Fine Arts Courses

Fine Arts | Courses | Arts Faculty

Art Education also on this page.

(All courses carry 3 credits unless otherwise noted.)

104 Basic Studio/Drawing (AT) (both sem)

Studio. A comprehensive introduction to drawing as a basic foundation for expression intrinsic to all visual arts disciplines. Same as 110, but open to non-majors.

105 Basic Studio/Design (AT) (both sem)

Studio. Design concepts evolving from a flat surface. Elements of design, principles of organization and basic color theory. Same as 131, but open to non-majors.

110 Basic Studio/Drawing I (AT) (both sem)

Studio for majors. A comprehensive introduction to drawing as a basic foundation for expression intrinsic to all visual arts disciplines. Variety of media applied to study of line, value and mark-making in pictorial, compositional and content problems in extensive image development including landscape, still-life, and figure.

120 Drawing II/Thematic Development

Compositional exploration, evolving personal imagery and advanced techniques in various media. Thematic development and the pursuit of individual attitudes and ideas stressed.

131 Two-Dimensional Design I (AT)

Studio for majors. Design concepts evolving from a flat surface. Elements of design, principles of organization and basic color theory using a broad variety of materials. Image development, content and breadth of expression stressed.

132 Two-Dimensional Design II

Studio. Application of two-dimensional design concepts to situations inherent to various selected media.

141 Three-Dimensional Design I

Studio. Introduction to the fundamentals of three-dimensional design and imagery stressing the inter-relationship of materials, concepts and techniques in the exploration of structural and volumetric form.

142 Three-Dimensional Design II

Studio. Exploration of plastic concepts through a variety of methodologies applied to varied media specified for study in each section.

201 Advanced Drawing (both sem)

Studio. For intermediate and advanced students interested in making a transition from known and seen objects and figures toward a freer and more imaginative concept and statement. The use of drawing media such as ink, crayon, collage, watercolor. Figure drawing, still life, landscape, and interior problems. Materials list given in class. Prerequisites: ART 110, 120.

202 Advanced Drawing Problems (both sem)

Studio. Advanced investigation of contemporary drawing problems. Emphasis on foundations of graphic communication. Solutions to problems in relation to the individual students' personal insights and objectives. Prerequisite: ART 201.

220 Painting I: Representation 1 (both sem)

Studio. Basic practice and theory of painting developed through study of traditional and contemporary procedures used in development of pictorial form. Emphasis on still life, landscape, and the human figure. Materials: oil and/or aqueous media. Prerequisite: foundation courses; for non-majors, ART 104.

221 Painting II: Representation 2 (both sem)

Studio. Basic practice and theory of painting developed through the study of traditional and contemporary procedures used in the development of pictorial form. Emphasis on still life, landscape, and the human figure. Materials: oil and/or aqueous media. Prerequisite: foundation courses; for non-majors, ART 104.

223 Painting III: Painting Methods and Materials (both sem)

Studio. Study of formal and informal painting procedures. Focus on development of form as content. Information provided regarding painting processes and associated materials. Includes related theoretical contemporary and historical issues. Varying materials and techniques. Prerequisite: ART 220 and 221, or consent of instructor.

230 Photography I

Introduction to photographic tools and methods. The balance between self-inquiry and the importance of process and materials as vehicles of meaning. Theory explored through class critiques and slide presentations. Photography examined and discussed both from a personal point of view and in its wider cultural context.

231 Photography II

In-depth exploration of techniques and materials including zone system, large format, and non-silver processes. Slide lectures, discussions, and readings. Prerequisite: ART 230 or consent of instructor.

240 Relief Printmaking I

Studio, workshop. The creative print-making process of cutting and printing the raised surfaces of a block. Cutting and printing from various materials including wood, lucite, plaster, masonite, box wood and linoleum. Collograph included. Self-motivated workshop situation. Visual ideas and executions (design and drawings) stressed. Final portfolio required, attendance mandatory. Prerequisite: basic drawing and design, or consent of instructor. $35 materials fee.

241 Intaglio I

Studio, workshop. Engraving, etching and printing images from metal plates. Emphasis on drawing and design in exploring and experimenting creatively with various techniques in group self-motivating workshops. Includes line etching, engraving, aquatint and related techniques. Students print their work and submit final portfolio. Attendance mandatory. Prerequisites: basic drawing, basic design, or consent of instructor. Cost of materials: $50.

244 Lithography I

Studio, workshop. Planographic print-making processóimages drawn on metal plates, fixed chemically, rolled with ink and printed. Emphasis on visual ideas; drawing and design aid in exploration and creative uses of litho techniques. Basic litho techniques include crayon, tuche, reversal, and transfer. Final portfolio required; attendance mandatory and additional workshop activity during scheduled monitored periods expected. Prerequisites: basic drawing and design or consent of instructor. Cost of materials: $75.

250 Interior Design I (1st sem)

Studio. Development of a conceptual basis for design and planning. Basic spatial concepts, design skill development and communications skills applied to presentation of design solutions. Model-making, 2-D presentations of abstract and simple spaces. Enriched by an historic overview of 20th-century architecture and design, including products, furniture and major trends. Students must successfully complete this studio in order to enroll in any subsequent design courses. Prerequisites: Art Foundations course work, admission to the major or consent of instructor.

251 Interior Design II (2nd sem)

Studio. Continuation of ART 250. Introduction to programming, interior construction and detailing, socially relevant issues and the planning of increasingly complex space results in the completion of a significant planning and design exercise. Major projects considered along with a minor project, written assignment(s) and in-class exercises. Visiting professionals provide basis for critique of design solutions during project juries. Prerequisite: ART 250 or consent of instructor. Limited to B.F.A. Design majors.

256 Art Education Practicum Seminar (2nd sem)

To be taken in conjunction with ART ED 501/502. Focuses on current issues in student teaching experience and the field of art education. Includes certification requirements, teaching strategies for a diverse student population, curriculum resources, professional opportunities and responsibilities, and teacher and student evaluation. Art Education majors only.

260 3-D Studies: Figure Modeling
(both sem)

Representational work in clay using the human figure as subject. Use of model, training in observation and anatomical focus. Projects, reviews, presentations. Prerequisites: for non-majors, ART 110 or equivalent; for majors, ART 120, 131, 141.

261 3-D Studies: Wood (both sem)

Studio. Three-dimensional form through a sequence of assignments, stressing visual design principles. Projects primarily in wood using woodshop equipment and power tools. Projects, reviews, presentation. Prerequisites: for non-majors, ART 110 or equivalent; for majors, ART 120, 131, 141.

271 Introduction to Computing in the Fine Arts

Historical overview of the development of computer art and the significant events leading to the development of the field. Projects include hands-on experience with computer imaging for use in the creation of fine art. Prerequisite: completion of foundation courses or consent of instructor.

280 3-D Studies: Handbuilding (both sem)

Studio, demonstration. Introduction to all basic methods of handbuilding and decorating techniques. Focus both on vessel tradition and ceramic sculpture. Introduction to glazes, slips, and firing in the stoneware tradition. Hands-on, active participation, attendance required. Overview of ceramic historical, cultural tradition. Prerequisite: for majors, ART 131 or 132; for non-majors, ART 110 or 131 or consent of instructor.

281 3-D Studies: Throwing (both sem)

Studio, demonstration. Introduction to potter's wheel. Emphasis on throwing techniques and functional design. Exploration of oxidation glazes and surface decoration. Active participation, attendance required. Prerequisite: ART 131 or 132 for majors; ART 110 or 131 or consent of instructor for non-majors.

297 Special Topics

Color Theory

Introduction to the use of color in art and design; emphasis on the visual effects of colors due to context. Various color phenomena isolated and studied independently. Review of major color order systems.

Animation Fundamentals

With studio. Introduction to methods and techniques of animation, as well as history of experimental film. Hands-on work with object, sand, line and clay animation among others. Basic audio and video skills. Students develop projects of their own design resulting in a fully edited videotape of their work. Prerequisites: ART 271 or consent of instructor and passing of a practical test.

310 Visual Arts and Human Development I (1st sem)

Exploration of art as taught in the public schools and in community settings. Topics include: introduction to art education, artistic and aesthetic development, teaching methodologies for diverse student populations, special education in art classrooms, and lesson planning. Readings, written assignments, class presentations, and extensive off-campus field experiences. Prerequisite: B.F.A. major or consent of instructor.

311 Visual Arts and Human Development II (2nd sem)

Continuation of ART 310. Exploration of art as taught in public schools. Topics include: artistic and aesthetic development, approaches to teaching art history, criticism, and studio, museum education, problem solving and concept development in art, multicultural approaches to the art curriculum and special education in art classrooms. Readings, written assignments, class presentations, and extensive off-campus field experiences. Prerequisite: B.F.A. major or consent of instructor.

320 Painting IV: Advanced Painting Problems 1 (both sem)

Studio. Thematic development based on the study of objects, the environment, the human figure, and non-objective vocabularies. Includes related contemporary and historical issues. Individual and group critiques used to develop continuity of work. Materials: unspecified. Prerequisite: ART 223, or consent of instructor.

332 Rendering (both sem)

Studio. The natural extension of architectural drawing. Mechanical perspective developed into representational drawings suitable for presentation work. Shades and shadows developed more intensely. Various media explored, including the application of color. Prerequisite: ART 151 or consent of instructor. Limited to B.F.A. design majors.

336 Graphic Design (1st sem)

Studio, critsóan intensive general overview of the field of Graphic Design. Creative problem solving in advertising design, illustration, print media, logo, poster, and environmental graphic design. Outside readings/research, text, client related projects, deadlines, weekly professional critiques, final portfolio review, regular class attendance required, very heavy work schedule, art oriented projects. Prerequisites: foundation art courses (drawing and design) or consent of instructor. Heavy materials/supply costs.

338 Critical Approaches to Graphic Design (2nd sem)

Advanced studio projects, emphasis on continued skill and concept development in individual projects, as well as history and theory of design genres, viewing design as process not product. Focus on impact of design and interface of designer. Prerequisite: ART 336 or consent of instructor. Required texts, and heavy materials cost and work load.

340 Relief Printmaking II

Studio, workshop. Continuation of ART 240 (see description). In-depth explanation of various relief techniques; emphasis on individual creative development. Extensive use of color and experimental uses of relief techniques. Final portfolio required. Attendance mandatory; additional workshop activity during scheduled monitored periods expected. Prerequisite: ART 240 or consent of instructor. $35 cost of materials.

341 Intaglio II

Studio, workshop. Continuation of ART 241. In-depth exploration of various techniques; emphasis on individual creative development. Extensive use of color in etching techniques. Final portfolio of all printed work required. Attendance mandatory; additional workshop activity during scheduled monitored periods expected. Prerequisite: ART 241 or consent of instructor. $50 cost of materials.

342 Lithography II

Studio, workshop. Continuation of ART 224 (see description). In-depth exploration of various lithography techniques in self-motivating group workshop. Emphasis on individual creative development. Advanced litho techniques, including various methods of color printing from stone and aluminum plates. Final portfolio required. Attendance mandatory; additional workshop activity during scheduled monitored periods expected. Prerequisite: ART 244 or instructor's consent. $75 cost of materials.

350 Interior Design III (1st sem)

Studio. Continuation of ART 251. In-depth exploration of increasingly complex planning with significant emphasis on cost, special detailing, behavioral and architectural programming, social context of design and planning and opportunities to work with actual clients. Problem-solving for mass housing, entertainment, commercial, and institutional environments includes a focus on code analysis, program definition and development, cost and construction issues, creativity and communication and an integration of presentation with construction documentation. Continued exploration of design through written, visual, and dimensional opportunities. Extensive out of class work, portfolio development, advanced presentation techniques, and class participation/attendance required. Prerequisites: ART 151, 250, 251. Limited to B.F.A. Design majors.

351 Interior Design IV (2nd sem)

Studio. Continuation of ART 350. Several complex interior planning and design projects selected and explored from commercial, institutional, hospitality and retail perspectives. Emphasis on refined planning and presentation techniques. An interdisciplinary and/or large-scale team project undertaken. Focus on culmination of design experiences in preparation for the B.F.A. Project. Emphasis placed on individual design approach illustrating student's strengths. Prerequisites: ART 151, 250, 251, 350. Limited to B.F.A. Design majors.

352 Construction Methods and Materials (2nd sem)

With studio. Combines with ART 353 to present a broad survey of construction technology. Manufactured products in building: cabinets, stairs, doors and exits, acoustics, and HVAC considerations. Lectures followed by drawing assignments in working drawing style, ending with a partial set of working drawings. Students must have basic drawing instruments. Prerequisites: ART 151, 250. Limited to B.F.A. Design majors.

353 Shelter Technology (1st sem)

With studio. Basic elements of construction: masonry, wood, metals, concrete, sheathing, and surfacing materials. Lectures followed by drawing assignments leading to a final assignment of a rudimentary set of working drawings. Prerequisites: ART 151, 250. Limited to B.F.A. Design majors.

354 Furniture Technology and Design (1st sem)

Drawing studio. Furniture design in drafting and sketch models only. One-of-a-kind and mass produced furniture, free-standing and built-in architectural woodwork. Advanced drafting and small-scale sketch model making. Three furniture design projects in presentation drawings and/or models, plus materials and methods research, field trips and special lectures. Prerequisites: ART 151, 250, Art Foundations. Limited to B.F.A. Design majors, or consent of the Program Director.

356 Architectural Lighting (1st sem)

Studio and lecture. Lighting hardware, color, and psychological impact, quantitative and qualitative lighting design, introduction to special lighting. Preparation of electrical plans, reflected ceiling plans for the development of engineering packages. Visits to actual lighting installations, evaluation, and discussion. Focus is on lighting as creative and supportive design element in the development of architectural spaces. Prerequisites: ART 151, 250. Limited to B.F.A. Design majors.

357 Architectural Design I (1st sem)

Studio. Projects developed to explore the principles and process of architectural design and the development of structure and enclosure. Individual attention by instructor with visiting critics. Design projects, sketch problems. Limited to B.F.A. Design and Architectural Studies majors. Prerequisites: ART 151, 250, and 251.

361, 460 3-D Studies: Sculpture IV, V (both sem)

With studio. Students select mediums, and develop a personal sculptural vocabulary and imagery. Group discussions and critiques balanced with independent work in any sculpture facility. Midsemester and end of semester reviews. Prerequisites: ART 110, 120, 131, 141, and 2 of the 3 lower division sculpture courses, with the third taken concurrently with ART 361. Technical competency in sculpture fundamentals required.

362 3-D Studies: Metal Casting (both sem)

Studio. Basic skills in creating sculpture by casting bronze and/or aluminum into ceramic shell and investment molds. Development of the ability for self criticism, applying formal elements of three-dimensional design as well as contemporary issues in art. Prerequisite: non-majors, ART 110 or equivalent; majors, all 100 level foundations courses, or consent of instructor.

363 3-D Studies: Welding (both sem)

Studio. Basic skills in fabricating welded steel sculpture using oxy-acetylene, electric arc, metallic inert gas (MIG) welders and metal cutting and brazing techniques. Development of the ability for self criticism, applying formal elements of three dimensional design as well as contemporary issues in art. Prerequisites: non-majors, ART 104 or equivalent; majors, all 100-level foundations courses, or consent of instructor.

370 Junior Year Writing Program

Required for all art majors during their junior or senior year. A grade of C or better needed to graduate.

372 Introduction to Computer Aided Design in the Arts

With studio. Interactive computer aided drafting techniques in the context of two dimensional design. Emphasis on firsthand experience using an interactive CAD system. Basic tools of the system; students use them to develop projects of their own design. Prerequisite: drafting experience.

374 Computer Animation I

First half of a two-semester sequence. With studio. Principles and applications of computer animation using Crater and Alias Maya software in film, video, music, and technology. Introduction to 2D and 3D animation programs. Skills acquired in preparation for production in second semester. Emphasis on professionalism and quality. Prerequisites: ART 271, 297Q. Should be followed by 397, 3D Computer Animation.

375 Electronic Still Photography

Aspects of image processing in the context of digital photography using Adobe Photoshop. Topics include image acquisition, image enhancement, image analysis, spatial and color transformation, image display and recording. Prerequisites: ART 271 and ART 230 or consent of instructor. Personal digital camera required.

380 3-D Studies: Mold Making/Production

Studio, lecture, demonstration. Production, slip-casting. One-, two-, three- and multipiece molds made for slip cast and press mold production. Prerequisite: ART 131 or 132 for majors; ART 110 or 131 or consent of instructor for non-majors.

381, 480 3-D Studies: Ceramics IV, V
(both sem)

Independent study, development in ceramic technique and expression; emphasis on advance design concepts and criteria for evaluation. Strong direction, self-motivation necessary. Lectures on safety issues, glaze chemistry and contemporary ceramic history. Active participation. Student chooses techniques, firing temperature. Prerequisites: ART 280, 281, 380.

395A Design Theory Seminar

Focus on theory and methodology as a framework for practice in the design professions. Values, conceptual structures, social context and business issues affecting and shaping current practice investigated through symposia, readings, papers, and group project. Prerequisites: ART 250, 251.

397 Special Topics

Advanced Printmaking

Studio. Emphasis on individual projects in either relief, intaglio, or lithography. Prerequisites: completion of 1st and 2nd level of either relief, intaglio, or lithography.

Computer Animation II

With studio. Continuation of ART 374 using Alias/Wavefront software. Class and personal projects undertaken.

Critical Issues: Theory and Practice

Analysis of major theoretical traditions as they relate to contemporary visual production. Projects include creating visual and written works addressing connections between art-making and theory. Readings, discussions, collaborative work, slide lectures, film/video screenings and critiques for the basis of in-class work. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

Computer-Aided Graphic Design

With studio. Beginning class, developing skills using PageMaker program on Macintosh. PageMaker is geared to quick and effective integration of text, typography, photographs, illustration, and other graphic elements. Prerequisite: background in computer graphics/graphic design or consent of instructor.

Internet Projects

Explores issues of artistic and social interaction in cyberspace. Familiarity with HTML or other web programming or authoring language required. Prerequisite: ART 271.

400 B.F.A. Degree Project/Design (both sem)

Design students initiate a project selected in consultation with the B.F.A. Design Workshop instructor and the B.F.A. Committee. Projects require a minimum of one semester of design exploration and usually carry 6 credits. Students encouraged to make project decision during prior semester. Projects with an emphasis on adaptive re-use of existing structure desirable; theoretical explorations considered. Plans of existing conditions, photographs, field measurements, and complete program required before project can be started. Project consists of 12 to 24 boards plus 10 to 50 pages of written text. Research may deal with historical aspects of the building, behavioral attitudes of users, and/or the program. Students expected to work independently and under faculty guidance as well as to attend the B.F.A. Workshop (ART 491D). Completed projects presented to faculty and students for professional and peer evaluation. Project instructions available in department office. Prerequisite: completion of Design Studio sequence.

401 B.F.A. Degree Project/2-D Studies

Individually defined student project developed with guidance of a committee made up of at least two 2-D Studies fac-ulty members. Students produce a coherent body of work consistent with their personal vision. The project concludes with a One Person Exhibit of work, a written thesis, an oral defense and photo-documentation of the project, all subject to approval by the faculty committee. Prerequisite: ART 420 or consent of committee.

402 B.F.A. Degree Project/3-D Studies

Individually defined student project developed with guidance of a committee made up of at least two 3-D Studies fac-ulty members. Students produce a coherent body of work consistent with their personal vision.The project concludes with a One Person Exhibit of work, a written thesis, an oral defense, and photo-documentation of the project, all subject to approval by the faculty committee. Prerequisite: ART 461/481 or consent of committee.

404 B.F.A. Degree Project/CPD

Students initiate semester project in consultation with area faculty and B.F.A. committee. Students encouraged to make decisions during prior semester. Project concludes with an exhibition of work, a written thesis, an oral defense, and documentation of the work executedóall subject to approval by the faculty committee. Prerequisite: ART 471.

420 Painting V: Advanced Painting Problems 2

Studio. Emphasis on cultivation of an individual painting vocabulary based upon development of themes derived from personal experience. Includes related contemporary and historical issues. Individual and group critiques used to develop continuity of work. Materials: unspecified. Prerequisite: ART 320 or consent of instructor.

450 Professional Practice (2nd sem)

Lecture. Budgeting, professional practices, portfolio and interview procedures. NCIDQ orientation, resources and materials, strategies for success (marketing and financial business structure) and field trips. Emphasis on the awareness of individual professional image and role within the profession. Requires use of New York or Boston showrooms for budget problem development. Prerequisite: Design sequence through ART 350.

457 Architectural Design Problems II (2nd sem)

Similar to ART 357/557; different series of problems. Prerequisites: ART 151, 250, 251. Limited to B.F.A. Design majors or by consent of instructor.

461 Senior Seminar 3-D Studies: Sculpture

Prethesis writing experience and group critique to achieve focus and direction to create independent work for B.F.A. Degree Project.

471 Senior Seminar: CPD Studio

Students develop and complete individual semester-long projects of personal interest in preparation for B.F.A. Degree Project. Involves written component and weekly critiques. Prerequisites: at least five prior courses in area of specialization and all area core requirements. Required of all CPD area students in semester prior to B.F.A. Project.

481 Senior Seminar 3-D Studies: Ceramics

Prethesis writing experience and group critique to achieve focus and direction to create independent work for B.F.A. Degree Project.

491 Seminars

B.F.A. Design Workshop

Restricted to students working on their Interior Design B.F.A. Degree Project. Seminar/studio providing week-to-week guidance and criticism.

491A New York Professional Outreach (both sem) 2 sections

Independent studio and seminar. Introduction to the professional art system in New York City. Five overnight trips. Visits to artist studios and art critiques. Meetings with curators at non-profit, alternative, and museum spaces. On Friday nights, performance art, video screenings, art openings, underground films, dance events. Independent work from student's studio discussed in critiques with class and instructor in Amherst. Prerequisites: Completion of foundations program. Restricted to upper-level art history, B.F.A., B.A., B.F.A. Ed, B.F.A. DES, and graduate M.F.A., M.A. majors.

497R Research Studio

Guided research in theory, technology and/or experimental practice. Acceptance is by application to the Center for Research in Art and Technology.

515 Advanced Problems in Art Education (1st sem)

Organization, development, and teaching of art for community children and young people. Topics include: history of art education, rationales for art education, curriculum development, teaching art in public schools, art budgets, lesson planning, and teaching evaluation. Readings, written assignments, teaching classes, and extensive off-campus field experience. Art Education majors only.

584 3-D Studies: Clay/Glaze Processes

The application of clay and glaze technology in the creation of fine arts ceramics. Study of clay body formulation and glaze calculation for low, medium and high fire temperatures. Development of color in, under, and over glazes through the use of oxide and carbonates of heavy metals and soluble metallic salts in oxidation and reduction atmospheres.

Art Education

ART ED 501 Student Teaching Practicum PreK-8 (2nd sem)

Art Education student teaching grades PreK-8. Taken in conjunction with ART 256. Prerequisites: major in Art Education concentration; ART 310, 311, 515 and consent of instructor.

ART ED 502 Student Teaching Practicum 5-12 (2nd sem)

Art Education student teaching grades 5-12. Taken in conjunction with ART 256. Prerequisites: major in Art Education concentration; ART 310, 311, 515 and consent of instructor.

Fine Arts | Courses | Arts Faculty