Art

The art department's program is structured to enable all students to gain a comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of visual art, to define individual aesthetic attitudes and to develop personal goals with an emphasis in the studio disciplines set in a liberal arts tradition.

The liberal arts form an integral part of the artist's education, giving access to our culture's past and present and helping students understand themselves as individuals, as artists and as members of a complex and changing society.

While vital vocational art enrichment is offered to all Bluffton University students, the art department is structured to prepare its majors for elementary, secondary and supervisory teaching positions and for graduate study leading to professional careers in art and design. The graphic design minor, in conjunction with the art major, prepares students for work in print and Web design. It may also complement majors in business or communication, among others. Bluffton art graduates are currently working as elementary and secondary school art teachers, college professors, arts administrators, graphic designers, freelance artists, interior designers and production crafts-persons.

Students interested in teaching art should pursue the professional education multi-age visual arts license.
More info...

Art major

(46 hours)
Foundation year:
ART 202 Design 1 (3)
ART 204 Drawing (3)
ART 205 Figure Drawing (3)
ART 207 Design 2 (3)
ART 213 Painting (3)
ART 217 Ceramics 1 (3)
ART 223 Sculpture 1 (3) or ART 233 Sculpture 2 (3)
ART 327 Art History 1 (3)
ART 328 Art History 2 (3)
ART 329 Art History 3 (3)
ART 390 Independent Study in Art (2)
ART 400 Art Now Seminar (1)
ART 405 Portfolio Organization and Review (.5)
ART 410 Senior Exhibition (.5)

One of the following:
ART 225 Printmaking 1 (relief) (3)
ART 226 Printmaking 2 (intaglio) (3)
ART 227 Printmaking 3 (silkscreen) (3)
ART 228 Printmaking 4 (lithography) (3)

Three additional studio courses are required (9)

Professional Education Multi-Age Visual Arts License (K-12)

(54 hours) 
ART 202 Design 1 (3)
ART 204 Drawing (3)
ART 205 Figure Drawing(3)
ART 207 Design 2 (3)
ART 213 Painting (3)
ART 214 Watercolor (3)
ART 217 Ceramics 1 (3)
ART 317 Ceramics 2 (3)
ART 223 Sculpture 1 (3)
ART 233 Sculpture 2 (3)
ART 240 Film Photography (3) or ART 242 Digital Photography (3)
ART 320 Foundations for Teaching Visual Arts (3)
ART 327 Art History 1 (3)
ART 328 Art History 2 (3)
ART 329 Art History 3 (3)
ART 390 Independent Study in Art (1)
ART 400 Art Now Seminar (1)
ART 405 Portfolio Organization and Review (.5)
ART 410 Senior Exhibition (.5)

Two of the following: (6 hours)
ART 225 Printmaking 1 (relief) (3)
ART 226 Printmaking 2 (intaglio) (3)
ART 227 Printmaking 3 (silkscreen) (3)
ART 228 Printmaking 4 (lithography) (3)

Required professional education courses: (31 hours)
EDU 200 Introduction to Teaching in a Diverse Society (3)
EDU 205 Field Experience (1)
EDU 303 Computers and Technology in Education (2)
EDU 353 Educational Psychology & Instructional Practices (3)
EDU 332 Social & Philosophical Issues in Education (3)
EDU 302 Reading in the Content Areas: Middle Childhood (3) or  EDU 305 Content Area Literacy (3)
PSY 110 Introduction to Psychology (3)
SED 389 Issues in Special Education (1)
EDU 345 Multi-age Classroom Organization (2)
EDU 452 Clinical Practice  (10)

Graphic Design major

 (31 Semester hours)
ART 245 Introduction to Graphic Design (3)
ART 275 Digital Imaging (3)
ART 280 Digital Illustration (3)
ART 285 Desktop Publishing (3)
ART 345 Typography (3)
ART 350 Web Design (3)
ART 360 Corporate Identification (3)
ART 295 History of Graphic Design (3)
ART 430 Adv St in Computer Graphic Design (3)
ART 405 Portfolio Organization and Review (.5)
ART 410 Senior Exhibition (.5)
COM 185 Public Speaking and Persuasion (3) 

Art minor

(21 hours)
ART 202 Design 1 (3)
ART 204 Drawing (3)
ART 213 Painting (3)
ART 217 Ceramics I (3)
ART 223 Sculpture 1 or ART 233 Sculpture 2 (3)

One of the following:
ART 327 Art History 1 (3) 
ART 328 Art History 2 (3)
ART 329 Art History 3 (3)

One of the following:
ART 225 Printmaking 1 (3) 
ART 226 Printmaking 2 (3)
ART 227 Printmaking 3 (3)
ART 228 Printmaking 4 (3)

Graphic Design minor

(21 hours)
ART 202 Design 1 (3)
ART 245 Introduction to Computer Graphic Design (3)
ART 275 Digital Imaging (3)
ART 280 Digital Illustration (3)
ART 285 Desktop Publishing(3)

Two of the following:
ART 345 Typography (3) 
ART 350 Web Design (3)
ART 360 Corporate Identification (3)
ART 430 Advanced Studies in Computer Graphic Design (3)

Courses

ART 202 Design 1   (3)
Concentration on the theories and use of color, analysis of historical compositions and devices and assigned problems that strengthen the student's ability to compose.

ART 204 Drawing   (3)
A series of problems designed to develop confidence in drawing while examining a number of ways of implying space in a two-dimensional surface. Theory is supported by work in the studio and extended through traditional and contemporary visual references. Students are encouraged to develop a personal approach through the use of a sketchbook.

ART 205 Figure Drawing   (3)
Drawing from the human figure in both conventional and imaginative ways using various media, manners of treatment and modes of modeling forms. Discussion and viewing of historical as well as contemporary work expands perspectives and through studio assignments, students develop a personal approach.

ART 207 Design 2   (3)
Theory and practice of the fundamental principles of design as applied to three-dimensional art and crafts. Introduction to and practical experience in a variety of traditional three-dimensional media including clay, wood, metal, fabric and glass. Projects may include clay relief sculpture, functional wood objects, centrifugal casting, stained glass and batik. The understanding and practical experience gained here is intended to prepare the student for more complex three-dimensional art experiences. ART 202 recommended but not required.

ART 213 Painting (3)
An introduction to the material and subject possibilities of painting. The emphasis is on construction, composition, paint handling and color. Individual and group criticism, combined with field trips and discussion of painting ideology, expands the students' perspectives of themselves within historical and professional contexts. Prerequisites: ART 202 and ART 204.

ART 214 Watercolor   (3)
Specific compositional problems exploring the possibilities of design and expression in watercolor technique. Use of the figure, still-life and landscape as initial references. Prerequisites: ART 202 and ART 204. Offered alternate years.

ART 217 Ceramics 1   (3)
Introduction to work in clay including hand building techniques, use of the potter's wheel, decorating and glazing methods, kilns and firing processes. Practical experience through participation in all phases of ceramic production. Survey of traditional and contemporary approaches to clay focused on promoting individual student response to the medium.

ART 223 Sculpture 1   (3)
Development of three-dimensional form using processes of addition and subtraction. Construction in wood using basic carpentry skills, lamination and joinery. Involves instruction in cutting, welding and brazing metals. Covers stone and wood carving and mixed media assemblage. Survey of historical and contemporary sculpture with special attention to additive and subtractive approaches to media. Prerequisite: ART 207 recommended but not required. ART 223 and ART 233 may be taken in any order.  Offered alternate years

ART 225 Printmaking 1 (relief)   (3)
An introduction to relief printmaking employing basic relief techniques including linoleum cuts and woodcuts. The initial emphasis is on black and white images executed through studio assignments. Introduction to color reduction block printing. Discussion and viewing of historical as well as contemporary work expand perspectives and the student is encouraged to develop a personal approach. ART 225, ART 226, ART 227 and ART 228 may be taken in any order. Offered every fourth year.

ART 226 Printmaking 2 (intaglio)   (3)
Introduction to the medium of intaglio through demonstration. Various methods of making plates, hard and soft ground, drypoint, mezzotint, aquatint and embossment, are explained and demonstrated. Prerequisites: ART 202 and ART 204. ART 225, ART 226, ART 227 and ART 228 may be taken in any order. Offered every fourth year.

ART 227 Printmaking 3 (silkscreen)   (3)
Basic techniques in screen printing including direct and indirect stencils. Building and stretching screens as well as darkroom work with enlarger and Kodalith film are demonstrated. Prerequisites: ART 202 and ART 204. ART 225, ART 226, ART 227 and ART 228 may be taken in any order. Offered every fourth year.

ART 228 Printmaking 4 (lithography)   (3)
An introduction to the techniques of direct lithography from stones and metal plates. Various traditions of printmaking and historical contexts are examined. Prerequisites: ART 202 and ART 204. ART 225, ART 226, ART 227 and ART 228 may be taken in any order. Offered every fourth year.

ART 229 Printmaking: Alternative Digital Print
This course will enable students to investigate a variety of nonstandard means of combining digital imagery and design making with traditional methods, including mixed media, drawing, photography, painting, and collage. Methods utilized include various handmade printing substrates, printing and transfer methods, pre-print alterations, and post-print additions. Experimentation with these methodologies will contribute to the creation of a mature and cohesive body of work by students.

ART 233 Sculpture 2   (3)
Development of three-dimensional form using processes of manipulation and substitution. Includes modeling of clay, plaster, wax and Styrofoam with replacement in metal using the lost wax process and other foundry procedures. Mold-making techniques are introduced with further casting in a variety of materials. Survey of historical and contemporary sculpture with special attention to modeling and casting techniques. ART 207 recommended but not required.  ART 223 and ART 233 may be taken in any order. Offered every third year.

ART 240 Film Photography   (3)
An introduction to photography including camera handling, film exposure and processing, composition, black and white print production and presentation of photographs. Exploration of specialized equipment and techniques. Brief history of photography. Offered alternate years.

ART 242 Digital Photography (3)
This class will serve as an introduction to basic camera and digital darkroom procedures. Discussion of digital camera functions, lens and digital media selection and usage will lead the student into an understanding of camera usage in a wide variety of shooting circumstances. With a progressively expanding understanding of basic photography the student will have the opportunity to explore the use of Photoshop on the computer to render and print final images. High quality printing as well as placing images as appropriately sized e-mail attachments and on Internet sites will be examined. Field assignments require that the student find creative photographic solutions to problems in form and content. 

ART 245 Introduction to Computer Graphic Design   (3)
This course provides a thorough investigation of the computer as a primary tool for the graphic designer. Fundamental components of design theory and typography are incorporated with problem definition to provide students with valuable experience in the ideation, research, execution and presentation of projects. Students are introduced to industry standard software tools.

ART 255 Graphic Design I: Desktop Publishing (3)
This course is designed to further develop the graphic designer's proficiency in desktop publishing techniques. Emphasis is placed on the integration capabilities of the Adobe Creative Suite. Photoshop and Illustrator materials are brought together with text in InDesign to create custom flyers, trade ads, newsletters, brochures and other communication materials. Class discussion focuses efforts on the technical aspects and aesthetic judgments made in the production of creative assignments. Prerequisite:  ART 245, or permission of instructor.  ART 255, ART 265 and ART 270 may be taken in any order.

ART 265 Graphic Design II: Photo Editing (3)
This course provides an introduction to digital capturing methods which include digital photography and image scanning. The primary focus for the graphic designer is on photo editing processes centered in the use of Adobe Photoshop. Techniques covered in the course include special photographic effects and custom typographic treatments. Class discussion focuses efforts on the technical aspects and aesthetic judgments made in the production of creative assignments. Prerequisite:  ART 245, or permission of instructor.  ART 255, ART 265 and ART 270 may be taken in any order.

ART 270 Graphic Design III: Illustrating (3)
This course is designed to help the graphic designer achieve professional studio results through the use of Adobe Illustrator. Computer drawing techniques are covered in the course along with the use of custom typographic treatments. Topics covered in the class include: editing anchor points and paths, working with layers, painting, using gradient fills, special type effects, importing and masking photographs and using filters. Class discussion focuses efforts on the technical aspects and aesthetic judgments made in the production of creative assignments. Prerequisite:  ART 245, or permission of instructor.  ART 255, ART 265 and ART 270 may be taken in any order. 

ART 275 Digital Imaging (3)
This course provides an introduction to digital capture, editing, and printing of raster based design elements. Class discussion and critique focuses on concepts and terminology, design elements and principles, in addition to tools and techniques obtained during the production of creative projects. Students will explore raster-based digital manipulation, compositing and imaging techniques including special photographic effects and custom typographic treatments. Prerequisite: ART 245, or permission of instructor.

ART 280 Digital Illustration (3)
This course provides an introduction to the process of illustration through raster and vector based design elements, which continues to build on concepts and skills established in ART 245. Students will develop knowledge of the graphic illustration techniques used in professional illustration. Class discussion and critique focuses continued emphasis on concepts and terminology, design elements and principles, in addition to tools and techniques obtained during the production of creative projects. Prerequisite: ART 245, or permission of instructor.

  ART 285 Desktop Publishing (3)
This course is designed to further develop the graphic designer's proficiency in desktop publishing techniques and theory. Emphasis is placed on the integration capabilities of industry standard software tools and its contemporary practice in graphic design methods. Class discussion and critique focuses continued emphasis on concepts and terminology, design elements and principles, in addition to tools and techniques obtained during the production of creative projects. Raster and vector based elements are organized in layout programs to create flyers, trade ads, newsletters, brochures and other communication materials. Prerequisite: ART 245, or permission of instructor.

ART 295 History of Graphic Design (3)
This course surveys the pivotal events and achievements that led to the current state of graphic communication. Students will explore the quest to give form to ideas, traced from the pictographs painted on cave walls to the latest imaginative designs. Through lectures, videotapes, discussions, presentations and research, students are introduced to a collection of influential figures and breakthrough technologies that have shaped the evolution of visual communication.

ART 317 Ceramics 2 (3)
Advanced ceramic forming and decorating methods are introduced. Students are challenged to refine selected techniques in pursuit of a personal aesthetic in the medium. Clay bodies, glaze chemistry and kiln design are considered with emphasis on their integral role in the creative process. Prerequisite: ART 217 or permission of the instructor.

ART 320 Foundations for Teaching Visual Arts (3)
Provides lecture, studio and fieldbased experiences for teaching art in public schools using methods and materials in the public school art program. Involves laboratory experiences in art resources and program planning. Includes a review of studio art development and art education knowledge to identify the student's proficiency for performance as an art teacher. Prerequisite: sophomore standing.

ART 327 Art History 1 (3)
Survey of art history from the prehistoric through medieval periods. Offered every third year.

ART 328 Art History 2 (3)
Survey of art history from the Renaissance through the 18th century. Offered every third year.

ART 329 Art History 3 (3)
Survey of 19th- and 20th-century art. Offered every third year.

ART 345 Typography (3)
The focus of this course includes the basic principles, practices and history of typography and typographic design. Attention is given to the importance of type as both a functional and expressive element in visual communication. Students develop creative projects in order to apply learned typographic fundamentals to visual communication problems. Prerequisite: ART 245.

ART 350 Web Design (3)
This course concentrates on the design, development, implementation, testing and updating of effective web interfaces based on principles of graphic design. Students will explore a variety of visual, navigational and structural approaches including styles, navigation systems, visual hierarchy, basic animations, image preparation, and file transferring protocols. Emphasis will be placed on conceptual development and structure, interactivity and design aesthetics. Prerequisite: ART 245.

ART 360 Corporate Identification (3)
Creative, marketing, digital and traditional skills are necessary in this course to meet rigorous conceptual/visual standards pertinent to creating a brand and/or a company s identity. Through complex projects and numerous graphic design formats, major aspects of visual identity are emphasized and developed: logotypes, typographic sets, color palettes, photographic and illustration styles, and appropriate project presentation formats. Prerequisite: ART 202, ART 245, ART 275, ART 280, ART 285.

ART 380 Studies in Art (3)
Studio or art history course dealing with specialized medium or topic. With an appropriate theme, this course may be taken as part of the Women's Studies minor.

ART 385 Internship (10 hours maximum)
By arrangement.

ART 390 Independent Study in Art (1-3)
Supervised individual problems in selected studio areas, art education or art history research for students who show proficiency and marked degree of independence in other course work. May be repeated. Prerequisite: must have prior work in the course area.   

ART 400 Art Now Seminar (1)
A survey of contemporary trends in the visual arts through on-site study of the art resources of a major urban area. Visits to museums, galleries, works of public art and architectural landmarks included. Current criticism examined in preparation for the tour with follow-up focusing on individual observations and insights.

ART 405 Portfolio Organization and Review (.5)
Development of a professional portfolio through selection and refinement of previous studio work with emphasis on organization and presentation.

ART 410 Senior Exhibition (.5)
Graduating Graphic Design majors are required to present an exhibit of their work in their senior year. Students put together a retrospective selection of their best work.

ART 430 Advanced Studies in Computer Graphic Design (3) 
This seminar course will focus on the development of creative projects based on advanced typography and color theory. Students will achieve development of unique and personal voices through design processes and refinements of typographic detail, contributing to a higher level of design sophistication. Discussion and verbal reflection in a critique setting will further develop student critical thinking.

June 2012