/ This course advances the belief that art is an irreplaceable way of understanding and expressing the world — equal to but distinct from other methods of inquiry and certainty. By charting the emergence of unique and continuous traditions of visual imagery from Chauvet to the last works of the postimpressionists, this course highlights canonical paintings and sculpture from major periods of Western culture. Focusing on the key innovations, personalities and styles of Western art, this general survey class encourages a basic appreciation, analysis, recognition and interpretation of art.
This course explores how humans interact with everyday products, environments and visual mediums that we encounter on a daily basis. It is a survey of design history beginning with the Arts and Crafts movement (1880-1910) through postmodernism.
A survey course rooted in the modernist injunction, “Astonish me!,” this class examines major figures, movements and breakthroughs made by the Western artistic imagination in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Different conceptions of modern art that emerged during this period, particularly the images and objects by Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol, are presented and discussed. Basic principles of general art appreciation, analysis, recognition and interpretation are emphasized. Art as an experience that awakens, enlarges, refines and restores our humanity characterizes this class.
This course is an introductory course in the creative use of mobile digital media. Students will learn basic techniques that will help them to take better photographs with a smartphone. The course will cover image acquisition, image manipulation and creative control. The final work will be output for critique through online forums. The course will progress as an exploration of mobile photography tools and applications. The course will provide foundational skills for understanding and increasing control of photographic techniques and processes through a smartphone.
An introductory elective course that explores the process of digital image manipulation using Adobe Photoshop as the primary tool. The course examines various aspects of the digital process, including digital image capture (scanner and camera), digital image manipulation and preparation of images for electronic publication. This course is not graded using a traditional letter-grade system. Students receive a grade of either satisfactory (S) or unsatisfactory (U). J-Term and Summer Session.
This course is an introduction to graphic design focusing on fundamental principles of two-dimensional design and working iteratively. Assignments include hands-on projects, written, and collaborative work. The course provides students with a general understanding of concepts, theories and language related to two-dimensional design, as well as introducing industry-standard software.
This course is an introduction to studio art focusing on fundamental principles of design, fine-art technical processes and methods of production. This course is designed to provide students with a general understanding of concepts, theories and language related to two- and three-dimensional studio-art practice, as well as forms of time-based media. There is an emphasis on skills and principles required to create and critique art and design, particularly in the context of contemporary art practices. Students will learn to solve aesthetic, visual and conceptual problems through a variety of media and materials.
This introductory studio art course explores contemporary art in concept and practice. Contemporary art is the art of today, produced by artists who are living in our time. It provides opportunities to reflect on society and the issues that are important to us and the world in our current moment. This course is designed to provide students with a general understanding of ideas related to contemporary art practice, as well as to provide introductory studio experiences. In this course, students are introduced to the field of art as a space of knowledge development through engaged art practice, along with the thoughtfulness of critical reflection that is essential within the field of art. Students will also be introduced to a variety of media and approaches to art-making throughout the course.
This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of drawing. Line, modeling, light and shadow, composition, Renaissance, and intuitive perspective are explored with a strong emphasis on life drawing.
This course is an introductory course in the creative use of mobile digital media. Students will learn basic techniques in mobile digital photography, video, animation, and more. The course will cover image acquisition, editing and manipulation, and creative control over media production with a smartphone. The final work will be output for critique. The course will progress as an exploration of mobile media production tools and applications. The course will provide foundational skills for understanding and increasing control of media production techniques and processes through smartphones.
This is an art history research- and writing-intensive course exploring social, political and technological transformations in art history, as well as how artists have responded to the technological and social changes of their time. Through research, writing, in-class screenings, and lectures, this course will examine how artists utilize new technologies to reflect upon, analyze, critique and investigate social issues in their artistic practice. The course will also examine momentous social events as well as how artists have responded to those events creatively, reflectively, and critically.
This course is an examination of the pliancy of sacred art and architecture within the history of Catholic belief and sacramental celebration. Focusing primarily on liturgical accouterments, sacred art and religious environments, devotional practices, and the key historical figures, themes, rites and rituals within Catholic culture, this class explores how the Catholic imagination has responded to evolving concepts of divinity, holiness, memory, gender and sanctity over the course of two millennia. Class will meet off campus at various locations throughout De Pere and Green Bay; it is imperative that students enrolled in this class arrive on-time at the off-campus location and do not leave class until the official end-time of the class.
An introduction to three-dimensional form, processes and materials. The course introduces the elements of art in a three-dimensional context with an emphasis on skill-building, basic tool introduction and exploration of materials. Assignments require students to work independently outside of the sculpture studio. Demonstration, critique and focused studio practice are primary methods of instruction.
This course allows students to conduct a personal and focused exploration on means of artistic expression not covered by the regular sculpture curriculum. It encourages students to research unconventional and traditionally underrepresented (outsider, self-taught, naïve) artists who have utilized non-traditional materials (mixed media) in the creation of works of art that address themes, genres and points-of-view that have enriched humankind’s search for meaning and self-expression. The class focuses on completing a number of original works of art determined in consultation with the class instructor. Prerequisite: ART 224.
In this course, students will work in tandem with a Green Bay nonprofit to administer arts activities to individual elderly and disabled clients and collaborate with them in creative exploration and communication. The course emphasizes engagement as service and explores how arts activities and human interactions improve quality of life, communication and expression in the elderly and disabled. Training is coordinated by the community nonprofit; students meet with clients throughout the semester and document their experiences through journaling, reflective writing, exhibitions of art work and responses to readings. Students give presentations on their experiences as their final project.
A basic introduction to global ceramic artistic traditions as well as clay forming techniques, processes and materials. The course introduces the elements of art and three-dimensional form with an emphasis on hand-building work and an understanding of historical and traditional ceramic forms and surface decoration. Students will explore processes such in handbuilding, sculpture, function as well as ceramic surface and firing. Assignments also require students to work independently outside of class hours and research contemporary ceramic artists. They will also participate in art, artist lectures and gallery visits. Demonstration, critique and focused studio practice are primary methods of instruction.
This course is an introduction to a variety of basic printmaking processes and equipment. Techniques may include monotypes, intaglio and relief. Multiple original images are produced. Assignments require students to work independently in the print shop outside of class hours. Prerequisite: ART 130 or ART 131. Fall semester.
Introduction to painting materials and techniques with an emphasis on direct painting methods and painting from observation. Students investigate color, form and composition. Demonstration, critique and focused studio practice are primary methods of instruction.
An introduction to various graphic applications on the Macintosh platform. Modern graphic-design history, layout, electronic illustration and photographic manipulation are covered in this course. Prerequisite: ART 130 and ART 131 or instructor's consent.
Introduction to Photography is an introductory course on digital photography. The course will cover the basics of image acquisition, image manipulation, and the final work will be output for critique. The course will progress as an exploration of photography tools, software, and aesthetics specific to digital photography. The course will provide essential foundational skills required for a career in photography. This course introduces students to the history of photography as well as the techniques of contemporary digital photography. Previous enrollment in ART 130 or ART 131 is strongly encouraged.
This course explores the role of art in a democratic society through a combination of individual and collaborative project development, community engagement, and research and reflection on various related topics and concepts. Recently, an increasing number of artists, curators, critics, and arts administrators have begun to turn their energies toward a new type of participatory social practice art that seeks to bring about positive change within a contemporary society confronted by complex issues and challenges on many fronts. To understand our role as citizens in a democracy, we will explore the work of artists who critically, creatively, and reflectively examine ideas and forms of democracy. Through a combination of readings, reflections, and discussions of democratic theory, contemporary art, and art history, as well as a class community engagement component and individual and class collaborative art projects, this course will familiarize students with the theory and practice of democracy through the emerging field of social practice art.
This hybrid course introduces upper-level art students to the field of illustration with an emphasis on creative problem-solving, visual storytelling, collaborative critique, and professional communication. Students will be expected to integrate basic design principles with drawing skills to produce complex visual solutions to problems posed. All students must work independently on projects and share both work-in-progress and finished work online. Reliable access to the internet is required for this course. Prerequisite: ART 130 and ART 230 or ART 240. Spring, odd-numbered years.
This course is a lecture- and discussion-based course with a student-research component that explores non-Western art and architecture from a cultural, religious and historical perspective. The thematic organization of the course allows students to make connections between the spread of religions, cultural values, conquest, trade and the expression of these elements in artistic traditions. The course explores the arts of Asia, Africa, the Americas and the Middle East with an emphasis on art as the fluid expression of culture. Non-Western canonical works of art, sculpture and architecture are highlighted. Through readings, discussion, research and presentations, students gain the ability to recognize, analyze and interpret non-Western art.
A focused exploration of sculptural techniques and strategies with an emphasis on mold making, casting and forming with plastic materials. The course offers more in-depth use of tools and technical processes as well as a special emphasis on the development of personal statements and interest. In addition to demonstration, critique and studio practice, student presentations, artist research and discussions are also modes of instruction. Prerequisite: ART 224.
This is an intensified printmaking course with an emphasis on building multi-layered and more complex images. Techniques may include photo-serigraphy, intaglio, relief and book arts. Assignments require students to work independently in the print shop outside of class hours. Prerequisite: ART 230.
An introduction to problem-solving and the basic elements of graphic design. Emphasis is placed on the development of concepts and skills in the layout of typography, illustration and photography. Prerequisite: ART 350.
This course explores Rome as a living museum of important Western intellectual and artistic traditions with foundations in antiquity. Students engage with Renaissance and Baroque architecture, art and intellectual works in context, as well as antiquity, including Roman architectural sites, sculpture and objects. Western artistic traditions, the influence of patronage and influences on contemporary ideas is discussed alongside the works. Visits include Roman sites, churches, Roman and Vatican museums, and contemporary art museums. Some sites relevant to the topic outside of Rome are visited for short trips. Students respond to these experiences with studio works in clay, rubbings and impressions, sketchbook diaries, and blog posts. January term, alternate years.
Along with continued development of the methods and techniques explored in ART 240, students investigate indirect painting methods and contemporary painting practices and theory. Traditional and contemporary approaches to painting the human figure are introduced, and students develop independent projects and individual artist statements. Prerequisite: ART 240.
In this practical course, students work collaboratively with a faculty mentor to create design products in response to the needs of our campus clients. Prerequisite: ART 130 and ART 350. Fall semester.
A general introductory survey of typography. This will include terminology, history, and theory through the exploration of letter forms and word compositions using digital technologies and analog processes. The students will apply their knowledge while considering theory, history, and principles of design to four projects. Specific projects include a typographic history poster, a magazine cover combined with an editorial spread, a environmental typographic design application and creation of an alphabet with found typography. Prerequisite: ART 350. Spring semester, odd-numbered years.
This course explores the idea of art and creative democracy through a combination of individual and collaborative research, project development, community engagement, and reflection on various related topics and concepts embedded in the course. Recently, an increasing number of artists, curators, critics, and arts administrators have begun to turn their energies toward a new type of participatory social practice art that seeks to bring about positive change within a contemporary society confronted by complex issues and challenges on many fronts. To understand our role as citizens in a democracy, we will research the work of artists who critically or creatively examine ideas and forms of democracy. Through a combination of readings, reflections, and research in contemporary art and art history, as well as a class community engagement component, this course will familiarize students with the theory and practice of creative democracy through the emerging field of social practice art and its interdisciplinary, research-based, community-engaged methods.
A survey of how artists explore and express personal identity, unique bias and social marginalization, and how contemporary art reflects society’s evolving and changing attitudes toward matters of life, love and death.
A studio-based photography course exploring the strategies, techniques and approaches in contemporary fine-art photography. The main objectives of the course are increasing control of the photographic process and increasing sophistication in developing projects from their initial intent to their desired outcome within the context of contemporary fine-art photographic strategies. A DSLR camera is required. Prerequisite: ART 280.
An in-depth study of an artistic issue of special interest. The course may focus on one or more art forms, an artistic movement or comparison of movements, or a theme. Students are challenged to evaluate trends in historical and contemporary art production as it relates to their own art making. Prerequisites: ART 110, ART 130, ART 131 and ART 134.
In this advanced course, students pursue individual courses of study through the creation of an overall proposal and timeline for the semester with an emphasis on artistic research, interests and ideas. Students demonstrate the ability to create cohesive, thematic bodies of work for exhibition and that they can work independently. Prerequisite: ART 324.
This course is an investigation of clay forming processes and is focused on wheel formed functional pottery. Students will work in series to build skill and become competent in wheel forming techniques including throwing, trimming, handle forming and introducing measuring and fitting forms. Students will finish, glaze and decorate their work. In addition they will explore concepts of function and design as well as create their own final statement in functional forms.
This course is an upper-level printmaking course with student-proposed independent projects. Students are expected to demonstrate greater independence in working and to produce more thematically consistent bodies of work for a final exhibition. Assignments require students to work independently in the print shop outside of class hours. Prerequisite: ART 330.
Under the guidance of the instructor, students pursue individual courses of study. Through a concrete synthesis of content development and technical skill, each student creates a cohesive body of paintings. Emphasis is placed on the articulation of art process, content and philosophy. Prerequisite: ART 340.
This fine-arts digital-studio course explores the impact of digital technologies on contemporary art practice. The digital medium will be used to investigate the relationship between art and technology, and the application of digital processes within contemporary art practice. Through lectures, screenings, readings, discussions, and the development of projects utilizing a variety of digital tools the digital medium will be explored from concept through project development and final realization. Theory and history relating to technology and art are explored and discussed.
Advanced Studio is an intensive, guided, independent studio course that builds upon skills and strategies introduced throughout previous studio coursework. This course includes guided independent production and research in studio practice, art or design history, and critical theory. Students develop a number of independent projects and are expected to complete a major research project in relation to their studio productions. The research project includes art historical and theoretical inquiry relating to their studio-based work.
This studio course explores website design and production. It includes preparing web graphics, designing and assembling webpages, and publication of websites. The main focus is to put together an online portfolio that represents the student and their career objectives. It covers terminology and current topics associated with the internet, web design and web publishing. Prerequisite: ART 350.
Specially qualified students under the guidance of an instructor may study various aspects of art. Note: This course may not be used to replace the 400-level studio requirement. Prerequisites: instructor’s consent and approval of associate dean of visual and performing arts.
This internship experience allows students to apply their studies in a supervised work situation. Students benefit from an inside look at different kinds of corporations and agencies, a chance to work in their field of study, and to gain experience with projects and technologies that reflect the applied sector. Prerequisites: junior/senior standing and instructor’s consent.
Participation in a student exhibition during the final semester in the year of anticipated graduation. Students refine recent and in-progress work developed in ART 480 in preparation for the Senior Art Exhibition, the culminating experience of the art major. This process includes critiques, individual meetings and the physical preparation for the installation of artworks in the Bush Art Center Galleries. Students will also upload finished capstone materials for the digital archive. Required for all ART Majors. Course graded on an S/U basis. Prerequisite: ART 480.
This course is geared for students with ongoing interest in continuous development in ceramic processes and participation in a community studio environment. The emphasis is on individual student research in creative work and further development of technical skills related to that research. Students will create a brief proposal and timeline for the semester. Proposed work can be hand built or wheel thrown ceramic work. Students will receive technical instruction in basic clay and glaze calculation and mixing, kiln loading, firing and studio maintenance. They will also have responsibility for two aspects of the community studio management such as maintaining a shop glaze or slip, loading or unloading kilns and keeping the space in order. Students will meet once a week with the instructor for demonstrations on technical process and materials and group discussions of in-process and finished work. Prerequisite: ART 225.
