ability to conceive three-dimensional forms
and execute them skillfully in space.
11.211 Drawing I
A course to help the
student gain knowledge, skills, and sensitivity that aid in the expression
of ideas and feelings through drawing. Pencil, charcoal, chalks, and pen
and ink are the major media used. Experimentation, development of personal
techniques through observation and the participation in the creative
process are the main areas of emphasis.
11.221 Painting I
A focus on the development
of sound technical skills and on the exploration of the creative
possibilities of the oil medium. Studio methods, such as the stretching
and the preparation of canvas, are taught. Subject matter includes still
life, the environment, the human figure, and personal imagery. Critiques,
slide presentations, and field trips are included. Prerequisite: 11.211
Drawing I or permission of the instructor.
11.241 Ceramics (Gen. Ed. Goal 5)
An introduction to basic
techniques in both handbuilding and wheel-working. Students begin to
explore ways to make their work more personal by combining technical
skills with form and concept. Emphasis is on the type of creative problem
solving useful to making art in all media. Various methods of glazing and
firing are addressed as they relate to student work on specific projects.
11.250 Watercolor (Gen. Ed. Goal 5)
A basic course in the
history, techniques, and applications of the watercolor medium. Both
traditional and contemporary methods are explored in depth. Equal emphasis
is given to the problem of color, drawing, composition, and painting
concepts. Classwork involves still life, the human figure, indoor and
outdoor environments, and painting from imagination. Slide presentations
also are an integral part of the course. Course aim is to give the student
artist the technical skill and the aesthetic understanding of this
important medium. Prerequisite: Some knowledge of drawing
and/or
painting principles
would be helpful.
11.261 Printmaking
An exploration of various
printmaking techniques, including screen printing, monotype, relief
printing, drypoint, etching, and collograph. Emphasis is on understanding
the social and artistic concerns of producing imagery in multiples.
11.266 Wheelworking
An intensive
introduction to working on the potter’s wheel. Students learn the basic
techniques of centering, opening and raising the walls of pots.
Once familiar with these
techniques, students learn how to create such functional objects as
plates, bowls, mugs, teapots and other lidded vessels. The wheel is also
considered as a tool for making more sculptural works. While being exposed
to a full range of historical and contemporary pottery, students develop a
personal sense of material, form, and design along with methods of glazing
and firing. Prerequisite: 11.241 Ceramics or
11.203 Three-Dimensional
Design, or permission of the instructor.
11.301
Color Theory
A study of
color focusing on major color theories, including those of Itten, Muncell,
and Albers. Students examine the physical properties and psychological
aspects of color in artistic expression. Lectures, discussions,
presentations, and studio projects explore color contrasts and
relationships. Media used are collage and water-based paints. Note: Credit
will not be given for both this course and 11.401 Color.
11.307 Functional Ceramics
An exploration of the
creative possibilities within studio production ceramics. Emphasis is on
the design and fabrication of a complete dinnerware set. Additional
smaller sets of various types are also assigned. Students work with
appropriate glazing and firing methods for functional ceramics.
Prerequisite: 11.241 Ceramics or
11.266 Wheelworking
11.308 Woodcut
A study of
woodblock relief printing techniques including black and white, reduction,
multiblock, jigsaw, monotype/monoprint, and mixed media manipulation.
Students explore the creative possibilities of the medium by developing a
portfolio of color and black and white woodcuts. Note: Students may not
receive credit for both 11.308 and 11.263 Woodcut.
Prerequisite: 11.211 Drawing I.
11.312 Drawing II
A focus on the imaginative
and sensitive communication of ideas through skillful drawing.
Consideration is given to expressive interpretation of the human figure,
landscapes, objects, and abstract concepts. Particular emphasis is placed
upon drawing from the figure. An extensive project is required along with
an end of course portfolio. Prerequisite: 11.211 Drawing I.
11.322 Painting II
A further exploration of
painting principles and techniques covered in Painting I. Students are
directed toward developing their own styles and expressive objectives. The
philosophies of past contemporary painters are explored. Critiques, slide
presentations, and field trips are included. In addition to oils, students
may choose to work in acrylics. Prerequisite: 11.221 Painting I.
11.328 Intaglio
A study of intaglio
printmaking techniques including drypoint, engraving, mezzotint, etching,
aquatint, sugarlift, open bite, spit bite, and single and multiplate color
printing. Students explore the creative possibilities of these techniques
and develop a portfolio of color and black and white intaglio prints.
Note: Students may not receive credit for both 11.211 and 11.328 Intaglio.
Prerequisite: 11.211 Drawing I.
11.330 Digital Art
Designed for art students
and non-art students who are interested in designing artwork on the
computer. Students gain experience working with current software programs
using the Mac computer for painting, drawing, watercolor, and image
collage on paper. Students are also exposed to mixed media and simple
computer animation. Prerequisites: 11.110 Introduction to Drawing
or
11.211 Drawing I.
11.338 Lithography
A study of
stone and plate lithographic techniques including pencil, crayon,
lithographic tusche, xerox transfers, gum stop-outs, two- and threecolor
printing. Students explore the creative possibilities of the medium in
developing a portfolio of color and black and white lithographs. Emphasis
is on the study of line, tone, shade, and color. This is balanced with the
technical aspects of etching procedures and printing methods. Note:
Students may not receive credit for both 11.260
and
11.338 Lithography.
Prerequisite: 11.211 Drawing I.
11.356 Illustration
An
introduction to the practical application of drawing and painting in
communication design and narrative. Students employ a variety of materials
used in magazine, book, and product illustrations, including pen and ink,
water color, and dry drawing media. Prerequisite: 11.110 Introduction to
Drawing or
11.211 Drawing I.
11.357 Fashion Illustration
The study
and application of principles of fashion illustration. Anatomy,
proportion, and drawing of both the nude and clothed figure are
emphasized. Students use various techniques, including pen
and ink,
marker, pastels, and brush and wash.
They also learn to compile
a portfolio of fashion
illustrations.
Prerequisite: 11.110
Introduction to Drawing or11.211 Drawing I.
11.361 Graphic Design I
An introduction to the
visual vocabularies and concepts of typography. Students learn to define
type style and other various type elements, to design types, and to
develop an aesthetic concept of typography in visual communications. A
portion of the course examines the basic functions and aesthetic concepts
in graphic design based on typography, other elements of layout, and image
making. Prerequisite: 71.200 Introduction to Computer Graphic Design
or permission
of the instructor, and
11.202 Two-Dimensional
Design.
11.403
Sculpture (Media to be designated)
Exploration of materials
and techniques related to expressions in sculptural form. In order to
provide diversity and flexibility, the media vary in one of five
categories: (1) wood/stone, (2) clay/plaster, (3) metals, (4) plastics,
(5) fibers. The medium will be designated in the course title.
11.404 Graphic Design II
An emphasis on three major
areas in graphic
design: (1) layout problems
in editorial design, (2)
corporate identity and
design systems, and (3) creative and aesthetic
communicable image making.
The class projects stress
computer applications,
individual development of
aesthetic creativity,
analytic and logical visual
thinking process, and a
basic knowledge of printing.
Prerequisite: 11.361
Graphic Design I.
11.405 Advanced Graphic
Design and Senior Portfolio
An opportunity for students
to develop their conceptual and pragmatic skills in graphic design and
advanced computer graphic skills. The course emphasizes portfolio
development based on selfpromotion and various graphic design projects.
Students may exhibit a portfolio in a graphic design show at the College
gallery. Prerequisite: 11.404 Graphic Design II.
11.412 Advanced Drawing and Painting
Offered to
students who wish to acquire more studio experience under professional
supervision. Further development of skills, themes and styles.
Prerequisite: 11.312 Drawing II and
11.322 Painting II.
11.416 Advanced Ceramics Studio
Designed for
those interested in expanding their ceramics experience while exploring
more complex concepts and methods in ceramics. Each student creates a
separate body of work for each of four themes, as determined by the
instructor. Emphasis is on experimentation in design and construction as
well as professional challenge. Prerequisites: Two of the following
ceramics courses: 11.241 Ceramics, 11.266 Wheelworking,
or
11.307 Functional Ceramics.
11.419 Advanced Drawing Studio
An advanced drawing
workshop in which students are encouraged to develop themes and explore
stylistic possibilities. Emphasis is placed upon conceptual problem
solving and experimental approaches to the process of drawing. Students
are encouraged to consider visual issues such as dramatic scale, serial
imagery, and media usage. Students work with still life, the human figure,
and non-objective forms in pursuing a more individualistic connection with
drawing. Prerequisite: 11.312 Drawing II.
11.473
Special Topics in Studio Art
A topics course in a
specified studio area designed for art majors. The course gives the art
student experiences to enhance artistic, conceptual, and professional
development. Current issues in art are addressed as they relate to the
students’ work. Prerequisites: Four studio art courses and two art history
courses.
11.487 Senior Art Studio Seminar
A capstone
course for studio art majors. The seminar enables each participant to
develop a cohesive body of work for a senior portfolio review by the
entire studio art faculty. Pre-professional consultation and workshops
provide information concerning graduate programs, art galleries,
competitions and art funding sources. Students write artist statements,
cover letters, and grant proposals. Students learn how to organize their
portfolios and resumes and document their work through photography.
Students explore digital imaging and Web site design as appropriate to
their concentration. Through field trips to commercial galleries, museums
and alternative exhibition spaces as well as presentations by guest art
professionals, students address issues of art and commerce. Students also
research historical and contemporary work related to their own work and
establish dialogue with fellow art majors in other concentrations.
Prerequisites: Art major with all core requirements for the major
completed, and senior standing.
Art History Courses
Upper level courses (300)
do not require previous experience in art history.
11.200
Art and Social Values (Gen. Ed. Goals 5, 12)
An introduction to art
history, concentrating on art as it reflects, reinforces, and challenges
society’s values. Although the art of several cultures and historical
periods is considered, emphasis is placed on European and American art
from the nineteenth century to the present, with special attention to the
works of women and people of color. Works of art are examined in terms of
both form and content, especially content related to political expression
and the representations of race, class, and gender. Note: Students may not
receive credit for both 11.200 and 11.151 Art and Social Values.
11.270 History of Art I (Gen.
Ed. Goals 5, 11)
A study of the arts of
Europe, the Near East, Asia, and pre-Columbian America from prehistory
through the medieval period. Attention is given to the essential role of
art in the religions and cultures of the world as well as on formal and
aesthetic issues. Assignments and examinations encourage students to think
and write critically about art. Note: Students who have taken 11.271
History of Western Art I will not receive credit for 11.270 History of Art
I.
11.272 History of Art II
(Gen. Ed. Goal 5)
Study of the arts in Western and non-Western societies from
the Renaissance through the 19th Century. The relationships between art,
politics, and social identity as well as formal and aesthetic issues are
explored as students develop their ability to think and write critically
about art. Note:
11.270 History of Art I is
not a prerequisite for 11.272 History of Art II.
11.273
Twentieth-Century Art (Gen. Ed. Goal 5)
A survey of major artists
and art movements from Post-Impressionism through Post-Modernism (1880’s -
1980’s). Issues and events of the twentieth century, such as rapidly
expanding technology, world wars, utopian and civil rights movements,
feminism, and multi-culturalism are explored in relationship to
avant-garde art movements.
11.282 American Art (Gen. Ed.
Goal 5)
A study of the art and
architecture of the United States from Colonial times through the early
20th Century. Attention is given to Native American art and the work of
folk artists/craftspersons as well as that of artists nurtured in European
traditions. Readings and class discussion focus on the arts as a unique
expression of the American experience in relationship to history,
politics, ideology, and social and technological changes. Note: Credit
will not be given for both this course and 11.378 American Art.
11.285 The Art of Asia (Gen. Ed. Goals 5, 11)
A contextual study of the
arts of India, China, Japan, and Southeast Asia, spanning the ancient to
post-modern worlds. The course explores major movements and schools of
art, such as Buddhist sculpture, Chinese landscape painting, and Japanese
prints. Readings and discussions focus on the interrelationships among art
and religion, identity, and political authority. The course includes study
of Western influences in Asia, and of the idea of the “Orient” in Western
culture.
11.288 Latin American Art (Gen. Ed. Goals
5, 11)
A study of
PreHispanic, Colonial, and Modern Latin American visual culture. Emphasis
is placed on social context and politics of art, including issues if race,
gender, and social class. Students write a research paper and make an
oral presentation to the class. Note: Students cannot receive credit for
both 11.288 Latin American Art and 11.389 Special Topics in
Art History: Latin American Art.
11.290 Study Tour: Art & Architecture
(Location to be announced when offered)
A studio art or art history
course taught through an extensive field trip or series of field trips, in
addition to more traditional methods of teaching. Students gain direct
experience of art and architecture in historic, social, and geographic
contexts. The topics/locations may vary from year to year and are
announced in the course schedule bulletin. This course, in a different
topic/location, may be repeated for credit.
11.374
Art of the Renaissance
A study of the development of painting, sculpture, and architecture from
the 14th through the 16th centuries, primarily in Italy. The achievements
of major figures such as Masaccio, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and
Michelangelo are explored in relationship to Renaissance humanism and the
religious, political and social dynamics of the period. Extensive library
research and a wide variety of readings will introduce students to a range
of issues and art historical methodologies.
11.375 The Northern Renaissance
A contextual study of the
visual culture of Northern Europe - the Low Countries, France, Germany,
and England - from c. 1400-1600. The course investigates such artists as
Van Eyck, Durer, Holbein, Bosch, and Bruegel in relation to the social,
political, and religious events of the period. Other issues discussed are
social class and gender as they relate to imagery, patronage, and artistic
display as well as the unique technical and stylistic innovations of
Northern artists.
11.376 Art of the Baroque Period
A survey of the arts of the
17th and early 18th centuries, which explores the achievements of Bernini,
Caravaggio, Rubens, Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Velazquez, as well as other
gifted but lesser-known figures. The course relates the artistic
contributions of the period to developments in political, religious, and
intellectual history and considers the ways that images were produced,
collected, and displayed.
11.380 From Romanticism Through
Impressionism: The Origins of Modern Art
A survey of 19th-century
European art from the 1780’s to the 1880’s, examining the visual arts
within the context of 19th-century life and culture. This course explores
the major artistic movements of this period and the innovations of such
outstanding figures as Goya, David, Delacroix, Manet, Monet, and Van Gogh
as well as their relationship to contemporary political and social
developments. Readings cover such topics as the myth of the modern artist,
art and political revolution, the representation of modern life, and the
ways in which gender, sexuality, class, and modernity interrelate.
11.383 Postmodernism and
Beyond: Art from 1960 to the Present
A study of
artistic developments, primarily in Europe and the United States, in the
postmodern era (1960 to the present). Consideration is given to the
diversity of artistic expressions in this period within their cultural,
theoretical, and political contexts. Particular attention is given to the
impact on art of such late 20th- century cultural phenomena as feminism,
identity politics, multiculturalism, environmental awareness, the AIDS
epidemic, and the explosion of the media and technology, and to the ways
in which these phenomena have helped to spawn new artistic media, e.g. earth art,
installation, video, performance, and
Web-based art.
Prerequisite: 11.273
Twentieth-Century Art.
11.389 Special Topics in Art
History
A study of a
special period or topic in art history. Specific topics are announced in
the course schedule bulletin. The course explores the art in terms of its
formal elements, iconography, and social context through extensive
readings, lectures, writing, and discussion. Students write a research paper. This course, on a
different topic, may be
repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: One art
history course or permission
of instructor.
11.483 Seminar in the History of Art
An intensive investigation
into one particular period or theme in pre-Modern and/or non-Western art
history. Extensive readings and discussions address current theoretical
and methodological issues. The course is intended to give junior and
senior level students the opportunity to conduct in-depth research, write
a scholarly paper, and present their research and findings in a
professional manner. No transfer course can fulfill this seminar
requirement for Art History majors. Prerequisites: 11.271 History of Art I
and 11.273 Twentieth-Century Art; or permission of the instructor.
11.484 Seminar in the History of Modern Art
An intensive investigation
into one particular theme or aspect of Modern and/or Contemporary art.
Extensive readings and discussions address current theoretical and
methodological issues in Art History from the nineteenth century to the
present. The course is intended to give junior and senior level students
the opportunity to conduct in-depth research, write a scholarly paper, and
present their research and findings in a professional manner. No transfer
course can fulfill this seminar requirement for Art History majors.
Prerequisites: 11.272 History of Art II and 11.273 Twentieth-Century Art;
or permission of the instructor.
11.490 Directed Study - Studio or Art History
An Art major or minor with
demonstrated ability may pursue a project or subject area of his own
interest, under the guidance of a member of the Art Department faculty.
The student must submit a written proposal to the faculty member who has
agreed to be the advisor. A student may take more than one directed study.
Limited to juniors and seniors.
11.495 Internship in Art
A supervised
experience in a field study situation which complements the student’s
course work. The internship program is offered through cooperation of
participating institutions which provide professional guidance for the
interns. Any student who wishes to participate in the internship must
consult with the Art Department Internship Coordinator not later than the
middle of the semester prior to beginning of the internship. Prerequisite:
Junior and senior art majors who have a quality point average of no less
than 2.50 in their major.
The
following courses also carry credit as Art electives:
21.205 Film History and Criticism
Please see English
Department section for course description.
71.208 Basic Photography
Please see Communication
Arts Department section for course description.
71.210 History of Photography
Please see Communication
Arts Department section for course description.
71.320 Mediated Graphics Design
Please see Communication
Arts Department section for course description.
84.371 Museum Studies
An examination of the
structure and functions of museums, including collections, preservation
and conservation, and phases of exhibition planning. Discussion and museum
trips are included in this course. Prerequisite: Open to all majors with
the permission of the instructor.
84.381 Museum Seminar
The development and
presentation of a museum exhibition, including research, installation,
catalog, publicity and education programs. Prerequisite: 84.371 Museum
Studies or
permission of the instructor.
MUSIC
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
31.110 The Language of Music
An introductory study of
music as a language with its own vocabulary and syntax. Students are
involved in both creative musical experiences and active listening in
representative works from a wide range of musical styles. The emphasis is
on music as communication.
31.121 Music Appreciation (Gen. Ed. Goal 5)
