Art

Description of the Major. The art department at Westmont helps students discover and develop their creativity and become attentive to the power of the visual arts in our world. The creation of artwork engages a conversation. Each contributor brings what he or she can to the conversation, and ultimately the experience provides a channel for self-expression. A vision of the importance of the arts for a Christian liberal education forms the center of Westmont's traditionally based academic program. The program pushes for self-understanding and the realization that art forms add strength to one's worldview. Emphasizing basics and breadth, attention is given to the development of ideas and to the realm of problem solving as students learn to utilize media as tools for expression. Attention is also given to the importance of asking philosophical questions so that meaning can be achieved and experiences can be interpreted. Students begin with foundation courses in the principles of art and its history, which provides the context for continued exploration of 2-D (design, drawing, computer graphics, painting, printmaking, and photography) and 3-D (ceramics, sculpture, and crafts) media. In studio courses students receive individualized instruction and are challenged to develop both competency in a given medium, and creativity in working with and responding to that medium. Attention to careful work habits, diligence, and patience is valued. In art history courses, students are challenged to understand the visual arts as a dynamic, powerful domain of human culture. Both studio and art history courses stimulate critical thinking, and intellectual curiosity about the visual realm. Within the art department, students may choose one of five tracks: a 53-unit major in studio art, a 53-unit state-accredited secondary education preparation major, a 53-unit major in studio art with a graphics emphasis, a 24-unit minor in studio art, or a 24-unit minor in art history (studio majors may elect to minor also in art history).

Distinctive Features. A vision of the importance of the arts for a Christian, liberal education forms the center of Westmont's art program. Students who engage the artistic process and the objects that result, and who consider the past and present roles of those objects in our world, will learn the skills, attitudes, and affections essential to becoming discerning participants in contemporary culture. The faculty and staff, an on-site gallery, regular lectures and exhibits by visiting artists, a dedicated community-based arts council, off-campus study opportunities, and the vibrant art scene in Santa Barbara, all make this a rich community for students interested in learning through the visual arts.

Off-Campus Programs. The art department recognizes the importance of off-campus educational experiences. Art majors are strongly encouraged to experience the diversity and cultural impact of studying in another country or in another setting. The Office of Off-Campus Programs supports the art department's endorsement of three programs of study in Italy (Studio Art Centers International in Florence, University of Georgia in Cortona, Gordon College in Orvieto). Students who desire to study in Italy during their sophomore, junior or senior year must begin the application process one year in advance of the intended study opportunity. Each student is encouraged to meet with his or her advisor and the Office of Off-Campus Programs for planning assistance. Art students also benefit from participating in the varied experiences available through the San Francisco Urban Program, American University Program in Washington, D.C., and Westmont's Europe Semester. See the Sample Four-Year Program for a workable plan.

Career Choices. One of the goals of Westmont's art program is to guide students in becoming artists of integrity. Westmont's art program has been instrumental in directing students to specific careers as artists and art teachers. With additional training, art majors are able to pursue careers in graphic design, illustration, interior design, computer graphics, museum work, and many other specialties. Potential employers appreciate the creative problem-solving skills that art majors develop and nurture during their course of study at Westmont.

Requirements for a Studio Major: 53 units

General Studio Track

Required Basic Core: 37 units

Studio Electives from the following: 16 units

Graphics Emphasis

Required Basic Core: 37 units

Studio Electives from the following: 16 units

Secondary Education Art Teacher Preparation Track: 53 units

Required Foundational Core: 40 units

Required Breadth and Perspective: 13 units

Studio Electives: (at least 4 units)

Requirements for Studio Art Minor: 24 units

Studio Electives: (at least 4 units)

Requirements for Art History Minor: 24 units

Lower-Division Course Descriptions

ART 1 Principles of Art (4) A practical study of the basic elements of art (color, line, texture, mass, and space) and of art styles through formal analyses.

ART 1H Principles of Art: Honors (4) Prerequisite: By invitation only. An accelerated section of ART 1 which is available in the spring semester to students with previous art experience.

ART 10 Design I (4) A study of the application of the formal principles and elements of design through the process of problem solving. Intense investigation in looking, seeing and making. Emphasis on two-dimensional design.

ART 15 Drawing I (4) A study in the process of drawing using a variety of media in specific assignments. Emphasis is placed on learning to see, and the development of technical skills and interpretive imagery.

ART 20 Survey of Art (4) Emphasizes art appreciation and the professor's current interest. The course may be repeated for credit. Topics vary and include church art, 20th century art, Rembrandt, and primitive art. (Special projects are assigned for majors.)

ART 21/22 History of Western Art I, II (4,4) The study of the arts, their makers and their uses from the pre-historic to the post-modern eras.

ART 23 Introduction to World Art (4) A survey of the forms and cultural contexts of the arts of Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Within a broadly comparative framework, this course investigates how architecture, sculpture and two-dimensional representations function within different cultural and historical contexts.

Upper-Division Course Descriptions

ART 110 Design II (4) Prerequisite: ART 10. Intermediate and advanced design problems with emphasis upon three-dimensional studio work.

ART 115 Drawing II (4) Prerequisite: ART 15. Advanced drawing problems for the serious visual art student. Emphasis on composition, development of technical abilities, and conceptual growth. Special emphasis is placed on drawing the human figure.

ART 122 The Arts of Medieval Europe (4) Prerequisite: ART 21, 22, or 23. A study of the arts of the middle ages, from the Early Christian era through the High Gothic. A main focus on this course will be how the Christian faith came to be represented on paper and mural, in the forms and decorative programs of buildings, and in the material culture surrounding pilgrimages and the veneration of relics.

ART 123 Western Art in Europe (4) A survey of the history of art of western civilization studied while in Europe. Includes painting, sculpture, and architecture.

ART 124 Italian Renaissance Art (4) Prerequisite: ART 21, 22, or 23. A study of the painting, sculpture and architecture of Italy from the 14th to the 16th centuries. This course is designed to help students understand why the arts of the Italian Renaissance have become the basis of the artistic tradition of the West.

ART 125 Northern Renaissance Art (4) Prerequisite: ART 21, 22, or 23. A study of the visual arts in the Low Countries (modern Belgium and the Netherlands) and Germany in the centuries of Renaissance and Reformation. A major theme will be the new uses of art afforded by new media: oil paint and print.

ART 126 Art of Early Modern Europe (c. 1600-c. 1700) (4) Prerequisite: ART 21, 22, or 23. A study of the arts of 17th century Europe, with particular emphasis on Italy, Spain, and the Low Countries. A major theme concerns the role played by the visual arts in developing ideas of absolute monarchy, and in facilitating European expansion.

ART 127 Nineteenth Century Art: Origins of Modernism (4) Prerequisite: ART 21, 22, or 23. An art historical investigation of shifting styles and understandings of art from the late 18th to the 19th century, with an emphasis on painting in Paris and the emergence of "modernism" in that milieu.

ART 128 Twentieth Century Art (4) Prerequisite: ART 21, 22, or 23. A study of modern art from its roots in post-impressionism to post modernism. Pablo Picasso's career and legacy serve as a framework for understanding the images, ideas, economics, and personalities that shape the art of the modern west.

ART 129 Special Topics in the History of Art (4) Prerequisite: ART 21, 22, or 23. An art historical investigation of a specific issue, artist, or monument, chosen by the professor. This course may be repeated for credit.

ART 131 Theory and Criticism in the Arts (4) An exploration into theories in the arts (including theatre, music, and visual art). The purpose of the course is to develop insights into the creative mind and the relationships between creativity, culture, and spirituality.

ART 180 Art for Children (4) This course provides ideas and tools for instruction in art for prospective elementary school teachers. Students develop a continuum of lessons to enhance a child's understanding of line, color, space, form, and texture.

ART 190 Art Practicum (1) A specifically school-site-related experience for Art 180 students.

ART 193 Senior Project (2) Advanced study in applied art culminating in a public exhibition. ART 193 will be taken in conjunction with ART 195 unless otherwise arranged by the department.

ART 195 Senior Seminar (2) Prerequisite: Senior standing. A capstone course for the major involving advanced study, reading and research in a selected topic related to the student's emphasis. Additional supportive topics for discussion, implementation, and preparation for the culminating public exhibition are included.

Applied Art: Lower-Division Course Descriptions

ART 40 Ceramics I (4) An introduction to clay, glazes, firing, and studio procedures through the production of varied hand-built and wheel-thrown projects. Emphasis is on basic and classic forms.

ART 41 Crafts I: History and Process (4) Introductory studies in three or four universal craft forms, their histories and functions. Emphasis is on the processes inherent in resist-dyed textiles, masks, paper-making, book-making and on their contemporary applications. Limited to 10 students.

ART 45 Photography I (4) Prerequisite: ART 1. This course is intended to provide a basic introduction to the art of photography. Emphasis will be placed on operating the camera, printing the film, and mastering compositional design. Digital imagery will be introduced. A single-lens reflex camera is required.

ART 50 Painting I (4) Prerequisite: ART 10, ART 15, or consent of instructor. An introduction to the materials and processes of acrylic painting. Representational and non-representational investigations are covered.

ART 55 Watercolor I (4) Recommended prerequisite: ART 15. An introduction to the techniques and applications of watercolor. Both realistic and non-representational approaches are investigated. Some travel to off-campus sites is included.

ART 60 Printmaking I (4) Recommended prerequisites: ART 10, ART 15, or consent of instructor. An introduction to printmaking with emphasis on the intaglio methods of solar printing, etching, aquatint, engraving, drypoint, and relief methods.

ART 65 Computer Graphics I (4) An introduction to computer graphics using the Macintosh OS X system. The programs used are Adobe Illustrator 10 and Adobe Photoshop 7. Poster design, digital illustrations and CD cover design are among the potential projects. Emphasis will be placed on utilizing the computer as a medium for creating art. Lecture and lab time comprise the course. ART 10 or basic design background is helpful but not required.

ART 70 Sculpture I (4) An introduction to basic sculptural approaches and mold-making. Investigations include additive and subtractive processes in clay, plaster, wood, and stone.

ART 93 Sophomore Project (1) Prerequisite: Sophomore standing. An independent project designed to prepare students for the senior project. Successful completion of this project, before the senior year, constitutes commitment and stability in the major.

Applied Art—Upper-Division Course Descriptions

ART 140 Ceramics II (4) Prerequisite: ART 40. Intermediate and advanced work in clay, glazes, firing, and studio procedures through the production of varied hand-built and wheel-thrown projects.

ART 141 Crafts II (4) Prerequisite: ART 41. Intermediate studies in three or four universal craft forms. An extension of Crafts I with focused, personalized study in textiles, mask-making, paper-making, book-making and their contemporary applications. Limited to 10 students.

ART 145 Photography II (4) Prerequisite: ART 45. A continued study of the art of photography. Emphasis will be in printing, special effects techniques, composition, and fine-tuning technical camera skills. Digital photography and printing will be explored further. Single-lens reflex camera required.

ART 150 Painting II (4) Prerequisite: ART 50. Intermediate-level painting study. Emphasis on personal growth, development of technical ability, and conceptual awareness.

ART 155 Watercolor II (4) Prerequisite: ART 55. A continuation and expansion of ART 55 (Watercolor I).

ART 160 Printmaking II (4) Prerequisite: ART 60. An in-depth, advanced study of intaglio, methods of solar printing, etching, aquatint, engraving, drypoint, and relief techniques.

ART 165 Computer Graphics II (4) Prerequisite: ART 65. Intermediate and advanced projects in computer graphics. A continuation of ART 65.

ART 167 Publication Design (4) Prerequisite: ART 65. An introduction to the fundamentals of graphic design using the page-layout program Adobe InDesign2, in addition to Photoshop and Illustrator. Emphasis will be on software mastery, typography, page design, and pre-press. Students will complete several projects including brochures, posters and book design. Taking a project from concept to finished printed piece will be a key goal.

ART 170 Sculpture II (4) Prerequisite: ART 70. Advanced techniques in three-dimensional art. A continuation of ART 70.