The Department of Visual and Performing Arts

The mission of the Visual and Performing Arts Department is to educate our students to lead productive personal and professional lives and to prepare each student for a rewarding career in the fine arts. The Department of Visual and Performing Arts brings together the disciplines of Art, Music and Dance coordinating cultural endeavors wherever possible, for the enrichment of the Albertus Magnus student. Curricula combine the humanistic offerings of a Liberal Arts college with a broad and integrated training in the arts.

With a choice of five concentration, students are provided with a strong basic foundation in a variety of art areas, preparing them for advanced programs, graduate studies and careers in art related professions. Courses are designed to give students an extensive background in the history of art and an opportunity to achieve competence in studio art areas.

Art Major

The art major requires 45 credits in studio art, art history and correlative courses in one of the following concentrations: Studio Art, History of Art, Graphic Design, Photography or Art Therapy.

Concentration in the History of Art (45 credits)

The Art History concentration is designed to educate the student in a scholarly and humanistically enlarging manner with emphasis on written and oral communication, critical thinking and aesthetic expertise. The purpose of the art history concentration is to provide the preparation necessary for graduate studies and a career in scholarly research, teaching, museum studies, museum education, curatorship, arts management or a related field.

Required Art Courses: (45 credits)

AH 230 History of Art I
AH 231 History of Art II
AR 111 Drawing I
AR 113 Three Dimensional Design
AR 122 Two Dimensional Design
AR 235 Introduction to Photography
AR 391 Senior Project

Six courses in art history electives beyond AH 141 (18 credits)

One course in studio art electives. (3 credits)

Required Correlative: (3 credits) PH 365 The Origin of Art.

Concentration in Studio Art (45 credits)

This concentration is designed to introduce the student to the language of art in its many forms. Small interactive classes nurture growth in personal style and expression in art and encourage individual excellence and the cooperative interchange of ideas. A one person art exhibition is required of each major as preparation for a career as an artist. Students are offered opportunities to investigate and explore possibilities in the field and are encouraged to find a direction which will lead them toward a future in the art world.

Required Courses:

AR 111 Drawing I
AR 113 Three Dimensional Design
AR 122 Two dimensional Design
AR 213 Color
AR 391 Senior Project One of the following: (3 credits)
AH 230 History of Art I
AH 231 History of Art II

One course in art history beyond AH 141 (3 credits)

Seven courses in studio electives in three or more areas (21 credits)

Recommended Correlative: (3 credits) PH 265 Origins of Art

Concentration in Graphic Design (45 credits)

The graphic design concentration is of timely and practical value to the student interested in the commercial art world. Students are provided with extensive training in basic art techniques with an emphasis on good design. Because of the diversity of graphic design careers, students are required to develop competency in several computer designing programs. This background with a practicum in the field, prepares them for advanced practical training in this field.

Required Art Courses: (45 credits)

AR 111 Drawing I
AR 114 Graphic Design I
AR 122 Two-Dimensional Design
AR 201 Introduction to Computer Art
AR 213 Color
AR 214 Graphic Design II
AR 235 Introduction to Photography
AR 236 Photography II
AR 314 Advanced Graphic Design I
AR 315 Advanced Graphic Design II
AR 335 Digital Photography I
AR 336 Digital Photography II
AR 380 Practicum AR 391
AR 391 Senior Project

One course in art history: (3 credits)

Required Correlatives: (6 credits)

CO 235 Magazine Editing and Publishing
CO 260 Advertising Techniques

Concentration in Photography (45 credits)

The Photography concentration provides the student with the opportunity to work with the medium of photography as a fine art and to purse a rewarding career in the area of photography. Introductory level courses are followed by advanced topics in black and white as well as digital color photography, preparing the student for work in the field or for graduate studies in photography.

Required Art Courses: (45 credits)

AR 111 Drawing I
AR 113 Three Dimensional Design
AR 122 Two Dimensional Design
AR 201 Introduction to Computer Design
AR 213 Color
AR 235 Introduction to Photography
AR 236 Photography II
AR 335 Digital Photography I
AR 336 Digital Photography II
AR 237 Advanced Photography I
AR 238 Advanced Photography II
AR 391 Senior Project

One of the following: (3 credits)

AR 211 Drawing II
AR 311 Painting I

2 courses in Art History (6 credits)

Required Correlatives: (3 credits) CO 255 Photojournalism

Concentration in Art Therapy (45 credits)

The art therapy concentration presents for the student a particular focus designed to lead to a graduate art therapy program. The program offers the student a rich and varied background in various media and techniques of art, so important as a vocabulary for the art therapist. Also, the art therapy student acquires the psychology courses needed to prepare for this rewarding field.

Required Art Courses: (27 credits)

AR 111 Drawing I
AR 213 Color
AR 391 Senior Project

One of the following (3 credits):

AR 113 Three Dimensional Design
AR 122 Two Dimensional Design

One course in Art History (3 credit)

Four courses from studio art electives including: (l2 credits)

Required Psychology Courses: (18 credits)

PY 111 Introduction to Psychology
PY 218 Statistics
PY 340 Assessment of Human Behavior
PY 371 Introduction to Art Therapy
PY 372. Theory and Practice of Art Therapy

One of the following courses: (3 credits)

PY 330 Child Psychology
PY 341 Adolescent Psychology

Students Applying to a MAAT graduate program are strongly encouraged to take
PY 211, Abnormal Psychology

Art Minor (18 credits)

AR 111 Drawing I
AR 213 Color

One of the following (3 credits):

AR 113 Three Dimensional Design
AR 122 Two Dimensional Design

One course in Art History (3 credits)

Two courses in studio art electives. (6 credits)

Art History Minor (18 credits)

Five courses in Art History (15 credits)
One course in Photography (3 credits)

Graphic Design Minor (18 Credits)

AR 111 Drawing
AR 122 Two Dimensional Design
AR 201 Introduction to Computer Art
AR 114 Graphic Design I
AR 214 Graphic Design II
AR 314 Advanced Graphic Design I)

Interdepartmental Major with Business and Economics

MG 231               Principles of Marketing

CIS 301W          Technology and the Arts

CO 129              Art Space Management

 

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Art History

AH 143 Evolution of Art: Ideas and Practice
This is an art history survey course which encourages active learning through creative
studio projects, research, collaborative discussion and problem solving. The course will
examine a selection of major visual art forms in various cultures and time periods ranging
from the ancient to the contemporary. General Education choice for Part A. 3 credits

AH 230 History of Art I
A survey of painting, sculpture, and architecture of the Western World from prehistory
to the Renaissance. This course investigates aesthetic and technical developments in art
and architecture and their relationship to the social, political, and cultural growth of
Western civilization. It is designed to introduce students to new perspectives through the
visual language of art history. General Education choice for Part A. Generally offered
once a year. 3 credits

AH 231 History of Art II
A continuation of Art History I, the survey of Western painting, sculpture, and architecture from the Renaissance to the present examines the varied styles and expressions of the l6th-l9th centuries, explores major modernist movements of the 20th century, and serves as a foundation for further study of the history of art. General Education choice for Part A. Generally offered once a year. 3 credits

AH 341 Ancient Art and Archeology
Survey of ancient art forms from Egypt, the Middle East, Greece and Rome. P: sophomore,junior or senior standing. General Education choice for Part C and is offered in a sequential cycle with other upper level art history courses. 3 credits

AH 342 Medieval Art and Architecture
Greco-Roman, Byzantine, Barbarian, and Islamic influences on the development of
Romanesque and Gothic Art (AD 500–1500). P: sophomore, junior or senior standing.
General Education choice for Part C and

AH 343 Arts of the Renaissance
An examination of architecture, painting, sculpture, and other art forms of northern and
southern Europe as they developed from the l3th to the l6th centuries. P: Sophomore,
junior or senior standing. General Education choice for Part C. Offered in a sequential
cycle with other upper level art history courses. 3 credits

AH 344 Arts of the West: l7th–l9th Centuries
Study includes Baroque and Rococo movements of the l7th and l8th centuries and
the various trends of the l9th century: Romanticism, Neo-Classicism, Realism,
Impressionism, and Post-Impressionism. P: Sophomore, junior or senior standing.
General Education choice for Part C. Offered in a sequential cycle with other upper level art history courses. 3 credits

AH 345 Art History from the Twentieth Century to the Present
An in-depth study of major developments in the visual arts from the early Twentieth
Century through today. This course will explore artwork, artists and corresponding ideological changes in art from Modernism to Post Modernism. 3 credits

AH 351 Special Topics in the History of Art
Topics in areas of art history not covered by present courses. The areas of study will be
selected on the basis of student interest, the availability of special resources or exhibits
and/or the special competencies of instructors. 3 credits

AH 380 Art History Practicum
Program of supervised practical experience in museum, gallery, or arts administration
related to the student’s course of study in art history. P: Permission of Department Chair. Hours and credits to be arranged.

AH 390 Special Problems in Art History
3 credits

Studio Art

AR 111 Drawing I
An introduction to observational drawing. Development of a personal vision and an individual style through an exploration of the expressive means of drawing: form, line, texture, composition. Various tools and techniques. General Education Choice for Part A. Offered yearly. 3 credits

AR 113 Three-Dimensional Design
Provides an analytical approach to design elements and principles with an emphasis on
spatial organization and three-dimensional forms using a variety of materials and techniques. This course investigates numerous approaches to understanding the visual world. General Education Choice for Part A. Offered yearly. 3 credits

AR 114 Graphic Design I
An introduction to page layout and design as it relates to constructed documents including books, posters, and brochures. Provides an overview of the field of commercial art including advertising, web design, and art direction. Offered yearly.
3 credits

AR 122 Two-Dimensional Design
An introduction to the elements of two-dimensional design and study of visual language
principles used to organize the plane. Projects are geared to solving visual “problems”
with an eye toward elegant and economical solutions. This course will be conducted
using the computer as the primary tool and investigating numerous approaches to understandingthe visual world. General Education Choice for Part A. Offered yearly. 3 credits

AR 201 Introduction to Computer Art
An introduction to imaging using windows based tools. The course explores digital bit
mapped and vector systems to create two-dimensional works for paper and the web.
Offered yearly. 3 credits

AR 211 Drawing II
A continuation of AR 111 with an emphasis on development of a personal style and
drawing as communication and expression. P: AR 111. Generally offered yearly. 3 credits

AR 212 Figure Drawing
Figure Drawing is an advanced drawing course. Students enrolled should already have
developed a competency in the technical aspects of observational drawing. This course
is an introduction to the skills and concepts associated with drawing the nude and clothed human form through creative studio and homework projects. P: AR 111. 3 credits

AR 213 Color
This course includes projects analyzing the physical and psychological aspects of color in painting and design with emphasis on theories of color interaction. Generally offered
yearly. 3 credits

AR 214 Graphic Design II
A continuation of AR 114 with a focus on typography, layout, and design for commercial publication. Type specification, production techniques and digital design tools will be surveyed. The course culminates with a portfolio of camera-ready design. P: AR 114. Offered yearly. 3 credits

AR 231 Introduction to Ceramics
Study of the formal elements of shape, volume, color, and texture as they relate to clay
and glazes; important historical and contemporary examples; techniques in handling clay,
especially hand-building. Generally offered every semester. 3 credits

AR 232 Ceramics II
A continuation of AR 231 with more emphasis on various ways of finishing, glazing and
firing hand built as well as wheel thrown clay. P: AR 231. Generally offered every semester. 3 credits

AR 235 Introduction to Photography
Introduces students to the fine art and craft of photography and photographic printmaking. Instruction in camera and darkroom techniques leads to a portfolio with emphasis on visual thinking and photographic seeing. Generally offered every semester. 3 credits

AR 236 Photography II
A continuation of AR 235, Photography II develops a personal approach to photography and solving formal and technical problems. Field trips. P: AR 235. Generally offered every semester. 3 credits

AR 311 Painting I
An introduction to various techniques and approaches to painting with acrylic and/or
oils. Regular critiques, gallery visits. P: AR 111, AR 213 or permission of Department
Chair. Generally offered yearly. 3 credits

AR 312 Painting II
An advanced course in painting. Students will develop their personal style through an
in-depth approach toward technical and conceptual problems. Generally offered yearly
P: AR 311. 3 credits

AR 314 Advanced Graphic Design I
Introduction to design for the World Wide Web. Students will create a professional
portfolio site for themselves and take it live to the web with their own domain name.
P: AR 214 Offered each semester. 3 credits

AR 315 Advanced Graphic Design II
A semester in company identity and package design. Design to meet the strategic needs
of corporate branding and packaging. P: AR 314 Offered each semester. 3 credits

AR 331, 332 Advanced Ceramics I, II
An opportunity for further work at advanced levels in the medium. P: AR 231, AR 232.
Generally offered every semester. 3 credits each

AR 335 Digital Photography I
An exploration of photographic color, light, and design using digital tools. Coursework
includes scanning into digital image from conventional film. Adobe Photoshop software
utilized to manipulate, edit, collage, and combine digital images. 3 credits

AR 336 Digital Photography II
An opportunity to explore advanced coursework in digital photographic editing. Students will pursue a defined project in depth during the course of the semester. 3 credits

AR 337, 338 Advanced Topics in Photography I, II
An opportunity for motivated students to pursue more advanced work in still photography including color and large format work. P: AR 235, AR 236. Generally offered every semester. 3 credits each

AR 355 Special Topics in Art
Topics in area of studio art not covered by present courses. The areas of study will be
selected on the basis of student interest, the availability of special resources or exhibits
and/or the special competencies of instructors. 3 credits

AR 380 Art Practicum
Program of supervised practical experience in museum, gallery, art, or advertising studio
related to the student’s course of study in art. P: Permission of Department Chair. Hours
and credit to be arranged.

AR 390 Special Problems in Art
Opportunity for qualified students to pursue in depth an area of individual interest.
P: Permission of Department Chair. Hours and credit to be arranged.

AR 391 Senior Project
Includes discussion of current writings on art and art criticism, and a studio project or
research paper. Exhibition required of seniors concentrating in studio art; lecture or project required of those concentrating in the history of art. P: Open to senior art majors.
3 credits

Dance

The Dance section of the Department of Visual and Performing Arts provides students anopportunity to explore the power of dance through an introduction to various genres and participation in its making.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

DA 132 Modern Dance
Theory and practice of dance in the 20th and 21st centuries. Introduction to dance as an art form. Theoretical study and practical performance. Generally offered yearly. 3 credits

DA 301 World Dance
An introduction to World Dance. Theory and practice of dance from a multi-cultural perspective. This course will explore expression in dance from diverse and multiple perspectives.Generally offered yearly. General Education choice for Part C. 3 credits

Music

The Music section of the Department of Visual and Performing Arts offers the entire
Albertus community an opportunity to hear fine music and to participate in its making.
Through its courses, students can gain a comprehensive view of music and enjoy listening intelligently to the major works of our musical heritage. Personal creative work is fostered through performances and special projects.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

MU 111 Introduction to Music
Discussion and demonstration of music as a means of emotional expression and communication throughout various historical eras. The course deals first with musical basics such as instruments of the orchestra, elementary theory, musical structure, and syntax. These skills will then be applied to a deepened understanding of the evolution of musical styles from the Renaissance to the present with class and outside-of-class listening to recordings of representative masterworks. General education option for Part A. Generally offered when there is sufficient demand. 3 credits

MU 112 Fundamentals of Music
Elementary theory including interval recognition, scales, keys, chord types, melodic construction, and rhythm. Fundamentals of music notation will be included. Generally
offered when there is sufficient demand. 3 credits

MU 113 Fundamentals of Music: History, Theory, Practice
This course combines theoretical fundamentals of music with instrument or voice training, so that the abstract concepts of music theory are correlated with practical usage. A history of the evolution of the instrument will be included, from early forms to the great masters. Generally offered when there is sufficient demand. 3 credits

MU 211 Music of the 16th –18th Centuries
Survey of musical styles from the late Renaissance through the Classic Era, with emphasis on masterpieces of Bach, Handel, Hayden, and Mozart. Keyboard works, sonata and concerto, opera and oratorio, symphonic and chamber music will be included. General education option for Part A. Generally offered when there is sufficient demand. 3 credits

MU 212 Jazz: The American Heritage
Historical and aural examination of America’s indigenous music. This course will trace
the genesis of the early New Orleans style of Jazz, listen to work songs and blues, and
follow the musicalMU 215 Introduction to the Symphony
The course covers the emergence of the symphony in the works of the eighteenth century, its transformation into the subjective, personal form in the nineteenth century and its ultimate development by the highly individual composers of our time. Students will attend area symphonic performances. General education option for Part A. Generally offered when there is sufficient demand. 3 credits

MU 213 Music of the Romantic Era and Modern AgeThe course will begin with the Romantic movement in music, including piano miniatures and songs, orchestral works and opera. Discussion of the wide variety of options available to the composer in this century, including neo-classicism, folk and jazz influenced music, and the twelve tone technique. The class will attend appropriate performances.
General education option for A level.  Offered when there is sufficient demand. 3 credits

MU 214 History of American Music
From folk music of European and African originm the development of a true American idiom is traced from the early colonists to current electronics and pop. Diverse American originals and significant jazz figures will be discussed and their music heard via recordings and live performances. General education option for A level.  Offered when there is sufficient demand. 3 credits

MU 215 Introduction to the Symphony
The course covers the emergence of the symphony in the works of the eighteenth century, its transformation into the subjective, personal form in the nineteenth century and its ultimate development by the highly individual composers of our time. Students will attend area symphonic performances. General education option for A level.  Offered when there is sufficient demand. 3 credits

MU 216 World Music
Discussion of music and its place in the society of major population groups throughout
the world with emphasis on music of the Orient, India, Indonesia, and the Arab world.
General education option for Part C. Generally offered when there is sufficient demand.
3 credits

MU 255, I,II and III Choir An opportunity to sing in an ensemble. Explores vocal literature from classical forms to current genres. 1 Credit

MU 251 I, II Madrigals Sing the literature from Medeival and Renaissance times. 1 Credit

MU 190, 290, 390 Independent Study

Private vocal or instrumental studies with one of the many fine artist-teachers in the area.
MU 190 signifies study at the beginning or elementary level, MU 290 at the intermediate
level and MU 390 at the advanced level. Special fee required. P: Permission of
Department Chair. Hours and credit to be arranged. changes to the present. General education option for Part A. Generally offered when there is sufficient demand. 3 credits

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS Art Management Courses

AM 111    Introduction to Art Management

Through this course, students will gain an understanding of the theory and practice of art management in non-profit and for-profit organizations. Generally offered annually. 3 credits

AM 315    Grants and Fundraising

Through this course, students will gain insight into best practices for developing and pur- suing grant opportunities and engaging in fundraising for non-profit organizations. Topics covered include: identifying fundraising needs and goals, developing a fundraising plan, identifying grant opportunities, evaluating when it is appropriate to seek a grant, and aligning fundraising strategies and goals with institutional mission. P: AM 111. Generally offered every other year. 3 credits

AM 380    Art Management Internship

Program of supervised practical experience in arts management in a field related to the student’s course of study. P: AM 111; AM 315; Junior standing. 3 credits

 

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