Department Chair: Dennis Frandrup OSB  [Top]

Faculty: Johanna Becker OSB, Anne Beffel, Dennis Frandrup OSB, Robert Gambone, James Hendershot, Susan Hendershot, Baulu Kuan OSB, Elaine Rutherford, Ann Salisbury, Andrea Shaker, Robert Wilde

The art department educates both art majors and non-majors in the theory, practice and history of art. This education involves the understanding of historical development of art in contemporary and past cultures, understanding the critical process used to assess art forms, understanding the meaning and evolution of art theories, understanding the basic concepts related to the structure of forms and understanding the technical aspects of art. This education is intended to prepare students for careers or further education in art. For the non-major, this education provides a preliminary understanding of art forms, the creative process and a beginning ability to employ critical analysis.

The department's studios, located on both campuses, provide facilities for drawing, design, painting, ceramics, printmaking, sculpture, jewelry, computer art and photography. The Benedicta Arts Center Galleries and Saint John's Art Galleries schedule diverse exhibitions of artwork throughout the year. Special areas are available for exhibition of student work. Visiting artists, speakers, artists-in-residence, field trips and workshops supplement the students' experience of the art world.

Required Courses:

113, 114, 211, 248, 351; three 200- and 300- level studios and art history 101, 4 credits of non-western art history and 301, 302, 303.

Special Requirements:

A portfolio review precedes admission to the department. A senior exhibition is required for graduation.

Concentration in
Art History (40 credits)

The art history program is designed for students who wish to take art history as their primary focus. Students who complete the program may continue toward graduate school or assume jobs in history-related areas, including gallery and museum work.

Required Courses:

12 lower-division credits to include at least 4 credits in western art history and 4 credits in non-western art history; 16 upper-division credits to include at least 4 credits in western art history; 310; 360; 8 credits in studio courses.

113, 114, 211, 248, 351, 4 credits of art history 100 level, 4 credits of 200- level art history and 4 credits of 300- level. 16 credits of studio courses elected from: ART 211, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 224, 225, 233 or 234.

Special Requirements:

Students concentrating in art education are required to have experience in six or more diverse art studio areas, with emphasis in at least two.

Students concentrating in art education may receive special credit towards core, and upper- division requirements. Please contact the department chair.

113, 114; 12 credits in elective studio or art history.

Courses

(ART)

This course emphasizes perception, the organization of form and the expressive possibilities offered by diverse media, drawing and the relationships between drawing and other 2D arts.

113 Introduction to 2D Arts. (2)   [Top]

This course emphasizes perception, the organization of form and the use of tools and techniques. It also provides ideas about the relationship between drawing and other 2D arts.

113 Introduction to 2D Arts. (2)   [Top]

This course emphasizes the expressive possibilities offered by diverse drawing media and greater refinement in the use of perceptual and organizational skills. Prerequisite: 113. (A/B mods)

114 Introduction to 3D Arts. (4)   [Top]

This course introduces the 3D art forms, especially 3D design and sculpture, with emphasis on form perception and analysis, process and content.

114 Introduction to 3D Arts. (2)   [Top]

This course introduces the 3D art forms, especially 3D design and sculpture, with emphasis on form perception and analysis, process and content.

114 Introduction to 3D Arts. (2)  [Top]

A continued study of 3D art forms, especially 3D design and sculpture with further emphasis on form perception and analysis, process, content and varied media. Prerequisite: 114. (A/B mods)

Notes: Each of the above courses is offered every semester. Multiple sections are possible depending on enrollment demand. Art majors and art minors are required to take both ART 113 (4) and ART 114 (4) ideally as first year students. Either course can be taken first.

176 January Term Topics. (0-4)   [Top]

Study at the introductory level of a special topic not ordinarily offered during the semesters. Consult department for applicability towards major requirements. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.

177 January Term Core Topics. (0- 4)  [Top]

Study at the introductory level of a special topic not ordinarily offered during the semesters. Designed to fulfill core disciplinary requirement. Consult department for applicability towards major requirements. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.

An investigation of color theories and their relationship to perceptual and expressive ideas. Fall and spring.

213 Calligraphy. (2)  [Top]

An introduction to basic concepts of art through the study of word forms as design elements and instruction in calligraphic techniques. Alternate semesters annually.

214 Drawing I. (2 or 4)  [Top]

An introduction to drawing with an emphasis on techniques, concepts, and the process of visualization. Fall and spring.

215 Painting I. (2 or 4)  [Top]

An examination of painting as object and process. Exploration of techniques appropriate to the media of oil or acrylic. Fall and spring.

216 Sculpture I. (4)  [Top]

Technical and conceptual principles of sculpture; traditional media: wood, stone, clay, plaster, welding and bronze. Fall and spring.

217 Photography I. (4)  [Top]

Introduction to optical image making in black and white, darkroom techniques and aesthetic principles. Fall and spring.

218 Computer Art I. (4)   [Top]

Introduction to the Macintosh platform, digital imaging, and the principles of two-dimensional design. Understanding the computer as a tool for creative expression. 3 of every 4 semesters.

219 Ceramics I. (4)

An introductory course in throwing basic ceramic forms: cylinder, bowl, plate, semiclosed and bottle forms. Glazing and firing wares. A general appreciation of fine art. Fall and spring.

220 Jewelry I. (4)  [Top]

Major and non major. An introduction to the techniques and aesthetic principles of jewelry design. Addresses the construction of chains, rings, pendants, etc., as well as model-making and casting in sterling silver. Spring.

224 Printmaking I (Intaglio and Relief). (2 or 4)  [Top]

Introduction to the processes of relief and intaglio printmaking. In relief, the drawing and cutting techniques of the wood block. In intaglio, processes including drypoint, line etching, soft ground, and aquatint with emphasis on printing techniques. Alternate semesters annually.

225 Printmaking I (Lithography). (4)  [Top]

Technical and aesthetic problems in traditional stone lithography. Emphasis on crayon and tusche techniques. Alternate semesters annually.

233 Topics in Studio Arts: 2D. (2 or 4)   [Top]

A series of special interest courses offered periodically on topics such as: watercolor painting, creative problem solving, processes of abstraction, etc.

234 Topics in Studio Arts: 3D. (2 or 4)  [Top]

A series of special interest courses offered periodically on topics such as: industrial design, architecture, ceramic and mixed media sculpture, installation/site specific art, etc.

248 Sophomore Topics. (1)  [Top]

A practical seminar for those intending to major in art. Content includes formative portfolio review, application to the major process, long-range planning, display crafts, power tool management, etc. Fall (runs throughout both semesters).

271 Individual Learning Project. (1-4)  [Top]

Supervised reading or research at the lower-division level. Permission of department chair required. Consult department for applicability towards major requirements. Not available to first-year students.

276 January Term Topics. (0-4)   [Top]

Study of a special topic not ordinarily offered during the semesters. Consult department for applicability towards major requirements. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.

277 January Term Core Topics. (0-4)  [Top]

Study of a special topic not ordinarily offered during the semesters. Designed to fulfill core disciplinary requirement. Consult department for applicability towards major requirements. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.

Art Studio Courses 300 Level  [Top]

Note: All 300 Level Studio III courses may be repeated once.

314 Drawing II, III. (4)  [Top]

An exploration to Life drawing: portrait, figure, landscape and various environments, emphasis on experimentation and integration with other studio experiences. Fall and spring. Prerequisite: 214.

315 Painting II, III. (4)  [Top]

Advanced individual or group projects under the guidance of the instructor. Spring and fall. Prerequisite: 215.

316 Sculpture II, III. (4)  [Top]

Advance projects in traditional and experimental media. Fall and spring. Prerequisite: 216.

317 Photography II, III. (4)  [Top]

Advanced photographic processes, creative explorations and professional techniques. Every third semester. Prerequisite: 217.

318 Computer Art II, III. (4)   [Top]

Investigations of varied software to learn interactive multi media, animation, and three-dimensional modeling on the production of electronic art. Includes discussions on the aesthetics and social/cultural theories of electronic art. Every third semester. Prerequisite: 218.

319 Ceramics II, III. (4)  [Top]

Emphasis on technical aspects of throwing lids, sets, and larger functional forms, the process of glaze development, kiln stacking and firing, and the aesthetics of form. Fall and spring. Prerequisite: 219.

320 Jewelry II, III. (4)  [Top]

Advanced work in casting, construction, stone polishing, and setting. Experimentation in various media. Spring. Prerequisite: 220.

324 Printmaking II, III. (4)  [Top]

Advanced, experimental projects in relief, intaglio and lithographic media. Fall and spring. Prerequisite: 224 or 225.

351 Senior Studio Thesis. (4)   [Top]

A seminar for the development and presentation of the major thesis. Discussions about topic selection, content, working processes, evaluation and the selection of a faculty consultant. Fall (runs throughout both semesters).

371 Individual Learning Project. (1-4)  [Top]

Supervised reading or research at the upper-division level. Permission of department chair and completion and/or concurrent registration of 12 credits within the department required. Consult department for applicability towards major requirements. Not available to first-year students.

372 Open Studio. (1-12)   [Top]

An opportunity for the most advanced students to function as professionals. Prerequisites: completion of all major requirements, 300-level course(s) in intended studio concentration and approval of department chair. Fall and spring.

375 Supervised Study. (0-4)  [Top]

Full-time learning experience during the January Term done under the direction of a faculty moderator, often in conjunction with an off-campus supervisor. Requires permission of instructor. Not available to first-year students.

376 January Term Topics. (0-4)   [Top]

Study at the upper-division level of a special topic not ordinarily offered during the semesters. Designed to fulfill core disciplinary requirement. Consult department for applicability towards major requirements. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.

397 Internship. (1-16)   [Top]

Supervised career exploration which promotes the integration of theory with practice. An opportunity to apply learned skills under direct supervision in an approved setting. Prerequisites: approval of the department chair and a faculty moderator, completion of the pre-internship seminar requirement.

398 Honors Senior Essay, Research or Creative Project. (4)  [Top]

Required for graduation with "All-College Honors" and "Departmental Distinction in Art." Prerequisite: HONR 396 and approval of the department chair and director of the honors program. For further information see HONR 398.

Art History Courses 100 Level  [Top]

101 Art, Aesthetics and Culture. (4)

A survey of aesthetic beliefs and formal ideas which relate to the major periods of western art from the Greeks to Conceptualism. Fall.

109 Western Art Survey I. (4)   [Top]

An introductory survey of the most significant artifacts, monuments, artists and their work from the Ancient through the Medieval Period. Fall, even years.

109 Western Art Survey I. (2)   [Top]

Egyptian, Greek and Roman Periods. Fall (A/B mods), even years.

109 Western Art Survey I. (2)   [Top]

Early Christian, Byzantine and Medieval Periods. Fall (C/D mods), even years.

110 Western Art Survey II. (4)

An introductory survey of the most significant art and architecture from the Renaissance Period to the present. Spring semester, even years.

110 Western Art Survey II. (2)   [Top]

Renaissance, Baroque and 18 Century Periods. Spring semester (A/B mods), even years.

111 Western Art Survey II. (2)   [Top]

Neo-Classicism, 19th and 20th Century Periods. Spring (C/D mods), even years.

Art History Courses 200 Level

201 Monuments of Asian Art. (4)   [Top]

Selected survey of great architecture, sculpture and painting of Asia, principally India, China, and Japan. A study of artworks in relation to the religion, culture, philosophy, and geography. Spring.

201 Art of India, China, Japan. (2)  [Top]

Selected survey of great architecture, sculpture, painting and significant minor arts of India, China and Japan from the prehistoric to the medieval period. A study of artworks in relation to the religion, culture, philosophy and geography. Spring (A/B mods).

201 Art of the Asian World. (2)   [Top]

Selected survey of great architecture, sculpture, painting and significant minor arts of India, China, Japan, Southeast Asia, Korea and the Islamic world from the medieval to early modern period. A study of artworks in relation to religion, culture, philosophy and geography with emphasis on unique techniques. Spring (C/D mods).

203 Chinese Painting and Calligraphy. (2)

An introduction to the major formal and stylistic development of Chinese painting and calligraphy from prehistoric time to the present. Fall (A/B mods).

204 Art of Oceania. (2)  [Top]

Art forms and styles of Polynesian, Melanesian and Micronesian regions. Spring (C/D mods), even years.

205 Art of Mexico. (2)  [Top]

Major art forms in architecture, sculpture, and painting from pre-Columbian time through the conquest (from Olmec culture through Teothihuacan, Mayan, Toltec, and Aztec). Spring (A/B mods), even years.

206 Art of Africa. (2)  [Top]

Development of major African art styles centered upon the producing areas of the Sudan, Guinea Coast and the Congo. Fall (C/D mods).

Art History Courses 300 Level

301 Modern Art. (2)  [Top]

A survey course tracing the development of major ideas and styles in painting, sculpture and architecture from 1855 to 1958. Particular emphasis placed on the role FORM has played in characterizing American art in the Modern Era. Fall (A/B mods).

302 Contemporary Art. (2)  [Top]

An examination of post-modern ideas and attitudes with particular emphasis on the CONTENT themes and contexts for art in America after 1958. Fall (C/D mods).

303 Art and American Values. (1)   [Top]

A seminar for the presentation of research and discussion of topics related to the content of ART 301 and ART 302. Prerequisite: Current enrollment in ART 301 and ART 302. Fall.

304 Modern Chinese Art. (2)  [Top]

An examination of ideas and characteristics of major periods in Chinese art from the Late Qing Dynasty to the Republican Era (1870-1949). Spring (A/B mods), odd years.

305 Contemporary Chinese Art. (2)   [Top]

An examination of the content themes and cultural contacts for art after 1949. Spring (C/D mods), odd years.

306 Art of the Classical World. (4)  [Top]

A detailed examination of Hellenic and Roman cultures through archaeology. Spring, odd years.

307 Medieval Art. (4)  [Top]

Development of Christian art form Early Christian times through Byzantine in the East, Iconoclasm controversy and through Romanesque/Gothic in the West. Spring, even years.

308 Renaissance and Baroque Art. (4)  [Top]

An examination of the works and monuments by major artists and architects in Italy, France, and Northern Europe during the 15th to 17th Centuries. Fall, even years.

309 Topics in Art History. (2-4)   [Top]

A series of special interest courses offered periodically on subjects or themes such as Japanese Ceramics, Icons, or Ritual Art.

310 Methodologies of Art History and Curatorship. (4)  [Top]

A study of systems related to historic art along with techniques and procedures in museum curatorship. Fall, odd years.

381 Senior Art History Thesis. (4)   [Top]