Art and Art History
In an increasingly visual world, the demand for the skills of artists, designers, and art historians is growing. Whether creating with paint, pencil, or charcoal on canvas or paper; with tactile materials such as clay, fibers, metal, or wood; with light on photographic paper; or with pixels on a computer screen - artists and designers play a key role in communicating ideas, information and aesthetics.
The Department of Art and Art History promotes the study of Art History through lectures, seminars, museum visits, study-abroad opportunities, and guest speakers. The program seeks to encourage critical thinking, close looking, and analytical writing through the study of art and culture.
Baylor's Department of Art and Art History is unique as it offers students a wide array of classes within a broad range of artistic areas and disciplines while challenging them to think creatively and critically: preparing them to enter the professional visual world or advanced study.
The following kinds of art courses are offered:
- Art appreciation for all students.
- History, theory, and studio work for students in liberal arts to pursue personal interests and aptitudes as a major or in elective courses (B.A. degree).
- Professional curriculum for artists (B.F.A. degree).
- Professional curriculum for teachers of art (School of Education degree).
Requirements for Art and Art History
The basic core of studio courses (ART 1310 Drawing I, ART 1311 Drawing II, ART 1314 2D Design, ART 1316 3D Design) are prerequisites for all 3000-4000 level studio courses. ART 1314 2D Design must precede ART 1316 3D Design.
Two capstone requirements are expected of all art majors:
- Exam Component
- discipline-specific exit exam (B.F.A./Studio majors)
- core curriculum exam (B.A./Studio & B.A./Art History majors)
- Research Component
- senior exhibition (B.F.A./Studio majors)
- senior portfolio (B.F.A./Graphic Design majors)
- senior portfolio(B.A./Studio majors)
- 12-15 page senior research paper (B.A./Art History)
Capstone components are designed to represent a culminating undergraduate experience and provide valuable information for program assessment through student achievement.
Programs
Art (ART)
Realization of form and space through direct observation using a variety of drawing media. Perspective, sighting and measuring, methods of depicting light and shadow, composition, and basic drawing vocabulary.
Expands on skills learned in ART 1310. Further investigation into line, mark, and value development and integration of color.
Designing in two dimensions, achieving unity using the elements and principles of design. Problem-solving assignments emphasizing visual relationships, incorporating a variety of media.
Art majors only. Designing in three dimensions, achieving unity using the elements and principles of design. Problem-solving assignments emphasizing visual relationships, incorporating a variety of media.
Structural and relational studies of the human figure from observation. Emphasis on anatomy, tensions, proportions, gesture and compositional placement.
Advanced studies of the human figure with more dependence upon anatomy and complicated figure arrangement.
An introductory course in oil painting with an emphasis on application, color harmony and composition in a wide variety of subjects and approaches.
An introductory course in acrylic painting with an emphasis on application, color, harmony and composition in a wide variety of subjects and approaches.
Fine art stone and/or plate lithography. Development of technical skills related to drawing, processing and printing.
Introduction to typography and concept development using design principles, the creative process, and problem-solving methodologies.
Focuses on techniques and principles to enhance and manipulate images. Development of principles of visual organization, aesthetics and composition, using both raster and vector solutions
An exploration of the combination of type and image emphasizing hierarchy, layouts, grid, styles sheets, and other organizational structures of design in the context of brochures and multi-page documents. Production and printing methods explored
Black and white fine art photography, emphasizing 35mm cameras and wet lab darkroom processes. Cameras provided.
Color image development, in-house printing, file management, and digital workflow using Adobe Lightroom. Emphasis on aesthetic and conceptual development, study of historic and contemporary photographic genres. Students must have access to a digital SLR camera.
Hand-built ceramic forms for non-majors. Includes instruction in pinched, coiled, and slab construction; surfacing/glazing and firing techniques.
Introduction to wheel-thrown ceramic form for non-majors. Includes instruction in foundational wheel-thrown forms, surfacing/glazing and firing techniques
Basic materials, methods and conceptual approaches to wood sculpture. Emphasis on elements and principles of design, in the context of traditional and contemporary approaches to making sculpture.
Basic materials, methods and conceptual approaches to welded steel sculpture. Emphasis on elements and principles of design, in the context of traditional and contemporary approaches to making sculptures.
Basic materials, methods and conceptual approaches to metalsmithing and jewelry. Emphasis on elements and principles of design, in the context of traditional and contemporary approaches to making jewelry
A study of various techniques and different media used in drawing. Students will work on problems that will assist them in further drawing skills.
A continuation of the study and discipline of drawing the human figure using a variety of media including pencil, charcoal, and ink.
Introduction to applied fabric surface design treatments. Hand printed, dyeing, and embellishing techniques include tie-dye/shibori, discharge, appliqué, patchwork, embroidery and art quilt methods.
Introduction to historical and contemporary techniques of basketry, off-loom structures, felt-making, looping, alternative book arts, and fabric construction. Emphasis on material exploration, ideation and design concepts.
For Art majors only. Introduction to loom weaving through the study of weave structures, fiber types and color relationships. Development of technical skill and design competency.
For Art majors only. Emphasis on application, color harmony and composition in relation to conceptual development
Emphasis on application, color harmony and composition in a wide variety of subjects and approaches.
For Art majors only. Explores etching and other fine art intaglio processes. Conceptual and technical skills related to creating, processing and hand-printing the limited-edition fine art intaglio print.
For Art majors. Stone and/or plate lithography. Development of conceptual and technical skills related to creating, processing and hand-printing the limited-edition fine art lithograph print.
For Art majors. Development of conceptual and technical skills related to creating, processing and hand-printing the limited-edition fine art relief print.
For Art majors only. Development of conceptual and technical skills related to creating, processing and hand-printing the limited-edition fine art screenprint.
Must be taken concurrently with ART 3330. For Art Majors only. Focuses on techniques and principles to enhance and manipulate images. Development of principles of visual organization, aesthetics and composition, using both raster and vector solutions.
Combining type and image emphasizing hierarchy, layouts, grid, styles sheets, and organizational structures of design in the context of brochures and multi-page documents. Production and printing methods explored.
For art majors only. Black and white fine art photography emphasizing 35mm cameras and the wet lab. Aesthetic and conceptual development through the introduction of historic and contemporary photographic genres, critiques, and readings. Cameras provided.
Color image development, in-house printing, file management, and digital workflow using Adobe Lightroom. Emphasis on both aesthetic and conceptual development. Introduction of historic and contemporary photographic genres. Students must furnish a digital SLR camera.
For Art majors only. Traditional and contemporary processes, including Holga and pinhole cameras, medium and large format photography, digital negatives, printing on fiber-based paper; and historical perspectives and theories in alternative processes
The design, construction, surfacing, firing, and historical traditions of hand-built ceramic form
The design, construction, surfacing, firing, and historical traditions of wheel-thrown ceramic form.
Materials, methods and conceptual approaches to wood sculpture. Emphasis on elements and principles of design, in the context of traditional and contemporary approaches to making sculpture.
For Art majors only. Materials, methods and conceptual approaches to welded steel sculpture. Emphasis on elements and principles of design, in the context of traditional and contemporary approaches to making sculpture.
For Art majors or consent of instructor. Materials, methods and conceptual approaches to metalsmithing and jewelry. Emphasis on elements and principles of design, in the context of traditional and contemporary approaches to making jewelry.
Undergraduate research undertaken under the supervision of a faculty member. May be taken for a maximum of 6 hours.
For Art majors only. Drawing the human figure as a point of departure in the development of personal content, skills and style.
For Art majors only. Study of specific fabric design techniques and/or media selected by student in consultation with instructor.
For Art majors only or consent of instructor. Formal and improvisational screen-printing processes. Emphasis on design, technical competency, and conceptual development.
Advanced problems in fabric design with emphasis on conceptual development. Examination of aesthetic issues in contemporary fibers and the development of a personal vision. Completion of the BFA Senior Exhibition.
For Art majors only. Techniques of the water-based media. Instruction gives much attention to creative style and individual criticism.
For Art majors only. Study of a specific painting medium selected by the student in consultation with the instructor
For Art majors only. Advanced problems in media selected by the student in consultation with the professor
For Art majors only. Continuation of a self-directed program in consultation with instructor. Examination of aesthetic issues in contemporary painting and the development of a personal vision. Completion of the BFA Senior Exhibition
For Art majors only. Emphasis on technical proficiency, creative expression and the creation of a body of work.
For Art majors only. A continuation of ART 4324 with emphasis on technical proficiency creative expression and the creation of a personal vision. Completion of the BFA Senior exhibition.
For Art majors only. Introduction to internet web page design with emphasis on process, concept, aesthetics, user experience, mark-up languages, and internet access software.
For Art majors only. Illustrative art for graphic design. Emphasis on media, technique, style, and concept in advertising and editorial illustration.
For Art majors only. Exploration of advanced principles of design when applied to three-dimensional packaging forms. Emphasis on perspectives of aesthetics, form, manufacturing processes, sustainability, utility, marketing, and regulations.
For Art majors. Exploration of theories and terminology of symbols and icons with an emphasis on branding and identity development.
For Art majors only. Development of the final graphic design portfolio. Additional emphasis on self-assessment, professional skills such as job search strategies, interviewing, and presentation skills. (Should be taken the last semester prior to graduation.)
Color image development using Adobe Photoshop. Conceptual exploration of photography as a fine art medium through guided projects, and historical and contemporary readings. Students must furnish a digital SLR camera.
For Art majors only. Emphasis on development of personal voice using Adobe Software, advanced photographic techniques and concepts. Creation of self-directed projects building on knowledge and understanding of photography as a fine art medium. Research current trends and technologies used in contemporary lens-based media.
Capstone seminar for photography majors. Emphasis on professional standards, technical mastery and individual artistic expression informed by historical perspectives and theories. Development of conceptually coherent body of work for BFA Exhibition.
For Art majors only. A category of topical courses designed to meet special needs, address issues in the professional field, and focus on research and experimentation in specialized media.
For Art majors only. Advanced study of ceramics building upon content, skills, and perspectives developed in ART 4340. Includes development of personalized body of artwork and study of high temperature firing dynamics.
For Art majors only. Continuation of a self-directed program in consultation with instructor. Examination of aesthetic issues in contemporary ceramics and the development of a personal vision.
For Art majors only. Continuation of a self-directed program in consultation with instructor. Examination of aesthetic issues in contemporary ceramics and the development of a personal vision. Completion of the BFA Senior Exhibition.
For Art majors only. Sculpture emphasizing the combination of materials, the use of alternative materials, casting approaches, and the development of a personalized body of artwork
For Art majors only. Continued emphasis on the combination of materials, the use of alternative materials, casting approaches, and the development of a personalized body of artwork.
For Art majors only. Self-directed program in consultation with instructor. Examination of aesthetic issues in contemporary sculpture and the development of a personal vision.
For Art majors only. Continuation of a self-directed program in consultation with instructor. Examination of aesthetic issues in contemporary sculpture and the development of a personal vision. Completion of the BFA Senior Exhibition.
A research seminar on selected topics from modern and contemporary art. Subject varies year to year. May be repeated once with a change in content.
Modern art in the Americas from 1880 to 1945. Includes major artistic movements and their political, social, and historical contexts.
A research seminar focused on the major trends in painting, sculpture, printmaking, performance, video, installation, and conceptual art from the 1960s to the present. .
For Art majors only. A field experience under the supervision of a recognized professional artist, which will permit the student to receive concentrated and sufficiently lengthy training to become proficient in that art activity.
For Art majors only. Qualified students with established success in specified areas of art, especially their major concentration, may work on approved projects. May be repeated once with a change of content.
Undergraduate research undertaken under the supervision of a faculty member. May be taken for a maximum of 6 hours.
Art History (ARTH)
The visual elements of art, its history, issues, functions, interpretations, materials and techniques. The creative process and the role of art and the artist in society, its reception and critical interpretation.
Studies in art history for the non-major participating in a Baylor approved international program. May be repeated once with a change in content.
Architecture, painting, sculpture and other media in relation to styles and cultural patterns from prehistoric times to 1400 CE. Includes the creative process and the role of art and the artist in society, their reception and critical interpretation.
Architecture, painting, sculpture and other media in relation to styles and cultural patterns from 1400 CE to the present. Includes the creative process and the role of art and the artist in society, their reception and critical interpretation.
Greek art and archaeology from the Aegean Bronze Age through the first century BCE with emphasis on stylistic trends, the social functions of Greek art and material objects, and the relationship between art and various aspects of Greek life and thought.
Roman art and archaeology, beginning with the Etruscans and Archaic Rome, to the end of the fourth century CE. The social and political functions of objects and architecture are highlighted within historical and cultural contexts.
Art created between the fourth and the fourteenth centuries with an emphasis on architecture.
Art of nineteenth-century Europe focusing on technique and style with political and social contexts.
Seventeenth-century painting, sculpture and architecture with Italy as the vanguard country. Significant attention given to Spain and includes paintings from France, Flanders, and Holland.
Special attention will be given to the painters Van Eyck, Dürer, and Bruegel.
Art of eighteenth-century Europe focusing on technique and style with political and social contexts.
Selected examples of art studies in situ in art centers of Europe, supplemented by readings, lectures, and collected illustrations and catalogs.
Primary methods and theories used in the study of the history of art.
Major female artists of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.
Undergraduate research undertaken with the supervision of a faculty member. May be taken for a maximum of 6 hours.
For Art majors only. Specialized field study with a specific destination for established art and art history students. Includes a research component. Requires concurrent enrollment in a listed co-requisite course. May be repeated four times with a change of content. Course does not apply to major or minor credit hours.
A research seminar on a selected topic of 18th- or 19th-century art. Subject varies year to year. May be repeated once with a change in content.
A research seminar on a selected major artist or topic of early modern European art. Subject varies year to year. May be repeated once with a change in content.
Modern art in the Americas from 1880 to 1945. Includes major artistic movements and their political, social, and historical contexts.
Artistic expression in the United States from the Colonial Period to 1900.
A research seminar focused on the major trends in painting, sculpture, printmaking, performance, video, installation, and conceptual art from the 1960s to the present.
Topics not covered in other courses. Topic announced for semester or session; may emphasize a particular artist, movement, genre, theme, or problem. May be repeated once.
Art of the Impressionism and Post-Impressionism movements, 1850-1900, focusing on technique and style with social and political contexts.
Techniques, stylistic changes, and social use and function of Greek painted pottery and its imagery from the Late Aegean Bronze Age through the Late Classical and Early Hellenistic periods. Focus is on vessels in the Archaic and Classical periods.
Modern art in Europe from Post-Impressionism to 1945.
Art of the Neoclassicism and Romanticism movements, 1750-1850, focusing on technique and style with social and political contexts.
Roman sculpture from the Republic to Constantine (c. 313 CE) focusing on style and technique with political and social contexts.
A selective study of the art of Italy during the Renaissance period (c. 1300-1550) as seen within its historical context. Emphasis on the art of Florence and Rome.
A specialized study of Mannerism (c.1520-85) painting as a transition between the Renaissance and Baroque periods in Italy. Emphasis on the cities of Florence and Rome.
A specialized study of a major artist(s) or topic of Italian Renaissance or Baroque art. Subject varies year to year. May be repeated once with a change of content.
A research seminar on Greek or Roman Art and Architecture. May be repeated once with a change of content.
History, origins, and political and social functions of sport and spectacle in Greece and Rome viewed through art, architecture, and material culture.
The sources, development, style and meaning of Michelangelo’s art and the art of his sixteenth-century contemporaries within the historical context.
Modern art in a global context from 1945 to 1970, focusing on the development of Abstract Expressionism and its legacies.
A field experience under the supervision of qualified museum or gallery personnel, which will make it possible for the student to receive on-the-job training in an area of art history.
Thesis preparing qualified seniors for graduate work in art history.
See ENG 43C1 for course information.
For Art majors only. Qualified students with established success in art history may research and report on special areas or topics in art history. May be repeated once with a change in content.
Undergraduate research undertaken with the supervision of a faculty member. May be taken for a maximum of 6 hours.