Art, B.A.

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Description

The study of design provides a historical, cultural, and social context for the comprehension, evaluation, and creation of visual art works. Studying art fosters critical thinking, visual literacy, and an understanding of the complex potential of visual, non-verbal means of communication and culture. It also provides training in a range of media and techniques that can be utilized in the creation of visual art and graphic design.

What careers can this major prepare you for?

Students go on to Masters and PhD programs in Art History, Design MFA, Studio MFA programs and graduate degree programs in Art Therapy programs as well as careers in medicine, entrepreneurship, law, business, etc. Through study in art you may also go on to become: Art Historian, Professor, Museum Educator, Visual Resources Librarian, Auction House Specialist, Arts Administrator, Art Educator K-12, Architect, Preparator, Conservator, Graphic Designer, Fashion Designer, Interior Designer, Art Director, Art Therapist, Illustrator, Curator, Exhibition Designer, Marketing Professional, Advertising Professional, Design Writer/Consultant, Creative Director Advancement Professional, Art Writer/Advisor/Dealer, Photographer.

What skills are developed within this major?

Skills developed within this major include: Ability to analyze and create works of art; Research skills as demonstrated in presentations and exhibitions; Visual analysis; Analytical skills; Communication skills; Time management skills; Problem solving skills; and passion for the visual arts and design.

Hours Required for Degree

Minimum number of hours for the degree: 120

Minimum hours required for Studio Art concentration: 54

Minimum hours required for Art History concentration: 40

Minimum hours required for Design track: 48

Major-Field Requirements

Students select between the track in Studio Art and Art History, which has concentrations in both areas, and the track in Design. A grade of C or better must be earned in all courses used to fulfill requirements for the major.

Art Major (Studio Art and Art History)

Minimum hours required for Studio Art concentration: 54

Minimum hours required for Art History concentration: 40

Students choose between a concentration in Studio Art or a concentration in Art History. All Studio Art students complete 9 credit hours of Art History Foundations.

I. Studio Art Concentration (54 Credit Hours)

A. Studio Foundations (21 Credit Hours)

Required courses:

B. Art History Foundations (9 Credit Hours)

Any 3 Art History courses, one of which must carry Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) or Speaking Across the Curriculum (SPAC) credit.

C. Advanced Coursework (24 Credit Hours)

1. Electives (18 credit hours)

Any six courses in at least two different individual studio art media areas (Drawing/Illustration, Painting/Watercolor, Photography, Printmaking, or Sculpture/Ceramics). At least five courses must be at the 300 or 400 level. Select from groups a), b), and c) below as indicated.

a) Individual Media Areas

Select at least two courses (six credits) spread over at least two of the five areas below (Drawing/Illustration, Painting/Watercolor, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture/Ceramics). All 18 elective credits may come from this section if desired.

b) Interdisciplinary Courses

No more than four of these courses may count toward electives. ART 437 or ART 439 may not count toward electives if taken for the Senior Studio requirement below.

c) Related Courses

No more than two of these courses may count toward electives.

2. Senior Studio (3 Credit Hours)

Choose one of the following:

3. Art Studio Capstone (3 Credits)

ART 451 - Art Studio Capstone

II. Art History Concentration (40 Credit Hours)

A. Foundations (12 credit hours)

Required courses:

B. Advanced Coursework (22 credit hours)

Note: One elective or seminar MUST be on either African, Asian, or Islamic Art.

1. Electives (15 credit hours)

5 courses at the 300 and/or 400-level

2. Seminars (6 credit hours)

ART 495 - Art Seminar and either a second ART 495 on a different topic or ART 492 - Contemporary Critical Theory

3. Art History Capstone (1 credit hour)

ART 452 - Art History Capstone

C. Related Courses (6 credit hours)

Any two of the following or any Studio Art or Design courses:

Art Major (Design) (48 Credit Hours)

A. Design Foundations (15 Credit Hours)

1. Required Technology Courses (9 Credits Hours)

2. Required Visual Foundations courses (6 Credit Hours)

B. Art History Foundations (9 Credit Hours)

Any 3 Art History courses, one of which must carry Writing Across the Curriculum or Speaking Across the Curriculum credit.

C. Advanced Coursework (24 Credit Hours)

1. Required Courses (9 Credit Hours)

2. Electives (9 credit hours)

Select three courses from this list:

3. Senior Studio (3 Credit Hours)

ART 446 - Graphic Design for Social and Cultural Contexts

4. Design Capstone (3 Credit Hours)

ART 450 - Design Capstone

University Honors Requirements

Attain and maintain CSU Honors Program status. Attain and maintain an average 3.5 GPA in all Art courses. Art majors who are in the Honors Program will be required to take a minimum of 9 additional hours in Art beyond curriculum requirements for the major. Students may fulfill the honors requirement by taking additional Art courses at the 300 - 400 level as Honors Contract courses (which requires approval of an honors contract petition, signed by both the instructor and the student). In courses that are cross listed at the graduate level, students would register for the graduate version of the course and follow the course outline for the graduate level. Finally, the capstone requirement for the student’s major area would also be an Honors Contract course, with additional requirements agreed upon by the student and the instructor.

University Scholars Requirements

Attain and maintain CSU Scholars Program status. Attain and maintain an average 3.5 GPA in all Art courses. Art majors who are in the Scholars Program will be required to take a minimum of 9 additional hours in Art beyond curriculum requirements for the major. Students may fulfill the Scholars requirement by taking additional Art courses at the 300 - 400 level as Honors Contract courses (which requires approval of an honors contract petition, signed by both the instructor and the student). In courses that are cross listed at the graduate level, students would register for the graduate version of the course and follow the course outline for the graduate level. Finally, the capstone requirement for the student’s major area would also be an Honors Contract course, with additional requirements agreed upon by the student and the instructor.