Art Studio (ARTS)

ARTS 1301. Studio Art Foundations I.

This course emphasizes hands-on engagement with drawing and two-dimensional design as foundational modes of visual inquiry. Students participate in a structured sequence of short exploratory exercises and sustained projects that develop technical skills, visual analysis, and conceptual thinking. Assignments incorporate contemporary art-making strategies such as collage, photography, sculptural translation into two-dimensional formats, digital technologies, collaborative production, and interdisciplinary experimentation. Through critique, research, and iterative development, students expand their understanding of composition, materiality, and visual communication while situating their work within current artistic practices and critical analytical frameworks.

ARTS 1302. Studio Art Foundations II.

This course emphasizes hands-on exploration of three- and four-dimensional art-making as expanded fields of contemporary practice. Students complete a sequence of short experimental exercises and more sustained projects designed to develop spatial awareness, material fluency, time-based thinking, and conceptual development. Coursework integrates diverse methodologies, including sculpture, installation, performance, video, drawing, collage, digital technologies, and collaborative processes. Through critique, research, and iterative experimentation, students investigate how objects, bodies, space, and duration function within artistic production. The course situates studio practice within current interdisciplinary contexts and practices, supporting students in exploring relationships among form, materials, and project goals.

ARTS 1303. Photography Foundations I.

This course introduces students to the core technical and conceptual elements of digital photography. Through practice-based projects and structured discussion, students learn how exposure, camera operation, editing techniques, and print preparation shape photographic images. Instruction includes examination of key historical developments and contemporary practices, enabling students to situate their own work within broader visual traditions. Students build essential skills in digital workflow, critique methodologies, and visual interpretation to support continued photographic study.

ARTS 1304. Photography Foundations II.

This course introduces students to the foundational practices of photographic sequencing and bookmaking through integrated digital and analog methods. Students study a range of historical and contemporary photobooks to understand how visual narratives are constructed. Coursework includes producing photographic series, developing post-processing workflows, creating digital book layouts, and experimenting with printing and bookbinding techniques. Emphasis is placed on building technical proficiency and an understanding of how photographers organize images into cohesive narrative forms. Prerequisite: ARTS 1303 with a grade of "D" or better.

ARTS 2301. Beginning Expanded Media.

This course introduces students to video as an interdisciplinary form of time-based media within contemporary art practice. Students develop foundational technical and conceptual skills through instruction in moving image and sound production, lighting, editing, and equipment operation. The course examines how video operates across media practices, performance traditions, and inquiry-based artistic methods. Emphasis is placed on building technical proficiency, media literacy, and an understanding of how time-based strategies function within creative processes. Students engage in project-centered learning that supports experimentation and analytical observation.

ARTS 2311. Beginning Ceramics.

This course introduces students to foundational handbuilding processes in ceramics, including pinch, coil, and slab construction. Students learn clay preparation, surface development, and basic kiln firing procedures while using appropriate tools and materials. The course examines historical and contemporary ceramic practices to support technical and conceptual exploration. Through demonstrations, discussions, hands-on projects, and critiques, students develop familiarity with ceramics as a structured studio discipline and gain skills that support continued study in three-dimensional art.

ARTS 2321. Beginning Drawing.

This course explores foundational principles of drawing through perceptual observation, visual analysis, and technical skill development. Students study line, value, texture, and form while examining how different materials and processes shape creative outcomes. Through sustained practice with still life, the human form, and varied subject matter, students investigate approaches to descriptive and expressive mark making. Emphasis is placed on building a structured understanding of representational drawing as both an analytical tool and a creative method.

ARTS 2341. Beginning Metals.

This course explores metalsmithing and jewelry as a vehicle for creative expression, developing a technical and conceptual foundation in the medium. Students are introduced to design, fabrication, casting, and basic metalworking techniques with emphasis on sculptural forms and adornment. Historic and contemporary issues in metalsmithing are investigated through reading and writing assignments and used as inspiration for the creation of individual artworks. Integration of core metals processes and jewelry concepts structure critical inquiry and personal reflection, establishing an essential understanding of the metalsmithing field.

ARTS 2351. Beginning Painting.

This course introduces foundational painting practices through the study of color, composition, material processes, and observation. Students develop technical skills in paint application, surface preparation, tool care, and safe studio procedures while learning how to translate direct observation and digital references into structured visual studies. Projects emphasize the relationship between drawing and painting, color theory, value organization, and compositional clarity. Through demonstrations, guided studio work, and critique, students build technical confidence and develop a thoughtful, process-oriented approach to image-making. The course supports experimentation within clear formal frameworks, preparing students for continued study in intermediate-level painting.

ARTS 2371. Beginning Printmaking.

This course introduces students to fundamental printmaking processes with an emphasis on relief printing and screen printing. Students learn technical skills such as carving, inking, layering, registration and printing press operation while exploring color relationships, formal elements of design, and image construction. Instruction includes demonstrations, studio work, and critiques that develop a foundational understanding of printmaking as a creative medium. The course supports both technical proficiency and conceptual growth through structured projects and creative problem‑solving activities.

ARTS 2381. Beginning Sculpture.

This course introduces students to sculptural materials, tools, and processes while establishing a technical and conceptual foundation in three‑dimensional practice. Instruction covers reductive and additive methods, including woodworking, welding, mold‑making, and basic fabrication techniques. Students gain hands‑on experience working with plaster, wood, steel, and found materials as they explore form, structure, and spatial relationships. Emphasis is placed on safe tool use, material awareness, and the development of fundamental skills that support continued study in sculpture and related disciplines.

ARTS 3302. Intermediate Expanded Media.

This course explores formal, critical, and technical approaches to time-based media within contemporary art practice. Students build on existing technical and conceptual skills as they expand their work into installation, projection, and spatial exploration with greater independence and complexity. Instruction emphasizes material investigation, spatial decision making, and the integration of moving image, sound, and light into multi-component works. A variety of techniques are introduced through structured exercises that support conceptual development, technical refinement, and analytical problem solving appropriate to intermediate level time-based media study. Prerequisite: ARTS 2301 and ART 1301 and ART 1303 and [ARTC 1301 or ARTS 1301 or ARTS 1303] and [ARTC 1302 or ARTS 1302 or ARTS 1304 or ARTT 2372] all with a grade of "D" or better.

ARTS 3304. Advanced Expanded Media.

This course emphasizes research, experimentation, and advanced processes in time-based media through the development of an independent project. Students expand technical and conceptual approaches while engaging with historical and contemporary examples that inform their decision making. Instruction supports sustained studio practice through mentorship, critique, and structured project planning. Emphasis is placed on developing analytical, material, and process-based strategies that contribute to a cohesive body of work. Students refine their methods as they work toward creating resolved time-based artworks. This course is repeatable for credit. Prerequisite: ARTS 3302 with a grade of "D" or better.

ARTS 3312. Intermediate Ceramics.

This course introduces intermediate wheel throwing techniques used to create functional and sculptural ceramic forms. Students study electric and gas kiln operations, midrange temperature glazes, and various firing methods. Instruction includes experimentation with surface decoration and the use of diverse materials and processes. The course incorporates research on historical and contemporary ceramic practices to deepen technical understanding and conceptual depth. Emphasis is placed on craftsmanship, refinement of form, and developing attention to detail in ceramic work. Prerequisite: ARTS 2311 and ART 1301 and ART 1303 and [ARTC 1301 or ARTS 1301 or ARTS 1303] and [ARTC 1302 or ARTS 1302 or ARTS 1304 or ARTT 2372] all with a grade of "D" or better.

ARTS 3314. Advanced Ceramics.

This course emphasizes experimentation and the development of individualized approaches within ceramic practice. Students establish a personal direction for the semester through research and the preparation of project proposals that outline objectives, timelines, and the technical and conceptual processes supporting a cohesive body of work. Students construct maquettes or templates and present their proposals. Advanced ceramics students manage their own kiln firings and engage with topics such as glaze calculation, mold making, installation, performance, and professional practices relevant to self directed artworks. The course also introduces advanced knowledge necessary for studio responsibilities, including safe operation of equipment and materials. This course is repeatable for credit. Prerequisite: ARTS 3312 with a grade of "D" or better.

ARTS 3322. Intermediate Drawing.

This course deepens technical, perceptual, and conceptual drawing abilities through sustained investigations in observational practice, experimental mark-making, expanded media, and idea-driven image development. Building on foundational skills established in earlier coursework, students engage with contemporary drawing theories and practices that reflect the evolving, interdisciplinary nature of the field. Emphasizing iterative studio work, structured critique, and the cultivation of an emerging personal voice, the course encourages artistic growth by guiding students toward increasingly sophisticated, self-directed, and professionally applicable drawing practices. Prerequisite: ARTS 2321 and ART 1301 and ART 1303 and [ARTC 1301 or ARTS 1301 or ARTS 1303] and [ARTC 1302 or ARTS 1302 or ARTS 1304 or ARTT 2372] all with a grade of "D" or better.

ARTS 3324. Advanced Drawing.

This course emphasizes advanced skills in drawing through research, experimentation, and the study of contemporary and historical approaches. Students explore a range of material and conceptual strategies while developing a self-directed body of work. Instruction centers on expanding technical proficiency, strengthening visual analysis, and refining individual methods of inquiry. Through iterative studio practice, critique, and documentation, students investigate how drawing operates across diverse contexts and develop a focused direction that supports their continued artistic growth. This course is repeatable for credit. Prerequisite: ARTS 3322 with a grade of "D" or better.

ARTS 3342. Intermediate Metals.

This course deepens formal, conceptual, and technical approaches to metalsmithing and jewelry while supporting the development of visual vocabulary. Students engage specialized processes and materials in metals with attention to craftsmanship, digital tools, and technical proficiencies. More advanced fabrication, casting, mold making, and CAD/CAM processes are used in the creation of functional objects. Through iterative making and reflective analysis, students refine visual language, strengthen problem solving skills, and integrate conceptual intent with material execution through guided exercises. Prerequisites: ARTS 2341 and ART 1301 and ART 1303 and [ARTC 1301 or ARTS 1301 or ARTS 1303] and [ARTC 1302 or ARTS 1302 or ARTS 1304 or ARTT 2372] all with a grade of "D" or better.

ARTS 3344. Advanced Metals.

This course expands technical and conceptual proficiencies in metalsmithing and adornment, emphasizing experimentation, advanced industrial processes, and conceptual approaches to making. Students develop a personal, visual lexicon through technical projects, writing exercises, and individual research of theoretical, historical, and contemporary sources in the jewelry and metalsmithing field. Technical content is paired with conceptual problem solving in service of creating an independent body of work. Rotating topics include advanced casting, concepts in forging and holloware, advanced color applications, stone setting, industrial jewelry design, and contemporary concepts in art jewelry. This course is repeatable for credit. Prerequisite: ARTS 3342 with a grade of "D" or better.

ARTS 3352. Intermediate Painting.

This course builds upon foundational painting skills by expanding formal, technical, and critical approaches to image-making. Students investigate advanced color systems, compositional strategies, and methods for developing imagery. Emphasis is placed on refining technical control while encouraging experimentation with both traditional and nontraditional materials. Through structured projects, research, and critique, students explore historical and contemporary painting contexts as a framework for developing intentional decision-making. The course supports the growth of a more cohesive studio practice by strengthening process awareness, visual literacy, and conceptual clarity. Students are expected to demonstrate increasing independence while engaging thoughtfully in critique and studio dialogue. Prerequisites: ARTS 2351 and ART 1301 and ART 1303 and [ARTC 1301 or ARTS 1301 or ARTS 1303] and [ARTC 1302 or ARTS 1302 or ARTS 1304 or ARTT 2372] all with a grade of "D" or better.

ARTS 3354. Advanced Painting.

This course focuses on the development of a cohesive and conceptually driven body of work through sustained studio practice. Students refine advanced technical skills while deepening their research, critical analysis, and engagement with contemporary and historical painting discourse. Emphasis is placed on material exploration, visual coherence, and the articulation of a personal direction within the medium. Regular critique, independent inquiry, and contextual research support the integration of concept and form. Students develop professional presentation strategies and strengthen their ability to situate their work within broader artistic conversations. This course is repeatable for credit. Prerequisite: ARTS 3352 with a grade of "D" or better.

ARTS 3361. Darkroom.

This course introduces students to analog photographic workflows using film cameras. Students learn foundational techniques in film exposure, development, and silver gelatin printing while examining how technical decisions shape photographs. Structured demonstrations, lab practice, and critique sessions support the development of craftsmanship and conceptual clarity. Through the creation of black and white photographic projects, students gain experience navigating darkroom processes, evaluating image quality, and understanding analog production methods within contemporary photographic practice.

ARTS 3364. Intermediate Digital Photography.

This course introduces intermediate digital photographic methods by combining technical instruction with project-based learning. Students explore image capture, color management, scanning, editing software, and large-format printing to understand how digital tools shape photographs. Through critiques, readings, and demonstrations, students develop skills in file preparation, color interpretation, and visual decision-making. Students produce cohesive photographic work that reflects purposeful use of digital imaging principles and prepares them for advanced study in photography. Prerequisite: ARTS 1303 with grade of "D" or better.

ARTS 3365. Lighting.

This course introduces principles of photographic lighting for studio and location environments. Students examine light quality, practice metering techniques, and operate stroboscopic and continuous lighting systems. Photographic assignments progress from technical exercises to conceptual lighting projects that demonstrate intentional creative choices. Instruction includes readings and discussions of historical and contemporary uses and contexts of photographic lighting. Through guided practice, emphasis is placed on understanding how lighting decisions influence clarity, form, and visual structure. Prerequisite: ARTS 1304 and ARTS 3364 both with a grade of "D" or better.

ARTS 3367. Large Format Photography.

This course introduces the basic materials, processes, techniques, and aesthetics of large format photography. Students explore historical and contemporary practices through discussion, research, and presentation. Shooting color and black‑and‑white film, darkroom processing and printing, scanning, and large‑format digital printing support the development of a broad range of technical and conceptual skills. Emphasis is placed on understanding how camera movements, film handling, and workflow decisions shape photographic outcomes in large format practice. Prerequisite: ARTS 3364 and ARTS 1304 and ARTS 3361 all with grades of "D" or better.

ARTS 3372. Intermediate Printmaking.

This course introduces intermediate techniques in intaglio and lithographic printmaking. Students expand their technical skills through processes such as etching, stone lithography, plate lithography, and multi stage printing. Emphasis is placed on problem solving, image development, and conceptual decision making in printmaking. Coursework includes demonstrations, studio work, and critiques designed to reinforce craftsmanship and understanding of contemporary and historical approaches. Students gain confidence in using specialized tools and materials while developing a personal direction in the medium. Prerequisites: ARTS 2371 and ART 1301 and ART 1303 and [ARTC 1301 or ARTS 1301 or ARTS 1303] and [ARTC 1302 or ARTS 1302 or ARTS 1304 or ARTT 2372] all with a grade of "D" or better.

ARTS 3374. Advanced Printmaking.

This course provides advanced study in printmaking through sustained exploration of a printmaking technique selected by the student. Building on previous coursework, students refine technical proficiency, develop conceptual approaches, and investigate historical and contemporary practices relevant to their chosen method. Assignments emphasize problem solving, research, and the creation of a cohesive body of work. Individual instruction, critiques, and demonstrations support students as they deepen their understanding of advanced printmaking processes. This course is repeatable for credit. Prerequisite: ARTS 3372 with a grade of "D" or better.

ARTS 3382. Intermediate Sculpture.

This course develops intermediate formal, technical, and critical approaches to sculptural practice through sustained study of materials, processes, and construction methods. Students refine additive, reductive, and assemblage‑based techniques while exploring approaches to material experimentation and larger‑scale building. Instruction includes strategies for installation, display planning, and effective documentation of three‑dimensional work. Emphasis is placed on strengthening technical proficiency, expanding conceptual problem‑solving, and developing safe, professional studio habits that prepare students for advanced coursework in the sculpture sequence. Prerequisite: ARTS 2381 and ART 1301 and ART 1303 and [ARTC 1301 or ARTS 1301 or ARTS 1303] and [ARTC 1302 or ARTS 1302 or ARTS 1304 or ARTT 2372] all with a grade of "D" or better.

ARTS 3384. Advanced Sculpture.

This course supports the continued technical and conceptual development involved in the production of sculptural objects with an emphasis on strengthening material expertise, fabrication skills, and the conceptual evolution of studio practice and thematic focus. Students develop language around their own work and gain tools needed for continuing a creative practice and studio post-graduation. At this level, students engage in higher-level readings and participate in class discussions focusing on contemporary art, independent project development and professional practices in the field. Prerequisite: ARTS 3382 with a grade of "D" or better.

ARTS 3392. Experimental Wet Media.

This course explores water based media through technical study, material experimentation, and guided inquiry. Students work with a range of tools, substrates, and processes to develop an understanding of how wet media function in both traditional and contemporary applications. Demonstrations, historical and current examples, and structured studio exercises support technical development, including controlled washes, layering, mark-making, and related techniques. Emphasis is placed on analytical observation, iterative testing, and responsiveness to material behavior. The course encourages experimentation grounded in technical competence and thoughtful visual investigation. Prerequisite: ART 1301 and ART 1303 and [ARTC 1301 or ARTS 1301 or ARTS 1303] and [ARTC 1302 or ARTS 1302 or ARTS 1304 or ARTT 2372] all with grades of "D" or better.

ARTS 4000. Senior/Thesis Art Exhibition.

This course prepares students for the public presentation of their creative work in their final semester of coursework. Students collaborate with thesis faculty and gallery staff to select, refine, and prepare artworks for exhibition, applying professional standards for installation, documentation, and communication. Emphasis is placed on understanding spatial, conceptual, and technical considerations that affect exhibition planning. Because projects reflect each student’s area of specialization, instruction supports individualized decision making while maintaining curatorial and professional expectations appropriate for a culminating undergraduate exhibition. Prerequisite: ARTS 4200 and (ARTS 3304 or ARTS 3314 or ARTS 3324 or ARTS 3344 or ARTS 3354 or ARTS 3374 or ARTS 3384 or [ARTS 4361 and 4364]) with grades of "D" or better. Corequisite: ARTS 3304 or ARTS 3314 or ARTS 3324 or ARTS 3344 or ARTS 3354 or ARTS 3374 or ARTS 3384 or ARTS 4367 with a grade of a "D" or better.

ARTS 4100. Special Problems in Studio Art.

This one-credit independent study supports focused exploration of a specific conceptual or technical problem in studio art. In consultation with a faculty supervisor, students define clear objectives and develop research, material, and analytical strategies to support their inquiry. Emphasis is placed on sustained studio engagement, experimentation, and critical reflection appropriate to the project’s scope. Students meet regularly with faculty for guidance and feedback and are expected to demonstrate initiative and independent decision-making. The course culminates in a completed studio-based outcome aligned with the defined objectives.

ARTS 4200. Professional Practice and Portfolio.

This course introduces students to essential professional practices for pursuing careers in the visual arts. Students develop written materials such as artist statements, biographies, résumés, and documentation of creative work while learning strategies for portfolio preparation and presentation. The course emphasizes practical skills including communication, organization, and navigation of post‑BFA opportunities. Additional activities such as site visits, artist talks, and student presentations provide exposure to professional workflows and community engagement within the arts. Students gain tools that support a sustainable and informed creative practice beyond graduation. Prerequisites: ARTS 3304 or ARTS 3314 or ARTS 3324 or ARTS 3344 or ARTS 3354 or ARTS 3374 or ARTS 3384 or ARTS 3367 with a grade of "D" or better. Corequisites: ARTS 3304 or ARTS 3314 or ARTS 3324 or ARTS 3344 or ARTS 3354 or ARTS 3374 or ARTS 3384 or ARTS 4361 with a grade of "D" or better.

ARTS 4305. Issues in Expanded Media.

This course investigates contemporary issues and evolving approaches within expanded media. Students explore selected topics such as animation, multimedia installation, performance-based media, and hybrid handmade/digital practices. Emphasis is placed on developing technical versatility, examining how different time-based and spatial formats operate within contemporary art contexts. Through project-based learning, demonstrations, and critique, students analyze material and conceptual strategies used in expanded media and apply them to individualized studio work. The course supports independent inquiry by encouraging experimentation grounded in research, technical skill, and reflective decision making. This course is repeatable for credit. Prerequisite: ARTS 3302 with a grade of "D" or better.

ARTS 4312. Studio Art Internship.

This course provides students with the opportunity to gain hands-on professional experience in areas related to the studio arts while earning academic credit. Through supervised placements in museums, galleries, artist studios, nonprofit organizations, or other creative industries, students engage in meaningful, field-based learning that complements their academic coursework. The internship emphasizes professional development, practical skill-building, and critical reflection on workplace practices within the arts. Enrollment in the course requires prior approval and consent of a supervisory instructor.

ARTS 4314. Color Theory.

This course examines color as both a descriptive and expressive element in art and design, with emphasis on color perception, theory, and practical application across multiple media. Students investigate the physical properties of light and pigment, including hue, value, saturation. Through studio experiments, analytical exercises, and sustained projects, students explore color mixing, simultaneous contrast, and psychological associations of color. The course develops critical understanding of how color functions formally and conceptually, equipping students to apply color strategically within diverse creative practices.

ARTS 4315. Issues in Ceramics.

This course investigates contemporary specialized issues in ceramic art through a focused, semester-long exploration of materials, methods, and conceptual approaches. Potential topics include installation, figurative sculpture, mold making, slip casting, kiln construction, and alternative firing processes. Students also examine digital design applications such as clay printing, 3D modeling, and small batch production. Through research, discussion, and studio based experimentation, students analyze historical and contemporary ceramic practices and apply technical and conceptual strategies to their own work while developing increased confidence with tools, materials, and processes. This course is repeatable for credit. Prerequisite: ARTS 3312 with a grade of "D" or better.

ARTS 4321. Graphic Novels and 'Zines.

This course introduces students to comics, sequential art, and graphic storytelling through the study of historical and contemporary examples. Students examine comics theory, narrative structures, visual pacing, character development, and the relationship between text and image. Coursework includes drawing exercises, readings, discussions, and projects that apply principles of art and storytelling within original short-form comics and zines. Emphasizing both technical skills and conceptual decision-making within sequential art, the course culminates in the creation of an original short story comic.

ARTS 4322. Disegno a Firenze: Drawing in Florence.

This course centers on observational drawing from a wide range of subjects located in and around the historic city of Florence, Italy. Through daily, hands-on studio practice, students develop a strong foundation in essential drawing principles, including line, value, spatial relationships, mark-making, and composition. Alongside direct engagement with Florence’s Renaissance art and architectural history, students cultivate heightened visual awareness and perceptual sensitivity by drawing on site. Subjects for study include Renaissance artworks, historic architectural interiors and exteriors, urban city views, and surrounding natural landscapes.

ARTS 4323. Illustration and Graphic Style.

This course explores the creation of illustrations across various media. Emphasis is placed on research, idea generation and the development of a cohesive style, voice, and portfolio. Various analog and digital techniques are demonstrated and practiced.

ARTS 4324. Graphic Novels and ‘Zines II.

This course explores the development and creation of a sequential art short story that each student then fully realizes as a physically printed art book. Emphasis is placed on outlining story arcs, writing scripts, creating and editing page layouts for a visual narrative, and developing and following production timelines. The creation of a multi-page graphic art story through sketching, inking, and coloring is demonstrated and practiced, as well as the printing of high-resolution artworks and various bookbinding techniques. Prerequisite: ARTS 4321 with a grade of "D" or better.

ARTS 4325. Issues in Drawing.

This course investigates contemporary issues in the discipline of drawing through focused study of selected rotating topics. Potential themes include, but are not limited to, drawing in three-dimensional space and time, collage, and drawing in plein air. Students examine a wide range of drawing practices and subjects, analyzing how different approaches shape visual outcomes. Emphasis is placed on technical experimentation, contextual awareness, and modes of visual inquiry that expand students’ understanding of current drawing practices. This course is repeatable for credit. Prerequisite: ARTS 3322 with a grade of "D" or better.

ARTS 4341. Digital Fabrication.

This course provides foundational skills for integrating digital fabrication technologies with a range of studio art and design processes. Students are introduced to digital design workflows using 3D modeling software, 3D printers, and computer controlled machines, gaining an understanding of how these tools support project development. Through hands on exercises, students explore a variety of materials and fabrication methods while practicing conceptual development, technical proficiency, and structured problem solving. By the end of the course, students are familiar with file preparation, equipment operation, and practical strategies for translating digital concepts into physical outcomes. Prerequisite: [ART 1301 or ART 1303] with a grade of "D" or better.

ARTS 4345. Issues in Metals.

This course prepares students to conduct specialized research in the field of metalsmithing and adornment. Emphasis is placed on establishing a professional practice through independent investigations. Students create a body of work based on personal conceptual interests supported by readings, writings, and presentations of inspirational sources. Concept development is reinforced through mastery of metalsmithing and jewelry manufacturing processes, demonstrating an innovative approach to object making. Exchange of contemporary ideas in adornment, metalwork, and emerging technologies relevant to the metals field are explored. This course is repeatable for credit. Prerequisite: ARTS 3342 with a grade of "D" or better.

ARTS 4355. Issues in Painting.

This course examines contemporary conceptual, theoretical, and material concerns in painting beyond the traditional sequential curriculum. Students engage in focused investigations of specific themes, methods, or critical frameworks relevant to current painting practices. Through research, sustained studio production, critique, and discussion, students develop advanced strategies for integrating theory and material practice. Emphasis is placed on experimentation, contextual awareness, and the articulation of a defined line of inquiry. Coursework culminates in original painted works that reflect rigorous investigation and critical engagement. This course is repeatable for credit. Prerequisite: ARTS 3352 with a grade of "D" or better.

ARTS 4360. Readings in Photography.

This course surveys historical and contemporary writings on photography to introduce students to frameworks for analyzing photographic practice. Through close reading and analytical writing, students examine key texts addressing photography’s history, theory, and interpretive approaches. Assignments emphasize exposure to a broad range of scholarly perspectives while developing critical vocabulary and contextual reasoning within photographic discourses. Students apply insights from course readings to written analyses of their own work, contextualizing their practice within established historical and contemporary photographic discourses. (WI) Prerequisite: ARTH 3306 with a grade of "D" or better.

ARTS 4361. The Photographic Project.

This course introduces students to strategies of artistic research, enabling them to better define, discover, and create collaborative and individual photographic projects. In the first part of the semester, students complete a guided project exploring a shared theme. Later in the semester, students choose their own field of inquiry to produce a photographic project that serves as the beginning of their thesis work. In preparation for their thesis capstone, emphasis is placed on research methods, explorative image-making, experimentation, and preparation for gallery installation. Prerequisite: ARTS 3367 and ARTS 4360 both with grades of "D" or better. Corequisite: ARTS 4200 with a grade of a "D" or better.

ARTS 4364. Advanced Digital Photography.

This course provides advanced skills in contemporary imaging technologies and photographic processes. Students examine the technical, aesthetic, procedural, and contextual aspects of digital cameras, image manipulation software, and output devices. The course emphasizes evaluation of digital workflows and production choices through applied projects and critical review. By engaging in structured experimentation and comparative analysis, students assess how digital tools used in print and online presentation influence photographic outcomes within historical and contemporary photographic contexts. Prerequisite: ARTS 3364 and ARTS 1304 both with grades of "D" or better.

ARTS 4367. Photography Thesis.

This course serves as the senior thesis for photography majors, focusing on the development of a cohesive body of photographic work supported by a written creative statement. Students research and explore an independently selected subject, building on previous coursework to shape a focused direction. They plan, produce, and refine their work culminating in a photographic series presented in a public exhibition. The course emphasizes research, sustained project development, technical craftmanship, iterative refinement, critical analysis, and professional presentation. Prerequisite: ARTS 4361 with a grade of "D" or better. Corequisite: ARTS 4000 with a grade of "CR".

ARTS 4368. Photography Special Problems.

This course provides an advanced independent study opportunity in photography. Working with a faculty mentor, students identify a focused project outside the scope of regular coursework. The faculty member and student work together to create learning goals and develop a plan for the semester. The course supports individualized inquiry, research, and advanced project development. Emphasis is placed on project planning and the development of work that extends skills and knowledge in a selected area of photographic practice. Prerequisite: ARTS 4364 and ARTS 2361 and (ARTF 1301 or ARTF 1302) all with grades of "D" or better.

ARTS 4371. Risograph 101.

This course introduces the operation of a Risograph duplicator and the technical processes involved in producing multicolor prints and small publications. Students learn how to prepare imagery through a range of digital and analogue techniques, gaining familiarity with color separation, layering, registration, and workflow considerations. The course emphasizes technical understanding of the machine alongside both traditional and experimental approaches to Risograph print production. Demonstrations and guided exercises support skill development as students explore effective strategies for planning and refining printed outcomes. This course is repeatable for credit. Prerequisite: ART 1301 and ART 1303 and [ARTC 1301 or ARTS 1301 or ARTS 1303] and [ARTC 1302 or ARTS 1302 or ARTS 1304 or ARTT 2372] all with grades of "D" or better.

ARTS 4375. Issues in Printmaking.

This course examines emerging methods, concepts, and technologies in contemporary printmaking through a rotating sequence of specific topics. Potential subjects may include, but are not limited to, conceptual approaches, alternative materials, new technologies, book binding, and experimental forms. Students engage with diverse creative contexts and technical processes through studio practice, readings, and discussions that introduce a range of visual strategies. The course emphasizes experimentation, technical refinement, and critical analysis. This course is repeatable for credit. Prerequisite: ARTS 2371 or ARTS 3372 with a grade of "D" or better.

ARTS 4385. Issues in Sculpture.

This course investigates contemporary issues, methods, and approaches within the discipline of sculpture. Students explore potential topics such as advanced casting, installation, and the use of found objects and readymades while examining how these practices operate in current sculptural discourse. Through research, discussion, and project‑based inquiry, students analyze the work of historical and contemporary artists to understand how ideas, materials, and processes intersect. Emphasis is placed on developing technical versatility and contextual awareness while exploring topics that extend beyond the traditional sculpture curriculum. This course is repeatable for credit. Prerequisite: ARTS 3382 with a grade of "D" or better.

ARTS 4387. Studio Thesis.

This course prepares students to undertake a thesis project by developing an original body of artwork supported by research, planning, and written documentation. Students create a statement of intent that outlines the scope, objectives, and conceptual direction of the thesis work, while establishing a sustained studio practice. Emphasis is placed on integrating advanced technical, conceptual, and analytical methods into a cohesive final project. Select work from the thesis is organized for public presentation as part of the capstone experience. Prerequisite: ARTS 4200 and [ARTS 3304 or ARTS 3314 or ARTS 3324 or ARTS 3344 or ARTS 3354 or ARTS 3374 or ARTS 3384] both with a grade of "D" or better. Corequisite: ARTS 4000 with a grade of "CR".

ARTS 4388. Special Problems in Studio Art.

This course is a three-credit independent study that allows students to pursue an in-depth, self-directed investigation in studio art. Working closely with a faculty supervisor, students identify a focused conceptual problem and develop the research, technical processes, and analytical strategies necessary to support sustained inquiry. Emphasis is placed on iterative studio practice, critical dialogue, and the integration of research into material production. Students are expected to demonstrate independence, consistency of engagement, and evolving clarity of direction. The course culminates in a cohesive body of work that reflects intentional development and critical awareness. The course may be repeated with a different emphasis for credit. Prerequisite: ARTS 3304 or ARTS 3314 or ARTS 3324 or ARTS 3344 or ARTS 3354 or ARTS 3374 or ARTS 3384 with a grade of "D" or better.

ARTS 4389. Studio Art Practicum.

This course provides experiential learning by introducing students to the management and instructional support of an art studio classroom. Students collaborate with faculty as instructional aides, learning methods for conducting studio art research, facilitating demonstrations, and supporting classroom engagement. The course also emphasizes foundational skills in studio facility management, including organization, maintenance, and tool oversight. Students develop an introductory understanding of approaches used to assess learning in the arts while gaining practical experience that supports continued study or future work in studio based educational environments. Prerequisite: (ARTS 3304 or ARTS 3314 or ARTS 3324 or ARTS 3344 or ARTS 3354 or ARTS 3374 or ARTS 3384) with a grade of "D" or better.

ARTS 5301. 2-D Advanced Special Problems.

This course is a graduate-level independent study that supports advanced investigation in two-dimensional studio practices. In consultation with a faculty supervisor, students define a focused conceptual framework and develop research methodologies, material strategies, and analytical approaches appropriate to graduate-level creative inquiry. Emphasis is placed on sustained experimentation, critical discourse, and the integration of theory and practice. Students are expected to demonstrate rigorous studio engagement and articulate their work within relevant contemporary and historical contexts. The course culminates in a cohesive, critically informed body of artwork. The course may be repeated with a different emphasis for credit.

ARTS 5302. 3-D Advanced Special Problems.

This course is a graduate-level independent study that supports advanced investigation in three-dimensional studio practices. Working with a faculty supervisor, students define a focused creative inquiry and develop the research, technical processes, and critical strategies necessary to support sustained exploration. Emphasis is placed on experimentation, material rigor, contextual awareness, and integration of theory with studio production. Students engage in regular critique and demonstrate independent initiative appropriate to graduate study. The course culminates in a cohesive and critically informed body of work. The course may be repeated with a different emphasis for credit.