Art (BA)

Summary

The Art BA offers a focus in studio art providing a broad foundation of knowledge and skills. Students study several areas of art and art history and specialize in one area for more intensive study. Studio specializations include ceramics, drawing, installation, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture.

Catalog Year

2024-2025

Degree

Bachelor of Arts

Major Credits

36

Total Credits

120

Locations

Mankato

Career Cluster

Arts, Audio/Video, Technology, and Communications

Accreditation

NASAD

National Association of Schools of Art and Design

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Program Requirements

Required General Education

Introduction to art history from prehistoric and ancient cultures through the Middle Ages. Includes representative examples and styles of art and architecture of Western (Europe and the Near East) and non-Western cultures (China, India, Japan, Southeast Asia, Africa, Mesoamerica, South America, North America, Australia).

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

The courses count toward General Education Goal Areas 6 and/or 8.

Major Common Core

Introduction to concept and processes related to the visual and physical organization of three-dimensional form and space.

Prerequisites: none

Introduction to traditional drawing techniques and concepts.

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

A required course in all art major degree programs. Students plan and present art work in an exhibition. Can not be taken same semester as student teaching.

Prerequisites: none

Design Foundations - Choose 3 Credit(s).

2-D visual problem solving and art-making strategies using the elements and principles of design. For elementary education majors and general education.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06

For art, art history and art education majors.

Prerequisites: none

Major Restricted Electives

ADVANCED ART HISTORY - Choose 3 Credit(s).

Introduction to art and architecture of Western Europe, the Byzantine Empire, and the Islamic world, from the second to the fifteenth centuries. Examination of representative works of art and major styles of Christian, Jewish, and Islamic cultures, including the Romanesque and Gothic periods.

Prerequisites: ART 260 or consent

Historical survey of the representation of gender with comparison of the artistic efforts of males and females and examination of art used to present gender-based issues including homosexuality, feminism, censorship and pornography.

Prerequisites: ART 261 or consent

Introduction to the art and architecture of the ancient era in its historical and cultural frameworks. Examination of representative works of art and major styles of ancient Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Aegean, Greek, Etruscan, and Roman cultures.

Prerequisites: ART 260 or consent

Origins and development of Northern and Italian Renaissance art and architecture as an expression of historical, cultural and religious issues.

Prerequisites: ART 261 or consent

Historical survey of art, architecture and urban planning in Europe and America from the late sixteenth to mid-nineteenth century: Mannerism, Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassicism and Romanticism.

Prerequisites: ART 392, ART 406

The study of art museum history, theory and practice, including ethics, collecting, and display. Alongside these studies, students will conceive and realize an exhibition in order to further develop knowledge of and experience in the field.

Prerequisites: ART 260, ART 261

Historical survey of art and architectural developments from Islam's origins through the twentieth century. Course focuses on contextualizing monuments, paintings, and other arts from various regions around the world.

Prerequisites: none

Diverse Cultures: Purple

Survey of Graphic Design, Industrial Design and Architecture from historical and theoretical perspectives. Design issues examined from formal and contextual points of view, using analysis strategies that consider style, composition, historical context, functional/propagandistic significance and communicative ability.

Prerequisites: none

Historical survey of the art and architecture of China, India, Korea and Japan from pre-history to the 20th century.

Prerequisites: ART 260, ART 261 or consent

Diverse Cultures: Purple

Investigation of developments in sacred and secular art and architecture in various regions of the world, exploring themes such as nation-building, modernization vs. tradition, post colonialism among others, since the 19th century.

Prerequisites: none

Diverse Cultures: Purple

Specific problems in art emphasizing both individual research and contributions to the seminar group on advanced, in-depth topics.

Prerequisites: Consent

Lecture/discussion/studio course on a selected area of discourse relating to the study of Art History, Art Criticism, Art Education or Art Studio. May focus on a specific artist, style period, cultural group or technical or methodological problem.

Prerequisites: none

INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED STUDIO - Choose 9 Credit(s). Select 300 and 400 level courses with the advisor

Prerequisites: none

This advanced course investigates design related topics in greater depth.

Prerequisites: ART 392

This course is an advanced study of motion design. The study and exploration of digital narrative and non-linear storytelling are key components. Students build on existing motion design skills to create conceptually and technically advanced time-based solutions. This course is repeatable.

Prerequisites: ARTR 392

This course is an advanced study of typography. Students build on existing type sensibilities while exploring traditional and non-traditional applications of type.

Prerequisites: ART 220, ART 302, ART 304

This is an advanced-level course that aims to strengthen designers¿ sense of curiosity, creativity, and confidence in generating self-initiated work. Students explore their own areas of interests within the context of graphic design and creative problem solving.

Prerequisites: 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, ART 304

Continued in-depth exploration of drawing techniques and concepts. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: ART 310

This course is split between engagement in advanced design problems and preparation for entry into the graphic design field. This course is repeatable.

Prerequisites: ART 320, ART 404, ART 406

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, ART 406

Advanced painting. Continued development of a focused individual expression. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: ART 340

This course continues students' advanced study of typography. Emphasis is placed on designing complex typographic systems, multiple page publications, and expressive type-based solutions.

Prerequisites: ART 392, ART 404

An advanced course which emphasizes individual research in technical, aesthetic and conceptual considerations. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: ART 350

Continued investigation of advanced print making techniques and concepts. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: ART 370

Expanding technical knowledge and visual awareness while building a portfolio in selected areas. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: none

Continuing development of a strongly personal means of aesthetic expression in three dimensions. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: ART 380

This studio course focuses on the planning and implementation of site-specific work. Students personal interests will be paramount in the development of works that address site and audience. Professional practices necessary to carry out installations will be emphasized, including proposal development, project planning, and documentation. Environmental impact, health, and safety will be addressed. The course will cover a variety of installation artists and related readings. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: ART 385 or consent

Foundation Courses - Select six (6) courses from at least five (5) areas for a total of 18 credits.

Graphic Design Area - Choose 0 - 6 Credit(s)

This graphic design course is an introduction to digital media technology as a creative tool for the development of visual expression. The course is taught using the Mac OS and explores vector and bitmap image making.

Prerequisites: none

This course explores the basic principles of graphic design. Emphasis is placed on developing an awareness and effective use of type, image, and symbol. Students focus on the design process as a way to develop and refine design solutions.

Prerequisites: ART 202

Drawing Area - Choose 0 - 6 Credit(s)

Continued exploration of drawing techniques and concepts.

Prerequisites: ART 110

Experience in drawing from the human figure.

Prerequisites: ART 110

Mixed Media Area - Choose 0 - 3 Credit(s)

Multimedia art exploration is a problem solving art studio experience involving the use of a variety of traditional and non-traditional art materials.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06

Painting Area - Choose 0 - 6 Credit(s)

Beginning experience with oil and/or acrylic paint. Emphasis upon technical and conceptual development.

Prerequisites: ART 100 or ART 101, ART 110 or consent

Introduction to basic techniques in watercolor.

Prerequisites: ART 100 or ART 101, ART 110 or consent

Ceramics Area - Choose 0 - 6 Credit(s)

An introduction to basic wheel throwing techniques exploring the potential of clay as a creative and expressive material.

Prerequisites: none

An introduction to basic sculptural hand building techniques exploring the nature of clay as a creative-expressive medium.

Prerequisites: none

Printmaking Area - Choose 0 - 6 Credit(s)

Introduction to silkscreen and lithography printmaking processes including silkscreen, monotype, and plate lithography.

Prerequisites: none

Introduction to intaglio and relief printmaking processes including collagraph, etching, relief carving, and engraving.

Prerequisites: none

Photography Area - Choose 0 - 3 Credit(s)

Introduction to the techniques and expressive potential of both digital and darkroom photography. Topics include basic camera controls, lighting, composition, editing, and fine art printing in the digital lab and darkroom. A digital camera with manual controls of aperture and shutter speed is required for part of the semester (a film camera will be provided).

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06

Sculpture Area - Choose 0 - 3 Credit(s)

Exploration of the visual and physical organization of three-dimensional form and space through problems employing various media and processes.

Prerequisites: ART 103 or consent

Installation Area - Choose 0 - 3 Credit(s)

This studio course familiarizes students with the basic concerns of installation art, including relationship to site and audience. A variety of materials and approaches will be explored. Environmental impact, health, and safety will be addressed. In addition to studio work, historical and contemporary examples will be discussed to provide context and encourage awareness of the disciplines past and present potential.

Prerequisites: ART 103 or consent

Other Graduation Requirements

Choose 8 credit(s): take one series Language

Minor

Required Minor: Yes. Any.

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 - 15 Credits

For art, art history and art education majors.

Prerequisites: none

Introduction to concept and processes related to the visual and physical organization of three-dimensional form and space.

Prerequisites: none

Introduction to art history from prehistoric and ancient cultures through the Middle Ages. Includes representative examples and styles of art and architecture of Western (Europe and the Near East) and non-Western cultures (China, India, Japan, Southeast Asia, Africa, Mesoamerica, South America, North America, Australia).

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06, GE-08

Diverse Cultures: Purple

Spring - 15 Credits

Introduction to traditional drawing techniques and concepts.

Prerequisites: none

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

Second Year

Fall - 16 Credits

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

Spring - 16 Credits

Third Year

Fall - 16 Credits

Spring - 13 Credits

Fourth Year

Fall - 15 Credits

Spring - 14 Credits

A required course in all art major degree programs. Students plan and present art work in an exhibition. Can not be taken same semester as student teaching.

Prerequisites: none

Transfer Pathways

A Transfer Pathway is a partnership between the Minnesota community colleges and Minnesota State University, Mankato. The Pathway suggests a plan for students with a specific associate degree to complete the last two years for a designated bachelor’s degree.

Students who are transferring to Minnesota State Mankato from a Minnesota community college should meet with an advisor in your college advising office to ensure the Pathway is an appropriate option for completing your degree.

More information on Transfer Pathways is available at https://mnsu.edu/pathways/about/

Third Year

Fall - 15 Credits

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

Spring - 15 Credits

Fourth Year

Fall - 15 Credits

Spring - 15 Credits

A required course in all art major degree programs. Students plan and present art work in an exhibition. Can not be taken same semester as student teaching.

Prerequisites: none