Art and Design Major
HFA PEAK
The primary purpose of the Art and Design major is to foster creativity, critical thinking and an understanding of the practice and history of the visual arts. We seek to help students develop visual literacy, problem-solving abilities, and technical skills that will enable them to explore confidently some possible avenues for creative expression in the visual arts.
The Ways of Seeing course will introduce students to the wide variety of cultural contexts in which images are produced, and the range of styles in which they can be fashioned. This will be complemented by three introductory courses in two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and digital media techniques. Together, these four foundational courses will help students decide on which path they would like to take through the major.
Selecting from intermediate- and upper-level studio courses in design, drawing, illustration, video, digital art, web design, painting, sculpture and bookmaking, students will be able, with the help of their major advisors, to craft a coherent program of study that suits their interests and aptitudes. A course in advanced studio practices will help them prepare for the two-part senior capstone exhibition which is usually displayed in the College’s Rosenthal Gallery.
Courses in art history will allow students to consider the multiple historical contexts in which art has been made, the many purposes to which art has been put, and the variety of methodologies that have been employed to understand artistic production and consumption.
Art and Design majors may pursue careers in a variety of fields. Those interested in fine art may go on to graduate programs. For such students, taking more than the minimum number of credits, especially in art history, is recommended. Others may find rewarding careers in education, museum work, or the applied arts. All students are encouraged to consider internships in art museums and galleries, non-profit community arts organizations, or graphic design, as these can provide them with valuable skills and may sometimes introduce them to career possibilities.
Major Requirements
39 credits
Studio Courses
Complete all courses from the following (12 credits; must be completed by the end of sophomore year):
| ART-111 | Ways of Seeing | 3 credits |
| ART-131 | Introduction to 2-D Media | 3 credits |
| ART-151 | Introduction to 3-D Media | 3 credits |
| ART-171 | Introduction to Digital Media | 3 credits |
Complete 9 credits from the following (at least 3 credits must be from the 300 level):
| ART-211 | Illustration and Visual Narrative | 3 credits |
| ART-212 | Creative Bookmaking for Writers and Artists | 3 credits |
| ART-231 | Drawing and Composition | 3 credits |
| ART-235 | Painting | 3 credits |
| ART-251 | Sculpture | 3 credits |
| ART-255 | Ceramics | 3 credits |
| ART-256 | Raku Ceramics | 3 credits |
| ART-271 | Digital Imaging | 3 credits |
| ART-281 | Graphic Design | 3 credits |
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| ART-333 | Figure Drawing | 3 credits |
| ART-345 | Contemporary Printmaking | 3 credits |
| ART-353 | Three-Dimensional Design | 3 credits |
| ART-375 | Digital Video | 3 credits |
| ART-385 | Web Design | 3 credits |
Complete the following course (3 credits):
| ART-391 | Advanced Studio Art | 3 credits |
Art History Courses
Complete 9 credits from the following (at least 6 credits must be from the 300 level):
| ARH-200 | Ancient to Medieval | 3 credits |
| ARH-205 | Renaissance to Modern | 3 credits |
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| ARH-300 | Modern Art | 3 credits |
| ARH-340 | Gender in Modern and Contemporary Art | 3 credits |
| ARH-370 | Art History Seminar | 3 credits |
Senior Capstone
Complete all courses from the following (6 credits; required for all graduating seniors):