Art

ART 100: Drawing and Composition

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 4.50 hours. (1002.10)

Beginning course in drawing which develops basic drawing skills, perception, and personal expression. Problems of value, structure, and composition, using a variety of themes are addressed. Ordering of two- dimensional space through drawing. Integration of history, theory, and criticism. Interrelationship of the creative arts, humanities, and the self in western and non-western cultures. Experiences with a variety of drawing media and approaches. Notebooks and journal required.

ART 101: Design and Color

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 4.50 hours. (1002.10)

In this course, students learn the language of design principles and color theory as they relate to formal composition and the construction of meaning in an artwork. Students will create art and design projects using paint, drawing materials, and other media to demonstrate and evaluate design principles and color theory. Students will research and analyze elements of design in examples of fine art, graphic design, and other forms of popular media. History, theory, and critical analysis of art will be integrated into the study of design and color. (May be repeated three times.)

ART 102: Drawing and Composition

Units: 3
Prerequisites: ART 100.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 4.50 hours. (1002.10)

Continuation of ART 100 emphasizing a creative approach using both black and white and color media. Students will be exposed to a variety of contemporary approaches toward space, scale, and content, and will be encouraged to develop personal expression through the combined manipulations of subject matter and materials. (May be repeated two times.)

ART 103: Beginning Sculpture

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 4.50 hours. (1002.20)

In this sculpture course, students explore the language of three-dimensional form, structure, and space. It develops personal expression, using a variety of themes and subject matter by ordering three-dimensional space through basic materials such as clay, plaster, metal, and wood. It offers experiences with differing approaches within cultural contexts and integrates history, theory, and criticism showing interrelationship of the creative arts, humanities, and the self in western and non-western cultures. This course will satisfy the ART 103, three-dimensional design course requirement for art majors transferring to SDSU.

ART 157: Art Orientation

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (1002.00)

Basic course in art appreciation, including a study of world art forms, techniques, traditions, and aesthetics. Emphasis will be placed on surveying both western and world art. Lectures are illustrated with slides.

ART 158: Traditional Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (1002.00)

An introduction to non-Western arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. This course explores methodology and materials in diverse media as they reflect various cultures from ancient to contemporary periods.

ART 177: Art in the Elementary Schools

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (1002.00)

This course focuses on practical methods of teaching art to elementary school students. It examines art historical movements, theories, and criticism from both Western and non-Western cultures and relates these to the development and instruction of art. Topics include concepts and techniques of creating drawings, paintings, and sculptures to inform classroom instruction with children.

ART 201: Objects and Ideas in Contemporary Art

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 4.50 hours. (1002.00)

Ideas and current issues in contemporary art will be investigated through visual presentations of artistic activity including vanguard work of the 20th and 21st centuries. Lectures will address historical and cultural contexts of contemporary art, as well as influences, intentions, and strategies that contemporary artists invent and employ. It explores art across the globe, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Student art projects may include found and constructed objects, low cost, recyclable, unconventional materials in tandem with traditional materials and methods. Environment, sound, installation, and time-based elements may be integrated into the projects. Technical and conceptual explorations in student art projects and research presentations will link to contemporary art. Experimentation and creative problem solving will be emphasized in individual and collaborative art projects. While focused on hybrid and multifaceted forms of new art, vocabulary development will be beneficial for description and analysis of art from many ages.

ART 203: Life Drawing

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 4.50 hours. (1002.10)

The human figure is the subject of this drawing course. Students work from a nude model using materials such as charcoal, pencil, ink, and pastels. Students learn how to depict action in quick gesture drawings as well as produce more complex tonal drawings with emphasis on composition and personal expression. Topics include basic anatomy, structure, and proportion with equal emphasis placed on line quality, value, and media control. (May be repeated three times.)

ART 204: Painting

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: ART 100 or ART 101.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 4.50 hours. (1002.10)

Students will study past and present practices in painting working from various subjects which may include still life, landscape, figures, or portraits, either from life or two-dimensional references. Learning to be creative and analytical in painting images and forms, students will develop skills in painting techniques, color mixing, composition, design, and drawing using oils or acrylic as determined by instructor. (May be repeated three times.)

ART 205: Painting in Watercolor and Waterbase Media

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 4.50 hours. (1002.10)

This course covers composition, techniques, and theory of painting, using watercolor and/or waterbase media. Students will master basic painting principles and explore a broad range of painting issues. Students will investigate various painting media, art historical traditions, and theoretical positions. Course work includes lecture, lab, critique, and independent projects. Instructor may emphasize watercolor and waterbase media as well as mixed media and contemporary approaches. Advanced students will prepare a documented presentation and exhibition of work. (May be repeated three times.)

ART 206: Figure Painting

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: ART 100 or ART 204.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 4.50 hours. (1002.10)

Working from a posed model, students explore various approaches to the representation of the human figure. Form and structure of the figure are studied, inspired by the rich world traditions of art history and individual creativity. A variety of media will be used as directed by the instructor. This may include oils, acrylics, ink, watercolor, or pastels. (May be repeated three times.)

ART 207: Beginning Photography

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 4.50 hours. (1011.00)

An in-depth study of the camera, black-and-white film processing and printing, lighting techniques, presentation, and exhibition. Emphasis is placed on controlling fundamental materials and processes and choosing appropriate subject matter.

ART 208: Advanced Photography

Units: 3
Prerequisites: ART 207.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 4.50 hours. (1011.00)

Creative black and white photography explores the use of visual language in relation to thought processes. Advanced techniques of camera use, film handling, and printing will be included, but the emphasis will be placed on the personal expression of ideas. Instruction is offered at intermediate and advanced levels. (May be repeated two times.)

ART 210: Printmaking

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 4.50 hours. (1002.00)

Introduction to woodcut, etching, lithography, and contemporary printmaking techniques. Craftsmanship and individual expression is emphasized. Experimentation in the use of materials is encouraged. (May be repeated three times.)

ART 216: Advanced Sculpture

Units: 3
Prerequisites: ART 103.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 4.50 hours. (1002.20)

This course concentrates on the exploration and refinement of a wide range of sculptural techniques and strategies. Students will work with traditional mediums such as clay, wood, and metal. Students will be introduced to installation and public works, as well as time-based and kinetic art. Course will include 3-D art theory. (May be repeated two times.)

ART 217: Figure Sculpture

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 4.50 hours. (1002.20)

The students are introduced to sculpture, using the human figure as subject matter. Working from the nude model, class members develop the skills of observation and modeling. Clay is the primary material; plaster, metal, and wood are alternate materials at an advanced level. Emphasis is placed on accurate representation of the human anatomy. (May be repeated three times.)

ART 223: Woodworking and Furniture Design

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 4.50 hours. (1001.00)

This course is designed to teach the skills of working with wood to develop an understanding of the nature of hardwoods and softwoods, the mechanics of shaping/joining, and the proper and safe use of hand and power tools. Special emphasis is placed on creating individual, unique designs. Traditional and contemporary work is studied. (May be repeated three times.)

ART 225: Ceramics

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 4.50 hours. (1002.30)

This introductory course explores techniques and materials and gives a broad understanding of the traditions of pottery. It emphasizes hand building and/or use of the potter's wheel. Creative use of clay, glaze, technique, and kiln firing is encouraged. (May be repeated three times.)

ART 230: Introduction to Installation, Interactive, and Site-Specific Art

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 4.50 hours. (1001.00)

In this in-depth study of installation, interactive, and site-specific art, students study and research the historical development of contemporary art practices, such as installation, hybrid-media environments, land art, and traditional art media used in conjunction with photography, video, computing, and/or performance. Students also conceptualize and produce installation, interactive, and site-specific artworks.

ART 231: Introduction to Video and Performance Art

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 4.50 hours. (1001.00)

This foundation-level course explores the historical and creative dimensions of performance, sound, and digital video in art. It brings together a number of expressive strategies present in contemporary art and focuses on the theoretical, creative, and historical contexts of these time-based forms. Students integrate these theoretical contexts to create their own projects and performances. Topics include Happenings, Fluxsus, personal narrative, digital storytelling, sound, and video.

ART 245: Introduction to Digital Arts

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 4.50 hours. (1030.00)

This course provides hands-on computer experience as it applies to the visual arts. Students work with painting systems, study design elements, and print on a color printer. A number of other areas such as animation, music, video, games, and publishing are introduced. Lectures involve hardware configurations, printers, monitors, operating systems, computer programming, art and sound applications, the role of computers in the arts, combining art and sound through the computer, and the role of an artist-programmer. (May be repeated one time.)

ART 247: Digital Imaging 1: Adobe Photoshop

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with prior credit in ART 247 or MAT 110.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (1030.00)

In this course, students utilize the computer as a tool to create and manipulate photographic and other raster graphic images. Students will explore digital imaging techniques through the use of the photo manipulation software Adobe Photoshop. Students will learn to use photo editing and color correction tools, activate selection tools and extraction functions, utilize quick masks and alpha channels, manipulate work paths, incorporate adjustment layers and layer masks. They will also apply filters and blending modes to create special effects, incorporate clipping groups, understand the differences and similarities of CMYK and RGB, and work with a variety of file formats. This course involves considerable hands-on instruction and multiple projects.

ART 248: Digital Imaging 2: Adobe Illustrator

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with prior credit in ART 248 or MAT 170.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (1030.00)

In this course students utilize the computer as a tool to create and organize text and vector graphic images into personal and commercial output. Students will produce and manipulate vector graphic images through the use of the software program Adobe Illustrator. Students will generate effective typography, utilize a variety of color palettes and libraries, develop unique brushes and patterns, apply transparency and other special effects, transform objects and manipulate perspective, utilize blends and gradients to produce airbrush effects, make use of pathfinder tools, understand the differences and similarities of CMYK and RGB, and import and export different graphic file formats. Involves considerable hands-on instruction and multiple projects.

ART 251: Digital Photography

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: ART 247 or MAT 110.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 4.50 hours. (1030.00)

This course uses digital cameras and the computer as tools to create photographic imagery. Students explore camera controls, principles of composition, and photographic theory and techniques using state-of-the-art hardware and programs. Students learn editing techniques appropriate for print and electronic presentations. The course addresses ethical considerations regarding image manipulation and ownership. Students may use digital camera images, scanned negatives, or slides to produce a final print portfolio.

ART 252: Digital Imaging 3: Advanced Photoshop

Units: 3
Prerequisites: ART 247 or MAT 110.
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with prior credit in ART 252 or MAT 210.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (1030.00)

This course is designed to build upon knowledge and skills gained in MAT 110 or ART 247. Students will acquire advanced digital imaging techniques for desktop image design and production including color correction and management, photomontage, retouching, and creating special effects. Through specific projects, students will utilize higher level compositing techniques such as making selections with alpha channels and paths, creating complex layer masks, and the control of color through adjustment layers and color profiles. Students will learn time-saving keyboard short-cuts to gain speed in work production. Multiple projects reinforce acquired knowledge through preparation of digital files for printing at service bureaus and screen delivery, such as the World Wide Web. (Formerly CIS 253.)

ART 253: Applied Digital Photography

Units: 3
Prerequisites: ART 251.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (1012.00)

This course provides students with the opportunity to apply skills acquired in ART 251 while developing a personal style. It offers a continued study of photographic theory, composition, content development, digital camera/hardware handling, studio lighting, and industry standards for color management and printing techniques. Students explore photography as a visual language and expressive medium, and they observe industry practices through onsite visits to local business, galleries, and service bureaus. The course culminates with the creation and production of a professional portfolio of photographs.

ART 254: Understanding and Appreciating the Photographic Image

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (1002.00)

This course surveys the history of still photography from the discipline's inception to the present digital age. It explores the medium of photography as a form of visual communication in historical, socio-political, and cultural contexts. Topics include the evolution of photographic images, process, delivery, and meaning. Students develop visual literacy through verbal and written analyses.

ART 258: Ancient to Gothic Art

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (1001.00)

This course surveys Western art from prehistoric through the Gothic period, emphasizing the content and stylistic aspects of major art works in painting, sculpture, architecture, and craft media.

ART 259: History of Renaissance to Modern Art

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (1001.00)

This course surveys Western art history from the Renaissance to the Twentieth Century. Major movements are described and evaluated.

ART 260: History of Modern Art

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with prior credit in ART 260 or ART 260H.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (1001.00)

This course covers European and American art forms, primarily painting, sculpture, and architecture, from the beginning of modernism in the mid-19th century to contemporary art in the late 20th century. Students learn to delineate themes, styles, and techniques indicative of various time periods and to differentiate among 20th century art movements.

ART 260H: History of Modern Art (Honors)

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with prior credit in ART 260 or ART 260H.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC Credit limitation
Lecture 3 hours. (1001.00)

This honors course introduces highly motivated students to European and American art forms, primarily painting, sculpture, and architecture, from the beginning of modernism in the mid-19th century to contemporary art in the late 20th century. Students learn to delineate themes, styles, and techniques indicative of various time periods and to differentiate among 20th century art movements. UC CREDIT LIMITATION: Credit for ART 260 or 260H.

ART 290: Landmarks of Art

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 3 hours. (1001.00)

Art and architecture will be studied on-site within cultural and historical contexts. This course surveys selected periods of western and non-western traditions. Students will investigate major works of art on-site on location. Emphasis will be on understanding the visual arts representing the tradition and evolution of a culture, from ancient to contemporary periods. Course includes preparatory lectures and on-site discussions. Students will keep journals of observations and conclusions.

ART 292: Internship Studies

Units: 0.5-3
Prerequisites: Complete 6 units at MCC prior to internship; permission of instructor and department chair required.
Corequisite: Must currently be enrolled in 3 units and complete 60 hours of non-paid or 75 hours of paid work per unit of credit.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
(1002.00)

Individualized study linking classroom learning to the workplace. Approval form must be signed by instructor and department chair before registration. (May be taken for a total of 12 units.)

ART 293: Topics in Art

Units: 1-3
Prerequisites: None
Repeatability Rule: Allow four completions in any combination of ART 293, ART 296.
Lecture 1 hour.
Lecture 2 hours.
Lecture 3 hours. (1002.00)

A study of relevant topics in the discipline not covered in the current selection of courses. Designed to meet special needs; content determined by participating faculty members in consultation with students and the community. Non-transfer topics only.

ART 295: Professional Practices and Portfolio Development in Visual Art

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 4 hours. (1002.00)

This course is designed for the student artist interested in researching professional practices in the visual arts, exploring the business of the art world, or planning to transfer to an art program to obtain a bachelor's degree in art. Students will study contemporary artists, designers, and art-related career choices. Professional responsibilities and relationships in the art world will be compared and contrasted. The ongoing development of the portfolio is a major emphasis as students work in teams to light and photograph their artwork, prepare slides and digital prints, scan and optimize images, and color-correct images for the portfolio and publicity. Students will read and write art criticism and artists' statements, and critique each other's writing samples in writing groups. Proposal development for grants, exhibitions, and design presentations will be evaluated and used as models for student projects. An exhibition of class artworks will be the culminating event in this course. Curatorial competence, organizational abilities, good listening and communication skills, and resourceful installation practices are required for a successful exhibition. Visiting artists will speak in the class and the class will visit local museums, art galleries, college art programs, and design businesses.

ART 296: Topics in Art

Units: 1-3
Prerequisites: None
Repeatability Rule: Allow four completions in any combination of ART 293, ART 296.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1 hour.
Lecture 2 hours.
Lecture 3 hours. (1002.00)

A study of relevant topics in the discipline not covered in the current selection of courses. Designed to meet special needs; content will be determined by participating faculty members in consultation with students and the community.

ART 298: Directed Studies in Art

Units: 1-3
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor and department chair.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Laboratory 3 hours.
Laboratory 6 hours.
Laboratory 9 hours. (1002.00)

Individualized study, project, or research in area of particular interest to the student and not included in the regular courses of the college. Approval form must be signed by instructor and department chair before registration. (May be taken for a total of 3 units.)