Art Major: Two Dimensional Concentration
Why study two-dimensional art at CMU?
CMU's art program, accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, helps each student prepare to start an art-related career, teach elementary or secondary art, or pursue a graduate degree. Learning from faculty members whose artwork has been exhibited nationally and internationally, students will develop artistic abilities, strengthen analytical skills, and improve interpretive capabilities. Consider these key features distinguishing this program at CMU:
- Fully equipped studios for work in drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, and photography
- The Steven L. Barstow Artist-in-Residence program, featuring nationally acclaimed artists who teach, exhibit, and conduct workshops on campus
- Internship opportunities with area organizations, businesses, and artists
- Professional development through involvement in student organizations such as Students of Design and the National Art Education Association
Areas of study
- Drawing
- Painting
- Photography
- Printmaking
Career outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, for all occupations through the year 2014:
- Employment of artists and related workers is expected to increase nine to 17 percent.
- Competition for jobs is expected to be keen for both salaried and freelance jobs in all specialties, because the number of qualified workers exceeds the number of available openings.
- Excellent job opportunities for all teachers are expected as retirements, especially among secondary school teachers, outweigh slowing enrollment growth; opportunities will vary by geographic area and subject taught.
Career options
Graduates of the art program at CMU will find a variety of career opportunities. Some of these may require additional education.
- Art Administrator
- Ceramicist
- Elementary or Secondary School Teacher
- Graphic Designer
- Illustrator
- Museum Curator
- Painter
- Printmaker
- Sculptor
- College or University Professor
Program Overview
The course listings below are a representation of what this academic program requires.
For a full review of this program in detail please see our official online academic bulletin
AND consult with an academic advisor. This listing does not include the General Education
courses required for all majors and may not include some program specific information, such as admissions, retention, and termination standards.
(Click on the course name or number for a complete course description.)
Art Major:Two Dimensional Concentration
( Total: 78 semester hours )
(15 hours)
Core Courses I
Foundations
3
ART 105 Drawing I
Introduction to drawing media and techniques with a focus on drawing from observation and to formal principles of composition and conceptual inventiveness.
3
ART 115 Design I
Introduction to form and its relation to the two-dimensional surface. Focus on the elements and principles of design, creative problem solving and visual literacy.
3
ART 117 Introduction to Contemporary Issues in Art
Introduction to the aesthetic theory and visual language of Modernism, Post-Modernism, and Post-Postmodernism.
3
ART 118 Design II
Introduction to three and four-dimensional form and space. Focus on the elements and principles of design, creative problem solving and visual literacy. Prerequisite: ART 115.
3
ART 122 Color and Composition
An exploration of the theories and principles of color and composition. Prerequisite: ART 115. CR/NC option available.
(3 hours)
Core Courses III
Select one of the following:
3
ART 205 Drawing II
A concentration in experimental media, techniques, spatial relationships, and conceptual processes of drawing. Prerequisites: ART 105, ART 115.
3
ART 216 Introduction to Figure Drawing
Introduction to the study of the human figure in drawing with emphasis on three-dimensional representation, proportions, and anatomical structure. Prerequisite: ART 105.
(3 hours)
Core Courses IV
Select one of the following:
3
ART 150 Printmaking I
An introduction to intaglio and lithography printmaking techniques as a fine art. Prerequisite: ART 105.
3
ART 160 Sculpture I
An introduction to the basic tools, techniques, processes, materials, history and concepts of traditional and contemporary sculpture.
Select an additional art history course from:
3
ART 319 Art Criticism
The description, analysis, interpretation, and evaluation of visual art. (University Program Group I-B)
3
ART 341 History of Photography
Introductory study of the history of photography from the advent of the camera obscura in the 1550s to the present.
3
ART 363 Design: The Interface of Art and Industry
Survey of the development of the applied arts in material culture from the invention of movable type through the twentieth century. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or above. (University Program Group IV-A)
3
ART 366 Contemporary Design Issues
A survey of the ethical, conceptual, and stylistic trends driving contemporary design theory and practice. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or above.
3
ART 380 Greek Art and Architecture
The art and architecture of ancient Greece from the Geometric to Hellenistic periods. Prerequisites: ART 185.
3
ART 381 Early Christian and Byzantine Art
Art of the early church. Byzantine art from the reign of Theodosius I to the fall of Constantinople in the fifteenth century.
3
ART 382/WST 382 Women and Art
Women's identities as artists, patrons, viewers, and subjects of representation, their changes historically, and their relationship to definitions of art. Identical to WST 382. Credit may not be earned in more than one of these courses.
3
ART 383 Modern Architecture
The history of building styles, technologies, and ideas in Europe and the United States from the late 18th century to the present.
3
ART 384 Arts of Non-European Traditions
An introduction to the visual arts of non-European cultures. Arts of Africa, Oceania, Asia and the Americas. Relations between arts, philosophies, and ways of life will be discussed. Prerequisites: 26 semester hours completed.
3
ART 386 American Art from the Colonial Period to 1913
A history of American painting, sculpture, architecture, and decorative arts from the colonial period to 1913. An analysis of major artists and regional styles. Prerequisite: completion of 26 credit hours.
3
ART 480 Roman Art and Architecture
The art of Rome and the Roman world from earliest times to Constantine the Great. Prerequisite: ART 185 or ART 380.
3
ART 481 Western Medieval Art
Art of western Europe from the fall of Rome to 1500. Origins of Romanesque art and dissemination of the French Gothic style throughout Europe.
3
ART 482 Italian High Renaissance Art
An intensive examination of the art and architecture of High Renaissance Italy with emphasis on the works of Leonardo, Bramante, Michelangelo, and Raphael. Prerequisites: ART 285.
3
ART 483 Nineteenth Century European Painting
Stylistic evolution of nineteenth century European painting as viewed against its political and cultural background. Neo-Classicism, Romanticism, Realism, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, the Pre-Raphaelites, the Symbolists, and Art Nouveau. Prerequisite: ART 285.
3-6
ART 486 Independent Study in Art History
Advanced research in a selected topic. Prerequisites: ART 185, ART 285; permission of instructor.
3
ART 487 Indigenous Arts of North America
Painting, sculpture, earthworks, masks, textiles, costumes, and festivals of the indigenous inhabitants of North America from the prehistoric to the present. Prerequisites: ART 126 or 3 credits in Art History.
3
ART 586 Seminar in Art History
Students will pursue topics of special interest and share their research with the group. May be taken for graduate credit. Prerequisites: 12 credits in art history.
(18 hours)
Core Courses II
3
ART 140 Photography I: Introduction to Digital Photography
Introduction to the basic technical and conceptual skills of digital photography as a fine art.
3
ART 185 Introduction to Western Art, Part I
History of Western art from prehistoric through medieval periods. Roots of Western culture as seen in differing artistic styles and attitudes. (University Program Group I-A)
3
ART 285 Introduction to Western Art, Part II
History of Western art from the Renaissance to the twentieth century. Relations of form and content to cultural attitudes. Unique contributions of major artists. (University Program Group I-A)
3
ART 318 Aesthetics
A philosophical understanding of art and its development.
3
ART 385 Art in the Twentieth Century
Study and analysis of the major movements of the twentieth-century visual arts and their philosophies with emphasis on the first half of the century. Prerequisite: ART 285.
3
ART 485 Seminar in Contemporary Art
Selected topics for critical studies drawn from problems of aesthetics, historiography, or stylistic analysis of contemporary art. Prerequisite: ART 285.
(33 hours)
Required Courses
The Two-Dimensional Concentration includes the following emphases: Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, and Photography. Select hours in consultation with an advisor from the following:
3
ART 130 Painting I
An introduction to painting with the exploration of media, techniques, and the concepts of space, form, and color.
3
ART 140 Photography I: Introduction to Digital Photography
Introduction to the basic technical and conceptual skills of digital photography as a fine art.
3
ART 205 Drawing II
A concentration in experimental media, techniques, spatial relationships, and conceptual processes of drawing. Prerequisites: ART 105, ART 115.
3
ART 216 Introduction to Figure Drawing
Introduction to the study of the human figure in drawing with emphasis on three-dimensional representation, proportions, and anatomical structure. Prerequisite: ART 105.
3
ART 230 Painting II
Continuation of the aims of Painting I, with emphasis on personal development. Prerequisite: ART 130.
3
ART 239 Digital Imaging I
Classroom and lab work emphasizing photography and the fundamentals of digital image making. This class includes input, image adjustments, manipulations, output, and presentation. Prerequisite: ART 140.
3
ART 240 Photography II: Digital Montage & Studio Lighting
Digital photography assignments emphasizing digital compositing and artificial lighting techniques. Prerequisite: ART 140.
3
ART 250 Printmaking II
A continuation of Printmaking I with additional emphasis on conceptual development and more advanced printing methods within fine art printmaking. Prerequisites: ART 150.
3
ART 305 Drawing III
Advanced work relating to Drawing I and II with emphasis on contemporary trends in drawing and a more mature conceptual expression. Prerequisite: ART 205.
3
ART 316 Intermediate Figure Drawing
Continuation of figure drawing at the intermediate level. Study of proportions and anatomy leading to competency in defining three-dimensional and spatial aspects of the figure. Prerequisite: ART 216.
3
ART 330 Painting III
Emphasis on individual development and refinement of personal expression in various approaches to painting. Prerequisite: ART 230.
3
ART 334 Watercolor Painting
Exploration of transparent watercolor techniques including dry-brush and mixed-media, and development of an understanding of paper surfaces and pigment compositions. Prerequisites: ART 105, ART 115, ART 130.
3
ART 336 Illustration
Basic methods of black and white and color digital illustration with a specific focus for the graphic designer. Prerequisites: ART 105, 115.
3
ART 339 Digital Imaging II
Classroom and lab work emphasizing photography and advanced digital image making. Prerequisite: ART 239.
3
ART 340 Photography III: Analog & Alternative Processes
Analog and digital hybrid photography assignments introducing silver and non-silver photographic processes. Prerequisite: ART 240.
3
ART 350 Printmaking III
A continuation of Printmaking II with further development of conceptual development and more advanced printing methods within fine art printing. Prerequisites: ART 250.
3
ART 405 Advanced Drawing
Exploring more advanced concepts in drawing techniques, spatial relationships, and personal expression. Prerequisites: ART 105, ART 216.
3
ART 416 Advanced Figure Drawing
Continuation of figure drawing experience at the advanced level. Exploration of figure dynamics, and the application of the theories of foreshortening, and creative composition. Prerequisite: ART 316.
3
ART 430 Painting IV
Independent inquiry in painting where the mode of expression is consistent. Regular consultation with instructor is required. Prerequisite: ART 330.
3
ART 440 Photography IV: New Media Perspectives
Creative work for the advanced student, an introduction to video, web, and emerging screen-based presentation techniques. Prerequisite: ART 240.
3
ART 450 Printmaking IV
A continuation of Printmaking III, with emphasis on conceptual development and advanced printing methods Development of a fine art print portfolio. Prerequisite: ART 350.
3
ART 471 BFA Exhibition
Capstone experience for the B.F.A. art student, including a thesis exhibition, an artist’s statement, talk and final portfolio; and strategies for a successful post-graduate career. Must be taken in the last semester prior to graduation. Prerequisites: Signed BFA in Art and senior standing.
3
ART 516 Advanced Problems in Figure Drawing
An individualized studio experience with emphasis on the human figure that would include problems in foreshortening, placement, and composition. Prerequisite: ART 416.
3
ART 530 Painting V
An individualized studio experience in painting beyond ART 430 competency. Prerequisite: ART 430.
3
ART 540 Photography V: Professional Practices
An individualized studio experience for the advanced photography student, emphasizing long-term independent projects, critiques, and the creation of a professional portfolio. Prerequisite: ART 340, 440.
3
ART 550 Printmaking V
An individualized studio experience in printmaking beyond ART 450 competency. Prerequisite: ART 450.
Select in consultation with your major advisor.