Art

Degrees and Certificates

Courses

AR 100: Drawing I

Class Program
Credits 3
Fees
$55.00 fee.

Basic principles of drawing using various media. Students may request to test out of this class by showing a recent portfolio to the art faculty.

Semester Offered
Fall
Spring

AR 115: Design Fundamentals

Class Program
Credits 3
Fees
$170

This entry-level studio course explores two- and three-dimensional principles of design. The emphasis is on creative thinking, visual communication and problem solving. The course is split into two, eight-week sections. The first eight weeks involve design philosophy and theory focusing on traditional fine art mediums. The second eight weeks transition to implementing the newly learned design theories and concepts in digital technologies, introducing the Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Course format consists of lectures, open class discussions, demonstrations, studio time and assignments completed outside of class. Both analog and digital methods of creation will be used.

Semester Offered
Fall
Spring

AR 125: Digital Photography

Class Program
Credits 3
Fees
$160

An introduction to the digital camera and its controls, new approaches and techniques of digital imaging with specific emphasis on the use of Adobe Photoshop. The course explores the technical and aesthetic potential of digital photography in both graphic design and fine art. Students must have a digital camera that shoots in RAW format, and has manual controls (see instructor for specific cameras or questions).

Semester Offered
Fall
Spring

AR 201: Art Appreciation

Class Program
Credits 3
Fees
$20

Develops understanding and appreciation of the nature of art and its historical development. Illustrated lectures.

Semester Offered
Fall
Online - Spring

AR 212: Drawing II

Class Program
Credits 3
Fees
$60

This course builds upon the basic perceptual skills learned in Drawing I. Further development of skills in depicting space and light, and compositional principles. Pencil, charcoal, watercolor, and possibly digital media will be used.

Prerequisites

Or permission of instructor

Semester Offered
Spring

AR 224: Ceramics I

Class Program
Credits 3
Fees
$140

A beginning course in clay as a creative medium and attention to the techniques and principles involved in creating functional and sculptural work. Hand-building will be emphasized.

Semester Offered
Fall
Spring

AR 232: Sculpture I

Class Program
Credits 3
Fees
Fee $75.
A problem-solving course in sculpture design for beginning students, exploring the relationship between form, volume, and space. Simple tools and media will be used. Some lecture periods.
Semester Offered
Spring even

AR 235: Graphic Design I

Class Program
Credits 3
Fees
$170

This course offers fundamental skills necessary in the discipline of graphic design. Through studio projects, students learn the vocabulary of visual communication design and become familiar with graphic design digital and analog production processes. Students will use the Adobe Creative Suite.

Prerequisites

AR 100 or AR 212 

Semester Offered
Fall

AR 242: Fibers

Class Program
Credits 3
Fees
$100

Traditional paper-making techniques, weaving, sewing, macramé, and fiber sculpture. Required for all art education majors.

Prerequisites

or AR 115

Semester Offered
Spring

AR 250: Art on Location

Class Program
Credits 3
Fees
Class fee dependent upon location. Estimate is at $700 per student

Art on location explores the diverse arts in a major city. Students attend exhibits and see performances of the current cultural season. Students tackle questions such as: What does the art genre offer? How does each speak to us? How does art create, serve, and represent the people of the city and its diverse communities? Aesthetic appreciation is supported by social and historical investigations so that students are provided with opportunities for different kinds of engagement with art forms, including interpretation, analysis, and creative endeavors.

This trip is to Bentonville, Arkansas. We will visit "The Momentary" museum, "Crystal Bridges" museum, "Frank Lloyd Wright's Bachmann House",  "Theater Squared",  Visit a private professional art studio, possibly Tyson International Headquarters (they own a private art collection), "Thorncrown Chapel" and Eureka Springs. While in Eureka Springs, they will get to tour the town's Underground with a guide versed in the history, legends, and architecture of the town. On the way home, we will visit Springfield Art Museum. Students interested in bicycling are going to be encouraged to bring their bikes. Bentonville has over 200 miles of bike trails. "The group will stay in a large home, within walking distance of downtown Bentonville's many restaurants and shops. The trip begins Saturday morning, March 4, and returns on Thursday, March 9th. The cost is $700 per student and covers all meals, housing, transportation, and admissions. 

 

Semester Offered
On cycle

AR 301: Art History I

Class Program
Credits 3
Fees
$40 fee.

Prehistoric to Medieval art. Illustrated lectures on the history of Western and Mediterranean art, including sculpture, architecture, minor arts, and painting.

Semester Offered
Fall odd

AR 310: Art History II

Class Program
Credits 3
Fees
$40

Art History of Western Art from Medieval to Baroque, with emphasis on major movements and personalilties in Western Europe and the United States.

Semester Offered
Spring odd

AR 312: Drawing III

Class Program
Credits 3
Fees
$85 fee.
Further development of expanded drawing techniques to include watercolor and printmaking. Taught in the same time block as Drawing II.
Semester Offered
Spring

AR 325: Analog Photography

Class Program
Credits 3
Fees
$160

Use and history of analog photography; the art of taking quality film photographs; the development of film; and the printing of technically sound photographs in the darkroom. Students will be provided with a 35mm camera for the semester.

Prerequisites

AR125 or permission of instructor.

Semester Offered
Fall odd

AR 330: Figure Drawing

Class Program
Credits 3
Fees
$140

Continued experience in drawing, emphasizing work from the model.

Prerequisites

AR 100 or 212.

Semester Offered
Spring even

AR 331: Painting I

Class Program
Credits 3
Fees
$170

Introduction to oil and watercolor painting emphasizing studio practices, fundamental principles and techniques.

Prerequisites

AR 100 or AR 212 or permission.

Semester Offered
Fall

AR 332: Sculpture II

Class Program
Credits 3
Fees
$75 fee.
A problem-solving studio course in sculpture design focusing on self portraiture, the figure and abstraction. Some lecture periods.

Prerequisites

AR 232.

Semester Offered
Fall odd

AR 334: Ceramics II

Class Program
Credits 3
Fees
Fee $100.
Continuation of AR 224, stressing design concepts and experimentation. Focuses on wheel throwing techniques and basic firing methods. Some handbuilding included.

Prerequisites

AR 224.

Semester Offered
Spring

AR 335: Graphic Design II - Typography

Class Program
Credits 3
Fees
$170

This course focuses on the fundamentals of typography as a core element in visual communication. Students will be introduced to historical and contemporary typographic practices as well as digital methods of designing with type. Students will refine their software proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite, particularly in Adobe InDesign.

Prerequisites

Declared Art major and AR 235 with a grade of a “C” or better.

Semester Offered
Spring

AR 337: Motion Graphics

Class Program
Credits 3
Fees
$160

An introductory studio course in two-dimensional motion graphics fundamentals including visual rhythm, kinetic typography, branding, imagery for social media marketing, and other industry techniques. Students will refine their skills with the Adobe Creative Suite, primarily in After Effects.

Prerequisites

Art major and passing grade of “C” or better in AR115.

Semester Offered
Spring odd

AR 340: Graphic Design III: Type and Image

Class Program
Credits 3
Fees
$170

This course allows students to implement the fundamental knowledge and skills gained in previous design courses to explore the interaction of typography and visual image. Both analog and digital methods of production will be implemented. Students will refine their software proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite.

Prerequisites

Declared Art major and AR 335 with a grade of a “C” or better.

Semester Offered
Fall

AR 345: Painting II

Class Program
Credits 3
Fees
$140

Further problems in painting techniques including color theory using oil and watercolor paints.

Prerequisites

AR 331.

Semester Offered
Spring

AR 350: Intermediate Studio Elective

Class Program
Credits 3
Fees
$85 fee.
Independent study in Ceramics 3, Photography 3, or Sculpture 3. May be repeated in different media areas.

Prerequisites

Permission of the instructor.

Semester Offered
Arranged
As needed

AR 355: Painting III

Class Program
Credits 3
Fees
$120

Further development of painting techniques and concepts. Oil and watercolor techniques will be explored, as will more advanced compositional methods. 

Prerequisites

Semester Offered
Fall

AR 376: Independent Study

Class Program
Credits 1 3
Fees
$85 studio fee.
Reading or research at a greater depth than is permitted in a normal class.

Prerequisites

Permission of the instructor, division dean, and Vice President of Academic Affairs.

AR 401: Graphic Design Internship

Class Program
Credits 1 3
Professional graphic design experience in a company setting. Internship work is to be completed at an approved enterprise. May be repeated for credit for a maximum of 6 credit hours.

Prerequisites

Permission of department.

AR 405: Art History III

Class Program
Credits 3
Fees
$40

A history of art from Rococo to the present with an emphasis on major international movements in painting, sculpture, architecture and new media.

Semester Offered
Fall even

AR 410: The Business of Art

Class Program
Credits 3
Fees
$160

A course focusing on completion of a competitive professional package to submit for art and design jobs, grants, residencies, and galleries. Mock interviews, submission to a juried show during the semester, and examination of current industry standards for a resume, online presence and sales of work will further prepare the student to thrive in the art job market.

Prerequisites

Junior or Senior, Declared Art major. 

Semester Offered
Spring as needed

AR 435: Graphic Design IV: Branding Systems

Class Program
Credits 3
Fees
$160

This course provides students the opportunity to explore the critical theory and professional practice of branding and identity design systems. Topics included range from app development to packaging design and prototyping. This course is for advanced design students. Both analog and digital methods of production will be implemented. Students will refine their software proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite.

Prerequisites

Declared Art major and AR 3XX with a grade of a “C” or better.

Semester Offered
Spring

AR 450: Advanced Studio Elective

Class Program
Credits 3
Fees
$85 fee.
Independent study in Ceramics 4, Photography 4, Drawing 4, or Sculpture 4. May be repeated in different media areas.

Prerequisites

Permission of the instructor. AR 350.

Semester Offered
Arranged

AR 455: Painting IV

Class Program
Credits 3
Fees
$140

Further development of painting techniques and concepts to develop an individual project. Oil and watercolor techniques will be explored.

Semester Offered
Spring

AR 476: Independent Study

Class Program
Credits 1 3
Fees
$85 studio fee.
Reading or research at a greater depth than is permitted in a normal class.

Prerequisites

Permission of the instructor, division dean, and Vice President of Academic Affairs.

AR 490: Senior Project

Class Program
Credits 2
Fees
$170

Required of all art majors during their first (fall) semester of their senior year. Allows art majors to assemble and present representative work in their major field.

Prerequisites

Art major, senior standing, permission of instructor.

Semester Offered
Fall

AR 495: Senior Show

Class Program
Credits 2
Fees
$160

Mounting of a coherent gallery exhibit of the work developed in Senior Project. This course explores gallery practices including hanging, lighting, and publicity of the exhibit, and artist gallery talks. The course culminates in a solo or group senior show that is open to the public, mounted in the Morris Gallery or Vernon Nester Gallery.

Prerequisites

AR 490.

Semester Offered
Fall