Bachelor of Fine Arts Specializing in Studio Arts
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The BFA in Studio Arts is designed to provide an enriched educational environment that develops and nurtures the full range of capabilities necessary for a career in the visual arts. This degree prepares the student to enter into a professional fine art career or to pursue further study on a graduate level. The BFA offers an extensive art curriculum competitive with programs in major art schools. This degree is designed to develop technical competence, critical judgment, and a strong commitment to artistic quality. Once the student has fulfilled the basic requirements and introductory studies, a concentration is required in a specific discipline. Our fine arts curriculum allows students to custom tailor a specialization in many areas of art making including drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography and video.
Graduates of our Studio BFA program have gone on to successful careers as professional artists, graphic designers, art restorers, and illustrators. They have pursued graduate study at some of the most prestigious MFA programs in the country, including Parsons School of Design, Columbia University, and Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA)
JUNIOR COMPREHENSIVE 1 credit
In the junior year students are required to execute independently a series of works that demonstrate proficiency in various media. All art faculty evaluate students in a group critique. An evaluation of each individual student is made jointly by the department. Areas of weakness are addressed and students may be required to repeat a project. Students may be required to do additional coursework if skill or understanding in a particular area(s) is insufficient. Junior Project students may not go on to enroll in the Senior Thesis Exhibit until all studies for the Junior Project and any remedial coursework are satisfactorily completed. Students should have taken the following courses prior to their junior year: AR 111 Drawing I, AR 200 2D Design and Color Theory, AR 118 3D Design and AR 280 Painting I.
It is strongly recommended that students take this course in the fall semester
SENIOR SEMINAR 2 credits
In the fall semester of senior year all seniors are required to enroll in the Senior Seminar. Students are required to research a contemporary artist of their choice who makes work that relates to the student’s area of interest. Students must also write a detailed proposal for their senior thesis exhibition which takes place in the spring semester of their senior year. A grade of C is required to pass. Course may be retaken the following fall if not passed. This course may not be taken if a student has failed the Junior Comprehensive.
B.F.A. SENIOR EXHIBIT 4 credits
In the spring semester a group exhibition is scheduled. BFA students are required to mount a solo exhibition that includes a highly realized and coherent body of work. The full-time faculty meets with the students to critique the installation and the work of each student. Students must demonstrate an ability to utilize the necessary technical skills and processes with materials to make unique works of art. They must successfully organize the visual elements necessary to communicate concepts and experiences and be able to identify and define examples of formal elements and principles of design in their own work. Finally, all seniors must develop and defend a thesis project in an individual critique. This should include examples, concepts, and terminology from historical, modern and contemporary art.
The B.F.A. exhibit may not be taken if a student has not received a grade of C or above in the Senior Seminar.
Requirements for B.F.A. in Studio Art
Course Code : AR 111
Course Group(s) : Fine Arts Requirement
Course Description :
A foundation class designed to develop the student’s ability to “see” and understand the elements of drawing and composition. Line, form, space, scale and value will be explored through a series of exercises and projects.
Credit : 3
Course Code : AR 118
Course Group(s) : Fine Arts Requirement
Course Description :
A foundation studio class that explores the language of three-dimensional form and design principles. Students are introduced to a variety of materials including wire, clay, cardboard, and plaster. Studio work, outside assignments, lectures, slides, and demonstrations.
Credit : 3
Course Code : AR 200
Course Description :
AR200 is 3 credits, 2D Design and Color is an introduction to the visual arts. Students are introduced to the process of visual element selection for the purpose of expressing themselves. Emphasis on the orchestration and analysis of point, line, shape, value, texture and color will enhance visual perception, and an understanding of the concepts, vocabulary, and skills for building 2D visual literacy. Color analysis, aesthetic investigation, techniques, materials, and composition are explored through hands-on projects which will complement and reinforce learned 2D principles.
Credit : 3
Course Code : AR 220
Course Description :
Introduces computers in the making of visual art. Students work with a variety of peripherals and software and learn to appreciate the special creative possibilities they afford.
Credit : 3
Course Code : AR 227
Course Description :
Studies the fundamentals of the human form through studio classes working directly from the human figure.
Credit : 3
Course Code : AR 229
Course Description :
An in-depth study of the digital photo workflow from concept to completion. Students will work with a digital camera and computer software to shoot, edit, and print their photographs in both black and white, and color. Emphasis is on composition and exposure skills.
Credit : 3
Course Code : AR 250
Course Description :
Focuses on the making of sculptural objects through the investigation of historic and contemporary trends and by developing personal and perceptual considerations, technical skill, and the development of an individual working process. Required museum and gallery trips.
Credit : 3
Course Code : AR 280
Course Group(s) : Fine Arts Requirement
Course Description :
Studies the elements of painting, color, form and composition through a systematic series of exercises using still life, nature, and model. Includes studio work, outside assignments, lectures, slides, and demonstrations.
Credit : 3
Course Code : AR 310
Course Description :
Students are expected to participate in a group exhibition in their junior year. They must have completed all introductory art requirements (or approved equivalents) before taking this course. The work will include independent work in drawing, painting, 2D and 3D design as well as class projects. A satisfactory grade must be received before taking Senior Seminar.
Credit : 1
Course Code : AR 455
Course Description :
Guides the development of individual research as it relates to students work. Required by all art majors, it includes proposal writing, development of concepts/techniques and a research paper.
Credit : 2
Prerequisites :
AR310
Course Code : AR 466
Course Description :
Independent development of a thesis project and a solo exhibition in the second semester of senior year.
Credit : 4
Prerequisites :
AR455
Course Code : AH 212
Course Group(s) : Art History, Fine Arts Requirement
Course Description :
An introduction to artistic traditions before 1400. Includes the art of Egypt, Greece, Rome, India, China and Europe.
Credit : 3
Course Code : AH 214
Course Group(s) : Art History, Fine Arts Requirement
Course Description :
Investigates the historical and theoretical premises of modernism. Surveys the visual arts from the late nineteenth century through the 1960s. Includes stylistic movements such as Cubism, Expressionism, and Surrealism.
Credit : 3
Course Code : AH 215
Course Group(s) : Art History, Fine Arts Requirement
Course Description :
An introduction to artistic traditions from 1400 to 1800. Topics include European Renaissance and Baroque, and the artistic conventions of Africans, Native Americans, and Islamic peoples.
Credit : 3
Course Code : AH 303
Course Group(s) : Fine Arts Requirement
Course Description :
Explores issues and developments since the 1960s in the visual arts with special emphasis on trends and artistic process.
Credit : 3
Take 4 additional Studio Art Courses in an area of concentration for 12 credits: (Concentrations; Painting, Photography; Sculpture)
Painting Concentration
Course Code : AR 216
Course Description :
Develops a diverse body of experiences in the techniques and principles of transparent and opaque watercolor painting; studio exercises, mixed media, collage techniques.
Credit : 3
Course Code : AR 262
Course Description :
A studio class appropriate for all levels, concepts of painting explores the approaches to the development, organization and invention of painted form.
Credit : 3
Course Code : AR 314
Course Description :
A studio workshop which encourages the student to investigate and experiment with a variety of painting media, techniques, and concepts. Demonstrations of materials, lectures, studio and outside assignments. Museum and gallery trips required.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
AR280
Course Code : AR 341
Course Description :
Continues to explore the elements of painting with greater emphasis on development of individual vocabulary, awareness of styles, and use of a variety of media and technologies. Studio work, outside assignments, slide lectures, and demonstrations. Required museum and gallery trips.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
AR280
Course Code : AR 342
Course Description :
Continues Intermediate Painting I.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
AR341
Course Code : AR 417A
Course Description :
The experienced student will have the opportunity to examine more complex and experimental ways of picture making and painting techniques in order to satisfy personal goals and concepts. Current issues will be explored and personal direction and decision-making encouraged.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
AR342
Course Code : AR 417B
Course Description :
A continuation of AR 417A.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
AR417A
Photography Concentration
Course Code : AR 229
Course Description :
An in-depth study of the digital photo workflow from concept to completion. Students will work with a digital camera and computer software to shoot, edit, and print their photographs in both black and white, and color. Emphasis is on composition and exposure skills.
Credit : 3
Course Code : AR 308
Course Description :
Discusses functional and aesthetic application of photographic skills in sequential series of problem solving exercises and interpretive experiences.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
AR229, AR208, AR317
Course Code : AR 350
Course Description :
Appropriate for artists, designers and photographers, this class investigates the technical processes and expressive concepts available to artists with digitized images. Students will explore digital imaging technologies, their creative potential and application.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
AR220 Digital Art I or similar course.
Course Code : AR 440
Course Description :
Explores the fundamentals of image making as a creation of both technology and art. The development of visual literacy goes hand in hand with a focus on software and technology. This course prepares students to make digitally based photography informed by technical, conceptual, and aesthetic choices.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
AR308
Course Code : AR 456
Course Description :
This course provides a platform for students to develop more complex photo art solutions, both in scale and in concept. The projects will balance students’ technical skills with artistic expression and develop a more professional standard in preparation for a computer graphics career.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
AR350, AR220
Sculpture Concentration
Course Code : AR 243
Course Description :
Explores basics of ceramic fabrication in pinch, coil, and slab techniques. Emphasis is on design principles applied through handbuilding and glazing. Studio work, outside assignments, lectures, slides, and demonstrations.
Credit : 3
Course Code : AR 319
Course Description :
Offers a wide range of contemporary sculptural expression, including objects, multi-media projects and site works. Emphasis is placed on individual direction through studio projects, drawing and research. Required museum and gallery trips.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
AR250
Course Code : AR 343
Course Description :
Explores advanced skills in ceramic sculpture and pottery production. Techniques include large-scale piece work, moldmaking, slip-casting, and glaze design.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
AR243 or permission of instructor.
Course Code : AR 450
Course Description :
Explores current issues in sculpture and individual critical thinking in studio and site-based work. Guided assignments are followed by studentproposed projects based on individual concerns and working process.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
AR319
Take 1 course in printmaking:
Course Code : AR 233
Course Description :
Considers design dynamics and processes of the cardboard plate, collagraph, and woodcut print. Emphasizes creative graphic expression and technical command.
Credit : 3
Course Code : AR 235
Course Description :
Explores development of prints through the silk-screen process; separation planes and registration; use of glue, tusche, lacquer and film resists, free brush, cut and photographic methods.
Credit : 3
Course Code : AR 315
Course Description :
Explores techniques and dynamics of engraving and etching of metal plates and the monoprint.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
AR111
Choose 5 additional studio art courses; 2 of which must be 300 level or higher:
Course Code : AR 437
Course Description :
Conceptualizing, planning and producing advanced graphic and advertising design projects for the purpose of building a professional visual communications portfolio.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
AR224, AR248, AR350, AR348
Course Code : AR 414
Course Description :
This course provides experience in basic animation concepts and techniques including 3-D modeling, rendering, animating and recording. Prerequisite: Must have completed one computer course 200-level or above or have permission of the instructor.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
AR221, AR220, AR224
Course Code : AR 360
Course Description :
This course focuses on understanding the relationship between user interface, its context, and intuitive human behavior in order to create a successful graphic user experience.
Credit : 3
Instruction methods : Lecture: 3 Hours
Prerequisites :
AR224, AR248, AR357, CS230, CS360
Course Code : AR 357
Course Description :
An intermediate/upper-level offering on Web design for Internet communication, which has become a major mode of communication for business, advertising, and many other professional groups. This is a studio course where students will use digital concepts, tools, and methods to gain insight into the interactive, non-linear characteristics of Web pages, and to find creative solutions for integrating their benefits into designs that aesthetically convey their intended message.
Credit : 3
Instruction methods : Lecture: 3 Hours
Prerequisites :
AR224, CS230, AR220, AR248 or permission of instructor.
Course Code : AR 339
Course Description :
This intermediate course advances techniques and conceptual foundations learned in Video Art I. Through technical demonstrations and assignments, students develop their video work while investigating a variety of formats and presentations in video art. Emphasis on personal expression and experimental approaches.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
AR236 or permission of instructor
Course Code : AR 337
Course Description :
This course concentrates on the creation, and visual communication of identity systems. Students will not only design logos and ID packages, but also will review and develop the design skills needed to fulfill a client's mission and how best to visually communicate their identity to the marketplace. Formerly Video Art-Fall 2015 and earlier; Formerly numbered AR339I-Spring 2018 and earlier.
Instruction methods : Lecture: 3 Hours
Prerequisites :
AR248, CS230, AR357, AR224
Course Code : AR 327A
Course Description :
Further explores the human form with additional attention given to elements of drawing.
Credit : 3
Prerequisites :
AR227
Course Code : AR 236
Course Description :
An introduction to video art designed to develop students' skills in becoming technically proficient and insightful video makers. Through narrative and non-narrative projects, students gain handson experience in the technical, conceptual, and cultural elements of video art as well as the creative and expressive characteristics of the media.
Credit : 3
