Department of Art, Design, and Letters

  • DR. CHRISTOPHER VANEMAN, dean

Mission Statement

The School of the Arts at Converse University inspires, teaches, and trains artists by fostering communication, creativity and scholarship, and nurtures appreciation for the visual and performing arts.

Core Values

The School of the Arts (SOA) at Converse University values and believes in the Arts as a path to: Passion, Inspiration, Imagination, Discovery, Expression, Transformation, and Joy.

Arts Foundations: Creativity that Works

The faculty in Art and Design, Theatre and Dance, and the Petrie School of Music train students to be working professionals in the arts. All students in the School of the Arts will take the following interdisciplinary courses in collaboration, personal brand development, and professionalization:

  • CTW 100
  • CTW 200

Department of Art, Design, and Letters

  • SUSANNE GUNTER, chair
  • ANDREW BLANCHARD
  • ROSS BRENDLE
  • VIVIANNE CAREY
  • MARY CARLISLE, assistant chair
  • ANDREA ELLIOTT
  • JEROME GOMEZ
  • ASHLEY LAZEVNICK
  • MICHAEL MASSENGALE
  • RICKY MULKEY
  • JENA THOMAS
  • LAURA ZEISLER

Mission

The Department of Art, Design, and Letters provides our students with authentic visual art and design education that fosters creativity and scholarship, develops skills and nurtures appreciation of the visual arts. 

To best serve our majors the Department of Art, Design, and Letters has established the following goals:

  1. To provide a comprehensive, sequential curriculum that encompasses studio art and design, art history and evolving directions within the various programs of study. 
  2. To incorporate critical thinking and creative expression in all areas of study.
  3. To provide career advising and mentorship for students through pre-professional educational experiences outside of the standard classroom setting.
  4. To promote skill proficiency in the use of innovative equipment and techniques.

Beyond training the student in the practice of the student's art, the department also fosters professional development through the inclusion of internships, exhibitions, liberal arts study, and membership in professional organizations. This type of preparation, both aesthetic and practical, best serves Converse students as they prepare for careers in the arts.

Degree Programs and Accreditations

Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) and the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), the Department of Art, Design, and Letters offers both the Bachelor of Arts degree and the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. For the BA degree, students may choose a major in art history, art therapy, studio art, or art education. The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is a content-laden degree in studio art, interior design, or creative writing. Early declaration of a Bachelor of Fine Arts major is required due to the rigorous requirements of the programs. Students with majors in areas other than art may need to consult the Department of Art, Design, and Letters chair for guidance in a double major or a minor in art history, studio art, or arts administration.

Calculation of GPA for degrees in the Department of Art

The GPA for the Bachelor of Arts with a major of Art Education major is calculated using all required courses for the major. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the major to graduate, but must have at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA to enter the Teacher Education Program.

The GPA for the Bachelor of Arts with an Art History major, Art Therapy major, Studio Art major, BFA Studio Art major, and the BFA Interior Design major is calculated using all required courses for the major. The GPA for the Art History minor and Studio Art minor is calculated using all required courses for the minor. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the major or minor to graduate.

Minors

Minors are offered in art history and studio art, as well as an arts administration minor, which is interdisciplinary between art, music, and theatre. The arts administration minor is highly recommended for all majors in the School of the Arts. It is particularly useful for BA Studio Art, BA Art History, or BFA Studio Art degree majors. Like all art and design minors, arts administration is available to all Converse students. For complete information on the arts administration minor, please refer to the section on Interdisciplinary Minors in this catalog.

All students majoring in the Department of Art and Design must take the Senior Seminar in their respective majors, and all majors except art history must take ART 415: Senior Exhibition during their senior year. These courses are designed to assist seniors in developing career preparation skills and in preparation for their senior graduation exhibitions.
The General Education Program is a requirement for all degrees. The requirements listed below are approved for the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts in the School of the Arts.

ENG 101 3 hours
Language and Culture 9 hours
MTH 108 or higher 3 hours
One course designated as Quantitative reasoning 3–4 hours
Health and Wellness 2 hours
Activity course 1–2 hours
Humanities 6 hours
Literature 3 hours
Fine Arts

6 hours

       CTW 100: Interdisciplinary Foundations I                1 hours
       CTW 200: Interdisciplinary Foundations II 2 hour
(CTW 100 and CTW 200 are required and satisfy 3 hours of Fine Arts GEP credit)  
Natural Science 7–8 hours
Social Science 6 hours
Total 49–52 hours

The Bachelor of Arts Degree Program

Students in the Bachelor of Arts degree program have the option of majors in art history, studio art, art education, or art therapy.

Degrees and Certificates

Courses

ART 100: ART APPRECIATION

Credits 3 4
January Credits
4

An introduction to the visual arts. Introduces the student to the major art movements and artists. Lecture and discussion on the materials, forms, and processes of art with the aim of giving insight into the functions and content of art objects. Course content may vary. May not be applied to major in art.

Notes

GEP, Elective credit.

ART 101: STUDIO ART APPRECIATION

Credits 3 4
January Credits
4

An introduction to the visual arts using lectures, discussions, museum and gallery visits, exhibition reviews, and hands on studio experiences with the materials, concepts, and processes of art with the purpose of providing insight into the functions, content, and making of art objects. Lab fee. May not be applied to major in art.

Notes

GEP, Elective credit.

ART 111: 2D DESIGN

Credits 3

Prerequisite for all studio and design courses. An introduction to the 2D concepts of visual organization through the study of composition, lines, shape, value, figure-ground relationships, texture, spatial illusion and color theory.

Lab fee.

Major, Minor credit.

ART 112: 3-D DESIGN

Credits 3

Prerequisite for all studio and design courses. An introductory course that investigates the handling of real space through the study of form, structure, texture, and surface. Historical and contemporary issues are explored in various media.

Lab fee.

Major, Minor credit.

ART 113: DRAWING I

Credits 3

Prerequisite for all studio and design courses. An introduction to the discipline of drawing. Development of drawing skills leading to an understanding of the structure of forms on the picture plane, figure-ground relationships, line, value and texture. Studio problems of visualization, composition and analysis in various black and white media.

Lab fee.

Major, Minor credit.

 

ART 120: PRINTMAKING I

Credits 3
An introduction to the discipline of printmaking concentrating on the technical aspects of relief, lithography, and monotype processes. Priority will be given to majors. Lab fee.
Prerequisites

ART 111 and 113.

Notes
Major, Minor, Elective credit.

ART 124: GRAPHIC DESIGN I

Credits 3
This course provides an overview of the graphic design field, emphasizing basic lettering and typography, production and design skills. Students will use digital software skills to create finished works. Students will develop practical applications for commercial use. Lab fee.
Notes
Major, Minor, Elective credit.

ART 125: FIRST-YEAR SEMINAR

Credits 3

First-Year Seminars (FYS) constitute a common and academically significant experience in a student’s first year at Converse. All incoming first-year students are required to take a 3 credit- hour FYS course in the fall semester, choosing from a variety of discipline specific topics. Each FYS carries the corresponding departmental prefix, but with a common course number (except designated honors sections). Each FYS course is designed to have no more than 18 students, and counts in some designated category of the General Education Program. Strong writing and speaking components are elements of the course. May not count as a fine arts GEP requirement if the course is Art 125: 2D Design or Art 125: 3D Design.

Notes

GEP credit.

ART 126: DIGITAL MEDIA I

Credits 3
This course focuses on communication design problems, with a special emphasis on advertising and publication design. Students will develop their digital skills as they learn today’s digital- based equivalents to traditional analog skills. Production skills will be developed, along with a close examination of the expressive nature of typography, page-layout, image development and image manipulation. Lab fee.
Prerequisites

ART 111, ART 113.

Notes
Major, Minor, Elective credit.

ART 130: CERAMICS I

Credits 3
An introduction to ceramic processes, including historic and contemporary concepts of form as related to functional and nonfunctional concerns. Students will gain experience in basic forming processes, including the development of conceptual and technical skills for the artistic control of problem solutions. Priority will be given to majors. Lab fee.
Prerequisites

ART 112 or permission of the instructor.

Notes
Major, Elective credit.

ART 131: CERAMICS FOR NON-ART DESIGN MAJORS

Credits 3
This is an introductory course to ceramic processes including historical and contemporary methods. Students will participate by using ceramic hand-building techniques to produce meaningful, well developed artworks that may be functional or non-functional. Pinch, coil slab and glaze application methods will be explored. Lab fee. May not be applied to majors in art or design.
Notes
Elective credit.

ART 140 : PHOTOGRAPHY 1

Credits 3

A beginning course designed to equip the student with technical skills needed for image capturing, development and the printing of analog photography. Photographic terminology and a broad range of aesthetic styles and approaches are covered during this term. Students learn to present a portfolio of their photographic work as well as the steps to critique their own and their classmates’ images. Lab fee.


There will be 7 major assignments during this term. Oral and written projects are required based upon contemporary and historical issues in photography. On-site field trips are frequent, which help foster creative thinking and seeing as it pertains to current photo trends. This is an all-manual photo class; no auto/digital cameras will be used! An all manual, 35 mm SLR camera is required. Priority will be given to majors. Lab fee.

Major, Minor, Elective credit. 

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: ART 111 and/or permission of the instructor.

Prerequisite Courses

ART 150: SCULPTURE I

Credits 3
An introduction to the discipline of sculpture. Study and experimentation with traditional and contemporary concepts of form. Lectures, demonstrations, and assigned studio problems familiarize the student with the properties of structure and the nature of materials and forming processes. Priority will be given to majors. Lab fee.
Prerequisites

ART 112 or permission of instructor.

Notes
Major, Minor, Elective credit.

ART 170: PAINTING I

Credits 3
An introduction to the discipline of painting. Emphasis on the exploration of painting properties, materials, techniques and color theory through specific formal problems. Priority will be given to majors. Lab fee.
Prerequisites

ART 111 and 113 or permission of instructor.

Notes
Major, Minor, Elective credit.

ART 199H: FRESHMAN HONORS SEMINAR

Credits 3
A study of a selected subject within the discipline which will vary from term to term. The course is designed to encourage student participation in the intellectual processes through class discussion, research and writing, special projects, problem solving, and evaluation and defense of positions. When the subject matter duplicates that of another course, credit toward graduation will be granted for only one of the courses. Offered periodically in rotation with seminars in other disciplines.
Notes
GEP, Elective credit.

ART 200: INTRODUCTION TO ART BEYOND THE WEST

Credits 3
This course will provide a broad introduction to traditional non- western art in various regions of the world, including but not limited to Asian, African, and Pre-Columbian art. The purpose and context as well as the style of the art and architecture will be examined. Non-European and non-Anglophone.
Notes
GEP, Major, Minor, Elective credit.

ART 212: ARTIST BOOKS

Credits 3
A course designed to introduce the student to the book as an art form. A creative exploration of the artist book through various uses of medium and techniques. Students will receive a working knowledge of various techniques of bookbinding, structures, and the incorporation of image and text. Contemporary approaches will be explored through research and technology. Lab fee.
Notes
Major, Minor, Elective credit.

ART 213: DRAWING II

Credits 3
This course examines drawing as a creative process, focusing on the study and representation of objects and natural forms in problems of visualization and composition and the exploration of images in various media using figurative and non figurative subject matter. Lab fee.
Prerequisites

ART 113.

Notes
Major, Minor, Elective credit.

ART 217: ART APPRECIATION TRAVEL STUDY

Credits 4

As an introduction to the visual arts, this program offers the student the opportunity to travel to significant art and design centers to observe, evaluate, and absorb the culture, art, artists, and major art movements within the environment. Lecture and discussion on the materials, forms, and processes of art will be presented with the aim of giving insight into the functions and content of art objects at home and abroad. Programs are now offered to New York City, New Mexico, Greece and various locations in Europe. Additional travel costs will be incurred by the student. Offered during Jan and Summer Terms.

Notes

Fine Arts GEP, Elective credit.

ART 220: PRINTMAKING II

Credits 3
An intermediate course in printmaking, which includes the use of silkscreen, advanced lithography and further experimentation in the monotype process. The student will explore the range of possibilities inherent in the mediums and develop a familiarity with the graphic processes and their tools and materials. Lab fee.
Prerequisites

ART 120.

Notes
Major, Minor, Elective credit.

ART 224: GRAPHIC DESIGN II

Credits 3
Emphasis will be on learning advanced graphic communication theories and design processes. Key functions of design will be explored and executed through the use of typography, elements of design, page layout and presentation development. The principles of this course develop and reinforce the foundations of graphic design. Lab fee.
Prerequisites

ART 124 or permission of the instructor.

Notes
Major, Minor, Elective credit.

ART 226: DIGITAL MEDIA II

Credits 3
This course focuses on digital illustrations, with an emphasis on improving both technical and conceptual skills. Projects provide the opportunity to solve editorial, advertising and illustrative-related problems. The integration of digital media software with traditional drawing and painting methods will be examined. This class will utilize lectures, demonstrations, discussions, and hands-on experiences. Lab Fee.
Prerequisites

ART 126, ART 213 or permission of the instructor.

Notes
Major, Minor, Elective credit.

ART 230: CERAMICS II

Credits 3
An in-depth course in throwing forms on the potter’s wheel with formalized study of the mixing and application of glazes. Students will combine thrown and hand-built pieces to creatively solve functional and sculptural problems while experiencing the firing of various kilns. Lab fee.
Prerequisites

ART 130.

Notes
Major, Minor, Elective credit.

ART 240: PHOTOGRAPHY II: BLACK AND WHITE

Credits 3
This course focuses on the exploration on the exploration of advanced photographic techniques including conceptual series-related works, digital applications, liquid emulsions and experimental forms of presentation as well as the creation of a print-on demand book featuring the students portfolio. Digital and film cameras will be utilized. Lab fee.
Prerequisites

ART 140.

Notes
Major, Minor, Elective credit.

ART 241: ALTERNATIVE PHOTO METHODS

Credits 3
This is an introductory course that investigates both the historical and contemporary aspects of photography. The lecture material and classroom interaction will equip the student with technical skills needed to develop and create Cyanotype and Vandyke Brown prints which are liquid emulsion processes. Other possible media may include pinhole photography. The student will also learn to present a portfolio of matted, finished photographs, as well as the basic operations of the program Adobe Photoshop. Lab fee. Offered periodically.
Prerequisites

Art 140.

Notes
Major, Minor, Elective credit.

ART 241 : ALTERNATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY

Credits 3

This is an introductory course that investigates both the historical and contemporary aspects of photography. The lecture material and classroom interaction will equip the students with technical skills needed to develop and create liquid emulsion processes such as Cyanotype and Vandyke Brown prints. Other possible media may include pinhole and solarplate photography. The student will also learn to present a portfolio of matted, finished photoworks, as well as the basic use of Adobe Photoshop and Epson printing output. Lab fee. Offered periodically.

Major, Minor, Elective credit.
 

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: ART 111 and/or permission of the instructor.

Prerequisite Courses

ART 270: PAINTING II

Credits 3
The study of the characteristics of various painting materials, including supports, grounds and pigments, binders, and vehicles. The student is encouraged to explore individual problems in color-space projection, and figurative and non- figurative painting experiences. Lab fee.
Prerequisites

ART 170.

Notes
Major, Minor, Elective credit.

ART 299H: INTERDISCIPLINARY HONORS COURSE

Credits 3
This course is team taught by members in two departments and is open to Nisbet Honors Program participants and to others who meet Honors Program guidelines. All students registering for these courses must register not only through the Honors Program but also with their adviser and the Registrar’s Office. Offered periodically.
Notes
GEP, Major, Elective credit.

ART 300: ART FOR THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Credits 3
This course provides an in-depth study of the concepts and principles of art education related to the elementary level art classroom. Topics include materials and methods for grades pre-K – 5 art classroom, elementary classroom management, assessment, and teacher evaluation. The Artist/Researcher/Teacher framework is employed to promote positive action and reflection in teaching and learning. Students in initial certification must register for the co-curricular ART 300L Art for the Elementary School Clinical. BA Art Education Program Requirement. Lab fee.
Notes
Major credit.

ART 300L: ART FOR THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: LAB CLINICAL

Credits 1

The course provides opportunities for observation, participation and directed teaching experience in K-5 art programs. The course requires 50 hours of on-site clinical experience in addition to the on-campus course participation. It may be the first or second clinical. Pass/Fail grading. BA Art Education Program Requirement.

Prerequisites

EDU 360.

Corequisites

ART 300, EDU 360.

Notes

Major Credit.

ART 305: NINETEENTH CENTURY ART

Credits 3

Covering a period of immense political, social, and technological transformation, this course surveys major art movements in Europe and the United States from the late-18th to the beginning of the 20th century. Topics include the French Revolution, the international Romantic movement, the rise of landscape painting, the advent and impact of early photography, and the intellectual underpinnings of modernism. The focus of the course will alternate between broad artistic developments and case-studies of individual artists/artwork, introducing students to a range of art-historical methodologies from social art history to feminist theory and postcolonial studies. 
 

Prerequisites

ART 201, 202 or the permission from the instructor.

Notes

Fine Arts GEP; Major, Minor, Elective credit. Writing Intensive.

ART 306: TWENTIETH CENTURY ART BEFORE 1945

Credits 3

This survey of twentieth-century artists and movements spans the 1890s to World War II, a period of dynamic technological, political, and social transformation that propelled the emergence of artistic modernism. We will analyze the ways in which art inspired and responded to broad cultural changes across the globe, with predominant focus on Europe and America.  Preference given in scheduling to Art and Design majors if seating capacity is limited.

Prerequisites

ART 201, 202 or the permission from the instructor.

Notes

Fine Arts GEP; Major, Minor, Elective credit.

ART 307: ART HISTORY TRAVEL

Credits 3
January Credits
4
No prerequisites. This program offers the student the opportunity to travel to major art centers and critically observe and evaluate major works of art and the environments in which they are made, displayed, and sold. Additional travel costs will be incurred by the student. Typically offered during Jan Term.
Notes
GEP, Elective credit; Major credit if approved by the Art History program director.

ART 309: ART SINCE 1945

Credits 3

In this course, we will explore art and theory in the post-war period, from the emergence of Abstract Expressionism in the Unites States to the transnational context of artistic production today. Some of the major of themes will include: the complex legacy of the historical avant-garde, activist strategies, performance and protest art, the use of new media, and artistic responses to globalization. While the course is organized as a survey of important movements, it also engages with case studies of individual artists and practices that lie outside the dominate narrative.  Preference given in scheduling to Art and Design majors if seating capacity is limited.

Prerequisites

ART 202 or the permission from the instructor.

Notes

Fine Arts GEP; Major, Minor, Elective credit.

ART 310: AMERICAN ART

Credits 3

This survey of art of the United States will explore the ways in which Americans have defined their identity through the production and dissemination of cultural objects from the 17th to the late-19th century. Over the course of the semester, we will explore an enormous diversity of visual materials in addition to painting and sculpture; we will look at maps, currency, lithographs, newspapers, natural history illustrations, and photographs. Taken together, we will explore how this visual culture was bound up with the shifting metaphorical and metaphysical meanings about what it meant to be American.  Preference given in scheduling to Art and Design majors if seating capacity is limited.

Prerequisites

ART 201, 202 or the permission from the instructor.

Notes

Fine Arts GEP; Major, Minor, Elective credit; Writing Intensive

ART 311: ART FOR THE CHILD

Credits 3
The purpose of this course is to examine the basic concepts and principles of art as they relate to a child’s creative and mental growth. Students will study the materials and methods for teaching art to children and strategies for integrating art into other content areas to support creative and critical thinking. This course is not open to Art Education majors who must take the advanced courses Art for the Elementary School and Art for the Elementary School Clinical. Lab Fee.
Notes
Required for some Education majors.

ART 312: ARTIST BOOKS II

Credits 3
An intermediate course in the book arts what will include further exploration of structure, bookbinding techniques, design and content development. The development of personal style and subject is encouraged at this level. Lab fee.
Prerequisites

Art 212.

Notes
Major, Minor, Elective credit.

ART 313: DRAWING III

Credits 3
This course emphasizes drawing as personal expression by encouraging a creative synthesis of aesthetic and manual skills. Explorations in contemporary forms and approaches to drawing. Lab fee.
Prerequisites

ART 213.

Notes
Major, Minor, Elective credit.

ART 314: SCHOOL ART CURRICULUM AND METHODS

Credits 3

The purpose of this course is to aid developing and practicing art educators in the development of art curricula, methods of instruction, and assessment in teaching art. Emphasis will be placed on exploring specific areas to better equip the art teacher in meeting the needs of the students in the public school setting to include developmental needs, arts integration, materials and supplies, and organization. Course content will include all applicable SC standards for visual arts classrooms and the SC standards for teacher evaluation. Students should take this course during the Fall Term of the junior or senior year. Requirement for BA Art Education. Lab fee. 

Prerequisites

ART 300, 316 or with permission of the instructor.

Notes

Major credit.

ART 315: WOMEN AND ART

Credits 3

This course selectively studies the art and lives of women artists, investigates theories concerning representations of women, and examines contextual issues that impact women’s lives and their artistic production. GEP Humanities/Women’s Studies. Writing intensive.

Notes

*GEP, Major, Minor, Elective, CCW credit.

ART 316: ART FOR THE SECONDARY SCHOOL

Credits 3
This course provides an in-depth study of the concepts and principles of art education related to the secondary level art classroom. Topics include materials and methods for grades 7 - 12 art classroom, secondary classroom management, assessment, and teacher evaluation. The Artist/Researcher/Teacher framework is employed to promote positive action and reflection in teaching and learning. Students in initial certification must register for the co-curricular ART 316L Art for the Secondary School Clinical and the EDU 425: Reading in the Content Area. Program requirement for BA Art Education. Lab fee.
Notes
Major credit.

ART 316L: ART FOR THE SECONDARY SCHOOL: LAB CLINICAL

Credits 2

This course provides opportunities for observation, participation and directed teaching experience in secondary middle or high school art programs. The course requires 50 hours of on-site clinical experience in addition to the on-campus course participation. This course may be the first or second clinical. Pass/Fail grading.

Prerequisites

EDU 360.

Corequisites

ART 316 and EDU 425, EDU 360.

Notes

Major credit.

ART 317: STUDIO ART TRAVEL PROGRAM

Credits 3 6

This program offers the student the opportunity to travel to major art and design centers to observe, evaluate, and absorb the culture and art within the environment and to produce art as a result of those experiences. Programs are now offered to New York City, New Mexico, Greece and various locations in Europe. Additional travel costs will be incurred by the student. Offered during Jan and Summer Terms. Lab fee.

Notes

Major, Minor, Elective credit.

ART 320: PRINTMAKING III

Credits 3
An advanced course emphasizing the unique and individual application of printmaking processes and the development of student’s ideas and working procedures so that they bear a meaningful relationship to one another. Lab fee.
Prerequisites

ART 220.

Notes
Major, Minor, Elective credit.

ART 325: SPECIAL TOPICS IN NON WESTERN ART

Credits 3
This course will provide a focus on art from one region (ie. Africa) outside the European tradition. It will examine the purpose, style, and context of the art, and may include traditional as well as contemporary art objects as well as architecture. The course content will vary. Non-European-non-Anglophone.
Notes
GEP, Major, Minor, and Elective credit.

ART 326: DIGITAL MEDIA III

Credits 3
This course provides emphasis on conceptualization, creativity, and visual aesthetics of the motion and animation field. Students will produce animation and motion clips for commercial usage. Students will use graphics software, digital sound and video-editing equipment to organize audio and video clips for finished productions. Lab Fee.
Prerequisites

ART 226 or permission of the instructor.

Notes
Major, Minor, Elective credit.

ART 330: CERAMICS III

Credits 3
An advanced investigation in the processes and possibilities of clay, glazes, and firing methods. Development of student’s ideas is emphasized with the understanding of the capabilities and limitations of clay for solving various problems. Lab fee.
Prerequisites

ART 230.

Notes
Major, Minor, Elective credit.

ART 340: PHOTOGRAPHY III

Credits 3
This is an advanced course focusing on the student’s personal concept. The choice of traditional or experimental processes is decided upon by the student. The student’s focus is also based upon series work. Lab fee.
Prerequisites

ART 240.

Notes
Major, Minor, Elective credit.

ART 350: SCULPTURE III

Credits 3
This course provides students with studio opportunities in creating cast metal sculpture and emerging technologies in the foundry process. Lab fee.
Prerequisites

ART 250 or permission of instructor.

Notes
Major, Minor, Elective credit.

ART 355: SURVEY OF ART THERAPY

Credits 3
This course is designed to introduce students to the principles, history, and primary theorists of the field. Students will be introduced to the major schools of thought, including studio art therapy, clinical art therapy, developmental art therapy, and art therapy as social action. Selected topics will also include the specialized role of art materials and creative thinking skills as they relate to the field of art therapy. Lab fee.
Prerequisites

ART 111, 112 or permission of the instructor.

Notes
Major, Elective credit.

ART 357: ART THERAPY PERSPECTIVE − UNDERSTANDING CHILDREN’S ART

Credits 3

This course is a study of the child’s artistic process and the neurodevelopmental process of creativity. There will be an emphasis on the artistic states/sequences of child development, as well as assessments relevant to each age level. The material presented in this course will give students an expanded concept of the needs of children in diverse populations, and the approaches utilized by art therapists in the treatment of children. Lab fee.

Prerequisites

ART 111, 112, 355 or permission of instructor.

Notes

Major, Elective credit.

ART 360: SPECIAL TOPICS IN STUDIO ART

Credits 3 6
January Credits
4

A course designed to provide an in-depth study of an art or design process, subject matter, or technique. Since the content will vary, it may be taken more than once for credit. Lab fee varies per class. 3, 4 or 6 credits

Prerequisites

Art major or permission of instructor.

Notes

Major, Minor, Elective credit.

ART 370: PAINTING III

Credits 3
Figure-ground relationships in two-dimensional and three-dimensional composition through the use of oils, acrylics, and mixed media; experimentation with various technological changes and surface treatments in the solution of formal and expressive problems. Lab fee.
Prerequisites

ART 270.

Notes
Major, Minor, Elective credit.

ART 380: ART THERAPY METHODS, MATERIALS AND THEORIES

Credits 3
ART 380 illustrates the principles, field-specific theories, and applications of art therapy as related to media selection in diverse settings, with a variety of populations. Considerations of developmental issues, environmental factors, cultural diversity, and accessibility will be explored. Strengthening communication skills, including APA formatting, visual and symbol research and oral presentations, will be emphasized throughout the course. Lab fee.
Prerequisites

ART 111, 112, 355, 357 or by permission of the instructor.

Notes
Major credit.

ART 388: GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES IN ART EDUCATION

Credits 3
The purpose of this course is to examine various cultures and art from around the world and determine how to promote conceptual understanding of diversity in the K-12 classroom. Students will explore art education using a global lens, design comprehensive units and develop reflective and critical thinking skills. This course is appropriate for the following degree programs: BA Art Education, BA Early Childhood, BA Elementary Education, and BA Special Education. Benchmark II. Meets Non-European/non-anglophone and Writing Intensive Requirements. Lab fee.
Notes
GEP, Major, Elective credit.

ART 405: ART AND CRITICAL THEORY

Credits 3
This seminar serves as an introduction to critical theory, criticism and current methodologies informing debates around art. The course will focus on some of the key thinkers, ideas, and schools of thought shaping the reception, interpretation and practice of art in the 20th and early 21st centuries. The student will acquire a fundamental framework for understanding and engaging modern and contemporary art, and will gain an appreciation for the potential of theory to inform artistic research and practice. Writing intensive for studio art majors.
Prerequisites

upper-division art history course or permission of instructor.

Notes
*Major, Minor, Elective credit.

ART 410: ADVANCED STUDIO ART

Credits 3

An advanced studio art class that allows each student to explore the student's own studio art concentration, as well as experiment with new media. Contemporary art issues will be discussed, along with the exploration of conceptual, research and technological components. This course can be taken up to four times by studio art majors. Lab fee.

Prerequisites

Any level II studio art course. Juniors and Seniors or permission of the instructor.

Notes

Major, Minor, Elective credit.

ART 414: SENIOR SEMINAR

Credits 1
A course to assist seniors in improving career preparation skills such as conceptual competency, digital portfolio presentation and documentation in conjunction with website development, gallery and exhibition preparation, and professional writing skills in graduate entry and job applications. Capstone for BA and BFA in studio art.
Notes
Required course for all art majors excluding art history, and interior design.

ART 415: SENIOR EXHIBITION

Credits 1
This course is the execution of the senior exhibition, which includes a public presentation of the student’s work, digital documentation of the show, art-related documents, and a professional announcement. The completion of the exhibition and documentation is a requirement for graduation for many Art and Design degree programs. Capstone for BA Studio Art and BFA Studio Art.
Prerequisites

ART 414 or DES 480.

Notes
Major credit.

ART 417: ART THERAPY STUDY TRAVEL

Credits 4
A travel study program for course credit wherein participants will spend fourteen days in a selected city or cities for an intensive exploration of culture, art, historical perspectives, international approaches to art therapy and may include service learning opportunities when available. Additional travel expense is expected to be incurred at the responsibility of the participant. This course may be taken twice for credit when destinations differ. Offered Jan Term or Summer Terms only.
Prerequisites

ART 355, 357, 380 and/or permission of instructor.

Notes
Major, Elective credit.

ART 426: DIGITAL MEDIA IV

Credits 3
This course introduces interactive page design and development techniques using web and mobile app creation software. Aesthetic design principles for page layout, type design, imaging and development using an authoring tool will be applied for creative products to construct user experience. Students will publish files and optimize them for size and quality. Lab fee.
Prerequisites

ART 326 or permission of the instructor.

Notes
Major, Minor, Elective credit.

ART 430: CERAMICS IV

Credits 3
An advanced investigation in the processes and possibilities of clay, glazes, and firing methods. Experimental approaches with ceramic media with an emphasis on personal initiative in defining and creating problems and aesthetic solutions to these self-imposed problems. Lab fee.
Prerequisites

ART 330.

Notes
Major, Minor, Elective credit.

ART 440: PHOTOGRAPHY IV

Credits 3
Advanced investigations into the aesthetic possibilities of the photographic process. Experimentation with media is encouraged, as well as a strong focus on series work. Lab fee.
Prerequisites

ART 340.

Notes
Major, Minor, Elective credit.

ART 450: SCULPTURE IV

Credits 3
The individual development of style and choice of media to be used. Strong emphasis will be placed on the exercise of personal initiative and self- discipline, not only in defining and executing individual problems, but also in involvement outside the studio by entering juried exhibitions, attending major exhibitions, and readings. Lab fee.
Prerequisites

ART 350.

Notes
Major, Elective credit.

ART 453: ART THERAPY FIELD EXPERIENCE

Credits 3
This course will prepare students for their senior art therapy internship. Students will participate in an art-based service learning experience with an agency that serves at-risk youth. This course will also include a comprehensive inspection of graduate schools, career opportunities, portfolio presentations, and foundational counseling techniques including ethics and cultural competencies. The material presented will give the students an expanded concept of the field, writing, observation and speaking skills necessary to pursue their future goals. Lab fee.
Prerequisites

A 3.0 average in the major, ART 355, 357, 380, and permission of the instructor.

Notes
Major credit.

ART 454: ART THERAPY INTERNSHIP

Credits 3

Major: Prerequisites: A 3.0 average in the major, ART 355, 357, 380, ART 453, and permission of the instructor: A three-credit internship is required for senior art therapy majors. (A three-credit internship consists of 120 hours of experience in a clinical or educational setting.) The goal is for students to achieve experience in facilitating art-making with a specific population. This internship will also offer opportunities to understand the overall structure and dynamics of a social service agency. Student interns will attend a weekly group supervision class to present participants' artwork and explore responses and problems related to their overall field experience. Weekly observation handouts and visual research imagery will support future career skills, including but not limited to time management and excellent communication in the field. Internship placements are available in locations throughout the Upstate region. Students are required to provide their transportation - Lab fee. ($30)

Prerequisites

ART 355, 357, 380, ART 453, a 3.0 average in the major, and permission of the instructor are required.

ART 455: ART THERAPY SENIOR SEMINAR

Credits 3
This course will provide senior art therapy students the opportunity to research an art therapy topic of interest, write a 20-page APA-style paper, complete either a 2-D or 3-D visual research image, and present their findings. This seminar will also discuss current issues in the field and establish the ethical requirement to understand and value the role of diversity and cultural humility within the profession. Lab fee.
Prerequisites

ART 355, 357, 380 and permission of the instructor.

Notes
Major. Capstone course. Writing Intensive.

ART 460: ART HISTORY SENIOR SEMINAR

Credits 3

This course is designed to provide the senior Art History major with an opportunity to focus on a particular period in art history and gain experience doing in-depth research and writing on a topic of the student's choosing, with the professor’s approval. It also provides the student with career development and graduate school preparation. This capstone course should ideally be taken during the Fall Term of the senior year. Writing Intensive and capstone course for art history majors.

Notes

Major credit.

ART 464: ART HISTORY INTERNSHIP

Credits 3 6

The internship provides students with the opportunity to develop disciplinary skills and explore a variety of career options. Among potential venues for the internship are museums, galleries, auction houses, historic properties, libraries, and corporate art collections. Students may shadow curators, art critics, art historians in academia, art dealers, museum education specialists, and other arts professionals. Projects may focus on curatorial practice, cataloguing, archival methods, registrar work, preservation, research, art criticism, blogging, grant writing, or other professional activities relevant to the field. Pass/fail grading.

Prerequisites

ART 201 and 202.

Notes

Major, Elective credit.

ART 465: STUDIO ART INTERNSHIP

Credits 3
This program offers advanced students the opportunity to work with business establishments or studio artists in digital media or fine arts. This includes, but not limited to, graphic design, illustration, photography, ceramics, and printmaking. Pass/fail. May be repeated.
Prerequisites

ART 111, 112, 113, appropriate advanced courses in area of interest, and permission of faculty advisor.

Notes
Major, minor, Elective credit.

ART 466: ARTIST IN RESIDENCY INTERNSHIP

Credits 3
This program offers advanced Studio Art students the opportunity to develop pedagogical skills to implement art is in residency programs including planning the residency, marketing the residency, implementing workable student and materials management plans, and promoting visual arts in the school and community. Pass/fail grading. May be repeated.
Prerequisites

ART 111, 112, 113, appropriate advanced courses in area of interest, and permission of faculty advisor.

Notes
Major, Minor, Elective credit.

ART 470: PAINTING IV

Credits 3
Problems of scale and the control of volume and space as a means of creative expression. Emphasis is on the exercise of personal initiative and discipline of defining and executing problems. Lab fee.
Prerequisites

ART 370.

Notes
Major, Minor, Elective credit.

ART 495: SENIOR PROJECT

Credits 3 6

An independent directed course with faculty supervision, for seniors in preparation for their graduation exhibition. Students are required to produce a series of conceptually motivated artworks, accompanied by pertinent research, a relevant artist statement, and digital presentations and a Spring term oral defense. BFA candidates are required to take this course in the final two semesters of their senior year. Optional studio art elective for BA candidates.

Prerequisites

BA and BFA studio art or art education majors.

Notes

Major credit.

ART 499: HONORS THESIS IN ART

Credits 3

This course is an elective senior thesis for majors who wish to pursue Honors in an area of studio art, art history, art education or art therapy. The Senior Honors Thesis in art demonstrates the student’s ability to do sustained work, conduct systematic research, to organize materials effectively, with the intention of producing an outcome that results in either a series of artworks or research paper as is appropriate to the student's area.

Prerequisites

GPA of at least 3.0; permission of the student’s major professor (adviser); approval of the Department of Art and Design faculty and other prerequisites as outlined in the Nisbet Honors Guidelines.

DES 101: INTERIOR DESIGN APPRECIATION

Credits 3

An overview of interior design including its history, the role of interior design in global cultures, pop culture and the profession, the application of art and design theory, and creative problem solving. Studio projects explore issues. Lab fee. May not be applied to the interior design major.

Notes

GEP, Elective credit.

DES 125: FIRST-YEAR SEMINAR

Credits 3

First-Year Seminars (FYS) constitute a common and academically significant experience in a student’s first year at Converse. All incoming first- year students are required to take a three credit- hour FYS course in the fall semester, choosing from a variety of discipline specific topics. Each FYS carries the corresponding departmental prefix, but with a common course number (except designated honors sections). Each FYS course is designed to have no more than 18 students, and counts in some designated category of the General Education Program. Strong writing and speaking components are elements of the course. May not count as a fine arts GEP requirement if the course is Art 125: 2D Design or Art 125: 3D Design.

Notes

GEP.

DES 280: DESIGNING WITH COLOR

Credits 3
January Credits
4

The nature, perception and interaction of color. A study of color’s effect on people and how it transforms interior spaces. Research, experimentation and problem solving are integrated into exercises and projects. Principles of design are used in creating interior color solutions and palettes for residential and commercial applications. Lab fee. Offered Spring Term.

Prerequisites

DES 282, or permission of instructor.

Notes

Major credit.

DES 283: SPACE PLANNING

Credits 3

Exploration and application of human-centric design requirements in interior environments including design for diverse populations, programming, space planning theories, creative ideation using manual sketching and models, and collaboration to develop solutions using the design process. Lab fee. Offered Fall Term only.

Prerequisites

ART 111. 112. 113. DES 282, or permission of instructor.

Notes

Major credit.

DES 284: RESIDENTIAL DESIGN

Credits 3

Programming and conceptual design for residential interiors including human factors, behavioral issues, materials, furnishings, fixtures, with the visualization of inquiry and solutions through manual and digital drafting and rendering with integrated verbal presentation. Lab fee. Offered Spring Term only.

Prerequisites

ART 111, 112, 113, DES 283, DES 287, 285 or permission of instructor.

Notes

Major credit.

DES 285: COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN

Credits 3

Introduction to interior design communication using manual and digital drafting techniques, sketching, design terminology and interior components. Lab fee. Offered Fall Term only.

Prerequisites

DES 282 or permission of instructor.

Notes

Major credit.

DES 286: ADVANCED COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN

Credits 3

Continuation of digital drafting per industry standards, with an introduction to digital rendering, to portray scale, line weights, and delineation of form to visualize, document and communicate interior environments. Lab fee. Offered Spring Term only.

Prerequisites

DES 283 and 285 or permission of instructor.

Notes

Major credit.

DES 288: INTERIOR CONSTRUCTION

Credits 3

Interior environmental systems, materials and construction methods are applied to interior solutions through the development of coordinated contract documents. Lab fee. Offered Fall Term only.

Prerequisites

DES 284, 286 or permission of instructor.

Notes

Major credit.

DES 380: HISTORIC PRESERVATION

Credits 3
January Credits
4

Students will learn the history of building types and styles within American architecture and the European influences. Students will learn to identify historic architectural styles and examine terminology used in the historic preservation field. In addition, students will develop an understanding and an appreciation of historic integrity, adaptive reuse, and sustainability. Lecture course.  Lab fee.

Notes

Fine Arts GEP; Major/Minor credit

DES 381: HISTORY OF INTERIORS I

Credits 3

An international, historic survey of interiors from ancient times to the 1800s including concepts of interior development, furnishings, decorative components, architectural structure, design theories, social context, and relevance to current design practices. Lab fee. Fall Term only.

Notes

GEP, Major, Elective credit.

DES 382: HISTORY OF INTERIORS II

Credits 3

International, historic survey of interiors from the 1800s to the current decade including design and architectural theories, furnishings, finishes and decoration in their cultural and technological origin and current context. Offered Spring Term. Writing Intensive for interior design majors. Lab fee.

Notes

Major credit.

DES 383: CODES AND MATERIALS

Credits 3

Overview of building codes and regulations including their importance and impact on interior design solutions aligned with health, safety and welfare; and a range of interior materials, fabrics, textiles, and their properties, sustainable attributes, fabrication, performance, value, installation methods, and fire ratings.  Lab Fee. Offered Fall Term.

Prerequisites

Or permission of instructor.

Prerequisite Courses
Notes

Major credit.

DES 384: COMMERCIAL DESIGN I

Credits 3

Programming and design concepts for corporate, healthcare, hospitality, entertainment, or institutional environments and their stakeholders. Incorporates sustainability, building systems, lighting, furnishings and finishes to produce creative and functional solutions using research, analysis, manual sketching and digital visualization with integrated presentations. Lab fee. Offered Spring Term.

Prerequisites

DES, 286, 288, 387 or permission of instructor.

Notes

Major credit.

DES 386: LIGHTING

Credits 3

Characteristics of light and lighting systems, their application to interiors including sources, color rendering, impact, control, regulations and sustainability. Final design project features creative and functional lighting solution in a digital, professional format. Field trips and speakers included. Lab fee. Offered Spring Term.

Prerequisites

DES 286, 288, 387 or permission of instructor.

Notes

Major credit.

DES 387: KITCHEN AND BATH DESIGN

Credits 3

Space planning and detailing of creative and functional kitchen and bath solutions for residential and commercial interiors including codes, human factors, building systems, sustainability, cabinetry and appliances, precedent, and contextual applications. Design visualization using sketching, digital drafting and rendering. Speakers and field trips included. Lab fee. Offered Fall Term.

Prerequisites

DES 284, 286, or permission of instructor.

Notes

Major, credit.

DES 480: SENIOR SEMINAR

Credits 1

Students identify and define relevant aspects of the DES 482 design project through gathering, evaluation and applying appropriate and necessary information and research findings.

Prerequisites

DES 384 and 387.

Notes

Major.

DES 481: ADVANCED INTERIOR DESIGN I

Credits 3

Complex interior planning utilizing problem solving skills through programs research and analysis concept developments, and professional design documentation through digital visualization. Projects align with student design competitions and or/or professional collaborations. Lab fee. Offered Fall Term.

Prerequisites

DES 384, 386 or permission of instructor.

Notes

Major credit.

DES 482: ADVANCED INTERIOR DESIGN II

Credits 3

Self-selected, interior design project demonstrating integration of curriculum content and developed through research, problem solving, sketching and digital visualization with a formal written and verbal presentation of the design process and solutions. Capstone. Lab fee. Offered Fall Term.

Prerequisites

DES 480, 481 or permission of instructor.

Notes

Major credit.

DES 483: BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

Credits 3

Professional development and the business of interior design including the legalities, financial considerations, project management, professional organizations, and ethics for a variety of interior design practices and careers. Personal marketing packages refined for career preparation. Speakers included. Lab fee. Offered Fall Term.

Prerequisites

DES 384 or permission of instructor.

Notes

Major credit.

DES 486: INTERIOR DESIGN: STUDY TRAVEL PROGRAM

Credits 3

A travel-study program for course credit wherein participants will spend seven to fourteen days in a selected city or cities for an intensive survey of the culture, art, architecture, and interiors of the city’s visual design resources. Additional travel expense is expected to be incurred at the responsibility of the participant. This course may be taken twice for credit when destinations differ. Offered Jan and Summer Terms only.

Notes

Major, Elective credit.

DES 499: HONORS THESIS IN ART

Credits 3

This course is an elective senior thesis for majors who wish to pursue Honors in an area of studio art, art history, art education, or art therapy. The Senior Honors Thesis in art demonstrates the student’s ability to do sustained work, conduct systematic research, to organize materials effectively, with the intention of producing an outcome that results in either a series of artworks or research paper as is appropriate to the student's area.

Prerequisites

GPA of at least 3.0; permission of the student’s major professor (advisor); approval of the Department of Art and Design faculty and other prerequisites as outlined in the Nisbet Honors Guidelines.