Course Descriptions
Required Core Courses
ATH 501 INTRODUCTION TO ART THERAPY, ETHICS, AND FIELDWORK
An overview of the history and growth of art therapy as a therapeutic discipline. Theoretical approaches from fields of psychology and counseling form the basis for art therapy practice. Discussion of ethical standards from AATA, ATCB, APA, and ACA within the context of field work and readings. An 8-hour per week, minimum (80 hours total) in the fieldwork component introduces students to the field. Readings, discussion, written papers, oral presentations, and art experientials. Students are required to pass both the academic and fieldwork components. Fieldwork evaluation is by written midterm and final evaluations by the on-site art therapy supervisor and course instructor. A minimum grade of B (3.0) is required to pass this required course. Offered during the fall semester. (3 credits)
ATH 529 HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
Readings, discussion, videotapes, observations, oral reports, written papers, and experiential exercises that provide an understanding of the nature and needs of individuals at all developmental levels: infancy, childhood/latency, adolescence, adulthood, and older ages. Attention is given to the relationship of human development to art therapy. A minimum grade of B (3.0) is required to pass this required course. Offered during the fall semester. (3 credits)
ATH 586 COUNSELING THE CULTURALLY DIVERSE
An application of counseling and art therapy methods to diverse cultural groups in clinical and other settings. Students assess the fit between the culture of counseling/art therapy with diverse cultural groups, developing culturally sensitive interventions for a range of counseling/art therapy issues and settings. A minimum grade of B (3.0) is required to pass this required course. Offered during the summer. (3 credits)
ATH 610 ART THERAPY ASSESSMENTS
Selection, administration, rating, scoring, and interpretation of assessment tools, primarily, but not limited to those developed by art therapists, such as the UPAP, Kramer Assessment, Silver Assessments, Diagnostic Drawing Series, PPAT Formal Elements Art Therapy Scale, Bird’s Nest Drawing, Lowenfeld-Based Developmental Assessment, and others. Discussion of structured, semi-structured, and non-structured procedures and their usage, observation techniques, us of pre- and post-testing, validity, and reliability. Students master one assessment tool and learn about others. Active participation learning assessments, written papers, and oral presentations. Students must be working with a client population. A minimum grade of B (3.0) is required to pass this course. Required for all art therapy students. Offered during the spring semester. (3 credits)
ATH 612 PSYCHOPATHOLOGY FOR ART THERAPISTS
Using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM V), this course consists of the study of the various major clinical syndromes. Emphasis is on the use of art therapy techniques in working with clients who manifest these behaviors. This is a course designed to equip the student with practical tools and knowledge to begin work with clients in a mental health facility. Applications to mental health treatment and art therapy today will be addressed. Emphasis will be placed on working within an inpatient psychiatric unit. We will also incorporate art therapy interventions while exploring transference and counter-transference reactions through personal art-making. A minimum grade of B (3.0) is required to pass this required course. Offered during the spring semester. (3 credits)
ATH 614 ART THERAPY WITH GROUPS
The role of the art therapist in the therapeutic process with groups. Required course for art therapy students. A minimum grade of B (3.0) is required to pass this required course. Offered during the summer semester. (3 credits)
ATH 615 PRACTICUM
Practicum is a field-based course that includes hours in a clinical site plus course content in weekly classes on campus. Emphasis on various clinical populations and the development of advanced-beginning level clinical art therapy skills via a 9-hour-per-week practicum component for a total of 126 clock hours per 14-week semester. At least half the on-site hours (63) must be in direct client contact doing art therapy.
On-site supervision by an licensed, credentialed art therapist (ATR-BC, LCAT) for ½ hours weekly and on-campus supervision by course instructor. Differentiation between counseling and art therapy theory and practice. Extensive course content on Ethics. Placement in a mental health facility, school, inpatient, or outpatient setting prepares students for Internship I. Before acceptance into Practicum, students must be in good standing and meet with the Practicum/Internship Coordinator. Students must pass course work, the practicum component, midterm and final evaluations, with a minimum grade of B (3.0) to pass this required course. Offered during the spring semester. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: ATH 501
ATH 650 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research methodology as it applies to art therapy with emphasis on quantitative research methods such as descriptive, correlation, causal-comparative, experimental designs, including single-subject experimental designs, as well as qualitative and mixed-methods designs. Discussion and application of basic tools, materials, designs and statistical techniques used in research and program/treatment evaluation. Critical analysis of published research in art therapy and other fields. Identification of a research question and, if applicable, hypothesis. Development of an art therapy research proposal, literature review, and initial preparation for the College of Mount Saint Vincent Institutional Review Board documents. A minimum grade of B (3.0) is required to pass this required course. Offered during the fall semester. (3 credits)
ATH 700 INTERNSHIP I
Intermediate and advanced development of art therapy skills. Internship I and II are completed sequentially at the same site. On-site hours are completed at one placement. Students are required to perform 21.5 clock hours weekly for a total of 301 hours of Internship I in a clinical art therapy setting, while also participating in a clinical seminar on campus. Ongoing supervision is provided by both the art therapy faculty (2 hours and 45 minutes weekly) and the licensed, credentialed art therapist for one hour weekly.
Before selecting an internship placement, students must be approved for acceptance into Internship I, attend an Internship Orientation meeting, and meet individually with the Practicum/Internship Coordinator. Readings and discussion about a wide variety of populations, clinical treatment using art therapy, writing treatment goals based on assessment, written papers, and oral presentations. Attendance at one Grand Rounds, one Case Conference, and two Team Meetings (or alternative). Midterm and Final Written Evaluations of on-site work. Required of all art therapy students. A minimum grade of B (3.0) is required to pass this required course. Offered during the fall semester. (3 credits)
Prerequisites: Completion of a minimum of 24 credits in the program including ATH 501, ATH 612, and ATH 625, and acceptance into Internship I.
ATH 701 INTERNSHIP II
Advanced level art therapy practice at the same site as Internship I. Under the supervision of a licensed, registered, board certified art therapist (ATR-BC, LCAT), the student conducts an in-service workshop at the clinical setting, works independently, individually, and in groups with clients, recommends treatment goals, writes field notes, charts, and takes on other clinical responsibilities.
The student attends one grand rounds, one case conference, and two team meetings (or alternative). Required attendance at weekly seminar on campus for supervision with the art therapy college supervisor (2.75 hours/week in class and online) and individual supervision with on-site supervisor (1 hour/week). Students must complete a minimum of 301 clock hours in Internship II; at least 150.5 of those hours must be in direct client contact doing art therapy. Written Midterm and Final Evaluations of on-site work, made by on-site supervisor. This course is required of all art therapy students. A minimum grade of B (3.0) is required to pass this required course. Offered only during the spring semester. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: ATH 700.
ATH 715 THESIS
Review of Research Methodology (ATH 650) with emphasis on Descriptive and Inferential Statistics, Data Analysis, and Evaluation of Research Report. Students revise Chapter 1 of the thesis (Introduction, Literature Review, etc.) and Chapter 2 (Method). They submit required documents to the Mount Saint Vincent Institutional Review Board. After obtaining approval, they conduct their research study, calculate and interpret results, and make recommendations for further studies.
The entire thesis consists of introduction, literature review and supporting sections, methodology, results, analysis and discussion of results, summary, conclusions, and recommendations, references, and all other sections stipulated in the syllabus. To create and present a professional portfolio in preparation for entering the job market. Licensing and art therapy credentials board requirements and practice sessions are also included in the course. Oral presentation of the thesis at the last class session. This required course is graded Pass/Fail. A minimum composite grade of B (3.0) on assignments is required to earn a Pass. Offered during the spring semester. (3 credits)
ART 507 WORKSHOP IN IMAGERY TRANSFORMATION
Auditory and visual stimuli will be used to promote design ideas and forms that will be explored through a stone-carving process. Students will work first with drawing materials and then transform their images into clay and ultimately, stone. Students will keep an online journal on the Canvas software system, where they will record weekly responses to class experiences both with text and photographic images of their sculpture as it evolves. Punctuality, attendance, and active participation are required. The training experiences provided in this course will conform to the guidelines and standards of the CAAHEP ACATE. This is a required course for art therapy/counseling students. To pass this required course, students must earn a minimum grade of B (3.0). Offered during the spring semester. (3 credits)
ART 554 PSYCHOLOGY OF ART MATERIALS
Exploration of art materials and techniques with an emphasis on developing an awareness of various materials’ therapeutic usage with a variety of client populations. A grade of no lower than B (3.0) is required to pass this required course. Offered only during the fall semester. (3 credits)
CLD 540 THEORIES OF CAREER COUNSELING
In this course, students explore current theories of career development and how they may be applied in working with clients. Students develop a holistic understanding of career development and career counseling by examining the economic, sociological, and psychological factors influencing vocational development. Students examine current research in the field and identify areas for further research. A minimum grade of B (3.0) is required to pass this required course. Offered various semesters. (3 credits)
PSY 581 PSYCHOLOGICAL INTERVIEWING AND COUNSELING
This course provides experiential learning of interviewing and counseling skills; active listening, attending, reflecting, questioning, summarizing, confronting, etc., and the problem management model used in counseling. The majority of learning of these techniques will be accomplished through lecture, discussion, readings, role plays, and videotaping in the classroom. This is a required course. A minimum grade of B (3.0) is required to pass this course. Offered various semesters. (3 credits)
Prerequisites: ATH 501 and ATH 612.
Art Therapy Elective Courses (select three)
ATH 513 WORKSHOP IN EXPRESSIVE THERAPIES: ART, DRAMA, DANCE, MUSIC
An introductory workshop providing an overview of the creative arts, visual art, music, dance/movement, drama and psychodrama are presented within a theoretical and experiential framework. Emphasis on practical application in a variety of educational and clinical settings. Guest lecturers present their specialty. This is an art therapy elective. Offered during the summer. (3 credits)
ATH 515 THERAPEUTIC ART IN SPECIAL EDUCATION
Interface between art therapy and therapeutic art for special populations in public and private schools. Methods of addressing special problems, diagnostic criteria, assessment procedures, and designing individual and group programs to address specific therapeutic goals. Readings, experientials, guest lecturers, and site visits. This is an art therapy elective. Offered during the summer. (3 credits)
ATH 517 ART THERAPY AND THE AGING PROCESS
In-depth consideration of the practice of art therapy with the elderly. Comparison of the characteristics of the normal aging adult with those having conditions which include psychiatric or physical disabilities. Techniques and procedures applicable to institutional work will be covered, as well as issues surrounding the role of creativity in later life. This is an art therapy elective that is open to students in other fields. Offered during the summer. (3 credits)
ATH 520 ART THERAPY WITH FAMILIES
Family systems and structural family theories and art therapy techniques used in clinical treatment of families. Application of art therapy techniques to engage the whole family to identify, address, and reach therapeutic goals. Exploration of some art therapy assessments designed for families. Discussion of attachment, normal and atypical, with emphasis on the mother-child relationship and treatment of attachment issues. Readings, discussion, written papers, and oral presentations. This is an art therapy elective that is open to students in other fields. Offered various semesters. (3 credits)
ATH 524 ART THERAPY WITH ADOLESCENTS
Creative techniques in art therapy utilizing workshop activities with adolescents. Individual case studies assist in the development of basic skills in the practical application and use of art therapy with this population. Readings, discussion, written papers, and oral presentations. This is an art therapy elective. Offered various semesters. (3 credits)
ATH 525 PHOTOTHERAPY
Introduction to the use of phototherapy techniques and processes. The uses of phototherapy in mental health and the basic processes of digital technology are explored. Critiques of projects and discussions of the implementation with various populations will be conducted. Students are required to have a digital camera, home computer and home editing software, a zip or flash drive for external storage, and digital photographic papers. Part of this course will be conducted on-line using Canvas. This is an art therapy elective. Offered during the spring semester. (3 credits)
ATH 527 ART THERAPY WITH CHILDREN
Study and demonstration of approaches of working with child populations within a theoretical and experiential framework. Discussion of work with a variety of populations in a range of settings such as inpatient, outpatient, individual, group, medical, school, long- and short-term treatment. Assessment of the child and the setting of treatment goals are studied for use within various treatment settings. Individual case studies with this population. Readings, discussion, experientials, oral presentations, and written papers. This is an art therapy elective. Offered various semesters. (3 credits)
ATH 528 ART THERAPY WITH ADULTS
Study and demonstration of approaches to working with adult populations within theoretical and experiential framework. Discussion of work with a variety of populations such as acute, chronic, inpatient, outpatient, through individual, group, and long- and short-term treatment. Assessment of the client and the setting of treatment goals will be studied for sue within various treatment settings. This is an art therapy elective. Offered various semesters. (3 credits)
ATH 619 DREAM SEMINAR
Exploration of ways dreams may be utilized in clinical art therapy treatment. Theoretical readings will be integrated with clinical material presented by participants. This is an art therapy elective. Offered during the fall semester. (3 credits)
ATH 625 PHOTOTHERAPY WORKSHOP
Further development of skills in digital photographic media in phototherapy with various populations. Critiques of projects and discussions of implementation for use with various client populations will be conducted. Students are required to have the use of a digital camera, home computer and home editing software, a zip or flash drive for external storage, and a supply of digital photographic paper. Part of this course will be conducted on-line using the College’s Canvas system. This is a graduate- or undergraduate-level photography course or permission of instructor. Students are required to supply their own camera, film, and paper. This is an art therapy elective. Offered during the spring semester. (3 credits).
Prerequisite: ATH 525 Phototherapy.
ATH 800 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN ART THERAPY
Under a qualified, master’s level (minimum) mentor, the student identifies an art therapy project that is at least 120-hours for an in-depth study, design a plan to pursue the project, and complete it within one semester. The student meets with the mentor at least four times during the semester for critique and evaluation of progress. Independent Study (IS) projects are based on prior learning and mastery of the content area. Independent Study presupposes skills and learning from prior course work and requires an advanced level of proficiency. Before registering for an IS, the student discusses his/her plan with his/her faculty advisor. If the plan is acceptable, the student completes the IS Agreement and, prior to registration submits it for approval by the Mentor and Division Chair. No more than 6 credits of IS are allowed. This is an art therapy elective. Offered each semester. (3 credits)
ATH 900 SPECIAL TOPICS IN ART THERAPY
Addresses current needs of professionals in the field. Guest lecturers, various topics, such as child abuse, eating disorders, substance abuse disorders, professional ethics, emergency-response, etc. Special topics are focused and in-depth in content. This is an art therapy elective. Offered various semesters. (3 credits)
ATH 900 SPECIAL TOPICS IN ART THERAPY: MEDICAL ART THERAPY
Students explore the specialized use of art therapy in the medical setting for the treatment of individuals within three realms: chronic illnesses, aging/end-of-life issues, and developmental disorders. A series of oral presentations, art projects, and experientials address the physical, psychological, and spiritual issues specific to these medical populations and explore theoretical and practical approaches, goals, tools, and materials used in treatment. This is an art therapy elective. Offered various semesters. (3 credits)
ATH 900 SPECIAL TOPICS IN ART THERAPY: ART THERAPY FOR PEOPLE WITH AUSTIM SPECTRUM DISORDERS
There is a natural affinity between art therapists and people with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), for, as Temple Grandin said in her keynote address at the 2015 AATA conference, “People with autism are visual thinkers.” This course surveys the needs of people of all ages on the autism spectrum with and without frequently co-occurring mental health diagnoses and problems of mobility, attention, sensory impairment, and other needs. Uses of art therapy with current ASD treatment methodologies are included along with current assessments and evolving issues for people with ASDs information and art therapy resources for art therapists working with ASDs will be shared. Uses of art therapy with family members of people on the spectrum are explored.
Approaches such as Developmental Art Therapy and those based on neuroscience, such as CREATE, will be discussed as well as blending AT with behavioral and educational programs for this population. Focus is on clinical uses of art therapy to reduce anxiety and symptoms of autism, to promote flexibility, socialization, communication, and emotional awareness. We also explore how art and the art therapist’s interactions increase imaginative thought and positive identity within various treatment venues pertaining to people with ASDs. Experiential exercises are included to experience the range of presentations of ASD and the use of art therapy to expand expressiveness, a sense of self, and to redirect tensions into creative expression. Time is given to advantages of art therapy for family members of those on the spectrum.
Students employ art to increase personal awareness of their own transference and counter-transference responses. These are monitored throughout classes with discussion and response art. This is an art therapy elective. Offered various semesters. (3 credits)
ATH 900 SPECIAL TOPICS IN ART THERAPY: ART THERAPY AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE DISORDERS AND CO-OCCURRING DISORDERS
This didactic and experiential course combines information on theories of substance abuse disorder treatment and treating the trauma and co-morbid emotional and brain disorders that accompany substance abuse disorders using art therapy. Neuroscience of addiction and art therapy are covered. Uses of art therapy with diverse populations in conjunction with various approaches in art therapy are described both for people with substance abuse disorders and their families. Transference and counter-transference responses to various disorders and how they disrupt treatment will be monitored with response art. This is an art therapy elective. Offered various semesters. (3 credits)
Studio Art Elective Courses (select two)
Please note: Dozens of studio art courses are on the master list. Of those, the courses most frequently selected by art therapy students are listed and described here.
ART 528 WATERCOLOR
Techniques of watercolor painting, work from still life, figure painting, and the landscape. Use of transparent wash and mixed media. Study of historical and contemporary watercolor artists. This is a studio art elective. Offered various semesters. (3 credits)
ART 530 MIXED MEDIA DRAWING
The purpose of this course is to educate students in an advanced level of drawing that incorporates many materials. The purpose of the materials will not be to simply enhance the aesthetic. The student will be required to use materials in such ways that emphasize the drawings’ content. The course will involve art history discussions and individual and group critiques. Students will be required to complete a body of work comprised of five mixed media drawings that focus on one overall theme. Approval from the instructor is required prior to construction of the project. Students’ work-in-progress will be critiqued weekly during class instruction. Study of historical and contemporary mixed media drawing artists. This is a studio art elective. Offered various semesters. (3 credits)
ART 533 LANDSCAPE PAINTING
This course provides the foundation for landscape painting in a variety of materials and from a variety of sources. Emphasis is on using the landscape as a stimulus for interpretive and expressive work. Study of historical and contemporary landscape painters. This is a studio art elective. Offered various semesters. (3 credits)
ART 534 CERAMIC SCULPTURE
Students become technically proficient with clay as an artistic expression. They learn to manipulate clay using a variety of manual techniques. Students study glaze chemistry and are introduced to the principles of clay formation and kiln firing. Student learn the history of ceramic art and contemporary issues are addressed in lectures and assignments. The idea of excitement of being an artist is used as the dynamic for this course. Students create a body of work that displays not only technical expertise and an understanding if historic context, but also a personal commitment which separates one’s work from others. Study of historical and contemporary ceramic sculptors. This is a studio art elective. Offered various semesters. (3 credits)
ART 540 LANDSCAPE PAINTING II
Intermediate level problems of landscape painting in a variety of materials and sources. This is a studio art elective. Offered various semesters. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: ART 533 and the study of historical and contemporary landscape painters.
ART 555 SCULPTING THE ABSURD
Although the classical ideal is considered the precedent for fine art sculpture with beauty as the goal, sculpture of the absurd has existed throughout history. Using sculptural techniques, students explore satirical, grotesque, and ridiculous sculpture as a means of expression and communication. In the process, students find links to its place both in contemporary and historical art-making. We will work with paper and cloth mache, found materials, clay, cardboard, and mixed media. Study of historical and contemporary sculptors of the absurd. This is a studio art elective. Offered various semesters. (3 credits)
ART 574 WATERCOLOR II
This course reviews basic watercolor techniques and introduces intermediate techniques and new materials using a variety of creative approaches to watercolor painting. Individual and group critiques. Complicated still life. Figure study. Portraiture. Introduction to abstraction. Gallery study. Study of historical and contemporary watercolor painters. This is a studio art elective. Offered various semesters. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: ART 528 Watercolor I.
ART 604 ILLUSTRATION I
Students are exposed to numerous illustration techniques and then apply them toward developing a portfolio that can compete in the professional marketplace. Students are asked to select the techniques they feel most comfortable with in preparation for Illustration II where they will use these techniques to develop a professional portfolio to use to pursue professional freelance assignments or a job. Study of historical and contemporary illustrators. This is a studio art elective. Offered various semesters. (3 credits)
ART 607 COLOR THEORY AND COLOR TECHNIQUES
Students learn advanced principles and concepts of color theory in the visual arts. Lecture and studio work. Students complete a set of problems in two media and complete a multipart comprehensive project. Study of historical and contemporary artists whose work is based on a strong understanding and use of color theory and techniques. This is a studio art elective. Offered various semesters. (3 credits)
ART 618 PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
Using a variety of traditional and contemporary photographic techniques, students produce a body of work on one unifying theme or several related themes. Emphasis is on the expressive quality of the work, with technique as a means to reach this goal. Prior work in photography and dark room work is strongly recommended. Digital camera is required. Study of historical and contemporary fine arts photographic artists. This is a studio art elective. Offered various semesters. (3 credits)
ART 620 LIFE DRAWING
Students investigate various materials, skills, and expressive issues involved in drawing the human figure. Working from a live model, students explore shape, mass, line, volume, anatomy, foreshortening, and composition. Demonstration, critique, and individual instruction are integral to the class format. Study of historical and contemporary figure drawings by a variety of artists. This is a studio art elective. Offered various semesters. (3 credits)
ART 623 ILLUSTRATION III: ETCHING AND MONOPRINT AS ILLUSTRATION
Students are introduced to numerous basic etching and monoprint techniques, including hard ground, soft ground, aquatint, and color printing. Once familiar with the functioning of a print shop, students learn to use prints as a viable technique for fine illustration. Emphasis is on experimentation and personal expression. We will discuss the early relationship of printmaking to illustration and study and discuss specific illustrators who use printmaking as a final technique for addressing illustration problems. Study of historical and contemporary illustrators. This is a studio art elective. Offered various semesters. (3 credits)
ART 624 ADVANCED WATERCOLOR
Applications of watercolor techniques with emphasis on developing a cohesive body of work based on one unifying theme. Production of exhibit-quality work. Study of historical and contemporary artists who use watercolor. This is a studio art elective. Offered various semesters. (3 credits)
Prerequisites: ART 528 and ART 574.
ART 629 PAINTING: COMPOSITION AND CRITIQUE
Students choose various paint media with other media. Work prepared outside of class is critiqued with emphasis on structure and design in composing a subject. A body of work based on one unifying them is required. Study of historical and contemporary artists whose work is concerned with various forms of and solutions to composition. Advanced projects. This is a studio art elective. Offered various semesters. (3 credits)
ART 632 SCULPTURE IN WOOD
Processes and techniques for working in wood. Emphasis on process from beginning concept to finished piece. Study of historical and contemporary fine arts sculptors who primarily use wood. This is a studio art elective. Offered various semesters. (3 credits)
ART 636 CERAMIC SCULPTURE II
Students develop a deeper understanding of materials, terms, equipment, and techniques involved in creating ceramic sculpture. Intermediate design problems challenge the student’s technical skill and creative and conceptual insights. Wheel throwing and various hand-building techniques and glaze mixing are explored. Historical and contemporary issues in ceramics are discussed. Safety issues of the ceramic studio are covered. Study of historical and contemporary ceramic sculptors. This is a studio art elective. Offered various semesters. (3 credits)
Prerequisite: ATH 534 Ceramic Sculpture I.
ART 639 EASTERN ART AND THE DRAWING PROCESS
A clear and focused state of mind is needed for ideas to flow freely. This course centers on developing this clarity through drawing as a meditative process, letting go of inhibitions and preconceptions in order for the drawing experience to emerge naturally. Ideas are introduced in eastern thought that helps to describe and understand the state of mind in the process of making art. Drawings of old masters, such as Rembrandt, Michelanglo, Raphael, Poussin, and eastern brush painters such as Sesshu are viewed and discussed. The drawings of Twombly, Pollock, Giacometti, and Picasso also are discussed. Projects revolve around these artists’ ways of drawing. Critiques are used to review each other’s work in progress. Exploration and experimentation are encouraged. This is a studio art elective. Offered various semesters. (3 credits)
ART 642 COLLAGE AND ASSEMBLAGE
Students explore methods, materials, and techniques of creating collages and assemblages. We deal with fundamentals of both two- and three-dimensional design and color. The historical implications and roots of this art will be explored as well as its contemporary use in fine arts and craft. Study of historical and contemporary artists whose preferred medium and techniques are in collage and/or assemblage. This is a studio art elective. Offered various semesters. (3 credits)
ART 644 ILLUSTRATION II
Students focus on the art of communicating philosophical, intellectual, and political ideas with the use of visual imagery or visual symbols, independent of the use of language. Students work with their instructor individually and as a class in an Illustrator-to-Art-Director relationship to further explore the aesthetics and technical qualities of artists, both contemporary and historical to enhance and elevate their works to a professional level. Students are responsible for a more complete series of works, focusing on quality, learning to meet deadlines, and explore visual techniques. Students develop a portfolio presentation. Study of historical and contemporary illustrators. This is a studio art elective. Offered various semesters. (3 credits)
Prerequisites: ART 604.
ART 703 ADVANCED PAINTING AND SCULPTURE
Students complete a series of five cohesive works that are interrelated by content and materials. This body of work is used as/or in preparation for their final exhibit. Students are required to work independently under supervision. They document their progress in a journal and write an artist’s statement. Study of historical and contemporary artists who use painting and/or sculpture as their preferred medium. This is a studio art elective. Offered various semesters. (3 credits)
ART 800 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN STUDIO ART
Under a qualified, master’s level (minimum) mentor, the student identifies a studio art project in a specific area that is at least 120-hours for an in-depth study, design a plan to pursue the project, and complete it within one semester. The student meets with the mentor at least four times during the semester for critique and evaluation of progress. Independent Study (IS) projects are based on prior learning and mastery of the content area. Independent Study presupposes skills and learning from prior course work and requires an advanced level of proficiency.
Before registering for an IS, the student discusses his/her plan with his/her faculty advisor. If the plan is acceptable, the student completes the IS Agreement and, prior to registration submits it for approval by the Mentor and Division Chair. No more than 6 credits of IS are allowed. This is a studio art elective. Offered each semester. (3 credits)
ART 900 SPECIAL TOPICS: PSYCHOLOGICAL PORTRAITURE
Students deal with a systematized traditional and classical approach to portraiture and encompass the psychological and internal aspects that make each individual unique. Students learn a traditional system for how to draw a portrait from an academic point of view. Then, they are encouraged to develop a language of expression that will also communicate the emotional and internal world of the subject. By the end of the semester, students will have developed the ability not only to make strong likenesses of the subject, but their drawing will attempt to convey a feeling of the essence of the person’s psychological inner world and experience.
Initially, through a series of traditional demonstrations and exercises, students are trained to have the ability to draw portraits with a solid structural foundation encompassing front view, profile, and three-quarter view. They then develop the ability to capture the physical likeness of the subject.
In the second half of the course students develop their own personal visual language that communicates a personal interpretation of the inner world of the subject. Study of historical and contemporary artists whose work is based on psychological and traditional portraiture. This is a studio art elective. Offered various semesters. (3 credits)
ART 900 SPECIAL TOPICS: CONTEMPORARY FIBER ARTS
Students explore the use of fibers and textiles in contemporary fine arts. Focus is on traditional and non-traditional methods of dyeing fabric, sewing, quilting, patching, and felting. Students explore various methods of fabric manipulation using dye techniques and methods of deconstruction. Students work both two-dimensionally and three-dimensionally to create a body of work that explores the textures and various processes involving fibers and textiles. Study of historical and contemporary fiber artists. This is a studio art elective. Offered various semesters. (3 credits)
ART 900 SPECIAL TOPICS: THE EXPERIMENTAL AND PAINTERLY PRINT: MONOPRINT/MONOTYPE
Students develop high level skills in monotype and monoprinting techniques. These skills are applied to the creation of a body of work and a portfolio. The artwork contains and expresses their point of view. Various techniques and approaches are explored and mastered through demonstrations and lectures. Great artists, past and present, who work(ed) with monotype techniques are studied and discussed. Students are required to research and write a paper on a known artist of their own choosing, who worked using monotype techniques.
This workshop is ideal for artists who love to paint and draw. Monotype printing incorporates draftsmanship and direct painting with printmaking. This workshop approaches mono-printing in a unique way. Students draw and paint in color with rollers, brushes, and palette knives and explore how to use found materials creating textures that enhance the atmosphere and mood of a picture. Focus is on pulling light both out of a dark background as well as working dark on light. Students who love to draw will find freedom using these techniques. Their color sense will be expanded and their drawing abilities can then evolve to a higher level. This is a studio art elective. Offered various semesters. (3 credits)
ART 900 SPECIAL TOPICS: VARIOUS
This is a studio art elective. Offered various semesters. (3 credits)