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2021 - 2022 Academic Catalog

Studio Art Minor

The Studio Art minor consists of six courses. The curriculum is an excellent accompaniment to any major as it instills and enhances the career readiness skills future employers will be looking for such as critical thinking, collaboration, creative problem solving, time management, visual communication, perseverance, and dedication to a finished product. In addition to these career skills, the arts instill lifelong curiosity and encourage individual imagination. Students learn the value of commitment to a vision, while staying open to the importance of changing course when beneficial to the end result.  

Course Code Course Title Credits
Core Courses
ARTH107 Special Topics in Art (KP) 3
ARTS101 Studio Drawing I 3
ARTS126 Fundamentals of Visual Art (KP) 3
*Choose sequence from the following:
ARTS111 Ceramics I 3
ARTS201 Studio Drawing II 3
ARTS203 Painting 3
ARTS211 Ceramics II 3
ARTS301 Studio Drawing III 3
ARTS302 Studio Painting II 3

*Sequences referenced above are as follows:
ARTS201 & ARTS301
ARTS203 & ARTS302
ARTS111 & ARTS211

One additional ARTS 3 credit course must be taken to complete the Studio Art Minor.


Credit Requirements for minor: 18 credits

No more than 3 courses listed for this Minor may be counted toward requirements for a student’s Major

ARTH107 - Special Topics in Art (KP)

This course introduces students to the study of art history by focusing on one theme, one artist, or one form of art. Painting, sculpture, architecture, and prints and drawings may be considered. Stylistic, cultural, and historic elements are components of the course.

ARTS101 - Studio Drawing I

This course introduces students to a variety of drawing tools and media. Drawing from life, line, tonality, illusional space, and perspective are explored. Creativity and individual expression are stressed.

ARTS126 - Fundamentals of Visual Art (KP)

This course is an introduction to the basic principles and strategies for visual art-making and art appreciation, with an emphasis on developing an awareness and sensitivity to art as an integral part of one's life and as a way to complement one's aesthetic needs. This is a lecture course with studio art-making modules designed to complement visual material, critical essays, museum/gallery trips and impart basic skills in visual communication.

ARTS111 - Ceramics I

This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of working with clay. Basic methods of hand-building and wheel throwing will be covered. Students will gain an understanding of the transformative nature of clay from a plastic to permanent state. Techniques will include pinching, slab forming, coil building, carving, glazing and firing. Image and video presentations, lecture, and hands-on demonstrations will expose students to the history of ceramics and contemporary techniques used by contemporary ceramic artists.*No pre-requisite necessary.

ARTS201 - Studio Drawing II

This course offers the experienced drawing student a chance to continue building life drawing, human figure, still lifes and landscape skills. In addition to studio work, students learn what is necessary to advance their knowledge of design by studying the masters. Periodic class discussions help students learn visual analysis and a general approach to the criticism of art. Prerequisite: ARTS101 Studio Drawing I or permission of instructor.

ARTS203 - Painting

This course introduces students to a variety of styles and techniques used in oil and/or acrylic painting. Canvas stretching and priming, color mixing, and brush selection are addressed. Prerequisite: ARTS 101 or permission of instructor.

ARTS211 - Ceramics II

This course will expand on the fundamentals of working with clay. Emphasis is placed on further developing skills and creating a cohesive body of work focusing on wheel throwing and hand building techniques. Study and experimental use of clay and glazes are explored in depth. Image and video presentations and hands-on demonstrations will expose students to the history of ceramics and contemporary techniques.*Pre-Requisite: ARTS111 or permission of the instructor.

ARTS301 - Studio Drawing III

This course is for students who wish to advance their drawing skills to a higher level. In addition to refining techniques with various drawing media, such as ink, graphite, and mixed media, students address perceptual and aesthetic issues in relation to their own work within contemporary and historical contexts. The expressive character of lines, tones, and marks are studied as inseparable from fundamental concepts and content of drawing. Developing a unique and personal vision is a primary consideration. Prerequisite: ARTS201 Studio Drawing II or permission of instructor.

ARTS302 - Studio Painting II

This course is designed for students who wish to advance their painting skills to a higher level. In addition to refining painting techniques, students address perceptual and aesthetic issues in relation to their own work within contemporary and historical contexts. Merging inquiry and intuition, students are expected to commit to discovering individual creative expression. Prerequisite: ARTS203 Painting or permission of instructor.