Chair: Mark Monroe
Faculty: Jeffrey Fontana
Adjunct Faculty: Brianna Burnett
Emeritus: Tim Tracz
Studio Manager: Joseph Allison
The program in art provides experiences in the practice and history of the visual arts, serving a major and minor in art, with possible specializations in art history and in the various media. The department provides the non-art concentrator opportunities to think in non-linear ways, and to stretch problem-solving skills in the search for multiple solutions. The program attempts to prepare students for careers as exhibiting artists or as professional art historians, for those to whom these are goals. Art coursework has application to skills and abilities necessary for related fields, such as commercial art, architecture, and arts management. Those skills and abilities are found to be very desirable in career fields seemingly remote from the fine arts.
The program in art history provides experiences in the analysis and interpretation of works of visual art within their historical contexts. The curriculum supports a minor in art history, a specialization in art history within the art major, and independent majors concentrating in art history. The program is presently limited to Western art. Through its points of contact with literature, history, philosophy, religion, economics, music, biology, political science, and physics, art history builds bridges between the visual arts and disciplines practiced in numerous departments across the Austin College campus. The critical skills students develop and practice through speaking and writing are transferable to other disciplines.
Degrees Offered in Art and Art History
Major in Art
Minor in Art
Minor in Art History
ART
A major in art consists of:
Required Courses (2 courses)
ART 113 Art Fundamentals
ART 114 Drawing
Art History (3 courses)*
ARTH course – 200 level or higher
ARTH course – 200 level or higher
ARTH course – 200 level or higher
Art and Art History Electives (4 courses)*
ART or ARTH course – 200 level or higher
ART or ARTH course – 200 level or higher
ART or ARTH course – 200 level or higher
ART or ARTH course – 200 level or higher
*Three courses above must be at the 300 level or higher from ART or ARTH
Other Considerations When Planning for the Major:
- Students who plan to attend graduate school in art or who intend to make art a career should take a maximum number of art courses, possibly on a special degree plan. Such students should consult with an Art and Art History Department advisor as early as possible.
- Students who wish to concentrate in art history may do so within the art major or with an individually designed special degree plan.
- The senior art major concentrating in studio art is required to present an exhibition of work during the semester preceding graduation.
Total Credits Requirement = 9 course credits
A minor in art consists of:
Required Course
ART 113 Art Fundamentals
Art History (1 course)*
ARTH course
Art Electives (3 courses)*
ART course
ART course
ART course
*Two courses above must be at the 200 level or higher from ART or ARTH
Total Credits Requirement = 5 course credits
Art majors and minors are encouraged to spend some part of their college career in a major art center either in this country or abroad. This experience can be accomplished through participation in a study abroad program, January term programs off-campus, individual projects off-campus, a summer abroad, or through other possibilities. We encourage art and art history majors and minors to arrange partial-credit NSOCs or directed studies in conjunction with off-campus studio and art history classes in order to optimize transfer of credit. Students should see the department chair for advice in this matter.
A fee for art supplies is assessed through the Business Office for many art courses.
ART HISTORY
A minor in art history consists of:
Art History Requirement (select 1 course)
ARTH 231 Western Art: Ancient to Medieval
ARTH 232 Western Art: Renaissance to Modern
Art Requirement (select 1 course)
ART 113 Art Fundamentals
ART 114 Drawing
Art History Electives (3 courses)
any level ARTH course
300-level or higher ARTH course
300-level or higher ARTH course
Total Credits Requirement = 5 course credits
The Art and Art History Department encourages the study of art history during an abroad experience, and upon pre-approval will accept toward the minor up to two courses taken at other institutions.
COURSES IN ART
ART 113 Art Fundamentals
Basic studio course in art, providing introductory experiences in design and art theory. Enrollment in this class is restricted to first- and second-year students, or by instructor permission. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover (Each fall and spring)
ART 114 Drawing
Beginning work in drawing. Enrollment in this class is restricted to first- and second-year students, or by instructor permission. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (Each fall and spring)
ART 250 Topics in Art
A study of selected topics for beginning students based on faculty and student interests. Offered on an occasional basis. Course may be repeated when topic varies. 1 course credit.
ART 251 Painting
Basic studio practice with various subject matter, techniques, and approaches. PREQ: Art 113 or instructor permission, Art 114 preferred. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (Each fall)
ART 252 Sculpture
Basic studio practice with various subject matter, techniques, and approaches. PREQ: Art 113. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (Each fall or spring)
ART 255 Ceramics
Basic experience in the designing, shaping, firing, and glazing of ceramic ware. PREQ: Art 113 or 114. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (Each fall or spring)
ART 256 Photography
Basic experience in photography as a medium of creative visual experience. PREQ: Art 113 or 114. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (Each fall and/or spring)
ART 260 Intermediate Directed Study
Student investigation of topic of interest working in collaboration with a faculty member resulting in significant oral and written work. See On-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information. PREQ: Freshman January term or Sophomore standing. Special permission required. Offered in variable course credit from 0.25-1.00.
ART 294 Intermediate Student Research
Intended for less experienced students to develop and execute a research project related to art, beyond the constraints of the normal classroom, suitable for public dissemination on or off campus under mentorship of a faculty member. Typically, this work results in a formal presentation, written work, or creative works. Course credit varies from 0-1.00. PREQ: Instructor permission required.
ART 352 Advanced Sculpture
A continuation of sculpture. PREQ: Art 252. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (As needed)
ART 355 Advanced Ceramics
Continuation of ceramics with advanced projects and techniques. PREQ: Art 255. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (As needed)
ART 356 Advanced Photography
Continuation of photography with advanced projects and techniques. PREQ: Art 256. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (As needed)
ART 357 Digital Imaging
Introduction to the computer as a tool in art making. PREQ: Two studio art classes. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (Each fall and/or spring)
ART 360/460 Advanced Directed Study
Student investigation of topic of interest related to the major or minor working in collaboration with a faculty member resulting in significant oral and written work. See On-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information. PREQ: Junior or Senior standing. Special permission required. Offered for variable course credit from 0.25-1.00.
ART 361 Advanced 2-D Studies
This course is ideal and designed for students wishing to pursue intermediate and advanced study in painting, drawing, mixed media art, printmaking techniques and other 2-D formats. The class is well suited for students who want to work on an independent body of creative artwork, but still have the advantage of sharing in a supportive group environment of informal critiques, discussions, presentations, and highly individualized instruction. All participants will have a private studio space in the painting lab with 24/7 access. As a result, the class size will be limited to 11 students. You will be asked to write an outline discussing your choice of media, subject and creative goals the first week of class. A “thesis” statement is required (individual goals and creative outcome). PREQ: Art 113, Art 114 or Art 251. (Each spring)
ART 450 Advanced Topics in Art
An investigation of selected topics for more advanced students based on faculty and student interests. Offered on an occasional basis. Course may be repeated when topic varies. Prerequisites vary. 1 course credit.
ART 464 Teaching/Learning Participation
An individualized study that includes sharing in the instructional process for a particular art course under the supervision of the faculty member teaching the course. Open only to certain highly qualified juniors and seniors by invitation. See On-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information.
ART 490 Independent Study
Student-driven independent work to produce a high-quality body of work such as paper, report, art project, etc. See On-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information. PREQ: Junior or Senior standing. Special permission required. Offered in variable course credit from 0.25-1.00.
ART 491 Honors Thesis in Art
Extensive independent study in the major in a topic of special interest culminating in a bachelor’s thesis with oral examination by thesis committee resulting in a bachelor’s degree with Honors upon completion. See Departmental Honors Program for more information. Completed in last three semesters before graduation. Offered for variable course credit from 1.00-2.00.
ART 492 Independent Study Off-Campus/NSOC
Student-driven independent study in a topic related to the major completed at an off-campus site. See Off-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information. PREQ: Junior or Senior standing. Special permission required. Offered in variable course credit from 0.25-1.00.
ART 494 Advanced Student Research
Intended for advanced students to develop and execute a research project related to art, suitable for public dissemination under mentorship of a faculty member. Students are expected to present the results of their research in a public forum. Typically, this work results in a formal presentation, written work, or creative works. Course credit varies from 0-1.00. PREQ: Instructor permission required.
ART 495 Senior Conference
A thesis or final project in art history, art education, or studio art. Fractional or full course credit unit. Offered for variable credit. (Each fall and spring)
COURSES IN ART HISTORY
ARTH 231 Western Art: Ancient to Medieval
The history of western painting, sculpture, and architecture from prehistory to the late Gothic. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (Each fall)
ARTH 232 Western Art: Renaissance to Modern
The history of western painting, sculpture, and architecture from the Italian Renaissance to Post-Modernism. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (Each spring)
ARTH 250 Topics in Art History
A study of selected topics for beginning students based on faculty and student interests. Offered on an occasional basis. Course may be repeated when topic varies. 1 course credit.
ARTH 235 A History of the Art of Comic Books
This course examines the history, form, and theory of American comic-book art from its origins in the picture-stories of the 1840s to the graphic novels of the present. It explores the relationships between this “low” art form and “fine” art, popular culture, artistic training, political and social history, and technology. Primary attention will be given to examples of work by leading mainstream, underground, and alternative artists. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (Every other year)
ARTH 260 Intermediate Directed Study in Art History
Student investigation of topic of interest working in collaboration with a faculty member resulting in significant oral and written work. See On-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information. PREQ: Freshman January term or Sophomore standing. Special permission required. Offered in variable course credit from 0.25-1.00.
ARTH 294 Intermediate Student Research
Intended for less experienced students to develop and execute a research project related to art history, beyond the constraints of the normal classroom, suitable for public dissemination on or off campus under mentorship of a faculty member. Typically, this work results in a formal presentation, written work, or creative works. Course credit varies from 0-1.00. PREQ: Instructor permission required.
ARTH 342 Victorian Art and Architecture
This course examines a fascinating array of painters, sculptors, architects, designers, and illustrators from a series of overlapping art movements in Great Britain, along with their offshoots and parallels in the United States, including the Pre-Raphaelites, Aestheticism, Arts & Crafts, Queen Anne, Symbolism, the New Sculpture, Tonalism, and Art Nouveau. In an anticipation of t20-century Modernist formalism, we will see how many creators sought to liberate art from the obligation to moralize or to serve an institution, so that it might instead follow the imperative to be beautiful, after the creed, “art for art’s sake.” PREQ: Art History 231 or 232 or instructor permission. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover and Advanced Writing Competency. (Every other year)
ARTH 343 Modern Art and Architecture
The history of European and American painting, sculpture, and architecture from the 19th century to about 2000. PREQ: Art History 231 or Art History 232. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (Every other year)
ARTH 345 Italian Renaissance Painting and Sculpture
This course examines Italian painting and sculpture of the 15th and 16th centuries, after an initial look at the “proto-Renaissance” of the 14th century. Closest attention will be paid to the arts in Florence, Rome, and Venice. PREQ: Art History 231 or Art History 232. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (Every other year)
ARTH 347 Baroque Painting and Sculpture
This course examines the development of Baroque painting and sculpture in Italy, Spain, France, Flanders, and Holland, in the context of the Counter Reformation, the monarchy of King Louis XIV and the burgeoning Dutch middle class. Particular attention will be paid to the Carracci, Caravaggio, Bernini, Poussin, Velazquez, Rubens, Rembrandt, and Vermeer. PREQ: Art History 231 or Art History 232. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (Every other year)
ARTH 349 A History of Beauty in the Visual Arts
This course examines the ways we have sought to understand and define beauty in the visual arts, particularly in association with the body, and how these ways have changed from ancient Greece through the 20th century. PREQ: Art History 231 or Art History 232. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (Every other year)
ARTH 360/460 Advanced Directed Study in Art History
Student investigation of topic of interest related to the major or minor working in collaboration with a faculty member resulting in significant oral and written work. See On-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information. PREQ: Junior or Senior standing. Special permission required. Offered for variable course credit from 0.25-1.00.
ARTH 450 Advanced Topics in Art History
An investigation of selected topics for more advanced students based on faculty and student interests. Offered on an occasional basis. Course may be repeated when topic varies. Prerequisites vary. 1 course credit.
ARTH 464 Teaching/Learning Participation
An individualized study that includes sharing in the instructional process for a particular art history course under the supervision of the faculty member teaching the course. Open only to certain highly qualified juniors and seniors by invitation. See On-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information.
ARTH 481 Seminar in Art History
Seminars dealing with selected topics in art history. May be repeated when topic varies.
ARTH 482 Internship in Art History
Placement in a museum or gallery (e.g., in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex or in New York City) in which the student works as an unpaid intern for up to 40 hours a week and completes additional academic work. PREQ: A range of courses in art and art history and instructor permission. Course credit varies. May be repeated for up to two credits.
ARTH 490 Independent Study in Art History
Student-driven independent work to produce a high-quality body of work such as paper, report, art project, etc. See On-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information. PREQ: Junior or Senior standing. Special permission required. Offered in variable course credit from 0.25-1.00.
ARTH 491 Honors Thesis in Art History
Extensive independent study in the major in a topic of special interest culminating in a bachelor’s thesis with oral examination by thesis committee resulting in a bachelor’s degree with Honors upon completion. See Departmental Honors Program for more information. Completed in last three semesters before graduation. Offered for variable course credit from 1.00-2.00.
ARTH 492 Independent Study in Art History Off-Campus/NSOC
Student-driven independent study in a topic related to the major completed at an off-campus site. See Off-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information. PREQ: Junior or Senior standing. Special permission required. Offered in variable course credit from 0.25-1.00.
ARTH 494 Advanced Student Research
Intended for advanced students to develop and execute a research project related to art history suitable for public dissemination under mentorship of a faculty member. Students are expected to present the results of their research in a public forum. Typically, this work results in a formal presentation, written work, or creative works. Course credit varies from 0-1.00. PREQ: Instructor permission required.