Courses of Instruction
Beckelman, Black-Smith, Caraccio (New York Term), Goodson, Kann, Kennedy, Kovacs, Petro, Rogers, Songe, 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 - ART-205 Introduction to Art History
- One of the following:
ART-448 Early 20th-Century Art
ART-457 Late Modern and Contemporary Art - One additional art history course
- 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 art 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.
A grade of "C" or higher must be received in all courses counted toward the art major.
Scheduling may be planned to allow at least one term of study off-campus, either Washington Term, New York Term, 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 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:
8. Junior Review and Senior Research Paper (ART-800)
In addition to the course requirements, a student must participate in a Junior Review with the art 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.
Students interested in art history at the graduate level should complete either Intermediate French I (FRE-215) or Intermediate German (GER-215).
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 - ART-205 Introduction to Art History
- One of the following:
ART-448 Early 20th-Century Art
ART-457 Late Modern and Contemporary Art - One of the following (chosen in consultation with the art department faculty):
- An advanced studio course numbered 315 or above
- An additional art history course
A grade of "C" or higher must be received in all courses counted toward the art minor.
Specialist Certificate in Art
See Teacher Education
Elementary Education Emphasis in Art
See Teacher Education
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. Although all department courses are available to the student with no previous studio experience, those courses marked with an asterisk (*) are recommended as being more suited to that student. Further information for all these requirements and programs is available from the art department.
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 or approval of the teacher education department. This course does not satisfy the College’s general education fine arts core group 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 arrangement and is staffed by members of the art and/or teacher education faculties. This course does not satisfy the College’s general education fine arts core group requirement. (Offered on an occasional basis)
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 are production 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-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. (Offered on an occasional basis)
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 necessary. The student must supply a manually operated 35mm camera. Materials fee 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 variety of technical approaches to screen printing, which includes photomechanical and innovative print processes. Six studio hours per week. (Offered alternate years)
ART-205 Introduction to Art History
A survey of Western art and architecture from prehistory to the later 19th century, with emphasis on the ways in which visual culture both reflects and shapes societies and civilizations. Explores how works of art create and sustain meaning for their original audiences, and how some objects or visual solutions transcend their historical moment and surface throughout time as familiar cultural icons or references.
ART-206 World Art
Traces key themes in art from a global perspective, focusing on the ways that cultures and civilizations across time have visually expressed social, religious and political values. Cross-cultural themes include: religion and spirituality, word and image, violence and death, power and propaganda, gender and society, and ritual and body decoration.
ART-207 Gender and Art
Thematic exploration of the ways in which visual culture reflects and projects cultural biases and issues related to gender from prehistory to the modern era. Analyzes how gender identities can be shaped by politics, religion, and culture, as well as the effect of an artist's sex and/or sexual preferences on subject choices, media, and market values.
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 core group requirement. Prerequisite: Art major or minor and admission to the Teacher Education Program.
ART-288 History of Western Architecture
A survey of major monuments of Western architecture from prehistory to the mid-19th century, with emphasis on understanding form, function and meaning for original and later audiences. Focuses on analysis of stylistic choices, functional necessities, technological innovations, and symbolic forms.
ART-295 Topics in Art History
A study of a selected topic or theme in art history. Topics vary, and may include: Art Markets and Collectors; The Art of Pilgrimage; History of Photography.
ART-296 Topics in Art History: Non-Western
A study of a selected topic or theme in art history. Topics vary, and may include: Asian Art; Japonisme/Occidentalism; African Art.
ART-297 Topics in Art History: U.S. Pluralism
A study of a selected topic or theme in art history. Topics vary, and may include: Native American Art; Public Art; Art History at the Movies.
ART-298 Topics in Art History: Diverse Western Perspectives
A study of a selected topic or theme in art history. Topics vary, and may include: Art and Cultural Property; Memory, Environment and Landscape.
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 required. 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 types not previously covered in Photography I. Special emphasis is placed on individual conceptual and technical development. Prerequisite: Photography I (ART-155).
ART-365 Sculpture II
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-408 Ancient Empires, Myths, Heroes and Heroines
Explores the visual culture of the ancient world through narrative and symbolic form. Topics include: power, propaganda, violence, death, myth, and religion. Also addresses the ways in which many ancient visual forms have resurfaced in later cultural production. Prerequisite: Introduction to Art History (ART-205) or consent of the instructor.
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-418 Monsters and Marvels
Explores depictions of monsters and marvels as mechanisms for portraying, understanding, and negotiating difference and diversity. Focuses on the medieval and early modern period, but extends the visual inquiry to encompass other eras and historical moments. Prerequisite: Introduction to Art History (ART-205) or consent of instructor.
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. (Offered on an occasional basis)
ART-428 Old World/New World: Art of Exploration
Thematic exploration of the 17th century, focusing on depictions of the known world as well as those of newly discovered far-off lands. Focuses on the action, drama, and diversity of the Baroque period, and how the visual culture of the time reflected and shaped attitudes toward broader conceptual issues such as: trade, imperialism, religion, race, gender, and social class. Prerequisite: Introduction to Art History (ART-205) or consent of instructor.
ART-438 The Grand Tour
Focuses on the Grand Tour, the journey to Italy by upper-class Western citizens in the 18th and 19th centuries. Emphasizes the complex cultural and visual dynamics of these odysseys, linking the world of antiquity to that of early modern Europeans. Structured as a virtual Grand Tour, with students playing the role of their predecessors and experiencing the journey as the original travelers did. Prerequisite: Introduction to Art History (ART-205) or consent of instructor.
ART-448 Early 20th-Century Art
Traces the development of major artistic movements in Europe and the United States from the late 19th century to World War II. Emphasis on avant-garde styles such as Post-Impressionism, Cubism, Futurism, Surrealism, German Expressionism, Dada, and many others. Prerequisite: Introduction to Art History (ART-205) or consent of instructor.
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. (Offered on an occasional basis)
ART-458 The Art of Travel
Thematic exploration of the art of travel, both real and imaginary, in a visual journey across cultures and time. Analyzes imagery depicting past excursions, present encounters, and virtual or imaginary expeditions. Prerequisite: Introduction to Art History (ART-205) or consent of instructor.
ART-457 Late Modern and Contemporary Art
A survey of developments in visual art from World War II to the early 21st century. Topics include: Pop Art, Minimalism, Conceptual Art, Postmodernism, installation, new media, performance, and digital production and distribution.. Prerequisite: Introduction to Art History (ART-205) or consent of instructor.
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, junior standing or consent of instructor. (Offered on an occasional basis)
ART-470 Animation and Video
A studio course in the digital production of time-based artwork, 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. Prerequisite: 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. Prerequisite: Painting II (ART-325).
ART-535 Ceramics III
Continuation of Ceramics II with special emphasis on individual projects in consultation with the instructor. Materials fee required. Prerequisite: Ceramics II (ART-335).
ART-545 Digital Art III
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
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. Prerequisite: Photography II (ART-355).
ART-565 Sculpture III
Continuation of Sculpture II (ART-365) with special emphasis on individual projects in consultation with the instructor. Six studio hours per week. Prerequisite: Sculpture II (ART-365).
ART-575 Printmaking III
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. Prerequisite: Printmaking II (ART-375).
ART-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 instructor 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 days of in-class technical and historical orientation 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:
1.) For studio majors: A public exhibition of studio work under the supervision of a faculty member of the art department and the generation of an exhibit announcement and portfolio of slides from the exhibition.
2.) For art history majors: A major research paper written under the supervision of a faculty member of the art department. Successful completion of this non-credit bearing requirement is necessary to fulfill the requirements for a major in art.
Evaluated on an S/U basis.
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 for credit more than once. Prerequisites: junior standing and consent of department.
ART-8_5 Independent Study
Independent work on a selected project under the direction of a faculty member of the department.
ART-895 Internship in Art
Investigation of an area of interest related to the major, through voluntary field placement supervised by a faculty member of the art department. A minimum of 140 hours on-site experience is required. S/U basis only. Prerequisites: declared major in art, junior standing, and consent of department.
