Course Descriptions
ART 1123 Computer Graphics Three hours
Introduction to the current professional software programs used in the fields of graphic design, illustration, and digital media. Taught on the Macintosh platform.
Offered each semester
ART 1133 Visual Art Foundation Three hours
A study of the theory and practice of the creative process by focusing on key historical influences and modern trends while incorporating an introduction to the practice of
formal art and design principles through hands-on experimentation.
Offered fall semester.
ART 1243 Drawing I Three hours
An experience in developing visual perception through observation and then translating three-dimensional forms into two-dimensional images. Nature, still-life, and an introduction to figure drawing are included.
Offered each semester
ART 2103 Foundations in Digital EditingThree hours
An introduction to creative video editing and motion media composition using modern non-linear software. Students investigate professional editing problems in traditional digital filmmaking and experimental media to produce independent creative works.
Offered each semester
ART 2113 Introduction to Cinema Three hours
An introduction to the skills and art of filmmaking. Theories, genres and the history of cinema are addressed. Students’ explorations of the language and grammar of film culminate in the actual production of their first short form narrative work. Prerequisite: DMA 2103 or consent of instructor.
Offered fall semesters
ART 2123 Cinematography Three hours
This is the DMA student’s introduction to film and video imaging specifics. The course defines concepts and develops practices of photography, film, and video camera work. Prerequisite: ART 2103 or consent of instructor.
Offered fall semester
ART 2153 European Art and Culture Three hours
A study of the historical development of European painting, sculpture, architecture, and music from 1000 a.d. to the present. Special attention is given to the connection between art forms, culture, and worldviews. As part of the German Studies program, the course combines academic coursework with visits to important cultural sites in Germany, Austria, and Italy.
Offered summers, German Studies Program
ART 2213 Color Studies Three hours
An opportunity to explore the transient nature of color by studying the properties of and the relationships between colors. The information gained through this study is essential for those entering both the areas of graphic design and illustration.
Offered each semester
ART 2233 Art History I Three hours
An introduction to the major people and works responsible for our visual heritage. Students begin to work toward the goal of developing a visual literacy including fine art, design, advertising, and architecture.
Offered each semester
ART 2243 European Art Tour Three hours
Students tour a major art center of Europe, analyzing masterworks in their historical context, gaining cultural experience, and enriching their own artistic foundations. It is hoped that this experience will result in greater motivation, inspiration, and craftsmanship
Offered summers
ART 2253 Graphic Design I Three hours
An introduction to the world of Graphic Design from typography and design to layout and printing. Includes practice in design of materials such as logos, brochures, posters, and advertising.
Offered each semester
ART 2263 Graphic Design II Three hours
A continuation of the study of Graphic Design, with increased emphasis on comping techniques, craftsmanship, typography, problem solving, presentation, and production on the Macintosh.
Prerequisite: ART 2253
Offered each semester
ART 2273 3D Art I Three hours
An introduction to the interface and use of 3D computer modeling software. In project-based assignments, the student proceeds through various type of 3D modeling, texturing, and rendering techniques. An additional fee is associated with this course.
Prerequisite ART 1123
Offered fall semester
ART 2303 Interactive Design I Three hours
This class builds on the principles of design presented in Graphic Design I, with an introduction to practicing design within an interactive perspective. Topics covered will include 2D animation and interactive design principles and practice, in addition to graphic design concepts developed specifically with an interactive approach.
Prerequisite ART 2253A (Graphic Design I)
Offered each semester
ART 2333 Art, Design, and Creativity Three hours
A study of the theory and practice of the creative process by focusing on key historical influences and modern trends, while incorporating an introduction to the practice of formal art and design principles through hands-on experimentation.
Offered fall semester (odd-numbered years)
ART 2403 Intro to Photography Three hours
A beginner’s overview to the analog and digital tools and skills required for the modern art of photography. Emphasis is placed on exposure, composition, formal aesthetics, lighting, and printing of the student’s photographic vision. The course includes a fundamental study of the photographic process, visual literacy, and artistic criticism necessary for students to advance in study. An additional fee is associated with this course.
Offered each semester
ART 2453 Drawing II Three hours
This course builds on the experiences of Drawing I with emphasis on further development of technical skills as well as conceptual visual thinking. Focus is given to the expressive qualities of drawing as finished pieces of art.
Prerequisite: ART 1243
Offered spring semester
ART 2463 Traditional Darkroom Three hours
Students refine and expand photographic skills by learning classical (traditional) printing, hand-coloring, and toning. Alternative processes such as platinum, palladium and gum bi-chromate black and white, or Polaroid transfers may be included in alternating media. Instructor approval is required.
Offered fall semester, odd years
ART 2503 Typography Three hours
A study of the use of type in graphic design. Topics include the history of type, choosing type, and the technical aspects of setting type.
Prerequisite: ART 2253
Offered fall semester
ART 2613 Digital Illustration I Three hours
An introduction to creating illustrations on the computer using various image editing software. Various techniques of image manipulation or creation in Photoshop will be covered. Emphasis is given to aesthetic designs and software techniques. Strong drawing skills are recommended and digital photography skills are recommended.
Prerequisite ART 1123 Computer Graphics
Offered fall semester
ART 3133 Fine Art Photography Three hours
An exploration of artistic expression through both traditional and digital imaging techniques. The course focuses on conceptual and interpretive photography and incorporates a critical, evaluative component that expands and informs the students’ understanding of photography as a fine art, past and present. An additional fee is associated with this course.
Prerequisite: ART 2403
Offered spring semester
ART 3153 Digital Darkroom Three hours
A focused look at digital photography processing encompassing capture, color management, device profiling, calibration, and printing. The course provides an advanced study in software image enhancement, retouching, and repairing. All course assignments are professionally printed at the highest digital standards. An additional fee is associated with this course.
Prerequisites: ART 1123, 2403
Offered each semester
ART 3183 Social and Documentary Photography Three hours
A critical look at both documentary and photojournalistic photography genres that provide an emphasis on developing a thoughtful approach to seeking and making meaningful photographs that attract, inform, and communicate. This course involves a sociological and cultural analysis with demanding deadlines that expose students to the realities of working photojournalists. An additional fee is associated with this course.
Prerequisite: ART 2403
Offered spring semester
ART 3203 History of Advertising and Design Three hours
A survey of key movements, trends, people, and innovations in the history of advertising and design. Students view work, read histories, and study concepts from the world of design, in hopes of gaining an appreciative understanding of the foundational artistic images and ideas that have been both a response to and an influence upon the culture at large. This analysis of historical commercial art will solidify students’ own creative foundations for success in numerous professional fields.
Offered fall semester
ART 3223 3D Art II Three hours
Advanced techniques in 3D computer modeling, texturing, and rendering. Strong drawing skills are assumed as students create concept art and complete complex projects in modeling and rendering. Various 3D modeling applications will be explored.
Prerequisite ART 2273 and 2453 or consent of instructor
Offered spring semester
ART 3233 Art History II Three hours
This class continues the visual literacy begun in Art History I with topics that are beyond the scope of the general survey in Art History I. Instruction will focus on specific themes such as eastern art history, modern art history, religious studies in art history, etc.
Pre-requisite ART 2233A (Art History I)
Offered spring semester, odd years
ART 3283 Graphic Design in Social Context Three hours
Prerequisites: ART 2263/2503.
Offered summer only
ART 3263 Graphic Design III Three hours
A continuation of the study of graphic design building upon the skills developed in Graphic Design II. Special attention will be paid to the areas of corporate identity design and publication design.
Prerequisites: ART 2263/2503.
Offered fall semester
ART 3323 Figure Drawing I Three hours
A visual study of the human anatomical construction. Emphasis on gesture, form, light source, shadow-mass, and composition.
Prerequisite: ART 1243
Offered fall semester
ART 3333 Interactive Design II Three hours
This class is an extension of the principles and practice presented in Interactive I. The class furthers knowledge and practice in interactive design with particular emphasis on producing work for the web.
Prerequisite: ART 2303
Offered spring semester
ART 3363 Watercolor Painting I Three hours
An introductory course into the media of watercolor. The basic techniques and materials are explored. Prerequisite: ART 1113
Offered fall semester (odd-numbered years) and spring semester (even-numbered years)
ART 3373 Watercolor Painting II Three hours
Continuation of the study of watercolor painting, with emphasis on advanced techniques and creativity. Prerequisite: ART 3363
Offered fall semester (odd-numbered years) and spring semester (even-numbered years)
ART 3383 Oil Painting I Three hours
Studio course with demonstrations, group critiques, and individual instruction to assist the student in learning the basic techniques of oil painting.
Prerequisite: ART 1113
Offered fall semester (even-numbered years) and spring semester (odd-numbered years)
ART 3393 Oil Painting II Three hours
Continuation of the study of oil painting, with emphasis on creativity.
Prerequisite: ART 3383
Offered fall semester (even-numbered years) and spring semester (odd-numbered years)
ART 3403 Film Theory and Criticism Three hours
An examination of the origins and development of film criticism and theory that includes both an analysis of selected motion pictures and the application of theoretical principles. Various schools of analysis are considered, including genre, auteur, feminist, Marxist, and Christian. An additional fee is associated with this course.
Prerequisites: ART 2103, 2113, 2123
Offered fall semester
ART 3423 Figure Drawing II Three hours
A focus on the experimental and expressive use of the figure.
Prerequisite: ART 3323 Figure Drawing I.
Offered spring semester.
ART 3453 Illustration I Three hours
An exploration in the fundamentals of several illustration techniques. Rendering in various media will be emphasized.
Offered fall semester
ART 3463 Illustration II Three hours
Continuing from Illustration I with an emphasis on creativity and solving conceptual problems.
Prerequisite: ART 3453
Offered spring semester
ART 3613 Digital Illustration II Three hours
A continuation of Digital Illustration1. This course will expand the knowledge of digital illustration to various projects. Matt painting and integration of 3D modeling will be explored.
Prerequisite ART 2613 Digital illustration 1
Offered spring semester
ART 3623 Advanced Studio I Three hours
Advanced independent study in the student’s choice of media. This course will provide the opportunity for focused research, conceptualization and application in the student’s area of interest.
Prerequisite: completion of required courses in the area and instructor’s permission.
Offered each semester
ART 3633 Advanced Studio II Three hours
Continued advanced independent study in the student’s choice of media. This course will provide the opportunity for focused research, conceptualization and application in the student’s area of interest.
Prerequisite: completion of required courses in the area, ART 3633 Advanced Studio I, and instructor’s permission.
Offered each semester
ART 3643 Introduction to Printmaking Three hours
This studio course introduces basic printmaking processes and equipment, with equal emphasis on concept and technique. Students are introduced to a variety of printmaking methods, such as monotype, relief and intaglio, and various approaches to making and printing plates in each medium.
Prerequisite: ART 1243 Drawing I.
Offered fall semester odd years.
ART 3653 Screenprinting Three hours
This studio course introduces the basic concepts and technical skills of serigraphy, or screenprinting. Students learn fine art applications of screenprinting, as well as frame construction, registration, stencil, drawing, and digital output application. The history of screenprinting is also discussed.
Prerequisite: ART 1243 Drawing I.
Offered fall semester even years
ART 3743 Interactive Design III Three hours
The third in the Interactive course sequence, this class continues to advance knowledge and practice begun previously, with special emphasis paid to portfolio and presentation topics.
Offered spring semester
ART 3883 Selected Topics Three hours
Study of a topic not directly addressed in the regular curriculum. Topics are chosen according to student need and departmental specialties. May be repeated for credit when a different topic is studied.
Offered upon sufficient request
ART 4103 Portfolio and Presentation Three hours
Practical business aspects of the professions of graphic design, illustration, and digital media including developing a free-lance business, interviewing for a job, portfolio development and self-promotion.
Prerequisite: Senior standing
Offered spring semester.
ART 4163 Nonfiction Film Production Three hours
Analysis of the methods, genre, and history of non-fiction film, for application to hands-on documentary production. Progressive projects through the semester focus on personal student-led filmmaking, culminating in a finished film worthy of entry in documentary film festivals nationwide.
Prerequisites: ART 2103, 2113, 2123, and consent of instructor
Offered fall semester, even years
ART4173Narrative Film Production Three hours
The application of traditional film roles within the field of digital cinema. Students are given the opportunity to man various crew assignments as they work to complete a short form narrative in one semester. An additional fee is associated with this course.
Prerequisite: ART 3403
Offered spring semester, odd years
ART4203 Scriptwriting Three hours
An Introduction to and overview of the elements of theme, plot, character, and dialogue in dramatic writing for film. This course makes use of exercises in dramatic writing: theme, plot, character, dialogue and images. Integration of these elements into scenes and sequences.
Offered spring semester, even years
ART 4253 3D Art III Three hours
Application of advanced 3D character design and modeling skills. Strong drawing skills and anatomy skills are required. Various 3D character modeling applications will be explored.
Prerequisite ART 3223 and ART 3323 Figure Drawing 1 and ART 3423 Figure Drawing II or consent of instructor.
Offered fall semester, odd years
ART 4303 Interactive Design IV Three hours
This class deals primarily with advanced projects and topics current in the interactive design field, with focus on topics particularly relevant to web design professionals.
Offered fall semester, even years
ART 4313 Illustration III Three hours
Designed to challenge students to further develop earlier illustration techniques and to introduce several advanced techniques, emphasis is on the production of professional portfolio-quality illustrations.
Prerequisite: ART 3463
Offered fall semester
ART 4353 Commercial Studio Photography Three hours
An advanced look at the photographic areas of portraiture, food and
beverage, fashion, industry, editorial, advertising, and self-promotion
photography. The course includes work with digital, 35mm, medium format, and
professional 4x5 view cameras. Studio lighting experience is gained with
both strobe and hot light’ setups. An additional fee is associated with
this course.
Prerequisites: ART 2403, 3153
Offered fall semester
ART 4413 Graphic Design IV Three hours
Advanced projects and critique along with information and discussion on technical print production issues.
Prerequisite: ART 3313
Offered spring semester
ART 4423 Internship Three hours
On-the-job work experience in a creative position/business. Internships must be pre-approved by the student’s advisor. Illustration majors may substitute an advisor approved comprehensive project.
Prerequisite: Consent of advisor.
Offered each semester
ART 4953 Capstone Exhibition Three hours
Guided planning, preparations, and production of an art exhibition to be mounted in the JBU Art Gallery or other appropriate gallery space. Students will learn professional art business practices in the development of their exhibitions.
Prerequisite: Senior Fine Art Concentration majors in their final semester.
Offered spring semester
ART 4963 Senior Comprehensive Project Three hours
Original creative works demonstrating proficiency in the student’s major field.
Prerequisites: senior standing and consent of instructor
Offered each semester