Courses of Instruction
Beckelman, Caraccio (New York Term), Goodson, Goodwin, Ligendza, Steele, Thompson (Chair).
Art Major
- ART-115 Drawing I
- One of the following:
ART-075 Three-Dimensional Fundamentals
ART-135 Ceramics I
ART-165 Sculpture I - One of the following:
ART-145 Digital Art I
ART-155 Photography I
ART-175 Printmaking I - One of the following:
ART-218 Introduction to Art History: Art of the Ancient World
ART-258 Introduction to Art History: Art of Medieval Europe
ART-288 Introduction to Art History: History of Western Architecture - One of the following:
ART-410 Art of the Renaissance
ART-420 Baroque and Neo-Classical Art
ART-430 19th Century Art - One of the following:
ART-440 Early 20th Century Art
ART-457 Late 20th Century Art - Four additional art courses approved by the department.
- Junior Review and Senior Exhibition (ART-800): In addition to the course requirements, a student must participate in a Junior Review with the department's faculty. This must be completed no later than April of the junior year. The material submitted at the Junior Review will be related to the senior graduation requirement, which is a demonstration of proficiency through a public exhibition of artwork, including portfolio of slides, exhibit announcement, and résumé.
- Junior Review and Senior Research Paper (ART-800): In addition to the course requirements, a student must participate in a Junior Review with the department's faculty. This must be completed no later than April of the junior year. The material submitted at the Junior Review will be related to the senior graduation requirement, which is a demonstration of proficiency in written work through a major research paper.
Art History Emphasis
Students who elect to pursue an emphasis in Art History must satisfy the first seven requirements for the major and the following final requirement:
Students interested in art history at the graduate level should complete either Intermediate French I (FRE-215) or Intermediate German (GER-215).
A grade of “C” or higher must be received in all courses counted toward the art major and the minor.
Scheduling may be planned to allow at least one term of study off-campus, either in the Washington Program, New York Program, or one of the approved foreign or domestic programs. With departmental approval, courses from these programs may count toward the four additional art courses required in item 7 above.
Art Minor
- One of the following:
ART-065 Two-Dimensional Fundamentals
ART-115 Drawing I
ART-125 Painting I - One of the following:
ART-075 Three-Dimensional Fundamentals
ART-135 Ceramics I
ART-165 Sculpture I - One of the following:
ART-145 Digital Art I
ART-155 Photography I
ART-175 Printmaking I - One of the following:
ART-218 Introduction to Art History: Art of the Ancient World
ART-258 Introduction to Art History: Art of Medieval Europe
ART-288 Introduction to Art History: History of Western Architecture - One of the following:
ART-410 Art of the Renaissance
ART-420 Baroque and Neo-Classical Art
ART-430 19th-Century Art
ART-440 Early 20th-Century Art
ART-457 Late 20th- Century Art - One of the following chosen in consultation with the art faculty:
a. An advanced studio course numbered 315 or above.
b. An additional art history course.
Specialist Certificate in Art
Elementary Education Emphasis in Art
Pre-Architecture
For most careers in architecture, students will need to complete a Master of Architecture degree following their B.A. at Coe. To prepare for successful application into these programs, students should complete a series of courses selected in consultation with an Art Department advisor, in addition to the courses completed for the major.
Courses in Art
The Art Department's studio courses are designed to accommodate people with no experience in art, as well as those with previous experience. It is the department's philosophy that a diversity of skill levels enhances the potential for the beginning student. Those courses marked with an asterisk (*) are recommended as being more suited to the student with no previous studio experience, but all department courses are available to that student. Further information for all these requirements and programs is available in the Art Department Office.
ART-025 Art in the Elementary Classroom
Designed for prospective classroom teachers. The course provides an overview of the role of art in the elementary curriculum. Students learn to incorporate art activities into other content areas and gain an understanding of the objective of elementary classes taught by elementary art specialist teachers. Prerequisite: admission to the Teacher Education Program approval of the Education Department. This course does not satisfy the College's General Education Fine Arts requirement. (0.5 course credit)
ART-045 Concepts in Art Education
Reading course in which students do research in the professional literature in art education. Meets by and/or teacher education faculties. This course does not satisfy the College's General Education Fine Arts requirement. (May not be offered every year.)
ART-055 Introduction to Art*
The purpose of this course is to develop an understanding of the fundamental concepts and critical vocabulary of the creative process and the art-historical approach. This course does not satisfy any of the requirements for a major in art.
ART-065 Two-Dimensional Fundamentals*
An exploration of two-dimensional media, process, and design concepts. An emphasis is placed on the examination of the elements of design: line, shape, value, form, space, and texture, and the principles of interaction involved with their use. There areproduction pieces concerning each compositional assignment.
ART-075 Three-Dimensional Fundamentals*
An exploration of three-dimensional media, processes, and design concepts. In addition, the course is designed to increase three-dimensional visual and spatial awareness.
ART-085 Art and the Creative Process
Through an exploration of a variety of two- and three-dimensional media, students refine their understanding of the concepts and critical vocabulary of the creative process. Course work includes studio, lecture, presentations by each Art Department faculty member, and visits to local museums, galleries, and artists' studios.
ART-095 Collage and Assemblage*
An introduction to the media of collage and assemblage. Through a series of studio projects and discussion of theoretical texts, the student explores a number of specific approaches to the combining of found objects and images. Among the historical examples which are covered are: surrealist photomontage and frottage, Dada typographical montage, Joseph Cornell's poetic assemblages, and others.
ART-105 Topics in Digital Art
A studio course centering on a particular theme or issue not normally covered in Digital Art I, II, or III. Topics vary from year to year. No previous studio experience is necessary or required. (May not be offered every year.)
ART-115 Drawing I*
Beginning studio course in representational drawing. Basic techniques and media are approached through drawing from live models, still life, and landscape. Six studio hours per week.
ART-125 Painting I*
A basic studio course introducing the materials and techniques of painting with emphasis on the oil medium. Six studio hours per week.
ART-135 Ceramics I*
A studio course introducing the basic ceramic processes, including handbuilding, throwing, surface treatment, glazing, and firing. Six studio hours per week. Materials fee required.
ART-145 Digital Art I*
An introduction to the use of computer hardware and software as art-making and design tools. Six studio hours per week, including lecture and some lab time. Additional lab time will be necessary.
ART-155 Photography I*
An introduction to the art and mechanics of the camera and darkroom. Six hours per week; includes lecture and some lab time. Additional lab time will be necessary. The student must supply a manually operated 35mm camera. A materials fee is required.
ART-165 Sculpture I*
A basic introduction to the techniques of making sculpture. Explorations include three-dimensional materials, processes, and concepts. Six studio hours per week.
ART-175 Printmaking I*
An introductory printmaking course which focuses on the processes of intaglio and monotype. Students are instructed in the techniques of drypoint, etching, aquatint, and various monoprinting processes. Emphasis is placed on investigating the visual properties on line, value, texture, and color unique to the discipline. No previous art experience is required. Six studio hours per week.
ART-195 Lithography and Serigraphy*
An introduction to the processes of lithography and serigraphy (screen-printing). The first half of the course is in lithography, allowing the students to work with drawing on both stone and aluminum plates. The second half of the course includes a which includes photomechanical and innovative print processes. Six studio hours per week. (Offered alternate years)
ART-218 Introduction to Art History: Art of the Ancient World
A survey of painting, sculpture and architecture from the prehistoric period to late Imperial Rome. (Offered alternate years)
ART-230 The Art of Children and Adolescents, Elementary and Secondary Methods
Designed principally for prospective art teachers. The course includes discussion, lecture, and studio on campus, as well as experience in public school classes off campus. This course does not satisfy the College's General Education Fine Arts requirement. Prerequisite: Art major or minor and Admission to theTeacher Education Program.
ART-258 Introduction to Art History: Art of Medieval Europe
A survey of European art in various media from the Early Christian period through the Gothic era. (Offered alternate years)
ART-265 American Art
A study of painting, sculpture, and architecture in the United States from colonial times to the present. (Offered alternate years)
ART-276 Art of China and Japan
A survey of painting, sculpture, and architecture of East Asia from the prehistoric period to the 18thcentury. (Offered alternate years)
ART-288 Introduction to Art History: History of Western Architecture
A survey of the history of architectural styles and modes of construction. The first half encompasses works from prehistoric times to the middle of the 19th-century, including Egyptian, Greek, and Roman architecture, as well as works from the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods in Europe. The second half includes modern European and American architecture. (Offered alternate years)
ART-296 Topics in Art History: Non-European Art
Topics vary from year to year. Previous topics include Romantic Painting, Women and Art, History of Sculpture, Themes in Primitive Art. This course may be taken more than once. No previous studio or art history experience is necessary or required. (May not be offered every year)
ART-305 Topics in Graphic Design
A studio course centering on particular graphic themes or topics. Topics vary from year to year and include Typography, Publication Design, and Graphic Identity issues. Prerequisite: completion of an introductory level studio art course.
ART-315 Drawing II
Continuation of Drawing I (ART-115) with greater emphasis on personal conceptualization in solving problems related to the discipline. Prerequisite: Drawing I (ART-115).
ART-325 Painting II
Continuation of Painting I (ART-125) with special emphasis on style and personal exploration. Prerequisite: Painting I (ART-125).
ART-335 Ceramics II
Continuation of Ceramics I (ART-135) with special emphasis on individual projects and personal exploration. Advanced techniques are presented, as well as the opportunity to work with a variety of clays and firing methods. Materials fee. Prerequisite: Ceramics I (ART-135).
ART-345 Digital Art II
Continuation of Digital Art I with special emphasis on style and personal exploration. In addition to two-dimensional digital artwork, students develop interactive, web-based artwork. Six studio hours per week. Prerequisite: Digital Art I (ART-145). (Offered alternate years)
ART-355 Photography II
Continuation of Photography I (ART-155). Experimentation with various film and camera typesnot previously covered in Photography I. Special emphasis is placed on individual conceptual and technical development. Prerequisite: Photography I (ART-155).
ART-365 Sculpture II
A continuation of Sculpture I (ART-165) with the emphasis on individual development in specifically assigned areas. Six studio hours per week. Prerequisite: Sculpture I (ART-165).
ART-375 Printmaking II
Continuation of Printmaking I (ART-175), with the emphasis on a particular process or processes chosen by the student, and the relationship between concept and image. Advanced printmaking techniques are also examined. Six studio hours per week. Prerequisite: Printmaking I (ART-175).
ART-405 Watercolor Painting
A basic studio course in the use of the transparent watercolor medium as a means of making art. Students are instructed in the use of materials and the history and techniques of watercolor painting. Studio projects include abstract paintings as well as still life, landscape, and other observed subjects. (Offered May Term only)
ART-410 Art of the Renaissance
An examination of representative works in painting, sculpture, and architecture from the Renaissance period in Europe. Includes discussion of primary documents, connoisseurship, political and social uses of art, and many other topics. Prerequisite: a 200-level Art History course or junior standing or consent ofinstructor. (Offered alternate years)
ART-415 Life Drawing
A studio course concerned with an analysis of the skeletal, muscular, and surface anatomy of the human form. Six studio hours per week. Prerequisite: Drawing I (ART-115) or consent of instructor. (Offered alternate years)
ART-420 Baroque and Neo-Classical Art
Problems in the history and interpretation of European art of the 17th and 18th centuries are examined. Includes in-depth study of key works of painting, sculpture, and architecture from a variety of historical and critical perspectives. Prerequisite: a 200 level Art History course or junior standing or consent of instructor. (Offered alternate years)
ART-425 Color
A studio course in the theory and practice of color, with emphasis on the use of color as a compositional element. Six studio hours per week. (May not offered every year)
ART-430 19th-Century Art
An introduction to the art of the modern period. This course follows developments in painting, sculpture, and photography from the late eighteenth century to the 1890s. Among the topics covered are Romanticism, the Impressionists, the Post-Impressionists (Van Gogh, Cezanne, etc.), and many others. Prerequisite: a 200-level Art History course or junior standing or consent of instructor. (Offered alternate years)
ART-440 Early 20th-Century Art
A survey of avant-garde styles and schools from 1890 to the 1930s. Among the topics covered are the art of Picasso and Matisse, German Expressionism, Dada, and many others. Prerequisite: a 200-level Art History course or junior standing or consent of instructor. (Offered alternate years)
ART-445 Raku Ceramics
Offers the student an in depth study of this unique ceramic process. The course includes firing the Raku kiln, mixing clay and glazes, and glaze experimentation. (May not be offered every year)
ART-457 Late 20th-Century Art
A survey of developments in the visual arts from 1945 to 2000, including Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, Minimalism, Conceptual Art, and Postmodernism. Prerequisite: a 200-level Art History course or junior standing or consent of instructor. (Offered alternate years)
ART-460 20th-Century Architecture
A study of key figures and movements in European and American architecture from the late 19th-century to the present. Emphasis is placed on both the aesthetic and the intellectual elements in modern architecture. Prerequisite: a 200 level Art History course or junior standing or consent of instructor. (May not be offered every year)
ART-470 Animation and Video
A studio course in the digital production of time-basedartwork, particularly three-dimensional animation. Six studio hours per week. Prerequisite: Digital Art I (ART-145) or consent of instructor. (Offered alternate years)
ART-515 Drawing III
A term of drawing during which students apply the principles and techniques from the previous term to their personal vision. Prerequisites: Drawing I (ART-115), Drawing II (ART-315).
ART-525 Painting III
A term of painting during which students apply the principles and techniques from the previous term to their personal vision. Prerequisites: Painting I (ART- 125), Painting II (ART-325).
ART-535 Ceramics III
A continuation of Ceramics II with special emphasis on individual projects in consultation with the instructor. Materials fee. Prerequisites: Ceramics I (ART-135), Ceramics II (ART-335).
ART-545 Digital Art III
A continuation of Digital Art II (ART-345). Students apply the principles and techniques from the previous terms to their personal vision. Six studio hours per week, including lecture and some lab time. Additional lab time is required. Prerequisite: Digital Art II (ART-345).
ART-555 Photography III
A continuation of Photography II (ART-355). Students are expected to work independently and concentrate efforts in the production of a portfolio of work showing a specific technical and conceptual direction. Prerequisites: Photography I (ART-155), Photography II (ART-355).
ART-565 Sculpture III
A continuation of Sculpture II (ART-365) with special emphasis on individual projects in consultationwith the instructor. Six studio hours per week. Prerequisites: Sculpture I (ART-165), Sculpture II (ART-365).
ART-575 Printmaking III
A continuation of Printmaking II (ART-375). Students are expected to work independently in the production of a portfolio of prints showing research in a specific technical and conceptual direction. Studio hours to be arranged. Prerequisites: Printmaking I (ART-175), Printmaking II (ART-375).
RT-715, 725 Advanced Art Research I, II
Advanced research in studio art or art history. Emphasis is on preparation of work toward the senior exhibit or senior paper. Only art majors are admitted to this course. Materials fee (where applicable) should be discussed with instructor. Prerequisite: consent of instructors or completion of Junior Review.
ART-735 Southwest Photography Workshop
A course teaching students how to use the large format, professional 4”x5” camera. There are two before departure for Organ Pipe National Monument, Arizona. The group visits several photographic collections, including The Center For Creative Photography in Tucson and the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. (Offered May Term only)
ART-800 Senior Project – Non-Credit Bearing
Demonstrate proficiency in visual or written work through one of the following:
- For studio majors: A public exhibition of studio work under the supervision of a faculty member and the generation of an exhibit announcement and portfolio of slides from the exhibition.
- For art history majors: A major research paper written under the supervision of a faculty member.
ART-845,-855 Directed Studies in Art
Topics in studio art or art history selected by the student and instructor to fit the student's particular interests and educational needs. May be taken more than once for credit. Prerequisite: junior standing and departmental approval.
ART-8_5 Independent Study
Independent work on a selected project under the direction of a member of the department.
ART-895 Part Time Internship in Art
Investigation of an area of interest related to the major, through voluntary field placement supervised by a department faculty member. A minimum of 140 hours on-site experience is required. S/U basis only. Prerequisites: declared Art major, junior standing, and consent of department.
