ABOUT DEPARTMENT

FACULTY

FACILITIES

STUDENT WORK
         
A B O U T  D E P A R T M E N T

The study of art is increasingly valuable as contemporary society becomes ever more visual in its orientation. Making art and studying its history are complementary pursuits; the knowledge and skill gained in one supports achievement in the other.

Students majoring in art take a program that emphasizes either the history of art or studio art. Students emphasizing art history should have meaningful exposure to studio art, and those focusing on studio art need a strong foundation in art history.

Art history is different from other historical disciplines in that it is founded on the primacy of objects that are both concretely present and yet artifacts of history. Art history courses concentrate on painting, sculpture, and architecture, all forms defined as fine arts.

Because the basic unit of art historical analysis is the visual experience, art historical
study strengthens one’s powers of observation and the ability to use those observations
as a point of departure for critical thought.

Courses in art history are designed to utilize local art collections, including those at the Getty Center, the Norton Simon Museum, the Huntington Library, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

For non-majors, art history studies provide a standard of aesthetic appreciation and an awareness of past and present achievements in the visual arts. With additional study at the graduate level, art history can lead to professional careers in college teaching, museum curatorship, fine arts librarianship, and publishing.

Studio art courses focus upon the materials, methods, and forms most commonly used by contemporary artists. Students are guided toward mastery of technique and expression of ideas.

Articulation of personal experience and visual ideas in drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, computer art, and sculpture is approached as a process of facilitating informed choices by student artists.

The faculty recognizes and encourages individual differences by working with students primarily on an individual basis, emphasizing the need to cultivate self evaluation. The faculty seek to stimulate students’ ability to think, express themselves,
and appreciate life creatively.

Guidelines for a major in art

A minimum of 39 credits of which 18 must be at the 300 level or above. Courses Required:

  • Introduction to Art 2-D, ART 100, 3 credits
  • Introduction to Art 3-D, ART 101, 3 credits
  • History of Western Art I, ART 205, 3 credits
  • History of Western Art II, ART 206, 3 credits
  • Painting I, ART 222, 3 credits
  • Drawing I, ART 210, 3 credits
  • Sculpture I, ART 252, 3 credits
  • Age of Dada and Surrealism, ART 369, 3 credits

Students electing to major in art may design their program with either of two foci: (1) Art History, emphasizing visual analysis of art works and understanding of stylistic development or (2) Studio Art, stressing problem solving and development of skills and techniques necessary for effective visual communication. Ordinarily, a student majoring in art with an emphasis in studio art will select a concentration of three semesters in drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, or printmaking.

Students are encouraged to make integrative connections between their visual studies and related areas in natural science, humanities, and the social sciences. They are also expected to attend Mendenhall Gallery exhibitions.

Interdisciplinary Major:
The department participates in an interdisciplinary major in Art History and Philosophy. See Applied Philosophy under the Philosophy department.

GUIDELINES FOR A MINOR IN ART

Required for a minor are 21 credits, including 100 or 101, 205, 206, 210, 222 or 252, 369, and at least one upper-division course chosen in consultation with a department faculty advisor.

Course Descriptions

ART HISTORY

  • 205 History of Western Art I
     Surveys art beginning with the Paleolithic age through the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Rome, Medieval Europe, and Byzantium up to the early Renaissance. Stresses cultural context and style. One semester, 3 credits.  
  • 206 History of Western Art II
    Surveys the visual arts of Europe from the Renaissance to the present. One semester, 3 credits.
  • 207 Women and the Visual Arts
     Historically oriented examination of women artists from the Renaissance through the Modern periods, followed by an exploration of theoretical issues involving women and representation. One semester, 3 credits.
  • 361* Art of Ancient Greece and Rome
    Examines the visual arts of ancient Greece and Rome. One semester, 3 credits.
  • 362* Art of the Medieval West
     Surveys art and architecture of Western Europe from the Early Christian period to the beginnings of the Renaissance. One semester, 3 credits.
  • 363* Early Renaissance Art in Italy
    Explores painting, sculpture, and architecture in Italy, especially in Florence and Siena, from the thirteenth through the fifteenth centuries; emphasis will be on cultural and historical context. One semester, 3 credits.
  • 364* The High Renaissance and Mannerism
    Art and architecture in Florence, Rome, and Venice in the later fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, with special attention to the works of Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Titan. One semester, 3 credits.
  • 366 Art of the Eighteenth Century
     Explores the painting, sculpture, architecture and decorative arts in France, Great Britain, Spain, Germany and Italy from approximately 1700 to 1800. One semester, 3 credits.
  • 367* Age of Romanticism
    Explores the visual arts in Europe and America during the first half of the 19th century in light of the change wrought by industrialization and revolution. One semester, 3 credits.
  • 368 Age of Impressionism
     Explores the visual arts in Paris during the last half of the 19th century from the perspective of modernism, asking how and why the painting of modern life, practiced by Manta, Degas, and the Impressionists, became transformed into the  Symbolism of Gauguin and Van Gogh. One semester, 3 credits.
  • 369 Age of Dada and Surrealism
     Explores the visual arts during the first half of the 20th century, concentrating on Dada and Surrealism and its antecedents such as Cubism, Futurism, and Suprematism. The relation of these movements to World War I, the rise of Fascism, and World War II will be examined. One semester, 3 credits.
  • 370* Contemporary Art
    Explores the visual arts since 1950, with special emphasis on recent developments. One semester, 3 credits.
  • 380* Visual Arts of India
     Provides a broad historical survey of Indian art, beginning with Indus Valley culture and ending with Rajput painting in the 18th century. Emphasizes the religious traditions to which the objects are connected. One semester, 3 credits.
  • 381* Art of Mexico
    Surveys the art of Mesoamerica and Mexico from the time of the Olmecs to the twentieth century. One semester, 3 credits.
  • 382* Art of Colonial Spanish America
    Surveys the art produced within the interaction of different ethnic groups under Spanish rule in California, Southwestern United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Andes. One semester, 3 credits.
  • 391* Seminar
    Explores an art historical topic from the Ancient, Medieval, or Renaissance periods. Topics will vary; the seminar may be repeated for credit whenever the topic changes. Permission. One semester, 3 credits.
  • 392* Seminar in Modern Art
    Explores selected substantive and methodological problems in art history of the Modern period. Topics may be drawn from the seventeenth, eighteenth, nineteenth or twentieth centuries. May be repeated for credit whenever the topic changes. Permission. One semester, 3 credits.

STUDIO ART

  • 50* Art Seminar
    A course for art majors and minors. Preparation of a resume, artist's statement, slides, and other documentation of work. Exploration of graduate programs and exhibition opportunities. May be repeated for credit. One semester, 1 credit.
  • 51* Art Practicum
    Work directly on a professional art project or installation that is being created by an art professor or visiting artist. Projects vary. Contact the art department for information on this semester's project. May be repeated for credit. One semester, 1 credit.
  • 53* Looking at Art
    Visit art museums and galleries in the Los Angeles area. Each visit is followed by a discussion. May be repeated for credit. One semester, 1 credit.
  • 100 Introduction to Art 2-D (online syllabus)
    Explores a variety of processes for creating two-dimensional images, using materials and techniques such as ink, paint, collage, simple printmaking and mixed media. Emphasis will be on understanding how basic visual elements (line, shape, form, space and texture) influence how we "read" visual images. Color theory will be included. One semester, 3 credits.  
  • 101 Introduction to Art 3-D
    Explores a variety of processes for creating three-dimensional objects, using materials and techniques emphasizing wood, steel and mixed media. Effective use of the qualities of line, shape, form, mass and texture will be emphasized in making sculptural creations. One semester, 3 credits.
  • 200 Computer Art I
    An initial study of basic software for the Macintosh computer as related to fine art. Photoshop and Illustrator, both essential software programs for artists and designers, are covered. The technical and conceptual potential of the computer is explored by applying established and contemporary principles of art and design. Differences and similarities between commercial and non-commercial computer generated art are addressed through assignments, which cover both approaches. The ultimate goal of the course is to  enable students to create their own imagery using  the computer as a tool in making art. May be repeated for credit. One semester, 3 credits.
  • 201* Computer Art Workshop
    This course is a condensed version of Art 200, introducing the student to computer art in an intensive 4-week class. May be repeated for credit. January session, 4 credits.
  • 210 Drawing I (online syllabus)
    Course designed for beginning art majors and non-art majors (those students who wish to learn the fundamentals of drawing). Covers the basic operative aspects of art and principles of design. Emphasis is placed on analytical study of composition, space, proportions, line, value, texture, etc. May be repeated for credit. One semester, 3 credits.
  • 217*, 317* Painting Workshop
    Drawing and painting with emphasis on color, design and pictorial expression. Subjects for projects will vary. May travel to do landscape paintings. May be repeated for credit. January session, 4 credits.
  • 218*, 318* Drawing Workshop
    Introduces the students to drawing by presenting different samples of dry and wet drawing techniques in an intensive 4-week class. Emphasis placed on more experimental drawing approaches and large-scale drawing. May be repeated for credit. January session, 4 credits.
  • 219*, 319* Ceramic Sculpture Workshop
    Clay sculpture. Problems designed with hand forming methods to techniques of clay construction and design with emphasis on the basics of sculpture. May be repeated for credit. January session, 4 credits.
  • 220*, 320* Sculpture Workshop
    Explores the properties and primary working methods of plaster casting the human form with emphasis on the basics of sculpture. The individual develops sculptural expression with attention to visual properties and qualities of content. May be repeated for credit. January session, 4 credits.
  • 221* Printmaking Workshop
    Introduces the students to the printmaking medium by presenting traditional and experimental processes in a condensed, intensive 4-week class. May be repeated for credit. January session, 4 credits.
  • 222, 323 Painting I, II   Acrylic or oil painting and related media as vehicles for creative expression. Structural, spatial, and symbolic uses of color are explored. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: 100 or 210. One semester, 3 credits.
  • 232 Ceramics
    Problems designed to take the student from basic hand forming methods to advanced techniques of clay construction and design. While not a prerequisite, it is advised that ART 101 be taken first. May be repeated for credit. One semester, 3 credits
  • 242, 343* Printmaking I, II
    An initial study of basic intaglio and relief printing processes. The basic techniques, proper and safe use of printing equipment, and different aspects of preserving and collecting fine art prints are covered. The objective is to enable the student to make his/her own imagery while exploring the technical and conceptual potential of the printmaking medium. In Printmaking II the student explores innovative printing methods from conventional to experimental. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: 100. Permission required for Printmaking II. One semester, 3 credits.
  • 243* Papermaking/Bookmaking
    Papermaking/Bookmaking (offered in pair with Writing Poetry) covers the art and craft of making handmade papers and books from traditional to experimental by approaching the book format, with or without text, as a work of art. May be repeated for credit. One semester, 3 credits.
  • 252, 353 Sculpture I, II
    Using techniques of wood construction, welding, assemblage and modeling, the individual develops sculptural expression with attention to visual properties, spatial organization, and qualities of content. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: 101. One semester, 3 credits.
  • 300* Computer Art II
    A continuation of Computer Art I with emphasis placed on developing one's own imagery and innovative approaches toward computer software and peripherals. The objective for students to further deepen their understanding of contemporary art using the computer as a tool. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: 200. One semester, 3 credits.
  • 301 Special Projects in Computer Art
    A continuation of Computer Art I and II. Designed for advanced students in studio art to further explore their aesthetic and conceptual ideas using the computer as a tool. Prerequisites: 200 and 300 or instructor's permission. One semester, 3 credits.
  • 303* Printmedia in Visual Communications
    Encompasses both traditional and digital printmaking processes with a strong emphasis on the history of 20th-century graphics and printed images in visual communications. Major movements in printed graphics such as the Russian Avant-Garde, Bauhaus and Die neue Sachlichkeit in the Weimar Republic, the WPA Federal Arts Project, Chinese Propaganda Posters, Solidarnost Posters from Eastern Europe, Mexican Revolutionary Posters are studied. Connection between diverse cultural, political, and economic communities and issues such as urban society, religion, ethnicity, and cultural and political changes are analyzed by examining, and better understanding, prints and multiples. The ultimate goal of the course is to enable students to create their own imagery utilizing a variety of printing techniques and the computer as a tool in their own art making. Prerequisite: 100 or instructor's permission. One semester, 3 credits.
  • 310* Figure Drawing
    Introduction to figure drawing with awareness of the human body's basic structure and form (skeletal structure, sub-surface anatomy, and surface anatomy). Emphasis is placed on development of perceptual awareness of the human figure through appropriate exercises. Concepts and principles from Drawing I, with an emphasis on the human figure, are explored. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: 210. One semester, 3 credits.
  • 311* Special Projects in Drawing
    A continuation of Drawing I and/or Drawing Workshop. Designed for advanced students in studio art to further explore their aesthetic and conceptual ideas in drawing, painting, printmaking and mixed media. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: 100 and 210. Permission. One semester, 3 credits.
  • 316* Watercolor
    Exploration of watercolor as a medium for creative expression. Structural, spatial, and symbolic uses of color are explored. Experimentation with other media in combination with watercolor. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: 100 and 210. One semester, 3 credits.
  • 324* Special Projects in Painting
    A continuation of the objectives of Art 100 and 222. The student is expected to integrate conceptual and aesthetic concerns with a serious exploration of the medium's potential. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: 222 and 323. Permission. One semester, 3 credits.
  • 333 Ceramics II
    Problems designed to take the student from hand forming methods to throwing on the wheel, basic techniques of clay construction and design. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: 232. One semester, 3 credits.
  • 334* Special Projects in Ceramics
    Experimentation with glazes, materials, and colorants. Problems in clay designed to meet individual needs. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: 232-333. Permission. One semester, 3 credits.
  • 344 Special Projects in Printmaking
    A continuation of Printmaking I and II. Designed for advanced students in studio art to further explore their aesthetic and conceptual ideas through matrix or non-matrix printmaking. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: 100, 242, and 343, or instructor's permission. One semester, 3 credits.
  • 354* Special Projects in Sculpture
     Advanced work in sculpture. Further exploration and refinement of personal style and content. Projects designed to meet individual needs. Prerequisites: 101 and 252. One semester, 3 credits.
  • 390*, 490* Selected Topics in Art
    Designed for the advanced student. Provides for the development and completion of a special project. One semester, 2-3 credits.
    NOTE: Students enrolling in Studio Art classes are charged a materials fee that typically ranges between $30 and $100.

    INDEPENDENT STUDY
  • 395, 495 Directed Studies
    Credit and time arranged. Permission. May be repeated for credit.