Department of Visual Arts

Kenneth Hopper, Rebecca Coffman, Andrew Dickson

The Department of Visual Arts is dedicated to producing artists of unique creative thought and outstanding Christian faith. Its program enables students to develop an understanding and appreciation for the meaning of past and present visual arts in society, acquire a broad experience in the creative use of methods and materials, and attain confidence in their ability to integrate their faith, knowledge and creativity.

The visual arts curriculum provides direction and stimulation to student artists as they pursue individualized programs. Students in the visual arts program may major in graphic design, fine arts, or art education. Minors are available in graphic design and fine arts.  Studio courses include constructive individual and group criticism and discussion. The program is diversified through visiting artists, on-campus gallery exhibits, and field trips that expose students to such cultural resources as Chicago, Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Toledo.  The department sponsors international art-study trips during January Terms on a biannual basis.

All students in the visual arts program complete a core of introductory studio courses in each area of drawing, painting, photography, and design, and complete advanced studios in preparation for a senior exhibit and portfolio.  After completing 15 hours of study required for their majors, students in the graphic design and fine arts majors complete a faculty review process to determine whether they are progressing sufficiently and have permission to continue in the major.  Students completing one of the visual arts majors are also expected to regularly attend the ongoing art exhibits at the Robert E. Wilson Gallery as part of their participation in the Visual Arts Program.

Students in the fine arts and art education majors also complete courses in art history and criticism which provide skills for discerning major art styles and periods, provide an understanding of the historical role of art as a means of expressing ideas in religion and culture, and provide an appreciation for the heritage of the visual arts in Christian worship.

In addition to completing a common core of studio courses, students in the visual arts program may majorin either graphic design or fine arts for the bachelor of arts degree. A bachelor of science degree with a major in art education is offered for students wishing to obtain licensing in visual art in elementary schools (grades K-5), middle and high schools (grades 5-12), or visual arts all-grade (K-12) in Indiana schools.

The common core required of all visual art majors includes AR 111, 131, 141, 142, 211, 261, and 311.

For the graphic design major students will complete, in addition to the above core, AR 241, 271, 341, 361, 395, 441, 471, 485, 486, and 495, to total forty-eight hours.

For the fine arts major students will complete, in addition to the above core, AR 331, 351, 371, 381, 411, 485 and 486, 2 elective hours in art, and courses required to complete one of the following tracks to total 48 hours in art.  The ceramics track requires AR 451 and 461. The drawing track requires AR 231 and 321 or 491dra.  The painting track requires AR 231 and AR 321 or 491pai.  The photography track requires AR 361 and 491pho or AR elective.  The printmaking track requires AR 321 and 491pri.  The sculpture track requires AR 461 and 491scu.  Studio experiences in AR 485 and 486 are designed to complement the track chosen by the student.

The visual art education major for the elementary level (grades K-5) requires, in addition to the core, AR 231, 241, 251, 321, 341, 351, 371, and 381 for a total of 42 hours in art.  To complete teacher licensing requirements, students in the elementary major complete ED 212, 236, 295, 342, 395, 420, 440, and 450; SE 232 and PY 111.   The visual art education major for middle school and high school levels (grades 6-12) requires, in addition to the above core, AR 231, 241, 271, 321, 341, 351, 371, 381, 441, and one course from AR 331, 451 or 461 for a total of 49 hours in art.  To complete teacher licensing requirements, students in the secondary major complete ED 212, 236, 296, 342, 395, 420, 440, and 460; SE 234 and PY 111.  The all-grade (K-12) visual art education major requires, in addition to the core, AR 231, 241, 271, 321, 341, 351, 371, 381, 441 and one course from AR 331, 451, or 461 for a total of 49 hours in art. To complete teacher licensing requirements, students in the all-grade major complete ED 212, 236, 295 or 296, 342, 395, 420, 440, and 450 or 460; SE 232 or 234; and PY 111.

A minor in fine arts requires AR 111, 131, 141, 142, 371 or 381, and electives in art to complete 22 hours in the minor.

A minor in graphic design requires AR 111, 141, 241, 261, 271, 441, and electives in art to complete 22 hours in the minor.

Courses in Art

AR 101 Drawing for Enjoyment                     (2)

Students of any ability can learn to use drawing to enhance their everyday living and problem-solving skills.  Instruction will include in-class studio drawing and out-of-class sketchbook work and will cover both observational and inventive approaches to drawing.  Intended for non-art majors.

Fall

AR 107 Taking Great Photographs                (2)

An introduction to camera handling, film selection, and photo composition.  The goal of the course is to help students master the controls of their personal cameras, and to learn appropriate film selection, lighting techniques, and good composition.  Each student must supply a 35mm SLR camera and a strobe flash unit.  Camera tripods are recommended.  Film and processing are at student expense.  Intended for non-art majors.

Fall

AR 111 Drawing I                                          (3)

An exploration of a variety of basic drawing media, techniques and subject matter to develop perceptual and descriptive skills based on the art elements. Emphasis will be placed on the expansion of visual awareness, growth of technical abilities, and creativity of the student.  Prerequisite: Art major or minor

Fall

AR 115 Introduction to Art                            (2)

This course in art appreciation provides a historical perspective on the development of the visual arts in contemporary and past cultures. Included is a study of the elements and language and a consideration of major styles and media of expression in the arts. A Chicago field trip is required.

Fall, Spring

AR 131 Painting I                                               (3)

An introduction to oil painting techniques and media, and to problems of color, form, and composition in representational and non-objective art. Pictorial subjects are drawn from life, still life, landscape, memory, and imagination. Prerequisite: AR 111

Spring

AR 141 Basic 2D Design                               (3)

Theory and application of the compositional elements and principles of design. Experience in two-dimensional problem solving.

Fall

AR 142 Basic 3D Design                               (3)

Theory and application of elements and principles of three dimensional design, through model-scale sculptural projects. Awareness and comprehension of three-dimensional structural and spatial relationships.

Spring

AR 211 Drawing II                                         (3)

Continuation of development of drawing and perceptual skills with emphasis on the problems of spatial visualization, pictorial design, and thematic development. Course will also include an introduction of drawing the human figure. Prerequisite: AR 111

Spring

AR 231 Painting II                                        (3)

A continuation of AR 131 with emphasis on the problems of spatial visualization, pictorial design, theme and imagery. Prerequisite: AR 131

Fall

AR 241 Introduction to Computer Graphics            (2)

An introduction to using computers and peripherals as efficient design tools. The Macintosh operating system and networking, assorted drawing, page-layout and image enhancement programs, scanned images, CD ROM technology, and various output will be explored.

Fall, Spring

AR 251 Arts and Crafts                                 (2)

Development of skills in recreational arts and crafts using a variety of media including indigenous materials. Techniques and materials appropriate for ages pre-school to adult are included. Identical with RC 251.

Fall

AR 261 Photography I                                  (3)

Principles of photography as a creative art form. Extensive studio experience will emphasize the creation, composition and development of the black and white photograph. Student provides own 35mm, manually adjustable, SLR camera.  Prerequisite:  Art major or minor

Fall

AR 271 Visual Communication and Graphics         (3)

This course is an exploration of how to use language and visual symbolism to communicate ideas. Topics in the design of graphic mass communication include typography, computer enhanced images and illustration, layout design and camera ready art preparation. Prerequisites: AR 141 and 241 and sophomore standing

Fall

AR 311 Figure Drawing I                               (2)

An introduction to drawing the human figure using a variety of media. Study of the human skeletal and muscular structure is included to assist in applying the basic principles of composition, proportion and perspective to representing the human form. Concentration on developing habits of critical observation. Prerequisites: AR 111 and 211

Spring Even Years

AR 321 Printmaking                                     (3)

Development of technical and expressive skills of printmaking. Studio work will introduce the materials, tools and techniques of relief, intaglio and monotype printmaking. Emphasis on the applications of printmaking as a contemporary medium of graphic expression. Prerequisite: AR 111

Spring Odd Years

AR 331 Sculpture                                         (3)

Survey of traditional sculptural ideas, tools, techniques and materials. Individual projects dealing with conceptual and formal processes of additive and subtractive sculpture. Prerequisite: AR 142

Fall Even Years

AR 341 Illustration                                        (3)

Principles of illustrating using pen and ink, paint, marker, and colored pencil. An overview of the application of illustration for advertising, fashion, story, and product. Methods of artwork reproduction are introduced. Prerequisites: AR 111 and 211

Spring

AR 351 Ceramics I                                        (3)

A basic study of clay as a three-dimensional medium, working with hand-built and wheel-thrown techniques. Introduction to clay and glaze formulae, decorating techniques, and firing processes.

Fall

AR 361 Photography II                                 (3)

A continuation of AR 261 with emphasis on developing a personal creative approach to B&W photography and methods of image reproduction. Prerequisites: AR 261 and art major or minor

Spring Even Years

AR 371 Art History I                                      (3)

A survey of the major art forms of the prehistoric, ancient, classical and medieval worlds. Students will explore and become acquainted with the forms of art typical of each period and interpret those forms as record of the spiritual and social development of humankind and indicators of the aesthetic qualities which gives them artistic significance.

Fall Odd Years

AR 381 Art History II                                     (3)

A survey of the major art styles in Western art. Chronologically, the course begins with Renaissance art and extends through Twentieth Century art. Emphasis will be placed on stylistic evolution and historical sociological events which were contemporary with this evolution. Prerequisite: AR 371 or permission

Spring Even Years

AR 395 Practicum in Art                               (3)

Practicum in art is designed to give students practical, directed experience in working with clients from campus departments and offices, and with community groups for producing a wide range of commercial art and design. Class will function as a design group. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: Art major or minor, AR 271 and consent

Fall

AR 411 Figure Drawing II                              (2)

A continuation of AR 311. Prerequisite: AR 311

Spring Odd Years

AR 441 Computer Illustration                       (3)

An introduction to computer based illustration. Manipulation of scanned images and the creation of illustrations in object oriented and bit-map based applications will be explored. Emphasis will be on both aesthetic and skills development using software, drawing tablet, scanner and various output devices. Prerequisite: AR 241

Spring

AR 451 Ceramics II                                       (3)

Intermediate study of clay as a three-dimensional medium, continuing development of form and craftsmanship through individual projects on the wheel and hand-built forms. Additional instruction in glaze chemistry and kiln design and firing. Prerequisite: AR 351

Spring Even Years

AR 461 Sculptural Ceramics                         (3)

The study of low-fire techniques for a contemporary use of clay in a manner that breaks with the “vessel” or traditional ideology. Prerequisite: AR 351

Spring Odd Years

AR 471 Web Design                                      (3)

An introduction to developing Web graphics and animations and to Web page design utilizing a variety of software tools.  Basic HTML editing of WYSIWYG page design will be introduced.  Macromedia DreamWeaver will be used for Web site design and deployment. Prerequisites: AR 241 and AR 271

Fall

AR 485/486 Senior Project I/II                     (3,3)

In this culminating experience in the visual arts program, graphic design and fine arts students synthesize their studio experiences and produce work to be displayed in senior exhibits or portfolios. Graphic design majors are expected to do two different projects chosen from photography, illustration, computer illustration, web design or visual communication design. Fine arts majors are expected to produce work within a particular track for both semesters. Prerequisites: Art major and consent

Fall, Spring

AR 490 Independent Study                               (1-4)

Independent study of a topic beyond the scope of the regular art curriculum. Prerequisites: Art major or minor and consent

Fall, Spring

AR 491 Advanced Studio                                    (3)

Independent studio experiences in specific visual arts disciplines are offered to enhance regular curriculum offerings.  Students counting AR 491XXX toward the hours required for a track in the fine arts concentration should take the advanced studio prior to the senior project.  Prerequisites:  Visual arts major or minor and consent

AR 491cer Advanced Ceramics (prerequisite: AR 451)

AR 491dra Advanced Drawing (prerequisite: AR 211)

AR 491pai Advanced Painting (prerequisite: AR 231)

AR 491pho Advanced Photography (prerequisite: AR 361)

AR 491pri Advanced Printmaking (prerequisite: AR 321)

AR 491scu Advanced Sculpture (prerequisite: AR 331)

Fall, Spring

AR 495 Internship in Graphic Design                      (2-4)

An off-campus, supervised experience in a professional environment. Prerequisites: Art major or minor, AR 395, junior standing and consent

Fall, Spring, Summer

ED 342 Visual Arts Methods

See course listing in Education Department. 

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