Art and Design Major

The primary purpose of the Art and Design major is to foster creativity, critical thinking and an understanding of the practice and history of the visual arts. We seek to help students develop visual literacy, problem-solving abilities, and technical skills that will enable them to explore confidently some possible avenues for creative expression in the visual arts. 

The Ways of Seeing course will introduce students to the wide variety of cultural contexts in which images are produced, and the range of styles in which they can be fashioned. This will be complemented by three introductory courses in two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and digital media techniques. Together, these four foundational courses will help students decide on which path they would like to take through the major.

Selecting from intermediate- and upper level studio courses in design, drawing, illustration, video, digital art, web design, painting, sculpture and bookmaking, students will be able, with the help of their major advisors, to craft a coherent program of study that suits their interests and aptitudes. A course in advanced studio practices will help them prepare for the two-part senior capstone exhibition which is usually displayed in the College’s Rosenthal Gallery.

Courses in art history will allow students to consider the multiple historical contexts in which art has been made, the many purposes to which art has been put, and the variety of methodologies that have been employed to understand artistic production and consumption.

Art majors may pursue careers in a variety of fields. Those interested in fine art may go on to graduate programs. For such students, taking more than the minimum number of credits, especially in art history, is recommended. Others may find rewarding careers in education, museum work, or the applied arts. All students are encouraged to consider internships in art museums and galleries, non-profit community arts organizations, or graphic design, as these can provide them with valuable skills and may sometimes introduce them to career possibilities.



Studio Courses

Complete all courses from the following (12 credits) (must be completed by the end of sophomore year):

ART-111Ways of Seeing

3 credits

ART-131Introduction to 2-D Media

3 credits

ART-151Introduction to 3-D Media

3 credits

ART-171Introduction to Digital Media

3 credits

Complete 9 credits from the following (at least 3 credits must be from the 300 level):

ART-211Illustration and Visual Narrative

3 credits

ART-212Creative Bookmaking for Writers and Artists

3 credits

ART-231Drawing and Composition

3 credits

ART-235Painting

3 credits

ART-251Sculpture

3 credits

ART-255Ceramics

3 credits

ART-256Raku Ceramics

3 credits

ART-271Digital Imaging

3 credits

ART-281Graphic Design

3 credits

-
 

ART-333Figure Drawing

3 credits

ART-345Contemporary Printmaking

3 credits

ART-353Three-Dimensional Design

3 credits

ART-375Digital Video

3 credits

ART-385Web Design

3 credits

Complete one of the following (3 credits):

ART-391Advanced Studio Art

3 credits

ART-395Advanced Digital or Book Arts

3 credits

Art History Courses

Complete 9 credits from the following (at least 6 credits must be from the 300 level):

ARH-200Ancient to Medieval

3 credits

ARH-205Renaissance to Modern

3 credits

-
 

ARH-300Modern Art: 1850-1940

3 credits

ARH-305Modern Art After 1940

3 credits

ARH-320Rembrandt and 17th Century Dutch Art

3 credits

ARH-330Picasso and 20th Century Art

3 credits

ARH-335Auguste Rodin and Modern Sculpture

3 credits

ARH-340Gender in Modern and Contemporary Art

3 credits

Senior Capstone

Complete all courses from the following (6 credits)(required for all graduating seniors):

ART-411ASenior Exhibition I

3 credits

ART-411BSenior Exhibition II

3 credits

Total Credit Hours: 39