Studio Arts

AR-103  Beginning Drawing
Variable; Yearly; 4 Credits; F; 
This course will explore the fundamental concerns as well as representational methods and concepts. Using line, shape, form, volume, texture, and the effective spatial organization of these elements, students will develop perceptual and technical skills to interpret form and space. Students will work with graphite and charcoal, pencil, ink, and other media.    

AR-200  Beginning Painting
Variable; Yearly; 4 Credits; F; 
Introductory course which investigates perceptual and technical aspects of painting which build off of Drawing, 2D Design and Art History. Students work in oil paint, learn various support construction, mediums, traditional methods (including making and altering paint chemistry) and color theory. Demonstration, reading, lectures and slide presentations supplement studio sessions and outside projects. Materials are ordered for the student. Taking an introductory level drawing course prior to enrollment in Basic Painting is highly encouraged (but not mandatory).   Note: Drawing courses from high school may provide adequate preparation. Please contact the course professor for more information. Note: An additional fee for art supplies is assessed.

AR-104  Design and Color
Variable; Yearly; 3 Credits; F,CTDH; 
The discipline of design is basic to all forms of visual art, including painting, drawing, photography, ceramics and illustration. This course is designed to acquaint the student with the basic elements of picture structure: composition, line, shape, value, texture, color, scale, proportion, tension, and balance. Note: A special fee for art supplies is assessed.    

AR-203  Digital Photography I
Variable; Yearly; 3 Credits; F; 
This course focuses on photography and the creation of digital imagery. Students will learn to operate a DSLR camera and complete projects utilizing a variety of photographic techniques and genres. Students will learn to express visual concepts through photography while utilizing specific techniques unique to the creation of digital photographic artwork. Final works will be exhibited electronically and in print. Students will also look at the work of contemporary photographers and prepare a presentation on one photographer. The course utilizes primarily Adobe Photoshop on a Mac platform.    

AR-204  Digital Art I
Variable; Yearly; 4 Credits; F,CTDH,WK-CE; 
This course focuses on the creation of art through electronic processes. Adobe Creative Cloud and other apps will be utilized along with scanners, cameras, and printers. Final works will be exhibited electronically and in print.    

AR-215  Ceramic Sculpture
Variable; Yearly; 3 Credits; F,WK-CE; 
Ceramic Sculpture introduces students to the basic methods and techniques of creating three-dimensional objects in clay. Students will learn various hand-building techniques as well as the technical, historical, and cultural considerations associated with 3-dimensional art. Through this course, students will develop their own artistic voice by experimenting with and apply these concerns in their ceramic work.   Pre-requisite or co-requisite: FYC-101 or EN-110 or EN-109

AR-117  Intro to Sculpture
Variable; Yearly; 3 Credits; F,WK-CE; 
This course is an introduction to the foundational concepts and creation of sculpture. We will explore various techniques related to wood working, metal working, fiber arts, and glass casting; along with aesthetic, historical, and cultural considerations associated with 3-dimensional art. Through this course, students will begin developing their artistic voice by experimenting with and apply these concerns in their work.    

AR-110  Survey of Western Art
Fall & Spring; Yearly; 3 Credits; F,I; 
Introduces the major periods of western art history from its genesis to the present: Ancient, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Early Christian, Byzantine, Early Medieval, Romanesque, Gothic, Proto-Renaissance, Renaissance, High Renaissance, Mannerism, Northern Renaissance, Baroque, Nineteenth Century, and Twentieth Century. Masterpieces from each epoch provide information about the cultures from which they derive, and highlight the individual achievements of outstanding artists.    

AR-130  What Makes a Masterpiece?
Fall & Spring; All Years; 3 Credits; WK-HT,F; 
Why are some works of art referred to as " masterpieces " ? Why do some objects end up in museums? Who determines the worth of an art object? How does art become famous? By exploring these questions and other issues through a series of case studies, this course will also serve as an introduction to the history of art.    

AR-329  Early Modern Art
Either Semester; Variable; 3 Credits; F,I; 
This course surveys stylistic developments commencing in the late nineteenth century and culminating with Abstract Expressionism in the mid-twentieth century in painting and sculpture. We will address questions such as: what is modern art and when did it begin? What makes a work of art modern, and how is this art different from what preceded it? Through discussion, students will learn to recognize, understand, and appreciate the defining features of modern art in its early stages of development in Europe and America.  Prerequisite: AR 110 Survey of Western Art.

AR-330  Modern to Contemporary Art
Either Semester; Variable; 3 Credits; CA,F,I; 
An exciting venture into the realm of the arts of our modern to contemporary world, this course surveys major artists and movements from post-World War II to the present. Beginning with Pop Art and continuing through Post-Modernism and the global arts of today, we will examine artworks from a variety of media and incorporate key critical, philosophical, cultural, and theoretical writings.  Pre-requisite: AR-110 or AR-130.

AR-451  Capstone in 2D Studio Art I
Variable; Yearly; 4 Credits; F; 
This course provides students with the time, focus, and experience to develop an art portfolio in preparation for entrance to graduate art programs or a career in visual arts. Students must have twelve credits of advanced courses (300 and 400 level) in one or more of the following art disciplines: Drawing, Painting, Photography, Ceramics, Sculpture (3-D arts), and Art History.

AR-452  Capstone in 2D Studio Art II
Spring; Yearly; 3 Credits; F; 
This course provides students with the time, focus, and experience to develop an art portfolio in preparation for entrance to graduate art programs or a career in visual arts.  Students must have twelve credits of advanced courses (300 and 400 level) in one or more of the following art disciplines: Drawing, Painting, Photography, Ceramics, Sculpture (3-D arts) and Art history.

AR-453  Capstone in 3D Studio Art I
Fall; Yearly; 3 Credits; F; 
This course provides students with the time, focus, and experience to develop an art portfolio in preparation for entrance to graduate art programs or a career in visual arts. Students must have twelve credits of advanced courses (300 and 400 level) in one or more of the following art disciplines: Drawing, Painting, Photography, Ceramics, Sculpture (3-D arts) and Art history.

AR-454  Capstone in 3D Studio Art II
Spring; Yearly; 4 Credits; F; 
Students will create a body of work to display in the spring Capstone exhibition. Independent investigations may vary in medium; capstones are offered to students who have displayed advanced talent and comprehension of material(s). Sophisticated and expansive projects will be individually designed by each student that displays dedication to a cumulative sense of aesthetic sensibilities, technique(s), visual vocabulary, and concept. Creative thought and discourse will occur throughout the semester. Interaction will be expected during open forum sessions of AR-454.  Prerequisite: AR-405 or by permission. Additional lab fees apply. 

AR-295  Methods in Art History
Variable; Yearly; 3 Credits; F; 
Students will learn to create functional bowls to be This course provides an introduction to the discipline of art history through an exploration of the many methodologies employed by art historians to understand works of art from the classical to the contemporary. Students will engage with the questions and debates that have shaped the field of art history through an examination of the discipline's rich and varied theoretical literature.   Prerequisite: AR 110 or AR 130.

AR-301  African-American Art
Either Semester; Variable; 4 Credits; CA,F,I,CW,SW-US; 
Considers the work of African-American artists from the American colonial period to the present, seeking to understand the works of painting, sculpture and other media as the products of major cultural movements such as the New Negro Movement, Harlem Renaissance, and Civil Rights Movement, but also as the unique expressions of individual artists.    

AR-309  Italian Renaissance Art
Either Semester; Either Semester; 3 Credits; F,I,CW; 
Considers the art and architecture in Italy from 1250-1600, with special focus on the centers of Florence, Siena, Rome, Venice, Milan, and Naples. Duccio, Giotto, Ghiberti, Donatello, Michelangelo, Bramante, Leonardo, Raphael, and Titian are among the artists studied. Note: A special course fee may apply.  Prerequisite: AR 110 or AR 130.

AR-310  Baroque to Enlightenment
Either Semester; Variable; 3 Credits; F,I,CW; 
This course examines the emergence of the Baroque in the 17th century through the Rococo and the impactof scientific reasoning in art and society in the 18th century. Students will learn how styles develop and change in Italy, Spain, France, the Netherlands, England, and America as a reaction to and against socio-political and aesthetic issues.   Prerequisite: AR 110 or AR 130.

AR-311 Ancient Art & Architecture
Either Semester; Variable; 3 Credits; F,I; 
Studies art and architecture from Prehistory through Ancient Rome, with particular emphasis on architecture and sculpture and their purpose in cultural and political activities. Course will draw from art historical and archaeological approaches.   Prerequisite: AR 110 or AR 130.

 AR-312 Medieval Art & Architecture
Either Semester; Variable; 3 Credits; F; 
This course concentrates on the arts and architecture of Europe from 300 to 1250. Works are drawn from the late Antique, Byzantine, Migratory, Carolingian, Ottonian, Romanesque, and Gothic periods. Special emphasis on the relationship between religious, economic, social and political forces and how they affected the arts of this era.   Prerequisite: AR-110 or AR-130.

AR-313  Northern Renaissance Art 
Either Semester; Variable; 3 Credits; F,I; 
Study of the arts in Northern Europe (mainly Germany and the Netherlands) in the 15th and 16th centuries with a particular focus on the patronage of mercantile centers and courts. Artists to be considered include Campin, Van Eyck, Van der Weden, Durer, Grunewald, Bosch, and Bruegel.  Prerequisite: AR-110 or AR-130.

AR-315  Women in Art
Either Semester; Yearly; 4 Credits; CA,F,I; 
A study of women artists and their artworks from a variety of approaches - aesthetic, historical, philosophical, social, economic, and political - this course seeks to understand appreciate, and integrate the role and contributions of women into the history of western art. Note: This course was offered as 3 credits through Spring 2019.   Prerequisite: AR-110 or AR-130 and at least sophomore class standing.

AR-316 19th Century Art
Variable; Yearly; 4 Credits; F,I,CS,WK-HT; 
This course introduces major themes in 19th century European art, with an emphasis on French painting. We will consider revolutionary impacts on art; the Napoleonic presence abroad; the shift from history painting to realism; issues related to class and gender. Students will gain an understanding of the stylistic principles and historical contexts in which 19th century art was created.   Pre-Req or Co-Req: FYC-101 or EN-110 or EN-109

AR-322  Modern Architecture 
Either Semester; Variable; 3 Credits; F,I,CS; 
This course traces major tendencies in American and European architecture from the late 18th century up through the 20th century. We will examine the roots of modern architecture in relation to culture and society and will focus on issues concerning style, technology, urbanism and regionalism to address the forces that have shaped modern architecture.  Prerequisites: AR-110 or AR-130.

AR-340 Philosophy of Art
Either Semester; Variable; 3 Credits; F,H; 
A study of the main theories about art in the western tradition, with particular attention to classical views as well as modernist conceptions and post-modern critical reactions.  Prerequisites: AR-110 or AR-130 or permission of instructor.

AR-390  Museum Studies
Spring; Variable; 3 Credits; F,S; 
This course will provide a broad introduction to the field of museum work. Students will be introduced to the field of museum studies by looking at the history, philosophy, role, operation and multiple functions of museums in American society. Students will examine the political, social, business, legal and ethical issues that confront museum professionals. By the end of the semester students should be able to identify and apply a range of techniques, tools and material used in museum work, and critically discuss issues related to exhibition, education, collections management, and conservation, among other topics.  Prerequisites: AR-110 or or AR-130.

AR-392  Museum Education 
Spring; Variable; 3 Credits; F; 
This course will study the history, theory, and practice of museum education. The class combines lectures, round table discussions, and design strategies for successful museum education programs for a variety of audiences. Students implement their learned skills through a series of programs that they design and implement for pre-selected groups. Prerequisites: AR-110 or AR-130.

AR-394  Curatorial Studies
Fall & Spring; Variable; 3 Credits; F; 
In this seminar-style course, students will examine the history & theory of the curatorial discipline and the role of the work of a contemporary curator. We will consider the ways in which curators work as researchers, collaborators, artists, and social activists while developing and implementing exhibitions, and we will discuss issues of ethics, collecting, documentation, communication, scholarly research, and presentation. Prerequisites: AR-110 or AR-130.

AR-200  Beginning Painting
Variable; Yearly; 4 Credits; F; 
Introductory course which investigates perceptual and technical aspects of painting which build off of Drawing, 2D Design and Art History. Students work in oil paint, learn various support construction, mediums, traditional methods (including making and altering paint chemistry) and color theory. Demonstration, reading, lectures and slide presentations supplement studio sessions and outside projects. Materials are ordered for the student. Taking an introductory level drawing course prior to enrollment in Basic Painting is highly encouraged (but not mandatory).   Note: Drawing courses from high school may provide adequate preparation. Please contact the course professor for more information. Note: An additional fee for art supplies is assessed.

AR-203  Digital Photography I
Variable; Yearly; 3 Credits; F; 
This course focuses on photography and the creation of digital imagery. Students will learn to operate a DSLR camera and complete projects utilizing a variety of photographic techniques and genres. Students will learn to express visual concepts through photography while utilizing specific techniques unique to the creation of digital photographic artwork. Final works will be exhibited electronically and in print. Students will also look at the work of contemporary photographers and prepare a presentation on one photographer. The course utilizes primarily Adobe Photoshop on a Mac platform.    

AR-204  Digital Art I
Variable; Yearly; 4 Credits; F,CTDH,WK-CE; 
This course focuses on the creation of art through electronic processes. Adobe Creative Cloud and other apps will be utilized along with scanners, cameras, and printers. Final works will be exhibited electronically and in print.    

AR-208  Beginning Photography
Variable; Yearly; 4 Credits; F; 
This foundational photography course does not assume any prior knowledge of black and white materials or 35mm camera operation. It is designed to introduce students to basic principles of camera and darkroom equipment operation. Students will seek a fine balance between technical acquisition of the photographic skills (such as correct film exposure, film development, and paper processing) and the ability to implement them to communicate a personal vision. Emphasis will be placed on learning basic principles of photography andan ability to express this knowledge creatively through high quality black and white photographs. Students will be exposed to aspects of the history of photography and visual language in photography today. Note: A special fee for art supplies is assessed.    

AR-299  Special Topic
Variable; Variable; 1-4 Credits;  ; 
An introduction to one of the branches of art not currently included in the regular course offerings.   Prerequisites vary based on the course offering. Special fees may apply.

AR-300  Intermediate Painting
Variable; Yearly; 4 Credits; F; 
This course is designed for advanced students to broaden their understanding of painting, refine techniques, visualize sophistication of concepts, and begin building a personal portfolio that reveals an attempt at a search for meaning/content, personal style, and individual expression. Students will build upon foundational painting skills acquired in introductory level painting by exploring color and tonal relationship through a variety of applications and techniques of the oil media. Students will also investigate descriptive and expressive possibilities in painting introduced through technical and conceptual painting problems designed to develop observational and conceptual awareness.   Prerequisites: AR200 and Art POE or permission of the instructor. Note: A special fee for art supplies is applied.

AR-303 Intermediate Drawing
Either Semester; Variable; 3 Credits; F; 
This course is designed to expose students to many different drawing techniques using a variety of tools, media, support materials, and surfaces as applied to individual expression. This course will build upon skills acquired in Basic Drawing (AR103) by emphasizing observational concerns as well as representational methods and concepts, and by developing perceptual and technical skills. Through the use of line, shape, form, volume, texture, color and effective spatial organization of these elements, students will interpret and translate form and space. We will also be addressing content and conceptual concerns of drawing as a complete art form within itself and its place in contemporary art today.  Prerequisites: AR103 or AR200. Note: A special fee for art supplies is assessed.

AR-400  Advanced Painting
Variable; Yearly; 4 Credits; F; 
This course is designed for advanced students to broaden their understanding of painting, and their refine techniques. This course will help students build a personal portfolio that conveys a search for meaning/content, personal style, and individual expression. Students will build upon painting skills acquired in introductory and intermediate level painting courses by investigating descriptive and expressive possibilities in painting. Painting abilities and techniques should be refined this semester, as well as sophistication of concepts. An emphasis will be placed on solving conceptual problems in painting in a context relevant to contemporary art.  Prerequisites: AR200 and AR300 and Art POE or permission of the instructor. Note: A special fee for art supplies is assessed.

AR-117  Intro to Sculpture
Variable; Yearly; 3 Credits; F,WK-CE; 
This course is an introduction to the foundational concepts and creation of sculpture. We will explore various techniques related to wood working, metal working, fiber arts, and glass casting; along with aesthetic, historical, and cultural considerations associated with 3-dimensional art. Through this course, students will begin developing their artistic voice by experimenting with and apply these concerns in their work.    

AR-125  Explorations in Clay
Fall; Yearly; 3 Credits; F; 
This course will introduce students to the basic techniques used to create functional, hand-built ceramics. Students will explore methods such as pinching, coiling, slumping, slabbing, etc.; wheel-throwing techniques will also be introduced. Demonstrations of each technique will be followed by an in-class study; the methods will then be linked to an assignment by which grades are determined. Students will participate in other areas of ceramics, such as loading and unloading kilns in addition to creative processes. Critical thought and discourse will occur during class over the course of the semester to encompass the elements and principles of design as well as function. Note: additional lab fees apply.    

AR-211  The Art of Bookmaking
Variable; Yearly; 3 Credits; F,WK-CE; 
This course will introduce fiber to students at its most sophisticated and expressive, mode: Book Arts. Students will be taught basic book-making techniques as well as a brief history of visual communication (both functionally and aesthetically). Students will create projects that challenge traditional notions of the book within the visual arts. Students will participate in such activities as papermaking, sewing, stitching, and other techniques used to alter the idea of published material and written communication. Note: Additional lab fees apply.    Pre-Req or Co-Req: FYC-101 or EN-110 or EN-109

AR-225  Wheel Throwing
Variable; Yearly; 4 Credits; F,WK-CE; 
This course will introduce students to the techniques of the potter's wheel and expressive qualities of clay as an artistic medium as well as an essential commodity. Students will learn wheel-throwing techniques to incorporate form, function, and design with each project.    Pre-Req or Co-Req: FYC-101 or EN-110 or EN-109

AR-235  Empty Bowls Practicum
Variable; Yearly; 3 Credits; F,SW-LE; 
Students will learn to create functional bowls to be donated to the annual Empty Bowls fundraising event that supports Huntingdon County food banks. Additional and complementary topics will include philanthropy, altruism, and empathy-building activities. Students will develop the knowledge and skills needed to engage effectively with the local communities they will inhabit throughout their lives. Creative thought and discourse will occur throughout the semester.     

AR-305 Intermediate Ceramics 
Variable; Yearly; 4 Credits; F; 
This course will investigate advanced ceramic techniques and concepts to strengthen students' abilities to utilize clay as a creative medium. Sophisticated and expansive projects will merge personal investigation, aesthetic sensibilities, and technical skills as a means of expression. Students will participate in other areas of ceramics, such as loading and unloading kilns and making clay. Prerequisites - ONE of the following: AR125, AR215, AR225, or by permission. Additional lab fees apply.

AR-405  Advanced Ceramics
Variable; Yearly; 4 Credits; F; 
Students will propose individually-designed, sophisticated and expansive projects that display dedication to a cumulative sense of aesthetic sensibilities, technique(s), visual vocabulary, and concept utilizing clay as the primary medium. Creative thought and discourse will occur throughout the semester. Interaction will be expected during open forum sessions of AR405.  Prerequisites - AR305 or by permission. Additional lab fees apply.