Art Courses

Art Courses

Course Descriptions

Art History Building

Courses in Studio Art

1115. Art Gallery Practicum. The course provides insight into the operations of galleries and museums as well as practical experience in the arranging and mounting of exhibitions. Fall and Spring. May be repeated.

1203. Basic Drawing I. Drawing as a means to gain visual awareness; the use of lines and values to develop understanding of the depiction of volumes and space. Fall.

1204. Basic Drawing II. Drawing as a means to visual thinking. Introduction to principles of composition. Prerequisite: Art 1203. Spring.

2213. The Human Figure. The study of the human figure in a selected medium or media from the live model in the studio. Gesture, proportion, form and an understanding of basic anatomical structure will be emphasized. Prerequisite: Art 1203. Spring.

2219. Two-Dimensional Design. A guided investigation of basic concepts and techniques of visual organization in two-dimensions. Students will develop an awareness of the formal elements of composition, a working knowledge of their fundamental principles and sensitivity towards the interrelationship between form and content. Students familiarize themselves with the basic vocabulary necessary to verbalize their creative process and critical thinking. Two-dimensional design requires substantial time for the completion of class projects, both in and outside of scheduled class time. Two-dimensional design prepares students with the foundation to address compositional problems encountered in other studio courses. There is no prerequisite required or previous experience necessary. Fall.

2220. Three-Dimensional Design. Introduces the student to the basic methods of three-dimensional design with an emphasis on dimensional form, scale, texture and tension. This course introduces the student to the creative process and concept development. It broadens and sensitizes the student to the materials and techniques involved in three-dimensional design processes. Students will become familiar with the basic vocabulary associated with three-dimensional design. The class requires substantial time for the completion of projects, both in and outside of scheduled class time. It prepares students with the foundation to address compositional problems encountered in other studio courses. There is no prerequisite required or previous experience necessary. Spring.

3315. Printmaking I. An introduction to the particular qualities and requirements in the making of prints in intaglio, lithography and relief. Fall and Spring.

Students painting a still life

3316. Painting I. Introduction to the fundamentals of painting through lecture, demonstration and studio experience. Emphasis will be on technique, color and composition through work primarily from direct observation. Fall and Spring.

3317. Ceramics I. (Handbuilding) Course serves as an introductory study of the techniques and aesthetics of clay as an art medium. Class emphasis is on the basic processes for hand built forms: pinching, coiling, slabs and molds. Students are challenged with progressively more difficult projects requiring creative problem solving skills and allowing opportunities for personal expression. Through demonstrations, slide lectures and critiques, students learn to create and evaluate, as well as appreciate the relationship of art to our lives. Fall and Spring.

3318. Sculpture I. Introduction to basic sculptural ideas and practices using wood and metal as primary materials of exploration. Fall and Spring.

3323. Intermediate Printmaking I. A continuation of Art 3315. Expanding knowledge of Printmaking through exploration of various processes.  Prerequisite: Art 3315. Fall and Spring.

3324. Intermediate Printmaking II. Work in various print processes according to student's aesthetic needs. Students are expected to develop a theme.  Prerequisite: Art 3323. Fall and Spring.

3325. Design for the Theater. Offered when required for inter-disciplinary use with the Drama Department.

3327. Art for the Elementary School Teacher. As needed.

3328. Art for the Secondary School Teacher. Prepares the student to teach art in grades 6-12. Course content includes an in-depth study of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for Art, short-term observations under exemplary middle and high school art teachers, an examination of numerous student works, and an opportunity to gain philosophical and practical insight into the numerous issues involved in secondary art curriculum development and implementation. As needed.

3329. Intermediate Drawing. This course concentrates on the development of ideas and imagery. Growth and articulation of individual ideas and expression is encouraged in the context of a theme chosen by the student. Fall and Spring.

3334. Intermediate Painting I. Reaffirms and expands formal criteria established in Art 3316 and directs individual research into personal, historical and contemporary painting issues in oil, acrylic and related media. Develops greater understanding of painting as a language through observation, invention, problem-solving, technique and media experimentation. Prerequisite: Art 3316. Fall and Spring

3335. Intermediate Painting II. Continuation of Art 3334 involving the development of a personal direction and sensibility utilizing various painting materials and techniques that emphasize the relationship between form and content. Prerequisite: Art 3334. Fall and Spring.

Ceramics Workshop

3339. Intermediate Ceramics I. Course serves as an introductory study of the techniques and aesthetics of clay as an art medium. Class emphasis is on the basic processes for wheel thrown forms. Through the semester students are challenged with progressively more difficult projects that explore possibilities for wheel-thrown forms, as well as basic decorating, glazing and firing techniques. Through demonstrations, slide lectures and critiques, students are exposed to ideas and attitudes for understanding ceramic aesthetics in a contemporary, social and historical context. Prerequisite: Art 3317. Fall and Spring.

3340. Intermediate Ceramics II. Technical ceramics; Prerequisite Art 3317 or by permission of instructor. Fall and Spring.

3343. Intermediate Sculpture I. Continuation of Sculptural ideas explored in 3318 with the introduction of modeling and casting. Prerequisite: Art 3318 or by permission of instructor. Fall and Spring.

3344. Intermediate Sculpture II. Development of personal concepts of sculpture. Introduction to advanced fabrication techniques. Prerequisite, Art 3318 and Art 3343. Fall and Spring.

3V41-3V42. Independent Theoretical and Studio Research. One to three credits may be earned with permission of the instructor. As needed.

3345. Art Metal. Experience in fabricating, casting, forging, copper, silver, and gold. As needed.

3V50. Special Studies in Studio Work or Art History. Focuses on particular media, technique, topic, period or artist according to discretion of the professor.

4349-4350. Senior Studio. Concluding major studios in the chosen studio area. Required of all majors. Fall and Spring.

4151-4152. Senior Seminar. A two-semester seminar required of all senior majors designed to help students develop a critical approach to viewing, exhibiting and thinking about art as well as familiarizing them with the basics of the business of art. Also informs students about what is required in their thesis exhibition or presentation. Two hours per week. Fall and Spring.

5V59. Advanced Drawing. A continuation of Art 3329. Students are expected to create drawings as complete independent works of art. Fall and Spring.

Art students in classroom

Courses in Art History

1311. History of Art & Architecture I. Survey of Western art and architecture from Egypt to the Baroque. Fall.

1312. History of Art & Architecture II. Survey of Western art and architecture from the Baroque to the present. Spring.

2311. Art and Architecture of Rome. The art and architecture of Rome, other Italian cities, and Greece from their roots in antiquity through the modern era. Attention is focused on major monuments and themes and the impact of the classical tradition. Rome Campus.

3V50. Special Studies in Art History or Studio. Focuses on particular media, technique, topic period or artist according to discretion of the professor.

3V57. Internship. Practical experience in an area museum, gallery, art library, or slide library. See ("Internships.") Variable credit. Graded Pass/No Pass.

4349. Senior Research. In the senior year all art history students write an article-length research paper on a topic chosen from the visual arts of the nineteenth, twentieth, or twenty-first century. This course guides the process of research through the initial stages of writing the thesis. It introduces the methodological issues, research procedures, and historiography of the discipline. Fall.

4350. Senior Thesis. The process of writing the senior thesis. Development of writing skills, critical and synthetic thinking, organizational skills, disciplined work habits, and a sense of personal achievement. Spring.

5342. Ancient Art. A history of the art and architecture of Greece and/or Rome. The instructor may choose to emphasize a particular aspect of ancient art.

5354. History of American Art. From the colonial period to the present.

5356. Art of the Italian Renaissance 1300-1600. The history of Renaissance art in Italy, from Giotto to Mannerism.

5357. Special Studies in Art History. Focus on a special topic, period, or artist according to the discretion of the professor.

5362. Sacred Art and Architecture. A study of the development of art and architecture in the service of the liturgy. Focusing on the Christian tradition, with occasional references to other forms, the course combines a survey of the history of sacred art and space with analysis of contemporary liturgical architecture and renovations, including on-site visits when possible. Texts include art history references, appropriate church documents such as the GIRM (General Instructions of the Roman Missal), and architectural consultations. With permission, may satisfy an arts requirement. Fall and Spring.

5365. Medieval Art. A history of art and architecture of the Romanesque and/or Gothic periods. The instructor may choose to emphasize a particular aspect of medieval art.

5367. Northern Renaissance 1400-1550. Late Gothic and Renaissance art in Europe outside of Italy, with emphasis on Flemish and German painting.

5368. Baroque to Neoclassical. A history of European art and architecture of the Baroque, Rococo, and/or Neoclassical periods. The instructor may choose to focus on any aspect of Northern or Southern Baroque, Rococo, or Neoclassicism.

5397. Nineteenth-Century Art. A survey of art and architecture in the nineteenth century, from Romanticism to Impressionism.

Students in auditorium

5398. Modern Art. A survey of the visual arts of the 20th century. Formerly 20th Century Art. Fall.

5399. Contemporary Art. A survey and analysis of the art and architecture of the last quarter of the 20th century. Spring