Undergraduate Art Courses

ART 100, 101 Beginning Drawing
Basic skills in life drawing will be covered. The use of line, shape, value, and composition will be explored as tools in visual communication.
3 hours; FA, SP
ART 110 Design I
A study of two-dimensional design, three dimensional design, and color theory. Extensive studio work on specific problems will be done in class.
3 hours; FA
ART 111 Design II
Continuation and completion of ART 110.
3 hours; SP
ART 115 Graphic Design I
An introduction to visual communication theory and practice: elements and principles of perception and design, typography, symbols, desktop design.
3 hours; FA
ART 155 Art Appreciation
A study of the vocabulary of art, both in form and meaning. Lecture and studio class structures introduce students to a wide range of art, both historically and culturally significant. Discussion and emphasis is on developing student’s visual awareness and sensitivity. Art Appreciation does not satisfy fine arts art history requirement.
3 hours; FA, SP
ART 160 Art History Survey I
A survey of Western art and architecture from Paleolithic through Medieval times.
3 hours; FA
ART 161 Art History Survey II
A survey of Western art and architecture from the Renaissance to the present.
3 hours; SP
ART 200, 201, 300, 301, 400, 401 Drawing
Concepts of draftsmanship, involvement with the abstract idea as related to drawing; exploration of various media; perspective and space problems. Extensive work from human figure and nature.
3 hours; FA, SP
ART 207 High Art, Propaganda and Kitsch
Through the examination of works of art and artists, students will evaluate the uses of art, both current and historical, to better understand the role it has in contemporary society, and the methods used in critiquing art. Meets specialized valuing component of general education requirement.
3 hours; FA
ART 210, 212, 310, 312, 410, 412 Painting
Basic concepts of color theory and paint application developing toward an increased sensitivity to both color and formal relationships. Working from a variety of figurative/life sources, students are exposed to an ever broader agenda of painting concerns. Frequent discussions and references to both masters and contemporary artists encourage students to recognize and increasingly pursue individual direction.
3 hours; FA, SP
ART 211, 311, 411 Painting Clinic
This class is designed for students who already have had painting experience in class or studio at Fontbonne University or other colleges/universities. Such students may, however, continue to have particular painting problems demanding individual clinical treatment. Such problems may include color observation, color theory, oil painting technique, painting composition, and oil medial materials, etc. Particular attention will be given by the clinic instructor to the fundamental problem of giving expression to the student’s feelings through the choice and use of color. There are no regular assignments, but rather the instructor will offer advice and instruction according to the student’s ongoing projects and problems and the problems encountered. Students will be treated individually and in small groups.
3 hours; Offered as needed.
ART 215, 315, 415 Graphic Design II
Intermediate desktop design and publishing; electronic layout, pagination and illustration; symbol, logo, poster, and publication design; computer imaging.
Prerequisite: ART 115.
3 hours; SP
ART 216, 316, 416 Fibers
An introduction to the use of fibers in a three-dimensional context. Basic basketry methods will be used to create both traditional basketry and experimental freeform sculpture forms.
3 hours; FA
ART 217, 317, 417 Illustration Techniques
The fundamentals of illustration techniques incorporating mediums such as pen and ink, pastels, acrylics, and collage and using tools such as opaque projectors, photographic equipment, and the airbrush.
3 hours; SP
ART 218, 318, 418 Digital Imaging
Introduction to scanning, correction, and digital manipulation of images. File preparation and conversion.
Prerequisite: ART 215.
3 hours; FA
ART 220, 221, 320, 321, 420, 421 Sculpture
This class consists of work from life (primarily the figure and portrait head) in wax and clay. Methods of casting the works in plaster, bronze, and other media will be introduced and practiced as needed. Students lacking specific experience in these areas will initially focus on acquiring the basic skills and techniques required when working from life. As students gain experience, emphasis shifts to concept development and the formation of an individual direction.
3 hours; FA, SP
ART 240, 241, 340, 341, 440, 441 Ceramics
Ceramics will cover all basic methods of construction C slab, coiling, and wheel throwing. Basic technical information on clay, glazes, and kilns will be presented. Advanced students will develop projects which expand, both technically and in conception, on basic techniques. Advanced students are also responsible for clay/glaze making and kiln firing.
3 hours; FA, SP
ART 280, 281, 380, 381, 480, 481 Photography
Expressing and communicating ideas through photography as an art medium. Photographing a variety of subject matter, solving problems, and darkroom techniques within 35 mm format.
3 hours; FA, SP
ART 294-299 Cooperative Education
Supervised off-campus work experience. Cooperatively administered by an employer, faculty advisor, and director of cooperative education. Credits are determined by amount of working hours in an approved job. Full-time (six hour) co-op positions should be taken on alternating semesters, excluding summer semesters. These courses are graded solely on a pass/no pass basis. No more than a total of 18 hours may be taken.
1-6 hours; Offered as needed.
ART 302, 402 Designing for the Web
An in-depth look at web design, including image preparation, information architecture, site structure, and organization. Topics will include HTML, DHTML, CSS,CSS-P, scripting, browser and server considerations, and HTML authors.
Prerequisites: ART 110; ART 215 or permission of instructor.
3 hours; SP
ART 303, 403 Typography and Document Design
Advanced typographic considerations, particularly as applied to multi-page documents. Advanced document design using various layout applications, both for print and electronic distribution. Organizing content and creating structure in the longer document. Development of graphic design portfolio.
Prerequisite: ART 215 or instructor’s permission.
3 hours; SP
ART 304, 404 Painting Techniques
This course is designed to introduce the student to the basic techniques of old masters such as three typical artists: Van Eyck, Titian, and Rubens. We will deal with oil paints only. A sample of issues to be covered are support, ground, medium, palette, process, and skills. This course content will help you to know the indispensable knowledge of the technical aspect of painting in terms of the personal expression.
Prerequisite: ART 210 or instructor’s permission.
3 hours; SP
ART 305 Non-Western Art
This course will cover the art and anthropology of the following areas: the Americas (North and South), the South Pacific, Africa, and the Orient. The course will be offered as a general survey of the above topics, or focus on one specific area per course offering.
3 hours; Offered as needed.
ART 306 Modern Art
The study of trends in contemporary art from 1880 to the present. All visual art forms will be discussed— paintings, sculpture, architecture, photography, and ceramics.
3 hours; Offered as needed.
ART 307, 407 Drawing – Anatomy
This class will explore, investigate, and document the human form in a systematic two-dimensional format. By building a base study of the skeleton, the class will then focus on the musculature, using the live female and male model to further understand surface landmarks. All students will produce a life-size skeleton drawing that will also include origin and insertion of musculature which is relevant to surface anatomy. Through the aid of a textbook and lectures each student will create their own anatomy atlas filling it with gestures, lecture notes, and studies from the skeleton.
3 hours; FA
ART 308, 408 Drawing – Life Size
This class offers students who have had two drawing classes or more (anatomy is suggested) an opportunity to explore the human figure further in terms of a real sense of space and solid forms as well as rhythms of human body movements. This class is going to draw two life-size figures: male and female with long-term rendering through analytical construction study of human form based upon anatomy, value scales, planar structures, and a sense of light. The class trains students to observe human forms systematically and critically and to select visual dialogues carefully to intemperate on drawing.
3 hours; SP
ART 309, 409 Drawing – Bookmaking
This course provides a forum to explore and learn how to make books in small editions and how to fashion book-like concepts and ideas into unique objects. The studies in this class should be seen as a bridge and merger of the other skills, which might take a direction. During the initial stages we will touch on fundamental know-how, such as proper use of paper, typography, binding, and on presentation in general. We will do a number of small, short-term projects to get familiar with a variety of different formats and techniques. The class will involve presentations of samples, demonstration, and discussion of various materials and techniques, critiques of individual works, and hopefully a healthy dialog.
3 hours; SP
Art 313, 413 Painting – Life Size
This class offers students an opportunity to explore the human figure further in terms of real sense of space and solid forms, as well as skin color. This class requires the completion of two life-size figure paintings: male and female with long-term rendering through Grisaille, which is the value study of human form and color skin sensitivity with the source of light interaction based upon realistic and impressionistic color theory.
3 hours
ART 314, 414 Painting – Survey of Artist’s Materials
This class will explore mediums and methods used by painters from antiquity to the present. Special attention will be given to mediums and surfaces that have proved to be archival over the past two millennia. Techniques in encaustic, egg tempera, fresco, metal leafing, and oil will be studied, as well as acrylics and latex, alkyds, and various processes of image transfers will also be investigated. Each student will give a presentation on an artist (or period) who has used the studied mediums in their work.
3 hours; Offered as needed.
ART 319 American Artists
This course will provide a forum for discussing issues relating to the visual arts in America from the seventeenth century to the present and to the political, religious, and social histories that influenced them.
3 hours; SP
ART 350 Teaching of Art in the Elementary School
A study of issues in elementary art education including curriculum design, grading and evaluation, and instructional strategies in relationship to the cognitive and creative development of children. Students will apply the techniques learned in a classroom setting. ART 350 and 351 should be taken together.
Prerequisites: EDU 201; EDU 337.
2 hours; FA
ART 351 Teaching of Art in Secondary Schools
A study of issues in secondary art education including curriculum design, classroom management, grading and evaluation, and instructional strategies, as well as reading and discussion of current topics in art education. Students will apply the techniques learned in a classroom setting. ART 350 and 351 should be taken together.
Prerequisites: EDU 201; EDU 337.
2 hours; FA
ART 393 Junior Synthesis
3 hours; SP
ART 490 Independent Study
Includes seminars, special study, special topic, advanced work, senior shows in art areas of study. Prerequisite: Junior or senior status and permission of instructor and department chairperson.
1-4 hours
ART 494 Special Topics
Course offered to supplement regular course listing. Offered on a one-time or irregular basis.
1-3 hours
ART 495 Senior Project
The student independently produces work for his/her graduate thesis show under the instructor of the student’s choice. A minimum of three hours required for BFA. May be taken for additional hours with instructor approval.
3 hours; FA