Studio Art Course Offerings
Studio Art course offerings will be found under the 4 letter code of ARTS in the course listings.
104 – DIGITAL APPROACHES TO FINE ART (3)
Gen. Ed.: Digital Intensive
This course introduces basic tools and techniques of computer-generated art in the context of studio art theory and practice.
105 – DESIGN PRINCIPLES (3)
Gen. Ed.: Arts and Literature
Basic study of design elements; and their functions within the organization and construction of visual communication in both two and three dimensions.
120 – DRAWING I (3)
Introduction to the basic principles of traditional and experimental drawing practices in diverse media.
219- DIGITAL VIDEO PRODUCTION (3)
Prerequisite: ARTS 104. A production focused introduction to video art with an emphasis on cinematography, editing, performance, and sound.
220 – INTERMEDIATE DRAWING II (3)
Pre-requisite: ARTS 120 or permission of instructor
Advanced problems in drawing practices with emphasis on the relationship of perceptual, conceptual and media aspects.
223 – CERAMICS I (3)
Pre-requisites: ARTS 105 or permission of instructor
Introduction to clay: hand building and wheel throwing. Studio procedures include clay making, glazing preparation and application, and a variety of firing methods.
224 – PRINTMAKING I (3)
Prerequisite: ARTS 120 or permission of instructor
This course offers an introduction to the principles and techniques of monotype printing, relief printing, intaglio, and serigraphy.
226 – ANIMATION (3)
Prerequisite: ARTS 104. An Introduction to the methods, techniques and history of animation with a special focus on computer animation and traditional stop motion practices.
227 – WHEEL THROWING (3)
Pre-requisite: ARTS 105
Introduction to working with clay on the potter’s wheel and the ceramic process. Students will create functional and sculptural forms while exploring high temperature glazes by firing both gas and electric kilns. Building and firing processes will be further informed through the study of historical and contemporary precedents.
231 – SCULPTURE I (3)
Pre-requisites: ARTS 105 or permission of instructor
Basic techniques of construction are introduced, focusing on additive and subtractive approaches to form. Fundamentals of creative problem-solving are covered.
241 – PHOTOGRAPHY I (3)
Prerequisites: ARTS 105 or permission of instructor
Offers a practical introduction to 35mm film cameras and basic darkroom techniques for printing black and white photographs. Study of the history of photography along with contemporary directions in both silver-based and digital photography is included.
242 – PAINTING I (3)
Pre-requisite: ARTS 120 or permission of instructor
Introduction to the principles of traditional; and experimental painting practice primarily in oil and acrylic paints.
281 – TOPICS IN STUDIO ART (3-6)
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor
Offers special topics in the theory and practice of making art. Counts as elective credit in the major.
311 – CERAMICS II (3)
Prerequisites: ARTS 223, or permission of instructor
Emphasis on developing content and expression with ceramic materials through advanced wheel throwing and hand-building techniques. High temperature clays and firing methods are covered, along with glaze composition and surface development. Contemporary and historical techniques and research are integrated into course assignments.
313 – LIFE DRAWING (3)
Pre-requisite: ARTS 220 or permission of instructor
Focuses on comprehensive linear and painterly techniques using the human figure. Emphasis on traditional proportion/composition as well as experimental and personal interpretations of the figure.
316 – EXPERIMENTAL DOCUMENTARY (3)
Prerequisites: ARTS 104.
This hybrid seminar/studio art course examines the rich history of documentary filmmaking, concentrating on the artists who challenged, questioned, or redefined this constantly evolving cinematic form. Weekly screenings, reading, and discussions, will focus on exploring modes of production, providing historical context, and analyzing ethical concerns.
324 – PRINTMAKING II (3)
Pre-requisite: ARTS 224 or permission of instructor
This course expands on techniques learned in Printmaking I. Other printmaking processes will be discussed along with historical aspects of printmaking and contemporary work in a variety of print media. Course uses non-toxic, water-soluble materials and concentrates on multiple color printing and editions. Reading, writing, research and speaking assignments accompany studio activity.
331 – SCULPTURE II (3)
ATC: SI and WI (Garmon)
Pre-requisite: ARTS 231 or permission of instructor
Conceptual approach to space and form is explored through a broad range of media. Performance, installation, and site-specific works employing found objects, constructed objects, sound, movement, etc., are introduced. Focus is on development of individual creative ideas and approaches to sculpture as a visual language.
341- MULTIPLE IMAGING (3)
Pre-requisite: ARTS 241 OR ARTS 224 or permission of instructor
Course expands upon skill and techniques learned in Photography I and/or Printmaking I, focusing on the idea of creating images in small editions and multiples. A variety of photographic, printmaking, and digital media techniques are explored.
342 – PAINTING II (3)
Gen. Ed.: Writing Intensive
Pre-requisite: ARTS 242 or permission of instructor
Advanced problems in oil or acrylic painting practice including technical exploration in other painting media. The course is designed to promote recognition, formulation and articulation of concepts and perceptions about painting. Emphasis is on individual conceptual development.
350 – PHOTOGRAPHY II (3)
Pre-requisite: ARTS 241 or permission of instructor
Course focuses on advanced camera techniques and introduces students to the traditional darkroom. Course expands upon traditional darkroom techniques and concepts learned in Photography I. Examines contemporary concepts and techniques in photography as a fine art.
381- SPECIAL TOPICS IN STUDIO ART (3)
Pre-requisite: one 200-level course in Studio Art
Provides advanced study of a specific area in Studio Art with an emphasis on individual processes and extensive creative inquiry.
450 – TOPICS IN ART & ART HISTORY (3)
Pre-requisite: ARTS 105 and ARTH 114 or 115, or permission of instructor
Offers topics that bridge both Art History and Studio Art.
454– APPROACHES TO VIDEO ART (3)
Gen. Ed. Writing Intensive
Pre-requisite: ARTS 104
A comprehensive look at the development of video and other time-based media in contemporary art; explores the formal development, content and format of various multi-media art forms.
470 – SPECIAL STUDIES IN STUDIO ART (3)
Pre-requisite: Must have completed at least one 300-level course in Studio Art
Provides a study of a specific area in Studio Art.
474 – PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES (3)
ATC: SI, WI
Prerequisite: Must have completed at least two 300-level studio art courses. Senior status preferred. Course addresses contemporary issues in art and professional development as an artist. The course covers: development of a body of work, professional development in speaking and writing, artist résumé and statement, artist biography, portfolio preparation, job opportunities, interview practices, graduate school application process, exhibition opportunities, grant funding, artist residencies, and financial accounting.
475 – SENIOR THESIS SEMINAR (3)
Gen. Ed.: Beyond The Classroom
Pre-requisite: ARTS 474
Senior Studio Art majors are involved in independent research in their chosen medium or mode of expression. Individual studio research is supplemented through group meetings involving critiques, discussions, readings and field trips. Students apply all skills acquired during their course of study towards the development of a cohesive body of artwork. Analytical and conceptual approaches to art making are emphasized.
491, 492 – INDIVIDUAL STUDY IN STUDIO ART (3)
Pre-requisite: Must have completed at least one 300-level course in Studio Art
Permission of Department Chair and studio art faculty required.
Allows for independent work under the supervision of the studio art faculty. Available on a competitive basis. Vehicle for those seeking honors in Studio Art.
499 – INTERNSHIP (credits variable)
Supervised off-campus experience developed in consultation with Studio Art Faculty. A maximum of three credits may count toward elective credit in the major. http://www.umw.edu/careercenter/students/internships/