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Department of art

The purpose of the Department of Art is to provide the student with undergraduate competencies in the theoretical and applied forms and processes of visual art.
 
Catering to both fine arts majors and art education majors, the Department of Art emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, problem solving, and the development of self motivation. Studio courses enable students to develop technical skills and aesthetic judgment in the fine and commercial arts.
Art history courses provide students with socio-historical knowledge and understanding of the art of the past, of Non-Western art, as well as contemporary critical art forms and issues.
 

100. ART APPRECIATION (3 credit hours )
This is a lecture/discussion/creating course that starts with objects of art in the student’s environment and proceeds from the comfortable and familiar to the internationally accepted aesthetic. Periods of art history and cultures of the world will be examined. The student will be exposed to the basic concepts of art through the study of painting, sculpture, architecture, industrial art, fibers and film.
 

101. STUDIO I—INTRODUCTION TO ART (3 credit hours)
A combined lecture and studio course in which specific works from the past and present will be studied, analyzed, and used as motivation for projects and discussion.
 

103. STUDIO III—DESIGN (3 credit hours) 
An introductory studio course for art majors in which the student will develop projects in two and three dimensional design. A prerequisite for courses in ceramics and sculpture and qualifying for all courses that stipulate ART 101 as a prerequisite.
 

201. DRAWING I (3 CREDIT HOURS)
A studio course in which the student draws in several media and considers drawings as a fine art. It is designed for art students, students interested in teaching, and students who want to become more proficient in drawing and its appreciation. A prerequisite for painting, figure drawing and printmaking. Six class hours per week. Prerequisite: ART 101 with “B” or better, or ART 103 with “C” or better.
 

202. NON-WESTERN ART (3 credit hours) 
A survey of the origins and character of the visual art of non-western cultures, with emphasis upon Oriental, Latin American, and African art.
 

203. PAINTING I (3 credit hours)  
The techniques, historical and contemporary, involved in painting with watercolors, oils or acrylics. Six class hours per week. Prerequisite: ART 201 with “C” or better.
 

204. WESTERN ART I (3 credit hours)  
A survey of the origins and character of the visual arts from the prehistoric to the Renaissance. Prerequisite: ENGL 101 & 102.
 

205. WESTERN ART II (3 credit hours)  
A survey of the origins and character of the visual arts from the Renaissance to the contemporary art world. Prerequisite: ENGL 101 & 102.
 

206. PRINTMAKING I (3 credit hours)  
A studio course which provides the student with experiences in various basic printmaking processes. Collograph, monoprint, intaglio and relief printmaking are utilized as media for visual communication. Students will focus on using these techniques for artistic ends rather than simply focusing on mastering the techniques as ends in themselves. Six class hours per week.
Prerequisite: ART 201 with “C” or better.
 

207. SCULPTURE I (3 credit hours)  
Additive and subractive techniques using clay, plaster, wood, metal and stone. Six class hours per week. Prerequisite: ART 201 with “C” or better.
 

208. CERAMICS I (3 credit hours)  
An introduction to using clay in hand-built forms. Proper use of studio equipment, glaze formulation and kiln firing will also be taught. Six class hours per week. Prerequisite: ART 101 with “B” or better, or ART 103 with “C” or better.
 

209. PHOTOGRAPHY I (3 credit hours)  
An introduction to traditional photography, how to use a 35 mm camera, develop black and white negatives, make enlargements and mount prints.  Emphasis will be placed on artistic rather than purely technical consideration. Six class hours per week. Prerequisite: ART 101 with “B” or better, or ART 103 with “C” or better.
 

214. FIGURE DRAWING (3 credit hours) 
A course in the study of the human figure using a variety of media; gesture, contour, foreshortening, proportions, portraiture, and individual expression. Six class hours per week. Prerequisite: ART 102 or 103.
 

217. COMPUTER GRAPHICS (3 credit hours)
This class is an introduction to the technical aspects addressed in a college-level computer graphics course. All artwork is designed in a digital lab using current computer software. Students will be taught computer basics such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, as well as utilizing equipment such as scanners and digital cameras. An emphasis is placed on craft skills in the class. Lab instruction will be integrated with graphic design project. There is a concentration on software understanding as well as conceptual thinking and communication. Students will be encouraged to see technology as another medium in effectively communicating their ideas and philosophies of art and communication. Emphasis will be placed on creativity and experimentation with a variety of digital media. Material will be taught to prepare them for upper-level graphic design and other art courses. Six class hours per week. Prerequisite: ART 101 with “B” or better, or ART 103 with “C” or better.
 

230. GRAPHIC DESIGN I (3 credit hours)   
This class teaches strategies and processes for developing and utilizing images with text. Knowledge of current software is essential for experimentation and advanced work in Graphic Design. The designer’s relationship to agencies, clients, printers, and other professionals will be introduced. Six class hours per week. Prerequisite: ART 217 with “C” or better.
 

252. DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY I (3 credit hours)  
This course provides an introduction to digital photography and digital manipulation and enhancement of images. Topics include manual mode operation of the camera, composition, camera controls, exposure, and the use of state-of-the-art software to make basic image adjustments for creative use. Camera emphasis is placed on understanding and using aperture, shutter control, ISO and white balance. Prerequisite: ART 101 with “B” or better, or ART 103 with “C” or better.
 

299. SPECIAL TOPICS IN ART (3 credit hours) 
This is a sophomore level course designed for a topic of special interest including televised courses. Prerequisite: ART 101, 103, 104 or 200 or consult instructor.
 

301. ADVANCED SCULPTURE (3 credit hours)
Further exploration of the construction of forms in wood, marble and steel. Six class hours per week.
Prerequisite: ART 207 with “C” or better.
 

303. ADVANCED PRINTMAKING (3 credit hours)
The development of intaglio, etching, and engraving techniques, as well as the creation of images on a metal plate in traditional and
experimental manners. Use of the intaglio press. Six class hours per week. Prerequisite: ART 206 with “C” or better.
 

306. ADVANCED PAINTING (3 credit hours)
Advanced painting is designed for students who wish to continue to devote themselves to painting as a form of expression and to develop their technical skills. This course will account for the total range of aesthetic judgment as a means to transform subject matter, communicate ideas, expressions and points of view. Six class hours per week. Prerequisite: ART 203 with “C” or better.
 

307. FIGURE PAINTING (3 credit hours)
Painting in various media with emphasis upon individual problems toward the development of a personal style. The human figure is the basis of inspiration. Six class hours per week. Prerequisite: ART 203 and 214 with “C” or better.
 

308. ART EDUCATION (3 credit hours)
A course to prepare prospective art education teachers in the theory and practice of teaching art. This course stresses the study of the past and present philosophies of art education and the developmental stages of youth as they relate to their art making. Laboratory projects will correlate studio skills and field experiences to classroom teaching. Completion of a 40-hour field experience in an appropriate school setting is required. Four class hours per week. Prerequisite: classification as a junior, EDUC 316.
 

310. ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHY (3 credit hours)
Designed to expand upon the techniques and aesthetics dealt with in Art 209. Students will use medium format cameras, fiber base paper, toning and alternative processes. Six class hours per week. Prerequisite: ART 209 with “C” or better.
 

312. ADVANCED CERAMICS (3 credit hours)
In addition to strengthening techniques in hand-built construction, tile-making and mixed media will be taught. Reduction, pit and raku firing will be the methods for fi nishing forms. Six class hours per week. Prerequisite: ART 208 with “C” or better.
 

313. ADVANCED GRAPHIC DESIGN (3 credit hours)
Advanced work in preparation of art for reproduction in black and white, and color. Specializations in air brush, silk screen, photo silk screen, computer graphics or illustration. Six class hours per week. Prerequisite: ART 213.
 

314. RENAISSANCE, BAROQUE AND EARLY 19TH CENTURY ART (3 credit hours)
A survey of art from Giotto to the Post Impressionists.
 

315. MODERN ART (3 credit hours)
A survey of the developments in the visual arts from the mid-19th century through the present time.
 

316. AMERICAN ART (3 credit hours)
A survey of American art from the limner of Colonial days to the contemporary artists.
 

317. AFRICAN AND AFRO-AMERICAN ART (3 credit hours) 
A survey of the ancient and modern art of Africa, the art of Haiti, and works by persons of African descent in the Americas.
 

318. AMERICAN INDIAN ART (3 credit hours)
A survey of ancient art, modern art, and culture of the American Indian, covering pre-Columbian, historical and contemporary art.
 

319. APPALACHIAN ARTS AND CRAFTS (3 credit hours)
A survey of the cultural uniqueness of Appalachian art with an appreciation of the techniques and aesthetics of Appalachian arts and crafts.
 

320. AFRICAN ART (3 credit hours)
A survey of the visual arts and cultural traditions of some of the indigenous peoples of sub-Saharan Africa.
 

350. AFRICAN-AMERICAN ARTISTS (3 credit hours)
A historical, stylistic and biographical survey of African-American artists, from 1750 until the present.
 

352. ADVANCED DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY (3 credit hours)
This course is designed to expand upon the techniques and aesthetics dealt with in the beginning level of digital photography. You will work with one chosen topic or subject throughout the semester, and manipulate and alter imagery using both the camera, controlled lighting, and computer software. Having achieved a level of technical proficiency, you will critically examine cultural, political, aesthetic and ethical questions related to digital image making. Finally, you will work to develop an individual style of imagery, and progress toward a professional portfolio. Prerequisite: ART 252 with "C" or better.
 

399. SPECIAL TOPICS IN ART (3 credit hours)
This is a junior level course designed for a topic of special current interest, including televised courses. Prerequisite: Completion of sophomore core courses and/or consent of the instructor.
 

ADVANCED STUDIO SKILLS (1 to 9 credit hours)
Designed for the student who has completed two semesters in a studio discipline to encourage continued experimentation and problem solving in the selected area of concentration. Two class hours per week per credit.
 

402. ADVANCED STUDIO SKILLS—DRAWING 
Students design their own course under a stringent set of guidelines. A professional portfolio and alternative processes are emphasized. Class may be repeated for a maximum of 9 credit hours. Prerequisite: ART 305 with “C” or better
 

403. ADVANCED STUDIO SKILLS—PAINTING
Students design their own course under a stringent set of guidelines. A professional portfolio and alternative processes are emphasized. Class may be repeated for a maximum of 9 credit hours. Prerequisite: ART 306 with "C" or better.
 

404. ADVANCED STUDIO SKILLS—CERAMICS
Glaze Research, Studio Production, Studio Operation and Management, Special Problems. Students design their own course under a stringent set of guidelines. Exploration of a personal style in clay form will be emphasized. A related and concise body of work should result from taking this course. Class may be repeated for a maximum of 9 credit hours. Prerequisite: ART 312 with “C” or better.
 

405. ADVANCED STUDIO SKILLS—PRINTMAKING
Special Problems, Printmaking Editions. Students design their own course under a stringent set of guidelines. Special problems, printmaking editions, a professional portfolio and alternative processes are emphasized. Class may be repeated for a maximum of 9 credit hours. Prerequisite: ART 303 with “C” or better.
 

406. ADVANCED STUDIO SKILLS—SCULPTURE 
Metal Sculpture, Plaster and Metal Casting. Students design their own course under a stringent set of guidelines. Special problems, a professional portfolio and alternative processes are emphasized. Class may be repeated for a maximum of 9 credit hours. Prerequisite: ART 301 with “C” or better.
 

407. ADVANCED STUDIO SKILLS—PHOTOGRAPHY 
Students design their own course under a stringent set of guidelines. A professional portfolio, alternative processes, and the use of photographs within mixed media pieces are emphasized. Class may be repeated for a maximum of 9 credit hours.
Prerequisite: ART 310 with “C” or better.
 

410. ARTS MANAGEMENT SEMINAR (3 credit hours)
The theory and practice of selling art, business practices, grants, proposal writing, portfolios,  health considerations, taxes, bookkeeping, studio management, storage, preservation and the photographing of art. Required of all art majors as a capstone course. Prerequisite: Junior status or permission of the instructor.
 

411. ART HISTORY SEMINAR (3 credit hours)
The impact of modern technology on the theories and practice of art, art history aesthetics, and art criticism. Prerequisite: ENGL 102 and ART 205.
 

413. ADVANCED STUDIO SKILLS—GRAPHIC DESIGN 
Students design their own course under a stringent set of guidelines. A professional portfolio, alternative processes, and the use of graphic design with mixed media pieces are emphasized. Six class hours per week. Class may be repeated for a maximum of 9 credit hours. Prerequisite: ART 313 with “C” or better.
 

414. TEACHING ART (3 credit hours) 
A course to prepare prospective art teachers in the theory and practice of teaching art on the middle, junior high, and high school levels. This course addresses both current trends and philosophies in the theory and practice of art education with emphasis on the secondary level. Course work will coordinate arranged weekly seminars with 45 hours of field experience in appropriate school settings. Prerequisites: classification as a senior, EDUC 316.
 

445. TRAVEL (4 credit hours)
A travel-study course to provide students an opportunity to pursue an advanced studio discipline or a research study in a foreign country.
 

450. CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS (3 credit hours) 
A survey of artists, styles, movements, and ideas which have influenced the international art world during the last few decades. Contemporary critical methodologies and vocabulary of contemporary theory will be employed, and the significance of anyone’s personal perspective when framing art works within ideational and socio-cultural contexts will be emphasized.
Prerequisite: ART 205.
 

451. WOMEN ARTISTS (3 credit hours) 
A survey of women artists and their expressions from the Middle Ages to the contemporary art world, this course is also an exploration of the conditions and dominant ideologies which procured these women’s position as outsiders in a male profession.
 

452. ADVANCED STUDIO SKILLS DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
You will design your own course under a stringent set of guidelines. In addition to producing a professional portfolio, you are required to utilize alternative processes and mixed media. The focus is the development of your digital portfolio as an artist. Prerequisite: ART 352 with “C” or better.
 

475. SENIOR EXHIBIT (1 credit hour) 
Required of all art majors during the final semester of their senior year. Allows art majors to create and present representative work in their major field for a formal gallery exhibition. Artist statement and slides or digital images are to be retained in the Art Department’s archives. To be taken in conjunction with Advanced Studio Skills class within area of concentration. Arranged.
Prerequisite: Art 410.
 

499. SPECIAL TOPICS IN ART (3 credit hours) 
This is a senior level course designed for a topic of special current interest, including televised courses. Prerequisites: ART 101 or 104 and/or consent of the instructor. May be repeated for a maximum of six hours.

 

Suggested Course Sequence

  • Freshmen
  • Sophomore
  • Junior
  • Senior

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ART - 121 hours required for graduation

 

GENERAL EDUCATION - 50 to 52 hoursMath Requirement: MATH 111

 

MAJOR - 46 hours Art 103, 201, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 217, 410 and 475. Six additional hours in art history from ART 202, 314, 315, 316, 317, 318, 319, 320, 350, 411, 450, 451.

One course from ART 209, 214 or 252.

Two courses from area of specialization: art history, ceramics, digital photography, drawing, graphic design, painting,photography, printmaking, or sculpture.

 

COGNATES* - 12 hours Six sequential hours of the same modern foreign language, three hours of philosophy (PHIL 201) and three hours from Communications (COMM 241 or 343).

 

ELECTIVES* - to bring total to 121 hours *May also satisfy General Education Requirements.

 

MINOR IN ART HISTORY - 15 hours ART 204 and 205; choose three courses from the following: ART 202, 314, 315, 316, 317, 318, 319, 320, 350, 411, 450, and 451.

 

MINOR IN ART - 15 hours ART 103 and 201; 204 or 205; choose one course from the following: ART 214, 217 or 252; choose one course fromthe following: ART 203, 206, 207, 208 and 209.

 

SUGGESTED COURSE SEQUENCE - ART

FRESHMAN YEAR

1st Semester

ART 201 3 MATH 111 3 ENGL 101 3 COMM 100 3 ART 103 3 G ED Fine Arts Elective 3 TOTAL 16

2nd Semester

G ED Soc. Struct. 3 ENGL 102 3 G ED 100 3 ENGL 150 3 G ED Fine Arts Elective 3 TOTAL 15

SOPHOMORE YEAR

1st Semester

ART 201 3 ART 204* 3 HIST 201* OR elective 3 GE 200 3 ART 217 3 TOTAL 15

2nd Semester

GE Am. Trad 3 ART 205* 3 HIST 202* or Elective 3 G ED Nat. Sci 3-4 ART 203 3 TOTAL 15‐16
*Due to their compatible content we recommend combining Hist 201 with Art 204, OR History 202 with Art 205

JUNIOR YEAR

1st Semester

Cognate for. Lang. 3 G ED Nat. Sci 3-4 ART 209, 230 or 214 3 ART 206 3 Elective 3 TOTAL 15-16

2nd Semester

Cognate for. Lang 3 PHIL 201 3 ART 207 3 ART 208 3 ART Hist. elective 3 TOTAL 15



 

SENIOR YEAR

1st Semester

ART 410 3 ART History Elective 3-4 ART History Elective 3 COMM 241 or 343 3 Elective 3 TOTAL 15

2nd Semester

G ED Wellness 3 ART Specialization 3 ART 475 1 Elective 3 Electives 3-5 TOTAL 12-14



 

Faculty & Staff

Molly S.
Molly S. Erlandson
Professor
Phone: (304) 766-3338
erlandms@wvstateu.edu
Zach
Zach Fitchner
Associate Professor and Gallery Director
Phone: (304) 766-3193
zfitchner@wvstateu.edu
Brittany
Brittany Fletcher
Academic Program Associate
Phone: (304)766-3126
arts.humanities@wvstateu.edu
Joshua
Joshua Martin, M.F.A.
Chair and Associate Professor
Phone: (304) 766-3198
martinjd@wvstateu.edu
Reidun
Reidun Øvrebø, Ph.D.
Professor
Phone: (304) 766-3339
ovrebore@wvstateu.edu
Students listening to an art lecture
Joshua
Joshua Martin, M.F.A.
Chair and Associate Professor
Monday and Wednesday: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday: 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
207 Davis Fine Arts
Phone: (304) 766-3198
martinjd@wvstateu.edu
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