UNCA Catalog: Courses of Instruction
UNCA Catalog: Table of Contents
Professor Cooke (Chair); Associate Professors Dunning, Millspaugh and Tynes; Assistant Professors Derryberry, Dvorsky-Rohner and Wolfe
The mission of UNCA's Art Department is to provide an environment that nourishes creative thinking through visual experience for students at all stages of life. The department's aim is to foster excellence, individuality, diversity and vitality, and to encourage freedom of thought, imagination and inquiry as catalysts for personal growth. In its philosophy of pluralism, the department is open to all avenues of concept, style and content that develop from serious research and unique thought.
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. Art majors have four 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 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.
Required Core Foundation Courses, which serve as the foundation for all concentrations, provide each student with an essential variety of studio processes, as well as historical background and critical theory. The 100-level courses are prerequisites for all upper-level courses, except for students who are auditors, minors or transfer students with the necessary transfer-credit equivalence.
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.
The creative 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.
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.
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.
Students with Studio Art minors must participate in a group exhibition which will be scheduled annually (or more frequently if necessary).
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 a
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, 101; or permission
of instructor. Fall and Spring.
201 Life Drawing II (3)
The study of the figure as a continuation of ART 102. Emphasis on drawing media and
the figure including dry brush, collage, oil on paper. Anatomical aspects introduced as well.
Prerequisites: ART 100, 101, 102. Fall and 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. 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 101. Exploration of diverse media,
incorporating color. Work includes studio time, independent drawings and a series.
Prerequisites: ART 100, 101. On demand.
213 Collage and Assemblage I (3)
An introduction to collage methods incorporating media and assemblage construction
techniques. Prerequisites: ART 100, 101, 103, 210. Even years Spring.
215 Watercolor I (3)
The basic techniques of watercolor, including the wet-on-wet and dry brush techniques.
On demand.
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. On demand.
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. 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. Spring.
225 Photography I (3)
Introduction to black and white photography, the camera, exposure and lens function,
development and enlarging. The student must furnish his or her own camera (35mm or 2 1/4).
Check with instructor for approximate cost. Fall and Spring.
226 Photography II (3)
A continuation of ART 225, with an emphasis on darkroom work. Large-format printing
and work with different materials broadens the student's knowledge of this medium and its
applications. Prerequisite: ART 225. Fall and Spring.
230 Ceramics I (3)
Basic competencies in hand building, wheel throwing, glazing and firing. Lectures and
demonstrations. Prerequisite: ART 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 103, 230. Fall and Spring.
240 Introduction to Sculpture Elements (3)
In-depth look at sculpture since 1900. Readings, discussions, projects, written requirements
and oral defense of projects. Prerequisite: ART 103. Fall and Spring.
262 Papermaking I (3)
Includes pulling sheets, embedding, embossing, casting, mono-printing, collage and paper
sculpture over an armature. Prerequisite: ART 100. On demand.
302 Life Drawing III (3)
Further development of figure drawing in more explorative media and figure possibilities,
including foreshortening and surface anatomy. 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. On demand.
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.
312 Life Painting II (3)
More complex problems of figurative painting incorporating figure in space and environments.
Odd years Fall.
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. Even years 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. On demand.
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. Spring.
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. Spring.
325 Photography III (3)
Introduction to the figure in photography, dealing with studio and location situations.
Prerequisites: ART 225 and 226. Fall and Spring.
326 Photography IV (3)
Introduction to journalistic photography with an emphasis on spontaneous shooting and
crowd situations. Prerequisite: ART 325. Fall and Spring.
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)
Investigation of media such as wood, metal, casting and welding; building on information
from ART 240. 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.
362 Papermaking II (3)
In-depth involvement in one area offered in ART 262. Prerequisite: ART 262. On demand.
380 Ancient Art (3)
A survey of ideas and accomplishments from Paleolithic times through Greek art. Slide
lecture and discussion. An oral presentation will be required. Fall.
381 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. Even years Fall.
382 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. Lecture, discussion, and
independent study. An oral presentation will be required. Spring.
383 Post-Renaissance Art (3)
A study of ideas and accomplishments from Mannerism in Italy through the 19th
century. Primary focus on European painting during this time period. An oral presentation will be
required. Odd years Spring.
384 Modern Art (3)
A study of ideas and accomplishment in the visual arts from Impressionism to World
War II. Exploration of the different movements in the 20th century. Lecture, discussion
and independent study. An oral presentation will be required. Odd years Fall.
385 Contemporary Art (3)
An intense study of the visual art forms of the contemporary world from post-World War II
to present. Lecture, discussion of articles published in contemporary art magazines.
Reference/research paper and oral presentation required. Even years 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 225 is helpful. Even 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.
425 Photography V (3)
Work with larger format cameras, studio lighting and setups (animate and inanimate).
Individual choice and direction are stressed. Prerequisite: ART 326. Fall and Spring.
426 Photography VI (3)
Exploration of ideas and individual direction. Preparation for senior seminar and senior
show are stressed. Prerequisite: ART 425. 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. On demand.
490-492 Senior Exhibitions I-III (3)
Preparation for senior exhibitions. Allows a student up to nine 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. Oral defense of work presented required weekly.
Prerequisite: advanced courses in area of expertise. Fall and Spring.
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. On demand.
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