College of Architecture & Urban Studies

Art and Art History (School of the Arts)

Overview

• The Department of Art and Art History offers studio based programs in the visual arts balanced with critical study of the great art of the past and present. The faculty includes both practicing artists and scholars of art history. The department emphasizes new digital media as well as traditional artistic media. We offer the B.F.A. degree in Graphic Design and in Studio Arts and the B.A. degree in Art History.
• The department provides a variety of exhibitions and art events. The Armory Art Gallery exhibits work by national and regional artists. XYZ, a student run galley, provides students and regional artists the opportunity to create and show wide-ranging experimental work. The department, along with Music and Theater Arts, forms the School of the Arts, which jointly produces annual brochures announcing arts events on campus.
• The Visual Design Studio 4, (VDS4), a departmental center, provides outstanding seniors with a vital professional design experience. Student interns work in a team environment under the direction of Graphic Design faculty to produce products for VDS4's clients, providing professional and entrepreneurial experience rarely available to undergraduates. Through visiting artists and scholars, including the Mountain Lake Symposia and Workshops, the department brings students and members of the art community into dialogue with artists and critics of international prominence.
• Art and Art History participates in the university's Study Abroad Program, which is open to students at the sophomore level or above, and combines classroom study with travel-study tours in Europe, Cuba, and Latin America.
• Students in all the degree programs in the Department of Art and Art History must complete the University Core Curriculum requirements.

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Bachelor of Arts in Art History

• Art history develops the student's ability to place a work of art in its historical, cultural, social, and political contexts by giving equal weight to the development of both analytical and visual skills. While an undergraduate concentration in art history may lead directly to graduate studies and to a career in teaching and scholarly research, there are numerous opportunities in a variety of career fields in museums, galleries, auction houses, publishing companies, and others. Because Art History is an academic program, there is no entry portfolio requirement.
• Students who choose the art history option must successfully complete 3 hours of studio art, 6 hours of ancillary course work, and the following art history courses: ART 2384 (1 and 2), ART 2385 and 2386; ART 3084 or 3184, ART 3284 or 3384, ART 3484 or 3584, and ART 3784 or 3884; and 4 courses at the 4000 level.

Required Art History and Ancillary Courses:

ART 1504: Foundations in Art & Design or ART 1514: Basic Drawing	3
ART 2384: Survey Discussion Section (repeat for 2 s.h.) or other approved in major writing intensive course MUST be taken with 2385, 2386)	2
ART 2385, 2386: Survey of the History of Western Art3	6
ART 4384: Topics in Art History 1, 2	12
Three credits in History (not HIST 1025, 1026) 3	3
Hum 1114, 1124, 1214, 1224, 1314, or 1324	3
One of the following:	3
ART 3084: Greek Art and Architecture
ART 3184: Roman Art and Architecture (WI)
One of the following:	3
ART 3284: Medieval Art and Architecture
ART 3384: Renaissance Art and Architecture (WI)
One of the following:	3
ART 3484: Baroque and Rococo Art and Architecture
ART 3584: Nineteenth-Century Art: Neo-Classicism to Post-Impressionism
One of the following:	3
ART 3784: Twentieth-Century European and American Art
ART 3884: American Art to 1914 (WI)

¹ Each 3-credit course may be repeated with a different topic for a total of 12 credits. Art 4974 may be substituted for 3 credits with permission of the student's advisor.
² Credit for Art 4384, when used to complete graduation requirements in the art history option, may not be transferred from a previous institution
³ These courses also fulfill the Area 6 requirement of the Liberal Arts and Human Sciences Core Curriculum.

Progress toward degree

In addition to the university requirement for satisfactory progress (see Satisfactory Progress in Academics), upon completion of 72 semester credits, students must have completed all second year in-major courses with a C or higher. They must have an over all QCA of at least 2.0.

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Bachelor of Fine Arts Degrees

First Year, Portfolio Review, and Second Year in Studio Art and Graphic Design

• Studio Art and Graphic Design share a common set of first and second year courses. The foundation courses in the first year focus on developing basic drawing, design, and digital imaging skills. Toward the end of the first year, students submit portfolios for acceptance into Studio Art, Graphic Design, or both programs. After passing portfolio review, students can then proceed to the second year courses.
• In the second year, students take courses in several different 2D and 3D media, including but not limited to painting, sculpture and ceramics. They also take the two semester Survey of Art History with a Writing-Intensive discussion section each semester.
• Students who have been accepted into the Graphic Design Program begin the graphic design course sequence in the second year. From that point on, the course sequences for Studio Art and Graphic Design are uniquely tailored to each area.

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art

• In the Studio Arts, majors can choose their emphasis from a variety of disciplines including painting, drawing, ceramics, and sculpture. The built-in flexibility of the studio curriculum encourages students to explore and develop their talents and interests. While specialization in the traditional sense is open to all majors, the department also encourages innovative approaches by exploring areas in which different media and disciplines fruitfully overlap or intersect. The B.F.A. in Studio Arts is specially addressed to students who aim to continue their education as artists at the graduate level.
• Portfolio review is required for entry to the Studio Arts Program. Students submit portfolios either as incoming freshmen or after completing the basic sequence of freshman level studio art courses. Complete information about Studio Art Portfolio Review is available on the department website.

First Year:
ART 1504 Foundations of Art and Design	3
ART 1514 Basic Drawing	3
ART 2504 Digital Art	3
ART 2514 Life Drawing	3
Portfolio Review generally occurs in the spring of the first year.
Second Year:
ART 2524 Introduction to Painting	3
ART 2544 Introduction to Ceramics	3
ART 2554 Introduction to Sculpture	3
ART 2384-2386 Survey of Art History	6
ART 2385 Survey Discussion, Writing Intensive (repeated course, 1 credit each)	2
3000 level Studio Topics course	3
Third year
ART 3784 20th Century Art (Fall only)	3
3 Studio Topics courses, 3000 level	9
1 Studio Topics course, 4000 level	3
1 Art elective, departmental	3
1 Art elective, can be from another department	3
2 Art History electives	6
Fourth Year
ART 4584 Professional Practice (Fall only)	1
2 Studio Topics courses, 4000 level	6
ART 4984 Senior Studio (each semester)	6
1 Art elective, departmental	3
1 Art elective, departmental	3
1 Art elective, can be from another department	3
Total number of ART credits: 78 Total credits for University Core Curriculum: 32-38 Total free elective credits: 4-10
Total credits required for the degree: 120

Progress toward degree

• Students must successfully pass portfolio review in either Studio Art or Graphic Design to take any course higher than 2514. In addition to the university requirement for satisfactory progress (see Satisfactory Progress in Academics Chapter), upon completion of 72 semester credits, students must have completed all second year in-major courses with a C or higher. They must have an over all QCA of at least 2.0.

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design

• The graphic design program is notable for its practical and applied approach to design pedagogy. Majors in Graphic Design develop conceptual abilities, problem solving skills and technical know-how required by a fast paced, competitive field. Graphic Design demands individual creativity, teamwork skills, and adaptability to changing markets and technologies. The Graphic Design program at Virginia Tech prepares students for the job market with practical experience and a full, professional portfolio. Graduates of the program may find themselves working in print design, product and packaging design, multimedia web page design, and advertising design.
• Graphic Design offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree (BFA). Graphic Design is a restricted option requiring a special application, portfolio review and completion of specific art prerequisites. Students do not generally enter the Graphic Design Program as freshman, but only after completing a basic sequence of required freshman prerequisites courses. Complete information about the Graphic Design Portfolio Review is available on the department website.

First Year:
ART 1504 Foundations of Art and Design	3
ART 1514 Basic Drawing	3
ART 2504 Digital Art	3
ART 2514 Life Drawing	3
Portfolio Review generally occurs in the Spring of the first year.
Second Year:
ART 2575 Intro to Graphic Design	3
ART 2576 Intro to Graphic Design	3
ART 2524 Introduction to Painting	3
ART 2544 Introduction to Ceramics	3
ART 2554 Introduction to Sculpture	3
ART 2385-2386 Survey of Art History	6
ART 2384 Survey Discussion, Writing Intensive (repeated course, 1 credits each)	2
Third Year:
ART 3565 Intermediate I in Graphic Design	3
ART 3566 Intermediate II in Graphic Design	3
ART 3784 20th Century Art (Fall only)	3
ART Studio Topics courses, 3000 level	6
ART History Electives, 3000/4000 level	3
Fourth Year:
ART 4504 Multimedia	3
ART 4574 Advanced Visual Communications	3
ART 4964 Graphic Design Internship	3
ART 4000 Studio Topics Course	3
ART History Electives , 3000/4000 level	3
ART Electives	9
Total number of ART credits: 77
Total credits for University Core Curriculum: 32-38
Total free elective credits: 4-10
Total credits required for the degree: 120

Progress towards degree

• Students must successfully pass portfolio review in Graphic Design to take any course higher than ART 2514 Life Drawing. In addition to the university requirement for satisfactory progress (see Satisfactory Progress in Academics Chapter), upon completion of 72 semester credits, students must have completed all second year in-major courses with a C or higher. They must have an over all QCA of at least 2.0. Students below this requirement will be notified by the Program Chair of their academic status within the program.

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Financial Assistance

• Scholarship support is available and scholarships awards are decided in the spring for the following year. All prospective freshman who apply to the major and all upper-level students who apply for scholarships are eligible.

Minors

• A minor in Art History is available and requires completion of 18 semester hours. Checklists of specific requirements are available from the department.

Core Curriculum

• Majors in all Art degree programs must satisfy in full requirements of the University Core Curriculum. Art 2385 (required) satisfies the in major writing intensive requirement. The department has no other specific requirements for completing the Core.

Undergraduate Courses (ART)

Art and Design Appreciation

1004: EXPERIENCING ART
This one-hour lecture course introduces fundamental aesthetic ideas, design principles, and media and methods common to the visual arts. Exposure to a wide range of fine and applied art and design, from many different cultures and periods of human history. Pass/Fail only. (1H,1C) I,II.

1114: LIVING WITH ART AND DESIGN
In this three-hour course, design principles are discussed in terms of their application in fine, applied, and commercial art, the built environment, and multimedia. Through slides, electronic image data banks, and videos, as well as in-class presentations, discussions, and visits to local collections and art events, this course explores how the fine and applied arts interact with significant cultural, societal, and economic forces that shape our private and professional lives. (3H,3C) I,II.

Studio Art and Graphic Design

1504: FOUNDATIONS OF ART AND DESIGN
An introduction to the fundamentals of studio practice in the visual arts. Projects, problem-solving through study and application of the basic principles of art and design. Two- and three-dimensional composition, and introductory drawing are stressed. A prerequisite required for all art majors and minors before entry into upper-level courses of studio art. FEES REQUIRED. (1H,5L,3C)

1514: BASIC DRAWING
Methods and concepts fundamental to drawing for the beginning student. No previous experience necessary. Emphasis on controlled use of common drawing media for representational and expressive purposes. FEES REQUIRED. (1H,5L,3C)

2504: INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL ART AND DESIGN
The student will investigate the computer as an artistic medium and design tool, deriving images from various sources. The creative and aesthetic potential of the computer will be explored. No previous computer experience necessary. Pre: 1504. (1H,5L,3C) I,II,III.

2514: LIFE DRAWING
Drawing the human figure from life. Emphasis on observation, construction, and anatomy. FEES REQUIRED. Pre: 1514. (1H,5L,3C)

2524: INTRODUCTION TO PAINTING
Students will explore painting practices and their relationship to art and design in contemporary culture, and develop basic painting skills and an understanding of various painting media. Encompasses illustrational technique and practical applications, expressive and abstract approaches to painting. FEES REQUIRED. Pre: 1504. (1H,5L,3C)

2534: INTRODUCTION TO WATERCOLOR
An introduction to the fundamentals of watercolor painting for art students and non-art majors in design-related programs. Explores transparent and opaque watercolors, alone and in conjunction with other media. Course will include study components of drawing and design to prepare students to successfully accomplish introductory watercolor experiences. FEES REQUIRED. Pre: 1504. (1H,5L,3C)

2544: INTRODUCTION TO CERAMICS
Basic investigations into the materials, techniques, history and appreciation of the ceramic arts. Ceramic processes and technology including hand forming and wheel throwing methods, glazing, and kiln firing. Design concepts as they relate to clay objects are stressed. Historic and contemporary ceramic objects along with methods and traditions of cultures from around the world will be introduced through a range of media. FEES REQUIRED. Pre: 1504. (1H,5L,3C)

2554: INTRODUCTION TO SCULPTURE
An introduction to sculptural processes and materials in art and design. Intensive studio work on individual projects. Review of historical and contemporary issues as applied to the definition of space, texture, mass, volume, scale and other principles of three-dimensional art. FEES REQUIRED. Pre: 1504. (1H,5L,3C)

2564: INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOGRAPHY
An introduction to photography, consisting of instruction in both black and white darkroom and color digital photographic techniques. Student will learn fundamentals of operating a 35m camera; developing, exposing and printing black and white negatives; as well as aesthetic concepts of composition and design. Student will also explore the aesthetics of composition in color, using a digital camera, and manipulating the images on a computer. Pre: 1504 (1H, 5L, 3 C).

2575-2576: INTRODUCTION TO GRAPHIC DESIGN
Introduction to the theory and practice of graphic design as a means of visual communication, exploring problem-solving as applied to design concepts and execution. Studio assignments relating to society, industry, community, and commerce, with emphasis on digital/electronic applications. FEES REQUIRED. Pre: 1504, 2504. (1H,5L,3C)

2964: FIELD STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.

2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

3504: TOPICS IN DIGITAL ART AND DESIGN
Rotating topics that explore the computer as an artistic medium and design tool. Intermediate level. The student will encounter as interdisciplinary approach to the use of the computer, as aesthetic ideas are presented and various digital techniques are applied. Stresses use and manipulation of original images created by the student, employing a combination of digital and traditional methods. FEES REQUIRED. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 hours with different topics. Pre: 2504. (1H,5L,3C)

3514: TOPICS IN DRAWING
Rotating topics in drawing media, approaches, and theories. All topics will be devoted to promoting individual student creativity, mastery of drawing means and techniques, and further understanding of graphic concerns. FEES MAY BE REQUIRED. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 hours with different topics. Pre: 1514, 2514. (1H,5L,3C)

3524: TOPICS IN PAINTING MEDIA
Rotating topics in painting techniques, disciplines, and theory emphasizing individual creative development and skilled approaches to technical problem-solving in visual art and design. Intermediate level. FEES MAY BE REQUIRED. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits with different topics. Pre: 2524 or 2534. (1H,5L,3C)

3544: TOPICS IN CERAMICS
Rotating Topics in special techniques, processes, design concepts and forms in the ceramic arts. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 hours with different topics. FEES REQUIRED. Pre: 2544. (1H,5L,3C)

3554: TOPICS IN SCULPTURE
Rotating topics that will focus on specific technical processes and applications of three dimensional problem solving in the visual arts. The course will stress techniques and issues found in contemporary 3D art and design. Emphasizes intensive studio practice through a series of individual projects related to the topics. FEES REQUIRED. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits with different topics. Pre: 2554. (1H,5L,3C)

3565-3566: INTERMEDIATE GRAPHIC DESIGN I AND II
Intermediate design layout, technical and concept development, and communication skills. First semester emphasizes advanced and new software relevant to the design, advertising, and printing industry. Second semester focuses on typography, professional pre-press, electronic printing and color separation processes. FEE REQUIRED. Pre: 2576. (1H,5L,3C)

3574: TOPICS IN GRAPHIC DESIGN
Rotating topics in graphic design, for the intermediate level student. This course will encourage visual problem-solving, conceptual development, clarity and individuality of expression. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits with different topics. Pre: 2575, 2576. (1H,5L,3C)

3954: STUDY ABROAD
Variable credit course. X-grade allowed.

3984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

4504: MULTIMEDIA STUDIO
This studio course investigates computer-based multimedia in the visual arts and applied design. Video, photography, computer art and design may be used with traditional media and communication vehicles. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. Two 3000-level courses required. Pre: 1504, 1514, 2504. (1H,5L,3C)

4514: INTERARTS STUDIO
This studio course will investigate new approaches to art-making and new genres, such as performance art and site-specific installation. Interdisciplinary basis for course may incorporate traditional studio practices and media in the visual arts, music and theatre arts, and appropriate technology in computer, video, and film. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits with different topics. 3000-level Studio or Art History course required. (1H,5L,3C)

4524: PICTORIAL ARTS STUDIO
Rotating topics in the two dimensional arts, at an advanced level. All topics will challenge the student to develop stronger, independently generated work of portfolio quality. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits with different topics. 3000-level Painting or Drawing course required. (1H,5L,3C)

4534: APPLIED ART AND DESIGN STUDIO
Rotating topics about functional art and design. Students will use appropriate materials, tools, and processes in the creation of functional artworks, such as furniture, tiles, tableware, etc. Function and design aesthetics emphasized. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits with different topics. Pre: 2544 or 2554. (1H,5L,3C)

4554: SPATIAL ARTS STUDIO
Advanced level, rotating topics in the three dimensional arts. All topics will challenge the student to develop stronger, independently generated work of portfolio quality. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits with different topics. 3000-level Ceramics, Sculpture or Applied Art course required. (1H,5L,3C)

4564: EXHIBITION DESIGN AND DISPLAY
This course will focus on the display and presentation of visual art, using local galleries as venues for student- designed exhibitions. Provides experience in the public art arena, and practical knowledge about planning, designing, and mounting an exhibition. 3000-level Studio or Art History course required. (1H,5L,3C)

4574: ADVANCED VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS
A further refinement of design theory and practice, and communication skills. Emphasis on the conceptual development of expanded project formats, and individual creativity. This class will provide a principal opportunity for building a viable portfolio. FEES REQUIRED. 6 credits of Art 3574 required. (1H,5L,3C)

4584: PROFESSIONAL STUDIO PRACTICE
Preparing slides, portfolio, resume in reference to graduate schools, competitions, galleries and grants. One credit- hour course, offered Fall semester to Studio majors only; Spring semester to Graphic Design majors only. Senior standing required. Pass/Fail only. Pass/Fail only. (1H,1C)

4894: SENIOR STUDIO
Preparation and presentation of concentrated studio work under faculty supervision, culminating in solo exhibition and/or formal portfolio. May be extended over two semesters with final grade assigned on completion. Or may be repeated for a total of 6 credits at a maximum of 3H, 3C per semester. Senior standing and consent of department head required. Variable credit course. I,II,III.

4964: FIELD STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.

4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.

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Art History

2385,2386: SURVEY OF THE HISTORY OF WESTERN ART
Survey of art and architecture of Western Europe. 2385: emphasis on Greek, Roman, and medieval 2386: from ca. 1300 to the contemporary period; works of major masters. (3H,3C) 2385: I,III,IV; 2386: II,III,IV.

2964: FIELD STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.

2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course. I,II,III,IV,V.

2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

3004: TOPICS IN ART HISTORY
Rotating topics from all periods of art history with a particular emphasis on non-Western art, such as Japanese, Chinese, pre-Columbian, sub-Saharan, Native American, or Islamic art and architecture. Lecture and/or undergraduate seminar format. May be repeated for credit with different content for a maximum of 9 credits. Pre: 2385 or 2386. (3H,3C) I,II.

3084: GREEK ART AND ARCHITECTURE
Painting, sculpture, and architecture of the Greeks, ca. 1000-31 BC Emphasis on correlation of archaeological remains with literary sources, and on the development of the arts in relation to cultural environments of the archaic, classical, and Hellenistic periods. Pre: 2385. (3H,3C) I,II.

3184: ROMAN ART AND ARCHITECTURE
Painting, sculpture, and architecture of the Romans 500 BC - 323 AD Emphasis on relation between monuments and the political and cultural circumstances that led to their creation. Writing Intensive. Pre: 2385. (3H,3C) I,II.

3284: MEDIEVAL ART AND ARCHITECTURE
The painting, sculpture, and architecture of the 4th through the 14th centuries in the Latin West, with an emphasis on the Romanesque and Gothic Periods. Pre: 2385. (3H,3C) I,II.

3384: ITALIAN RENAISSANCE ART AND ARCHITECTURE
The history of Italian Renaissance Art with an emphasis on painting and sculpture from Giotto through Mannerism. Major stylistic trends are discussed in the historical contexts of artistic techniques, patronage, iconography, and the primary literature on art of the period. Writing intensive. Pre: 2386. (3H,3C) I,II.

3484: BAROQUE AND ROCOCO ART AND ARCHITECTURE
Seventeenth-Century Baroque and Eighteenth-Century Rococo Art of Europe, with an emphasis on painting, sculpture, and architecture. Major artistic trends in Italy, Spain, Flanders, Holland, and France are discussed in their historical, cultural, and social context. Pre: 2386. (3H,3C).

3584: NINETEENTH-CENTURY ART: NEO-CLASSICISM TO POST-IMPRESSIONISM
European art of the nineteenth-century. A chronological study of neoclassicism, romanticism, realism, impressionism, symbolism and post-impressionism. Pre: 2386. (3H,3C) I,II.

3784: TWENTIETH-CENTURY EUROPEAN & AMERICAN ART
European and American art of the twentieth century. A chronological study of art from neo-impressionism through postmodernism. Pre: 2386. (3H,3C) I.

3884: AMERICAN ART TO 1914
American art from its colonial beginnings until World War I. Writing intensive. Pre: 2386. (3H,3C) I.

4384: TOPICS IN ART HISTORY
Advanced art history elective. Rotating topics from all periods of art history, selected to complement offerings at the 3000-level. Topics such as Greek Sculpture, Roman Painting, Renaissance and Baroque Sculpture, Cubism, and Fauvism indicated by timetable. Lecture and/or undergraduate seminar format. May be repeated for credit for a maximum of 18 credits. Pre: 2385 or 2386. (3H,3C).

4484: TOPICS IN ART CRITICISM AND METHODOLOGY
Advanced art history elective. Rotating topics in the criticism of art and the methodology of art history and criticism, selected to complement offerings at the 3000-level. Topics such as the History of Art Criticism from Baudelaire to the Present, New Methods in Renaissance and Baroque Art History, and the Theory of Art from various periods, indicated by timetable. Lecture and/or undergraduate seminar format. May be repeated for credit with different content to a maximum of 9 credits. Pre: 2385 or 2386. (3H,3C).

4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.

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