Art

ART 197/297/397/497. Directed Research in Art (1-4E)

Under the direct supervision of a faculty member, a student participates in research. A learning contract that specifies the research goals and methodology must be filed with the Office of the Registrar. A maximum of four credit hours of directed research in chemistry or biochemistry (397 or 497 only) may be applied to major requirements in chemistry. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Learning contract filed in the Office of the Registrar.

ART 199/299/399/499. Independent Study (1-4E)

This course consists of an independent creative or research project designed by the student and supervised by an art faculty member. The nature of the project, the schedule for accomplishment, and the means of evaluation must be formalized in a learning contract prior to registration.

ART 204. Introduction to Drawing (4E)

An introduction to the fundamental issues, materials, and techniques of drawing. Drawing skills and visual awareness are addressed through formal exercises and creative projects. Emphasis is given to developing an understanding of the basic principles of two-dimensional design and the depiction of form and space. This course satisfies the Core Exploration requirement in Arts.

ART 205. Introduction to Visual Thinking (4E)

This course serves as a broad introduction to visual literacy, and introduces students to the complex process of visual communication, from the mechanics of sensation and perception to the interaction of symbols, subject matter, and context. Through a series of lectures, hands-on visual projects, visiting artist presentations, and readings, students learn that their ability to derive meaning from what they see is essential in a world suffused with composed objects. By the completion of this course, students will develop their visual intelligence and begin to observe, decode, recognize, dissect, identify, experience, and understand the visual world. Counts for Arts in Core Exploration. No prerequisites.

ART 206. Introduction to Painting (4F)

An introduction to the principles of painting and basic oil painting methods. Formal and expressive problems are explored through creative projects featuring a variety of techniques and subjects. Critiques and discussions of issues in art history and in contemporary art. This course satisfies the Core Exploration requirement in Arts.

ART 211. Portrait Photography: Identity and Social Justice (4A)

This course is a comprehensive exploration of portraiture through photography. Students will learn how to create portraits both in the studio and on location with professional strobe lights and digital retouching tools. Through studio projects, assigned readings, and critiques, students will examine how portrait photographs not just record one’s likeness, but also communicate critical issues of identity, such as gender, politics, class, and race. The course will also examine how portraiture photography has been used to perpetuate biases and social injustices through history, and in turn, students will explore using the same medium to advocate for a more equitable and just future. No Prerequisites.

ART 212. Introduction to Photography (4E)

An introduction to the principles of photography and basic photographic processes. Creative problems are explored through the use of a variety of subjects and techniques, including experiments with paper and film, manual exposure, roll-film processing, darkroom printing, and digital retouching. Critiques and discussions of issues in art history and contemporary art. This course satisfies the Core Exploration requirement in Arts.

ART 213. Book Arts: Text, Image, and Design (4A)

This course is ideal for students with interdisciplinary interests who want to create books and explore self-publishing ideas with diverse subjects related to any major and minor at the College. No previous art experience is needed. Students will learn basic book design techniques and principles that can be applied to create print media documentation for use in future capstone and other independent projects. All students are encouraged to explore their own poetry, prose, original and printed artwork, autobiography, and many other subjects. This course explores the art and function of the book by focusing on the integrated relationship between form and content using traditional and non-traditional structures and art materials. Emphasis is placed on the book as a communicative medium, the integration of text and image, and the creation of sequence, narrative and meaning through visual and textual means. The course introduces bookbinding techniques, typography and communication design and basic printmaking using relief and transfer techniques. Studio sessions, lecture and discussion, group and individual feedback and critiques. No prerequisite.

ART 214. Introduction to Digital Media Art (4E)

An introduction to the fundamental issues, tools and techniques of digital art. Formal and creative problems are explored through the use of a variety of computer software and hardware, including screen, audio and physical media projects. Critiques of digital art and discussion of issues in contemporary digital media. This course satisfies the Core Exploration requirement in Arts.

ART 223. Printmaking I: Traditional and Contemporary Techniques (4)

This course is a broad introduction to traditional and contemporary printing methods such as relief, collograph, stencils, transfer and photocopy techniques, and explores the use of recycled materials through collage-based works. Survey of historical and current approaches to the art of printmaking. Assigned readings, lectures and discussion, technical demonstration with experimentation and practice. Students develop studio projects that explore a diversity of subject matters using the visual languages of representation to abstraction. No prerequisite. This course satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement in the Arts.

ART 224. Printmaking II: Intermedia Works on Paper (4)

This course introduces contemporary imaging methods and explores historical and experimental approaches to the art of printmaking. Introduces the relationship of traditional printmaking techniques (intaglio, monotype and other unique print methods) with related techniques in drawing (ink, marker, pastel, scratchboard, charcoal) and painting (oil, acrylic and watercolor). Assigned readings, lectures and discussion, technical demonstration with experimentation and practice. Students develop studio projects that explore a diversity of subject matters using the visual languages of representation to abstraction. No prerequisite. This course satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement in the Arts.

ART 233. Topics in Art (4)

Various topics presented as introductory-level courses, each focusing on a particular studio art activity. Topics may be defined in terms of techniques, medium, or subject matter. This course may be repeated for credit if the topic is not repetitive. For a description of each course, see the current online Schedule of Classes. This course satisfies the Core Exploration requirement in Arts.

ART 239. Painting and Drawing from Life (4A)

The principles, practices, and history of painting and drawing from direct observation. Students learn beginning techniques of drawing and painting from direct observation and the conceptual framework for a variety of approaches to life painting and drawing. Subject matter relies heavily on the human figure, still life, and nature. Critique and discussion of traditional and contemporary observational drawing and painting. This course may be repeated once for credit. This course satisfies the Core Exploration requirement in Arts.

ART 240. Landscape Drawing and Painting (4)

This course introduces the principles, practices, and history of landscape painting and drawing. Students learn beginning techniques of drawing and painting from direct observation, and the conceptual framework for a variety of approaches to visual landscape theory. Critique, discussions center around skills, concepts, and context embedded in traditional and contemporary landscape painting and drawing. Students work primarily on-site, within the landscape of the College and surrounding community. This class satisfies the Core Curriculum requirement for Arts. This course satisfies a Humanities Track elective for the ENST major and minor.

ART 247. Introduction to Animation (4A)

This studio course will introduce students to the tools of a contemporary animation workflow, through projects that incorporate traditional methods with digital imaging and software applications. Students will learn basic principles of animation, storyboarding, character creation, sound design, and more. The course emphasizes the development of an experimental art practice. Lectures, readings, and screenings will introduce students to the history and principles of animation, and facilitate the exploration of form, method, and content in the artistic use of technology. Prerequisites: None

ART 269. Community Arts (4A)

This course explores the foundations of and current practices in community arts. Students will learn about pedagogical issues encompassed in community art outreach and how practitioners seek to provide meaningful art programs to diverse audiences. Students will learn about the mission, goals, and funding for arts organizations at the local, state, and national level. Students will participate in multiple art projects on and off campus that engage the community through a variety of media. There are no prerequisites for this course. This course satisfies the Core Exploration requirement in Arts.

ART 304. Advanced Drawing (4F)

An intensive studio practice in drawing. Emphasis is given to developing an understanding of the unique issues and concerns of drawing and how these may contribute to the expression of a personal vision. Projects are directed to develop the student’s ability to work independently. Studio projects, critiques, and discussions of issues in art history and contemporary art. This course may be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: ART 204 or permission of the instructor.

ART 306. Advanced Painting (4S)

An intensive studio practice in painting. Emphasis is given to developing an understanding of the unique issues and concerns of painting and how these may contribute to the expression of a personal vision. Projects are directed to develop the student’s ability to work independently. Studio projects, critiques, and discussions of issues in art history and contemporary art. This course may be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: ART 206 or permission of the instructor.

ART 307. Practicum in Art Instruction (2E)

Supervised experience in organizing, preparing, and teaching a studio art course and supervising studio lab sessions. Students are assigned to a specific art studio course and will assist the instructor. Grade evaluation will be based on attendance, preparation, teaching ability and specific tasks assigned by the instructor, such as designing a demonstration or presentation to illustrate art studio principles and practices. This course may be repeated once for credit. All expectations including the scope of student-instructor responsibilities and means of evaluation must be formalized in a learning contract prior to registration. Prerequisites: students must be art majors and/or must obtain the consent of the instructor. Completion of Art 307 is highly recommended for any student preparing for graduate study in art education.

ART 309. Advanced Drawing + Printmaking (4S)

An intensive studio practice that explores the intersections between direct drawing techniques and indirect drawing as practiced in printmaking. Emphasis is given to skill building in both drawing and printmaking as this serves to expand the materials and techniques, processes, and conceptual approaches employed by artists to create 2D art works. Projects are directed to develop the student’s ability to work independently and explore subject matter drawn from observation and imagination in color and black and white media. Instruction provided in drawing using wet and dry media, the printmaking processes of drypoint, relief and monotype, and basic construction of books. Lecture and discussion, writing and research, studio projects and critiques. This course may be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: ART 204 or permission of the instructor.

ART 311. Advanced Portrait Photography: Identity and Social Justice (4A)

ART 312. Advanced Photography (4F)

An intensive studio practice in photography. Emphasis is given to the issues and concerns of photography and how these may contribute to the realization of the student’s personal vision. Projects are directed to develop the student’s ability to work independently. Studio projects, critiques, and discussions of issues in art history and contemporary art. This course may be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: ART 212 or permission of the instructor.

ART 314. Advanced Digital Art (4S)

An intensive studio practice in digital and time-based art (digital video, computer animation and web-based applications). Emphasis is given to developing an understanding of the unique issues and concerns of digital and time-based art and how these may contribute to the expression of a personal vision. Projects are designed to develop the student’s ability to work independently. Studio projects, critiques, and discussions of issues in art history and contemporary art. This course may be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: ART 214 or permission of the instructor.

ART 333. Advanced Topics in Art (4)

Various topics presented as advanced-level courses, each focusing in depth on a particular issue in studio art. Topics may be defined in terms of technique, medium, or subject matter. These courses are designed for students who have already completed introductory-level work in the area of each topic offering. This course may be repeated if the topic is not repetitive.

ART 339. Advanced Painting and Drawing from Life (4)

The principles, practices, and history of painting and drawing from direct observation. Students learn advanced techniques of drawing and painting from direct observation and the conceptual framework for a variety of approaches to life painting and drawing. Studio work from the model, still life, and landscape. Critique and discussion of traditional and contemporary observational drawing and painting. Prerequisite: one of the following art studio courses: ART 204, 205, 206, 208, 209, 212, 233, 333, or consent of instructor.

ART 346. Advanced Animation (4A)

This course will build upon the skills and concepts introduced in Introduction to Animation, through an intensive, project-driven studio practice. Students will gain experience in advanced principles of animation, pre-production, and methods of aesthetic expression and communication in time-based art production. Lectures, readings, screenings, and discussions will deepen students’ understanding of the issues central to contemporary animation, and facilitate the exploration of form, method, and content in the artistic use of technology. Prerequisites: ART 214: Introduction to Digital Media Art or ART 246: Introduction to Animation (previously ART 233: Topics in Art: Animation).

ART 347. Advanced Book Arts: Text, Image, and Design (4)

This course explores the art and function of the book by focusing on the integrated relationship between form and content using traditional and non-traditional structures and art materials. Emphasis is placed on the book as a communicative medium, the integration of text and image, and the creation of sequence, narrative and meaning through visual and textual means. Students are encouraged to explore their own poetry, prose, original and printed artwork, autobiography, and many other subjects. The course introduces bookbinding techniques, typography and communication design and basic printmaking using relief and transfer techniques. Directed and self-proposed projects, critiques and discussion. Prerequisite: one 200 level studio art class or consent of the instructor. Recommended: some experience with drawing and/or digital imaging is helpful but not required.

ART 367. Color (4AS)

This applied studio based theory course explores the history of and motivations behind our use of color as it relates to art objects. It is an intermediate studio art class that integrates historical and contemporary color theory with studio art projects. Working with a variety of mixed media, students will apply what they learn to a series of studio projects. Group discussions, critiques, and written assignments will reflect class readings, fieldtrips, and lectures. Prerequisite: one of the following art studio courses: ART 204, 205, 206, 208, 212, 214, or consent of instructor.

ART 369. Art for Educators (4A)

This applied theory course explores the foundations of and current practices in art education. Students investigate the philosophies, historical movements, social issues, and curriculum foundations and their influences on the teaching of art in American educational settings including public schools, private schools, museum education, and community arts programs. This course satisfies the ELAW requirement and is cross- listed and counts towards a Democracy Studies Minor. Prerequisite: one of the following art studio courses: ART 204, 205, 206, 208, 212, 214, or consent of instructor.

ART 390. The Artist Naturalist (4S)

This course explores the world of nature from the perspective of the artist naturalist in history and in studio practice. Key figures such as Aristotle, Pliny, Robert Hooke, John James Audubon, Mark Catesby, Ernst Haeckel, Maria Sybilla Merian, and Charles Darwin provide examples of the diverse approaches to documenting and studying the natural world. In studio projects students learn drawing and painting techniques that have direct applications to illustration including the use of pencil, pen and ink, and watercolor painting. Throughout the semester each student keeps a nature journal of writing and art. Lecture and discussion, writing and research, studio projects and fieldwork. This course satisfies a Humanities Track elective in the Environmental Studies major and minor.

ART 398/498. Off-Campus Internship (4-16E)

Off-campus experiential learning opportunity. A variety of internships can be arranged through the Career Development Center, subject to the approval of the art faculty. The off-campus internship is an individually designed experience that allows the student to explore the relationship between learning and everyday work situations. Prerequisites: admission to the internship program and approval of the department chair. Credit/no credit grading.

ART 425. The Artist in Context (4S)

This applied theory course explores the development of effective presentation materials by which studio artists contextualize, articulate and document the intentions of their own creative work. Course activities include learning how to write effective visual analysis and artist statements, photograph and digitally document artworks, create online portfolios and prepare a variety of professional presentation materials such as résumés and letters of application. Course work culminates with students creating their own online portfolio. This course satisfies an art theory requirement for art majors with a concentration in studio art. This course replaces ARTH 425, therefore, students who have taken ARTH 425 may not take ART 425 for credit. Prerequisite: One 300-level studio art course or consent of instructor.

ART 430. Capstone 1: Creative Practices in Art (4)

Capstone 1 is the culminating advanced-level studio art course in the Art major in which students create and present a cohesive body of independent, self-proposed and self-generated studio art work carried out within a seminar context. Throughout the course, students also produce reflective and research-based writing that analyzes, synthesizes and articulates knowledge of the field of art and art making that contextualizes the student’s creative art works. The seminar’s collaborative framework and integrated set of experiences directs the student’s production of creative art work, which includes assigned readings and discussion, research and writing, oral presentation, and group and individual critiques with faculty and visiting artists. The skills and abilities needed to successfully engage in the self-reflective and self-generating art making for this course have been introduced and practiced through assignments in previous courses taken at the 200 and 300-levels in the Art major. Personal accountability and effective work habits are developed through the effective combination of process and product in each student’s self-proposed studio art works. The semester culminates in a group gallery exhibition and related written materials through which process students show evidence of their learned skills to leverage the strengths of others to achieve common goals, and organize, prioritize and delegate work.

In order to accomplish these course goals, students are expected to show good progress throughout the semester, maintain regular studio work schedule outside of seminar meeting times and fully participate in all seminar meetings. To facilitate the ambition and focus required of advanced-level work, each student will be provided with and will be expected to effectively make use of assigned studio spaces in the department’s communal senior studios in the Art Annex. Pre-requisites:Successful completion of all the following courses, as specified, with a C- or higher; Four courses – ART 205, ARTH 100, and at least TWO of the following upper-level courses: ART 304, 306, 309, 311, 312, 314, 333, 339, 346, 347, 367, 369, 390.

ART 431. Capstone 2: Professional Practices in Art (4S)

Capstone 2 focuses on contemporary art issues in the context of a student’s studio artwork & interests in tandem with a broad exploration of diverse career and professional development in the arts. This course prioritizes contemporary art research, self-reflection, and documentation of a student’s creative art practice completed in Capstone 1 and other self-generated art works. Based on studio art-making completed in previous or other concurrent ART courses, this course does not require or expect the creation of new art works. The seminar is collaborative and cooperative, with topics, activities, and discussions geared to prepare for life and career after graduation. Students will learn to identify and articulate how the skills, strengths, knowledge, and experiences gained in the Capstone 1 and 2 are relevant to their career goals and professional growth. Capstone 2 culminates with a poster presentation with related web-based documentation, and the delivery of a coherent and creative oral presentation that explains, documents and contextualizes the student’s creative practice.

Seminar activities focus on the practical application of short-term and long-term career goals and planning to include; photographic and written documentation of art works, development of written artist statements, understanding of intellectual property rights and the business of art, preparation of resumés and cover letters, portfolio development for careers in diverse art-related fields appropriate to exhibitions, websites, online registries, grants and residencies, internships, jobs, graduate school, and other arts opportunities including how to create artist communities at the College and after graduation. Invited seminar speakers include SMCM faculty, visiting artists and critics, representatives from graduate programs, and SMCM alumni working in the arts in many capacities to include some or all of the following; art education, marketing and communication design, nonprofit and for-profit arts organizations, museums, alternative spaces and galleries, self-owned businesses in art, and public and private commission work. Prerequisite or Corequisite: ART 430. Capstone 1 with a C- or higher.

ART 493. St. Mary’s Project in Art (4F)

The St. Mary’s Project in Art is a two-semester experience in which a student pursues sustained independent studio projects accompanied by written formulation of artistic concerns and research into related art and ideas. Students initiate the project, identify a clear focus in studio Art to be explored and propose a method of inquiry appropriate to the topic. A faculty mentor supervises the project research. The project must be shared with the College community through exhibition, poster presentation, or other means. Permission of the instructor.