Art
The Art Department offers theoretical and practical courses in the traditional disciplines of art and art history as well as in new genre and photographic arts. Students take art courses to prepare for a major in art or art history, to meet general education requirements, or for personal growth. Career paths include working artist, teacher, graphic designer, photographer, sculptor, curator in a museum or gallery, conservator, appraiser, and work in related fields, such as marketing and advertising.
Contact Information
Department Chair: Dean Ramos Dean: Dana Smith |
Department: Art Office: Building OC2000, 760.795.6816 |
Full-Time Faculty
Leah Cluff Yoshimi Hayashi Peggy Jones Leslie Nemour |
Gilbert Neri Anna O'Cain Dean Ramos |
Associate Degrees
Associate in Arts Degree
Art (Studio)
Studio art has many specializations, such as painting, new genre, ceramics, photography, printmaking, and sculpture. Art students need a foundation of introductory design, history, and drawing courses to increase their awareness of the range of theoretical and applied possibilities.
The Art (Studio) program offers lower-division preparation for students who plan on transferring to pursue a bachelor's degree in art. Students planning to transfer and/or earn this associate degree may also need to complete additional requirements or electives required by the transfer institution, as many CSUs and UCs have unique admissions and preparation-for-the-major requirements. Students should meet with a MiraCosta College counselor to identify required courses and to develop a written plan for their targeted university.
Required courses: | ||
ART 100 | Drawing and Composition | 3 |
ART 101 | Design and Color | 3 |
ART 258 | Ancient to Gothic Art | 3 |
ART 259 | History of Renaissance to Modern Art | 3 |
Select at least 6 units from the following: | 6 | |
Drawing and Composition II | ||
Beginning Sculpture | ||
Objects and Ideas in Contemporary Art | ||
Life Drawing | ||
Painting | ||
Figure Painting | ||
Beginning Photography | ||
Printmaking | ||
Figure Sculpture | ||
Ceramics | ||
Digital Media for the Visual Artist | ||
Introduction to Digital Arts | ||
Digital Photography | ||
Understanding and Appreciating the Photographic Image | ||
History of Modern Art | ||
or ART 260H | History of Modern Art (Honors) | |
Visual Art/Professional Practice | ||
Total Units | 18 |
Associate in Arts Degree
Digital Photography
Students may earn the above-named associate degree by completing a certificate of achievement and the general education courses required for MiraCosta College's Associate in Arts degree (see Associate Degrees ). Students should meet with a MiraCosta counselor to identify required courses and to develop a written educational plan for the specific degree or certificate they wish to earn.
Certificate
Certificate of Achievement
Digital Photography
The Digital Photography certificate offers education and training in the use of digital cameras, related equipment, and editing tools and techniques for creating photographic portfolios, websites, and multimedia projects. Students produce a professional-quality printed portfolio. The program's emphasis may be in fine art or commercial photography.
Required courses: | ||
ART 207 | Beginning Photography | 3 |
ART 244 | Digital Media for the Visual Artist | 3 |
ART 251 | Digital Photography | 3 |
ART 253 | Applied Digital Photography | 3 |
Select at least 6 units from the following: | 6 | |
Introduction to Digital Arts | ||
Understanding and Appreciating the Photographic Image | ||
Small Business Management | ||
Entrepreneur I and Entrepreneur II | ||
Digital Imaging 1: Adobe Photoshop | ||
Digital Imaging 3: Advanced Photoshop | ||
Internship Studies | ||
Total Units | 18 |
Courses
ART 100: Drawing and Composition
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 4.50 hours. (1002.10)
This beginning course develops basic drawing skills. Students explore a variety of media and creative approaches, and they improve their perceptual abilities and personal expression. The course covers problems of value, structure, and composition using a variety of themes. It also integrates art history, theory, and criticism.
ART 101: Design and Color
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 4.50 hours. (1002.10)
Students explore and learn the language of design principles and color theory through visual problem solving. They create design projects using acrylic paint, ink, drawing, and mixed media on paper and other support surfaces. They also research, analyze, and evaluate elements of design and color in a range of art disciplines, including painting and drawing, graphic design, print and digital media, sculpture and public art, video and performance, architecture, and other popular arts. Students are required to attend field trips. (May be repeated three times.)
ART 102: Drawing and Composition II
Units: 3
Prerequisites: ART 100.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 4.50 hours. (1002.10)
This course provides for the continued development of basic drawing skills introduced in ART 100. It emphasizes a creative approach using black and white and color media while exposing students to a variety of contemporary approaches toward space, scale, and content. The course also encourages students 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 examine the language of three-dimensional form, structure, and space. The course 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 the interrelationship of the creative arts, humanities, and the self in western and non-western cultures.
ART 157: Art Orientation
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (1002.00)
This basic art appreciation course introduces world art forms, techniques, traditions, and aesthetics. It emphasizes both western and world art in historical and cultural contexts. Students examine visual artworks related to mortality and immortality, sustenance and survival, sexuality and gender, power and politics, and race and class. Students are required to visit a local public artwork or museum/gallery.
ART 158: Traditional Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (1002.00)
This course introduces the non-Western arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. It explores methodology and materials in diverse media as they reflect various cultures from ancient to contemporary periods. Museum visits are required.
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)
This course examines the ideas, concepts, and processes in contemporary art through presentations of vanguard artwork of the twenty-first century. Topics include the historical and cultural contexts of contemporary art and artists in western and non-western cultures. Students create three-dimensional art projects using unconventional materials in tandem with traditional materials and methods. Students are required to attend field trips.
ART 203: Life Drawing
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: ART 100.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 4.50 hours. (1002.10)
This course focuses on drawing the human figure. Students work from a nude model using materials such as charcoal, pencil, ink, and pastels. They 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. Students develop their life-drawing skills with each repetition. (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 study past and present practices in painting and work from various subjects, including still life, landscape, figures, portraits, or mixed imagery, either from life or two-dimensional references. Learning to be creative and analytical in painting images and forms, students develop skills in painting techniques, color mixing, composition, design, and personal concepts using traditional or water soluble oils. (May be repeated three times.)
ART 205: Painting with Watercolor and Acrylic: Waterbase Media
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)
This course covers composition, techniques, and theory of painting, using watercolor or acrylic media. Students investigate various painting techniques, art historical traditions, and theoretical positions. Course work includes lecture, lab, critique, and independent projects. Instructor may emphasize watercolor or acrylic painting as well as mixed media and contemporary approaches. Students develop increased proficiency and skill attainment with each repetition. (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 representing the human figure using a variety of media, including oils, acrylics, ink, watercolor, or pastels. Students study form and structure, inspired by the rich world traditions of art history, contemporary art practices, and individual creativity. Students develop increased proficiency and skill attainment with each repetition. (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)
This course provides an in-depth study of the camera, black-and-white film processing and darkroom printing, lighting techniques, presentation, and exhibition. It emphasizes 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)
This course builds upon skills learned in Beginning Photography (ART 207). Topics include intermediate and advanced techniques in black and white photography, including camera use, film handling, and printing in the darkroom. Students explore photography as a means of visual communication and creative expression. The course culminates with a professional portfolio of finished work. Students develop increased proficiency and skill attainment with each repetition. (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)
This course introduces woodcut, etching, lithography, and contemporary printmaking techniques. It emphasizes craftsmanship and individual expression and encourages experimentation in the use of materials. (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, and it includes three-dimensional art theory. Students work with traditional mediums, such as clay, wood, and metal. The course also introduces students to installation and public works as well as time-based and kinetic art. Students are required to pay a materials fee. Students develop increased proficiency and skill attainment with each repetition. (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)
This introductory sculpture course uses the human figure as its subject matter. Students work from the nude model, photos, and other sources to develop their skills, and they work with a variety of materials, such as clay, plaster, metal, and wood. Students repeating the course advance their skills in tool usage, material selection, finishing techniques and construction techniques, texture, vocabulary, technical terminology, figure deconstruction, rendering, scale and proportion, and critiquing work. (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 teaches woodworking skills and covers the nature of hardwoods and softwoods, the mechanics of shaping/joining, and the proper and safe use of hand and power tools. It examines both traditional and contemporary work and emphasizes the creation of individual, unique designs. Students are required to pay a materials fee, and those repeating the course develop increased proficiency and skill attainment each semester. (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 ceramics course explores techniques, materials, and traditions of pottery. It emphasizes hand building and/or use of the potter's wheel and encourages the creative use of clay, glaze, technique, and kiln firing. Students develop increased proficiency and skill attainment with each repetition, and they are required to pay a materials fee. (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 and theoretical 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 244: Digital Media for the Visual Artist
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (1002.00)
This studio art course investigates the intersection of visual representation, contemporary art, and two-dimensional digital imaging from an aesthetic, historical, and artistic perspective for the contemporary artist. Technical instruction in the course, through the use of digital imaging software such as Adobe Photoshop, globally supports the study of artistic and theoretical principles. Students develop problem solving and visual strategies that deepen their understanding of the connection among technology, personal expression, and the universal language of art. Projects emphasize the creation of original artwork with current software and hardware solutions.
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 an introduction to the historical and theoretical foundations of digital art as well as hands-on production of digital art using broad range of applications and computer hardware. The course introduces students to raster, vector, Web, and time-based applications that allow them to learn the fundamentals of visual communication, website production, manipulation of images, design elements, animation, sound, video and the production of multimedia artworks. Students create digital projects that fuse the theoretical, historical, and cultural aspects of digitally based art through the practical application of computer-based skills. (May be repeated one time)
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 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 antiquity through the Gothic period. It emphasizes 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. Students examine how religious, cultural, and philosophical aspects of European and American society impacted and were influenced by art and architecture during this time.
ART 260: History of Modern Art
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Not open to students with credit in 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 credit in ART 260.
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 ART 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: None
Corequisite: Complete 75 hrs paid or 60 hrs non-paid work per unit.
Enrollment Limitation: Instructor, dept chair, and Career Center approval. May not enroll in any combination of cooperative work experience and/or internship studies concurrently.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
This course provides students the opportunity to apply the theories and techniques of their discipline in an internship position in a professional setting under the instruction of a faculty-mentor and site supervisor. It introduces students to aspects of the roles and responsibilities of professionals employed in the field of study. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students must develop new learning objectives and/or intern at a new site upon each repetition. Students may not earn more than 16 units in any combination of cooperative work experience (general or occupational) and/or internship studies during community college attendance.
ART 295: Visual Art/Professional Practice
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1.50 hours, laboratory 4.50 hours. (1002.00)
Designed for the student artist, this course examines professional practices, career goals, and educational choices in the visual arts. Students produce a professional portfolio that includes documentation of artwork, resume, an artist statement and biography, digital image files, and printed images. Students also collaboratively organize, prepare, and produce an exhibition in a gallery setting. The course includes visits to museums, galleries, college art programs, artists' lectures and/or design businesses.
ART 296: Topics in Art
Units: 1-3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1 hour.
Lecture 2 hours.
Lecture 3 hours. (1002.00)
This course gives students an opportunity to study topics in Art that are not included in regular course offerings. Each Topics course is announced, described, and given its own title and 296 number designation in the class schedule.
ART 298: Directed Study in Art
Units: 1-3
Prerequisites: None
Enrollment Limitation: Instructor and department chair approval and successful completion of 12 units of college work with at least a 3.0 grade-point average.
Repeatability Rule: May be taken for a total of 3 units.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Laboratory 3 hours
Laboratory 6 hours
Laboratory 9 hours. (1002.00)
This course allows students to pursue a special area of interest in order to achieve specific goals beyond the scope of existing courses within the discipline. Students work independently and interact directly with an instructor on an individual basis and as prescribed by the Directed Study Agreement.
ART 299: Occupational Cooperative Work Experience
Units: 1-4
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: Complete 75 hrs paid or 60 hrs non-paid work per unit.
Enrollment Limitation: Career Center approval. May not enroll in any combination of cooperative work experience and/or internship studies concurrently.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Cooperative Work Experience is intended for students who are employed in a job directly related to their major. It allows such students the opportunity to apply the theories and skills of their discipline to their position and to undertake new responsibilities and learn new skills at work. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students may not earn more than 16 units in any combination of cooperative work experience (general or occupational) and/or internship studies during community college attendance.