Course Descriptions
You will learn how to analyze and interpret art, hone your foundational skills as you progress to advanced techniques, and study special topics in your areas of interest. The courses you choose with the help of your academic advisor will enable you to pursue your academic and artistic goals. Read through the course descriptions below to discover the scope of study options offered at the School of Art & Art History.
Undergraduate Course Descriptions | Graduate Course Descriptions
Undergraduate Course Descriptions
Art History | Art Foundation | Animation | Ceramics | Design | Drawing | Painting | Photography | Printmaking | Sculpture | Teaching | Video | Other
Art History
ARH 2050: History of Visual Arts I
Survey of World Art to AD 1300. Introduction to problems of analyzing and interpreting
the art of various cultures without making the Western perspective a privileged one.
ARH 2051: History of Visual Arts II
Survey of World Art since 1300 CE. Introduction to problems of analyzing and interpreting
the art of various global cultures without making the Western perspective a privileged
one.
ARH 3001: Introduction to Art
This online course investigates the histories of art, asking a range of questions
about periods, cultures, styles of art-making. We explore the experience of viewing
art, inquiring into its many forms and definitions, historically and in the present.
ARH 4115: Ancient Egyptian and Near Eastern Art
A study of the art and cultures of ancient Egypt and the Near East, from the prehistoric
period through the conquests of Alexander the Great.
ARH 4130: Greek Art
A comprehensive study of ancient Greek sculpture, painting, architecture, and other
artistic media from the Bronze Age through the Hellenistic period.
ARH 4151: Roman Art
A comprehensive study of ancient Roman sculpture, painting, architecture, and other
artistic media from the founding of Rome through the reign of Constantine.
ARH 4170: Greek and Roman Art
A comprehensive study of Aegean, Mycenaean, Etruscan, Greek and Roman painting, sculpture
and architecture.
ARH 4200: Medieval Art
A comprehensive study of early Christian, Byzantine and Medieval painting, sculpture,
architecture and manuscript illumination.
ARH 4301: Renaissance Art
A comprehensive study of Renaissance and Mannerist painting, sculpture and architecture
in Italy and Northern Europe.
ARH 4310: Early Italian Renaissance
History of the visual arts in Italy from ca. 1220 to 1493, in the era commonly called
the early Renaissance.
ARH 4312: Late Italian Renaissance
This course focuses on the visual arts of Italy of the later Renaissance, from c.
1490 to 1576, with some reference to the broader context of art in the rest of Europe
and the world.
ARH 4318: Venetian Art
Major monuments of Venetian art are examined to elucidate the importance of Venice
as the crossroads of cultural exchange between Islam, Byzantium, and the West, and
the importance of Venetian art to the history of art and art criticism.
ARH 4333: Northern Renaissance Art
Introduction to the history of Northern Renaissance Art, that is, art from northern
Europe, especially. the Netherlands, Germany and France, from the late Middle Ages
to the early modern era (14th through 16th centuries).
ARH 4350: Baroque and Rococo Art
A comprehensive study of the painting, sculpture and architecture in France, Italy,
Spain and the Netherlands in the seventeenth 17th and early eighteenth 18th centuries.
ARH 4430: Nineteenth Century Art
A comprehensive study of 19th-century painting, sculpture, and architecture in America
and Europe. Gender/multicultural issues and methodologies in 19th-century art are
emphasized.
ARH 4450: Twentieth Century Art
A comprehensive study of painting, sculpture, and architecture from Cezanne to the
present in Europe and the United States. Required of all art majors.
ARH 4455: Modern Political Iconography
The course explores art in which political themes are considered to be the source
and determinant of aesthetic decisions. The dominant iconographic theme is the iconography
of revolution, rebellion, and other forms of political struggle in 20th-century art
and film.
ARH 4475C: Contemporary Issues in Art
A study of the principles and techniques of educational measurement as applied to
the teaching of physical education; study of the functions and techniques of measurement
in the evaluation of student progress toward the objectives of physical education.
ARH 4520: African Art
A combination of survey, comparative study and in-depth analysis of African sculpture,
mainly from West and Central Africa. Emphasis on diversity of forms and contexts,
functions, symbolism and meanings.
ARH 4530: Asian Art
An introduction to concepts of the arts of China, Japan, and other Far Eastern countries.
ARH 4557: Chinese Art
Chinese Art proceeds chronologically, from the Neolithic era up to the contemporary
art world. The course considers cultural, linguistic, technical, philosophic, political
and religious influences on the artworks produced by this ancient society.
ARH 4710: History of Photography
A comprehensive overview of the history of photography from its inception to the present
day with an emphasis on the relationship of photography to the visual arts and popular
culture.
ARH 4721C: History of Printmaking
The history of Western printmaking from the Middle Ages to contemporary times, with
an emphasis on art-making technology and research, cultural perspectives and theoretical/critical
analytical capabilities. The course is open to majors and non-majors. It is not repeatable
for credit.
ARH 4744: Selected Topics in the History of Film
In-depth investigation of a selected period, development, or school in the history
of film as art.
ARH 4800: Critical Studies in Art History
Specialized intensive studies in art history. Specific subject matter varies. To be
announced at each course offering.
ARH 4890: Paris Art History
This course will explore issues central to the history and criticism of art through
the rich visual culture of Paris. Themes will include art and national identity, orientalism,
the avant-garde and the role of the museum in the evolution of modern art.
ARH 4930: Art History: Selected Topics
Lecture/discussion course designed to offer areas of expertise of visiting scholars
or specific interests of resident faculty.
Art Foundation
ART 2201C: Concepts and Practices I
Introduce students to diverse art studio practices and concepts where topics include
forms of communication, sourcing inspiration, and critical theory. Studio projects
are augmented by lecture, discussion, reading, writing, and critical analysis.
ART 2203C: Concepts and Practices II
Continuation of ART 2201 building on diverse art studio practice and concepts including
crafting an artistic self, measuring success, and examining the artist’s role. Art
projects are augmented by lecture, discussion, reading, writing, and critiques.
Animation and Digital Modeling
ART 3610C: Digital Modeling
Exploration of 3D digital modeling techniques for the creative arts. Provides study
in the history, theory, and practices of 3D digital modeling. Students model, texture,
and light models in a 3D environment.
ART 3612C: Beginning Video, Animation, and Digital Arts
An introductory exploration of the use of video, animation, and digital art as media
for making contemporary art. Emphasis is on all levels of production, concept development,
and the history and theory of media, moving image, sound, and animation.
ART 3616C: Computer Animation
Hands-on exploration of issues, principles, and practices involved in the creation
of 2D animation. Traditional methods are combined with animation and imaging software.
The focus is on individual creative growth.
ART 3635: Selected Topics in Video, Animation & Digital Arts
Selected Topics in VADA is an intermediate course providing focused exploration on
content specific to the discipline. It furthers the development of skills and critical
discourse in the field. Majors only. Repeatable up to 15 hours.
ART 3640: The Art of Video Games
The Art of Video Games investigates the emerging role that fine art plays within the
video game medium. Students research connections between contemporary art practice
and the commercial video game industry and create their own video game.
Ceramics
ART 2750C: Beginning Ceramics
An introduction to the use of ceramic materials as a means of self-expression and
critical exploration.
ART 3761C: Intermediate Ceramics
Intermediate problems in ceramics and emphasis on the exploration of methods and media
and the development of individual concepts. Repeatable up to 15 hours.
ART 3781C: Selected Topics in Ceramics
Selected Topics in Ceramics is an intermediate course providing focused exploration
of content specific to the discipline. It furthers the development of skills and critical
discourse in the field. Majors only. Repeatable up to 15 hours.
ART 4782C: Advanced Ceramics
Continued problems in ceramics.
Design
ART 4634C: Visual Design for the Internet
This upper-level course builds upon the concepts students encountered in the introductory
level graphic design courses and focuses on web content creation and animation techniques.
ART 4925: Media Workshop: Design Production
This upper-level technology course will develop an in-depth understanding of graphics
software and print production techniques. Students will review software programs,
file preparation requirements, and print production standards.
Drawing
ART 2301C: Beginning Drawing
Projects exploring the methods, media, and concepts of drawing.
ART 3310C: Intermediate Drawing
An extension of the skills and concepts introduced in Beginning Drawing with an emphasis
on individual experimentation and the development of advanced critical and technical
skills in the discipline. Repeatable up to 15 hours.
ART 3380C: Selected Topics in Drawing
Selected Topics in Drawing is an intermediate course providing a focused exploration
of content specific to the discipline. It furthers the development of skills and critical
discourse in the field. Majors only. Repeatable up to 15 hours.
ART 4320C: Advanced Drawing
Advanced practices and projects in drawing.
DIG 3119C: Digital Drawing
Exploration of digital vector and raster-based illustration and design. Students synthesize
traditional drawing and painting skills with digital tools. Includes study of digital
imaging, drawing systems, color theory, and idea generation.
DIG 3306C: 3D Animation
Hands-on exploration of 3D animation. Through a series of structured experiments,
exercises, and projects, students produce short animated films. Emphasis is on 3D
workflows, animation principles, visual storytelling, dynamic motion, and performance.
Painting
ART 2500C: Beginning Painting
Projects in painting with emphasis on the exploration of methods and media and the
development of individual concepts.
ART 3513C: Selected Topics in Painting
Selected Topics in Painting is an intermediate course providing a focused exploration
of content specific to the discipline. It furthers the development of skills and critical
discourse in the field. Majors only. Repeatable up to 15 hours.
ART 3530C: Intermediate Painting
An extension of the skills and concepts introduced in Beginning Painting with an emphasis
on individual experimentation and the development of advanced critical and technical
skills in the discipline. Repeatable up to 15 hours.
ART 4520C: Advanced Painting
Advanced practices and projects in painting.
Photography
PGY 2401C: Beginning Photography
Introduction to the expressive possibilities of photographic media. Projects and assignments
will introduce students to both traditional and experimental ways of working with
light-sensitive materials with an emphasis on the interdependence of form, technique,
and concept. The course will also provide an overview of significant trends and directions
in contemporary art photography.
PGY 3410C: Intermediate Photography
A mid-level course expanding the student's visual and technical skills while establishing
the beginning of a personal artistic direction.
PGY 3820C: Digital Media I
This course builds upon the concepts introduced in Introduction to Multimedia Systems
and focuses upon digital photographic creation and editing.
PGY 3930C: Special Topics: Photography
A mid-level course expanding the student's visual and technical skills while establishing
the beginning of a personal artistic direction by exposing the student to new ideas,
technical skills and genres, including, but not limited to: color photography, digital
photography, non-silver, and documentary photography. Repeatable up to 9 hours.
PGY 4420C: Advanced Photography
Continued problems in photography.
PGY 4822C: Digital Media II
This course builds upon the concepts introduced in Digital Media I and focuses upon
digital photographic, web and digital video creation.
Printmaking
ART 2400C: Beginning Printmaking
This course is designed as an introduction to the medium of printmaking. It concentrates
on the technical production of various print media including intaglio, relief, monoprint,
and serigraphy (screen printing).
ART 3403C: Intermediate Printmaking
This course concentrates on developing intermediate skills in printmaking with particular
emphasis on conceptual topics. The course is intended for majors. Repeatable up to
15 hours.
ART 3461C: Selected Topics in Printmaking
Selected Topics in Printmaking is an intermediate course providing a focused exploration
of content specific to the discipline. It furthers the development of skills and critical
discourse in the field. Majors only. Repeatable up to 15 hours.
ART 3465: Digital Printmaking
An investigation of printmaking using the computer as a design interface between electronic
and traditional printmaking processes. Repeatable up to 9 hours.
Sculpture and Extended Media
ART 2701C: Beginning Sculpture
Projects in sculpture with an emphasis on contemporary theory and issues, the development
of individual concepts and the exploration of materials, tools, and processes.
ART 3709C: Intermediate Sculpture
This course expands upon the principles and processes introduced in Beginning Sculpture,
developing a higher level of technical competence and critical sophistication. Repeatable
up to 15 hours.
ART 3712C: Multiples, Molds, and Bronzecasting
Continued studies and projects in sculpture with an emphasis on the nature of multiples
explored through advanced mold making and bronzecasting. This course may not be repeated
for credit. The conceptual implications of the multiple will be taught through reading,
lecture, discussion, and demonstration.
ART 3735: Selected Topics in Sculpture
Selected Topics in Sculpture is an intermediate course providing a focused exploration
of content specific to the discipline. It furthers the development of skills and critical
discourse in the field. Repeatable up to 15 hours.
ART 3843C: Site, Installation, and Performance
Continued studies and projects in sculpture with an emphasis on site-specific sculpture,
installation, and performance. A critical and cultural awareness of contemporary issues
and media in sculpture will be developed through studio projects assigned readings,
discussions, critiques, and demonstrations. The course may not be repeated for credit.
ART 4642: Digital Fabrications for Artists
Study and use of digital imaging and modeling software (CAD, CAM) for the creation
of physical artworks using CNC (digital fabrications) equipment. Grounded in contemporary
and historical practices.
ART 4710C: Advanced Sculpture
Continued problems in sculpture. Repeatable.
DIG 3323C: Digital Sculpture
Hands-on exploration of high-polygon digital sculpting for art and design. Students
digitally sculpt figures and organic forms for 2D images, animation, 3D environments,
and digital fabrication. Includes study of history, theory, and practices.
Teaching
ARE 4341: Art Teaching Strategies II
Media and the learning process will be explored through photographic arts, cinematography
and video systems. Teaching strategies and media criticism for application at elementary
and secondary levels.
Video
ART 3613C: Live Action Filmmaking
Students develop a comprehensive understanding of independent cinema by producing
short film projects. Topics include scriptwriting, professional production tools and
practices, and exhibition. Non-repeatable. For majors and non-majors with a prerequisite.
ART 3635: Selected Topics in Video, Animation & Digital Arts
Selected Topics in VADA is an intermediate course providing focused exploration on
content specific to the discipline. It furthers the development of skills and critical
discourse in the field. Majors only. Repeatable up to 15 hours.
ART 4614C: Advanced Video, Animation and Digital Arts
Advanced exploration of issues and practices in the creation of experimental computer
art. Continues an interdisciplinary approach to video, animation, 3D modeling and
electronic arts with a focus on individual and group projects.
DIG 3465C: Visual Storytelling
This is an intermediate course focused on digital storytelling for animation and film.
Students explore story development, storyboarding, and the creation of animatics.
Includes study of pre-production and conventions of cinematography.
FIL 3427C: Beginning Film
Intermediate problems in film with emphasis on the exploration of materials and media
and the development of individual concepts.
FIL 3854: Film Art
The course is an in-depth study of film language and history, focusing on its unique
social, political and cultural significance. Students explore the heterogeneous nature
of film by examining its role in popular culture and visual art discourse.
FIL 4433C: Advanced Film
More advanced projects in filmmaking to further develop works both technically and
conceptually.
Other Topics
ART 2852: Arts of Resistance
The course will take a critical look at the arts as forms of resistance/protest. Topics
include a brief history of the subject as well as the contemporary landscape of this
field. Students will develop projects using the arts as social practice.
ART 2930: Selected Topics in Art
The content of this course will be determined by student demand and instructor interest.
Open university offerings under this number may not be counted for degree credit for
art majors.
ART 3618: Technology Essentials for Artists
The course provides a foundation in the use of technology for fine arts majors. Technical
and critical skills used to deploy media in the documentation, presentation, and promotion
of their production in traditional art mediums are explored.
ART 3939: RealWorld
Offers studio students the opportunity to analyze their experiences as art majors
and explore options available to visual artists upon completion of their degree.
ART 4806: Theme Studio
A studio art course with a theme that varies by semester.
ART 4814: Paris Art Studio
This course will explore contemporary and historic Paris as a subject and source for
artmaking, drawing upon a range of concepts and strategies that emphasize imaginative
encounters with its space, streets, museums, architecture, and people.
ART 4900: Directed Reading
A course of reading and study in an area of special concerned governed by student
demand, instructor interest and/or department requirements. Registration is by contract
only. Repeatable.
ART 4905: Directed Study
Independent studies in the various areas of Visual Arts. The course of study and credits
must be assigned prior to registration. Repeatable.
ART 4930: Selected Topics in Art
The content of this course will be determined by student demand and instructor interest.
Open university offerings under this number may not be counted for degree credit for
art majors. Repeatable.
ART 4940: Extended Studies
Extended Studies requires students to engage in art-related activities that expand
upon their traditional academic experience. It is by contract and may involve internship
and/or foreign studies. The course is restricted to majors. Not repeatable.
ART 4970C: Senior Thesis
The creation of a coherent body of advanced- level artwork that is supported by a
written document describing processes working procedures, research, context and content
of the artwork itself.
Graduate Course Descriptions
Art History | Ceramics | Drawing | Electronic Media | Museum and Gallery Studies | Painting | Printmaking | Sculpture | Teaching | Video | Other
Art History
ARH 5813: Methods of Art History
This course introduces students to various methods which art historians have used
to analyze the form and content of individual works of art, and to various modes of
historical explanation.
ARH 6055: Art History
A contract for research in any elective area of art history.
ARH 6798: Seminar in Art History
Ottoman Imperial Identity and Visual Culture
Cross-Cultural Interactions in Islamic Art
The Human Figure in Islamic Art
Cultural Heritage in The Middle East and North Africa
Ornament in Islamic Art and Architecture
Moving Pictures: Materiality in Northern Renaissance Painting
Recontextualizing Dutch Realism
Approaching Ancient Greek Pottery (Fall 2024)
Painting in Early 20th Century Europe
The Purity of Painting: Picasso to Kandinsky
Kandinsky’s Abstraction: 1910–1914
Modernism in Germany, 1890s–1914
Modern and Contemporary Art: Key Interpretations
Modernism, Postmodernism and Beyond
Art and Biography
Collecting the East
Decolonizing the Museum
Global Material Culture
Mediterranean Encounters
Nuns and Art
Medieval and Renaissance Manuscripts
ARH 6891: Paris Art History
This course will explore issues central to the history and criticism of art through
the rich and visual culture that Paris offers. The goal of this course is to provide
students with an experience of the cultural life of the city through an exploration
of its major art collections, monuments, art collections, and historical sites. Thematically-organized
topic will include art and national identity, patronage, orientalism, the birth of
the avant-garde and the role of the museum in the evolution of modernism and modern
art.
Ceramics
ART 5790C: Ceramics
Advanced problems in the various ceramic techniques, including throwing and glaze
calculation. Repeatable.
ART 6791C: Ceramics
Advanced graduate research in ceramics.
Drawing
ART 5390C: Drawing
Advanced problems in various drawing techniques. Emphasis on individual creative expression.
Repeatable.
ART 6391C: Drawing
Advanced graduate research in drawing.
Electronic Media
ART 6688: Electronic Media
Advanced projects in the exploration of the issues and practices involved in the creation
of experimental computer art at the graduate level. Emphasis on individual creative
expression. May be repeatedRepeatable.
Museum and gallery Studies
ARH 5836: Collection and Exhibition Management
This class will introduce students to the basic principles of collections care and
management and to the intellectual and practical tasks of preparing an exhibition.
Sessions will include art handling, registration, and condition reporting, preparing
works of art for transit, environmental standards for collections storage and exhibition,
and the professional responsibilities of the curator.
IDS 5177: The Atelier, Its Management, and History
This class will consider the history of printmaking and other forms of collaborative
art production through the prism of the atelier and its management.
IDS 5178: Problems in Museum Studies
This class is designed as both an academic and theoretical course to introduce students
to the museum profession and develop critical thinking skills required to solve problems
in the rapidly changing typography of museums. Students will develop managerial and
administrative skills as they meet with and discuss the job descriptions of curators,
educators, collection managers, marketing professionals, exhibit designers, registrars,
and fundraisers.
IDS 6948: Gallery and Museum Internship
The 6-credit hour internship program conducted in various area museums is a professional
program designed to give students the opportunity to engage in a comprehensive study
of the contemporary museum.
Painting
ART 5580C: Painting
Research in painting.
ART 6581C: Painting
Advanced graduate research in painting.
Printmaking
ART 5448C: Intaglio
Investigations into more complex intaglio processes including photoengraving and color
printing procedures. Emphasis on personal conceptual development in graphic media.
ART 6449C: Intaglio
Advanced graduate research in intaglio process.
Sculpture and Extended Media
ART 5740C: Sculpture
Advanced problems in the various techniques of sculpture. Emphasis on individual creative
expression. Repeatable.
ART 6792C: Sculpture
Advanced problems in the various techniques of sculpture. Emphasis on individual creative
expression. Repeatable.
Teaching
ART 6937: Graduate Instruction Methods
Special course to be used primarily for the training of graduate teaching assistants.
Video
FIL 5469C: Cinematography
Advanced studio work using black and white, color and sound as technical and aesthetic
factors in visual, artistic productions.
Other Topics
ART 5910: Research
A credited research with a course with an advising faculty member.
ART 6811: Paris Art Studio
This course will explore the experience of modern life in the city as a source for
art making. Projects will encourage students to encounter the dense and varied space
and time of Paris toward a better understanding of the part that this city has played
in the shaping of modern and postmodern sensibilities. We will draw upon a range of
avant-garde strategies that have imagined and conceptualized Paris by movement through
city spaces and close observation of the ordinary and extraordinary aspects of everyday
life.
ART 6816: MFA Professional Practices
MFA students will analyze their experiences and explore options available to visual
artists after completion of their degree. Restricted to majors; not repeatable for
credit.
ART 6895: Graduate Seminar I
This seminar will expand students’ understanding of the complexities of contemporary
art. Students will develop an awareness of current critical theories through readings,
writings, and discussions. Restricted to majors and is non-repeatable.
ART 6896: Graduate Seminar II
This course facilitates a critical awareness of the self-reflexive nature of artistic
vision within a larger cultural context including the relevance of one's work in relation
to contemporary art theory. Restricted to majors and is non-repeatable.
ART 6897: Critical Writing Seminar
Significant texts of the 20th century and contemporary criticism introduce multiple
lenses through which art is encountered, inviting self-identification within a broad
range of engaged positions. This forms the core of the MFA Research Project Proposal.
ART 6907: Independent Study
Independent study in which student must have a contract with an instructor.
ART 6911: Directed Research
Directed Research in which student must have a contract with an instructor.
ART 6940: Selected Topics in Art
Variable credit depending upon the scope and magnitude of the work agreed to by the
student and the responsible member of the faculty.
ART 6956: MFA Research Project
Development/Finalization of MFA Research Project, including the planning and realization
of an exhibition and a written document articulating ideas, processes, and sources
related to the project. Usually taken during last year.
ART 6971: Thesis: Master’s
A course to develop a master's thesis in which student must have a contract with an
instructor.