Fine Arts Coursework
When you choose Fine Arts as your major, you'll tackle a curriculum that helps expand your definition of art and develop the critical thinking skills necessary to be a successful artist.
Fine Arts Core: 24 Credits
Sample Course – Form and Content
Students thoroughly analyze the total organic structure of a work of art and its meaning. The class also studies light and space in relation to both two and three dimensions. Psychology, theory, history, design, and aesthetics are investigated as tools to develop a visual vocabulary. At the conclusion of this course, students are expected to demonstrate knowledge of visual vocabulary, formally and in relationship to content in class projects.
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Ceramics: 15 Credits
Sample Course – Ceramic Sculpture: New Directions in Clay
Students incorporate contemporary ceramic sensibilities and techniques into their own work. These methods are explored from the perspective of new directions in contemporary ceramics and the larger art world. Press molds, two-part molds and slip-casting techniques are introduced, as well as thinking skills to juxtapose forms into more complex content. Students are introduced to high-temperature clays and the gas reduction kiln. At the conclusion of this course, students will be well-equipped to make work using modular building techniques that foster an individual, innovative creative practice.
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Painting: 12 Credits
Sample Course – Figure Painting
The theme of figure is utilized as a point of departure. Issues of craft, content, and the dialog between the artist and the viewer are emphasized. A broadening of format, image, and theme allows students to independently analyze and develop their own painting media and forms.
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Photography + Video Art: 15 Credits
Sample Course – Introduction to Video Art
This course introduces video as a medium for artistic expression and social inquiry. In this introductory course in digital video production and non-linear editing, students produce short works and are introduced to a range of approaches including experimental, documentary, and installation. Recent and historical trends in the medium are covered through the viewing of work by media artists of the past 40 years. At the conclusion of this course, students have a working knowledge of this medium and its history.
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Sculpture: 15 Credits
Sample Course - Exhausting the Metaphor
In this course, students define their individual direction as they investigate more closely the issues that pertain to their work. Through the activity of locating a topic (or topics) of interest, students “exhaust the metaphor” in their work through the development of sound research methods and exploration of various new and traditional sculpture techniques. At the conclusion of this course, students demonstrate research skills through written papers and oral presentations. Students demonstrate, through formal critiques, increased technical skills that are applied to topic(s) of research within a series of sequential sculpture projects.
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Studio Electives: 21 - 24 Credits
Sample Course - Glaze Calculation
Students are exposed to the science and techniques of making
glazes. Students learn the chemical properties and firing properties
of approximately 160 different glaze mixtures. Students learn the
safe use of glaze materials and the application to advanced ceramic
sculpture. At the conclusion of this course, students demonstrate
competency in safely formulating the chemical compounds required
for original ceramic sculptures, as well as the relationship of
materials, firing processes, and these compounds in the practice of
ceramic sculpture. Competency is determined through written tests,
sample tiles analysis and critiques.