Art
April 4, 2022 2024-05-20 22:12The Rocky Mountain College art program offers instruction and experience in studio and art history for all students at RMC, no matter the major. The variety of classes spans the spectrum with studio art courses covering a wide range of traditional and digital media and critical topics in contemporary art. Art history courses cover ancient art practices to current trends while considering global perspectives. The art faculty teach critical thinking and visual literacy through analysis, criticism, the study of aesthetics, the production of original works of art, and the study of major periods in art history. Students are encouraged to explore mediums and techniques, both traditional and experimental. The faculty value ethical decision making and provide opportunities for students to volunteer in the community. Study abroad experiences are considered vital and every effort is made to provide study abroad opportunities for all RMC students.
It is the mission of the art program to provide all students with the opportunity to enhance their creative expression through experiencing art. The faculty strive to build a strong foundation in the techniques and processes of producing visual art, to assist students in the development of their personal artistic style, to enhance students’ understanding of the role art plays in society, and to encourage students to strive for professional excellence in all their artistic endeavors.
Major Learning Outcomes
Students who graduate with a major in art will be able to:
- Acquire visual literacy to increase critical engagement with art and media;
- Appreciate the diverse history and traditions of global visual culture;
- Develop the fundamental skills, craftsmanship, and techniques used in visual art;
- Engage with critical processes and issues in contemporary artistic practice;
- Employ and understand visual communication in interdisciplinary contexts;
- Acknowledge and value difference through curiosity and openness.
Note
- Students with exceptional preparation in some area of art study may consult with faculty concerning substitutions or waivers of prerequisites.
- Independent study, directed reading, and field practica, among others, may not be taken in art until at least 15 semester hours of regular coursework have been satisfactorily completed.
- Internship credits may be used for no more than six semester hours of the required total for the major or minor.
- Art education majors must complete the professional education program for P-12 teaching. See the “Education” section of the catalog.
- Students wishing for more depth in a studio course may take that course a second time at a higher level, with the instructor’s approval.
- Additional expenses for tools and materials can be expected in most art courses.
Major in Art
A minimum of 42 semester hours is required, including:
ART 190: Art Seminar I
ART 490: Art Seminar II
Two of the following:
ART 201: Drawing I
ART 210: Design I
ART 231: Painting I
ART 232: Mixed Media I
ART 243: Photography
ART 250: Sculpture I
ART 251: Clay I
ART 252: Jewelry and Metalwork I
One of the following:
ART 301: Drawing II
ART 310: Design II
ART 331: Painting II
ART 332: Mixed Media II
ART 343: Photography II
ART 350: Sculpture II
ART 351: Clay II
ART 352: Jewelry and Metalwork II
One of the following:
ART 313: Art and Ecology
ART 319: The Body & Identity
ART 325: Imaging Text & Data
Four of the following:
ART 321: Topics in Art History I
ART 322: Topics in Art History II
ART 323: Topics in Art History III
ART 220: Prehistoric to Classical Art History
ART 221: The Silk Road & Pre-Columbian Art History
ART 222: Renaissance to Pre-Modern Art History
ART 223: Modern to Contemporary Art History
ART 317: Museum Studies I
Major in Art Education
A minimum of 39 semester hours is required, including:
ART 190: Art Seminar I
ART 321: Topics in Art History I
ART 338: Methods and Materials: Teaching Art in the Elementary School
Choose two of the following:
ART 201: Drawing I
ART 210: Design I
ART 231: Painting I
ART 232: Mixed Media I
ART 243: Photography
ART 250: Sculpture I
ART 251: Clay I
ART 252: Jewelry and Metalwork I
Choose one of the following:
ART 301: Drawing II
ART 310: Design II
ART 331: Painting II
ART 332: Mixed Media II
ART 343: Photography II
ART 350: Sculpture II
ART 351: Clay II
ART 352: Jewelry and Metalwork II
Choose one of the following:
ART 313: Art & Ecology
ART 319: The Body & Identity
ART 325: Imaging Text & Data
Choose three of the following:
ART 220: Prehistoric to Classical Art History
ART 221: The Silk Road & Pre-Columbian Art History
ART 222: Renaissance to Pre-Modern Art History
ART 223: Modern to Contemporary Art History
ART 317: Museum Studies I
ART 322: Topics in Art History II
ART 323: Topics in Art History III
In addition, students must complete all of the requirements of the professional education program for secondary teaching (grades 5-12) as described in the “Education” section of the catalog.
Minor Learning Outcomes
Art
Students who graduate with a minor in art will be able to:
- Appreciate the diverse history and traditions of global visual culture;
- Develop the fundamental skills, craftsmanship, and techniques used in visual art;
- Employ and understand visual communication in interdisciplinary contexts;
- Critically consider the role and function of art and media in society; and
- Use art and visual communication in coordination with the student’s major.
Art History
Students who graduate with a minor in art education will be able to:
- Acquire visual literacy to increase critical engagement with art and media;
- Appreciate the diverse history and traditions of global visual culture;
- Develop the fundamental skills, craftsmanship, and techniques used in visual art;
- Acknowledge and value difference through curiosity and openness; and
- Understand the role of art in relation to other disciplines and contemporary life.
Minor in Art
A minimum of 22 semester hours is required, including:
ART 190: Art Seminar I
One of the following:
ART 301: Drawing II
ART 310: Design II
ART 331: Painting II
ART 332: Mixed Media II
ART 343: Photography II
ART 350: Sculpture II
ART 351: Clay II
ART 352: Jewelry and Metalwork II
One of the following:
ART 313: Art and Ecology
ART 319: The Body & Identity
ART 325: Imaging Text & Data
Two of the following:
ART 321: Topics in Art History I
ART 322: Topics in Art History II
ART 323: Topics in Art History III
ART 220: Prehistoric to Classical Art History
ART 221: The Silk Road & Pre-Columbian Art History
ART 222: Renaissance to Pre-Modern Art History
ART 223: Modern to Contemporary Art History
ART 317: Museum Studies I
Minor in Art Education
Requirements include a minimum of 25 semester hours, including the 22 semester hours listed under the Minor in Art, plus ART 338. Discipline-based art education is the goal of this minor. Art education minors must complete the professional education program for P-12 teaching as described in the “Education” section of the catalog.
ART 190 – Art Seminar I
Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 3
Art seminar is a professional development course that explores careers in the art and design field for art and art education majors and minors. This course includes discussions, a common art project, field trips, art community service, and applying to exhibitions. Students also build a résumé, portfolio, website, and artist’s statement. This course is designed to create community among all art students by meeting simultaneously with ART 490. The course not only serves as an opportunity for self-assessment by each student, but also requires the assessment (analysis and criticism) of classmates’ and others’ artwork. Students should enroll in this course at the earliest opportunity upon declaring an art or art education major or minor.
Prerequisite: declared art or art education major or minor
ART 201 – Drawing I
Semester: Fall and Spring
Semester hours: 3
This foundation course explores basic drawing techniques in a variety of dry and wet drawing media. This studio course offers the student an opportunity to learn about pictures as language and expressions using the vocabulary of the elements of art: line, value, shape, form, texture, perspective, and composition. Students will create, critique, and display original works of art.
ART 210 – Design I
Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 3
This studio course closely examines two-dimensional and three-dimensional and four-dimensional design by studying the principles of design and the elements of art using both traditional and digital techniques. Students will create, display, and formally present for criticism to the course academic exercises and works of art.
ART 215 – Creativity
Semester: Fall; Alternate years
Semester hours: 3
This course approaches creativity as a skill to develop, not as a magical gift bestowed on a few select people. The last three weeks of the course will be devoted to a large-scale project in an area chosen by the student at the time of registration. Two important elements of the course involve a specific style of journaling and a weekly artist’s date. Through the activities in this course, students will bring a higher degree of creativity to their daily lives. This course may be taken either at the lower-division level or at the upper-division level, but not both. This course is cross-listed with MUS 215.
ART 220 – Prehistorical to Classical Art History
Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 3
This global art history survey course includes Prehistoric art; the Nile and Ancient Egypt; the Fertile Crescent; the Indus Valley; Andean Culture; Mesoamerica; the Yellow and Yangtze Rivers; Bronze Age and Ancient Greece; the Etruscans and the Romans; and other periods at the discretion of the instructor. Study focuses on the materials, techniques, style, historical context, aesthetics, and criticism of this wide variety of art. Though sequential in time, ART 220, ART 221, ART 222, and ART 223 may be taken in any order.
ART 221 – The Silk Road & Pre-Columbian Art History
Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 3
This is a global art history survey course that considers Early Christian; Byzantine; the Islamic Golden Age; Medieval Europe; the Mongolian Empire; Indian Middle Kingdoms; Oceania; African Art and Empires; the spread of Buddhism in India, China, Japan, and Southeast Asia; Aztec Art; North American Art; North American Art; and other periods at the discretion of the instructor. Study focuses on the materials, techniques, style, historical context, aesthetics, and criticism of this wide variety of art. Though sequential in time, ART 220, ART 221, ART 222, and ART 223 may be taken in any order.
ART 222 – Renaissance to Pre-Modern Art History
Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 3
This global art history survey course includes Renaissance art; art of the Ottoman Empire; art made during the colonial eras of the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Oceania; Baroque Art; Impressionism; and other periods at the discretion of the instructor. Study focuses on the materials, techniques, style, historical context, aesthetics, and criticism of this wide variety of art. Though sequential in time, ART 220, ART 221, ART 222, and ART 223 may be taken in any order.
ART 223 – Modern to Contemporary Art
Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 3
This global art history survey includes modern to contemporary art movements. Study focuses on the materials, techniques, style, historical context, aesthetics, and criticism of this wide variety of art. Though sequential in time, ART 220, ART 221, ART 222, and ART 223 may be taken in any order.
ART 231 – Painting I
Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 3
This studio course explores techniques of oil and acrylic paints as well as mixed media. The contemporary view as well as the traditional is examined. Students will create, critique, and display original works of art.
ART 232 – Mixed Media I
Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 3
This course explores a variety of mixed media techniques and considers the formal and theoretical histories underpinning them. Students will create artwork derived from global artistic traditions as well as new approaches to art making developed from modernism to today. Mediums covered may include non-traditional painting techniques, collage, montage, digital art, glass, fiber, watercolor, ink, appropriation, and installation art.
ART 242 – Printmaking I
Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 3
Students are introduced to basic relief printmaking, as well as techniques such as linoleum, wood cut, monoprint, intaglio, silkscreen, letterpress, and/or computer-generated graphics. Consideration of the production of printmaking and serial artworks in relation to global traditions of mechanized reproduction of images. Students will create, critique, and display original works of art.
ART 243 – Photography
Semester: Fall and Spring
Semester hours: 3
This course explores the conceptual and practical principles of photography through lectures, readings, lab, and hands-on assignments. Technical focus is on camera operation, composition, and editing. The class also considers the history of aesthetic and ethical photographic issues around the world. Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop are used to explore possibilities for processing and manipulating photographs.
ART 250 – Sculpture I
Semester: Fall and Spring, Alternate years
Semester hours: 3
Students will explore the third dimension by creating artworks in a variety of materials, such as clay, plaster, wood, metal, found objects, and mixed media. Processes and techniques include modeling, carving, lost wax casting, and construction. Students will create, critique, and display original works of art. Students will also learn about the relationship between sculpture and its art historical context.
ART 251 – Clay I
Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 3
Students in this studio course create original works of art using hand-building techniques such as pinching, slab-building, coiling, and modeling (sculpting). Wheel-throwing is also introduced. Students are encouraged to explore the use of design elements in the clay medium. They are also expected to be able to identify and articulate qualities that characterize notable ceramic works by studying both modern and historic ceramic pieces. Students will create, critique, and display original works of art.
ART 252 – Jewelry and Metalwork I
Semester: Fall and Spring
Semester hours: 3
This course is an introduction to basic jewelry and metalworking processes and techniques, such as lost wax casting, raising, forging, fabrication, and lapidary work. Copper, brass, bronze, sterling silver, and semiprecious stones are commonly used; more expensive materials may be used if the student can afford them. Functional and non-functional objects may be made with an emphasis on craftsmanship and aesthetics. Designs from nature, art history, and contemporary culture are encouraged. Students will create, critique, and display original works of art. ART 352 is a continuation of ART 252.
ART 299 – Directed Reading
Semester: Offered at discretion of department
Semester hours: 1-3
This course allows a student to devise and pursue independent study in an area agreed upon in consultation with, and supervised by, a faculty member. Students should be either a major or minor and have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or greater.
ART 301 – Drawing II
Semester: Fall and Spring
Semester hours: 3
This course allows for the continued development of drawing techniques in a variety of dry and wet media that were explored in Drawing I. This studio course offers the student an opportunity to learn about pictures as language and expressions using the vocabulary of the elements of art: line, value, shape, form, texture, perspective, and composition. Students will create, critique, and display original works of art. Taught concurrently with Drawing I.
Prerequisite: ART 201
ART 310 – Design II
Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 3
This studio course continues the principles studied in ART 210: Design I by building on the principles of two-dimensional and three-dimensional and four-dimensional design by studying the principles of design and the elements of art using both traditional and digital techniques. Students will create, display, and formally present for criticism to the course academic exercises and works of art.
Prerequisite: ART 210
ART 313 – Art and Ecology
Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 3
This studio art course explores the relationship between artistic production and ecological issues through a series of visual projects that develop knowledge, skills, and critical thinking on this topic. The range of ecological artistic practices is diverse, from the production of physical objects to performance, environmental intervention, and social practice. Topics examined may include plein-air painting, land art, bonsai trees, photography, and data design. Students conduct interdisciplinary research, field work, and community engagement and participate in a series of field trips to important regional ecological sites.
ART 315 – Creativity
Semester: Fall; Alternate years
Semester hours: 3
This course approaches creativity as a skill to develop, not as a magical gift bestowed on a few select people. The last three weeks of the course will be devoted to a large-scale project in an area chosen by the student at the time of registration. Two important elements of the course involve a specific style of journaling and a weekly artist’s date. Through the activities in this course, students will bring a higher degree of creativity to their daily lives. This course may be taken either at the lower-division level or at the upper-division level, but not both. This course is cross-listed with MUS 315.
ART 317 – Museum Studies I
Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 3
This course critically considers the social, cultural, and practical role of the museum. The history of museums and collections is interrogated, and how this relates to the construction of art history through acquisitions, exhibitions, and circumstance. Students gain hands-on experience with database management and work with art objects through engagement with pieces in the Rocky Mountain College art collection. This is supported by field trips and work with local museums and collections.
ART 319 – The Body & Identity
Semester: Spring; Alternate years
Semester hours: 3
The figure is amongst the oldest art forms; prehistoric cultures across the globe depicted human form is sculpture and rock paintings. Today, how images of the body are constructed resonate with contemporary issues of gender and identity. Through a series of visual projects, this course considers these topics and techniques of depiction. The course begins with the observational life drawing before continuing to new approaches of depiction including a range of 2D and 3D mediums.
ART 321 – Topics in Art History I
Semester: Fall and Spring; Alternate years
Semester hours: 3
Choosing from the prehistoric (as early as 40,000 BCE) through the Gothic (as late as 1500 CE), this course may explore such topics as Ancient Egypt, Bronze Age and Classical Greece, Imperial Rome, or Medieval Europe. Study focuses on art materials, techniques, style, prehistorical and historical context, aesthetics, and criticism. While traditional methods of studying art history are used (e.g., slide lectures, discussion, written exams, and papers), students are expected to authentically replicate an objet d’art from the studied historical periods as a major project with presentation. This course (same number, different topic) may be taken twice, with up to six credits counting toward the art/art education major or minor requirements.
ART 322 – Topics in Art History II
Semester: Fall and Spring; Alternate years
Semester hours: 3
The topic for this course is chosen from Western artistic traditions ranging from the Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, the 19th, or the 20th centuries. Study focuses on art materials, techniques, styles, historical contexts, aesthetics, and criticism. While traditional methods of studying art history are used (e.g., slide lectures, discussion, written exams, and papers), students are expected, as a research project, to authentically replicate an objet d’art from a historical period or produce an original work of art done “in the style of” a major period of art history. This course (same number, different topic) may be taken twice, with up to six credits counting toward the art or art education major or minor requirements.
ART 323 – Topics in Art History III
Semester: Fall and Spring; Alternate years
Semester hours: 3
This is a study of the peoples and their art from the non-European traditions. Topics vary and may include Native American cultures such as the Anasazi, Mogollon, or Mimbres and/or the art of Africa or Asia, among others. Study focuses on art materials, techniques, style, prehistorical and historical context, aesthetics, and criticism. While traditional methods of studying art history are used (e.g., slide lectures, discussion, written exams, and papers), students are expected to authentically replicate an objet d’art from the studied historical periods as a major project with presentation. This course (same number, different topic) may be taken twice, with up to six credits counting toward the art or art education major or minor requirements.
ART 325 – Imaging Text & Data
Semester: Spring; Alternate years
Semester hours: 3
This course considers historic and contemporary approaches to translating language and data into visual form through a series of projects. Topics may include calligraphy, typography, letterpress, bookmaking, text-based conceptual art, poster/chart design, fonts, and data visualization. Fine art, commercial, and scientific context are compared, alongside global traditions and new direction in the form of the written word and data.
ART 331 – Painting II
Semester: Fall
Semester hours: 3
This studio course continues the exploration of techniques of oil and acrylic painting. It allows students more time to develop techniques and pursue individual projects. The student and instructor will develop a mutually agreeable plan of study at the beginning of the semester. The global history and contemporary issues in painting are both considered. Students create, critique, and display original works of art.
Prerequisite: ART 231
ART 332 – Mixed Media II
Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 3
This course allows students to continue to develop ideas covered in Mixed Media I. It explores a variety of mixed media techniques and considers the formal and theoretical histories underpinning them. Students will create artwork derived from global artistic traditions as well as new approaches to art making developed from modernism to today. Mediums covered may include non-traditional painting techniques, collage, montage, digital art, glass, fiber, watercolor, ink, appropriation, and installation art.
ART 338 – Methods and Materials: Teaching Art in the Elementary and Secondary Schools
Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 3
This course focuses on the methods and materials for teaching art in the elementary, middle, and secondary schools.
Prerequisite: admission to the teacher education program
ART 342 – Printmaking II
Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 3
Students continue to develop relief printing techniques learned in Printmaking I, as well as techniques such as linoleum, wood cut, monoprint, intaglio, silkscreen, letterpress, and/or computer-generated graphics. Consideration of the production of printmaking and serial artworks in relation to global traditions of mechanized reproduction of images. Students will create, critique, and display original works of art.
Prerequisite: ART 242
ART 343 – Photography II
Semester: Spring; Alternate years
Semester hours: 3
This course builds upon Photography I, continuing exploration of the conceptual and practical principles of photography through lectures, readings, lab, and hands-on assignments. Advanced and experimental camera and studio lighting techniques are covered. The class also considers the history of aesthetic, ethical, and professional photographic issues around the world.
Prerequisite: ART 243
ART 350 – Sculpture II
Semester: Fall and Spring; Alternate years
Semester hours: 3
Students are allowed to pursue areas of individual interest by exploring advanced techniques and/or by expanding basic sculptural skills learned in ART 250. The student and instructor will develop a mutually agreeable plan of study at the beginning of the semester. Students will create, critique, and display original works of art.
Prerequisite: ART 250
ART 351 – Clay II
Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 3
This clay class offers the student an opportunity to expand ceramic skills according to individual interests. The student and instructor will develop a mutually agreeable plan of study at the beginning of the semester. Students will create, critique, and display original works of art. Usually, ART 351 is offered concurrently with ART 251.
Prerequisite: ART 251
ART 352 – Jewelry and Metalwork II
Semester: Fall and Spring
Semester hours: 3
Students are allowed to pursue areas of individual interest by investigating advanced techniques and/or by expanding basic jewelry and metalworking skills. The student and instructor will develop a mutually agreeable plan of study at the beginning of the semester. Students will create, critique, and display original works of art. ART 352 is a continuation of, and is offered concurrently with, ART 252.
Prerequisite: ART 252
ART 450 – Internship
Semester: Offered at discretion of department
Semester hours: 1-12
This course is a guided work experience in an already established place of business. The student must arrange the internship in agreement with the instructor and the Office of Career Services. Contract is required. Pass/no pass grading.
Prerequisite: junior or senior standing
ART 490 – Art Seminar II
Semester: Spring
Semester hours: 3
Art seminar is a professional development course that explores careers in the art and design field for art and art education majors and minors. This course includes discussions, a common art project, field trips, art community service, and applying to exhibitions. Students also build a résumé, portfolio, website, and artist’s statement. This course is designed to create community among all art students by meeting simultaneously with ART 190. The course not only serves as an opportunity for self-assessment by each student, but also requires the assessment (analysis and criticism) of classmates’ and others’ artwork. Students should enroll in this course at the earliest opportunity upon declaring an art or art education major or minor. Students enrolled in ART 490 are encouraged to mentor first- and second-year art and art education students.
Prerequisite: senior status, declared art or art education major
ART 499 – Directed Reading
Semester: Offered at discretion of department
Semester hours: 1-3
This course allows a student to devise and pursue independent study in an area agreed upon in consultation with, and supervised by, a faculty member. Students should be either a major or minor and have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or greater.
Prerequisite: junior or senior standing
- Todd Forsgren, Associate Professor
- Meredith Munson, Assistant Professor
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Rocky Mountain College
Prescott Hall
1511 Poly Drive
Billings, MT 59102
