courses undergraduate | graduate | printable [pdf]

Note: On registering for a studio course offered in this department, the student agrees that the department may retain work completed by the student.

Vertically-related courses in this subject field are: Art 111-112-211-390, Art 221-222-321-322, Art 231-330, Art 241-340, Art 251-350, Art 261-360, Art 271-272-370.

Undergraduate Courses ↑

Art 100 World Art and Culture (3 cr) May be used as core credit in J-3-d.
An introductory historical survey of art and culture in Western and non-Western contexts. Major cultural sites, monuments, image traditions and technologies will be examined alongside the historical, religious, political, economic, and aesthetic contexts which produced them. Cultures studied include China, Islam, Pre-Columbian civilizations in North and South America, Africa, India, Japan, Oceania, the ancient Near-East, Greece and Rome, Western Medieval, the European Renaissance, and Western and non-Western Modernism. A theoretically comparative approach will be followed, towards an understanding of both similarities and differences between Western and non-Western cultural production. 2 hours of lecture with one 2-hour lab/recitation.

Art 110 Visual Communication (2 cr) May be used as core credit in J-3-d.   Foundations Web Site
The principles and elements of two and three-dimensional design with application and analysis of these elements in our visual world.

Art 111 Drawing I (2 cr) May be used as core credit in J-3-d.   Foundations Web Site
Freehand drawing; emphasis on expressive use of materials. Two 2-hour studios a wk.

Art 112 Drawing II (3 cr)   Foundations Web Site
Art 112 Drawing II (3 cr) Freehand drawing; emphasis on expressive use of materials. Two 3-hour studios a wk. Prereq: Art 111.

Art 121 Design Process I (2 cr)   Foundations Web Site
Introduction to design process; studio problems to familiarize students with basic design process, principles and elements of design. Studio experiences, readings, and written analysis challenge students to explore basic two- and three-dimensional design and color. Two 2-hr studios a wk and assigned work; attendance at outside events (lecs, symposiums, Prichard and Univ Gallery openings). Prereq or coreq: Art 110.

Art 122 Design Process II (3 cr)   Foundations Web Site
Continuation of study of design process; studio problems challenge students to apply elements and principles of design to studio problems that include traditional and experimental concepts of design. Studio experiences, readings, and written analysis allow for further exploration of two- and three-dimensional design as well more complex concepts such as context, time, and light. Two 3-hr studios a wk and assigned work; attendance at outside events (lecs, symposiums, Prichard and Univ Gallery openings). Prereq: Art 121. Prereq or coreq: Art 110.

Art 200(s) Seminar (cr arr) Prereq: perm.

Art 202 Early Modern Art and Aesthetics (3 cr) (Art 301)
A survey of the major artistic movements and theoretical developments in European art and aesthetics from c. 1750-1880. The close study of the principal artists of the period will include the examination of concomitant historical, philosophical, political, and cultural developments that informed the theoretical and artistic advancements in 18th century and 19th Century art. Special consideration is given to the philosophical, theoretical, and political groundings of European Neoclassicism, Romanticism, Realism, and Impressionism.

Art 204(s)Special Topics (cr arr) Prereq: perm.

Art 205 Visual Culture (3 cr) May be used as core credit in J-3-d.
An introduction to the interdisciplinary approaches in art history, visual studies, film and media studies, sociology, and the general field of cultural studies that constitute the field of visual culture. Visual Culture addresses the societal, cultural, economic, aesthetic, and political dimensions and provocations of images and the visual in our contemporary world. This course offers a broad introduction to the most important critical and theoretical methods for the analysis, critique, and evaluation of visual culture.

Art 208 Italian Renaissance Art and Culture (3 cr) Same as RelS 208 May be used as core credit in J-3-d.
A study of painting, sculpture, architecture, and art theory in Italy from c. 1350-1600. The art of Giotto, Duccio, Brunelleschi, Ghiberti, Alberti, Donatello, Fra Angelico, Fra Filippo Lippi, Andrea Mantegna, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Bramante, Palladio, Giorgione and Titian, among others, is examined along with the broader components of Italian Renaissance culture.

Art 211 Drawing III (3 cr)
Life drawing, work with various media to develop an understanding of the human figure. Two 3-hr studios a wk and assigned work. Prereq: Art 111-112 or perm.

Art 213 History and Theory of Modern Design (3 cr) May be used as core credit in J-3-d.
This course explores the historical and theoretical components of design from the Industrial Revolution to WWII. Products, furniture, textiles, packaging, advertising, industrial design, and graphic design will be studied in terms of their historical development, theoretical components, and their translation and application within contemporary concepts of design in various professional fields. Throughout the course we will critically examine and address the theoretical and critical vocabulary of contemporary design. Topics considered include industrialization and modernism; design and propaganda; design and the modernist avant-garde; design and nationalism; design, multinational corporations, and global economics; design, promotion, profession, and management; the politics and economics of design, and design and advertising.

Art 221 Introduction to Graphic Design (3cr)
Creative problem solving with emphasis on 2-D solutions to conceptual problems; translation of concept into form using word, image, and layout; introduction to graphic design theory. Two 3-hr studios a wk and assigned work. Prereq: Art 121-122 or permission.

Art 222 Introduction to Typography (3 cr) May be used as core credit in J-3-d.
Continued translation of concept into form with emphasis on typography, letterforms, and typographic syntax. The potential of type as image is emphasized; introduction to history and theory of typography. Two 3-hr studios a wk and assigned work. Prereq: Art 121-122 or permission.

Art 231 Painting I (3 cr)
Intro to basic fundamentals of painting; investigating color and techniques. Two 3-hr studios a wk and assigned work. Prereq: Art 111 or perm.

Art 241 Sculpture I (3 cr)
Introductory studio environment with emphasis on basic design principles and techniques, tool safety, material exploration, and the development of unique personal expressions in three dimensions. Two 3-hr studios a wk and assigned work.

Art 251 Printmaking I (3 cr)
Intro to basic printmaking techniques, relief, intaglio, and monotype; emphasis on sensitivity to materials and individual development.

Art 261 Ceramics I (3 cr) May be used as core credit in J-3-d.
Intro to clay-forming techniques, wheel-thrown and hand-built forming methods, ceramic design concepts, development and articulation of individual design criteria, glaze experimentation; fundamental types of ceramic ware; kiln and studio procedures. Two 3-hr studios a wk and assigned work.

Art 271 Interaction Design I (3 cr) May be used as core credit in J-3-d. : 271 web site
Introduction to technical and aesthetic concepts of interaction design, including user based interaction design methodologies and standards based practices for the Web and other interactive media. Preparation of basic media assets (graphics, video, animation and sound) for interactive delivery. Introduction to basic design methodologies; structured versus unstructured projects, project brief, personas, scenarios, flowcharting, storyboarding and development and production project workflows.

Art 272 Interaction Design II (3 cr) : 272 web site
Intermediate interaction design. Self-initiated interactive design projects using industry standard methodologies and practices, to include pre-design project analysis and description, design development and production. Introduction to information design concepts and practices and to various technologies for providing user based interaction; scripting, Flash, and databases, etc. Readings in current design issues and industry trends. Prereq: Art 271 or perm.

Art 280 Understanding Photography (3 cr)
Basic skills of camera operation; emphasis on image design and creative techniques; lec topics include exposure, lenses, composition, filters, and films. 35mm adjustable camera required, plus additional costs for photographic materials. Two lec and one 3-hr recitation a wk.

Art 282 Color Photography/Digital Imaging (3 cr)
Investigation of color theory through photographic and digital imaging techniques. Practical exercises and creative techniques are used to communicate color concepts in visual imagery. Emphasis on visual problem solving. Prereq: Art 280.

Art 299 (s) Directed Study (cr arr) Prereq: perm.

Art 302 Modern Art and Theory (3 cr) May be used as core credit in J-3-d.
A study of the principal artistic movements and theories in modern art from c. 1880 to World War II. Beginning with late-nineteenth-century modernism, the course closely examines the historical, societal, cultural, philosophical, and theoretical frameworks from which modern art and theory emerged. Modernist movements to be considered include, Neoimpressionism, Symbolism, Fauvism, German Expressionism, Futurism, Cubism, Dada, and Surrealism, among others.

Art 303 Contemporary Art and Theory (3 cr)
A survey of the principal artists, movements, theories, and artistic strategies since World War II in Europe and America. Important movements examined include the New York School, Neo-dada, Post-Painterly Abstraction, British and American Pop, Minimalism, Conceptual art, Earthworks and Environments, Performance Art, Neoexpressionism, and the various approaches within contemporary art.

Art 313 History and Theory of Modern Design II (3 cr)
Study, analysis, and critique of design history and theory from 1945 to the present. Historical and theoretical analysis of the emergence of the industrial, product, graphic, and information design professions in America and Europe, and the relationship between design, corporations, and global products. Other topics under consideration include Swiss design, the New York School and the American poster movement; the emergence of Japanese design; semiotics and design; postmodernism and design; and design and new media. Prereq: Art 213.

Art 321 Design Concepts (3 cr, max 6)
Advanced design problems that center on individual development and the exploration of contemporary design issues. The conceptual potential of words and images is emphasized. Two 3-hr studios a wk and assigned work. Prereq: Art 221 and 222, or perm.

Art 322 Design Studio (3 cr, max 6)
Graphic problem solving in the community environment; client interaction, project presentation and production techniques for the graphic designer. Two 3-hr studios a wk and assigned work. Prereq: Art 221 and 222, or perm.

Art 323 History of Typography (3 cr)
History and Theory of Typography: Historical and theoretical survey of typography and graphic technologies from the invention of writing to the present. The course begins with the study of writing before the printing press and continues detailing the origin of European typography and design for printing through the Industrial Revolution and the invention of photography. The study of typography in the modernist era follows, including close examination of Bauhaus and Neue Typographie, the Swiss Neue Graphik and subsequent developments in America and abroad. A detailed study of the practical, historical, and theoretical implications of digital typography will conclude the course.

Art 330 Intermediate/Advanced Painting (3 cr, max 9)
Intermediate painting in oil or acrylic; emphasis on color assignments and aesthetic problems. Advanced students emphasize individual conceptual approaches. Two 3-hr studios a wk and assigned work. Prereq: art core and Art 231 or perm.

Art 340 Intermediate/Advanced Sculpture (3 cr, max 9)
Intermediate level studio environment with emphasis on promoting tool safety, material exploration, creative autonomy, portfolio development, and comprehension of historical and contemporary issues relevant to studio projects and sculpture discourse. Two 3-hr studios a wk and assigned work. Prereq: art core, Art 241 or perm.

Art 350 Intermediate/Advanced Printmaking (3 cr, max 9)
Advanced printmaking; further exploration of printmaking methods and materials; emphasis on individual development in conceptual and technical abilities. Two 3-hr studios a wk and assigned work. Prereq: art core and Art 251 or perm.

Art 360 Intermediate/Advanced Ceramics (3 cr, max 9)
Development and articulation of individual design criteria in ceramics; development of personal conceptual and technical skills in ceramics. Two 3-hr studios a wk and assigned work. Prereq: art core, Art 261 or perm.

Art 370 Advanced Interaction Design (3 cr, max 9) : 370 web site
Advanced interaction design projects. Individual and small team design projects. Emphasis on team dynamics, project analysis and description, development and production. Focus on interactive information design projects, project management and production. Readings and assigned writings focus on current design industry issues, practices, trends and methodologies. Prereq: Art 271-272 or perm.

Art 380 Digital Imaging (3 cr)
Computer imaging with emphasis on visual problem solving and design; development of professional techniques with industry standard software.

Art 381 Advanced Imaging Concepts (3 cr)
Advanced visual design concepts learned through creative problem solving and hands on exploration. The development of professional techniques is emphasized. Recommended Preparation: Art 280, 282, 380.

Art 382 History of Photography (3 cr) May be used as core credit in J-3-d.
History and development of photography in its various forms; photography as a creative art form and a reflection of society; selected slide lecs.

Art 390 Mixed Media (3 cr, max 9)
Understanding synthesis of different media in context to a work of art by using two or more techniques; tutorial-based studio, production to occur outside of class. Outside lec and special events may be assigned. Prereq: art core, 9 cr of 200-level art studios, and 6 cr of 300-level art studios or perm.

Art 400(s) Seminar (1-3 cr, max 6) Prereq: perm.

Art 404(s)Special Topics (cr arr) Prereq: perm.

Art 407 New Media (3 cr)
Study, analysis, and critique of the cultural, technological, and aesthetic dimensions and practices of new media. The course entails a detailed examination of the genealogy, historical and cultural ramifications of the computer as an expressive medium. We will study the history of the computer and the digital, from its pre-conception in literature and science, to its various manifestations today in information, political, aesthetic, technological, and cultural contexts. Throughout the course students will analyze and evaluate the constantly changing provocations of new media in terms of communication, language, art, design, architecture, and the general ontological issues of time and space.

Art J409/J509 Visual Studies (3 cr)
Examination, evaluation, and critique of the expanding interdisciplinary field of visual studies. Visual practices, technologies, communicative, and epistemological models and structures are studied in terms of their implications for art, design, architecture, and cultural and scientific practices and production in general. The historical, theoretical, and aesthetic provocations of visualization in such varied fields as biology, medicine, law, forensics, genetics, and information technologies is addressed as well as the cultural dimensions of the social ubiquitousness of the visual in general. Additional projects/assignments reqd for grad cr. Recommended preparation: Art 205. Prereq: 12 credits of Art History/Visual Culture courses.

Art 410 Professional Practices (2 cr)
Professional issues for studio artists and designers including obligations, duties, and responsibilities in practice, self-promotion, and career planning. Includes analysis of gallery operations. Prereq: adv standing or perm.

Art 470 Internet Portfolio Development (3 cr)
Preparation of an online portfolio suitable for critiques and reviews. Limited to students admitted to a graduate Art & Design degree program.

Art 488 Faculty Directed Internship (1-3 cr, max 6) Open only to art and design majors.
Art faculty directed work on a professional project. Prereq: successful completion of one 300-level studio sequence (6 cr), and advisor and directing faculty approval.

Art 490 BFA Art/Design Studio (6 cr, max 12) Open only to BFA studio art and design majors.
Intensive tutorial studio closely monitored by all the faculty, culminating in development of a portfolio and a professional exhibition. Outside lec and special events may be assigned. Twelve formal hrs of studio a wk plus outside work to equal 18 hrs of involvement a wk; field trips and guest lectures may be required. Prereq: Sr standing and completion of 15 cr in 300-level art courses with a minimum grade of C and a minimum GPA of 2.75

Art 491 Information Design (3 cr)   491 web site
Project-based course in theory and practice of the design of information and information visualization for use in research, teaching, and outreach. Interdisciplinary teams of students, faculty and staff will develop and produce systems that communicate complex ideas with clarity, precision, and efficiency, using the most appropriate presentation tools. Prereq: Jr standing.

Art 495 BFA Senior Thesis (2 cr, max 4) Open only to BFA studio art and design majors.
Open only to B.F.A. Art and Design majors who have been admitted to the professional program through the BFA Art and Design Review. BFA majors take 2 semesters. Preparation of thesis, portfolio, and senior exhibition. Prereq: Sr standing and completion of 15 cr in 300-level art courses with a minimum grade of C and a minimum GPA of 2.75.

Art 497(s) Practicum in Tutoring (1 cr, max 2)
Art 497(s) Practicum in Tutoring (1 cr, max 2). Tutorial services performed by advanced students under faculty supervision. Graded P/F. Prereq: perm.

Art 498(s) Internship (1-12 cr, max 12) Graded P/F.
Open to art and design majors only; no more than 6 cr may be counted toward art and design degree requirements.
Work with professional artists. Prereq: One 300-level studio sequence (6 cr) and perm of dept chair.

Art 499 (s) Directed Study (1-3 cr, max 9)
Individual study areas selected by the student and approved by the faculty; it is the student’s responsibility to select a study area and prepare a semester study program; the student contacts one of the art faculty who agrees to direct the study; it is the student’s responsibility to initiate the study program and to maintain regular contact with the faculty member who has agreed to direct the study. Prereq: completion of one 300-level studio sequence (6 cr) and perm.

Graduate Courses ↑

Art 500 Master’s Research and Thesis (cr arr)

Art 504(s) Special Topics (cr arr) Prereq: perm.

Art 505 (s) Professional Development (cr arr).
Professional development and enrichment of certificated school personnel. Credit earned will not be accepted toward grad degree program, but may be used in a fifth-year program. Additional projects/assignments reqd for grad cr.

Art 507(s) Art Seminar (3 cr, max 6) Open only to art and design majors.
Seminar in professional art concerns: guest artist programs, University Gallery activities, including field trips. One 2-hr seminar a wk and assigned work.

Art 508(s) Readings in Art: Critical Theory and Continental Aesthetics (3 cr)
Open to all graduate students, and to undergraduates with instructor’s approval.
Introduction and examination of principal texts on art and aesthetics from the major figures in Critical Theory and Continental philosophy. Students will be encouraged to address the possible relevancy and application of the various theoretical frameworks within the purview of their own aesthetic and critical disciplines. Open to all graduate students, and to undergraduates with instructor’s approval.

Art 509 Visual Studies (3 cr) : See Art J409/J509

Art 510 Gallery (1-3 cr, max 6)
Descriptive analysis of gallery functions; hands-on student participation installing, packaging art works for shipping, lighting, promotions, advertising and marketing; speakers series of professionals in the field or allied areas; e.g., gallery directors, artists as presenters/installers, professional art movers. Prereq: perm of UI Gallery director.

Art 515 (s) Art Faculty Studio (3-6 cr, max 12) Open only to art and design majors.
Studio research taken from the entire art faculty; students are required to arrange at least two studio critiques/faculty each semester.

Art 516(s) MFA Art Studio (3-6 cr, max 9) Open only to MFA majors.
Studio research taken from two or more art faculty members.

Art 520(s) Studio Workshops (1-3 cr, max 6) Open only to art and design majors.
Specialized studio experience; offered by art faculty members, faculty groups, and/or guest artists.

Art 521(s) MFA/MAT Individual Critique (3 cr, max 9) Open only to MFA majors.
Studio research taken from individual art faculty members; individual instruction and critiques. One hr a wk critique session and 8 hrs a wk of individual studio research.

Art 590(s) MFA Thesis Exhibition (4-8 cr, max 20) Open only to MFA majors.
Studio research directly related to preparation of MFA “Exhibition and Statement.”

Art 597 (s) Practicum (3 cr, max 6) Open only to art and design majors.
Classroom assistance in teaching and preparation of course materials; conducted under faculty supervision. Normally requires 4-6 hrs a wk in class and assigned work. Prereq: perm of individual faculty and art grad coordinator.

Art 598 (s) Internship (1-6 cr, max 6) Open only to art and design majors.
Work with professional artists. Prereq: perm of major professor and dept chair.