ARS-Art Studio Courses

ARS 100. Drawing: Observations and Perceptions. 3 Hours.

Students will investigate the fundamentals of drawing to learn the elements and principles of art, to improve their dexterity and visual perception, and build skill for advanced arts practice.

ARS 101. Two-Dimensional Design Foundations. 3 Hours.

The course provides students with a foundational knowledge of two-dimensional creative media and an understanding of working with the elements and principles of art and design.

ARS 102. Spatial Solutions. 3 Hours.

The course provides foundational knowledge of three-dimensional art and design focusing on the organization of space and form using a variety of materials, processes, and tools. Students will investigate formal, functional and conceptual issues while developing effective material choices, construction methods, and a safe studio practice.

ARS 103. Digital Design Foundations. 3 Hours.

An introduction to the fundamental principles and practices of digital media and design. This course covers a broad range of digital tools and techniques for professional applications. Students will be introduced to the basics of vector graphics, raster imaging, page layout, video editing, motion graphics, 3D modeling, and digital painting. Projects will build foundational proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere, and After Effects, alongside Blender, Procreate, and Clip Studio Paint. The course will also cover professional workflows for file management, research, and output.

ARS 195. Special Topics in Studio Art: Intro (non-art majors). 1-3 Hour.

Specialized introductory studio problems in Studio Art for non-art majors. Subject will vary with each offering.

ARS 200. Beginning Drawing. 3 Hours.

This course will expand students’ knowledge of drawing and will explore a variety of approaches and media to improve their creative practice. Students will engage in active research of their individual creative practice as well as collaborative experiences.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 210. Beginning Painting. 3 Hours.

This course will introduce the discipline of painting through creative explorations, development of skills and understanding of materials use. Students will engage in active research of their individual creative practice and collaborative experiences.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 220. Beginning Sculpture. 3 Hours.

This course will introduce the discipline of sculpture through creative explorations, development of skills and understanding of materials use. Students will engage in active research of their individual creative practice and collaborative experiences.

ARS 230. Beginning Ceramics. 3 Hours.

This course will introduce the discipline of ceramics through creative explorations and development of skills and materials use. Students will engage in action research of their creative practice and collaborative experiences.

ARS 240. Beginning Printmaking. 3 Hours.

This course will introduce the discipline of printmaking through creative explorations and development of skills and material use. Students will engage in action research of their creative practice and collaborative experiences.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 250. Beginning Graphic Design. 3 Hours.

This course will introduce the discipline of graphic design through creative explorations and development of skills and material use. Students will engage in action research of their creative practice and collaborative experiences.
Prerequisites: ARS 103 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 260. Beginning New Media. 3 Hours.

This course will introduce the discipline of new media through creative explorations, development of skills and material use. Students will engage in action research of their creative practice and collaboration experiences. Media practices including sound, animation and video capturing, as well as experimental projection techniques for the fine arts will be taught. Students will work with dedicated audio and video equipment to learn the basics of sound editing and capturing video footage. Dedicated projects such as in camera editing, montage and stop motion animation will allow students to build upon video editing skills. Historical context of media arts is given through screenings, readings and response papers. Technical workshops are given throughout the semester.

ARS 270. Beginning Photography. 3 Hours.

Beginning Photography is an introduction photography course focusing on the operation of digital SLR cameras and Adobe Photoshop fundamental concepts, which will be applied to scanned images and digital photography. Through critiques and visual presentations students will become familiar with contemporary trends, basic history of photography and become articulate about photographic aesthetics. This course is also designed to provide students with basic image editing and photo retouching techniques. The primary outcome of this course is to learn how to apply technical and aesthetic concerns which will provide a foundation in order to start developing a personal artistic vision.
Prerequisites: ARS 103 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 280. Creativity and Imagination. 3 Hours.

This course provides students with a practical and theoretical basis for creative and imaginative practice. Students will explore issues of creativity, imagination and innovation through sketchbook exercises, discussions, and studying the work of notable artists and innovators in historical and contemporary contexts. This course meets Blazer Core Curriculum Creative Arts with a flag in Civic Engagement.

ARS 295. Special Topics - Beginning. 3 Hours.

Specialized problem solving and collaboration in Studio Art beginning level. Subject will vary with each offering.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 101 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 300. Intermediate Drawing. 3 Hours.

Topics vary each semester. This course provides students with opportunities to engage in a range of methods, sources, concepts and dialogue related to the discipline of drawing.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 101 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 200 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 301. Drawing - Special Topics 2. 3 Hours.

Topics vary each semester. This course provides students with opportunities to engage in a range of methods, materials, sources, concepts and dialogue related to the discipline of drawing.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 104 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 200 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 302. Drawing - Special Topics 3. 3 Hours.

Topics vary each semester. This course provides students with opportunities to engage in a range of methods, materials, sources, concepts and dialogue related to the discipline of drawing.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 104 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 200 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 310. Observational Painting. 3 Hours.

Observational Painting is a studio class that will offer students a comprehensive exploration of painting from life. With a special emphasis on direct observation, students will learn to translate what they see in nature into interesting, original paintings. Topics covered will include still life painting, plein air painting, figurative painting, and experimental techniques among others. Using both traditional and contemporary techniques, this class is designed to give students a deeper understanding of their tools and processes. While being geared specifically towards technical development in painting, this course will also offer students ample opportunity for creative expression and experimentation.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 101 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 210 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 311. Painting Materials and Technique. 3 Hours.

Painting Materials and Technique is a studio class that will offer students a comprehensive technical exploration of painting. With a special emphasis on archival processes, students will learn the craft of painting from the ground up. Topics covered will include supports, grounds, paints, mediums, varnishes, pigments, and framing. Using both traditional and contemporary techniques, this class is designed to give students a deeper understanding of their tools and processes. Students will develop hard skills applicable to both their creative practice and other professional opportunities in the art world. While being geared specifically towards technical development in painting, this course will also offer students ample opportunity for creative expression and experimentation.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 101 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 210 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 312. Narrative Painting. 3 Hours.

Narrative Painting is a studio class that explores how artists construct meaning and tell stories through painting. Students will investigate the many ways narrative can be conveyed—through subject matter, symbolism, suggestion, composition, and sequence—while developing a personal visual language. The course will include historical and contemporary examples of narrative painting, from allegory and myth to autobiography and social commentary. Students will strengthen both their conceptual and formal skills, using painting as a medium for storytelling. While centered on the exploration of narrative, this class will also encourage experimentation with materials, format, and structure, resulting in a body of work that is both conceptually rich and technically sound.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 101 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 210 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 320. Sculpture - Metal Casting and Fabrication. 3 Hours.

This course will explore the techniques, materials and concepts of traditional and contemporary mold-making and metalwork. Students will investigate methods of metal casting, such as lost-wax, resin bonded sand molds and the physical possibilities of aluminum, iron and bronze, while enhancing their skills in metal fabrication, such as blacksmithing, arc welding, and oxy-acetylene torch techniques.

ARS 321. Sculpture - Special Topics 2. 3 Hours.

Topics vary each semester. This course provides students with opportunities to engage in a range of methods, materials, sources, concepts and dialogue related to the discipline of sculpture.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 104 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 220 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 322. Sculpture - Special Topics 3. 3 Hours.

Topics vary each semester. This course provides students with opportunities to engage in a range of methods, materials, sources, concepts and dialogue related to the discipline of scuplture.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 104 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 220 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 330. Ceramics - Special Topics 1. 3 Hours.

Topics vary each semester. This course provides students with opportunities to engage in a range of methods, materials, sources, concepts and dialogue related to the discipline of ceramics.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 104 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 230 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 331. Ceramics - Special Topics 2. 3 Hours.

Topics vary each semester. This course provides students with opportunities to engage in a range of methods, materials, sources, concepts and dialogue related to the discipline of ceramics.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 104 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 230 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 332. Ceramics - Special Topics 3. 3 Hours.

Topics vary each semester. This course provides students with opportunities to engage in a range of methods, materials, sources, concepts and dialogue related to the discipline of ceramics.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 104 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 230 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 340. Printmaking - Special Topics 1. 3 Hours.

Topics vary each semester. This course provides students with opportunities to engage in a range of methods, materials, sources, concepts and dialogue related to the discipline of printmaking.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 104 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 240 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 341. Printmaking - Special Topics 2. 3 Hours.

Topics vary each semester. This course provides students with opportunities to engage in a range of methods, materials, sources, concepts and dialogue related to the discipline of printmaking.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 104 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 240 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 342. Printmaking - Special Topics 3. 3 Hours.

Topics vary each semester. This course provides students with opportunities to engage in a range of methods, materials, sources, concepts and dialogue related to the discipline of printmaking.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 104 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 240 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 350. Graphic Design - Special Topics 1. 3 Hours.

Topics vary each semester. This course provides students with opportunities to engage in a range of methods, materials, sources, concepts and dialogue related to the discipline of graphic design.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 104 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 250 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 351. Graphic Design - Special Topics 2. 3 Hours.

Topics vary each semester. This course provides students with opportunities to engage in a range of methods, materials, sources, concepts and dialogue related to the discipline of graphic design.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 104 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 250 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 352. Graphic Design - Special Topics 3. 3 Hours.

Topics vary each semester. This course provides students with opportunities to engage in a range of methods, materials, sources, concepts and dialogue related to the discipline of graphic design.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 104 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 250 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 360. New Media - Special Topics 1. 3 Hours.

Topics vary each semester. This course provides students with opportunities to engage in a range of methods, materials, sources, concepts and dialogue related to the discipline of new media.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 104 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 260 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 361. New Media- Special Topics 2. 3 Hours.

Topics vary each semester. This course provides students with opportunities to engage in a range of methods, materials, sources, concepts and dialogue related to the discipline of new media.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 104 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 260 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 362. New Media- Special Topics 3. 3 Hours.

Topics vary each semester. This course provides students with opportunities to engage in a range of methods, materials, sources, concepts and dialogue related to the discipline of new media.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 104 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 260 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 370. Narrative Photography. 3 Hours.

Narrative Photography is an intermediate photography course exploring the photographic approaches of working in sequence and series, employing models of repetition, montage, collaboration, and narrative. Students will learn new digital techniques as a means to discuss current trends in photography while consistently pushing towards an integration of skills with the interests and ideas that are important to the student as an individual. Students will engage in active research of their creative practice and collaborative experiences while being introduced to significant photographic work spanning the history of photography to contemporary practices.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 101 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 270 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 371. Editorial Photography. 3 Hours.

Editorial Photography is an intermediate photography course focusing on the study of studio lighting concepts intended to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of still life, product, portrait, and on-location photography for professional application. Students will engage in active research of their creative practice and collaborative experiences while being introduced in active research of their creative practice and collaborative experiences while being introduced to significant photographic work spanning the history of photography to contemporary practices.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 101 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 270 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 372. Analog Photographic Processes. 3 Hours.

Analog Photographic Processes is an intermediate photography course focusing on creative and nontraditional investigations in image making. Meant to engage students beyond the digital realm of contemporary photography and into the world of a more hands on approach using historic and contemporary non digital printing processes. This course will take an advanced approach to photography techniques focusing on historic photographic processes, traditional silver based darkroom printing, and alternative approaches to photography. This course is naturally exploratory in nature with the goal of students being able to recognize the creative possibilities unique to these photographic processes and use them to realize their aesthetic goals. Students will engage in active research of their creative practice and collaborative experiences while being introduced to significant photographic work spanning the history of photography to contemporary practices.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 101 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 270 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 395. Special Topics in Studio Art: Intermediate. 3 Hours.

Specialize studio art problems at the intermediate level. Subject will vary with each offering.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 101 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 104 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 105 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 110 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 400. Advanced Drawing. 3 Hours.

Advanced studies in drawing with an emphasis on in-depth individually generated projects. Students will focus on professional development and portfolio preparation.
Prerequisites: ARS 300 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 301 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 302 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 410. Advanced Painting. 3 Hours.

Advanced studies in the discipline of painting with an emphasis on in-depth individually generated projects. Students will focus on professional development and portfolio preparation.
Prerequisites: ARS 310 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 311 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 312 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 420. Advanced Sculpture. 3 Hours.

Advanced studies in the discipline of sculpture with an emphasis on in-depth individually generated projects. Students will focus on professional development and portfolio preparation.
Prerequisites: ARS 320 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 321 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 322 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 430. Advanced Ceramic Sculpture. 3 Hours.

Advanced studies in the discipline of ceramics with an emphasis on in-depth individually generated projects. Students will focus on professional development and portfolio preparation.
Prerequisites: ARS 330 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 331 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 332 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 440. Advanced Printmaking. 3 Hours.

Advanced studies in the discipline of printmaking with an emphasis on in-depth individually generated projects. Students will focus on professional development and portfolio preparation.
Prerequisites: ARS 340 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 341 [Min Grade: C] or ARS 342 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 450. Advanced Graphic Design. 3 Hours.

Advanced studies in the discipline of graphic design with an emphasis on in-depth individually generated projects. Students will focus on professional development and portfolio preparation.
Prerequisites: ARS 350 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 351 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 352 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 459. Graphic Design Field Internship. 3 Hours.

Work in approved graphic design office under guidance of field supervisor and Department of Art and Art History instructor.
Prerequisites: ARS 350 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 351 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 460. Advanced New Media. 3 Hours.

Advanced studies in the discipline of new media with an emphasis on in-depth individually generated projects. Students will focus on professional development and portfolio preparation.
Prerequisites: ARS 360 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 361 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 362 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 470. Advanced Photography. 3 Hours.

Advanced Photography is an upper level photography course focusing in creative investigations in image making. Students will engage in active independent research of their own creative practice to start developing a coherent body of work based upon theme and concept to build a strong visual project. Focus will be placed on exploring ways to develop an individual artistic vision refining a working process, considering methods of presentation, and reflecting on current issues in contemporary art.
Prerequisites: ARS 370 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 371 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 372 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 489. Professionalism, Project Management and Entrepreneurship. 3 Hours.

This capstone professional development course will provide students with knowledge and experience in the intersection of art and business for career in the arts. Students will conduct research, write about art and prepare materials and gain valuable insight into the inner workings of a career in the arts and identify your options and learn how to survive in a continually evolving marketplace. The course aims to familiarize students with ongoing theoretical, methodological and tactical issues in volved in art making and scholarship. Offered each fall. Should be taken at the senior level.

ARS 490. Independent Study in Studio Art. 1-9 Hour.

Students plan a course of study, meeting times and expectations in cooperation with a faculty member.

ARS 491. B.F.A. Exhibition. 3 Hours.

B.F.A. students plan, prepare and present an exhibition of work during final spring semester under the direction of a faculty member of the students choosing. Course meeting times and expectations are developed with the faculty.

ARS 492. Studio or Gallery Internship. 3 Hours.

Through active participation in the daily operations of a museum, gallery, studio, or art space, students will acquire direct working knowledge of a cooperating art institution. Students will be required to work at the institution a minimum of 10 supervised hours per week during the term. Junior or Senior standing only. Students must complete required internship forms with faculty and field supervisor prior, during and at the completion of the internship.

ARS 495. Special Topics-Interdisciplinary. 3 Hours.

Interdisciplinary and inter-media approaches to art making. Courses offer integrated, multidimensional approach to art-making. Topics vary each semester.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 104 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 498. AEIVA Internship. 3 Hours.

The AEIVA Intern Team will participate in all phases of daily gallery operations, ranging from curatorial practices, exhibition design, video/photographic documentation and production, technical and analytical writing, graphic design, etc. This team will act as a support staff for the AEIVA curatorial/ administrative staff in a hands-on museum/gallery work environment. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 semester hours.