This course is a general survey of artworks of “western” cultures from prehistory to the present. “Western” typically designates art produced in Europe or the Americas in the European tradition, but the term can be imprecise and problematic at times. We will explore why. This course provides an overview of both typical and exceptional artworks from the western tradition; artworks range from tiny to colossal, relatively ephemeral to permanent, crude-looking to meticulously crafted, and banal to sacred. We will typically discuss artworks in roughly chronological order. Ultimately students will learn the range of artworks produced by each culture, how those artworks were made, why they looked the way they did, and what functions they served. They will also develop the skills to analyze, discuss, and write about the visual arts.

This studio art course provides an introduction to fundamental concepts and techniques for creative production + problem solving + presentation. We will aim to expand your understanding of what you can achieve and what interests you through experimentation with time, surface, and space as well as a thoughtful exploration of the elements and principles of 2D, 3D, and 4D art and design. While this course will cover some ideas of technique, materials, and process, this is primarily a course where our goal will be to develop our ideas and strategies for how to engage an artistic practice that takes place across material + dimensional boundaries based on the needs of "the work" and the concepts behind it.

Prerequisite(s): Permission of department chair.

A studio art investigation into drawing as a tool for thinking, observing and questioning. Students will become familiar with fundamental techniques and concepts such as line, value, form and perspective. A variety of dry media and surfaces will be used. Formal and in-progress critiques will be held throughout the semester. Attending and/or participating in local art exhibitions and artist lectures is required. Various levels (1-4) of this studio art medium may meet together. The course requirements of each level are different.