Undergraduate Catalog 2008-2010

Sam Houston State University

Skip to content

• Table of Contents
• Search
• Academic Colleges
• Academic Calendar
• Tuition and Fees

DEPARTMENT OF ART

Program in Advertising Graphic Design | Program in Photography | Program in Computer Animation | Program in Studio Art | Art Minor | Course Descriptions

Chair: Tony Shipp (936)294-1314

Faculty: Martin Amorous, Jack Barnosky, Brian Benfer, Kate Borcherding, David Dawson, Chuck Drumm, Rebecca Finley, Matthew Guest, Michael Henderson, Emmette Jackson, Taehee Kim, Sharon King, Pat Lawler, Tom Seifert, Tony Shipp

Website: www.shsu.edu/~art_www/

Throughout human history, artists have found ways to express beauty, emotion, and vision using a variety of media. The Department of Art offers opportunities for creative students to explore and develop proficiencies in many traditional art forms, such as drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, and photography. New and innovative art forms are also promoted in the Department of Art. Digital media courses are offered in Graphic Design, Computer Animation and Photography. Traditional and new media programs are supported by the Art History program that provides concepts in aesthetics and art theory from diverse cultures and time periods.

Mission

The mission of the Sam Houston State University Department of Art is to build a diverse and contemporary program that will promote critical thinking, creative problem solving and aesthetic understanding in both the student body and faculty. The Department of Art promotes creative research endeavors through the use of scholarships community-student related activities and by exhibiting both faculty and student art work in our gallery. Additionally, we provide the University and the community with a variety of visiting artists and lecturers who help sustain a larger artistic vision.

Academic Programs

• BA in Studio Art
• BFA in Studio Art
• BFA in Animation
• BFA in Graphic Design
• BA in Photography
• BFA in Photography

Highlights

The Department of Art has extensive studio space, modern facilities, and two galleries to support the academic programs. Students in Graphic Design and Computer Animation have access to updated Macintosh Computer laboratories with the industry’s latest software. Advanced Art students can also use the most technologically advanced animation equipment available at the Texas Research Institute for Environmental Studies, a university facility.

Each year visiting artists are brought to campus to lecture and give workshops as well as critiques. Individual studio space is available for advanced BFA candidates and selected students travel with Art Faculty to NYC to enhance their education.

Career Opportunities

Graduates with a degree in art will find the following employment opportunities:

• Many industry or business settings
• Commercial design firms
• Self-Employed Artists
• Teaching Careers
• Game Development Studios

 

Suggested Minors

Minors for a Bachelor of Arts degree program can be chosen based on the student’s goals and
career choices. The minors can be selected from most Minor Degree Programs offered by the
University. Students are encouraged to contact an advisor when selecting a minor. Bachelor of
Fine Arts degrees do not require a minor. However, BFA students are encouraged to Minor in Art History.

Student Organizations

SIGGRAPH – SHSU SIGGRAPH is a student chapter of the national SIGGRAPH organization. The mission of SIGGRAPH is to promote interest in computer graphics and animation. The student members of SIGGRAPH sponsor an annual Animation Festival on campus and participate in the National Annual Conference.

The Student Art Association is a student motivated organization which provides students with the opportunity to create a community environment and form a strong network among their peers. The SAA is dedicated to student development, participating in events such as member exhibitions, technical/creative workshops, field trips and promotion of student work.
Serimikku Shusai is a student clay organization supporting the pursuit of the ceramic arts. The
organization provides support to the ceramic program on campus, as well as the local community. It is comprised of individuals interested in the contemporary issues surrounding ceramics. The purpose of Serimikku Shusai is to expand students’ exposure to clay and its wide range of applications
(from industrial, to the ground we walk on).

Internships

Graphic Design students complete a professional internship. Students intern with design and advertising agencies, the print industry, in-house design departments, and publishers.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available from both the department and the University to support a student’s study. All Scholarships are awarded to full-time Art students only.

Program Specific Requirements

Lecture classes meet for three clock hours per week for one semester. Combination lecture and studio classes meet for six clock hours per week. Art students should plan to budget their time for at least three clock hours per week of involvement for each semester hour credit.

Art majors are encouraged to participate in student exhibitions and other exhibits, programs, and lectures sponsored by the Department. Students must supply the necessary materials for their art projects in all studio classes.

Curriculum

Required Courses for Art Majors

Required courses: ART 161, 163, 164, 260, 265, 271, 365, 370 24 hrs.

Students will select one of the following degrees and programs:

BFA, Program in Graphic Design:
ART 234, 269, 335, 336, 366, 432, 463, 431, 434,
Art History (Advanced), ART (15 hrs. Advanced) ART 333 48 hrs.

BFA, Program in Photography:
ART 269, 331, Art History (3 Advanced), ART (12 hrs. Advanced),
ART 230, 236, 235, 337, 363, 435, 495 ART (3 Advanced, photo) 45 hrs.

BFA, Major in Computer Animation:
ART 231, 234, 269, 331, 335, 336, [371, or 374], 375, 376, 433,
435, 463, 473, 490, ART (6 hrs. Advanced), PHO 230 or higher. 51 hrs.

BFA, Program in Studio Art:
ART (6 hrs. Advanced) 6 hrs.

BA, Program in Photography:
Bachelor of Arts ART 230, 236, 232, 233, 237, 235, 332, 333,
361, 363, 435 and 495. 36 hrs

Major in Advertising Graphic Design
Bachelor of Fine Arts

Major in Art – Photography
Bachelor of Fine Arts

Major in Art - Computer Animation
Bachelor of Fine Arts

Major Art - Studio Art
Bachelor of Fine Arts

At least one Science course should be completed in first semester of second year prior to taking 300- and 400-level courses.

Students must complete the Art courses indicated for the first two years with a minimum 3.0
grade point average in Art to remain candidates for the BFA degree. Students whose Art grade
point average falls below 3.0 will become candidates for the BA degree. Students who select the BA program will be unblocked and continue their coursework. Students who apply for the BFA program will participate in the BFA review upon completion of the first course in their intended concentration. Students who pass the review will be invited into the BFA Program. Students who do not meet BFA standards will be given feedback on areas that need improvement and will be directed to reapply or enroll in the BA program. Students are limited to two BFA reviews.

BFA REVIEW- After the completion of the six foundation art courses:
ART 161, 163, 164, 260, 265, and 271, the student will declare their degree program (BA/BFA) or they will be blocked from registering for upper-level art classes. Candidates for the BFA degree must maintain a 3.0 grade point average in Art including all residence and transferred work. BFA students must participate in a senior exhibition the semester of graduation, and submit a vita and slides or portfolio of their work. The student and advisor establish which electives will be taken for the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art degree.

Art electives in the BFA curriculum may be chosen from all 400-level studio art courses. Most 400- level art studio courses may be repeated for credit (see course listing).

A student considering graduate school after completing the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art degree should take 15 to 18 semester credit hours in the area of specialization: Painting, Drawing, Printmaking, Sculpture, or Ceramics. BFA Studio Art students are encouraged to minor in Art History by taking two additional Advanced Art History courses.

Not all art courses are offered each semester. Consult the Schedule of Classes and your advisor before registration.

Major in Studio Art
Bachelor of Arts

* Students should use the elective/minor hours to meet the 42-advanced hour requirement for graduation.

 

Major in Art - Photography
Bachelor of Arts

 

First Year	Credit	Second Year	Credit
ART 236, 232	6	ART 233, Advanced Photo Electives	9
KIN 215	1	His 163, 164	6
ENG 164, 165	6	PHL 261 or 263	3
MTH 164 or 170	3	CS 133 or 143	3-4
Foreign Language 141, 142	8	BIO, CHM, GEL, PHY, GEO	8
	33	Minor	3
			32-33
Third Year	Credit	Fourth Year	Credit
ART 235, 382, ART (Advanced)	15	ART 363, 435, 3 grs. Advanced Minor	15
ART 161	3	Minor	9
Foreign Language 263, 264	6	ECO 230, 233, 234, GEO 161, PHL 262, PSY 131, 289, SOC 131, or 264	3
POL 231, 232, 235, 265, 266, 281, or 285	3		27
Minor	9
	24

 

 

Students should use elective and/or minor hours to satisfy the 42 advanced hour requirement.

At least one Science course should be completed in first semester of second year prior to taking 300- and 400-level courses.

 

Art Minors

Teacher Certification

Students interested in becoming an art teacher in a public school in the State of Texas will pursue an All-Level Certifi cation in Art. Once all credentials are met for the All-Level Certifi cation this allows employment in grades Kindergarten through 12th grade. To pursue the degree required for certification follow the degree plan for a Bachelor of Arts, Major in Art Studio and a Minor in Secondary Education (Please see Secondary Education for information regarding courses required for SED minor). To complete all requirements for certification the student will need to take and pass two (2) TeXes certifi cation exams. Permission to take the All-Level Art content exam must be granted by the chair of the Department of Art. Please contact the department regarding this procedure.

Art Course Descriptions

ART 160 Introduction to the Visual Arts. (Non-Majors only) [ARTS 1301] This course will introduce the visual elements of art, their nature, functions and relationships in Painting, Sculpture and Architecture to the non-major. Prerequisite: None. Credit 3.

ART 161 Basic Design I. [ARTS 1311] The study and application of two-dimensional design elements and principles using diverse media. Prerequisite: None. Credit 3.

ART 163 Drawing. [ARTS 1316] Freehand drawing using various media. The illusion of volume and space through the use of perspective, line, and value is stressed. Prerequisite: None. Credit 3.

ART 164 Life Drawing I. Drawing from the model in various media. Gesture drawing and figure structure are studied. Prerequisite: ART 163. Credit 3.

ART 260 Pre-Renaissance Art History [ARTS 1303] This course provides a chronological survey of the major monuments of painting, sculpture, architecture, textiles, and metalwork from the ancient through the medieval periods. Prerequisite: None. Credit 3.

ART 262 Foundations in Digital Art.
This is an introductory course in the use of the computer as an art-making medium. The course introduces students to digital software and techniques, image creation and manipulation, digital design and compositional methods, and the use of digital tools as a vehicle of creative problem solving and personal creative expression. Credit 3.

ART 263 Pre Visualization.
This course focuses on the fundamental techniques that are used in visual development for entertainment design. The assignments are intended to develop rapid drawing and rendering skills. The topics will include quick sketching, thumbnails, basic composition, and perspective. A special emphasis will be placed on efficient digital rendering techniques that encompass the use of value to define form. The goal of this course is to provide an efficient approach to generating distinctive designs in a production environment. Credit 3.

ART 265 Basic Design II. [ARTS 2311] Continuation of Basic Design I with emphasis on various compositional approaches and color organization using a variety of materials and media. Prerequisite: ART 161. Credit 3.

ART 269 Life Drawing II. A continuation of ART 164. Prerequisite: ART 164. Credit 3.

ART 271 Three-Dimensional Design. [ARTS 1312] An introduction to elements of design and the principles of arrangement as applied to problems in the third dimension. Prerequisite: None. Credit 3.

ART 330 Motion Graphics.
A study of the use of type in motion to create animated graphic designs, logos, titles and animated concrete poetry. Prerequisite: ART 375, ART 234 (Graphic Design 2). Credit 3.

ART 331 2D Computer Animation. This course uses computer software to create 2D animations that incorporate traditional techniques and styles such as drawing and painting, cut paper, cel animation, and stop action. Digital video editing techniques are practiced. Prerequisite: ART 231 ART 265 ART 234 (Basic Design 2, Graphics 1)Credit 3.

ART 335 Graphic Design II. This foundation course introduces an overview of history, principles, processes and terminology of typography. Type sensitivity is developed through a variety of means: classifying and identifying typefaces, designing typographic logotypes, as well as designing with type. The majority of work is created on the computer. Prerequisite: ART 234. Credit 3.

ART 336 Graphic Design III. The techniques and processes of print media are explored. The use of color is emphasized. Students will be exposed to historical and aesthetic issues. Prerequisite: ART 335. Credit 3.

ART 360 Digital Imaging.
This course involves the exploration of advanced computer imaging techniques in support of individual student interests. Advanced capture, manipulation, and printing procedures are explored and applied in developing digital portfolios. Prerequisite: ART 233. Credit 3 or 6.

ART 365 Painting I. An introduction to the materials and techniques of oil painting. Emphasis is placed on the observation of actual phenomena using still life, the figure, and landscape. Prerequisites: ART 161, ART 163 and ART 265. Credit 3.

ART 366 Printmaking. An introduction to the techniques and procedures of printmaking. The emphasis is on relief, monoprint, and intaglio methods. Prerequisites: ART 161, 163 and ART 265. Credit 3.

ART 370 Survey II: Renaissance to Post-Modern Art History. This course provides a chronological survey of the major monuments of painting, sculpture, architecture, textiles, and metalwork from the medieval period to the present. Prerequisite: None . Writing Enhanced. Credit 3.

ART 371 Ceramics. An introduction to ceramics. Clay will be explored through a variety of basic hand building techniques. Ceramic surfaces including slips and glazes will be employed. Students will use various kiln firing techniques and clay bodies. Prerequisite: ART 271. Credit 3.

ART 373 Collage. A class which follows the precepts of the twentieth century art form of using and exploring the juxtaposition and layering of a variety of materials and images. The dynamics of composition and a further investigation of the use of color and inherent capabilities of contrasting images and textures will be studied. Students will use a variety of materials including the found object, discarded papers, invented textures and painted surfaces to create their imagery. Prerequisite: ART 265. Credit 3.

ART 374 Methods & Materials. An introduction to sculptural form through projects involving woodworking and welding. Lectures and demonstrations will be given on tools, materials and safety procedures. Prerequisite: ART 271. Credit 3.

ART 375 Introduction to 3D Computer Animation. Basics of 3D Animation including 3D modeling techniques, keyframing and graph editing, shading, lighting and rendering. Prerequisite:ART 161, ART 163, ART 234, and ART 271. Credit 3.

ART 376 Advanced 3D Computer Animation Further study in modeling techniques, shading, lighting and rendering. Advanced concepts are introduced including inverse kinematics, deformers, and dynamics. Course may be repeated. Prerequisite: ART 375. Credit 3.

ART 430 3D Modeling for Computer Animation and Design. Techniques used in creating 3D models for computer animation are studied, including Polygonal modeling, Nurbs and Subdivision surfaces. Prerequisite: ART 376. Credit 3.

ART 431 Illustration. This course promotes the inventive and individual solutions to illustrational problems, explores relationships of the image to the text and develops individual skill level using a variety of media, including the computer. Prerequisites: ART 265 and ART 269. Credit 3.

ART 432 Graphic Design IV. Publication design problems are presented as they relate to a specific corporation/ product. Typical projects include corporate identity systems and ad campaigns. Production methods are individually explored to produce presentation quality mockups. Prerequisite: ART 336. Credit 3.

Art 433 Character Animation. Character design, modeling and rigging using 3D computer software. Techniques for games and film are compared and action and motion sequences are created and studied. Prerequisite: ART 376 , ART 269 (Life Drawing). Credit 3.

ART 434 Graphic Design V. An internship in an approved field and an intense portfolio review. Prerequisite: ART 432. Credit 3.

ART 460 Shading, Lighting and Rendering. An in depth study of surfaces and shaders including texture and image mapping, lighting for compositing, cel shading, and rendering methods. Prerequisite: ART 376, ART 234, ART 265 (Graphics 1, Basic Design 2). Credit 3.

ART 463 Advanced Drawing. Drawing problems with emphasis on the development of personal expressive techniques. Prerequisite: ART 269. Credit 3.

ART 465 Advanced Painting. Exploration of traditional painting processes and concepts along with the introduction of non-traditional techniques and materials. Emphasis is placed on skill development and individual exploration of ideas. Prerequisite: ART 365. Credit 3

ART 466 Painting in Aquamedia. The focus is on transparent watercolor. Landscape, still life, and the figure are emphasized, along with experimentation. Prerequisites: ART 161, ART 163, ART 265. Credit 3.

ART 473 The History of Animation. A survey of the History of Animation from early cartoons through contemporary special effects and 3D characters. The political, artistic and social uses of animation are examined. Prerequisite: ART 370. Credit 3.

ART 474 History of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Century Art. A survey of major artistic movements and artists working in painting, sculpture and architecture. Prerequisite: ART 260 and ART 370. Writing Enhanced. Credit 3.

ART 478 Criticism and Theory in the Visual Arts. The study of historical and contemporary aspects of major thinking and writing concerning the visual arts. Prerequisite: ART 260 and ART 370. Writing Enhanced. Credit 3.

ART 480 Advanced Ceramics. A continued exploration of ceramics. Individual direction of each student will determine type of clay, ceramic surface and firing process to be used. Further research into clay and glaze chemistry and the history of ceramics. Prerequisite: ART 371. Credit 3.

ART 482 Sculpture. The exploration of three-dimensional media through the proper use of tools, working processes, and a variety of materials. Emphasis placed on skill development and individual exploration of ideas. Prerequisite: ART 374. Credit 3.

ART 490 Animation Portfolio.
Students in this course will create a work in a specific area of expertise and author a demo reel using this work and refined work from previous courses. A print portfolio will be created and job searching skills such as presentation and resume building will be taught. Prerequisite: 12 hours of animation studio and approval of instructor. Credit 3.

ART 492 Advanced Printmaking. Advanced problems in printmaking. Special procedures and problems involving further investigation of various printmaking media with an introduction to lithography. Prerequisite: ART 366. Credit 3.

ART 493 Undergraduate Seminar in Art. An undergraduate seminar course concerning problems selected within an area of specialization. Prerequisites: 6 hours of credit in the area of investigation, with permission of the instructor and department chair. (This course may be taken for Academic Distinction credit. See Academic Distinction Program in this catalog.) Variable credit.

ART 494 The Business of Art. This class is designed to prepare the art studio major for a professional presentation of their portfolio to present to a gallery or for admittance into graduate school. Students will learn how to photograph their art-work, write a resume, artist statement and cover letter. Crate building, mat cutting and frame making will also be covered. Class discussions, guest lectures and readings on current art topics are also required. Students enrolling in this class must sign up for additional lab hours with the professor. Credit 3.

ART 496 Museum and Gallery Practices. This course is a course designed for students interested in learning the operations of Art Galleries and Museums. Students will visit museums and galleries in the area and assist with exhibitions in the Gaddis Geeslin Gallery in the Art Department. The course will cover art handling and installation of art works, registration procedures, and curatorial theories and practices. Students will curate and mount an exhibit, and prepare press materials and publicity as a project for the course.  Prerequisite: ART 370 Credit: 3

Sam Houston State University | A Member of The Texas State University System