School of Art Courses

ART 110 - Close Looking

The course introduces students to the visual arts through first-hand encounters with works on and near campus. Written assignments and discussion will emphasize art as a visual language comprised of multiple media and conceptual frameworks. The course will provide an understanding of and appreciation for the cultural impact of art. (AR)

ART 111 - Foundation Art

This course explores the foundations of color, form and design through studio projects in two and three dimensions. It seeks to foster creative processes and problem solving suitable for innovations in art, design and culture. It also serves as the foundation for the development of aesthetic practices and is required for art majors. (AR) Offered each fall.

ART 115 - Introduction to Art History

This course explores the relationship between artistic production and audience in a historical and global context. Students will focus on select works of art to develop the ability to engage visual texts in an analytical and critical manner. Course includes visits to campus galleries and collections. (AR) Offered each spring.

ART 121 - Beginning 3-D Design

This course provides an introduction to the concepts and methods of designing and making three-dimensional objects. Students recceive instruction on basic tools and materials in addition to 3D software. Course content includes lecture, discussion, and studio projects. Offered occasionally.

ART 140 - Photography I

An introduction to black and white photographic processes and concepts. Students explore photography as a medium of aesthetic expression and become aware of both historic and contemporary trends in photography. Beyond collecting photographic images and studio work, students will engage in group discussions and a series of critiques. Slide lectures, demonstrations of studio processes and research assignments will complement the studio experience. (AR) Offered occasionally.

ART 141 - Graphic Design I

Introduction to visual communication, aesthetic theory, and computer graphics tools and techniques. Explores graphic design as a means of communication, artistic expression, and organization of information. Critiques, group discussions, research and information gathering assignments, lectures and demonstrations complement studio work. (AR) Offered each semester.

ART 170 - Special Topics in Art and Design

A course which may vary in content with each offering. The central focus may be on one or more issues of process, content, or style. Each course offering under this title bears a subtitle which indicates the specific type of course experience that is planned. May be repeated for credit if course is not duplicated. Offered occasionally.

ART 201 - Design Processes

This course will examine various models of design and product development processes. However, the main model that will be used is clarification (or research), ideation, development, implementation. Particular emphasis will be placed on the clarifiation/research and ideation portions of the process. Offered occasionally. (W)

ART 214 - Beginning Drawing

This beginning drawing course introduces students to fundamental drawing techniques and materials. Focused on developing observational skills and understanding of line, edge, form, light, and shadow, students will explore various subjects through charcoal and pencil. Assignments encourage artistic expression, laying the groundwork for more advanced visual communication. Offered each semester. AR

ART 220 - Introduction to Visual Culture

What might our contemporary attitudes toward images share with ancient image beliefs? The course explores the ideas prevalent in a society represented in visual cultural production. Through close reading of primary sources, we will investigate theories that persist and reveal the motivations of image producers endlessly fighting for our consciousness. (IT, W) No prerequisites.

ART 221 - Designing for People

This course examines various factors that contribute to the creation of products that are safe, usable, and understandable. Course content includes the study of ergonomics and anthropometry, as well as interactive object design, and industrial design history. The course will be taught through a combination of lecture, discussion, and studio projects. Offered occasionally.

ART 226 - Beginning Glass

This course offers a survey of beginning glassworking techniques. Students will melt, form, and carve glass, a material transformed by light and uniquely suited to artistic expression. The course emphasizes historical and contemporary glassmaking, encouraging students to integrate traditional methods with personal innovation in their projects. Offered each semester.

ART 231 - Beginning Painting

This beginning painting course introduces students to the essentials of painting with acrylics. Students will learn about color mixing, brushwork, and composition as they explore still life, landscapes, and portraiture. Emphasis is placed on developing a personal style while mastering the basics of medium and technique. Offered each semester. AR

ART 232 - Beginning 3D Studio Practice

This beginning class on three-dimensional work is for students who like to make things. In each project, students will learn to conceptualize and form three-dimensional objects out of wire, wood, paper, plaster and found objects for artistic expression. The course will guide students in idea development and encourage experimentation. This class is for new and experienced makers. Offered occasionally.

ART 234 - Beginning Printmaking

The course introduces students to printmaking processes and concepts and explores printmaking as a medium of aesthetic expression. It aims to develop an awareness of selected historical and contemporary modes of printmaking through studio work, critiques, group discussions, research and information-gathering assignments, lectures, and demonstrations. Offered occasionally. AR

ART 238 - Beginning Ceramics

The course introduces the fundamental techniques of working with clay and glazing. Students will develop an understanding of form, surface, and materiality, engaging in projects that emphasize creativity and a solid foundation for further exploration in ceramics. Handbuilding is offered in the fall and throwing in the spring. Offered each semester.

ART 240 - Digital Photography

Explores the conceptual, creative and technical processes of the medium. The course includes demonstrations of technological best practices, from image capture to print, including web publishing. Each student will create a portfolio of digital images through studio work. (AR) Offered each spring.

ART 241 - Graphic Design II: Image/Design

A continuation of the study of imagery and image making in design through a series of projects. Visual communication through original photography, manipulated photography and illustration are explored using both hand and digital tools. Both theory and the process of design are emphasized through a variety of media ranging from print to digital. Prerequisite: 141. Offered each fall.

ART 242 - Graphic Design: Web Design

A studio course exploring visual layout principles of interactive website design. Survey of methodology, theory, and best practice of web design solutions. Projects will explore current technologies. Prerequisite: ART 141. Offered alternate years in fall.

ART 302 - Contemporary Professional Practices

This course will address the material, technical, and theoretical choices necessary for producing and understanding contemporary art. It will be an exploratory seminar. The class will promote an interdisciplinary approach to the making of art and help the student to discover how different material and technical decisions can inform their visual and conceptual practice. Prerequisite: Junior standing within the School of Art. Offered occasionally.

ART 311 - Art and Architecture of The Roman World

This course follows the development of the forms and ideologies of Roman art from the republic to late antiquity. The issues to be discussed will include public and private and civic and religious art and architecture, urban planning, and the interaction of Roman art forms and provincial cultures in the forging of identity. The course is cross-listed with AHIST 311. (AR) Offered occasionally.

ART 312 - Materials and Processes

This course provides a survey of different types of materials, fabrication techniques, and manufacturing processes. This will involve a combination of lecture and lab/studio work. Prerequisite: PHYS 101, 105 or 131. Offered occasionally.

ART 315 - Intermediate Drawing

This intermediary studio course focuses on advancing students’ technical skills and conceptual understanding. Through projects and critiques, students will explore various techniques and enhance their ability to problem-solve ideas visually. Emphasis is placed on developing a cohesive body of work that reflects individual artistic identities. Prerequisite: ART 214. Offered each semester.

ART 316 - European Art, 1750-1900

An examination of the visual arts and critical ideas shaping Europe from the Enlightenment to the beginnings of Modernism. The course explores the visual culture of the French Revolution, art and colonialism, the major artistic movements, and the rapid technological and societal changes associated with modernity. Familiarity with art history is not required. (AR) Offered occasionally.

ART 320 - Global Modern Art

Surveys major developments in global modernisms from the late nineteenth to the mid twentieth century in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North and South America. Key topics include artistic responses to two World Wars, European Imperialism and colonialism, the development of artistic trends, new technologies, the rise of avant-gardism and postcolonial responses creating their own modernisms. Familiarity with art history is not required. (AR, G) Offered each fall.

ART 322 - Global Contemporary Art

A critical survey of art since the 1960s, exploring strategies of artistic practice and art’s social engagement in Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania, North and South America. Course themes include ephemeral and collaborative multimedia projects, performance and process art, the rise of new media, decolonialism, and transnational artists. (AR, G) Offered each spring.

ART 326 - Intermediate Glass

This intermediate glass course expands on basic glass-working techniques. Students will explore the expressive potential of glass through targeted projects that encourage technical refinement, problem solving, and creative experimentation. Emphasis is placed on understanding material properties and developing a personal artistic approach. Prerequisite: ART 226. Offered each semester.

ART 331 - Intermediate Painting

This intermediate painting course builds on foundational skills to deepen students' understanding of color, composition, and technique. Students will explore thematic projects that challenge them to interpret and express complex subjects. Emphasis is on fostering a distinct artistic voice through experimentation and critique. Prerequisite: ART 230. Offered each semester.

ART 332 - Intermediate 3D Studio Practice

This intermediate course explores three-dimensional creative expression, emphasizing individual problem-solving and conceptual development. As students begin to identify their conceptual and technical interests, the class guides them in defining their unique visual voice. Projects encourage innovation and engagement with physical and social landscapes. Prerequisite: ART 232. Offered occasionally.

ART 334 - Intermediate Printmaking

This intermediate printmaking course explores lithography and color intaglio. Students will learn the technical processes to develop proficiency and artistic expression, creating complex, multi-layered prints that reflect distinct artistic perspectives. Prerequisite: ART 234. Offered occasionally

ART 338 - Intermediate Ceramics

The course emphasizes individual problem-solving and continued technical development. Through personalized projects, students will tackle artistic challenges and refine their skills, developing a distinctive approach to ceramic art. Handbuilding is offered in the fall and throwing in the spring. Prerequisite: ART 238. Offered each semester.

ART 340 - Photography III

A continuation of 240. Students are expected to demonstrate greater independence and experimentation in their work. Prerequisite: 240. Offered each semester.

ART 341 - Graphic Design III: The Narrative & Design

A study of visual narrative design, emphasizing creativity and effective visual communication. Through a variety of projects students will learn the historical basis of typography and the relationship between language and form. A continuation of the study of design principles will be emphasized in both static and interactive media. Prerequisite: 241. Offered each spring.

ART 343 - Graphic Design IV: Problem Solving & Design

A course that will challenge designers to look at larger questions of design and social change. Working as a team with either campus or community organizations students study the complexity of an issue. Students define the challenges and design experiences, artifacts, and/or contemporary media to innovate change, educate, or inspire. Students will use advanced branding practices to create cohesive communication. Prerequisite: 341. Offered each fall.

ART 370 - Special Topics in Art History

A course which may vary in content with each offering. The central focus may be on one or more art movements, particular artistic problems or concepts, time periods or geographical locations which are more or less narrowly defined, or on the work of an individual artist. Each course offering under this title bears a subtitle which indicates the specific subject matter and the type of course experience that is planned. May be repeated for credit if course content is not duplicated. (Recent courses) Offered occasionally.

ART 381 - Special Topics in Studio Art

A course which may vary in content with each offering. The central focus may be on one or more issues of process, content, or style. Each course offering under this title bears a subtitle which indicates the specific type of course experience that is planned. May be repeated for credit if course is not duplicated. Offered occasionally.

ART 399 - Art Seminar

A seminar on a theme in art and visual culture, required of seniors in the School of Art & Design. Topics will vary, and the course may be repeated for credit. The seminar is research-focused and fulfills the General Education requirements for a Writing Intensive course (W). Offered each fall.

ART 415 - Advanced Drawing

For advanced students who have an awareness of the basic problems in drawing. The course has three aims: development of a personal drawing style, familiarity with all drawing media, and a greater general appreciation of drawing. Prerequisite: 213. Offered each semester.

ART 426 - Advanced Glass

This advanced glass course deepens students' skills in glassworking, exploring and focusing on a singular technique such as fusing, casting, or flameworking. Through intensive practice and critical feedback, students are encouraged to experiment and innovate, creating unique and complex glass artworks that reflect advanced conceptual understanding and technical proficiency. Course may be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: ART 326. Offered each semester.

ART 430 - Advanced Painting

This course encourages greater independence and experimentation in artistic practice. Students are expected to push boundaries in both technique and concept, exploring personal and contemporary themes deeply. The course supports self-directed projects with individual critiques, creating a cohesive body of work. Course may be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: ART 330. Offered each semester

ART 432 - Advanced 3D Studio Practice

This advanced course requires students to complete a series of proposed projects that foster exploration and self-reflection and hone their skills in three-dimensional expression. The project materials will correspond to the students' ideas and interest in specific techniques. One course project must be publicly displayed. Course may be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: ART 332. Offered occasionally.

ART 434 - Advanced Printmaking

This course encourages greater independence and experimentation in printmaking practice. Students are expected to push boundaries in both technique and concept, exploring personal and contemporary themes deeply. The course supports self-directed projects with individual critiques, fostering a mature, innovative approach to creating a cohesive body of work. The course may be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: ART 335

ART 438 - Advanced Ceramics

The course encourages greater independence and experimentation. Students will deepen their understanding of material properties and techniques. The course supports self-directed projects that push artistic boundaries and culminate in conceptually rich works. Handbuilding is offered in the fall and throwing in the spring. Course may be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: ART 338. Offered each semester.

ART 440 - Photography IV

A, B. Concentrated individualized work for advanced students. Prerequisite: 340. May be repeated once for credit. Offered each semester.

ART 441 - Graphic Design V: Portfolio

A concentrated study of complex design problems building on the students' previous design experiences. New work may range from an illustration series, branding or promotional campaigns, and complex educational or informational communication to design entrepreneur projects. Students propose a plan for the semester for faculty approval. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: 343. Offered each spring.

ART 450 - Advanced Studies in Art History

The seminar topic varies with each offering and may include a specified historical moment or group of artists, methodological trends or conceptual problems in the field. The seminar combines discussion and presentation, research and writing. The course fulfills the General Education requirements for a Writing Intensive course (W). Offered occasionally.

ART 480 - Special Individual Projects

Individually designed research studies, field experiences, or experimental studio projects in an area of special interest; carried out under the guidance of the instructor or a special supervisor. May be repeated for a maximum of three units of credit. Prerequisite: consent of the instructor. Offered as needed.

ART 297, 397, 497 - Internships

Individually designed experiential learning. May include field studios or internship placements such as commercial printing, graphic design, museum or gallery work. Prerequisites: consent of the School of Art faculty. Offered each semester.

Course Descriptions

Ames School of Art & Design