UNCA Catalog: Courses of Instruction
UNCA Catalog: Table of Contents

Art (ART)

Associate Professor Dunning (Chair), Professors Cooke, Millspaugh; Associate Professors Derryberry, Dvorsky-Rohner, Tynes, Wolfe; Assistant Professor Spivey

The mission of UNC Asheville's Art department is to provide an environment that nourishes creative thinking through visual experience for students at all stages of life. The department views the study of art history, theory and criticism as essential to the development of artistic sensibility. For students who wish to pursue art history as a way of viewing art, the department provides a concentration in Art History. The concentration allows students to study visual culture from prehistory through current times, and to focus on areas of specific interest to them.

The process of self-discovery is initiated in the freshman year in the Foundation Core, in which the basic principles of art are introduced. Students are encouraged to discover their own way of integrating these concepts into quality works of art. Students broaden their technical development through discipline-based courses (painting, sculpture, etc.) in the sophomore courses of the curriculum. The students' approach to their work becomes individualized in concept, style and technique in the upper-level courses and particularly in the senior courses preparatory to the Senior Exhibitions sequence. Senior Exhibitions is a series of courses which allow each student to complete a related body of work. This body of work is exhibited in partial fulfillment of the B.A. and B.F.A. degrees. The department views the study of the history of art, theory and criticism as essential to the development of artistic sensibility. In these courses students learn how and why art is made, beginning with images of prehistoric art through the contemporary art that is being shown in galleries and museums throughout the world today.

Because creative process often challenges preconceived ideas, students in upper-level courses must be mature in the search for meaning and validity in their work. Throughout this search, a close relationship between faculty and students must be maintained as students and professors work together through issues that are personal and essential. The department believes that differences of opinion regarding individual image-making can be resolved in a nourishing, non-punitive exchange with mutual respect.

The liberal arts curriculum enriches the Art student's vocabulary by stressing the importance of linking one discipline to another and adds texture to the concepts and content of each student's work.

The program prepares students for advanced studies or admission into graduate programs and provides the basis for a variety of career opportunities. The departmental concentrations are within primary studio areas such as drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, intermedia, and photography, as well as art history. Art majors have five degree concentrations from which to choose:

Bachelor of Fine Arts, a pre-professional degree program for students who wish to pursue their studies at the graduate level

Bachelor of Arts, a liberal arts degree with an Art major

Bachelor of Arts, with a concentration in Art History

Bachelor of Fine Arts with K-12 Licensure, typically a five-year degree program

Bachelor of Arts with K-12 Licensure

Minors in art, described in more detail on the following pages, also are offered.

The required core foundation courses, ART 100, 101, 102 and 103 are the base upon which the studio concentrations are built, providing each student with an essential variety of studio processes as well as historical background and critical theory. Students completing the Art History concentration choose 6 hours from ART 100, 101 or 103 since these courses focus on the history and the theory behind visual aesthetics.

Departmental Admission Requirements

All students interested in majoring in Art should obtain a copy of the Art Department Guidelines from the Art Department office. The Guidelines should be used in conjunction with this catalog.

Declaring a major in Art requires the student to complete a Declaration of Major form that must be signed by the department chair.

1. Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Before declaring a B.A. major in Art, students must have credit for the following courses: LANG 120, ART 100 and either ART 101 or ART 103
2. Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) A student must apply for entrance to the B.F.A. major in Art. The application process is outlined in the Art Department Guidelines. The following criteria must be met before a student can apply for the B.F.A. The student must have credit for the following courses: LANG 120, ART 100, 101, 102 and 103; 12 additional hours of art courses at the 200 level or above; and a minimum GPA of 3.0 in art courses.

Bachelor of Fine Arts

The visual arts degree program is designed primarily for exceptional students who plan to continue with graduate studies or pursue professional careers immediately after graduation. The pre-professional B.F.A., which leads to the M.F.A. (a terminal degree), requires a minimum of 125 total credit hours. The B.F.A. program differs from the B.A. program in its expanded curriculum requirements and higher standards regarding the development of professional skills and theoretical knowledge. B.F.A. students must comply with all rules, deadlines and GPA requirements specified in the Art Department Guidelines. Waivers or exceptions must be approved by the department chair.

1. Required courses in the concentration--72 total hours, including: ART 100, 101, 102, 103 (foundation core); ART 210, 220, 227, 230, 240; 15 hours of Art History (3 of the 15 hours may be taken in individual research or satisfied by taking PHIL 310); 30 hours must be taken in Studio Art, to include 6 hours of Senior Exhibitions (ART 490, 491). Students with an intermedia concentration are also required to take ART 492.
2. Required courses outside the major--None. PHIL 310 is an Art History option. Although not required, PHYS 101, Light and Visual Phenomena, is recommended to fulfill the General Education interdisciplinary science requirement.
3. Other B.F.A. requirements
   1. Grade-point average--Acceptance into the B.F. program requires a 3.0 GPA based on the first 24 hours of art credit completed. The 3.0 GPA must be maintained after acceptance into the program or probation and suspension from the B.F.A. program will result. (See Art Department Guidelines for more specific information and re-entry procedures.)
   2. The Portfolio--B.F. candidates must submit a portfolio for entry into the B.F.A. program. (See Art Department Guidelines.)
   3. The Concentration--The specific areas for concentration are intermedia, The student's concentration requires the completion of 21 credit hours in the area chosen. (See Art Department Guidelines for specific credit allocation.) The major focus may carry a greater number of hours.
   4. (See Art Department Guidelines for exhibition requirements.)
   5. Other departmental requirements--Each degree candidate must pass the Art Department Comprehensive Exam and take the Area Concentration These are offered every semester. In addition, each degree candidate is expected to demonstrate oral competency in all Art History and theory courses as part of the senior competency exit requirement. Computer competency is fulfilled by successful completion of ART 490.

The B.F.A. degree exceeds the minimum number of 120 hours required for graduation.

Bachelor of Arts

The Bachelor of Arts in Art provides students with a breadth of technique and concept as well as concentration in one studio area. The student pursues art history interests and must engage conceptual and technical achievements to express personal interpretations of themes in visual media. The required senior exhibition ensures that each student will complete a body of work for a portfolio for professional career purposes. The exhibition course allows each student to present his/her first public Solo Exhibition.

1. Required courses in the program--42 hours, including: ART 100, 101, 102, 103 (foundation core); 400, either 210 or 220; either 230 or 240; 12 hours from Art History offerings; 6 additional studio hours in one medium; 3 elective studio hours.
2. Required courses outside the major: none. (See Art Department Guidelines for General Education suggestions.)
3. Other departmental requirements
   1. Prior to graduation, the degree candidate must present a Solo Exhibition. (See Art Department Guidelines for exhibition requirements.)
   2. Each degree candidate must pass the Art Department Comprehensive Exam and take the Area Concentration Achievement Test in Art. These are offered every semester.
   3. Public presentations are required for both Art History courses and critique defense. These presentations satisfy the university's oral competency requirement. Computer competency is fulfilled by successful completion of ART 400.

Bachelor of Arts with a Concentration in Art History

The study of art history provides a broad-based, interdisciplinary understanding of visual culture's relationship to the philosophical, sociological and political developments of human history. The discipline's emphasis on visual analysis, research, critical writing, and oral communication makes it appropriate for students considering careers in law and journalism, or as arts professionals in museums or galleries, as well as for students planning on graduate studies in art or art history. Students will complete 36 hours composed as follows:

1. Required courses in the concentration--36 hours, including 6 hours from ART 100, 101, or

   103; ARTH 201, 202, 480; 12 hours of 300-400 level ARTH courses with at least 3 hours from Ancient/Medieval: 310, 320; 3 hours from Renaissance/Baroque: 330, 340; 3 hours from Modern/Contemporary: 355, 360, 365; 3 hours from Non-Western: 380, 385: and 9 hours of approved courses outside the department (see Art Department Guidelines).

2. Other departmental requirements
   1. Senior competency is demonstrated by either passing the Art Department Comprehensive or completing an Undergraduate Research Project in Art History. These are offered every semester.
   2. Each degree candidate must demonstrate both oral and computer competency by successful completion of ARTH 480.

Art with Teacher Licensure

Students desiring licensure in Art, K-12, must complete the following, review the Education section of the catalog, and meet with the appropriate advisor in the Department of Education.

1. Required courses in the program--51 hours, including: ART 100, 101, 102, 103 (foundation core); 210, 220, 227, 230, 240, 400, 451; 12 hours from Art History offerings; 6 additional studio hours in one medium.
2. Required courses outside the major--None.
3. Other departmental requirements
   1. Prior to graduation, the degree candidate must present a Solo Exhibition of his/her work. (See Art Department Guidelines for exhibition requirements.)
   2. Each degree candidate must pass the Art Department Comprehensive Exam and take the Area Concentration Achievement Test in Art. These are offered every semester.
   3. Public presentations are required for both Art History courses and critique defense. These presentations satisfy the university's oral competency requirement. Computer competency is fulfilled by successful completion of ART 400.

Minor in Studio Art

1. Minor in two-dimensional media--24 hours, including: ART 100, 101; 6 hours in Art History; 12 elective hours, 6 of which should be sequential (e.g., ART 215 and 216; 102 and 201; 227 and 327). These 12 hours should be 200-, 300- or 400-level courses. (ART 102 may count toward the 12 elective hours.)
2. Minor in three-dimensional media--24 hours, including: ART 100, 103; 6 hours in Art History; 12 elective hours, 6 of which should be sequential (e.g., ART 230 and 231; 240 and 340).

Students with Studio Art minors must present a solo exhibition. (See Art Department Guidelines for exhibition requirements.)

Minor in Art History

1. The Art History minor consists of 24 credit hours in required courses: ART 100, 101, 103; 15 additional hours to be elected from Art History offerings.
2. The Art History minor requires students to pass the comprehensive exam given by the department each semester.

Courses in Studio Art (ART)

100 Two-Dimensional Design (3)

An introduction to two-dimensional visual aesthetics through an understanding of the basic elements of composition and the principles of organization. Both precision and spontaneous problems. Prerequisite for all studio courses. Fall and Spring.

 

101 Drawing I (3)

An introduction to drawing and seeing. The use of inanimate and animate objects as stimuli for precision and spontaneous drawing. Sighting, shading and linear perspective are covered, along with empirical perspective and methods of construction. Prerequisite: ART 100; or permission of instructor. Fall and Spring.

 

102 Life Drawing I (3)

Fundamentals of drawing from live models. Studio application with pencil, charcoal, crayon, and ink and brush. Problems in proportion, reshortening, movement, etc. Prerequisites: ART 100, 101. Fall and Spring.

 

103 Three-Dimensional Design (3)

Includes three-dimensional design and construction. Involves sculpture technique and exploration of materials in clay, wood, plaster and metal. Prerequisite: ART 100. Fall and Spring.

 

201 Life Drawing II (3)

The study of the figure as a continuation of ART 102. Emphasis on the figure and drawing media, including dry brush, collage and mixed media. Anatomical aspects introduced as well. Prerequisites: ART 100, 101, 102, 103. Spring.

 

210 Painting I (3)

Color, composition and space organization applied in painting. Development of technical proficiency of the painting medium in acrylics. Lectures and demonstrations. Prerequisites: ART 100, 101, 102, 103. Fall and Spring.

 

211 Painting II (3)

Continuation of studio procedures and techniques explored in ART 210 using oils. Projects assigned stress creative response rather than strict formula. In addition to gaining technical expertise, students will be expected to begin working in a series of related images. Prerequisite: ART 210. Fall and Spring.

 

212 Drawing II (3)

Continuation of drawing beyond the basic elements in ART 101. Exploration of diverse media, incorporating color. Work includes studio time, independent drawings and a series. Prerequisites: ART 100, 101, 102, 103. See department chair.

 

213 Collage and Assemblage I (3)

An introduction to collage methods incorporating media and assemblage construction techniques. Prerequisites: ART 100, 101, 102, 103, 210. Spring.

 

215 Watercolor I (3)

The basic techniques of watercolor, including the wet-on-wet and dry brush techniques. Prerequisites: ART 100, 101, 102, 103. See department chair.

 

216 Watercolor II (3)

Further development of the watercolor techniques explored in ART 215. In addition new techniques will be explored and new materials introduced. Prerequisite: ART 215. See department chair.

 

220 Printmaking I (3)

Laboratory exploring printmaking as it relates to woodcuts, including color, Intaglio (drypoint) and collagraphy (collage printing). Proper display and presentation of prints for exhibition discussed. Prerequisites: ART 100, 101, 102, 103. Fall.

 

221 Printmaking II (3)

Laboratory exploring printmaking as it relates to woodcuts, including color, Intaglio (drypoint) and monotype printing. Further exploration of projects and concepts developed in ART 220. Proper display and presentation of prints for exhibition discussed. Prerequisite: ART 220. See department chair.

 

227 Introduction to Photography (3)

An introduction to black-and-white photography exploring early photographic techniques, camera use and basic darkroom techniques. Students must provide their own cameras (with manual capabilities). Prerequisite: ART 100, 101, 102, 103; or permission of instructor. Fall and Spring.

 

230 Ceramics I (3)

Basic competencies in hand building, wheel throwing, glazing and firing. Lectures and demonstrations. Prerequisite: ART 100, 101, 102, 103. Fall and Spring.

 

231 Ceramics II (3)

Continuation of ART 230, with emphasis on developing skills, refining glazes and exploring various firing methods. Prerequisites: ART 230. Fall and Spring.

 

240 Introduction to Sculpture Elements (3)

A brief exploration into mold making and product development, with an in-depth look at sculpture since 1900. Readings, discussions, projects, written requirements and oral defense of projects. Prerequisites: ART 100, 101, 102, 103. Fall and Spring.

 

302 Life Drawing III (3)

development of figure drawing in a variety of media to enhance the students' exploration of the figure, including foreshortening, surface anatomy, and more independent interpretation of the figure. Prerequisite: ART 201. Spring.

 

303 Drawing III (3)

Expanding the drawing experience beyond the traditional methods of graphite on paper to include more experimental approaches. Students will be expected to address the idea of content as it relates to developing a personal direction with their work. Prerequisite: ART 212. See department chair.

 

310 Painting III (3)

Opportunity to experiment with ideas, concepts and techniques attained in other two-dimensional studio courses. Students are encouraged to work serially and develop personal imagery. Prerequisite: ART 211. Fall and Spring.

313 Collage and Assemblage II (3)

Experimental projects utilizing technological elements and combinations of music, drama, etc. Traditional (e.g., collage) problems much more complex and monumental than in previous sections of this course. Prerequisite: ART 213. Spring.

315 Watercolor III (3)

Opportunity to experiment with ideas, concepts and techniques attained in previous watercolor courses. A great deal of freedom is given to students to choose their own projects. Prerequisite: ART 216. See department chair.

321 Printmaking III (3)

Advanced studio in printmaking exploration of ideas and individual direction, focusing within a particular medium. Outside reading and research required. Prerequisites: ART 220, 221. See department chair.

322 Printmaking IV (3)

A continuation of the individual, specialized study begun in ART 321. Outside reading and research required. Prerequisites: ART 220, 221, 321. See department chair.

327 Intermediate Photography (3)

A continuation of ART 227 with shared emphasis on 20th-century photographic trends and mastering advanced black-and-white darkroom techniques and alternative processes. Prerequisite: ART 227; or permission of instructor. Fall and Spring.

 

328 The Photograph as Document (3)

Explores the evolution of documentary photography. Students will use the medium to learn to reveal social and cultural responses to the world through their own projects and critiques. Prerequisites: ART 227, 327; or permission of instructor. Even years Fall.

 

330 Ceramics III (3)

Independent involvement in developing skills, techniques and style. Further glaze development and clay testing. Prerequisites: ART 103, 230, 231. Fall and Spring.

 

340 Sculpture Methods and Media (3)

The class will investigate foam vaporization using aluminum, lost wax casting using aluminum and bronze, and iron casting using resin bonded sand. Mold materials used will include plaster investment, green sand and resin bonded sand. Students will also be required to participate in the semester iron pour. Written and oral defense of projects required. Prerequisite: ART 240. Fall and Spring.

 

345 Figurative Sculpture (3)

Figurative sculpture using quick study methods with ceramic clay and plaster molds. Sculpting methods with plastiline clay and silicone mold material are also used. Prerequisites: ART 103, 240, 340. Spring.

 

390 Professional Practices in Art (3)

A "survival course" of practical information recommended for advanced students considering a career in fine art. Experiential learning through hands-on projects. Topics covered include: photographing artwork; writing a resume, artist statement, biography, cover letter; presentation and exhibition skills such as matting, framing, finishing, hanging and lighting. Field trips to galleries, museums and professional artists' studios are scheduled. Journals required. Prerequisites: ART 100, 101, 102, 103 or equivalent. ART 227 is helpful. Odd years Fall.

 

400 B.A. Seminar (3)

B.A. Seminar is the capstone studio course for B.A. candidates. The Senior Exhibitions work is completed with weekly critiques from faculty and peers. Journal required. Prerequisite: Completion of all other B.A. required courses. Fall and Spring.

 

410 Painting IV (3)

Exploration of ideas in depth and beginning preparation for the senior exhibition in painting. Individual direction is stressed. Prerequisite: ART 310. Fall and Spring.

 

427 The Photographic Eye: Refining Personal Vision (3)

An exploration of photography as a means of self-expression and exploration with an emphasis on the development of personal style and idea, a cohesive body of work. Contemporary photographic trends will also be explored. Paper and presentation are required. Prerequisite: ART 327; or permission of instructor. Fall and Spring.

 

428 The Photographic Portfolio (3)

Offers further exploration of ideas and expression with an emphasis on preparation for senior seminar, senior show, and portfolio development. Prerequisite: ART 427; or permission of instructor. Fall and Spring.

 

430 Ceramics IV (3)

Exploration of ideas in depth. Beginning preparation for the senior exhibition in ceramics. Prerequisite: ART 330. Fall and Spring.

 

440 Advanced Sculpture Methods (3)

Exploration of ideas in depth. Beginning preparation for senior exhibition. Written and oral defense of work required. Prerequisites: ART 103, 240, 340. Fall and Spring.

 

451 Creative Art Methods (K-12) (3)

Art methods for Art licensure teaching methods, lesson plans, budget, philosophy of art education. Classroom observation in schools. See department chair.

 

490-492 Senior Exhibitions I-III (3)

Preparation for senior exhibitions. Allows a student up to 9 hours of credit. Individual studio consultation and exhibition procedures are emphasized. Six hours of ART 490-492 are required for B.F.A. candidates. At the completion of the B.F.A. candidate's studio concentration hours, he or she may take ART 490. Journal, research paper and oral defense of work required. Prerequisite: advanced courses in area of expertise. Fall and Spring.

 

499 Undergraduate Research in Art (1-6)

Independent research under the supervision of a faculty mentor. An IP grade may be awarded at discretion of instructor. May be repeated for a total of 6 hours credit. See department chair.

 

171-4, 271-4, 371-4, 471-4 Special Topics in Art (1-4)

Courses not otherwise included in the catalog listing but for which there may be a special need. May be repeated as often as permitted and as subject matter changes. See department chair.

Courses in Art History (ARTH)

201 Introduction to Art History I (3)

This course surveys the history of art throughout the world from Paleolithic culture to the Middle Ages. Students will examine and compare the historical context, social function, and artistic style of individual works of art. This course also serves as an introduction to the study of art history by teaching specialized vocabulary and methodological concepts used in the visual analysis and interpretation of art. Fall.

 

202 Introduction to Art History II (3)

This course surveys the history of art throughout the world from the early Renaissance to the present. Students will examine and compare the historical context, social function, and artistic style of individual works of art. This course also serves as an introduction to the study of art history by teaching specialized vocabulary and methodological concepts used in the visual analysis and interpretation of art. Spring.

 

310 Greek and Roman Art (3)

This course explores classical culture through an examination of the monuments and artistic artifacts of ancient Greece and Rome. Even years Fall.

 

320 Medieval Art (3)

A study of ideas and accomplishments from Roman times through High Gothic. Slide lecture and discussion. An oral presentation will be required. Odd years Spring.

 

330 Renaissance Art (3)

A study of ideas and accomplishments in Western visual arts from the 14th century through the High Renaissance. Focus on painting, sculpture and architecture. An oral presentation will be required. Odd years Fall.

 

340 Art of the 17th and 18th Centuries (3)

This course focuses on art and architecture produced during the Baroque, Rococo and Enlightenment periods of European history. Close attention will be given to art's relationship to the political, religious, scientific and philosophical developments of the time. Even years Fall.

 

350 European Art of the 19th Century (3)

This course surveys the artistic developments in Europe from the emergence of Neo-Classicism in the late 18th century through the Post-Impressionist movements of the 1880s and 1890s. Emphasis will be placed on the political, philosophical, and technological changes that marked this period of history and contributed to dramatic shifts in artistic style, subject matter, production methods and patronage. Odd years Spring.

 

355 American Art Before 1945 (3)

This course examines art produced in the United States from the colonial period through the development of Abstract Expressionism in the 1940s. Some of the issues considered will include the influence of European tradition, art's role in establishing a national identity, the emergence of the American museum, and the representation of the historical circumstances of slavery, industrialization, and immigration. See department chair.

 

360 Modern Art and Modernism (3)

This course explores the critical concept of Modernism as it applies to European and American art of the first half of the 20th century. Lectures are supplemented with class discussions, theoretical and historical readings, and written assignments on the topic. Fall.

 

365 Art Since 1960 (3)

This class examines art produced since 1960, emphasizing primarily developments in the United States and Europe. Attention will be given to the social, historical, and political context of this period in order to explore the relationship of societal change to shifts in art-making practice, aesthetic concerns and interests, and the emergence of non-traditional formats of art such as Performance, Installation, and New Media. Spring.

 

380 Art and Architecture in Asia (3)

This course surveys visual art and architecture in India, China, Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia before 1830. In addition to exploring issues of style, the course will also consider art's historical context, the influence of various philosophical and intellectual belief systems, and the impact of cultural exchange on art throughout the region. Even years Spring.

 

385 African Art (3)

This course explores African art within the cultural context of the people who created it. The material covered ranges from the earliest examples in the Neolithic period until the royal art produced in the 17th century CE. Students will learn stylistic features of art from varied regions, the tribal affiliation, stylistic art groups and their development. Even years Spring.

 

460 Issues in Art History (3)

This seminar will incorporate advanced readings, class discussion and student research in the exploration of current ideas about a specialized topic art history. Prerequisite: 6 hours of upper level art history or related courses on the topic. Even years Fall.

 

480 Theories and Methods in Art History (3)

This course introduces students to basic approaches to art historical research, and presents major theoretical positions that have influenced the study of art. This course will explore the contribution of particular scholars who have contributed to the discipline of art history, and examine a range of methodologies used to frame the practice of art historical investigation. Emphasis will be placed on student research, interpretation and developing oral and written communication skills. Prerequisites: 6 hours of 300-400level art history classes. Odd years Fall.

 

171-4, 271-4, 371-4, 471-4 Special Topics in Art History (1-4)

Courses not otherwise included in the catalog listing but for which there may be a special need. May be repeated as often as permitted and as subject matter changes. See department chair.

Return to the top of the page