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2015 - 2016 Academic Catalog

Arts Management

The Arts Management Major is ideal for both the artist interested in the business aspects of the arts or business-minded individuals who are drawn to the arts. The degree features an innovative curriculum plan that includes a mix of studio arts, business (management), communications (public relations), and other associated courses.

Arts administration and management are areas of study that offer leadership roles in the arts, preparing student artists for careers in museum, gallery, theater, and community arts program management. Graduates receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in Arts Management.

By planning early in consultation with an academic advisor, students may be able to reduce the time it takes to complete a bachelor’s degree in Arts Management to 3 or 3½ years. 

The following goals and associated learning outcomes delineate what we strive for students to achieve when they complete the major program of study in Arts Management:

Goal 1: Creative Thinking Skills
Upon completion of the major program of study in Arts Management, students will be able to

  1. produce multiple creative solutions for any single design visual challenge, applying a creative process on-demand
  2. effectively employ imagination with refined technique

Goal 2: Strong Critical Thinking and Problem-solving Skills
Upon completion of the major program of study in Arts Management, students will be able to

  1. critique quality and effectiveness of visual media objects
  2. Use multiple appropriate resources to solve problems and develop skills
  3. craft effective solutions for visual problems

Goal 3: Strong Design and Fine Arts Skills
Upon completion of the major program of study in Arts Management, students will be able to

  1. demonstrate currency with technical media and studio tools
  2. effectively craft and author visual communications

Goal 4: Visual Articulation and Literacy
Upon completion of the major program of study in Arts Management, students will be able to

  1. demonstrate their own personal aesthetic
  2. explain the influences of media in society
  3. recognize context and legacy of visual media objects

Goal 5: Effective Verbal Communication Skills
Upon completion of the major program of study in Arts Management, students will be able to

  1. articulate their thoughts clearly in written form
  2. write in the style demanded of their chosen profession
  3. articulate their thoughts clearly in classroom discussions and professional presentations

Goal 6: Arts Leadership Skills
Upon completion of the major program of study in Arts Management, students will be able to

  1. demonstrate sound business and management practices
  2. negotiate ethical and social challenges associated with the role of art in various communities
  3. apply artistic insights to the management of the arts
Course Code Course Title Credits
Core Courses
ARTH103 Art History I 3
ARTH104 Art History II 3
ARTS106 Museum Discovery (KP) 3
ARTS108 Fundamentals of Art Management 3
ARTS126 Principles of Design & Color (KP) 3
ARTS219 Digital Photography 3
ARTS399 Internship Seminar 1
ARTS400 Internship 4
ARTS404 Senior Thesis I 4
ARTS406 Senior Practicum 4
BUSS201 Financial Accounting 4
BUSS220 Marketing 3
BUSS334 Nonprofit Management 3
BUSS432 Marketing Strategy 3
COM213 Writing for Public Relations 3
COM303 Nonprofit Public Relations 3
GRAP105 Digital Design Essentials 3
HEM102 Fundamentals of Special Events 3

Choose 2 additional ARTS and/or GRAP classes: 6 credits

Choose 2 courses from MUSIC and/or PERF ARTS: 6 credits

Choose 1 MATH course: MATH 107, MATH 109, or MATH 204: 3 credits

Major Requirements: 71 credits

Core Curriculum Requirements: 24-30 credits

Unrestricted Electives: 19-25 credits
Minimum credits required for graduation: 120Courses listed below fulfill Knowledge Perspective requirements:
Aesthetics & Creativity
ARTS 126 Principles of Design & ColorMATH 107 or MATH 204 or MATH 109 fulfills the quantitative literacy requirement of the Core Curriculum for Arts Management.

ARTS101 - Studio Drawing I

This course introduces students to a variety of drawing tools and media. Drawing from life, line, tonality, illusional space, and perspective are explored. Creativity and individual expression are stressed.

ARTS103 - Printmaking

This course provides an introduction to printmaking with an emphasis on the translation and development of images into a printed media, as well as the design and organization of space. Types of printmaking to be explored include relief, monotype, and drypoint.

ARTS106 - Museum Discovery (KP)

This course introduces students to the world of art museums, galleries, auction houses, and various other art institutions, through a series of site visits and some involvement in actual gallery work. By exploring venues and the communities they serve, students will address the question, "What is an art museum or gallery, and why is it a part of our society?"

ARTS108 - Fundamentals of Art Management

This course exposes students to a variety of leadership and managerial roles in the context of an arts organization. Topics include strategic planning, budgeting, program development, fundraising and grant writing, as well as an examination of the differences between non-profit and for-profit arts management.

ARTS120 - Three-D Design

This course introduces students to the notion of creating within three-dimensional space. Line, composition, planes, volume, and surfaces are studied from both additive and subtractive perspectives. Students construct various models and/or maquettes. Problem solving and individual expression are emphasized.

ARTS126 - Principles of Design & Color (KP)

This course is an introduction to the theories and concepts of design and color with an emphasis on developing an awareness and sensitivity to art as an integral part of one’s life and as a way to complement one’s aesthetic needs. This is a lecture/discussion/critique course with visual material, critical essays, individual expression, and museum/gallery trips. NOTE: First year Graphic Design majors should seek out the majors-only section when enrollling.

ARTS130 - Watercolor

This is an introductory course on watercolor painting that incorporates various techniques such as glazing, wet on wet, graduated tone, and negative painting. Students acquire an understanding of basic color theory and composition. They experiment with the different relationships of wet paper, dry paper, and pigments.

ARTS201 - Studio Drawing II

This course offers the experienced drawing student a chance to continue building life drawing, human figure, still lifes and landscape skills. In addition to studio work, students learn what is necessary to advance their knowledge of design by studying the masters. Periodic class discussions help students learn visual analysis and a general approach to the criticism of art. Prerequisite: ARTS 101 or permission of instructor.

ARTS203 - Painting

This course introduces students to a variety of styles and techniques used in oil and/or acrylic painting. Canvas stretching and priming, color mixing, and brush selection are addressed. Prerequisite: ARTS 101 or permission of instructor.

ARTS205 - Art for Educators

The arts process allows students to call on many talents simultaneously, including perceiving, responding, understanding, creating, self-evaluation, and development of related skills. This course exposes education students to new ideas and art forms, and ideas, tools, and processes from arts disciplines. Students work with a variety of art forms including drawing, painting & 3D.

ARTS207X - Figure Drawing

The purpose of this course is to help students obtain the basic skill of drawing the human form, including anatomy, observation of the human form and fundamental exercises in gesture, contour, outline, and tonal modeling. $50 Student Fee for the models;

ARTS212X - Fighting Injustice Thru Art & Creativity

In this interdisciplinary class, we will use and interpret historical and contemporary forms of creative expression to highlight and seek to understand oppression, personal struggle and injustice. This class will integrate the Individual and Society, Global and Historical, and Aesthetics and Creativity knowledge perspectives into our exploration of inequity and injustice that exists around the world. As such this course will satisfy either the Psychological and Societal Area of Inquiry (AI(PS)) or the Aesthetics Area of Inquiry (AI(A)). We will seek to examine the healing nature of creativity and expression as we investigate artists from different parts of society and the globe who use art to give voice to their pain and challenge oppression.

ARTS219 - Digital Photography

This course provides an introduction to the basic concepts of digital imaging as applied to photography. Students combine traditional photographic methods with the latest digital techniques, using image manipulation software, scanning equipment and other computer-based tools. Students are responsible for providing their own digital camera.

ARTS301 - Studio Drawing III

This course is for students who wish to advance their drawing skills to a higher level. In addition to refining techniques with various drawing media, such as ink, graphite, and mixed media, students address perceptual and aesthetic issues in relation to their own work within contemporary and historical contexts. The expressive character of lines, tones, and marks are studied as inseparable from fundamental concepts and content of drawing. Developing a unique and personal vision is a primary consideration. Prerequisite: ARTS 201 or permission of instructor.

ARTS302 - Studio Painting II

This course is designed for students who wish to advance their painting skills to a higher level. In addition to refining painting techniques, students address perceptual and aesthetic issues in relation to their own work within contemporary and historical contexts. Merging inquiry and intuition, students are expected to commit to discovering individual creative expression. Prerequisite: ARTS 203 or permission of instructor.

ARTS319 - Digital Photography II

This course involves the study of the graphic image and how visual messages are used in a diverse media. This is an advanced photography course with an emphasis on technical methods. Hands-on studio projects give the student skills that contribute to thoughtful and effective communication. Prerequisite: ARTS 219.

ARTS399 - Internship Seminar

A critical component of a successful Internshipexperience is finding an appropriate placement.In this seminar students will identify their personalwork style and strengths, will identify a goodcareer match, will create an effective cover letter& resume, will explore effective networking,interviewing, and negotiation skills. This coursewill help students identify search tools for findinginternships. A goal of this course is to securean internship for the following semester. Must beJunior standing.

ARTS400 - Internship

This course provides the student with professional experience through an individually arranged participation of 12-15 hours per week in a work setting. Primary area of responsibility rests with the student in identifying and pursuing his/her areas of interests, in consultation with his/her team of faculty advisors. Each student is monitored during the field experience and must complete a related written project assigned by his/her team of faculty advisors. Evaluation of the field experience is based on student performance as reviewed with the employer, faculty members, and student at the completion of the experience. Junior or Senior standing.

ARTS404 - Senior Thesis I

"Arts Management students engage in an individual research and writing practice that challenges them to analyze and articulate their personal philosophy of design. This capstone course also provides students an opportunity to clarify their professional goals based on their interests in arts management. Prerequisite:Senior standing."

ARTS406 - Senior Practicum

The Arts Management senior practicum provides an opportunity for students in the final semester of their program to produce a self-directed capstone project that applies the theories and techniques that they have been developing over the last four years. Prerequisite: Senior standing.

GRAP105 - Digital Design Essentials

This course offers an introduction to three of the most important software applications in the Adobe Creative Suite for a student who is interested in Graphic Design: Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. Students learn image generation and editing in both pixel-based and vector-based environments as well as digital page composition for print publishing. This is a project-based course that initiates and improves students' skill set for the implementation of computer graphics.

GRAP201 - Imaging for Graphic Design

This illustration course is designed to develops students' compositional and image development skills for the field of Graphic Design. Using a combination of traditional and digital methods of imaging, students expand their visual vocabulary for successful graphic communications. Prerequisite: GRAP105

GRAP202 - Adobe InDesign

This course offers an introduction and continues with an in-depth concentration in the most popular software application for digital page layout. Through a series of publication design projects, students advance their ability to use this versatile and powerful computer application while reinforcing basic graphic design skills.

GRAP203 - Lettering

This is an introduction to the art, craft, and history of letterforms. With an emphasis on calligraphy and continuing with digital imaging, students gain a historical perspective of the development of letterforms and how they influence modern communications.

GRAP204 - Graphic Design I

This is an introduction to the theoretical and practical aspects of graphic design, with an emphasis on developing a working literal and visual vocabulary. Students are challenged with conceptual design exercises that promote the essential values of good research, process, and presentation practices. Prerequisite: GRAP 201.

GRAP205 - Graphic Design II

This course builds on the foundational principles that are introduced in Graphic Design I. Students strengthen their design skills through a series of design briefs in the areas of print and electronic media. Reflective writings and research assignments contribute to improved critical thinking and writing skills. Prerequisite: GRAP 204.

GRAP206 - Adobe Illustrator

This course offers an introduction and continues with an in-depth concentration in the most popular software application for vector-based, digital illustration. Through a series of illustration projects, students advance their ability to use this versatile and powerful computer application while reinforcing basic graphic design skills.

GRAP207 - Web Design & Development

This course introduces the student to the most current coding languages that are integral to successful Web site development. It also introduces the student to authoring software, such as Adobe Dreamweaver, that assists with the application of these coding languages. Other topics which add to this comprehensive course are: the history of the Internet and World Wide Web Consortium, the power of CSS, and the design and layout principles that contribute to successful Web site development from technical, interactive, and aesthetic viewpoints.

GRAP208 - Graphic Design History

This course introduces students of design to the origins of the discipline. It emphasizes the Modernist period, during which design rapidly evolved as typography, photography and new printing methods were explored by artists of the Bauhaus and other European schools and movements. The course demonstrates how these innovators influence graphic design as we know it today.

GRAP209 - Adobe Photoshop

This course offers an introduction and continues with an in-depth concentration in the most popular software application for pixel-based digital imaging and editing. Through a series of projects, students advance their ability to use this versatile and powerful computer application while reinforcing basic graphic design skills.

GRAP301 - Typography I

This course surveys the application of expressive letterforms since the invention of the printing press. With a historical overview that illuminates the terminology used by professional designers, students are encouraged to explore their own means of typographic expression. The fundamentals of structure, spacing, and rhythm are emphasized as they influence form and function. Prerequisites: GRAP 105.

GRAP302 - Typography II

In this course, students expand their design practice in the application of typography to a variety of forms and contexts. This is a process-oriented course focused on the advancement of a personal "typographic voice." Students learn to structure informational hierarchies and how to sequence typographic materials across multiple pages. Issues of personal interpretation and legibility are emphasized. Prerequisite: GRAP 301.

GRAP307 - Motion Graphics

In this course, students develop conceptual and visual problem-solving skills as they relate to interactive design, motion studies, and time based art. Through demonstrations, studio sessions, and critiques students create portfolio quality animation, interactive, and motion study projects.

GRAP308 - Interactive Design

This course offers a deeper exploration of interactive design and authoring, building upon skills and strategies acquired in basic Web and Flash classes. Advanced animation and interactivity for the Web, desktop, and mobile devices are emphasized as students learn Actionscript 3.0, HTML5 and CSS3.

GRAP309 - Graphic Design for the Marketplace

This course engages advanced graphic design students with a curriculum derived from a collection of prepared design briefs. With established methods of research, conceptualization, innovation, and art production students are offered "real world" challenges for graphic design solutions. This course emphasizes sound business practices and ethical guidelines for a career in commercial art. Prerequisites: GRAP 205, GRAP 302.

GRAP399 - Internship Seminar

"A critical component of a successful Internship experience is finding an appropriate placement. In this seminar students will identify their personalwork style and strengths, will identify a good career match, will create an effective cover letter & resume, will explore effective networking, interviewing, and negotiation skills. This course will help students identify search tools for finding internships. A goal of this course is to secure an internship for the following semester. Must have Junior standing."

GRAP400 - Field Experience

This course provides the student with professional experience through an individually arranged participation of 12-15 hours per week in a work setting. Primary area of responsibility rests with the student in identifying and pursuing his/her areas of interests, in consultation with his/her team of faculty advisors. Each student is monitored during the field experience and must complete a related written project assigned by his/her team of faculty advisors. Evaluation of the field experience is based on student performance as reviewed with the employer, faculty members, and student at the completion of the experience. Junior or Senior standing. Prerequisite: ARTS 399

GRAP401 - Publication Design

This course involves graphic design students in the theoretical and practical processes of successful publication design through research, conceptual explorations, studio practice, and presentations. This course offers experience in the design of traditional and electronic publications in order to prepare students for a career in graphic design. Prerequisite: GRAP 302

GRAP403 - Senior Portfolio Development

This course prepares design students for effective and personalized presentation of their design work. Students are encouraged to prepare a physical "book" portfolio with interchangeable pages to allow customization of presentations. They are also encouraged to establish their own web presence by building an online portfolio on a Web site with their own URL. Prerequisite: Senior standing.

GRAP404 - Senior Thesis Assignment

Students engage in an individual research and writing practice that challenges them to analyze and articulate their personal philosophy of design. This capstone course also provides students an opportunity to clarify their professional goals based on their interests in graphic design. Prerequisite: Senior standing.

GRAP406 - Senior Practicum Project

The senior practicum provides an opportunity for students in their final semester of the design program to produce a self-directed capstone project that applies the design theory and studio techniques that they have been developing over the last four years. The practicum project is presented in a Senior Show at the end of their final semester. Prerequisite: Senior standing.

Deborah Baldizar

Associate Professor of Art and Graphic Design

Office: Yamawaki 209

Kenneth Calhoun

Assistant Provost; Chair of Graphic Design

Office: Yamawaki

Stephen Fischer

Professor Emeritus

Margo Lemieux

Professor Emerita

Vladimir Zimakov

Diane Heath Beever ’49 Professor of Art; Director of the Wedeman Gallery

Office: Yamawaki 215

ARTH103 - Art History I

This course presents a survey of artistic styles from the prehistoric period through the art of the early Renaissance. Periods included are Egyptian, Aegean, Greek, Roman and Etruscan art, and the art of the Middle Ages. Films and slides are used in the presentation of works of art from the fields of architecture, sculpture, and painting.

ARTH104 - Art History II

This course presents a study of works of art from the High Renaissance and the Mannerist periods, the Renaissance in the North, the Baroque period, and the Modern Age. Slides and films are used in this presentation of works of art from the fields of architecture, sculpture, and painting.

ARTS106 - Museum Discovery (KP)

This course introduces students to the world of art museums, galleries, auction houses, and various other art institutions, through a series of site visits and some involvement in actual gallery work. By exploring venues and the communities they serve, students will address the question, "What is an art museum or gallery, and why is it a part of our society?"

ARTS108 - Fundamentals of Art Management

This course exposes students to a variety of leadership and managerial roles in the context of an arts organization. Topics include strategic planning, budgeting, program development, fundraising and grant writing, as well as an examination of the differences between non-profit and for-profit arts management.

ARTS126 - Principles of Design & Color (KP)

This course is an introduction to the theories and concepts of design and color with an emphasis on developing an awareness and sensitivity to art as an integral part of one’s life and as a way to complement one’s aesthetic needs. This is a lecture/discussion/critique course with visual material, critical essays, individual expression, and museum/gallery trips. NOTE: First year Graphic Design majors should seek out the majors-only section when enrollling.

ARTS219 - Digital Photography

This course provides an introduction to the basic concepts of digital imaging as applied to photography. Students combine traditional photographic methods with the latest digital techniques, using image manipulation software, scanning equipment and other computer-based tools. Students are responsible for providing their own digital camera.

ARTS399 - Internship Seminar

A critical component of a successful Internshipexperience is finding an appropriate placement.In this seminar students will identify their personalwork style and strengths, will identify a goodcareer match, will create an effective cover letter& resume, will explore effective networking,interviewing, and negotiation skills. This coursewill help students identify search tools for findinginternships. A goal of this course is to securean internship for the following semester. Must beJunior standing.

ARTS400 - Internship

This course provides the student with professional experience through an individually arranged participation of 12-15 hours per week in a work setting. Primary area of responsibility rests with the student in identifying and pursuing his/her areas of interests, in consultation with his/her team of faculty advisors. Each student is monitored during the field experience and must complete a related written project assigned by his/her team of faculty advisors. Evaluation of the field experience is based on student performance as reviewed with the employer, faculty members, and student at the completion of the experience. Junior or Senior standing.

ARTS404 - Senior Thesis I

"Arts Management students engage in an individual research and writing practice that challenges them to analyze and articulate their personal philosophy of design. This capstone course also provides students an opportunity to clarify their professional goals based on their interests in arts management. Prerequisite:Senior standing."

ARTS406 - Senior Practicum

The Arts Management senior practicum provides an opportunity for students in the final semester of their program to produce a self-directed capstone project that applies the theories and techniques that they have been developing over the last four years. Prerequisite: Senior standing.

BUSS201 - Financial Accounting

This course provides students with an applied knowledge of the fundamental accounting process and procedures used in business. Students learn how to identify and record business transactions. In addition, students learn how to create financial statements, as well as how to become intelligent users of financial information.

BUSS220 - Marketing

In this course, fundamentals of the nature of marketing are presented and evaluated for specific functions and institutions. Policies and practices as applied generally to marketing research involve product development, selection, channels of distribution buying and physical distribution selling. Pricing under competitive conditions, social benefits of competition and government regulations are included. Prerequisites: BUSS 101, HEM 101, FASH 101, or SMGT 102; ECON 101.

BUSS334 - Nonprofit Management

Managing in the nonprofit sector is different than in the for-profit sector. In this course students explore businesses that do not intend to maximize profit and retain it for future expenditures. Managers must operate under more regulated conditions and must be well prepared to interact within the public sector. Not-for-profit managers must be well versed in public policy and other regulations that affect them. Students engage in projects with non-profit organizations. Prerequisite: BUSS 101, HEM 101, FASH 101, or SMGT 102.

BUSS432 - Marketing Strategy

This course is designed to facilitate the ability to formulate and implement marketing strategy. The course integrates topics covered in other marketing classes. As part of the learning experience, students engage in a simulation program with teams taking charge of a company within a competitive environment. Prerequisite: BUSS 220 with a C or better.

COM213 - Writing for Public Relations

This course serves as a workshop in which students apply the fundamental skills of journalism to the different formats commonly used in writing copy for public relations and advertising, including press releases, public service announcements, profiles, brochures, and advertisements. In addition, students continue to sharpen their editing skills by revising their own work and by copyediting and critiquing the work of other students. Central to the objectives of this course is that students improve their ability to write clearly and concisely, avoiding common errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and usage. Prerequisite: ENG 102.

COM303 - Nonprofit Public Relations

This course invites students to explore "nonprofit public relations" as it is seen today and as experts suggest it will be seen in the future. Students have the opportunity to work with a "real world" nonprofit client by creating, preparing, and producing a complete public relations plan for that organization. Prerequisite: COM 213.

GRAP105 - Digital Design Essentials

This course offers an introduction to three of the most important software applications in the Adobe Creative Suite for a student who is interested in Graphic Design: Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign. Students learn image generation and editing in both pixel-based and vector-based environments as well as digital page composition for print publishing. This is a project-based course that initiates and improves students' skill set for the implementation of computer graphics.

HEM102 - Fundamentals of Special Events

This course focuses on components of organizing and executing special events. Components such as: Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), and contract negotiations are introduced. This course is hands-on, allowing the student to apply basic skills and techniques for negotiating with suppliers and service contractors. This is a project driven course.