Art & Design

253.535.7573 www.plu.edu/art/ artd@plu.edu
Heather Mathews, Ph.D., Chair

Bachelor of Arts Degree

Art exhibit in the University Gallery37-44 semester hours

  • Courses in teaching methods may not be applied to the major.
  • A maximum of 44 semester hours in Art & Design courses may be applied toward the Bachelor of Arts in studio arts and in art history only.
  • Candidates for the Bachelor of Arts degree are enrolled in the College of Arts and Sciences and must meet the College of Arts and Sciences language requirement.

Major in Art History
38-40 semester hours

  • ARTD 180: History of Western Art I (4)
  • ARTD 181: History of Western Art II (4)
  • ARTD 280: Art Methodology and Theory (4)
  • ARTD 499B: Capstone (2 to 4)
  • Studio Arts Courses (8)
  • Art History Courses (16)

Major in Studio Arts
42-44 semester hours

  • ARTD 101: Drawing 1 (4)
  • ARTD 102: 2D Design/Color Theory (4)
  • ARTD 202: 3D Design (4)
  • ARTD 499A: Keystone (1 to 4)
  • ARTD 499B: Capstone (1 to 4)
  • Technique Courses (16):
      • Two-dimensional course (4)
      • Three-dimensional courses (8)
      • Photography course (4)
  • Understanding Art/Culture Courses (12):
      • ARTD 180: History of Western Art I (4)
      • ARTD 181: History of Western Art II (4)
      • Upper-division Art History (4)

Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree

Major in Studio Arts
70-76 semester hours 

  • Foundation Courses (16):
    • ARTD 101: Drawing 1 (4)
    • ARTD 102: 2D Design/Color Theory (4)
    • ARTD 201: Drawing 2: Figure Drawing (4)
    • ARTD 202: 3D Design (4)
  • Technique Courses (24)
    • Go to www.plu.edu/artd/documents/home.php to view specific courses fulfilling requirements.
    • Two-dimensional courses (8)
    • Three-dimensional courses (8)
    • Photography course (4)
    • Technology course (4)
  • Understanding Art/Culture Courses (12)
    • ARTD 180: History of Western Art I (4)
    • ARTD 181: History of Western Art II (4)
    • Upper-division Art History (4)
  • Artistic Practice Courses (16)
    • The courses under Artistic Practice are based on the specific concentration of each student.
  • Keystone/Capstone Courses (2 to 8)
    • ARTD 499A: Keystone (1 to 4)
    • ARTD 499B: Capstone (1 to 4)

Concentrations (B.F.A. Studio Arts Major)

A minimum of 16 semester hours in one concentration

  • Ceramics
  • Graphic Design
  • Painting
  • Photography
  • Printmaking
  • Sculpture

Students may apply independent study ARTD 491: Special Projects on a case-by-case basis subject to approval by the department chair.

Candidates who are enrolled in the School of Arts and Communication (SOAC) must satisfy General Education Program elements or the International Honors Program elements.

Minors

Students pursuing a B.F.A. or B.A. in studio arts may minor in art history, but not studio arts, which is reserved for non-majors. Students pursuing a B.A. in art history may minor in studio arts.

Studio Arts
20 semester hours, including:

  • ARTD 380: Modern Art (4)
  • Two-dimensional course, based on concentration area (4)
  • Three-dimensional course, based on concentration area (4)
  • Studio Arts electives drawn from upper-division courses (8)
  • Courses in teaching methods (EDUC 340) may not be applied to the minor.

Art History
24 semester hours, including:

  • ARTD 180 and ARTD 181 (8)
  • Art history/theory electives (12)
  • Studio Arts elective (4)
  • Non-concentration courses, practical design courses (ARTD 110, 210, 310), and courses in teaching methods (EDUC 340) may not be applied to the minor.

Publishing and Printing Arts
24 semester hours

See the description of the minor under Publishing and Printing Arts.

Course Areas

  • Studio Courses (All studio courses require a lab fee in addition to tuition): 101, 102, 110, 201, 202, 210, 220, 230, 250, 310, 320, 330, 350, 355, 365, 370, 410, 420, 425, 430, 450, 465, 466, 470, 483; PPAP 321
  • History and Theory Courses: 180, 181, 280, 380, 381, 382, 383, 480, 481, 482, 490

Art & Design (ARTD) - Undergraduate Courses

ARTD 101 : Drawing 1 - AR

A course dealing with the basic techniques and media of drawing. (4)

ARTD 102 : 2D Design/Color Theory - AR

This course combines course work in color and composition. Students will develop a better understanding in pictorial composition, color theory, patterning, materials, and methods in the two-dimensional arts, perspective, and a range of conceptual design strategies. Required for all B.A./B.F.A. majors. (4)

ARTD 110 : Graphic Design 1 - AR

An introduction to design through the study of basic techniques, color theory, and composition. (4)

ARTD 180 : History of Western Art I - AR

A survey tracing the development of Western art and architecture from prehistory to the end of the Middle Ages. (4)

ARTD 181 : History of Western Art II - AR

A survey of Western art and architecture from the Renaissance to the 20th century. (4)

ARTD 190 : FYEP190: Inquiry Seminar

A four-credit seminar to introduce students to the methods and topics of study within a particular academic discipline or field. Students practice the academic skills that are at the center of the General Education Program. (4)

ARTD 201 : Drawing 2: Figure Drawing - AR

Drawing taken beyond the basics of 101. Expansion of media forms and solutions to compositional problems. Possibility of pursuing special individual interests, with permission. Prerequisite: ARTD 101 or consent of instructor. (4)

ARTD 202 : 3D Design - AR

Students will develop an understanding in three-dimensional design with an emphasis on spatial awareness, problem-solving, and the many varieties of sculptural form. Required for all B.A. and B.F.A. majors. (4)

ARTD 210 : Graphic Design 2

An investigation of the process of creative problem solving in a methodical and organized manner. Includes projects in a variety of design areas. Prerequisite: ARTD 110 or consent of instructor. (4)

ARTD 220 : Photography I: BW Photography - AR

A studio class in photography as an art form. Primary concentration in basic camera and darkroom techniques. Students produce a portfolio of prints with an emphasis on creative expression and experimentation. (4)

ARTD 230 : Ceramics 1 - AR

Introduction to ceramic materials, tools, and techniques including hand-built and wheel-thrown methods and glaze application. Includes a survey of ceramic art. (4)

ARTD 250 : Sculpture 1 - AR

Focus on techniques and processes in various mediums with attention to conceptualization and craftsmanship in three-dimensional space. Metal, wood, plaster, synthetics, video, and tools used in fabrication processes. Includes a video survey of contemporary and historical artists. (4)

ARTD 280 : Art Methodology and Theory - AR

Explores art historical and critical methods used for the analysis of art, including formalism, iconography, iconology, economic/social contexts, psychology, feminism, and structuralism/semiotics. Relates methods to broader cultural theories from Kant to Edward Said. (4)

ARTD 287 : Special Topics in Art - AR

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

ARTD 288 : Special Topics in Art - AR

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

ARTD 289 : Special Topics in Art - AR

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

ARTD 291 : Directed Study

To provide individual undergraduate students with introductory study not available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as DS: followed by the specific title designated by the student. (1 to 4)

ARTD 310 : Graphics Design 3

Design and execution of printed materials; emphasis on technical procedures and problems in mass communication. Prerequisite: ARTD 210 or consent of instructor. (4)

ARTD 320 : Photography 2: Digital Photography - AR

An introduction to computer-assisted photography in which students learn applications, develop aesthetic strategies, and engage the ethical issues of this new technology. Emphasis on creative exploration and problem solving within the Macintosh environment. May be taken twice. (4)

ARTD 330 : Ceramics 2

Advanced techniques in ceramic construction and experiments in glaze formation. Focus on form and craftsmanship. Prerequisite: ARTD 230 or consent of the instructor. (4)

ARTD 350 : Sculpture 2

Fall semester has a focus on foundry (cast aluminum, bronze, and iron), using lost wax and lost foam processes. Spring semester has a focus on welding utilizing gas, and MIG processes (text required). Both courses emphasize mixed media sculpture. May be taken twice for credit. Prerequisite: ARTD 250. (4)

ARTD 355 : 3D Digital Modeling - AR

An introduction to three-dimensional modeling. Students will learn to design and manipulate objects in 3D digital space. (4)

ARTD 365 : Painting I

Media and techniques of painting in oil or acrylics. Prerequisite: ARTD 101. (4)

ARTD 370 : Printmaking 1

Methods and media of fine art printmaking; both hand and photo processes involving lithographics, intaglio, and screen printing. Prerequisite: ARTD 101 or consent of instructor. (4)

ARTD 380 : Modern Art - AR

The development of art from 1900 to the present, with a brief look at European and American antecedents as they apply to contemporary directions. (4)

ARTD 383 : Studies in Art History - AR

A selected area of inquiry, such as a history of American art, Asian art, the work of Picasso, or similar topics. May be repeated for credit. (4)

ARTD 387 : Special Topics in Art - AR

This course in intended for unique opportunities to explore artistic expression, provided by visiting artists or artists in residence who intend to focus on a particular style, element or technique used in creative and artistic expression. (1 to 4)

ARTD 388 : Special Topics in Art - AR

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

ARTD 389 : Special Topics in Art - AR

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

ARTD 410 : Graphic Design 4

Design and execution of printed materials; emphasis on technical procedures and problems in mass communication. Explores advanced techniques with multiple color, typography, and other complex problems. Prerequisite: ARTD 310 or consent of instructor. (4)

ARTD 420 : Photography 3: Color Photography - AR

Exploration of the issues of both painters and photographers. Students learn to make color prints and process color negatives. Includes a historical survey of color photography as well as perspectives of contemporary artists. (4)

ARTD 425 : Photography 4: Lighting Environments

Light Environments explores various lighting strategies in photography and will explore various lighting techniques from a variety of genres: landscape, still life, portraiture, copy arts, product, and fashion photography. Prerequisite: ARTD 420 or consent of instructor. (4)

ARTD 430 : Ceramics 3

Individual research into ceramic construction, kiln operations, experiments in glaze formation, and non-traditional surface treatments. May be taken twice. Prerequisite: ARTD 330. (4)

ARTD 465 : Painting 2

Media and techniques of painting in oil or acrylics. May be taken twice. Prerequisite: ARTD 365 or consent of instructor. (4)

ARTD 466 : Painting 3

Explore and develop student's portfolio of work within the area of painting. Independent project emphasis with instructor's input. Emphasis on student's development of individual style and problem solving. May be taken twice. Prerequisite: ARTD 365 or consent of instructor. (4)

ARTD 470 : Printmaking 2

Methods and media of fine art printmaking; both hand and photo processes involving lithographics, intaglio, and screen printing. May be taken twice. Prerequisite: ARTD 370 or consent of instructor. (4)

ARTD 483 : Studio Practice

This course is focused on the student's individual research towards the capstone exhibition in collaboration with their faculty mentor or advisor. Requires senior standing and may be taken twice for credit. Required for all BFA majors. (1 to 4)

ARTD 484 : Research in Art History - Theory

A tutorial course for major students with research into a particular aspect of art history or theory. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: senior status, consent of instructor and program approval by department faculty. (1 to 4)

ARTD 487 : Special Topics in Art

This course is intended for unique opportunities to explore artistic expression provided by visiting artists or artists in residence who intend to focus on a particular style, element, or technique used in creative and artistic expression. (1 to 4)

ARTD 488 : Special Topics in Art - AR

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

ARTD 489 : Special Topics in Art

To provide undergraduate students with new, one-time, and developing courses not yet available in the regular curriculum. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as ST: followed by the specific title designated by the academic unit. (1 to 4)

ARTD 490 : Gender and Art - A, AR

Studies the effects of race and class on the construction of femininity and masculinity in art and visual culture in the United States and in Europe, with an emphasis on 19th and 20th century modernism. May not be repeated for credit. (4)

ARTD 491 : Independent Studies: Special Projects

Exploration of the possibilities of selected studio areas, including experimental techniques. Emphasis on development of individual styles, media approaches, and problem solutions. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisites: junior status, minimum of two courses at 200 level or above in affected medium with minimum 2.50 GPA, consent of instructor and department chair. (1 to 4)

ARTD 495 : Internship

To permit undergraduate students to relate theory and practice in a work situation. The title will be listed on the student term-based record as Intern: followed by the specific title designated by the instructor in consultation with the student. (1 to 12)

ARTD 499A : Keystone - SR

This "Keystone" course is intended for upper-division students to develop the process of educational assessment and program competencies. Focus is on integrating student learning objectives with student experience through initial development of portfolio projects and other assignments. Not repeatable. One of two courses required to fulfill the Senior Seminar General Education Element. Recommended as two semester hours. (1 to 4)

ARTD 499B : Capstone - SR

Capstone course for undergraduate degrees in the Department of Art & Design. Focus is on integrating student learning objectives with student experience through development and presentation of portfolio projects and other assignments. One of two courses required to fulfill the Senior Seminar General Education Element. Prerequisite: Must have completed and passed ARTD 499A. Recommended as two semester hours. (1 to 4)