Art

Courses

ART 115: Art Context & Meaning

Credits 4
Presents a thematic introduction of world architecture and art from prehistoric times to the Gothic period. Draws from a variety of academic disciplines and is designed to increase appreciation and understanding of art as related to its cultural context. Develops critical thinking and analytical skills in response to visual experience.

ART 116: Art: Context and Meaning II

Credits 4
Presents an introduction of world architecture and art from the Renaissance to the present. Draws from a variety of academic disciplines and is designed to increase appreciation and understanding of art as it relates to its cultural context. Develops critical thinking and analytical skills in response to visual experience.

ART 200: Ceramics I

Credits 4
An introduction to idea development and the forming of clay objects using ceramic processes and techniques that include hand building and wheel work along with surface treatment development and kiln firing methods. The course explores contemporary approaches to ceramics taught through a series of projects that incorporate research along with technical problems, readings, discussions, demonstrations and group critiques.

ART 202: Fiber Arts I

Credits 4

An introduction to dyeing techniques such as batik and shibori, along with fabric piecing and embellishment. Studio work will include extensive experimentation with techniques as well as individual projects to develop both technical and aesthetic skills. Students also participate in lectures and discussions, and the course will be enriched by explorations into multicultural history and traditions of fabric art.

ART 204: American Cultures of Memory: Monuments, Memorials, Souvenirs

Credits 4
This course explores the role of memory, monuments, and commemoration in American civic life throughout the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. Examining a number of key sites, events, and individuals that have been the subject of commemoration, we consider the role of visual culture in the establishment of historical narrative and the construction of national identity. Objects of study will include statues, battlefields, gathering places, national parks, photos, paintings, and souvenirs.

ART 205: Drawing I

Credits 4
Introduces students to the drawing process. Students work from observation and from imagination in creating works in a variety of media and methods that express an understanding of light, form and space. An excellent point of departure for those interested in painting. Students without any prior experience should take Drawing I before Painting I.

ART 210: History of Craft

Credits 4
An examination of the history of craft from ancient times to the present. Explores indigenous craft and contemporary craft theory as related to the fine arts. (Offered alternative years.)

ART 211: 20th Century Art

Credits 4
A broad survey that begins by setting the groundwork for art of the 20th century with a discussion of the late 19th century artistic movements of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, and the forces that lured artists away from the confines of academic painting. Explores the social and political forces, as well as the theoretical discourses that frame the major modern and post-modern art movements of the 20th century. Includes Fauvism, Cubism, Dada, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art.

ART 213: Nineteenth-Century Art

Credits 4
This global survey of nineteenth-century visual culture will examine canonical European movements (Impressionism, Aestheticism, etc.) and alternative modernisms from the Americas, Asia and Africa. Students will learn how to analyze visual media and situate artworks within a wider social field, considering how industrialization, colonization, science and politics shaped artistic practice.

ART 214: Contemporary Art

Credits 4
This course explores global art-making of the past forty years, examining the questions, materials, and approaches of artists in our contemporary era. .We will consider the development of digital and participatory art, the role of the global art market, and the impact of globalization and climate change on art.

ART 219: Art & Digital Technology I

Credits 4
Introductory level course for students to learn the basics of digital technology, deand 3D Fabrication through using laser cutting, laser engraving, 3D printing, and hand fabrication skills in a creative and conceptual manner. Students will develop their craftsmanship and problem-solving skills through projects, critiques, and collaborative opportunities. This level is appropriate for students who have no experience working with these techniques.

ART 220: Introduction to Metal & 3D Fabrication

Credits 4
Introduction to major aspects of metalworking, jewelry, and analog 3D Fabrication. Develop design skills and technical competency, while learning about craftsmanship and hand fabrication to explore aspects of metalsmithing to create functional and conceptual objects.

ART 225: Painting 1

Credits 4
Introduction to oil painting covering all elements of the process from preparing a canvas to mixing paint. Includes contemporary and traditional genres with an emphasis placed personal research. Familiarity with drawing recommended.

ART 235: Introduction to Photography

Credits 4
Students learn camera operation, experimenting with the ways different shutter speeds and apertures change a photograph; and how to develop film and print their own photographs in a chemical darkroom, while exploring the aesthetic results of their choices. Introduces the history of photography and fundamentals of art criticism. Explores the creative use of photography as a means of personal expression through a variety of projects. This is not a digital photography class, but everything in the course will make you a better digital photographer. Many opportunities to address the class about students' own photographs and to participate in lively group discussions on the work of others.

ART 236: Digital Photography I

Credits 4

This introductory course explores technical aspects of digital photography. Utilizing Photoshop, digital SLR cameras and apps, technical topics cover digital capture, image editing, and digital output. Students become familiar with historic and contemporary photography. Critiques are the central forum for students to develop their ability to speak about their own work and that of their peers. DSLR and (not zoom) lens- limited numbers are available- or manual camera apps are required.

ART 245: Weaving 1

Credits 4
An introduction to the structure and design of weaves, fiber dyeing, the production of woven items in a variety of fibers, and the history and traditions of weaving in both western and non-western cultures. Students design and weave a series of required and individual projects to develop both technical and aesthetic textile skills. Students also participate in lectures, discussions and research.

ART 250: Making Art: ConForm and Expression

Credits 4
Introduction to the context and content of contemporary art making, formal elements of visual arts, including composition, color and design. Emphasis is placed on articulating ideas and critiquing works of art. Intended for Art majors who should take this class during the Sophomore year.

ART 280: Gallery Practicum

Credits 1
This hands-on course involves students in every aspect of maintaining an art gallery (Leeds Gallery): evaluating exhibition proposals, planning the schedule, contacting artists, negotiating contracts, marketing and publicity, installing and deinstalling work, and arranging gallery talks and receptions.

ART 300: Ceramics II

Credits 4

An intermediate level experience in ceramics that builds upon information and skills acquired in Ceramics I that requires students to continue to research contemporary approaches to ceramic processes while defining a personal vocabulary. Wheel work and/or hand forming techniques will be employed. Class activities include: readings, lectures, demonstrations, and discussions covering technical issues, loading and firing kilns, slip and glaze testing, researching contemporary craft, history and aesthetics of ceramics with frequent group critiques.

ART 305: Drawing II

Credits 4
Life Drawing. Builds upon an understanding of light, form and space as students work to develop facility, through the study and expression of the human form. While the primary medium is charcoal, students are introduced to a variety of materials from which a portfolio is produced.

ART 307: Materiality & Empire 1500-1900

Credits 4
Examines specific materials used to make art, such as feathers, gold, beads and paper, to consider how art relates to empire-building in the modern period, 1500-1900. Tracks how materials were used by artists in different contexts and how the value and meaning of materials change through contact and trade. Prereq: One prior Art History course

ART 319: Art & Digital Technology II

Credits 4
Students interested in learning the nuances and history of digital design and 3D fabrication. This class requires students split class time between the computer lab and in the metals studio utilizing both digital language and analog methods. Course work will focus on teaching the basics of digital design and 3D Fabrication through using laser cutting, laser etching, engraving, 3D printing and hand fabrication skills.

ART 320: Metals II

Credits 4

This course will provide advanced metalsmithing techniques as well as exploration of 3D computer fabrication. This course will help students continue exploring metal and jewelry as a media for their personal aesthetic expression. Students will learn continued development of craftsmanship, tool skill, conceptualization and design quality.

ART 325: Painting II

Credits 4
Continues the exploration of the personal and historical nature of painting while investigating other media (e.g., encaustic), skills (e.g., hand-made stretchers and frames), community engagement, and preparing a cohesive body of work for a final critique.

ART 333: History of Photography

Credits 4
Presents the history and interpretation of photography — as a scientific discovery and as an art form — from its beginnings in Western Europe in 1839 to present-day practice around the world. The course is designed to increase appreciation and understanding of photographic art as it relates to its cultural context and to develop critical thinking and analytical skills in response to visual experience. Attention will be given to geographic areas traditionally ignored in photography survey courses, such as the development of photography on the African and Asian continents.

ART 335: Photography II: Color Photography

Credits 4

Advances skills gained in Photography I. This is a hybrid film/digital course dedicated to color film photography. Students will take pictures with and process color film. Scanners, Adobe Creative Cloud, and inkjet printers will be used to digitize, edit and print pictures. The course has an increased emphasis on generating ideas, aesthetic content, presentations and group discussions. An excellent intermediate combination of analogue and digital image making. May be taught in conjunction with Photography III and IV. The class meet in CVPA 208. You do NOT need your own camera. 

ART 345: Weaving II

Credits 4
Further experience in weaving, dyeing and textile design. Students pursue individual directions in their work. Includes readings, discussions, research on contemporary weaving, the role of the handmade in the 21st century, and frequent group critiques of student work.

ART 347: The Body in Modern & Contemporary Art

Credits 4
This course examines the use of human bodies as subject matter, canvas, artistic material, and creative agent across the modern and contemporary eras. Using theoretical approaches from critical race studies, disability studies, queer theory, and feminist theory, we will consider how concepts of the body influence ideas of artistic agency and museum display. Objects of study will include painting, sculpture, photography, performance, installation, video, and participatory art.

ART 382: Special Topics

Credits 4
Selected topics determined by the instructor for upper-level study. Recent topics include: Art Since 1967; Matisse, Picasso and Early Modernism, and Renaissance & Baroque seminar. Prerequisite: At least one other Art History course or consent of the instructor.

ART 400: Ceramics III

Credits 4
An advanced level studio experience intended for students who have completed at least two semesters of work in ceramics. It parallels Ceramics II, with students investigating pursuits at a more advanced level by researching and defining individualized studio projects.

ART 402: Curatorial Practicum

Credits 3
The student will gain experience in many facets of museum practice including art handling, documentation, research, writing and presentation Working one-on-one with the Curator of the Earlham Art Collection, each student will select a group of works from the Collection to study. The course will culminate in an exhibit in Ronald Gallery or the Landrum Bolling Center. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

ART 405: Drawing III

Credits 4
Life Drawing. Builds upon an understanding of light, form and space as students work to develop facility through the study and expression of the human form. While the primary medium is charcoal, students are introduced to a variety of materials from which a portfolio is produced. Prerequisite: ART 305.

ART 420: Metals III

Credits 4

This course will provide advanced metalsmithing techniques as well as exploration of 3D computer fabrication. This course will help students continue exploring metal and jewelry as a media for their personal aesthetic expression. Students will learn continued development of craftsmanship, tool skill, conceptualization and design quality.

ART 425: Painting III

Credits 4
Continues the exploration of the personal and historical nature of painting while investigating other media (e.g., tempera), skills (e.g., presenting and writing about the work), and preparing a cohesive body of work for a final critique.

ART 435: Photography III: Lens-Based Art

Credits 4

Builds upon skills gained in Photography II and Digital Photography II. Students have the option of working in film and/or digital. This course is an exploration of current trends in Lens-based art, a multimedia approach to photography combining other media, such as sculpture, performance, video art, archives, and digital platforms. The class meet in CVPA 208. May be taught in conjunction with Photography II and IV. You do NOT need your own camera. 

ART 445: Weaving III

Credits 4
Advanced work in weaving, dyeing and textile design. Parallels the Weaving II class, with students pursuing similar work on a more advanced level and defining individualized studio projects and subjects for research.

ART 447: Photography IV: Installation

Credits 4

Emphasizes the further development of the students’ self-expression through the creation of a cohesive portfolio of exhibition-quality art work. Students will present work in exhibitions throughout the semester. May be taught in conjunction with Photography II and III. The class meet in CVPA 208. You do not need your own camera. 

ART 482: Special Topics

Credits 4
Selected topics determined by the instructor for upper-level study. Recent topics include: Art Since 1967; Matisse, Picasso and Early Modernism, and Renaissance & Baroque seminar.

ART 487: Senior Project

Credits 1
Art majors are strongly encouraged to register for this course during the Fall Semester of their senior year in preparation for their Senior Capstone Experience. Departmental approval required.

ART 488: Senior Capstone

Credits 3
Students should register for Senior Capstone Experience during the Spring Semester of their final year. Departmental approval required.