Department of Art
212 Mitchell Hall
610-436-2755
John Baker, Chairperson
PROFESSORS: Baker, Blake, Sermas
ASSOCIATE PROFESSORS: da Costa, Hill, Hollon, Loustau, Rumfield, D. Usher, Van Orden
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR: Sharpe
The Department of Art offers a bachelor of fine arts with professional concentrations in graphic design, painting/drawing, sculpture/crafts, or general art, and minors in studio art and art history. In addition to its majors and minors, the department serves the University population at large by providing service courses to fulfill general education requirements and electives in studio art and art history. In the larger community the department serves as a professional resource for schools, art centers, and museums. The department, which is housed within the College of Visual and Performing Arts, embraces a teacher-scholar approach by having faculty bring their scholarship into teaching and their students into scholarship. All faculty are actively engaged in creating art and producing scholarly research within their disciplines.
Note: The current bachelor of arts degree is being discontinued. The department recommends all incoming requests be directed towards the bachelor of fine arts degree.
BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS - STUDIO ARTS
120 semester hours
The bachelor of fine arts is regarded as the initial professional degree in art by the National Association of Schools of Art. Its primary emphasis is on the development of skills, concepts, and sensitivities important to the professional artist. Concentration in a major professional area begins only with satisfactory completion of the foundation requirements and the approval of the faculty adviser.
- General ed. requirements, see pages 38-44 (48 semester hours )
- Art department program requirements*
* Students must maintain a grade of C in all ART and ARH courses within the major (required and elective). - Studio art (30 semester hours)
(ART 106, 111, 112, 206, 216, 217, 220, 221, 222, 113 or 241) - Art history (12 semester hours)
(ARH 103, 104, and two 200 or above art history electives) - Professional concentration (24 semester hours)
The student, under advisement, may select eight art courses within these concentrations: graphic design, painting/drawing, sculpture/crafts, or general art. - Studio art (6 semester hours)
(or art-related electives by advisement)
Foundation requirements
Minor in Studio Art (18 semester hours)
- Required courses (9 semester hours)
ART 106, 111, and 220 - Minor specialization (9 semester hours)
The student, under advisement, may select a minor specialization so that the emphasis is on one of these groups: graphic design, painting/drawing, sculpture/crafts, or general art.
Minor in Art History (18 semester hours)
This program provides alternative tracks to satisfy a variety of emphases to which art history may be applied. These include both vocational and liberal arts interests, which range from a highly structured sequence to a self-designed sequence.
- Art history survey (18 semester hours)
Structured sequence of courses designed to provide an in-depth comprehensive core of Western art development. Recommended as an important cultural component to the study of history, literature, performing arts, anthropology, sociology, and psychology. (The 18 semester hours include ARH 103 and 104, and 12 credits of electives selected at the 200, 300, and 400 levels.) - Art history and its interfaces (18 semester hours)
According to interest or possible vocational application, this program provides an opportunity to explore either the various historical periods/styles of art or the interfaces of art history with studio art and other cognate areas. - Required courses (6 semester hours)
Student must complete ARH 103 and 104. - Upper-level courses (6 semester hours)
Student must also take two upper-level art history courses. - Other requirements (6 semester hours)
Student must take, under advisement - Any two studio courses
- Any two other art history courses
- Any two cognate courses from other disciplines
- Any combination of the above
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
ART Symbol: ART
105 Art Workshop (3) An art workshop for nonart majors. Exploration of art materials and techniques.
106 Beginning Drawing (3) Drawing from direct observation and an introduction to ideas of perception and interpretation. Use of a variety of media.
111 Basic Design (2-Dimensional Design) (3) Developing a visual vocabulary by experimenting with shape, space, light, color, and texture in a variety of media.
112 Color Theory and Practice (3) Extensive study of color theory and its application to a variety of fine and industrial arts projects. PREREQ: ART 111. Writing emphasis course.
113 Digital Design I (3) An introduction into the field of communication, using the computer and hand skills such as drawing tools. Emphasis is placed on implementing the elements and principles of design in creative print-based projects using vector and image-manipulation software. PREREQ: ART 111.
206 Intermediate Drawing (3) Work in a variety of media and methods designed to develop "aggressive seeing." Emphasis on the exploration of line as boundary to describe form and space, as gesture, as calligraphy, and for expressive qualities as a tool for working in other media. PREREQ: ART 106.
210 Typography I (3) An introduction to the use of type as the primary element of visual communication. Student exercises focus on the expressive characteristics of letter forms, fundamental typographic theories, and rules of spatial organization. Introduces the student to the history, terminology, and technical issues related to typography. PREREQ: ART 111, 113. COREQ: ART 211.
211 Graphic Design I (3) An introduction to the history, methods, materials, and vocabulary used in the communication design profession. Visual communications are introduced through the study of visual aesthetics, concept development, and gestalt principles. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between perceptual design principles and communication concepts. PREREQ: ART 111, 113. COREQ: ART 210.
212 Graphic Design II (3) An introduction to publication design. Sequential design concept development. Interaction between type and image and design aesthetics will be emphasized as well as an in-depth study of target audience and print production. PREREQ: ART 210, 211. COREQ: ART 213.
213 Typography II (3) Advanced study of typographic expression and communication and the development of complex information systems. Students explore the form and structure of visual communications including sequential design systems and organizational structuring. Page layout software will be used. PREREQ: ART 210, 211. COREQ: ART 212.
216 Beginning Painting (3) An introduction to the basic materials and techniques of the painter with emphasis on color.
217 Intermediate Painting (3) The course seeks to provide a workshop atmosphere in which the student is given the opportunity to explore the potential of the painting media. Use of standard materials of paint, brushes, and canvas is required. PREREQ: ART 216.
220 Fundamentals of 3-Dimensional Design (3) An introduction to the theories, processes, and elements of perception and visual design in a three-dimensional situation. Problems will be geared to problem solving rather than object making.
221 Advanced 3-Dimensional Design (3) Solving problems of relating visual elements to volumetric forms in space by experimenting with various materials. PREREQ: ART 220.
222 Beginning Sculpture (3) An introduction to the basic fundamentals of sculpture, including concepts of design, knowledge of tools and techniques, and materials and processes. Project assignments to be rendered in clay, plaster, wood, and stone.
223 Basic Photography (3) A course dealing with the photographic process. The course will cover camera handling, film and print processing, photographic composition and presentation. Students must supply adjustable 35mm camera plus developing and printing materials.
224 Intermediate Photography (3) A course for those who have had a basic photography class or previous photography experience. The course will stress technical and creative approaches to photography using small-format cameras. Advanced techniques of exposure, lighting, composition, and macro photography will be included. Students must supply their own 35mm adjustable camera and developing and printing materials. PREREQ: ART 223.
225 Advanced Photography (3) A course dealing with professional techniques in black and white as well as color photography. Different camera formats will be considered. Advanced darkroom techniques, photographic manipulation, and retouching will also be covered. PREREQ: ART 223 and ART 224.
226 Water Color I (3) An introduction to the basic tools and techniques of the water-color painter. Emphasis upon transparent water color.
227 Water Color II (3) Advanced problems in water color, gouache, tempera, and mixed media. PREREQ: ART 226.
231 Ceramics I: Basic Techniques (3) Introduction to the basic techniques of ceramics. Hand and wheel methods of construction; knowledge of clay bodies, firing, and glazing.
232 Ceramics II: Intermediate Techniques (3) Fundamental methods of creating clay forms on the wheel. Experimentation with clay bodies, glazes, and kiln operation. Design is stressed.
241 Printmaking: Introduction of Relief Print-making (3) An introduction to the medium of printmaking: linoleum cuts, woodcuts, and colorgraphs.
243 Printmaking: Intermediate Relief Print-making (3) Continuation of ART 241, emphasizing expressive possible techniques and their combination with other print media. PREREQ: ART 241, or permission of instructor.
245 Architectural Drawing (3) Studio experiences in layout; preparation of plans and elevations, presentations (renderings), and architectural lettering. Use of mechanical drawing tools to help students express steps that occur from design to realization of a structure.
251 Art in the Elementary School (3) Workshop and seminar providing experience with a wide variety of media appropriate for use with children. Investigation into the philosophy and psychology of children's art.
306 Drawing III: Life Drawing (3) An exploration of the abstract dynamics of figure drawing with particular application of anatomical structure to expressive design. PREREQ: ART 106 and 206.
307 Drawing IV (3) Individualized instruction in increasingly complex formal and expressive problems in drawing.
This course may be taken again for credit.
310 Graphic Design III (3) Advanced graphic design problem-solving methodologies tailoring communication to specific target audiences. Integration of type and image through creative solutions of complex concepts. PREREQ: ART 212, 213.
312 Logos, Symbols, Icons (3) The examination of pictographs, logos, trademarks, and symbols as a range of communication tools for organizations. Problem solving through visual identity projects examine the various components of company systems. Analysis and design of a mark, as well as its applications and design standards manual, will be part of a final project. PREREQ: ART 212, 213.
313 Digital Design II (3) A continuation of Digital Design I. Focuses on the image, image creation, manipulation and movement as well as its application to interactive design, motion graphics, video editing, and web design in the field of visual communications. PREREQ: ART 113, 212, and 213.
316 Representational Painting (3) This course will focus on the skills and careful observations that are required for representational painting. PREREQ: ART 217.
317 Abstract Painting (3) This course explores the fundamental principles of abstraction and examines the way artists interpret their visual experiences. PREREQ: ART 217.
318 Nonrepresentational Painting (3) This course explores the creation of paintings without recognizable imagery. It will include mixed media and nontraditional processes. PREREQ: ART 217.
319 Advanced Painting (3) Students explore a personal direction through a chosen theme and medium. PREREQ: Four painting courses including ART 216 and ART 217.
320 Painting: Independent Projects (3) The development of a personal style is explored through a theme and its variation. Discipline and self-criticism are realized through a series of critiques and evaluations. PREREQ: ART 217, and permission of the instructor.
This course may be taken again for credit.
321 Intermediate Sculpture (3) More advanced problems in sculpture with emphasis on individual exploration of form, structure, and process. Independent project to be rendered in choice of materials, including clay, plaster, wood, and stone. PREREQ: ART 222.
322 Advanced Sculpture (3) Continued exploration and development of individual form and process awareness through involvement with modeling, casting, fabrication, and assemblages. In addition to clay, wood, stone, and plaster, metals and plastics will be utilized.
324 Life Modeling (3) Figure modeling in clay from the life model. Emphasis on hand-eye coordination using figure studies as vehicles of expression. Anatomy will not be stressed; however, weight, balance, construction, and spatial relationships will be emphasized.
325 Sculpture: Independent Projects (3) Individualized instruction in advanced sculpture. Preparation for senior show.
This course may be taken again for credit.
331 Ceramics III: Advanced Techniques (3) An advanced course to develop craftsmanship and to explore clay as a means of individual expression. PREREQ: ART 232.
332 Ceramics: Studio Problems (3) Work at an advanced level in specialized ceramic techniques.
335 Ceramics: Independent Projects (3) Individualized instruction as well as research and study in ceramic design.
This course may be taken again for credit.
341 Printmaking: Introduction to Intaglio Printmaking (3) Intaglio techniques, etching, dry point, aquatint, and engraving.
343 Printmaking: Intermediate Etching (3) Continuation of 341 with emphasis on expressive qualities of the medium and its possible combination with other print media. PREREQ: ART 341, or permission of instructor.
345 Printmaking: Independent Projects (3) In-depth, individualized instruction in a selected printmaking medium.
This course may be taken again for credit.
351 Art of Papermaking (3) The exploration of traditional and contemporary techniques in the art of papermaking. An emphasis on creative and original designs in conjunction with an understanding of materials.
359 Resources in Art Education (3) The use of cultural and community resources in the schools with an emphasis on the teaching of art appreciation.
450 Graphic Design Internship (3) Experience in studio, agency, or company-involved design responsibilities and procedures to broaden the student's understanding of the profession through job experience. Departmental permission required. PREREQ: Junior or senior graphic design major.
455 Introduction to Multimedia (3) A workshop for students with background in the studio arts. To be taken under advisement.
This course may be taken again for credit.
490 Advertising Design (3) Emphasis on creative direction through problem definition, research, concept development, and layout including visual and typographic elements for presentation to a client. PREREQ: ART 212, 213.
491 Interactive Design (3) Designed to develop the skills, concepts, and technologies necessary for static and interactive web design and publishing. Provides a critical overview of and practical experience in the principles of interactive design, including informationa nd navigation design. Web authoring software will be used. PREREQ: ART 212, 213, 313.
492 Senior Seminar (3) Preparation for the senior show and development of a professional portfolio suitable for presentation to employers or graduate schools. This course is normally taken during the spring semester of the senior year. PREREQ: Eight courses in painting, drawing, or printmaking including one 300-level studio course.
499 Portfolio (3) Development of a professional portfolio for presentation for employment or continuation of studies on the graduate level. Students will be required to complete a capstone project, design a resume, personal identity mark, and a self-promotional piece. PREREQ: Completed a minimum of seven graphic design courses.
ART HISTORY
Symbol: ARH
101 Art Appreciation (3) An introduction to painting, sculpture, architecture, and the decorative arts with emphasis on understanding the visual arts as universal human expression.
103 Art History I: Paleolithic through Middle Ages (3) Survey of significant art and architectural monuments from prehistory through the Middle Ages.
104 Art History II: Renaissance Through Modern (3) Continuation of ART 103. Survey of Western and non-Western art and architecture from the Renaissance through the 21st century.
210 Non-Western Art (3) Introduction to art produced outside the European tradition. Cultures include Africa, India, Asia, the Pacific Islands, and the Americas.
211 Art of Egypt (3) The art and architecture of Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Assyria, and Babylonia from 3000-500 B.C. Writing emphasis course.
310 Informed Perception: An Objective Approach(3) This course introduces participants to an objective method for appreciating art. Students experience works of art directly, make aesthetic discoveries, and undertake personal and independent analysis of art works.
311 Traditions in Art: A Plastic Approach (3) his course is designed to strengthen participants’ understanding of the objective method of art analysis through an exploration of the traditions in art.
320 Global Art and Culture (3) This is a condensed format course designed primarily for the winter session. Domestic and international locations will vary with an interdisciplinary focus. The course incorporates fine art, local crafts, music, theatre, and dance with an experiential component. Investigation of the history, materials, influences, costume and traditional dress, performance, musical instruments, religion, and regional versus international acknowledgement of the artists are integral to understanding and achieving information literacy.
360 Function of the Museum in Art (3) Role and function of the museum as an educational and cultural institution. Main focus on field trips to local museums in Chester and Delaware counties and the Wilmington, Del., area.
382 Art of Greece and Rome (3) The art and architecture of the Greeks, Etruscans, and Romans.
Culture cluster.
383 Art of Middle Ages (3) The art and architecture of the European medieval world and their development from Early Christian and Romanesque art into the full flowering of the Gothic period.
Culture cluster. Writing emphasis course.
384 Art of Renaissance-Baroque (3) Art and architecture from 1300 through 1700 in Europe. Focus on patronage and the role of the artist. Political, economic, and religious influences on the art of the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
Culture cluster.
385 18th and 19th Century Art (3) Major European artistic contributions of the 18th and 19th centuries including Rococco, Neoclassical, Romanticism, Realism, and Impressionism. Art, architecture, and their cultural influence.
Culture cluster
386 Modern Art Seminar (3) Analysis of major styles of 20th-century art from Post Impressionism to Pop Art. Special emphasis on important artists and their contributions to Western art.
389 Art of Spain (3) Introduction to the art and architecture of Spain and her colonies from the caves of Altamira to the contemporary period. Focus on specific artists including Velazquez, Goya, Miro, Gaudi, Picasso, and Dali. Writing emphasis course.
400 Art Seminar (3) Special topics to be announced for studio and art history. Offered periodically as appropriate. PREREQ: Permission of instructor.
This course may be taken again for credit.
413 American Art (3) A survey of American paintings and sculpture from Colonial times to the present.
415 Art History: Independent Study (3) Opportunity for the student to pursue a particular field of interest.
This course may be taken again for credit.
418 Art of Florence (3) The art of Florence gives students experience in looking at some of the influential artists and architecture of the Renaissance and Baroque periods. On-site cultural exposure to music, monuments, and language.
419 Women Artists (3) An introduction to women artists in history from the prehistoric period through the 21st century. Analysis of painting, sculpture, architecture, and nontraditional art forms produced by women. Special focus on artists of the 19th and 20th centuries.
