Art Education is devoted to the training of qualified and motivated artists who are also Kindergarten through high school educators. We are also devoted to the development of concepts, attitudes, and skills in the visual arts within a broad university curriculum of liberal arts orientation. There are four objectives: professional training of artists and scholars in chosen areas of specialization, preparation of art educators, elective study for students in all areas of the university, and service to the local communities as a source of cultural enrichment.
Program Requirements
Required General Education
Introduction to art history from prehistoric and ancient cultures through circa 1400 CE. Includes examination of global art and architecture (1) to understand significant historical developments in human civilizations, cultural values, and creativity and (2) to explore its relevance to us today.
- Prerequisites:
- none
- Goal Areas:
- GE-06, GE-08
- Diverse Cultures:
- Purple
Lecture-based survey of the Art and Architecture of both Western and non-Western countries from the thirteenth through twentieth centuries.
- Prerequisites:
- none
- Goal Areas:
- GE-06, GE-08
Addresses drugs and drug use from psychological, behavioral, pharmacological, historical, legal and clinical perspectives - while examining the effects of drug use on personal health and social functioning.
- Prerequisites:
- none
- Goal Areas:
- GE-05
The purpose of this course is for teacher candidates to engage in self-reflection to deeply explore their intersectional identity. Furthermore, teacher candidates will examine historic and ongoing systemic inequities in education. Finally, teacher candidates will analyze the implications of systemic oppression on pedagogy, curriculum, communication, relationships, and learning in classrooms.
- Prerequisites:
- none
- Goal Areas:
- GE-11, GE-7A
- Diverse Cultures:
- Gold
Major Common Core
Students learn to take projects through the full creative process, from inception to design construction, presentation, revision, and critique. The Studio Foundations course includes attending visiting artists and exhibitions to connect art students with local, national, and international artists and designers. Studio, gallery, and museum visits complement the program. Art 104 is a Prerequisite for Portfolio Review.
- Prerequisites:
- none
This course explores foundational concepts of graphic design and the current technology used within the industry, including Adobe Creative Cloud products. Students will use industry-standard software to examine essential digital media concepts like color gamut, image resolution, and vector vs. raster imagery. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to use these essential tools and their potential as creative instruments.
- Prerequisites:
- none
An introduction to basic wheel throwing techniques exploring the potential of clay as a creative and expressive material.
- Prerequisites:
- none
From pop artists of the 1950s like Andy Warhol to contemporary printmakers today, the silkscreen medium is known for its ability to build up bright color intensely and quickly. The silkscreen medium has concrete links to drawing, graphic design, and photography. In this course, students will be introduced to silkscreen & photographic printmaking processes. No previous experience needed.
- Prerequisites:
- none
Art expression as cognitive development and creative development for early childhood through pre-teen ages. (Required for student teaching.) Sophomore or Junior status strongly suggested.
- Prerequisites:
- ART 100 or ART 101, Jr. status or consent
Continuation of Art & Design Education level 1, this course explores the Constructivist approach that builds teaching strategies based upon adolescent student experience, interests, and development. Application of strategies including Teaching for Artistic Behavior and STEAM are incorporated. Junior or Senior status strongly suggested, this course is required before student teaching.
- Prerequisites:
- ART 421
Historical survey of art, architecture and urban planning in Europe and America from the mid-nineteenth century to the present: Realism, Impressionism, Expressionism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, Minimalism, Op Art, Pop Art, and Post-modern issues and trends.
- Prerequisites:
- ART 261 or consent
This course will emphasize professional practices in relation to exhibition planning and design. The course will culminate in a group exhibition where students install and present their work to the public in a gallery setting.
- Prerequisites:
- Consent
Art Education - Choose 4 - 6 Credit(s). Both KSP 330 and 334 must be taken together.
This course is designed for K-12 Teacher Education candidates in performance-based fields, such as arts classrooms. Candidates will analyze standards, design and create technology-based curriculum in their content area and teach in an educational field site.
- Prerequisites:
- ART 421
In this course teacher candidates will critically explore asset-based pedagogy grounded in anti-racist, culturally relevant, and responsive practices to differentiate instruction. Additionally, teacher candidates will explore their intersectional identity and the importance of ongoing self-reflective practices necessary to cultivate identity affirming learning environments and experiences for students. Finally, teacher candidates examine instructional strategies that model and explain concepts and skills in multiple ways to support the diverse needs of students.
- Prerequisites:
- none
In this course teacher candidates will explore strategies to cultivate learning experiences that are equitable, culturally relevant, justice-oriented, student-centered, and meaningful. Candidates will have an opportunity to create a unit plan, formative and summative assessments, and rubrics that emphasize multiple ways of expressing learning. Furthermore, candidates will examine grading practices and methods for providing/sharing feedback that supports learner variability and facilitating student ownership of their learning.
- Prerequisites:
- none
Major Restricted Electives
STUDIO CONCENTRATION - Choose 8 Credit(s). Select a minimum of 8 studio credits in your specialization area at the 300/400 level. Consult your advisor.
Introduction to product design as it relates to user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design from a visual communication design perspective. Applicable visual prototypes will encompass various situations that may range from icon wayfinding systems to mobile app designs. The course will explore issues of differing philosophical perspectives of technology as a tool, a medium, and/or an environment.
- Prerequisites:
- ART 202
This course engages students in the study of the dynamic role of letterforms in contemporary graphic design. Through an in-depth examination of letterform evolution, mastery of the discipline's terminology, and by scrutinizing the dynamic relationship between type and image, students will be able to adeptly utilize type in both technical and aesthetic scenarios. Emphasis is placed on fusing tradition with innovation, providing students with valuable insights into the evolving typographic landscape within contemporary graphic design.
- Prerequisites:
- ART 202
This course will focus on developing students' personal voices in drawing while integrating a range of experimental processes and approaches. Formal and conceptual issues will be addressed. Students will become familiar with a diverse array of contemporary artists. Course may be repeated.
- Prerequisites:
- ART 210
This course explores visual identity and graphic systems as it relates to graphic design. Through a combination of theory and professional practice, students will explore the art of creating meaningful and visually engaging identities and systems.
- Prerequisites:
- ART 220, ART 302, and ART 304
Students will explore the significance of research, planning, and a rigorous creative process as foundational elements to enhance creativity. The curriculum also emphasizes techniques for generating distinctive images and illustrations and their use in graphic design.
- Prerequisites:
- ART 220, ART 302, and ART 304
This course will help students develop a more personal approach to painting. Connections between formal and conceptual strategies will be emphasized. Students will become familiar with a diverse array of artists working within the landscape of contemporary painting. Course may be repeated.
- Prerequisites:
- ART 240 or consent
This course will build on the fundamental skills learned in ART 250 and/or ART 251 while expanding students' understanding of ceramics processes, including hand-building, and wheel-throwing. Traditional and experimental approaches will be explored. ART 350 must be taken twice before advancing to ART 450.
- Prerequisites:
- ART 250 or ART 251
Students will expand their knowledge of printmaking processes while broadening their conceptual ideas. Course curriculum varies each semester, and students regularly learn new techniques for the first time. The range of project processes may include any of the following approaches: relief, silkscreen, lithography, intaglio, letterpress, cyanotype, monoprinting, 3-dimensional prints, public print projects, combined media processes, photographic processes, inkjet printing, and collaborative projects.
- Prerequisites:
- ART 270 or ART 271
This is an intermediate course focusing exclusively on materials, technique, processes, equipment, and safety in contemporary digital printmaking processes.
- Prerequisites:
- ART 202, ART 271
This intermediate course builds on basic photography knowledge. Topics covered include 35mm film cameras, medium and large format film cameras, film development, film scanning, as well as digital editing, manipulation, and fine art digital print and darkroom print output. Additionally, we will discuss lighting, composition, creative problem solving, and creating a cohesive series. ART 275: Introduction to Photography recommended as a prerequisite, or proficiency with manual controls of cameras (aperture and shutter speed). In rotation with ART 377.
- Prerequisites:
- none
This intermediate course builds on basic knowledge learned in ART 275. Topics covered include digital camera operations, digital editing, manipulation and altering of images using Adobe Photoshop, and fine art printing. Additionally, we will discuss lighting, composition, creative problem solving, and creating a cohesive series. In rotation with ART 375. A digital SLR camera or mirrorless camera is required.
- Prerequisites:
- ART 275
Introduction to the techniques and expressive potential of digital video as an art medium. We will cover capturing video, editing using current software applications, and final output and display of video work. Topics include camera settings and movements, stop-motion animation, and experimental music videos. We will build formal and conceptual skills to explore the possibilities of digital video as art, and discuss historical and contemporary examples of video in the art world. Access to a digital SLR or mirrorless camera with video/movie capabilities is required.
- Prerequisites:
- none
Intermediate level sculpture studio course that encourages students to expand individual three-dimensional forms in search of a personal aesthetic statement.
- Prerequisites:
- ART 280
This course will focus on an expansion of skills related to installation art while helping students address personal interests and integrate conceptual approaches. Students will learn how to create dimensional works that relate to specific architectural environments. A variety of material and conceptual approaches will be explored with an emphasis on non-traditional materials and non-technical processes. Previous sculpture experience is not necessary. Students will become aware of a diverse array of artists working within the field of installation. Course may be repeated for credit.
- Prerequisites:
- ART 285 or consent
This advanced course investigates design related topics in greater depth.
- Prerequisites:
- ART 392
This course offers an in-depth exploration of emerging technologies impacting the field of graphic design. Building upon foundational knowledge, students will engage with cutting-edge tools and techniques, exploring areas like motion graphics, artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and 3D modeling. The course emphasizes the technical skills needed to use these technologies and their potential as instruments of creative expression.
- Prerequisites:
- ART 392
This course enhances students' proficiency with type, encompassing diverse applications from the traditional to the unconventional. Particular emphasis is placed on mastery of typographical conventions for effective visual communication. This course explores the pivotal role of cultural context in type use and perception, particularly on how design choices are influenced by cultural nuances. Students will engage with state-of-the-art technologies shaping the practice of typography, gaining proficiency in digital tools and applications in use in contemporary graphic design. The course also provides a platform for hands-on experimentation with alternative print production techniques, culminating in a comprehensive proficiency in advanced typographic practices.
- Prerequisites:
- ART 220, ART 302, and ART 304
This course fosters a deep, self-directed engagement with the creative process. Through self-initiated projects, students develop advanced conceptual thinking, innovative problem-solving skills, and technical proficiency. Constructive peer critiques enhance analytical abilities, while student-led class workshops foster collaborative learning. Through this course, students synthesize theoretical and practical knowledge, culminating in projects that exemplify their distinct creative voice, and strategically promote their work online, refining their professional presence.
- Prerequisites:
- ART 392
Concentrated study of front-end web design standards as it pertains to typography, graphics, creativity, and strategic planning. Students will prototype interactive media through the utilization of visual design systems and UI/UX methodologies.
- Prerequisites:
- ART 220, ART 302, and ART 304
This course will focus on developing students' personal voices in drawing while integrating a range of experimental processes and approaches. Students will become familiar with a diverse array of contemporary artists. Course may be repeated.
- Prerequisites:
- ART 310
Advanced exploration of graphic design challenges ranging from visual identity to graphic systems. Emphasis is placed on developing comprehensive visual solutions for the portfolio within a studio context. Through the application of professional practices, including project management, structured design processes, collaborative feedback and professional presentations, students deepen their abilities to plan, design, produce, and present solutions to graphic design challenges.
- Prerequisites:
- ART 320 and ART 392.
Exploration of front-end web design as a graphic and visual communication design medium. Emphasis is placed on research discovery, ideation, information architecture, UI/UX experience, and designing for emotion.
- Prerequisites:
- ART 392 and ART 406
This course will expand on skills learned in Painting: Contemporary Approaches I while helping students develop a personal voice. Students will gain an understanding of the issues relevant to contemporary painting dialogue and discourse while becoming familiar with a diverse array of contemporary artists working within the discipline. Course may be repeated for credit.
- Prerequisites:
- ART 340
This course explores the design and development of intricate typographic systems, multi-page publications, and innovative type-based solutions for visual communication. Through a blend of theory and hands-on application, students deepen their understanding of planning, designing, and producing professional typographic designs. Proficiency in digital typography is refined for crafting expressive books and complex multi-page documents. This course provides a platform for exploring alternative typographic techniques and technologies, including haptic, display, and print-on-demand methods. Students emerge with advanced skills in leveraging typography for impactful visual communication in diverse contexts.
- Prerequisites:
- ART 392, and ART 404
The course focuses on developing students' voices in ceramics while integrating a range of experimental processes and approaches. Formal and conceptual issues are addressed. The course may be repeated.
- Prerequisites:
- ART 350
In this course, students will expand their intermediate printmaking knowledge while developing technical and intellectual skills. Students will complete self-directed projects with instructor guidance and supervision, push the boundaries of the media through contemporary processes and concepts, and gain an awareness of contemporary applications surrounding the media of printmaking. Course may be repeated.
- Prerequisites:
- ART 370
Expanding technical knowledge and visual awareness while building a portfolio in selected areas. May be repeated.
- Prerequisites:
- none
An advanced sculpture studio level course where students will continue to develop personal aesthetic expression in three dimensions.
- Prerequisites:
- ART 380
This course will focus on a continued expansion of skills related to installation art while helping students address personal interests and integrate conceptual approaches. Students will learn how to create dimensional works that relate to specific architectural environments. A variety of material and conceptual approaches will be explored with an emphasis on non-traditional materials and non-technical processes. Previous sculpture experience is not necessary. Students will become aware of a diverse array of artists working within the field of installation. Course may be repeated.
- Prerequisites:
- ART 385 or consent
Studio Electives - Select 8 credits from 2 areas.
Graphic Design
This course explores the fundamental aesthetic components and processes used by graphic designers to turn ideas into compelling visual communication, including generating ideas, exploring the elements and principles of form, and implementing compositional principles within structural harmonies.
- Prerequisites:
- ART 202
Drawing
This course will expand students' understanding of drawing's critical components, including line, value, and composition. Traditional and experimental approaches will be explored. Students will become familiar with the work of a diverse array of contemporary artists working within the discipline of drawing.
- Prerequisites:
- none
This course will focus on drawing the figure. A variety of materials and approaches will be explored, from traditional to experimental. Students will gain familiarity with the work of a diverse array of contemporary figurative artists.
- Prerequisites:
- none
Mixed Media
Material Exploration in Mixed Media is a problem-solving art studio experience implementing the use of a variety of traditional and non-traditional art materials into two and three-dimensional projects.
- Prerequisites:
- none
- Goal Areas:
- GE-06
Painting
This introductory painting course will introduce students to basic techniques in oil and/or acrylic. Technical and conceptual development will be emphasized. Students will become familiar with a diverse array of artists working within the discipline of painting.
- Prerequisites:
- none
This course will focus on the basic materials and techniques of watercolor and other wet media while exploring traditional and experimental approaches. Students will become familiar with a diverse array of artists utilizing watercolor and wet media as part of their practice.
- Prerequisites:
- none
Ceramics
An introduction to basic sculptural hand building techniques exploring the nature of clay as a creative-expressive medium.
- Prerequisites:
- none
Printmaking
This introductory course focuses on traditional techniques of carving & printing wood / linoleum relief blocks as well as a range of intaglio printmaking processes. Whether using gouges to carve imagery into wood, or using an etchant to bite lines into copper, these mediums have an intimate relationship to natural materials. These drawing-based processes are tied to the earliest technologies of disseminating information. Their graphic aesthetics remain rich and relevant today. No previous experience is needed for this course.
- Prerequisites:
- none
Photography
Introduction to the techniques and expressive potential of photography as an art form. Topics include basic camera controls, lighting, composition, editing, fine art printing, and historical and contemporary examples of art photography. A digital camera with manual controls of aperture and shutter speed is required for most of the semester.
- Prerequisites:
- none
- Goal Areas:
- GE-06
Sculpture
Exploration of the visual and physical organization of three-dimensional form and space through problems employing various media and processes.
- Prerequisites:
- none
Installation
Students will learn how to create dimensional works that relate to specific architectural environments. A variety of material and conceptual approaches will be explored with an emphasis on non-traditional materials and non-technical processes. Previous sculpture experience is not necessary. Students will become aware of a diverse array of artists working within the field of installation.
- Prerequisites:
- none
Other Graduation Requirements
See the K-12 Teaching Programs section of the catalog for admission requirements for professional education and for a list of required professional education courses.
All students seeking a teaching license must meet and maintain the requirements to be admitted into professional education.
Minor
No minor is required.
4-Year Plan
The 4-Year Plan is a model for completing your degree in a timely manner. Your individual 4-Year plan may change based on a number of variables including transfer courses and the semester/year you start your major. Carefully work with your academic advisors to devise your own unique plan.
* Please meet with your advisor on appropriate course selection to meet your educational and degree goals.
First Year
Fall - 16 Credits
Students in this course approach writing as a subject of study by investigating how writing works across a variety of contexts.
- Prerequisites:
- none
- Goal Areas:
- GE-1A
Students learn to take projects through the full creative process, from inception to design construction, presentation, revision, and critique. The Studio Foundations course includes attending visiting artists and exhibitions to connect art students with local, national, and international artists and designers. Studio, gallery, and museum visits complement the program. Art 104 is a Prerequisite for Portfolio Review.
- Prerequisites:
- none
Addresses drugs and drug use from psychological, behavioral, pharmacological, historical, legal and clinical perspectives - while examining the effects of drug use on personal health and social functioning.
- Prerequisites:
- none
- Goal Areas:
- GE-05
Spring - 16 Credits
This course explores foundational concepts of graphic design and the current technology used within the industry, including Adobe Creative Cloud products. Students will use industry-standard software to examine essential digital media concepts like color gamut, image resolution, and vector vs. raster imagery. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to use these essential tools and their potential as creative instruments.
- Prerequisites:
- none
An introduction to basic wheel throwing techniques exploring the potential of clay as a creative and expressive material.
- Prerequisites:
- none
Second Year
Fall - 16 Credits
Introduction to art history from prehistoric and ancient cultures through circa 1400 CE. Includes examination of global art and architecture (1) to understand significant historical developments in human civilizations, cultural values, and creativity and (2) to explore its relevance to us today.
- Prerequisites:
- none
- Goal Areas:
- GE-06, GE-08
- Diverse Cultures:
- Purple
Spring - 16 Credits
From pop artists of the 1950s like Andy Warhol to contemporary printmakers today, the silkscreen medium is known for its ability to build up bright color intensely and quickly. The silkscreen medium has concrete links to drawing, graphic design, and photography. In this course, students will be introduced to silkscreen & photographic printmaking processes. No previous experience needed.
- Prerequisites:
- none
Third Year
Fall - 16 Credits
The purpose of this course is for teacher candidates to engage in self-reflection to deeply explore their intersectional identity. Furthermore, teacher candidates will examine historic and ongoing systemic inequities in education. Finally, teacher candidates will analyze the implications of systemic oppression on pedagogy, curriculum, communication, relationships, and learning in classrooms.
- Prerequisites:
- none
- Goal Areas:
- GE-11, GE-7A
- Diverse Cultures:
- Gold
The purpose of this course is for teacher candidates to apply a critical lens to unit and lesson planning to foster critical thinking, discussion, engagement, and inquiry. Teacher candidates will examine cognitive processes associated with learning. Teacher candidates will also explore theory and methods to develop equitable, accessible, and culturally sustaining learning experiences to eliminate barriers to learning, including asset-based pedagogy, and identity affirming classroom environments.
- Prerequisites:
- none
Art expression as cognitive development and creative development for early childhood through pre-teen ages. (Required for student teaching.) Sophomore or Junior status strongly suggested.
- Prerequisites:
- ART 100 or ART 101, Jr. status or consent
Spring - 15 Credits
This course is designed for K-12 Teacher Education candidates in performance-based fields, such as arts classrooms. Candidates will analyze standards, design and create technology-based curriculum in their content area and teach in an educational field site.
- Prerequisites:
- ART 421
In this course, teacher candidates will explore strategies to build strong relationships with and advocate for students, families, and the community. Candidates will examine ways that the curriculum addresses multiple perspectives, cultures and backgrounds to emphasize culturally sustaining learning experiences. They will explore professional responsibilities and teacher leadership roles. Finally, teachers will examine ways to use data and information gathered from the students, school, and caregivers to advocate and support students for positive change.
- Prerequisites:
- none
Fourth Year
Fall - 13 Credits
Continuation of Art & Design Education level 1, this course explores the Constructivist approach that builds teaching strategies based upon adolescent student experience, interests, and development. Application of strategies including Teaching for Artistic Behavior and STEAM are incorporated. Junior or Senior status strongly suggested, this course is required before student teaching.
- Prerequisites:
- ART 421
In this course, teacher candidates investigate how traditional methods of reading instruction can contribute to systemic oppression in classrooms and how anti-oppressive methods can help break the cycle of inequities in education. Teacher candidates apply understanding of systemic oppression and inequity to provide asset-based, ongoing support for students. This includes knowledge and implementation of content area reading instruction, recognizing the characteristics of reading disabilities and implementing accommodations to meet student needs, and using the language development framework to support multilingual learners.
- Prerequisites:
- none
Historical survey of art, architecture and urban planning in Europe and America from the mid-nineteenth century to the present: Realism, Impressionism, Expressionism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, Minimalism, Op Art, Pop Art, and Post-modern issues and trends.
- Prerequisites:
- ART 261 or consent
This course will emphasize professional practices in relation to exhibition planning and design. The course will culminate in a group exhibition where students install and present their work to the public in a gallery setting.
- Prerequisites:
- none
Spring - 12 Credits
In this seminar, teacher candidates will reflect upon and assess /discuss practices, experiences, challenges, and success in their student teaching experience.
- Prerequisites:
- none
In this course, teacher candidates apply learning from coursework to practice in the K-12 classroom.
- Prerequisites:
- Admission to student teaching.
Degree
Bachelor of Science
Major Credits
75
Total Credits
120
Locations
Mankato
Career Cluster
Education and Training
Accreditation
NASAD, NCATE
National Association of Schools of Art and Design, National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
This program satisfies licensure-to-practice standards for Minnesota and may satisfy standards for other states or US territories.