Art
BACHELOR OF ARTS
The B.A. in Art provides the student with a broad experience in a variety of media. Students may combine a B.A. in Art with a certification in education. For students interested in a career in art therapy, the department offers a double major in art and psychology with an art therapy concentration in conjunction with the School of Psychology and Counseling (please see description of the double major below and under the School of Psychology and Counseling section for more details)
BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS
The B.F.A. degree prepares the student to enter into a professional career within an area of specialization or to pursue further study on a graduate level. This degree is designed to develop technical competence, critical judgment, and a strong commitment to artistic quality. Once the student has fulfilled the basic requirements and introductory studies, a concentration is required in a specific discipline.
With the exception of art education majors, all B.A. students must complete at least one upper level course in the area of study chosen for their senior these exhibit. For example: Both Painting I and Painting II are required for students presenting painted works for their senior thesis exhibit.
Note that the Double Major in Art and Psychology with Art Therapy Concentration is designed to provide a strong preparatory base for graduate study in art therapy and meets the educational requirements for entry into Caldwell’s graduate program. Registration and practice as an art therapist requires master’s level preparation.
Qualified undergraduates in the double major with Art Therapy Concentration may also take advantage of the opportunity to pursue their M.A. in Counseling with Art Therapy Specialization in an accelerated manner through the Combined B.A./M.A. program.
Admission Requirements
Students may apply in the semester prior to the semester during which they intend to begin the combined degree program.
- Completion of at least 60 undergraduate credits with a minimum 3.3 overall GPA (this minimum must be maintained also for the remainder of the undergraduate coursework).
- Completion of PS 150/207 General Psychology, PS 208 Psychological Statistics, PS 232 Psychology of Personality and either PS 309 Psychopathology OR a course in human development (PS 211, PS 216) as well as AR 111 Drawing, AR 113 2D Design, and AR 118 3D Design (or their equivalent if the student has transferred to Caldwell University) and AT 230 Intro to Art Therapy.
- Two letters of recommendation from undergraduate faculty in psychology and/or art (forms provided).
- Submission of an APA style paper.
- Art portfolio (10-15 pieces) demonstrating competency in drawing, painting and sculpture.
- Personal or group interview with program coordinator.
- Completion graduate application form.
- M.A. in Counseling requirement of the GRE/MAT will be waived for students who matriculate through the combined degree program.
Curriculum Substitutions
Once accepted into the M.A. program a student may fulfill undergraduate program requirements or electives with graduate courses
Students may fulfill undergraduate program requirements or electives with graduate courses according to the tables below:
| UNDERGRADUATE COURSE | GRADUATE SUBSTITUTE |
|---|---|
| PS 310 Career Counseling | CPS 633 Career Counseling |
| AT 310 Art Therapy Methods | CAT 507 Art Therapy Methods in Counseling |
| AT 320 Art Therapy in Practice | CAT 501 History & Development in Art Therapy |
| AND | One CAT Elective with Advisement |
The Art Department offers two degrees – the B.A. in Art which is 44 credits and the B.F.A. in Art which is 76 credits. Required for graduation are the following:
JUNIOR COMPREHENSIVE 1 credit
In the junior year students are required to execute independently a series of works that demonstrate proficiency in various media. All art faculty evaluate students in a group critique. An evaluation of each individual student is made jointly by the department. Areas of weakness are addressed and students may be required to repeat a project. Students may be required to do additional coursework if skill or understanding in a particular area(s) is insufficient. Junior Project students may not go on to enroll in the Senior Thesis Exhibit until all studies for the Junior Project and any remedial coursework are satisfactorily completed. Students should have taken the following courses prior to their junior year: AR 111 Drawing I, AR 113 2D Design, AR 118 3D Design and AR 280 Painting I.
It is strongly recommended that students take this course in the fall semester
SENIOR SEMINAR 2 credits
In the fall semester of senior year all seniors are required to enroll in the Senior Seminar. Students are required to write a research paper on a topic that relates to their area of interest and to propose a direction for their exhibition. A grade of C is required to pass. Course may be retaken the following fall if not passed. This course may not be taken if a student has failed the Junior Comprehensive.
B.F.A. THESIS AND EXHIBITION 4 credits
In the spring of senior year the B.F.A. student is required to exhibit a body of work developed independently, to write a thesis paper and to create documentation of the exhibit. A time is scheduled with full time faculty to review and critique the installation and work of the student. The student makes a presentation and introductory remarks and the faculty engages in discussion in the form of questions and comments. The student is expected to articulate the concept of the exhibit, to answer questions presented by the reviewers and to defend ideas presented in the thesis. Knowledge of art history and formal analysis of the work is expected in the discussion. Grade of C is required to pass. A student may have to repeat this entire process if work is not satisfactory.
B.A. SENIOR EXHIBIT 2 credits
In the spring semester a group exhibition is scheduled for three to four students at one time. Each student is designated a gallery area in which to mount a selection of works specifically and independently developed for this exhibit. B.A. students must complete at least one upper level course in the area of study chosen for their Senior Thesis Exhibit. For example: Both Painting I and Painting II are required for students presenting painted works for their Senior Thesis Exhibit. The full time faculty meets with the students to critique the installation and the work of each individual. The session follows the procedures outlined for the B.F.A. critique session.
The B.A. or B.F.A. exhibit may not be taken if a student has not receive a grade of C or above in the senior seminar or minor program
ART REQUIREMENTS:
Short Title : Drawing I
Course Code : AR 111
Course Description :
A foundation class designed to develop the student’s ability to “see” and understand the elements of drawing and composition. Line, form, space, scale and value will be explored through a series of exercises and projects.
- Credit : 3
Course Code : AR 113
Course Description :
An introduction to two-dimensional design as an integral element in the process of art making. Workshop projects will cover areas of perception, balance, value, color, texture and scale.
- Credit : 3
Course Code : AR 118
Course Description :
A foundation studio class that explores the language of three-dimensional form and design principles. Students are introduced to a variety of materials including wire, clay, cardboard, and plaster. Studio work, outside assignments, lectures, slides, and demonstrations.
- Credit : 3
Course Code : AR 204
Course Description :
Studio class that analyzes the study and perception of color. Examines the components of color, color action and interaction. Exercises in color perception and creative projects.
- Credit : 3
Course Code : AR 220
Course Description :
Introduces computers in the making of visual art. Students work with a variety of peripherals and software and learn to appreciate the special creative possibilities they afford.
- Credit : 3
Course Code : AR 227
Course Description :
Studies the fundamentals of the human form through studio classes working directly from the human figure.
- Credit : 3
Course Code : AR 250
Course Description :
Focuses on the making of sculptural objects through the investigation of historic and contemporary trends and by developing personal and perceptual considerations, technical skill, and the development of an individual working process. Required museum and gallery trips.
- Credit : 3
Course Code : AR 280
Course Description :
Studies the elements of painting, color, form and composition through a systematic series of exercises using still life, nature, and model. Includes studio work, outside assignments, lectures, slides, and demonstrations.
- Credit : 3
Course Code : AR 310
Course Description :
Students are expected to participate in a group exhibition in their junior year. They must have completed all introductory art requirements (or approved equivalents) before taking this course. The work will include independent work in drawing, painting, 2D and 3D design as well as class projects. A satisfactory grade must be received before taking Senior Seminar.
- Credit : 1
Short Title : Senior Seminar
Course Code : AR 455
Course Description :
Guides the development of individual research as it relates to student?s work. Required by all art majors, it includes proposal writing, development of concepts/techniques and a research paper.
Prerequisites :
AR310
- Credit : 2
Short Title : World Art I
Course Code : AH 212
Course Description :
An introduction to artistic traditions before 1400. Includes the art of Egypt, Greece, Rome, India, China and Europe.
- Credit : 3
Short Title : Modern Art
Course Code : AH 214
Course Description :
Investigates the historical and theoretical premises of modernism. Surveys the visual arts from the late nineteenth century through the 1960s. Includes stylistic movements such as Cubism, Expressionism, and Surrealism.
- Credit : 3
Short Title : World Art II
Course Code : AH 215
Course Description :
An introduction to artistic traditions from 1400 to 1800. Topics include European Renaissance and Baroque, and the artistic conventions of Africans, Native Americans, and Islamic peoples.
- Credit : 3
Short Title : Ba Sen.Exhibit
Course Code : AR 465
Course Description :
For B.A. students; requires the student to participate in a final group exhibition in the second semester of senior year.
Prerequisites :
AR455
- Credit : 2
Note
Two additional studio courses are required – one of which must be a 300-level course or higher in chosen area of study
A Catholic Liberal Arts Education
At the core of a Caldwell education is our liberal arts curriculum, designed to guide students to critical thinking skills, appreciate diverse cultures, and acquire a moral and civic awareness.
Students develop the whole self as they absorb learning through our liberal arts core: the humanities; the physical and biological sciences, and mathematics; and the social sciences.