Courses

ART 105 Art History I (AH)

Surveys painting, sculpture and architecture with emphasis on the Western world from their origins in prehistory through the Middle Ages. While the focus of the course is on Western traditions, issues and works from non-Western cultures are also treated. The course aims to develop a sense of visual literacy and an iconographic knowledge of art while examining key works in various historical, religious, political, philosophical and socio-cultural contexts. IC; Offered every Fall; G. Gilbert

ART 106 Art History II (AH)

Surveys the painting, sculpture and architecture of the Western world from the Renaissance to the present. While the focus of the course is on Western traditions, issues and works from non-Western cultures are also treated. The course aims to develop a sense of visual literacy and an iconographic knowledge of art while examining key works in various historical, religious, political, philosophical and socio-cultural contexts. IC; Offered every Winter; G. Gilbert

ART 110 Drawing I (AS)

Drawing as a tool of visual understanding, discovery, and invention. Working from still lifes and life models, students learn to shape visual relationships of line, composition, proportion, space, and volume. Using a range of media including graphite, charcoal, ink, and collage, drawing is explored through both historical and contemporary artistic perspectives. Course fee required. AC; Offered every term; Staff

ART 112 Graphic Design I: Visual Literacy (AS)

An introduction to manipulating two-dimensional visual elements and relationships through both material and digital means. The course explores concepts and methods that are the basis of design. The goal is to learn how visual relationships function as a vehicle that informs, persuades, or compels, and to develop a critical awareness of design's pervasive role in shaping values and emotions. Course fee required. Cross Listing: JOUR 112; AC; Offered every Fall and Winter; T. Stedman

ART 113 Painting I (AS)

An introduction to the foundations of pictorial organization through color, shape, composition and spatial construction. Students learn basic control of the medium through projects in still life, figure, landscape and abstraction. A variety of projects explore the infinite possibilities within contemporary and historical painting. Work is discussed in weekly group critiques. Course fee required. AC; Offered every Fall; A. Ferrigno; L. Pinilla Gomez

ART 114 Analog Photography I (AS)

An introduction to film photography, including fundamentals of composition, exposing, developing, printing, and displaying black and white photographs. Weekly critiques provide feedback on the technical, visual, and conceptual aspects of student work. Film, printing paper, darkroom chemicals and mounting supplies are furnished by a course fee. 35mm cameras are available for rent during the course. Course fee required. AC; Offered every Fall and Spring; Staff

ART 115 Printmaking I (AS)

Students learn to produce imagery in monotype, drypoint, and relief. Through critical texts and visual works, the print is considered from its historical use as reproduction and distribution of information, through contemporary and experimental approaches. Beginning with directed assignments focusing on key techniques and ideas, the course concludes with a self-defined final project for students to pursue images, processes, and ideas specific to their interests. Course fee required. AC; Offered every Fall and Winter; A. Ferrigno; L. Pinilla Gomez

ART 116 Ceramics I (AS)

An introduction to the material and visual foundations of clay art. The course exposes students to several distinct creative uses of clay, including pottery traditions, sculptural and altered vessels, and hand-building. Emphasis is placed equally on developing material skill and visual understanding. Students produce a portfolio of work reflecting their progress over the term. Course fee required. AC; Offered every Winter and Spring; M. Holmes

ART 117 Sculpture I (AS)

An introductory creative exploration of the ideas and practices of contemporary sculpture. The course broadly exposes students to the material, visual, and conceptual foundations of modern and recent sculpture. Students complete four directed and one independent project with the goal of developing their own understandings and creative interests. Course fee required. AC; Offered every Fall and Winter; M. Holmes

ART 119 Digital Photography I (AS)

An introduction to digital photography, including fundamentals of composition, exposure, and image editing. Weekly critiques provide feedback on the technical, visual, and conceptual aspects of student work. Although students will learn to edit photographs in Photoshop, this is not primarily a course on Photoshop. Students may provide a suitable digital camera, or rent a camera from the college. Course fee required. AC; Students may not receive credit for both ART 119 and JOUR 119; Offered every term; Staff

ART 130 Introduction to Art Museum Studies: History, Theory, Practice (AH)

This course is an introduction to the dynamic field of art museology and provides a critical overview of the history and philosophy of art museums and their role in society. The course considers the current need of art museums to serve more diverse audiences and to encourage dialogue on social, political, racial and gender issues related to art. Through guest lectures and field trips, the variety of professional positions and practices in art museums will be examined with an emphasis on curating. Offered alternate years; G. Gilbert

ART 163 Landscape Painting (AS)

A beginning painting course with a specific emphasis on working from the landscape. Students investigate a variety of approaches when working directly from the landscape or working from memory of a place. Central to the course is Gaston Bachelard's Poetics of Space, a philosophical study of place - rooms, forests, shells - in the poetic imagination. In addition to exploring space, color, and composition, the course will focus on poetic, historical, and psychological experience of place. Offered every Spring; A. Ferrigno; L. Pinilla Gomez

ART 202 Greek Art and Architecture (AH)

Greek vase-painting, sculpture, and temple-architecture are surveyed with attention to style and chronology as well as to the political, social, and intellectual contexts in which the works were created. Cross Listing: CLAS 202; IC; Staff

ART 204 Roman Art and Architecture (AH)

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to Roman art - sculpture, painting, architecture and minor arts - from the time of the Etruscans through the era of Constantine (c. 1000 BCE - c. 400 CE), with particular attention given to the relationship between Roman art and society. Among other topics, we will study the impact of both Etruscan and Greek art and architecture on that of the Romans, Augustan Rome, the houses and paintings preserved in Pompeii, Roman architecture and the projection of Roman imperial power, sexuality in Roman art, art and architecture in the Roman provinces and the era of Constantine and the shift to Christianity. Cross Listing: CLAS 204; IC; SA; Staff

ART 206 Wheel-Throwing Workshop (SA) (1/2)

Wheel-throwing practice for those with prior experience wanting an opportunity to improve their skills. Course fee required. Prerequisite(s): ART 116 or permission of the instructor; S/U; M. Holmes

ART 210 Drawing II (AS)

Continued drawing from life. Course fee required. Staff

ART 211 Experimental Drawing (AS)

An exploration of drawing as an experimental arena of discovery and invention, as a mode of transferring energy, as a record of rhythmic movement, and as a definer and creator of space and a marker of time. We will examine drawing as a generative system through still and moving imagery and study its relationship to language. We will look to contemporary and historical examples for critical frameworks. Beginning with guided exercises, students will work through these various concepts through creative expression and critical reflection. During the latter part of the term, students will engender an independent project, pairing theory, and practice. HUM; Prerequisite(s): One 100-level Studio Art course; A. Ferrigno

ART 212 Graphic Design II: Theory and Practice (AS)

Building on understandings developed in Art 112, students will practice manipulating visual elements and relationships inherent to graphic design using both material and digital methods. Emphasis is placed on solving visual problems by applying principles of formal hierarchy, information clarity, and typographic communication. Practice is framed by discussions and readings concerning the influence of design in contemporary culture. Course fee required. Prerequisite(s): ART 112, previous design experience, or by permission of the instructor; Cross Listing: JOUR 212; Offered odd years Spring; T. Stedman

ART 213 Painting II (AS)

An exploration of various approaches to painting: working from perception, memory, found imagery, or conceptual systems. Creative work is stimulated by readings and discussion of historical and critical ideas associated with various periods, movements, and contemporary practices. Particular emphasis is given to complex problems of color and spatial relationships, along with questions of expression and meaning. Students give presentations on artistic influences, visit museums and galleries, and meet with visiting artists. Course fee required. Prerequisite(s): ART 113; Offered every Winter; L. Pinilla Gomez; A. Ferrigno

ART 214 Photography II (AS)

Students select and complete two sustained in-depth photographic projects. Weekly critiques provide feedback on the technical, visual, and conceptual aspects of student work. Group discussions of assigned readings emphasize current trends and ideas. Students who have only completed ART 114 are required to work in analog black and white film. Students who have only completed ART 119 or JOUR 119 will be required to work digitally. Students who have completed both 114 and 119 may work in film, digital, or both. College cameras are available for rent. Course fee required. Prerequisite(s): ART 114, ART 119 or JOUR 119, or permission of the instructor; AC; Offered every Winter; Staff

ART 215 Printmaking II (AS)

Builds on experience and knowledge from Printmaking I. Projects expand understandings of printmaking techniques. Processes include woodcut and linoleum relief and copper etching. Includes an intensive exposure to color theory based on the work of Joseph Albers. Students will be challenged to engage with contemporary critical concepts by researching and presenting the work of influential artists. Course fee required. Prerequisite(s): ART 115; Offered every Spring; A. Ferrigno; L. Pinilla Gomez

ART 216 Ceramics II (AS)

Students work with increased independence toward defining their own creative interests in the medium. Includes technical instruction in ceramic materials and firing techniques. Students research and present the work of contemporary and experimental clay artists, to develop awareness of contemporary ideas and practices. Course fee required. Prerequisite(s): ART 116; M. Holmes

ART 217 Sculpture II (AS)

Builds on concepts and techniques from Sculpture 1. Students are encouraged to work with increased independence towards defining their own creative agenda. Includes technical instruction in welding, woodworking, plaster casting. Students research and present on modern or contemporary artists to develop a critical awareness of sculptural practices. Course fee required. Prerequisite(s): ART 117; Offered every Spring; M. Holmes

ART 218 Clay as a Sculptural Medium

Clay is among the most elemental and ancient of artistic mediums, with a history defined equally by practical, decorative, and expressive uses. This course focuses on clay as a sculptural medium that can be used in a multitude of ways to create virtually any kind of form. In developing a series of original works, students will develop technical skills along with critical and visual understandings of ceramic art. Prerequisite(s): ART 116 or 117, or permission of the Instructor.; Offered alternate years; M. Holmes

ART 220 Typography: Designing with Type (AS)

Even in our digital world, the ability to shape and work with letters to visually convey meaning is an elemental skill of design. Through exercises and assignments, students will build the skills and understandings necessary to typographic design and related arenas. Studio assignments, readings, and discussions will expose students to foundational problems and methods. Course fee required. Prerequisite(s): ART 110 or ART 112 or ART 115 or JOUR 118 or permission of the instructor; Cross Listing: JOUR 220; Offered even years Spring; T. Stedman

ART 221 Native Arts of the Americas: Their History and Cultural Legacy (AH)

Surveys the art of the native peoples of the Americas with a focus on the ancient art of Mesoamerica and the Andes, as well as cultural artifacts of native American Indian peoples. Considers methodological and cultural issues of studying non-Western artistic traditions in conjunction with a critical examination of the cultural legacy of native arts to more recent artistic developments. Prerequisite(s): ART 105, ART 106, or permission of the instructor; Cross Listing: LAST 221; Offered even years Winter; G. Gilbert

ART 223 Renaissance Art and Architecture (AH)

European architecture, sculpture, and painting of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. Emphasis on such major figures as Brunelleschi, Masaccio, Michelangelo, Van Eyck, Durer, Titian, Gentileschi, and Giotto in the context of pictorial and sculptural form and religious, philosophical and cultural beliefs. Prerequisite(s): ART 105, ART 106, or permission of the instructor; Staff

ART 224 Baroque Art and Architecture (AH)

Seventeenth century European painting, sculpture, and architecture. Special attention is given to major artists such as Bernini, Gentileschi, Poussin, Rubens, and Rembrandt in the context of social, political, cultural and religious trends. Particular emphasis is given to such topics as artistic identity, gender, Baroque theories of visuality, and the role of art in relation to Absolutism. Prerequisite(s): ART 105, ART 106, or permission of the instructor; Offered odd years Spring; G. Gilbert

ART 225 Nineteenth Century European and American Art and Architecture (AH)

Treats major movements from Neoclassicism to Post-Impressionism and examines artists such as David, Turner, Delacroix, Monet, Cezanne, Rodin, and Van Gogh in the context of political, social, and philosophical trends. Prerequisite(s): ART 105, ART 106, or permission of the instructor; Offered alternate years; G. Gilbert

ART 226 Twentieth Century European and American Art and Architecture (AH)

Emphasis is primarily on European painting, sculpture, and architecture from 1900 to World War II. Special attention is given to major artists such as Matisse, Picasso, Kandinsky and Mondrian with an emphasis on examining modern aesthetic movements in relation to issues of radical and utopian politics, philosophy, spiritualism, psychological theory, and gender. Prerequisite(s): ART 105, ART 106, or permission of the instructor; Offered alternate years; G. Gilbert

ART 233 Color Theory and Practice

Students will examine the properties of color from the scientific, philosophical, cultural, art historical, and poetic perspectives. Through hands-on exercises we will reflect and create visual responses addressing these perspectives, as well as examine optical phenomenon of color relationships. Students will develop a creative independent project that merges theory and practice. HUM; Prerequisite(s): any 100-level studio art course; A. Ferrigno

ART 235 Interactive Design

This class will focus on processes used when creating well-designed, user-centric interactive media. Course focus will be on conceptualizing and creating compelling designs and experiences while engaging in the various phases of design and pre-production (ideation, proposal, design, prototype) processes in a team environment. Self-initiated, problem-solving skills, as well as critical analysis of form and function will be heavily emphasized. Upon completing the class, students will have a working knowledge of interactive media project design and development. This approach will utilize an interdisciplinary, collaborative framework embedding visualization, narrative, and technology. Prerequisite(s): CS 292, or ART 112; Cross Listing: CS 335; Offered alternate years; T. Stedman; J. Spacco

ART 246 Contemporary American and European Art (AH)

Examines key formal and critical developments from the 1940s to the present within a social context. Considers the relation of late modernism and postmodernism to issues of philosophy, cultural history and politics. Prerequisite(s): ART 105, ART 106, or permission of the instructor; Offered slternate years; G. Gilbert

ART 247 Knox in New York (ASAH)

A unique Fall Term course that extends into Winter Break, and combines Studio Art with Art History. During fall students participate in a seminar course that focuses on European and New York artists and art movements from the early 20th century to the present. During ten days in New York, students visit galleries and museum collections, present a research project, and attend drawing classes and lectures at the Studio School. In the last week, students return to Knox to resolve a body of work based on their experiences in New York. Prerequisite(s): ART 110, one 200-level Art History course, and one 200-level Studio Art course, or permission of the instructor; The cost of the New York segment is covered by a special program fee; Offered odd years Fall; L. Lombard; P. Gant

ART 248 Teaching Assistant (1/2 or 1)

Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor; May be graded S/U at instructor's discretion; Staff

ART 261 American Art, Architecture and Culture (AH)

This course is a selected overview of the history of American art from the late eighteenth century through the mid-twentieth century with an emphasis on art as part of a larger material culture related to political, socio-economic and intellectual trends. A major concern is the contribution of visual culture to the conceptualization of American national identity in light of changing views associated with nature, labor, race, gender and sexuality. A special topical issue is the influence of American Transcendental and Pragmatist philosophy on the development of artistic styles and themes. Prerequisite(s): ART 105 or 106, and/or HIST 160 or 161 are recommended; Cross Listing: AMST 261; Offered alternate years; G. Gilbert

ART 273 Reading/Writing Art Criticism

The course is an introduction to the history, theory and analytical skills of writing art criticism. Course topics include both historical and metacritical approaches to the study of art criticism. It includes a chronological survey of prominent art critics and critical trends from the late 18th century to the present. A primary component of the course is a theoretical and applied study of the major analytical elements and interpretive methods of critical writing. As a means to engage students in their own active forms of critical writing, the course will provide an overview of journalistic and new digital modes of arts criticism and will feature guest presentations by practicing critics. Prerequisite(s): An Art History course at the 100 or 200 level or a Journalism course at the 100 level, or permission of the instructor; Cross Listing: JOUR 273; G. Gilbert

ART 280 Topics in Artistic Practice

Since the early twentieth century, art has expanded to be all kinds of things that don't fit within traditional categories. Contemporary artistic practices include environmental and site-specific art, video and performance, political actions, social practices, community-based works, collaborations with scientists, and works incorporating light, sound, or motion. Each offering of this course allows students to explore a new or alternative mode of artistic practice, with creative projects framed by technical or material instruction, critical/historical readings, and discussions. Course fee required. Prerequisite(s): Two studio art courses or permission of the instructor; Offered at least once per year - Fall or Spring; Staff

ART 280M Impressions: Representing Place

The theme of this course is place-based identity narratives and the many forms they can take. Students will create a suite of prints representing a place made familiar to them through on-site exploration and multidisciplinary research. Images and text will be combined to produce a set of prints presented as an editionable artists' book, portfolio, or other inventive structure. Prerequisite: any 2-D art class. Prerequisite(s): ART 112 or ART 212; M. Jones

ART 280N Form and Code: Aesthetic Programming

Prerequisite(s): one 100-level Studio Art course; Cross Listing: ART 195B; T. Stedman

ART 280T

Graphic design has begun to merge into programming in contemporary practice through creative coding. Open source tools, such as Processing and p5js, have been specifically developed to help visual artists and designers with this interest. This course will introduce students to manipulating form with these tools and processes. Interactive, generative art and design work will be explored through making. Students will be introduced to a range of contemporary artists and designers whose practice incorporates experimental programming. Additionally, we will explore the history and key figures who developed these tools. The course prioritizes the creative visual potential of computer programming beyond the pragmatic and functional.

ART 282 Art Museum Curating (AH)

An intensive introduction to the field of art museum curating, which covers all areas of curatorial practice. The history, theories and current social role of art curating are discussed. Major aspects of curatorial work are studied including exhibition research and planning, grant writing, acquisitions, educational programming and exhibit design. The course emphasizes professional training in curating through guest lectures and museum field trips. Students will directly apply their knowledge of curating by researching and organizing an exhibit in the Borzello Gallery. Prerequisite(s): ART 130 or a 100 or 200-level Art History course, or permission of the instructor; Offered alternate years; G. Gilbert

ART 284 The Natural Imagination

Taught in the natural setting of the Green Oaks Field Station, this course explores visual works of the imagination made in dynamic relationship to nature and community. We will explore the history of individual and collaborative communities, and how those communities shaped and were shaped by their environments. Creative projects will reflect a reciprocity between forming and being formed by nature. Working with diverse concepts: observation, translation and synthesis, students will create visual representations of place using both traditional and non-traditional materials. The culmination of the course will be a site project in a physical setting within Green Oaks. Other creative endeavors are encouraged to complement visual projects such as multimedia presentations incorporating performance, movement, sound and video. Prerequisite(s): acceptance into the Green Oaks Term program; Cross Listing: ENVS 284; AC; Offered alternate years in the spring; Staff

ART 295 Special Topics (1/2 or 1)

Courses offered occasionally to students in special areas of Art not covered in the usual curriculum. Staff

ART 323 Visual Culture Theory

This course examines the emerging interdisciplinary field of Visual Culture Theory and will introduce students to a study of modern and post-modern discourses on vision and visuality. Drawing from art history, sociology, psychology, film and media studies, Marxism, feminist and post-colonial theory, Visual Culture Theory analyzes the role of visual images in shaping philosophical, cultural, political, racial and sexual notions of identity. The course also investigates the meaning of images in relation to such popular media as photography, film, television, video, animation, advertising, pornography and the digital culture of the web. Prerequisite(s): A course in Film Studies, ENG 200, or a 200-level Art History course; Cross Listing: FILM 323;IDIS 323; Offered alternate years; G. Gilbert

ART 326 Curriculum Development and Teaching in Art (K-12) (AS)

An independent study course for Art (K-12) specialists. Students examine art materials, activities and instructional methods appropriate for the K-12 classroom, with an emphasis on elementary. Projects are determined through consultation with art teachers in public schools. Prerequisite(s): One 200-level studio art course; Staff

ART 342 Interpreting Works of Art (AH)

An overview of the historiography and methodology of art history. Through comparative analysis of interpretive strategies such as formalism, iconography, Marxism, psychoanalysis, feminism, and semiotics, the benefits and limitations of various methodological and theoretical perspectives are considered and debated. Prerequisite(s): previous work in art history or permission of the instructor; Offered odd years Spring; G. Gilbert

ART 348 Teaching Assistant (1/2 or 1)

Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor; May be graded S/U at instructor's discretion; Staff

ART 351 Advanced Studio Workshop

An intensive critique course with the purpose of providing a challenging and supportive creative environment for serious art students to develop their work as artists. Also provides a context for developing the skills of productive critical discourse, familiarization with influential artists and ideas, and continued technical/material learning. Course fee required. Prerequisite(s): ART 110 and any 200-level studio course and an art history course, or permission of the instructor; May be taken up to three times as a substitute for any 300-level studio course; Offered every Fall and Spring; Staff

ART 390 Open Studio (2)

The culminating experience of the Studio Art major, Open Studio allows seniors to intensively pursue their work in a challenging and supportive creative community. During Winter Term, senior art majors immerse themselves in the studio while spending six hours each week in critical dialogue with a team of faculty members. Weekly meetings with a faculty mentor, studio exercises, and workshops all promote the exploration of new ideas, techniques, and creative directions. Course fee required. Prerequisite(s): One credit of ART 351; Offered every Winter term; IMMR; Staff

ART 392 Exhibit Practicum

Preparation for senior shows. The course includes workshops on gallery practices and regular meetings to develop artists' statements and presentations given publicly at the time of Senior show openings. Offered every Spring term; Staff

ART 395 Special Topics (1/2 or 1)

Courses offered occasionally to students in special areas of Art not covered in the usual curriculum. Staff

ART 399A Senior Research in Art History (1/2 or 1)

Independent study of a selected topic with a faculty mentor and production of a research paper. The research paper is also presented in the form of a conference talk at a departmental symposium, in which students answer questions from the audience. Staff

ART 400 Advanced Studies (1/2 or 1)

See College Honors Program. Staff