Featured Courses in Art & Art History

This course is a broad overview of the art and archaeology of the Vikings and their predecessors as well as an introduction to the written sources that inform us about the Vikings.

“As someone who is passionate about Medieval Studies, especially within the field of Nordic culture, I found this class to be extremely enlightening." 

—Eli Morgan (BA in English, Creative Writing & BFA in Art, Graphic Design)

This course examines the major developments in Italian painting, sculpture, architecture, and the culture which produced them between the late 13th and the early 16th centuries. Works of art are discussed in relation to their original location, function, patronage, style, iconography, and technique. Students also investigate how humanism or the rediscovery of antiquity had an impact on artistic creativity and see how it helped defining a new role for the artist.  

Students continue to master and refine their throwing skills in the ceramics studio, in addition to gaining a more complete understanding of ceramic materials. There is an emphasis on the conceptual bolsters an increased technical repertoire as well as a more specific understanding of form. The study of contemporary and historical practices enhances the student’s ability to dissect and describe their own work in terms of the artist statement.

Students enter into an individual study of ceramic forms in order to develop a well-thought out body of work that exhibits a fully formed conceptual foundation. There is emphasis on research and professional development within the context of ceramic craftsmanship. Students finish the course with a cohesive body of work.

This course introduces students to the role that typography plays in graphic design and communication primarily through print, but applications to multimedia and environmental design may be applied. Students explore the historical and communication contexts of typography at the start of the written language, and continue through our current Western written language.

The overarching theme in this course involves building upon what is learned in Art 361, Typography. Projects are more advanced and multifaceted and prompt students to solve design problems in their entirety. Students develop skills in professionalism within the discipline of graphic design. Other focuses of this course include learning how to prepare design work for print media as well as learning how to design creative projects using studio art skills and computer solutions.

Students continue to hone their observational skills in the arena of landscape painting.  More advanced mixing techniques are employed as well as gestural applications that speed up the process of painting outdoors. Students continue to build a professional work ethic through working independently while learning to communicate effectively through the critique process.

The main objective of this class is to provide each student with the understanding of contemporary working practices of painting. Students learn various painting methods and emphasize conceptual experimentation. Through class critiques, lectures, and demonstrations each student is introduced to methods of critical thinking and creative problem solving associated with painting. Emphasis is placed on concept and development of a series. Craftsmanship and professionalism are addressed.

This course includes lectures, discussions, and demonstrations exploring traditional print processes with the incorporation of digital practices. Students learn digital strategies for creating images in screen printing, intaglio, lithography, and digital printing. Students develop meaningful content in conjunction with the acquisition of technical skills.

Students learn alternative lens-based approaches to photographic imaging including the use of Cyanotype and Van Dyke Brown in the production of prints. Traditional photographic processes are employed in tandem with digital strategies to create strong conceptual artworks. This course highlights detailed research and criticism in the creation and evaluation of work.

This course builds upon the core ideas learned in 3-D Design while giving students an introductory survey of some of the more traditional and contemporary materials and techniques used in sculpture.

“The use of limited, yet different materials made the projects difficult but brought out the more creative side of myself and I loved having to think outside of the box!”