I. General Information

1. Course Title:
Introduction to Studio Art

2. Course Prefix & Number:
ARTS 1450

3. Course Credits and Contact Hours:

Credits: 3

Lecture Hours: 2

Lab Hours: 2

4. Course Description:

This is an introductory course that explores materials, techniques, and concepts used in contemporary and historical art. The possibilities of 3-dimensional and 2-dimensional art will be investigated through the elements and principles of design. This course will challenge students to generate ideas, experiment with meaning and metaphor, develop aesthetic sensitivity, and participate in critique and self-evaluation. This is a basic course designed to provide a foundation for all art studio courses, and is recommended as an introduction to the art field and creative process for all students. MnTC Goal 6

5. Placement Tests Required:

Accuplacer (specify test):

Next Gen Reading

Score:

237

6. Prerequisite Courses:

There are no prerequisites for this course.

8. Prerequisite (Entry) Skills:
Students must have the ability to physically manipulate basic art tools such as pencils, erasers, paintbrushes, and/or other tools.

9. Co-requisite Courses:

There are no corequisites for this course.

II. Transfer and Articulation

1. Course Equivalency - similar course from other regional institutions:

St. Cloud State University, ART 130 Studio Art for Non-Majors, 3 credits
Minnesota State Community and Technical College, ART 1110 Introduction to Art, 3 credits
Rochester Community and Technical College, ART 1010 Introduction to Art, 3 credits
Vermilion Community College, ART 1515 Introduction to Studio Art, 3 credits

III. Course Purpose

1. Program-Applicable Courses – This course is required for the following program(s):

 

2. MN Transfer Curriculum (General Education) Courses - This course fulfills the following goal area(s) of the MN Transfer Curriculum:
Goal 6 – Humanities and Fine Arts

IV. Learning Outcomes

1. College-Wide Outcomes

College-Wide Outcomes/Competencies	Students will be able to:
Demonstrate oral communication skills	Critique descriptive and interpretive qualities of a composition.
Analyze and follow a sequence of operations	Start, develop, and finalize a work of art.
Apply abstract ideas to concrete situations	Create a composition of individual expression based on a problem presented.

2. Course Specific Outcomes - Students will be able to achieve the following measurable goals upon completion of the course:

• Demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities (MnTC Goal 6);
• Understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within an historical and social context (MnTC Goal 6);
• Respond critically to works in the visual arts (MnTC Goal 6);
• Engage in the creative process (MnTC Goal 6);
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of two and three-dimensional media and processes;
• Create works that utilize art elements and principles;
• Demonstrate proficiency in using various materials and techniques;
• Demonstrate beginning levels of skill in using art as a means of self-expression;
• Describe functions of art;
• Demonstrate an understanding of visual art terminology;
• Identify and describe the elements and principles of art; and 
• Demonstrate beginning skill levels in critiquing art.

V. Topical Outline

Listed below are major areas of content typically covered in this course.

1. Lecture Sessions

1. The functions of art
• Art for communicating information
• Art for day to day living
• Art for worship and ritual
• Art for personal expression
• Art for social causes
• Art for visual delight
2. Generating ideas
• Imaginative thinking, creativity, and brainstorming
• Meaning and metaphor
• Knowing your subject
3. The media of art
• Two-dimensional media
• Three-dimensional media
4. Major approaches to art
• Representational
• Abstract
• Nonrepresentational
• Conceptual
5. Elements of design
• Line
• Shape
• Form
• Space
• Value
• Texture
• Color
6. Principles of design
• Unity and variety
• Balance
• Emphasis and subordination
• Movement and directional forces
• Contrast
• Repetition and rhythm
• Pattern
7. Visual communication
• Descriptive and interpretive
• Form and content
• Art criticism

2. Laboratory/Studio Sessions

1. Identifying the functions of art
2. Generating ideas
• Choosing a subject
• Sketchbook studies
• Research
3. The media of art
• Creating art in two-dimensional media
• Creating art in three-dimensional media
4. Elements and principles of design
• Applying the elements in art making process
• Applying the principles in art making process
5. Visual communication
• Using form and content
• Critique and self evaluation
• Applying aesthetic language