Art
Art Major

Art Major

IN THIS SECTION

Choose an arts major that will prepare you for a variety of career paths.

With the Major in Art, you will get broad training in studio arts, arts research, and art history, and you will develop your creativity and communication and critical thinking skills. You will learn the history of visual art from all cultures, beginning in the prehistoric era to today, and the fundamentals of design, drawing, and sculpture. In this flexible program, you will have the freedom to explore a specified area of interest, including drawing, painting, illustration, sculpture, printmaking, or history and gallery/museum studies. The Mary Cosgrove Dolphin Gallery on campus will give you a practical setting in which to immerse yourself in current art, artists, and art trends; show your own work; and learn the inner workings of a professional gallery through internships, coursework, and exhibition work.

WHAT YOU WILL ACHIEVE THROUGH YOUR STUDY:

  • Develop your own unique artistic voice through a series of art practicums
  • Choose 30 credits of electives in the areas you want to explore
  • Take advantage of Worcester State’s four dedicated studios with tools and equipment for printmaking, painting and drawing, design, and sculptural work
  • Complete a senior capstone project
  • Show your work in Worcester State’s Sagamore Studios or Mary Cosgrove Dolphin Gallery
Explore sample courses in this program.
AR-118 Global Art History
Surveys the outstanding visual art from all cultures beginning in the prehistoric era to the late 19th century.
3 credits
AR-119 First Year Art Practicum
This course offers students an opportunity to work closely with faculty to work in an art gallery, develop technical skills, studio projects, and do research to support their creative development. This course is required for the Art Major. It is geared to the individual needs of each student.
1 credit
AR-123 Design Fundamentals
Design Fundamentals is a course combining 2 and 3 Dimensional Design. In this course we explore composition, space, and color along with planes, volumes, and environments. A variety of materials are used to create on surfaces and in actual space. Many projects are grounded in aspects of mathematical and geometrical systems, e.g., grids, tiling, Fibonacci series, fractals, regular solids.
3 credits
AR-140 Drawing Fundamentals
The development of visual perception, technical skills, and individual expression in drawing media. Students explore concepts in drawing to develop their artwork through observation, experimentation, awareness of historical and contemporary contexts, and critical assessment. Projects utilize a variety of drawing materials to demonstrate technical facility and to enhance self-expression.
3 credits
AR-210 Drawing and Painting Studio
This course is a comprehensive introduction to the art of drawing and painting. Students are strongly encouraged to explore the skills and concepts of these art forms in order to develop their ideas through observation, experimentation, historical context, and analysis. Projects are designed to expand awareness and to expose students to contemporary concerns.
3 credits
AR-215 Topics in Art
This course chooses a topic or a theme to explore in the classroom and studio for a semester. Students read about this topic or theme and produce work in the studio inspired by their reading. Topics may include (but are not limited to) the figure in art, landscape art, abstract art, science and art, social sciences and art, religion and art, East meets West, arte povera, Dada art, etc.
3 credits
AR-225 Art Since Mid-20th Century
Explores how artists have challenged the traditional definitions of the art object and the expanded materials, media, and concepts employed by artists since 1950 to the present era.
3 credits
AR-235 3D Sculpture Studio
This is an introductory course focusing on form creation grounded in sculptural forms and techniques. Students create sculpture by exploring traditional techniques such as molding, carving, casting, and assemblage using historical and contemporary materials from clay and stone to cardboard and found objects. Historical context, skill development, critical analysis, and proper tool usage and safety are emphasized.
3 credits
AR-130 Painting I
An introduction to the fundamentals of historical painting styles, techniques, and materials used, with emphasis on visual perception and expression.
3 credits
AR-230 Printmaking
Introduction to the techniques and aesthetics of etching and relief. Prints by major artists are examined.
3 credits
AR-270 Driftwood to Dumpsters
Students learn about the history and practice of making art from non-traditional materials. This is a lecture and hands-on art course.
3 credits
AR-275 Gallery and Museum Studies
All aspects of installation and exhibition of art work in the Worcester State gallery, including solicitation of art, publicity, display, and management.
3 credits
AR-285 History of Photography
The history of photography from 1839 to present, with attention to styles, aesthetics, technical processes, and leading practitioners.
3 credits
AR-260 Visual Arts in the Schools
An exploration of art materials and concepts, and their appropriate use with children. Includes studio projects, art history, and educational theory.
3 credits

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