Course Descriptions

Below is a list of all courses offered by the department.

ART 101 - 2-D Digital Design

(Credits: 3.00)

This is an introduction to the fundamental concepts and skills of visual art and graphic communication in the digital realm. Emphasis is placed on the elements, principles and techniques of making art and designing two-dimensionally. Special considerations for creating art/design in electronic media will be addressed. These include specialized terminology, image creation, digital color and printing. An introduction to developing creative strategies and work flow combined with an understanding of image and content develop skills that strengthen the student's ability to make, evaluate and discuss works of art/design.

ART 111 - Photographic Processes

(Credits: 3.00)

Photography is essentially the language of visual perception accomplished through the manipulation of light and time. This course introduces historical events, visual concepts and basic technical methods that enable the beginning photographer to communicate visual impressions more effectively. The students learn methods of black-and-white film photography that include 35mm camera handling, film exposure, chemical processing, printmaking, and print presentation techniques. Individual and group discussion facilitates historical, technical and aesthetic comprehension of photography as a means for personal expression. No prerequisites or prior experience required.

ART 115 - Web and Time Based Media

(Credits: 3.00)

This is an introduction to the techniques of creating art and design on multiple platforms. Participants will explore the fundamental concepts and skills of Web, sound and video. Principles of design, design theory and techniques learned in this class can be applied across all disciplines including visual art, design and communications. Prerequisite: ART 101, ART 150 or instructor consent.

ART 123 - Drawing I

(Credits: 3.00)

This course is an introduction to the materials, techniques and methods of naturalistic drawing. It provides an overview of the history and concepts of drawing and introduces students to figure drawing, anatomy, and common studio practices.

ART 125 - Painting I

(Credits: 3.00)

This course is an introduction to the techniques and methods of painting. The students explore the history of painting, color theory and materials of the painter. Studio safety and practice with water mixable oils and other modern paint mediums also are explored.

ART 129 - Printmaking I

(Credits: 3.00)

This studio course is an overview of the technical and conceptual principles of various printmaking processes, both traditional and contemporary. Methods include monotype, dry point intaglio, reduction lino-cut, and mixed media. In addition, students may choose to use methods learned in other classes to further enrich their work. These might include surface design, computer images and alternate photo processes. Prerequisite: ART 101.

ART 131 - 3-D Concepts:Form, Space, Time

(Credits: 3.00)

Offering students a broad range of experiences in three-dimensional art, this course explores major concepts in 3-D design and sculpture as well as concentrated study and emulation of key contemporary artists. Students will experiment with additive/subtractive, composite, and digital methods to create studio projects dealing with space, site, movement, time, form, and the human figure. A special component of this course will be an introduction to digital 3-D modeling and printing. Emphasis will be placed on developing a personal artistic vision and studio practice through writing and reading about art.

ART 133 - Ceramics I

(Credits: 3.00)

In this class students will be introduced to the fundamental technical information necessary for skilled, expressive and safe use of equipment and materials to create works in clay. Included are a variety of hand-forming, firing and finishing methods to provide a vocabulary with which to express ideas effectively. This technical information is contextualized within the historical continuum of human clay use, from very ancient times to the present.

ART 135 - Metalsmithing I

(Credits: 3.00)

This introduction to the traditions of metalwork provides a basis for students to produce contemporary jewelry and metal objects. Students explore various techniques from soldering to stone setting, enabling them to produce finished works with the use of metals, including copper, brass and silver. Prerequisite: ART 101, ART 131.

ART 137 - Fibers I

(Credits: 3.00)

This studio course explores the use of surface design techniques on textile substrates to create works of art. Students will use methods of producing "complex fabric" through layering Procion dyes, water-based pigments, computer image development and printing on printable textiles and solvent transfers. Methods include resist dyeing (Shibori), stencil, photo silk screen, and embellishment. In addition, students may choose to use various printmaking techniques to further enrich their works. Prerequisite: ART 101.

ART 141 - Art History Survey I: Ancient and Medieval

(Credits: 3.00)

This is a survey of the art of Western Civilization through painting, sculpture and architecture with emphasis on the ancient world, the Christian eras prior to the Middle Ages, and Medieval Europe. Satisfies General Education (Core) requirement.

ART 142 - Art History Survey II: Renaissance/Modern

(Credits: 3.00)

This is a survey of the art of Western Civilization through painting, sculpture and architecture with emphasis on Renaissance Europe, Baroque and the Modern period. The course satisfies a General Education (Core) requirement.

ART 150 - Understanding Art

(Credits: 3.00)

This is an introductory approach to understanding art in both theory and practice. The course addresses how people perceive and understand visual art today and considers both the personal and social meaning of visual artworks within their historical and cultural context. The course satisfies a General Education (Core) requirement.

ART 202 - Digital Applications I

(Credits: 3.00)

This course focuses on the theory and practice of page layout for multi-platform publications. Emphasis is equally placed on gaining fundamental knowledge of current software used in the art/design profession and design methods and considerations particular to each of the various types of publications and their platforms. Prerequisite: ART 101, ART 115 or instructor consent.

ART 205 - Graphic Design I

(Credits: 3.00)

Graphic Design I is the first in a sequence of graphic design courses dealing with the interaction of text and image, the fundamental components of graphic communication. Students develop and hone skills in working with text and image as they create solutions to a series of design problems. Visual literacy will be increased through exposure to contemporary design issues and graphic design history. Students are expected to expand their proficiency in all aspects of the design process, including the use of formal design principles, type as image, creative brainstorming, conceptualizing, critical thinking, collaboration, and presentation. Prerequisite: ART 101, ART 202.

ART 211 - Digital Photography

(Credits: 3.00)

This class will explore the basic technical and aesthetic considerations of digital photography, image management and color printmaking techniques. Students will become proficient in the use of a digital SLR camera and basic lighting techniques. Emphasis will be on the production of digital negatives and the output of quality color balanced inkjet prints. Projects will enable the student to understand a variety of themes including portrait, landscape and documentary event photography. Topics will include lighting on location, mix light portraits as well as post-production editing strategies with Adobe Bridge and Photoshop. Prerequisite: ART 101, ART 111.

ART 215 - Elements of Film

(Credits: 3.00)

This is an introduction to film theory with particular emphasis on an understanding of the cinematic techniques employed by the filmmaker to influence, manipulate and entertain an audience. The specific problems of film are explored including subjectivity vs. objectivity, realism vs. formalism, and art vs. record. This course includes viewings of representative films. Prerequisite: ART 115.

ART 223 - Drawing II

(Credits: 3.00)

This course is a survey of various contemporary approaches to the ideas, materials and methods of drawing. There is an emphasis on life drawing and conceptual currents in the art world. Prerequisite: ART 123.

ART 224 - Figure Drawing

(Credits: 3.00)

This is a survey of diverse technical and conceptual approaches to figure drawing. There is an emphasis on objective representational drawing methods with some exploration of individual interpretation. Prerequisite: ART 223 or instructor consent.

ART 225 - Painting II

(Credits: 3.00)

This is a survey course focusing on diverse contemporary approaches to the formal, conceptual and material methods of painting. Emphasis is placed on the expressive and conceptual forms of painting in the context of recent art history. Prerequisite: ART 125.

ART 229 - Printmaking II

(Credits: 3.00)

This course focuses on intermediate development of the technical and conceptual principles of printmaking. Emphasis is placed on the development of individual experimentation and expression. Prerequisite: ART 129 or consent of instructor.

ART 231 - Sculpture II

(Credits: 3.00)

This course focuses on exploring the nature and limits of three-dimensional concepts and materials. Emphasis is placed on further development of individual experimentation, expression, and studio practice. Prerequisite: ART 131.

ART 233 - Ceramics II

(Credits: 3.00)

This course includes instruction in throwing functional ware on the wheel along with exploration of surface design through glazing and other methods of patterning. In addition, the course is Franciscan infused through student involvement in serving the community via the Milwaukee Empty Bowls Project. Students make and donate bowls as well as volunteer time to participate in the annual fundraiser for food banks in southeastern Wisconsin. Open to non-art majors.

ART 235 - Metalsmithing II

(Credits: 3.00)

This intermediate-level course in jewelry design and small metal construction emphasizes advanced techniques including lost wax casting. Prerequisite: ART 135.

ART 237 - Fibers II

(Credits: 3.00)

This course focuses on continued exploration and advanced personal experimentation with fiber construction techniques. Prerequisite: ART 101, ART 137.

ART 239 - Typography I

(Credits: 3.00)

This is an introduction to the fundamental principles of typography, where type is regarded as an image that serves a variety of communicative purposes. Emphasis is placed on exploring issues of form and meaning, hierarchy, legibility and readability, structure and composition, and the design process. While typography is a highly focused branch of communication design, this introduction to type as image serves to open a path for students to study all facets of graphic design, digital media and photography in subsequent courses. Students use both traditional materials and design tools as well as computers. Prerequisite: ART 101, ART 115 or instructor consent.

ART 243 - Non-Western Art History

(Credits: 3.00)

This is an introductory course in Asian, African or Oceanian art. Asian art includes a study of the art of India, China and Japan and their interrelationship. African art concentrates on the art objects in the cultural context. Oceanian art traces the development of the arts in the South Sea islands and the cultures that produced them. Satisfies General Education (Core) requirement.

ART 245 - American Art History

(Credits: 3.00)

This course is a study of the development of American art through painting, sculpture and architecture from the Colonial era to the present. The study emphasizes painting and architecture. Satisfies General Education (Core) requirement.

ART 249 - Women Artists: Issues and Images

(Credits: 3.00)

The creative efforts of female artists are examined in light of historical, social and cultural contexts. Slides, lectures, films, field trips and discussions will acquaint students with the contributions of female artists throughout contemporary history. This satisfies a General Education (Core) requirement.

ART 302 - Digital Applications II

(Credits: 3.00)

Building on lessons from ART 202 Digital Applications 1, this course covers advanced topics in Web site design. Emphasis is on the development of advanced technical skills and on seeing a professional Web site project(s) through from start to finish, using best practices for development process, standards-compliant code and strong design. This may include the integration of sound, video and motion graphics. Prerequisite: ART 202 or instructor consent.

ART 303 - Illustration

(Credits: 3.00)

This is a study of the techniques and social functions of illustration with an emphasis on a variety of rendering techniques and digital production methods. The course also focuses on individual style and the narrative function of art and design. Prerequisite: ART 205, ART 223 or instructor consent.

ART 305 - Graphic Design II

(Credits: 3.00)

Graphic Design II is the second in a sequence of graphic design courses dealing with the interaction of text and image, the fundamental components of graphic communication. Students develop and hone skills in working with text and image as they create solutions to a series of design problems. Visual literacy is increased through exposure to contemporary design issues and graphic design history. Students are expected to expand their proficiency in all aspects of the design process, including the use of formal design principles, type as image, creative brainstorming, conceptualizing, critical thinking, collaboration, and presentation. Prerequisite: ART 205.

ART 309 - Digital Imaging

(Credits: 3.00)

This interdisciplinary studio course examines the technical and conceptual aspects of digital image creation and manipulation. Emphasis is on the production of expressive personal images originating on both film and digital capture technologies. Prerequisite: ART 101, ART 111 or instructor consent and 15 credits of studio art courses.

ART 311 - Studio Photography

(Credits: 3.00)

This course will continue to examine the language of photography through studio and lab work, guest speakers and field trips. Students will learn strategies and techniques that focus on the use of artificial lighting as an illustrative tool for portrait and product photography. Students will become proficient in the use of a variety of camera formats including the 4x5-film camera and the digital SLR. This course also will introduce several digital editing solutions including Light-room and Photoshop/Bridge.
In addition students will become familiar with best business practices in photography as this relates to contracts, model releases and copyright laws.
Individual and group print critiques will enhance each student's personal understanding of the influential impact of illustrative photography. Prerequisite: ART 111 or instructor consent.

ART 313 - Elements of Video

(Credits: 3.00)

This interdisciplinary production and theory course introduces video as a documentary mode of storytelling and communication. Students learn intermediate methods of studio production using digital cameras and non-linear post-production editing techniques. Emphasis is on creating projects that address the visual production needs of various businesses and nonprofit organizations. Students learn post-production editing techniques using Final Cut Express and Soundtrack software. Class discussion covers current trends in the information and entertainment industry. Prerequisite: ART 115.

ART 323 - Drawing III

(Credits: 3.00)

This is an advanced drawing course concentrating on work in the studio with an emphasis on the formal and conceptual theories of drawing. The focus is on the personal development of the student working on an individual direction. Prerequisite: ART 223 or ART 224.

ART 325 - Painting III

(Credits: 3.00)

This is an advanced painting course concentrating on the formal and theoretical aspects of work in the studio. Emphasis is on the personal development of an individual approach to artistic production. Prerequisite: ART 225.

ART 327 - History of Film

(Credits: 3.00)

This is an historical survey of the major movements in cinema from the silent period to the present. Major topics include technology, industry development, prominent film styles, and important films and artists. Emphasis is placed on both the American and international cinema with viewing of representative films.

ART 344 - Modern Art History

(Credits: 3.00)

This course explores the concepts and the formal characteristics of modern art chronologically - looking at all the '-isms' of the 20th and early 21st centuries and finding the relationships among them. Short sections on the history of architecture and modern design of the various periods also are covered and compared for their stylistic connection to the 'fine arts' of the same periods. Prerequisite: ART 141, ART 142.

ART 351 - Methods I-Elementary

(Credits: 1.50)

This course studies the developmental stages of children's art and considers appropriate techniques, materials and methods for teaching kindergarten through sixth grade students. It also includes concepts that integrate art with other non-art units of study and museum resources. Prerequisite: Art education major.

ART 352 - Methods II-Secondary

(Credits: 1.50)

This course considers teaching strategies for seventh grade through advanced high school students. The course also addresses appropriate levels of content for each media-specific discipline. Prerequisite: Art education major.

ART 400 - Independent Study

(Credits: 1.00 - 3.00)

Independent Study is a planned course of study, which is highly individualized and not addressable through any other format. The student will be supervised by a faculty member in the department. This course may be repeated for a maximum of six total credits. Prerequisite: Junior/senior status in major and departmental approval. Lab Fee Required.

ART 401 - Topics

(Credits: 3.00)

The content of this seminar varies year to year to focus on a chosen art history topic. Students research areas of individual interest relevant to the topic of the course and present the results of this research. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

ART 402 - Internship

(Credits: 1.00 - 6.00)

The off-campus internship provides opportunities for student interns to gain authentic experience in their field of study, determine if they have an interest in a particular career and create a network of contacts for potential employment. The intern must be on site for eight hours per week for three credits or 16 hours per week for six credits. Prerequisite: Junior/senior standing in major.

ART 405 - Graphic Design III

(Credits: 3.00)

This advanced course in graphic design focuses on working at a professional level on advanced design and pre-press production. In addition to more complex visual problem solving, a strong emphasis is placed on individual student portfolio development. Prerequisite: ART 305.

ART 406 - Advanced Design Group

(Credits: 3.00)

This course is a key step in the transition from student to professional. Through work done for clients on and off campus, students will move beyond design as assignment into the realm of artwork for practical use. Working as a creative group, students will communicate directly with clients and printers to develop multi-platform work and hone business acumen and professional skills. Prerequisite: Declared BFA in photography or graphic design, BA in digital media or instructor consent. Lab Fee Required.

ART 411 - Advanced Photography

(Credits: 3.00)

This course is designed for photography majors with an advanced technical and visual understanding of the photographic process. Students design and research a thematic approach to creating a portfolio of images. Throughout this semester-long project students are required to follow professional guidelines in the production and presentation of their final portfolio. Prerequisite: Senior-level photography major.

ART 413 - Time Based Media

(Credits: 3.00)

This interdisciplinary studio course examines the technical and conceptual aspects of digital nonlinear multimedia interactive media. Emphasis is on the collaborative scripting, design and production of a cohesive media package within the context of artistic expression. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. Lab Fee Required.

ART 415 - Images of Women in Film

(Credits: 3.00)

This course is an introduction to the depiction of women in Hollywood films from the 1920s to the present from the critical perspective of feminist film theory. Particular emphasis is placed on major women directors, writers and other artists who have contributed significantly to the development of film art. This course includes the viewing of representative films.

ART 447 - Senior Seminar

(Credits: 3.00)

The Senior Seminar is the capstone forum in which all majors critically and coherently position themselves within the context of their own specific professional preparation and artistic aspirations. Preparation includes development of a portfolio of works that will be presented in the undergraduate BA/BFA exhibition in the Northwestern Mutual Art Gallery. Prerequisite: Senior standing in art, graphic design or photography.

ART 450 - Advanced Studio Problems

(Credits: 3.00)

This advanced interdisciplinary studio course examines the technical and conceptual aspects of technological developments relative to traditional art media. Course content varies to focus on specific topics or media as they become relevant. Emphasis is placed on the relationship of art and technology to cultural and social issues. Prerequisite: 36 art credits.

ART 453 - Art Curriculum

(Credits: 3.00)

This course for art education majors addresses both the theoretical and practical dimensions of writing art curriculum. After studying the artistic developmental stages, students will explore the connections between art and other content areas and how the arts can be integrated throughout the K-12 curriculum. Students will create their own art curriculum projects. Prerequisite: ART 351, ART 352, art education major.

ART 503 - Art History and Criticism

(Credits: 3.00)

This course provides a summary of art in the last 60 years. Students look at the diverse approaches to art-making and art theory. Many aspects of art production including culture, environment, politics and gender issues in image making in art since World War II have been complex and involve influences from the entire history of human endeavor. Students discuss the major and minor movements in art history and some of the individual methods that artists have devised to express themselves.

ART 506 - Digital Imaging

(Credits: 3.00)

This studio course is an accelerated introduction to computer-based technology in relation to the visual arts. The curriculum focuses on developing the technical proficiency of educators and artists so they may incorporate emerging media into their teaching as well as their personal work. The curriculum addresses the technical and conceptual aspects of digital image creation and manipulation. Emphasis is placed on the production of expressive personal images originating on both film and digital-capture technologies. Projects will examine the relationship of art and technology to cultural and social issues.

ART 510 - Metals

(Credits: 3.00)

This studio course explores the conceptual, formal and technical aspects of creating artwork in metal smithing techniques. Students use non-ferrous metals such as copper, brass, nickel, silver and gold, along with various other materials such as stone, wood, resin, and found objects. Techniques include sawing, soldering, various forming methods, etching, enameling and surface design. Concepts explored include historical and contemporary notions of adornment, the spiritual significance of the amulet, and the status object. Through experimentation with materials and techniques and through critiques and written reflections, students create a body of work which demonstrates these conceptual, formal and technical aspects of work in metalsmithing.

ART 590 - Visual Thesis

(Credits: 4.00)

This course is designed to allow students the time to produce a body of artwork in preparation for their thesis exhibition. There are ongoing oral critiques to further organize both formal and conceptual issues the artist's work embodies. Students prepare for the thesis exhibition by analyzing the quality of their work as it relates to the appearance for the exhibit and also work with the design for the exhibition space itself. Students write an artist statement describing the content and the intent of their artwork. Working with other members of their cohort and the gallery director, they also plan the installation of this artwork. Finally there is a private walk-through of the exhibition with each student and graduate faculty members as a culminating experience.