Department of Art & Art History

ARH 101. The Art Experience. 3 Hours.

Introduction to the study of visual culture, prehistoric to present. Emphasis on form and context, and acquiring understanding of art materials and techniques. This course meets the Blazer Core Creative Arts requirement with a flag in Global & Multicultural Perspectives.

ARH 102. Modern Visual Culture. 3 Hours.

ARH 102 (3 hours) is an introduction to the study of modern visual culture. It explores how global art and media make and convey meaning. How do artists and designers understand and communicate ideas about the visual world? How is perception and interpretation linked to culture, identity, and context? Through learning activities stressing research, creativity, and visual analysis, students will develop foundational skills to become critical producers and consumers of visual objects and imagery. This course meets Blazer Core Creative Arts requirement with a flag in Global/Multicultural.

ARH 115. Birmingham Arts and Collections. 3 Hours.

This freshman experiential-learning course immerses you in the city’s rich collections to develop core skills in art history and museum studies. Class visits to local museums, collections, and galleries enable you to practice close visual analysis, conduct introductory object and archival research, and engage directly with collections professionals. The course assignments, including group presentations, object reports, and both analytical and reflective writing help you hone your oral and written communication skills while the independent research project cultivates self-starting capabilities and professional confidence. The course will also include brief introductions to museum history and theory and the historic context of the focal collections. By the end of the semester, you will not only gain foundational art historical knowledge and tools, but also insight into the vibrant cultural landscape of Birmingham and its history.

ARH 203. Ancient and Medieval Art. 3 Hours.

Introduction to Western art from prehistoric cave paintings to Gothic Cathedrals. Focusing on ancient Eurasia, Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Rome, and medieval Europe, this course examines the images, monuments, and ideas that shaped the pre-modern world. This course meets Blazer Core Curriculum Creative Arts with a flag in Post-Freshmen Writing.

ARH 204. Early Modern-Contemporary Art. 3 Hours.

Introduction to Western art from Renaissance painting to current bio-sculpture. Focusing on Europe, its colonies, the United States, and global contemporary art, this course examines the images, monuments, and ideas that shaped the modern world. This course meets Blazer Core Creative Arts with Flags in Justice & Post-Freshman Writing.

ARH 205. Survey of African Art. 3 Hours.

Significant monuments and artworks of the different cultures of Africa. This course meets Blazer Core Curriculum Creative Arts with a flag in Global/Multicultural and Justice.

ARH 206. Survey of Asian Art. 3 Hours.

Art and culture of India, China, and Japan. This course meets Blazer Core Curriculum Creative Arts with flags in Global/Multicultural Perspectives and Post-Freshman Writing.

ARH 207. Special Topics in Art History. 3 Hours.

Special topics in the history of art and visual culture. Subject will vary with each offering.

ARH 208. Illustration as History-Making Medium. 3 Hours.

This course explores illustration as a history- and meaning-making medium, one that reflects cultural values, shapes public opinions, and documents historical events. From the Ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead scrolls, through Renaissance medical books and African kente cloth, to contemporary comics and graphic novels, students will ponder the definition of illustration and examine the different functions, forms, and formats of illustrations globally and across different historical periods. The course also invites students to explore the dynamic relationship between text and image in illustrated works, and the illustration’s connections to other art forms, fine arts, and popular culture. By examining historic and contemporary illustration through lectures, discussions, research, and group work, students will develop a richer understanding of how illustration has shaped and continues to define our culture. Visits to local collections of prints and illustrated books, such as the Reynolds-Finley Historical Library, will provide opportunities to engage with artworks beyond the classroom.

ARH 210. Art and Medicine: A History. 3 Hours.

This course surveys the conceptual and material intersections of Western art and medicine from prehistory to the present. Students actively work with local university and city collections. This course meets Blazer Core Curriculum History & Meaning with a flag in High Impact Practices: Collaborative Assignments.

ARH 211. Cross-Cultural Encounters in Asian Art History. 3 Hours.

This course is an introduction to global encounters and exchanges within and across Asia, and between Asia and the rest of the world, beginning in the first millennium BCE. It is about histories of connection, interaction, trade, exchange, and influence told through objects. Focus on the lands and peoples along the Silk Roads and Routes, and examples of global migration, travel, and trade. The first half of the course focuses on artistic interactions across the regions between China and the Mediterranean that ultimately become part the Silk Roads. The second half looks at exchanges between Asia, Africa, and Europe, including Africans in the art of India, artistic exchanges between the Islamic empires and Renaissance Europe, and ceramics and metalwork between West Asia, China and Europe.

ARH 299. Introduction to Research in Art History. 3 Hours.

This class is an introduction to the discipline of art history and its research methods. It is open to all majors. Students will learn the history of art history, methodological approaches to interpreting works of art, and research tools and methods. Writing intensive.

ARH 321. Italian Renaissance Art. 3 Hours.

The visual arts of the Italian Renaissance (1300-1550) in their historic context.
Prerequisites: ARH 204 [Min Grade: C]

ARH 324. Northern Renaissance Art. 3 Hours.

The visual arts of the Northern Renaissance (1300-1600) in their historic context.
Prerequisites: ARH 204 [Min Grade: C]

ARH 331. Seventeenth-Century Painting. 3 Hours.

Painting in Europe from Italian and Spanish Baroque through the Dutch Golden Age.
Prerequisites: ARH 204 [Min Grade: C]

ARH 340. Early 19th Century Art: Neoclassicism, Romanticism, and Realism. 3 Hours.

This course examines art and visual culture created from the 1780s to the 1850s by artists associated with Neoclassicism, Romanticism, and Realism. Students study painted and printed imagery, sculpture, and decorative arts produced in Europe and the Americas, while also exploring zones of exchange with artists and cultures located outside of these geographies.
Prerequisites: ARH 203 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 204 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 205 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 206 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 207 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 299 [Min Grade: C]

ARH 341. Impressionism and Post-Impressionism. 3 Hours.

This course examines the emergence, evolution, and reception of the art movements known as Impressionism, Neo-Impressionism, and Post-Impressionism within the changing cultural, political, and technological contexts of late nineteenth-century France, as well as in the framework of European and global artistic exchanges of the time. Case studies include artists and artworks from the United States, Japan, Australia, Brazil, South Africa, and the Ottoman Empire, in addition to those from France and wider Europe.
Prerequisites: ARH 204 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 203 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 205 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 206 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 207 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 210 [Min Grade: C]

ARH 350. American Art and Material Culture. 3 Hours.

Painting, sculpture, and architecture in the U.S., with an emphasis on 19th Century.
Prerequisites: ARH 204 [Min Grade: C]

ARH 360. Modernism. 3 Hours.

This course examines art and visual culture produced in the first decades of the 20th century in Europe, the Americas, and the Arab world. It also includes a study of early twentieth-century holdings in the Birmingham Museum of Art.
Prerequisites: ARH 203 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 204 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 205 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 206 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 207 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 299 [Min Grade: C]

ARH 361. Modern Design. 3 Hours.

History of modern design. Will examine various design disciplines, design theory, well as the relationships between design, fine art, architecture and popular culture.
Prerequisites: ARH 203 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 204 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 205 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 206 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 207 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 299 [Min Grade: C]

ARH 364. Art Since 1945. 3 Hours.

Painting, sculpture, and architecture primarily in the United States, 1945 to present.
Prerequisites: ARH 203 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 204 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 205 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 206 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 207 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 299 [Min Grade: C]

ARH 367. Modern Architecture. 3 Hours.

History of modern architecture, covering examples from the late 18th century to the present and emphasizing the United States.
Prerequisites: ARH 204 [Min Grade: C]

ARH 368. Race and Representation. 3 Hours.

History of 20th-Century African American art in context of contemporary theories of identity and issues of diversity, and in relation to African art. Includes study of objects in the Birmingham Museum of Art. Ethics and Civic Responsibility are significant components of this course.
Prerequisites: ARH 203 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 204 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 205 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 206 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 207 [Min Grade: C]

ARH 370. Tomb Art in East Asia. 3 Hours.

History of tomb arts in East Asia, with a focus on China, from ca. 2000 BCE - 900 CE.
Prerequisites: ARH 206 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 203 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 204 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 205 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 207 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 210 [Min Grade: C]

ARH 372. Buddhist & Hindu Art in India to 1200. 3 Hours.

This course explores the environments of worship and devotion particular to India’s major indigenous religious traditions, from their earliest expressions in approximately the fifth century BCE through to the arrival of Islam in India, ca. 1200. We will examine aesthetic conventions, religious ideals, and urban cultures by focusing on the sculpture and architecture traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
Prerequisites: ARH 206 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 203 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 204 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 205 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 207 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 210 [Min Grade: C]

ARH 373. Japanese Prints/Printmakers. 3 Hours.

A history of Japanese block prints and printmakers from seventeenth through twentieth centuries.
Prerequisites: ARH 206 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 203 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 204 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 205 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 207 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 210 [Min Grade: C]

ARH 374. Landscape and Image in East Asia. 3 Hours.

History and cultural context of landscape painting in East Asia, with a focus on China.
Prerequisites: ARH 206 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 203 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 204 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 205 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 207 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 210 [Min Grade: C]

ARH 375. Japanese Art. 3 Hours.

Art and culture, Neolithic era through nineteenth century.
Prerequisites: ARH 206 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 203 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 204 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 205 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 207 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 210 [Min Grade: C]

ARH 376. Mughal Art and Architecture in India, 1526 -1707. 3 Hours.

History of the art and architecture of India’s Mughal empire, from the early sixteenth century to the mid eighteenth century.

ARH 377. Piety and Power: Art in India after 1200. 3 Hours.

History of Art in India from the year 1200 to the twentieth century, including the influence of immigrant cultures - Muslim peoples from West Asia as well as the European colonial powers - on the art and architecture of South Asia.
Prerequisites: ARH 206 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 203 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 204 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 205 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 207 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 210 [Min Grade: C]

ARH 405. Special Topics in African Art. 3 Hours.

Special topics in the history of African art and visual culture. Subject will vary with each offering.
Prerequisites: ARH 321 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 324 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 331 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 340 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 341 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 350 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 360 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 361 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 364 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 367 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 368 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 370 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 372 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 373 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 374 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 375 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 377 [Min Grade: C]

ARH 419. Arts of Death in the Middle Ages. 3 Hours.

The visual culture of death and the afterlife from the Roman catacombs to cadaver tombs, 300-1500.
Prerequisites: ARH 321 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 324 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 331 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 340 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 341 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 350 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 360 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 361 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 364 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 367 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 368 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 370 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 372 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 373 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 374 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 375 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 377 [Min Grade: C]

ARH 422. The Invention of Painting in Renaissance Europe. 3 Hours.

The emergence of modern easel painting, 1300-1600.
Prerequisites: ARH 321 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 324 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 331 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 340 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 341 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 350 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 360 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 361 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 364 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 367 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 368 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 370 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 372 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 373 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 374 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 375 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 377 [Min Grade: C]

ARH 423. Study Abroad: European Art. 3 Hours.

On-site study of art and architecture in Europe.
Prerequisites: ARH 321 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 324 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 331 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 340 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 341 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 350 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 360 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 361 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 364 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 367 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 368 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 370 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 372 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 373 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 374 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 375 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 377 [Min Grade: C]

ARH 430. Eighteenth-Century Art and Material Culture. 3 Hours.

This course examines the art and visual and material culture of the long 18th century. Case studies will highlight visual exchange and the movements of artists and art objects across markets and geographies, reaching beyond larger Europe into the Americas, Africa, East Asia, the Indian Ocean, and the Middle East. Art objects discussed range from furniture, ceramics, textiles, to paintings, manuscripts, and illustrations, and also include eighteenth-century holdings in the Birmingham Museum of Art.
Prerequisites: ARH 321 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 324 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 331 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 340 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 341 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 350 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 360 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 361 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 364 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 367 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 368 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 370 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 372 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 373 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 374 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 375 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 377 [Min Grade: C]

ARH 435. Arts of Power in Early Modern Europe. 3 Hours.

The visual arts in service of kings, popes, and the people, 1300-1700.
Prerequisites: ARH 321 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 324 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 331 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 340 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 341 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 350 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 360 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 361 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 364 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 367 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 368 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 370 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 372 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 372 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 373 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 374 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 375 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 377 [Min Grade: C]

ARH 465. Aspects of Contemporary Art. 3 Hours.

Topics in contemporary art, ca. 1970 to the present. Course offerings will vary from year to year and will study a specific historical moment, medium, theme, or subject.
Prerequisites: ARH 321 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 324 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 331 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 340 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 341 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 350 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 360 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 361 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 364 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 367 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 368 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 370 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 372 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 373 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 374 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 375 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 377 [Min Grade: C]

ARH 471. Post-Partition Identity in South Asian Cinema. 3 Hours.

This course, which focuses on film in Southeast Asia, looks at the Partition and its aftermath in modern and contemporary Indian cinema.
Prerequisites: ARH 321 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 324 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 331 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 340 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 341 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 350 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 360 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 361 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 364 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 367 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 368 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 370 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 372 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 373 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 374 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 375 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 377 [Min Grade: C]

ARH 478. Seminar: Buddhist Arts of East Asia. 3 Hours.

Survey of art and architecture created for Buddhist religious purposes in China, Japan, and to a lesser extent Korea and Central Asia.
Prerequisites: ARH 321 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 324 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 331 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 340 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 341 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 350 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 360 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 361 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 364 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 367 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 368 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 370 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 372 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 373 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 374 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 375 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 377 [Min Grade: C]

ARH 479. Study Abroad: Art & Culture of South Asia. 3 Hours.

This course allows students to become immersed in the art and culture of Asia through direct experience in the field. Focus will primarily be on South Asia but may vary with each course offering to include Nepal, Tibet, and Southeast Asia. Preliminary lectures in Birmingham and significant written assignments required.
Prerequisites: ARH 321 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 324 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 331 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 340 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 341 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 350 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 360 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 361 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 364 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 367 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 368 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 370 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 372 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 373 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 374 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 375 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 377 [Min Grade: C]

ARH 480. Art Criticism and Theory. 3 Hours.

A topics course on subjects in art criticism and theory. The specific focus will vary by instructor and may emphasize either non-Western or Western theories, criticisms, and approaches.
Prerequisites: ARH 321 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 324 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 331 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 340 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 341 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 350 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 360 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 361 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 364 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 367 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 368 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 370 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 372 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 373 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 374 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 375 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 377 [Min Grade: C]

ARH 481. Special Topics: Early Modern Art. 3 Hours.

Special topics in the arts of the Early Modern period in the Western art tradition. Subject will vary with each offering.
Prerequisites: ARH 203 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 204 [Min Grade: C]

ARH 482. Special Topics: Modern Art. 3 Hours.

A special topics course on subjects in the Modern period in the Western tradition, beginning in the later eighteen century. Specific course topics will vary by semester.
Prerequisites: ARH 204 [Min Grade: C]

ARH 483. Special Topics: Gender and the Visual Arts. 3 Hours.

Topic will vary, depending on instructor. This course will address ways in which gender has affected the history of artistic practice and patronage. It will consider such issues as the gendering of pictorial practice and space, strategies of representing gendered subjects, and the impact of women as patrons of art and architecture.
Prerequisites: ARH 321 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 324 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 331 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 340 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 341 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 350 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 360 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 361 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 364 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 367 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 368 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 370 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 372 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 373 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 374 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 375 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 377 [Min Grade: C]

ARH 484. Special Topics: Contemporary Art. 3 Hours.

Special topics in the arts of the Contemporary period in the Western Art tradition. Subject will vary with each offering.
Prerequisites: ARH 321 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 324 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 331 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 340 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 341 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 350 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 360 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 361 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 364 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 367 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 368 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 370 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 372 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 373 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 374 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 375 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 377 [Min Grade: C]

ARH 485. Special Topics: Museum Studies. 3 Hours.

Museum operation; organization and preparation of exhibitions; cataloging objects in collection; experience with UAB Institute of Visual Art and Birmingham Museum of Art.
Prerequisites: ARH 321 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 324 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 331 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 340 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 341 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 350 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 360 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 361 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 364 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 367 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 368 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 370 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 372 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 373 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 374 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 375 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 377 [Min Grade: C]

ARH 486. Special Topics: South Asia. 3 Hours.

Special topics in the arts of South Asia. Subject will vary with each offering.
Prerequisites: ARH 321 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 324 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 331 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 340 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 341 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 350 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 360 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 361 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 364 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 367 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 368 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 370 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 372 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 373 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 374 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 375 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 377 [Min Grade: C]

ARH 487. Special Topics: Field Study. 3 Hours.

Trips to prominent museums and galleries in United States. Preliminary lectures in Birmingham and significant written assignments required.
Prerequisites: ARH 321 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 324 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 331 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 340 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 341 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 350 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 360 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 361 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 364 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 367 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 368 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 370 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 372 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 373 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 374 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 375 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 377 [Min Grade: C]

ARH 488. Special Topics: East Asian Art. 3 Hours.

Special topics in the arts of East Asia. Subject will vary with each offering.
Prerequisites: ARH 321 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 324 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 331 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 340 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 341 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 350 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 360 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 361 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 364 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 367 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 368 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 370 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 372 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 373 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 374 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 375 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 377 [Min Grade: C]

ARH 489. Art History Senior Capstone. 1 Hour.

To be taken concurrently with a 400-level ARH elective. This course a culmination of the students’ training in art history. Students will apply what they have learned throughout the degree program to a project, developed in conjunction with another 400-level ARH course and under the same instructor, such as curating a physical or virtual exhibition, presenting at an undergraduate conference, pursuing a research project and paper, writing and delivering a public lecture, creating valuable archival materials (such as recording oral histories), or another equivalent summation of their degree program.
Prerequisites: ARH 299 [Min Grade: C] and (ARH 305 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 309 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 310 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 321 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 324 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 331 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 340 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 341 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 350 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 360 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 361 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 364 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 367 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 368 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 370 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 372 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 373 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 374 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 375 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 377 [Min Grade: C])

ARH 490. Art Theory: Special Topics. 3 Hours.

Topic of art theory will vary with each offering.
Prerequisites: ARH 321 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 324 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 331 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 340 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 341 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 350 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 360 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 361 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 364 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 367 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 368 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 370 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 372 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 373 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 374 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 375 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 377 [Min Grade: C]

ARH 491. Independent Study. 3-4 Hours.

Project proposed by student and approved by Art History instructor.
Prerequisites: ARH 321 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 324 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 331 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 340 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 341 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 350 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 360 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 361 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 364 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 367 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 368 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 370 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 372 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 373 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 374 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 375 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 377 [Min Grade: C]

ARH 492. Museum/Gallery Internship. 3 Hours.

Through active participation in the daily operations of a museum, gallery, or art space, students will acquire direct working knowledge of a cooperating art institution. Students will be required to work at the institution a minimum of 10 supervised hours per week during the term.
Prerequisites: ARH 321 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 324 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 331 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 340 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 341 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 350 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 360 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 361 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 364 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 367 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 368 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 370 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 372 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 373 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 374 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 375 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 377 [Min Grade: C]

ARH 493. Seminar: South Asian Art. 3 Hours.

Seminar in the arts of South Asia. Subject will vary with each offering.
Prerequisites: ARH 321 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 324 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 331 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 340 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 341 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 350 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 360 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 361 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 364 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 367 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 368 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 370 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 372 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 373 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 374 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 375 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 377 [Min Grade: C]

ARH 494. Seminar: East Asian Art. 3 Hours.

Seminar in the arts of East Asia. Subject will vary with each offering.
Prerequisites: ARH 321 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 324 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 331 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 340 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 341 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 350 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 360 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 361 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 364 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 367 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 368 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 370 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 372 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 373 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 374 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 375 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 377 [Min Grade: C]

ARH 495. Seminar: Early Modern Art. 3 Hours.

Seminar in Early Modern Art. Subject will vary with each offering.
Prerequisites: ARH 321 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 324 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 331 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 340 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 341 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 350 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 360 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 361 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 364 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 367 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 368 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 370 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 372 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 373 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 374 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 375 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 377 [Min Grade: C]

ARH 496. Seminar: Modern Art. 3 Hours.

Seminar in Modern Art. Subject will vary with each offering.
Prerequisites: ARH 321 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 324 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 331 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 340 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 341 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 350 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 360 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 361 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 364 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 367 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 368 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 370 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 372 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 373 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 374 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 375 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 377 [Min Grade: C]

ARH 497. Seminar: Contemporary Art. 3 Hours.

Seminar in Contemporary Art. Subject will vary with each offering.
Prerequisites: ARH 321 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 324 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 331 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 340 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 341 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 350 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 360 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 361 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 364 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 367 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 368 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 370 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 372 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 373 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 374 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 375 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 377 [Min Grade: C]

ARH 498. AEIVA Internship. 3 Hours.

The AEIVA Intern Team will participate in all phases of daily gallery operations, ranging from curatorial practices, exhibition design, video/photographic documentation and production, technical and analytical writing, graphic design, etc. This team will act as a support staff for the AEIVA curatorial/ administrative staff in a hands-on museum/gallery work environment. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 semester hours.
Prerequisites: ARH 321 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 324 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 331 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 340 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 341 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 350 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 360 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 361 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 364 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 367 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 368 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 370 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 372 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 373 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 374 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 375 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 377 [Min Grade: C]

ARH 499. Honors Thesis. 3 Hours.

For students accepted into honors program in art history. Directed study in art history, in which student works with a faculty mentor to write an extensive research paper on a topic of the student's choice. Recommended to be taken at the senior level, the semester prior to graduation.Permission of instructor required. ARH 489 recommended.
Prerequisites: ARH 321 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 324 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 331 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 340 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 350 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 360 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 361 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 364 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 367 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 368 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 370 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 372 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 373 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 374 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 375 [Min Grade: C] or ARH 377 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 100. Drawing: Observations and Perceptions. 3 Hours.

Students will investigate the fundamentals of drawing to learn the elements and principles of art, to improve their dexterity and visual perception, and build skill for advanced arts practice.

ARS 101. Two-Dimensional Design Foundations. 3 Hours.

The course provides students with a foundational knowledge of two-dimensional creative media and an understanding of working with the elements and principles of art and design.

ARS 102. Spatial Solutions. 3 Hours.

The course provides foundational knowledge of three-dimensional art and design focusing on the organization of space and form using a variety of materials, processes, and tools. Students will investigate formal, functional and conceptual issues while developing effective material choices, construction methods, and a safe studio practice.

ARS 103. Digital Design Foundations. 3 Hours.

An introduction to the fundamental principles and practices of digital media and design. This course covers a broad range of digital tools and techniques for professional applications. Students will be introduced to the basics of vector graphics, raster imaging, page layout, video editing, motion graphics, 3D modeling, and digital painting. Projects will build foundational proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere, and After Effects, alongside Blender, Procreate, and Clip Studio Paint. The course will also cover professional workflows for file management, research, and output.

ARS 195. Special Topics in Studio Art: Intro (non-art majors). 1-3 Hour.

Specialized introductory studio problems in Studio Art for non-art majors. Subject will vary with each offering.

ARS 200. Beginning Drawing. 3 Hours.

This course will expand students’ knowledge of drawing and will explore a variety of approaches and media to improve their creative practice. Students will engage in active research of their individual creative practice as well as collaborative experiences.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 202. Figure Drawing-Anatomy, Poses, and Movement. 3 Hours.

This course investigates the contemporary revolution in drawing illustration, which is challenging mainstream notions and traditional roles of the illustrator of figures in Drawing/Illustration. Reproductions of artworks from diverse historical periods will be researched to illustrate points concerning the use of the figure in the history of drawing and illustration. The class is characterized by an atmosphere of study and experimentation, working with concentration and humility in front of an objective reality and live model. The aim is to understand and to discover, rather than simply to follow the rigid steps of a traditional academic regime. Students are encouraged to find their own, individual approaches, and no style is promoted. Students will experiment widely with a selection of drawing, wet media, and digital processes in additional to other historical and innovative approaches to developing works using traditional & digital formats of figurative subjects. They then progress to investigating and experimenting with their own materials and approaches to the figure/methodologies so that they may develop their own personal unique interpretations and/or aesthetic style of figure drawing & illustration. Exposure to illustration history & influences will occur through presentations, readings, and independent research from both western and non-western societies. Issues and topics to be explored include sexual identity, gender, race and art, the gendering of vision, and how sex and gender are culturally and visually interpreted and communicated. We will explore the lived body experience and intersecting histories and identities of global populations with the aim to empower and equip student’s individual research and studio practice and engages with communities both local and global as agents of social change and observation.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 205. Beginning Illustration-Traditional and Digital. 3 Hours.

Beginning Illustration Traditional and Digital is an introduction to the broad field of digital and traditional illustration, problem-solving, creativity, effective communication and aesthetics. Drawing and other visual skills are defined and refined through exploration of various media, formal elements and style solutions. Visual solutions will emphasize appropriate and inventive application of formal elements. The field of illustration is a unique amalgamation of ideals from fine art and design. This course will provide students with the skills necessary to solve complex visual problems and develop a personal approach to concept and image. Daily lectures, research and exercises will focus on the illustration process, tracts within the field of illustration, professional practices of illustrators, media techniques, drawing and analysis of successful student and professional work.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 210. Beginning Painting. 3 Hours.

This course will introduce the discipline of painting through creative explorations, development of skills and understanding of materials use. Students will engage in active research of their individual creative practice and collaborative experiences.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 220. Beginning Sculpture. 3 Hours.

This course will introduce the discipline of sculpture through creative explorations, development of skills and understanding of materials use. Students will engage in active research of their individual creative practice and collaborative experiences.

ARS 225. Digital Fabrication. 3 Hours.

This course will introduce students to digital fabrication. Students will learn the basics of digital design and how to output designs in a variety of mediums on CNC equipment. CAD programs, slicing software, and digital design software will be used in conjunction with tools such as, but not limited to, 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC routers to digitally output designs in a variety of materials.

ARS 230. Beginning Ceramics. 3 Hours.

This course will introduce the discipline of ceramics through creative explorations and development of skills and materials use. Students will engage in action research of their creative practice and collaborative experiences.

ARS 240. Beginning Printmaking. 3 Hours.

This course will introduce the discipline of printmaking through creative explorations and development of skills and material use. Students will engage in action research of their creative practice and collaborative experiences.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 250. Beginning Graphic Design. 3 Hours.

This course will introduce the discipline of graphic design through creative explorations and development of skills and material use. Students will engage in action research of their creative practice and collaborative experiences.
Prerequisites: ARS 103 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 260. Beginning New Media. 3 Hours.

This course will introduce the discipline of new media through creative explorations, development of skills and material use. Students will engage in action research of their creative practice and collaboration experiences. Media practices including sound, animation and video capturing, as well as experimental projection techniques for the fine arts will be taught. Students will work with dedicated audio and video equipment to learn the basics of sound editing and capturing video footage. Dedicated projects such as in camera editing, montage and stop motion animation will allow students to build upon video editing skills. Historical context of media arts is given through screenings, readings and response papers. Technical workshops are given throughout the semester.

ARS 270. Beginning Photography. 3 Hours.

Beginning Photography is an introduction photography course focusing on the operation of digital SLR cameras and Adobe Photoshop fundamental concepts, which will be applied to scanned images and digital photography. Through critiques and visual presentations students will become familiar with contemporary trends, basic history of photography and become articulate about photographic aesthetics. This course is also designed to provide students with basic image editing and photo retouching techniques. The primary outcome of this course is to learn how to apply technical and aesthetic concerns which will provide a foundation in order to start developing a personal artistic vision.
Prerequisites: ARS 103 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 280. Creativity and Imagination. 3 Hours.

This course provides students with a practical and theoretical basis for creative and imaginative practice. Students will explore issues of creativity, imagination and innovation through sketchbook exercises, discussions, and studying the work of notable artists and innovators in historical and contemporary contexts. This course meets Blazer Core Curriculum Creative Arts with a flag in Civic Engagement.

ARS 290. Time and Duration. 3 Hours.

Time and Duration is a beginning-level course that introduces students to the fundamental principles of time-based media through hands-on projects in audio and video. Designed for those with little to no prior experience, the course focuses on developing basic technical and creative skills using cameras, sound equipment, and computers. Students will learn to edit and produce media using industry-standard software such as Adobe Audition, Premiere, and After Effects. Alongside technical instruction, the course provides an introduction to the history and theory of time-based media through screenings, presentations, and readings. By the end of the semester, students will have a solid foundation in both the conceptual and practical aspects of working with sound and moving image.

ARS 295. Special Topics - Beginning. 3 Hours.

Specialized problem solving and collaboration in Studio Art beginning level. Subject will vary with each offering.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 101 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 300. Intermediate Drawing. 3 Hours.

Topics vary each semester. This course provides students with opportunities to engage in a range of methods, sources, concepts and dialogue related to the discipline of drawing.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 101 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 200 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 301. Drawing - Special Topics 2. 3 Hours.

Topics vary each semester. This course provides students with opportunities to engage in a range of methods, materials, sources, concepts and dialogue related to the discipline of drawing.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 104 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 200 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 302. Drawing - Special Topics 3. 3 Hours.

Topics vary each semester. This course provides students with opportunities to engage in a range of methods, materials, sources, concepts and dialogue related to the discipline of drawing.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 104 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 200 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 303. Figure Drawing: Human and Animal. 3 Hours.

An intermediate studio course focused on the observation, analysis, and representation of human and animal forms. Emphasis is placed on anatomical structure, proportion, gesture, movement, and expressive form. Students work from live models, photographic reference, and anatomical study to develop technical proficiency and visual understanding. The course supports the development of perceptual acuity, representational skill, and conceptual clarity essential to figure-based art and illustration practices.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 305. Medical and Scientific Illustration. 3 Hours.

First, this course emphasizes the student’s need to analyze, interpret and distill the complexities observed in natural forms and focuses on honing rendering abilities. Students produce illustrations of both the known and imagined, the observed and unobservable. Instruction covers both classical techniques and new digital technologies and media. Emphasis is placed on advanced development of personal style through an examination of content, materials and techniques. Over the course of the semester, you will engage with case studies from across the last 10,000 years of history of science and art; and you will engage with the values that underlie our distinctions between cultural categories, the values that we also design into our everyday technologies, a space where science and art come together. Instruction covers both classical techniques and new technologies and media. Emphasis is placed on advanced development of personal style through an examination of content, materials and techniques. Experimentation and development of technical ability towards your aesthetic development will be the major goal of this class. In class and outside of class assignments will be due in your final portfolio. This course will explore drawing and illustration with a strong emphasis on concept. Only students with a strong interest in design and drawing should attempt this class. Students will be exposed in this class to the conceptual framework of illustration, which includes, but is not limited to selection, narration, translation, transformation, pattern, metaphor and abstraction. Students will research how to develop ideas and put them into professional practice. More importantly, in this class students will be encouraged to develop both a physical portfolio and independent thinking, as well as develop an ability to generate ideas and discover sources of inspiration quickly.
Prerequisites: ARS 205 [Min Grade: C] or ARS 250 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 306. Editorial Illustration, Bloom Studio, A Beacon for Solutions. 3 Hours.

Instruction covers both classical analog techniques and new digital technologies and media. Emphasis is placed on advanced development of personal style through an examination of content, materials and techniques and the professional workflow of being an editorial illustrator. Experimentation and development of technical ability towards your aesthetic development and portfolio goals will be the major goal of this class. In class and outside of class assignments will be due in your final portfolio. This course will explore drawing and illustration with a strong emphasis on concept. Students will be exposed in this class to the conceptual framework of editorial illustration, which includes, but is not limited to selection, narration, translation, transformation, pattern, metaphor and abstraction. Students will research how to develop ideas and put them into professional practice. More importantly, in this class students will be encouraged to develop both a physical portfolio and independent thinking, as well as develop an ability to generate ideas and discover sources of inspiration quickly.
Prerequisites: ARS 205 [Min Grade: C] or ARS 250 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 307. Sequential Illustration. 3 Hours.

In this course students learn strategies for creating finished, professional-quality sequential illustrations combining words and pictures based on topical themes, autobiographical stories, and self-guided narratives. Topics and strategies include narrative storytelling focusing on single-panel, multi-panel, and multiple-page sequential illustrated stories. Projects will be completed using an array of digital and traditional media. All assignments will focus on sequential art: examples of sequential art can be comic books, graphic novels, children's books, comic strips, and more. Topics and assignments include: narrative storytelling focusing on single-panel, multi-panel, and multiple-page sequential illustrated stories created in both traditional and digital formats.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 205 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 310. Observational Painting. 3 Hours.

Observational Painting is a studio class that will offer students a comprehensive exploration of painting from life. With a special emphasis on direct observation, students will learn to translate what they see in nature into interesting, original paintings. Topics covered will include still life painting, plein air painting, figurative painting, and experimental techniques among others. Using both traditional and contemporary techniques, this class is designed to give students a deeper understanding of their tools and processes. While being geared specifically towards technical development in painting, this course will also offer students ample opportunity for creative expression and experimentation.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 101 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 210 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 311. Painting Materials and Technique. 3 Hours.

Painting Materials and Technique is a studio class that will offer students a comprehensive technical exploration of painting. With a special emphasis on archival processes, students will learn the craft of painting from the ground up. Topics covered will include supports, grounds, paints, mediums, varnishes, pigments, and framing. Using both traditional and contemporary techniques, this class is designed to give students a deeper understanding of their tools and processes. Students will develop hard skills applicable to both their creative practice and other professional opportunities in the art world. While being geared specifically towards technical development in painting, this course will also offer students ample opportunity for creative expression and experimentation.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 101 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 210 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 312. Narrative Painting. 3 Hours.

Narrative Painting is a studio class that explores how artists construct meaning and tell stories through painting. Students will investigate the many ways narrative can be conveyed—through subject matter, symbolism, suggestion, composition, and sequence—while developing a personal visual language. The course will include historical and contemporary examples of narrative painting, from allegory and myth to autobiography and social commentary. Students will strengthen both their conceptual and formal skills, using painting as a medium for storytelling. While centered on the exploration of narrative, this class will also encourage experimentation with materials, format, and structure, resulting in a body of work that is both conceptually rich and technically sound.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 101 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 210 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 320. Sculpture - Metal Casting and Fabrication. 3 Hours.

This course will explore the techniques, materials and concepts of traditional and contemporary mold-making and metalwork. Students will investigate methods of metal casting, such as lost-wax, resin bonded sand molds and the physical possibilities of aluminum, iron and bronze, while enhancing their skills in metal fabrication, such as blacksmithing, arc welding, and oxy-acetylene torch techniques.

ARS 321. Sculpture - Special Topics 2. 3 Hours.

Topics vary each semester. This course provides students with opportunities to engage in a range of methods, materials, sources, concepts and dialogue related to the discipline of sculpture.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 104 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 220 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 322. Sculpture - Special Topics 3. 3 Hours.

Topics vary each semester. This course provides students with opportunities to engage in a range of methods, materials, sources, concepts and dialogue related to the discipline of scuplture.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 104 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 220 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 323. Mold-Making. 3 Hours.

This course will explore the traditional and contemporary techniques, materials and concepts of mold-making. Students will investigate methods of “multiples” in contemporary sculptural-based artwork while experimenting with metal casting, plastic casting, and slip casting. Topics will include repetition, site, and installation.
Prerequisites: ARS 103 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 324. Contemporary Woodworking. 3 Hours.

This course will explore the techniques and processes of traditional woodworking while applying these methods to contemporary ideas. Students will advance their craft in joinery, turning, bending, carving and finishing while developing a contemporary vocabulary of form and function.
Prerequisites: ARS 103 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 330. Ceramics - Special Topics 1. 3 Hours.

Topics vary each semester. This course provides students with opportunities to engage in a range of methods, materials, sources, concepts and dialogue related to the discipline of ceramics.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 104 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 230 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 331. Ceramics - Special Topics 2. 3 Hours.

Topics vary each semester. This course provides students with opportunities to engage in a range of methods, materials, sources, concepts and dialogue related to the discipline of ceramics.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 104 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 230 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 332. Ceramics - Special Topics 3. 3 Hours.

Topics vary each semester. This course provides students with opportunities to engage in a range of methods, materials, sources, concepts and dialogue related to the discipline of ceramics.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 104 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 230 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 340. Printmaking - Special Topics 1. 3 Hours.

Topics vary each semester. This course provides students with opportunities to engage in a range of methods, materials, sources, concepts and dialogue related to the discipline of printmaking.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 104 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 240 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 341. Printmaking - Special Topics 2. 3 Hours.

Topics vary each semester. This course provides students with opportunities to engage in a range of methods, materials, sources, concepts and dialogue related to the discipline of printmaking.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 104 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 240 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 342. Printmaking - Special Topics 3. 3 Hours.

Topics vary each semester. This course provides students with opportunities to engage in a range of methods, materials, sources, concepts and dialogue related to the discipline of printmaking.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 104 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 240 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 350. Graphic Design - Special Topics 1. 3 Hours.

Topics vary each semester. This course provides students with opportunities to engage in a range of methods, materials, sources, concepts and dialogue related to the discipline of graphic design.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 104 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 250 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 351. Graphic Design - Special Topics 2. 3 Hours.

Topics vary each semester. This course provides students with opportunities to engage in a range of methods, materials, sources, concepts and dialogue related to the discipline of graphic design.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 104 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 250 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 352. Graphic Design - Special Topics 3. 3 Hours.

Topics vary each semester. This course provides students with opportunities to engage in a range of methods, materials, sources, concepts and dialogue related to the discipline of graphic design.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 104 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 250 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 356. Information Design. 3 Hours.

This course explores the translation of complex data and environments into clear, accessible visual systems. Students will examine the principles of information architecture, emphasizing the organization, simplification, and strategic presentation of content to facilitate user understanding. Through a series of practical projects students will develop cohesive design systems that balance aesthetics and function.
Prerequisites: ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 250 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 357. Design Production & Materiality. 3 Hours.

This course moves beyond the screen to explore the production side of graphic design. In the competitive creative industry, the ability to navigate material constraints and bring a design to life in the real world can be the difference that lands you a job. Through a series of hands-on demos and experimental projects, students will investigate the technical processes that transform a digital file into a tangible object. The curriculum covers a variety of production methods such as letterpress, embossing/debossing, foiling, laser cutting, and commercial printing. Students will learn why machine-specific processes are chosen to elevate a concept and how they can expand one's design language. The projects in this course require students to master file preparation, material choices, and technical troubleshooting so an idea can be successfully realized as a complete physical product.
Prerequisites: ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 250 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 358. Typography. 3 Hours.

This course provides an in-depth exploration of typography, focusing on type anatomy, type terminology, typeface design, type history, editorial layout design, grid systems, and type hierarchy. Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of typography’s role in visual communication and design. The course emphasizes the technical and conceptual aspects of typography, equipping students with the tools to create effective and sophisticated typographic solutions.
Prerequisites: ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 250 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 359. Brand Identity Design. 3 Hours.

This course will explore the field of brand design and how to work through a process of crafting successful visual identities. We will discuss advanced logo design principles and learn to create highly polished marks that maintain versatility across various platforms. This course will cover relevant topics including type palettes, color palettes, mockups, presentations, stationery suites, and the development of brand guidelines. Through a combination of lectures, studio time, one-on-one feedback, peer discussions, and critique, students will develop portfolio-worthy work that sets them up for professionalism beyond school.
Prerequisites: ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 250 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 360. New Media - Special Topics 1. 3 Hours.

Topics vary each semester. This course provides students with opportunities to engage in a range of methods, materials, sources, concepts and dialogue related to the discipline of new media.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 104 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 260 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 361. New Media- Special Topics 2. 3 Hours.

Topics vary each semester. This course provides students with opportunities to engage in a range of methods, materials, sources, concepts and dialogue related to the discipline of new media.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 104 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 260 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 362. New Media- Special Topics 3. 3 Hours.

Topics vary each semester. This course provides students with opportunities to engage in a range of methods, materials, sources, concepts and dialogue related to the discipline of new media.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 104 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 260 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 363. Video Games as Art. 3 Hours.

Video Games as Art is a studio class that explores video games and the tools used to make them as a contemporary artistic medium. Blending theory and practice, this class examines how games can function as expressive, conceptual, and aesthetic works rather than solely as commercial entertainment. Students will learn from influential independent and experimental games and contemporary artists who make game art. A special emphasis will be placed on interactivity, and play, and the cultural and artistic significance of the medium. Studio projects will encourage students to create their own game-based artworks using industry standard game engines, design tools, and programming languages. Students will develop a deeper understanding of how games can communicate ideas, evoke emotion, and challenge conventions within both art and gaming contexts.

ARS 364. 2D Animation. 3 Hours.

2D Animation is a studio class that offers students a comprehensive technical and creative exploration of animation as a time-based art form. With an emphasis on the principles of motion and visual storytelling in a two-dimensional context, students will learn the craft of2D animation and develop a personal animation aesthetic. Topics covered will include frame-by-frame animation, character movement, storyboarding, sound, and digital workflows. Using both traditional and contemporary techniques, this course is designed to give students a deeper understanding of the tools, software, and processes that shape 2D animation today. Students will develop technical proficiency and a strong foundation in animation principles while engaging in projects that encourage experimentation and personal expression.

ARS 366. 3D Animation. 3 Hours.

3D Animation is a studio class that offers students a comprehensive technical and creative exploration of animation in a three-dimensional digital environment. With an emphasis on the principles of motion and visual storytelling, students will learn the craft of 3D animation and begin to develop a personal animation style. Topics covered will include modeling, texturing, simulation, lighting, camera movement, and character animation among others. Using industry-standard software employed in modern video games and film, this course is designed to give students a deeper understanding of the tools, workflows, and production processes that define 3D animation today. Students will build technical proficiency and a strong foundation in animation principles while engaging in projects that promote experimentation and individual artistic expression.

ARS 370. Narrative Photography. 3 Hours.

Narrative Photography is an intermediate photography course exploring the photographic approaches of working in sequence and series, employing models of repetition, montage, collaboration, and narrative. Students will learn new digital techniques as a means to discuss current trends in photography while consistently pushing towards an integration of skills with the interests and ideas that are important to the student as an individual. Students will engage in active research of their creative practice and collaborative experiences while being introduced to significant photographic work spanning the history of photography to contemporary practices.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 101 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 270 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 371. Editorial Photography. 3 Hours.

Editorial Photography is an intermediate photography course focusing on the study of studio lighting concepts intended to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of still life, product, portrait, and on-location photography for professional application. Students will engage in active research of their creative practice and collaborative experiences while being introduced in active research of their creative practice and collaborative experiences while being introduced to significant photographic work spanning the history of photography to contemporary practices.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 101 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 270 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 372. Analog Photographic Processes. 3 Hours.

Analog Photographic Processes is an intermediate photography course focusing on creative and nontraditional investigations in image making. Meant to engage students beyond the digital realm of contemporary photography and into the world of a more hands on approach using historic and contemporary non digital printing processes. This course will take an advanced approach to photography techniques focusing on historic photographic processes, traditional silver based darkroom printing, and alternative approaches to photography. This course is naturally exploratory in nature with the goal of students being able to recognize the creative possibilities unique to these photographic processes and use them to realize their aesthetic goals. Students will engage in active research of their creative practice and collaborative experiences while being introduced to significant photographic work spanning the history of photography to contemporary practices.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 101 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 270 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 395. Special Topics in Studio Art: Intermediate. 3 Hours.

Specialize studio art problems at the intermediate level. Subject will vary with each offering.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 101 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 104 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 105 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 110 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 400. Advanced Drawing. 3 Hours.

Advanced studies in drawing with an emphasis on in-depth individually generated projects. Students will focus on professional development and portfolio preparation.
Prerequisites: ARS 300 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 301 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 302 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 405. Advanced Digital Illustration. 3 Hours.

This advanced course explores advanced concepts in Traditional & Digital illustration, focusing on professional techniques in composition, rendering, and storytelling. Students will refine their ability to create high-quality digital artwork using industry-standard software and traditional media. Topics include character and editorial themes and environment design, advanced color theory, and portfolio development. The course emphasizes creative problem-solving and professional workplace disposition and workflow. By combining traditional and digital processes, students will open new, creative directions, facilitating the integration of dynamically evolving new media platforms for application in both commercial & fine arts practice.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 205 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 410. Advanced Painting. 3 Hours.

Advanced studies in the discipline of painting with an emphasis on in-depth individually generated projects. Students will focus on professional development and portfolio preparation.
Prerequisites: ARS 310 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 311 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 312 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 420. Advanced Sculpture. 3 Hours.

Advanced studies in the discipline of sculpture with an emphasis on in-depth individually generated projects. Students will focus on professional development and portfolio preparation.
Prerequisites: ARS 320 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 321 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 322 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 430. Advanced Ceramic Sculpture. 3 Hours.

Advanced studies in the discipline of ceramics with an emphasis on in-depth individually generated projects. Students will focus on professional development and portfolio preparation.
Prerequisites: ARS 330 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 331 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 332 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 440. Advanced Printmaking. 3 Hours.

Advanced studies in the discipline of printmaking with an emphasis on in-depth individually generated projects. Students will focus on professional development and portfolio preparation.
Prerequisites: ARS 340 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 341 [Min Grade: C] or ARS 342 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 450. Advanced Graphic Design. 3 Hours.

Advanced studies in the discipline of graphic design with an emphasis on in-depth individually generated projects. Students will focus on professional development and portfolio preparation.
Prerequisites: ARS 350 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 351 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 352 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 459. Graphic Design Field Internship. 3 Hours.

Work in approved graphic design office under guidance of field supervisor and Department of Art and Art History instructor.
Prerequisites: ARS 350 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 351 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 460. Advanced New Media. 3 Hours.

Advanced studies in the discipline of new media with an emphasis on in-depth individually generated projects. Students will focus on professional development and portfolio preparation.
Prerequisites: ARS 360 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 361 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 362 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 470. Advanced Photography. 3 Hours.

Advanced Photography is an upper level photography course focusing in creative investigations in image making. Students will engage in active independent research of their own creative practice to start developing a coherent body of work based upon theme and concept to build a strong visual project. Focus will be placed on exploring ways to develop an individual artistic vision refining a working process, considering methods of presentation, and reflecting on current issues in contemporary art.
Prerequisites: ARS 370 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 371 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 372 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 489. Professionalism, Project Management and Entrepreneurship. 3 Hours.

This capstone professional development course will provide students with knowledge and experience in the intersection of art and business for career in the arts. Students will conduct research, write about art and prepare materials and gain valuable insight into the inner workings of a career in the arts and identify your options and learn how to survive in a continually evolving marketplace. The course aims to familiarize students with ongoing theoretical, methodological and tactical issues in volved in art making and scholarship. Offered each fall. Should be taken at the senior level.

ARS 490. Independent Study in Studio Art. 1-9 Hour.

Students plan a course of study, meeting times and expectations in cooperation with a faculty member.

ARS 491. B.F.A. Exhibition. 3 Hours.

B.F.A. students plan, prepare and present an exhibition of work during final spring semester under the direction of a faculty member of the students choosing. Course meeting times and expectations are developed with the faculty.

ARS 492. Studio or Gallery Internship. 3 Hours.

Through active participation in the daily operations of a museum, gallery, studio, or art space, students will acquire direct working knowledge of a cooperating art institution. Students will be required to work at the institution a minimum of 10 supervised hours per week during the term. Junior or Senior standing only. Students must complete required internship forms with faculty and field supervisor prior, during and at the completion of the internship.

ARS 495. Special Topics-Interdisciplinary. 3 Hours.

Interdisciplinary and inter-media approaches to art making. Courses offer integrated, multidimensional approach to art-making. Topics vary each semester.
Prerequisites: ARS 100 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 102 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 103 [Min Grade: C] and ARS 104 [Min Grade: C]

ARS 498. AEIVA Internship. 3 Hours.

The AEIVA Intern Team will participate in all phases of daily gallery operations, ranging from curatorial practices, exhibition design, video/photographic documentation and production, technical and analytical writing, graphic design, etc. This team will act as a support staff for the AEIVA curatorial/ administrative staff in a hands-on museum/gallery work environment. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 semester hours.