Aims of the department for the general student and the major

• Acquire the necessary technical and methodological skills to make visually engaging works of art.
• Gain knowledge in the theory, history and philosophy of art
• Excel at conducting research in art history
• Communicate effectively about art inboth written and verbal forms
• Learn to refine, revise, and think criticallyabout their work and that of their peers
• Understand their work within the context of art history and contemporary art practice
• Attain the ability and confidence to articulate their unique point of view verbally and through writing

The department does not differentiate between goals for the art major, the art minor, or non-art majors. The majority of students taking courses in the department are not art majors but are interested in the study of art or taking courses in the art department to fulfill one of the College’s general education requirements and/or learning domains. A student taking courses in the art department will be exposed to most, if not all, of the above stated goals.However studio majors advancing through the department’s coursework include the goals above and the following three:

• Display professionalism in the documentation andpresentation of their work
• Attain the skills and knowledge to pursue a professional career or an advanced degree in studio art or art history
• Gain the tough mindedness, critical independence, and studio dedication needed to be lifelong practicing artists.

Studio Art Major

12 courses distributed as follows:  

Required Courses (9)

• ARTS 100 Freehand Drawing (1)
• Two-course sequence in studio courses (2)
• Three-course sequence in studio courses (3)
• ARTH 430 Practicum: Professional Development (1)
• ARTS 497 Practicum: Studio Art (1)
• ARTH 170 Western Art History Survey I: Prehistory through Medieval (1)
  or
  ARTH 171 Western Art History II: Renaissance through 20th Century (1)

Electives (3)

• One art history course beyond the survey level (1)
• Two electives in studio or art history (2)

All majors are required to take at least one 2D and one 3D course. Freehand will not count as a 2D course for this requirement.

Note: The department will accept courses listed as FILM or ENGF for art history credit.

Senior Capstone Experience

The Senior Capstone Experience for the studio art major consists of: a written thesis, successful participation in the Juried Senior Art Show, a final critique, a professional portfolio and service to the department gallery program.

Studio Art Minor

6 courses distributed as follows  

• ARTS 100 Freehand Drawing  
• ARTH 170 Western Art History Survey I: Prehistory through Medieval
  or
  ARTH 171 Western Art History Survey II: Renaissance through 20th Century  
• Two-course sequence in studio courses
• Two additional studio courses

Art History Minor

6 courses distributed as follows:  

• ARTS 100 Freehand Drawing  
• ARTH 170 Western Art History Survey I: Prehistory through Medieval  
• ARTH 171 Western Art History Survey II: Renaissance through 20th Century  
• One art history course at the 300- or 400-level.
• Two additional art history courses.