Major Requirements

Ten courses in studio arts and two courses in art history are required for the major. A grade of C+ or above is required for major credit.

Core courses:

• Two Visual Thinking designated courses. These 100-level courses serve to introduce students to the basic concepts of studio art practice. They require no prerequisite.
• Five Art Studio designated courses. These courses are offered at the 200 and 300 level. They allow students with a fundamental grasp of visual vocabulary to explore intensely a particular studio discipline, combination of disciplines, or special topics with an emphasis on the relationship between studio arts practice and theory. At least one Art Studio course must be taken at the 300 level. Generally, Art Studio courses require one Visual Thinking course as a prerequisite.
• Concept and Process in Studio Art, STAR 301. This is an interdisciplinary studio course geared toward students with studio art experience. A series of experimental assignments focus on building an awareness of, and engagement with, the theoretical underpinnings of contemporary arts practice. Readings, writings, research and discussion will support students as they learn different strategies for producing independent studio work within the broad field of visual art.
• Senior capstone courses serve as the integration mechanism for the major.
  • Fall: Advanced Studio, STAR 405. This class is designed for advanced-level students who are ready to move beyond assignment-based projects. The class will focus on how to develop meaningful and thematically consistent content, and build on technical fluency developed in previous coursework. In consultation with the instructor, students will produce a self-directed, long-term project carried out over the course of the semester. The course serves as Part 1 of the senior capstone experience for majors but may also be taken by minors or advanced art students.
  • Spring: Senior Thesis in Studio Arts, STAR 497. The thesis consists of an independent studio project that has as its goal the production of a solo exhibition reflecting the student’s grasp of content and critical issues, accompanied by an 8- to 10-page paper that addresses the artwork created, its antecedents, and the structure, ideas, and issues presented in the work. The thesis course also includes a weekly seminar involving group critiques, workshops, and discussions. The Writing Intensive Part II requirement is fulfilled by the thesis.

Electives:

• Two art history courses at the 200 level or higher.

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Honors: The awarding of departmental honors in studio arts will be based on superior performance in the major, as evaluated by the full-time studio faculty.