Course Catalog - Visual Arts
Visual Arts History
Introductory Courses
Visual Arts History 101 - Introduction to The Visual Arts
Fall, spring
Fundamental, introductory course in art history and visual culture, which is occasionally team-taught. Emphasis is on the acquisition of basic visual skills and an understanding of the major periods in the history of art. Exposure to works of art through the collections of The Worcester Art Museum is an integral part of the course. One unit.
Visual Arts History 102 - Survey of Art: Renaissance to Modern Art
Fall, spring
A cultural history of the major periods of western art since 1300: Renaissance, Baroque, Modern Art. Emphasis is on developments in painting, sculpture and architecture during these periods. Social and historical factors that influenced the art are also given attention. One unit.
Visual Arts History 104 - Introduction to Islamic Art
Annually
An introductory course exploring the art and architecture dating from the inception of Islam in seventh century Arabia through the 16th and 17th centuries in Safavid Iran, Mughal India, and the territories ruled by the Ottoman Turks. The religious, and social, cultural, and political significance of Islamic art is analyzed. One unit.
Visual Arts History 105 - Art of Africa and Americas
Alternate Years
An introductory course exploring the art of Africa and the Americas. Art is considered within its cultural context ( e.g., Benin, Yoruba, Maya, Aztec, Hopi) and within the larger contexts of imperialism, western and non-western ideologies, and practices of collection and exhibition. Deeper questions about the nature and function of art across cultures provide the focus for discussion.
Visual Arts History 111 - Survey of the History of Architecture
Alternate years
This course offers a survey of the history of architecture from pre-history to post-modernism. It is introductory and examines the most important structures, monuments, and buildings of western civilization. Although focus is on architecturally great examples, vernacular building will also be included when appropriate. This is a beginning course in architectural history and therefore stresses the development of basic skills. One unit.
Visual Arts History 199 - Introductory Topics in Art History
Annually
Topics courses explore various topics In the discipline and the subject and format vary from year to year. Taught by all professors. One unit.
Criticism and Themes
Visual Arts History 136 - Narrative in Art and Film
Alternate Years
Introductory course to narrative structures in both film and the visual arts. Students view a wide variety of films: comedy, silent and drama, from foreign as well as American directors. Film theory is included. One unit.
Intermediate Courses
Most intermediate courses presume Introduction to The Visual Arts or Survey of Art. This requirement may also be fulfilled, pending the discretion of the instructor, by experience acquired by personal study. Intermediate courses are divided into two types of inquiry: Historical Periods and Criticism and Themes.
Historical Periods
Visual Arts History 204 - Medieval Art
Fall
Deals with art from the beginning of a new European west under Charlemagne, 800 A.D., to the age of the great cathedrals in the 13th century. Architecture, manuscript illumination, stained glass, and sculpture are included. Receives both Arts and Religion Distribution requirements. One unit.
Visual Arts History 205 - Early Renaissance Art
Spring
Examines painting, sculpture and architecture of the 14th and 15th centuries in Italy in terms of historical and cultural context, for example, the evolution of secular art, the status of the artist, and the rise of humanism. One unit.
Visual Arts History 207 - Baroque Art
Spring
Studies the diverse styles that emerged in Southern European painting, sculpture and architecture in the 17th and early 18th centuries. The era begins with the art of the Counter Reformation, contrasted with the developments of Realism and the revival of Classicism. This then entered a new phase in the eras of the Rococo and the French Revolution. One unit.
Visual Arts History 209 - 19th-Century Art
Fall
Concentrates on the 19th century with emphasis on French developments, Neo-classicism, Romanticism, Realism, Impressionism, and Post Impressionism. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. One unit.
Visual Arts History 210 - 20th-Century Art
Spring
Beginning with the development of Expressionism and Abstraction just before World War I, this course traces the development of modern ideas in painting and sculpture up to the present day. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. One unit.
Visual Arts History 212 - High Renaissance Art
Fall
Covers painting and sculpture of the 16th century in Italy, especially the developments of the High Renaissance in Florence and Rome and the evolution of Mannerism. Major figures studied include Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Bramante, and Titian. One unit.
Visual Arts History 240 - Modern Architecture
Every third year
Exploration of the major movements and architects of European and American modernism of the 20th century. Strong emphasis on critical reading, class discussion, and preparation of research projects and/or models. One unit.
Criticism and Themes
Visual Arts History 230, 231 - Architectural Studies 2
Every third year
These courses examine the history of architecture from pre-history to the present. Focus is on major monuments and developments in the history of architectural styles, building technology and urban planning. Both courses question the relationship between social, political and economic history and the internal progress of architecture as a phenomenon independent of historical context. Strong emphasis on critical reading, class discussions and preparation of one major research paper. One unit.
Visual Arts History 299 - Topics in Art History
Annually
Special topics in art history, architecture and criticism are offered regularly by all professors. Responds to special interests evidenced by students, outgrowths of topics addressed in an intermediate course, or research interests of the faculty. Often interdisciplinary in nature and sometimes offered without prerequisites. Examples of recent Special Topics are: “Catholic Collecting: Catholic Reflection Outreach,” “Art and Contemplative Practice,” “Life and Death in 14th-Century Art,” “Louis Kahn,” “Contemporary Art and Architecture.” One unit.
Advanced Courses
Visual Arts History 301 - Concentration Seminar
Fall
Designed for majors, this course provides a critical examination of issues and methods in the literature of the history of art. Students also complete a capstone project concentrating on the collection of the Worcester Art Museum or other important sites. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. One unit.
Visual Arts History 420 - Tutorials
Annually
Tutorials relate to all areas covered by Visual Arts History 200 courses. One unit each semester.
Visual Arts Studio
Introductory Courses
Visual Arts Studio 101 - 2-D Fundamentals
Fall, spring
An exciting introduction to studio art through an exploration of drawing media. Slide talks, class critiques and discussions, and museum visits insure the beginning student of a solid introduction to the creative process. Taught by the studio staff and a prerequisite for all intermediate courses. One unit.
Visual Arts Studio 102 - 3-D Fundamentals
Fall, spring
For students who are interested in an introduction to the physical world of sculptural art. Students explore the basic tools, processes and approaches to 3-Dimensional art through wood, clay wire, cloth and found objects. One unit.
Visual Arts Studio 105 - Digital Art Studio 1
Fall, spring
A hands-on introduction to digital imaging software on Macintosh computers. Scan, generate and manipulate images and text using Photoshop, Illustrator and Painter. Think creatively, work digitally and examine the potential of digital imaging as a new form of art. In addition to class projects and critiques in the media lab, students discuss contemporary artists who use the computer in their work. Prerequisite: one previous studio art course. One unit.
Visual Arts Studio 107 - Life Drawing
Fall, spring
Students work from the model each session. Emphasis is on a structural understanding of the figure and on expressive approach to drawing. Work in a range of media including charcoal, oil stick, acrylic paint and wash. In addition to class work, work on independent, personal projects in drawing. Students with no previous experience may wish to take 2D Fundamentals first. One unit.
Visual Arts Studio 121 - Drawing 1
Annually
This course continues to build basic drawing skills and fosters the development of an individual drawing style. The content of Drawing I includes drawing from models, drawing in color, and other drawing forms such as collage and sequential drawing. Students are encouraged to explore new content in their work. Course includes readings, sketchbook work, and a visit to an exhibition. Prerequisite: 2D Fundamentals or Life Drawing. One unit.
Visual Arts Studio 199 - Introductory Topics in Studio Art
Annually
Introductory Topics in Studio Art are offered by all professors. These courses explore special techniques or concepts outside the current course offerings. Recent courses have included “Painting and Photography: An Introduction,” and “Introduction to Sculpture Projects.” One unit.
Intermediate Courses
Visual Arts Studio 200 - Painting 1
Fall, spring
An introduction to the principles, methods, and materials of oil painting in both historical and contemporary contexts. Emphasis placed on developing an understanding of form and space in pictorial compositions, strengthening perceptual abilities, and increasing knowledge of the use of color as it pertains to painting. Supplemental readings and field trips provide further connection and investigations of the history and process of Painting. Prerequisite: 2D Fundamentals or previous drawing course. One unit.
Visual Arts Studio 201 - Painting 2
Alternate years
A continuation and expansion of the skills acquired in Painting 1. Students are introduced to a wider range of experimental painting methods using oil based media, and will be working in large as well as small scale formats. The context of painting in contemporary art will be heavily emphasized in this course. Prerequisite: Painting I. One unit.
Visual Arts Studio 204 - Digital Art Studio 2
Spring
An exploratory approach to the next level of understanding digital imaging in the fine arts. Learn advanced imaging principles and tool techniques to generate then manipulate images and text using the latest versions of Illustrator, Painter, Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver and Imageready. Emphasis on combining computer programs to (hyper) realize your concepts and visions. Prerequisite: Intro to Digital Imaging or permission. One unit.
Visual Arts Studio 210 - Printmaking 1
Alternate years
Printmaking is another form of drawing, with its own range of marks, textures and surfaces. This course introduces relief and intaglio printing. Starts with monotype, the painterly print, followed by etchings on copper plates. Students encouraged to explore printmaking as expressive medium. This course ends with an exchange of editioned prints between members of the class. Prerequisite: Any drawing course or 2D Fundamentals. One unit.
Visual Arts Studio 213 - Book Projects
Spring
Explores the tradition of handmade artists’ books and more recent experimental book forms. How do images work together in a sequence? What kind of narrative can be created by blinding images and text into a book form? What are the possible physical forms for the book? In addition to making conventional and experimental books in the print studio, students make a digital book in the Millard Media Lab. Through readings and discussions, this course examines the emergence of the “artists’ book” in the 1960’s and the work of contemporary artists. Prerequisites: 2D Fundamentals or any drawing course. One unit.
Visual Arts Studio 220 - Sculpture 1
Spring
Sculpture 1 explores the elements of 3-Dimensional expression in projects of varied media. Students are exposed to sculptural issues via slide presentations on past and present works in sculpture. Class critiques allow students to refine both concepts and expression to create a personal synthesis. Prerequisite: 3D Fundamentals. One unit.
Visual Arts Studio 230 - Photography 1
Fall, spring
For students with a serious interest in the creative use of black and white photography. Teaches exposure controls, camera operation, and rudimentary film developing and printing. Continuous work and advancement is achieved through creative photography assignments and criticism. One unit.
Visual Arts Studio 231 - Photography 2
Spring
A more advanced course in the fundamentals of creative photography. Introduces principles of optics, cameras, lighting, films, photographic chemistry, and materials. Visits to museums and galleries in the Boston and Worcester are required. Continuous work and advancement through creative assignments in photographing, processing, printing and criticism. Prerequisite: Photography I. One unit.
Visual Arts Studio 299 - Special Topics in Studio Art
Annually
Special Topics in Studio Art are offered by all professors. These courses study special techniques or concepts outside the present course offerings, which respond to particular issues in current art. Recent Special Topics courses have included “Installation Art,” “Photo Projects,” “Digital Imaging in Studio Art” and “The Figure: Represented and Revealed.” Prerequisite: 2D or 3D Fundamentals. One unit.
Advanced Courses
Visual Arts Studio 300 - Studio Concentration Seminar 1
Fall
Focuses on developing a “subject” or idea that can serve as the basis for a concise body of artwork reflecting the studio major’s individual viewpoint and distinct aesthetic voice. In creating this body of work, students are challenged to take risks and experience both the discovery and failure that is the basis of the creative process. Each student has an individual space in Millard Art Center for intensive work. Students may work in any combination of media that serves their ideas. Critiques, trips, readings and discussion address the process of developing a body of work as well as issues of professionalism as an artist. Student work is evaluated at the end of fall semester for admission into the Studio Concentration Seminar II. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. One unit.
Visual Arts Studio 301 - Studio Concentration Seminar 2
Spring
The second semester of the Studio Concentration Seminar focuses on completing a cohesive body of work for the Senior Exhibition in the Cantor Art Gallery. In addition to producing and selecting work for the exhibition, students develop their artist’s statements. Involvement in all aspects of mounting a professional exhibition including presentation of work, publicity, installation of the show and presentation of work to the College community. Prerequisite: Studio Concentration Seminar I and Permission of the instructor. One unit.
Visual Arts Studio 420 - Tutorials
Annually
Tutorials relate to all areas covered by Visual Arts Studio 200 courses. One unit.
* The courses and descriptions listed above are taken directly from the official College Catalog.