The goals of the Art Major are the following:
- To offer a program that includes comprehensive studies in computer graphics and studio art.
- To prepare individuals for various art-related careers.
- To provide adequate preparation for the pursuit of graduate work in art.
- To contribute to the visual culture and heritage of the University and community.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the major, the student will be able to:
- Understand and appreciate the theoretical and philosophical nature of art, its meaning and contribution to the individual and society in contemporary and past cultures.
- Develop a basic level of skill and aesthetic understanding in a variety of studio disciplines.
- Create, analyze, and evaluate works of art from a wide variety of media.
- Demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills critical to the art profession.
- Utilize and create multimedia and relevant technology critical to the art profession.
- Demonstrate knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of art, art history, and related philosophies from past and present cultures.
- Participate in group and individual art exhibits and successfully complete requirements of the Senior Exhibit.
- Participate effectively in the competitive art-related career market.
Major Requirements
The major programs in art include an option in Computer Graphics or Studio Art requiring a minimum of 39 semester hours (SH). There are 15 semester hours required of all art majors in foundation courses including the two pre-requisite art courses, which can be taken in general education. Each option has a required set of courses and then allows a choice of four courses from among a set of electives. Students in either concentration may take additional art electives. Participation in the Senior Exhibit is a requirement of all art majors for graduation (see specific requirements below). Students are encouraged to pursue a minor in another field, but no minor is required.
Art majors must earn a minimum grade of C (2.0) in each required course in their respective content areas.
Courses
Pre-Requisite Courses
ART 1311 - Drawing I
ART 1314 - Introduction to Computer Art and Design
Required Foundation Courses (either option) (15 semester hours)
These courses should be taken in the freshman and sophomore years in order to be prepared for upper-level electives in the
junior year, prior to participating in the senior seminar sequence.
ART 1311 Drawing I
ART 1314 Introduction to Computer Art and Design
ART 1316 2D Design
ART 2301 Art History I
ART 2302 Art History II
Studio Art Option
Required Courses for Studio Option (24 semester hours)
ART 2312 Drawing II
ART 3305 African-American Art
ART 4398 Senior Art History Seminar
ART 4399 Studio Art (Exhibit) Seminar
ART ELECTIVES 2000-4000 level (1 course)
ART ELECTIVES 3000-4000 level (3 courses)
Art Elective Courses for Studio Art Option
ART 2317 - 3D Design
ART 2331 - Painting I
ART 2309 - Latin American Women Artists
ART 3332 - Painting II
ART 3354 - Digital Photography
ART 3370 - Special Topics in Art History
ART 3371 - Printmaking Methods
ART 3372 - Printmaking Production
ART 3380 – Special Topics in Studio Art
ART 3390 - Studio Practice Seminar I
ART 4093 - Art Internship
ART 4307 - Contemporary Art Seminar
ART 4320 - Digital Photography II
ART 4385 - Studio Practice Seminar II
ART 4387 - Visual Studies Seminar
Computer Graphics Option
Required Courses for Computer Graphics Option (24 semester hours)
ART 3305 African-American Art
ART 3357 Portfolio Design
ART 4398 Senior Art History Seminar
ART 4399 Studio Art (Exhibit) Seminar
ART electives 2000-4000 level (2 courses)
ART electives 3000-4000 level (2 courses)
Art Elective Courses for Computer Graphics Option
ART 2309 - Latin American Women Artists
ART 2315 - Electronic Imaging
ART 2317 - 3D Design
ART 2322 - Vector Graphics for Designers
ART 2352 - Typography
ART 3343 - Graphic Design I
ART 3333 - Computer Animation
ART 3354 - Digital Photography
ART 3381 - Special Topics in Computer Graphics
ART 4093 - Art Internship
ART 4310 - Multimedia Editing
ART 4320 - Digital Photography II
ART 4346 - Graphic Design II
Senior Art Exhibit Criteria for Art Majors
During the senior year art majors are required to participate in the preparation and mounting of the Senior Exhibit at the Diggs Gallery prior to graduation. Candidates must submit a representative number of completed artworks showing competence in their area of study and take part in exhibition activities as planned. Activities include creating exhibition promotional materials, exhibit design, and hosting of opening reception. Five hours per week.
Pre-requisites: Must be a senior and have the approval of the Department of Art + Visual Studies faculty.
Candidates are required to submit exhibition quality works by the date specified prior to the opening of the exhibition.
Works submitted for exhibition consideration are reviewed and approved by faculty of the Department of Art + Visual Studies. Students are responsible for the expense of the creation of their work (i.e. materials and production expenses) as well as any presentation expense (i.e. framing).
Accepted works must:
- Exhibit an acceptable level of craftsmanship and skill.
- Demonstrate artistic merit.
- Fulfill one or more functions that fall in the following categories: educational, aesthetic, historical, social, and political.
Students work together to design and mount the exhibition and host the opening reception. In addition to the exhibition requirement, students must participate in the following activities in preparation for the exhibition.
- Design posters to advertise the exhibition.
- Design and distribute announcements.
- Frame or make artworks display ready.
- Design exhibit with curator and staff of Diggs Gallery.
- Paint walls, stands, etc. as necessary.
- Host opening reception.
- Disassemble show.