Art & Design

Undergraduate Programs

Description

Art and Design is devoted to the development of concepts, attitudes and skills in the visual arts within a broad university curriculum of liberal arts orientation. The four objectives are: professional training of artists and scholars in chosen areas of specialization, preparation of art educators, elective study for students in all areas of the university, and service to local communities as a source of cultural enrichment.

Majors

 Program Locations Major / Total Credits
Art BA BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • Mankato
 36 / 120
Art BFA BFA - Bachelor of Fine Arts
  • Mankato
 67 / 120
Art BFA Graphic Design BFA - Bachelor of Fine Arts
  • Mankato
 76 / 120

Certificates

 Program Locations Major / Total Credits
Graphic Design CERT
  • Mankato
 18 / 18

Minors

 Program Locations Total Credits
Art Studio Minor
  • Mankato
 18
Graphic Design Minor
  • Mankato
 18

Policies & Faculty

Policies

Drawing and design courses in the Art core should be taken during the first year.

Admission to Major is granted by the department. Minimum University admission requirements are:

  1. a minimum of 32 earned semester credit hours;
  2. a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 ("C").

In addition to minimum University admission requirements students requesting admission must complete the following:

  1. ART 101 (3) (Preferred) or ART 100 (3)
  2. ART 260 or ART 261
  3. Students for all majors may be admitted provisionally while these requirements are being satisfied.

Contact the department for application procedures.

P/N Grading Policy. A student majoring in Art may take a maximum of one-fourth of the Art credits for P/N grades and must comply with the university P/N requirements.

GPA Policy. A 2.0 GPA is required. For admission to and graduation from the BFA program students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. Students on academic probation should refer to the College of Arts and Humanities policy regarding required advising.

Studio courses require two scheduled hours of class meeting time under the direct guidance of the instructor and a minimum of one additional hour of work at the discretion of the student for each credit hour earned.

Majors and minors must meet with the department chairperson two semesters prior to their anticipated graduation date so that their graduation credits can be evaluated.

All students should check with the department office concerning the future availability of courses needed for graduation.

The total number of transfer credits accepted for each major/minor is as follows: BFA (24), BS (18), BA (15), and Minor (6).

The department may request the retention of student work for its permanent instructional and exhibition collection. It reserves the right to photograph students and their work. In addition, the department cannot insure student work, material and equipment or take responsibility for its loss or damage.

Students with junior or senior standing are encouraged to seek internship opportunities in career-related settings that may include museums, production studios, design firms, and other approved venues. Arrangements are made on an individualized basis. A maximum of 6 credits may be applied toward specializations within BA, BS, or BFA degree programs.

Notations showing the costs of individual courses are included in the schedule of classes. In some cases, student fees are charged for materials used. Verifying such information with the individual instructor is suggested.

Contact Information

136 Nelson Hall

Office 507-389-6412
https://hss.mnsu.edu/academic-programs/art/

Faculty

Chair
  • Gina Wenger, Ph.D.
Faculty
  • Bradley Coulter, MFA
  • Alisa Eimen, Ph.D.
  • Curt Germundson, Ph.D.
  • Seiji Ikeda, MFA
  • Mika Negishi Laidlaw, MFA
  • Liz Miller, MFA
  • Areca Roe, MFA
  • Ellen Schofield, MFA
  • Todd Shanafelt, MFA
  • Amy Toscani, MFA
  • Matthew Willemsen, MFA
  • Josh Winkler, MFA

100 Level

Credits: 3

2-D visual problem solving and art-making strategies using the elements and principles of design. For elementary education majors and general education.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06

Credits: 3

For art, art history and art education majors.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

An introduction to concepts and processes related to the visual and physical organization of three-dimensional form and space.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

Introduction to traditional drawing techniques and concepts.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

Introduction to Western and non-Western visual arts and the variety of methods by which art is understood. These may include art appreciation, art criticism, the history of art, popular culture, and aesthetic awareness.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06, GE-08

Diverse Cultures: Purple

200 Level

Credits: 3

This graphic design course is an introduction to digital media technology as a creative tool for the development of visual expression. The course is taught using the Mac OS and explores vector and bitmap image making.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

Continued exploration of drawing techniques and concepts.

Prerequisites: ART 110

Credits: 3

Experience in drawing from the human figure.

Prerequisites: ART 110

Credits: 3

This course explores the basic principles of graphic design. Emphasis is placed on developing an awareness and effective use of type, image, and symbol. Students focus on the design process as a way to develop and refine design solutions.

Prerequisites: ART 202

Credits: 3

ART 225 offers art experiences with a focus on working with children. The class will be introduced to methods and materials that work best with these populations. The course includes an introduction to a broad scope of artists and artworks that reflect our culturally diverse country, as well as the global nature of our world. Visual Culture, work of fine art, museum analysis, installations, performances, video art, and graffiti will be discussed. Students will participate in hands-on art making activities through studio experiences, they will write and reflect on the outcomes, and they will participate in critiques and discussions.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06, GE-07

Credits: 3

Multimedia art exploration is a problem solving art studio experience involving the use of a variety of traditional and non-traditional art materials.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06

Credits: 3

Beginning experience with oil and/or acrylic paint. Emphasis upon technical and conceptual development.

Prerequisites: ART 100 or ART 101, ART 110 or consent

Credits: 3

Introduction to basic techniques in watercolor.

Prerequisites: ART 100 or ART 101, ART 110 or consent

Credits: 3

An introduction to basic wheel throwing techniques exploring the potential of clay as a creative and expressive material.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

An introduction to basic sculptural hand building techniques exploring the nature of clay as a creative-expressive medium.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

Introduction to art history from prehistoric and ancient cultures through the Middle Ages. Includes representative examples and styles of art and architecture of Western (Europe and the Near East) and non-Western cultures (China, India, Japan, Southeast Asia, Africa, Mesoamerica, South America, North America, Australia).

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06, GE-08

Diverse Cultures: Purple

Credits: 3

Lecture-based survey of the Art and Architecture of both Western and non-Western countries from the thirteenth through twentieth centuries.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06, GE-08

Credits: 3

This course analyzes relationships between art and politics from ancient times through today, exploring uses of art from persuasion to overt propaganda in visual arts and architecture. It will deal with diverse cultures, covering material from a global perspective.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06, GE-08

Credits: 3

Introduction to silkscreen and lithography printmaking processes including silkscreen, monotype, and plate lithography.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

Introduction to intaglio and relief printmaking processes including collagraph, etching, relief carving, and engraving.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

Introduction to the techniques and expressive potential of both digital and darkroom photography. Topics include basic camera controls, lighting, composition, editing, and fine art printing in the digital lab and darkroom. A digital camera with manual controls of aperture and shutter speed is required for part of the semester (a film camera will be provided).

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06

Credits: 3

Exploration of the visual and physical organization of three-dimensional form and space through problems employing various media and processes.

Prerequisites: ART 103 or consent

Credits: 3

This studio course familiarizes students with the basic concerns of installation art, including relationship to site and audience. A variety of materials and approaches will be explored. Environmental impact, health, and safety will be addressed. In addition to studio work, historical and contemporary examples will be discussed to provide context and encourage awareness of the disciplines past and present potential.

Prerequisites: ART 103 or consent

Credits: 3

Lecture/discussion/studio course on a selected area of discourse relating to the study of Art History, Art Criticism, Art Education or Art Studio. May focus on a specific artists, style period, cultural group or technical or methodological problem.

Prerequisites: none

300 Level

Credits: 3

Introduction to product design as it relates to user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design from a visual communication design perspective. Applicable visual prototypes will encompass various situations that may range from icon wayfinding systems to mobile app designs. The course will explore issues of differing philosophical perspectives of technology as a tool, a medium, and/or an environment.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

This course investigates the use of letterforms in the message making process. Topics include historical overview of letter development, type terminology, type and image relationships, and technical and aesthetic applications of type.

Prerequisites: ART 202

Credits: 3

This course encourages experimental approaches that build on drawing skills developed in ART 110 and ART 210. Formal and conceptual issues will be addressed as students pursue individualized subject matter. Course may be repeated.

Prerequisites: ART 210

Credits: 3

This course expands upon the beginning and intermediate design experience. Emphasis is placed on concept development and the exploration of meaningful solutions applied across a variety of media. The technical skills of preparing work for production will be strengthened.

Prerequisites: ART 220, ART 302, ART 304

Credits: 3

This course strengthens students' conceptual skills within the context of graphic design. The course emphasizes various techniques for generating imagery to more effectively communicate ideas.

Prerequisites: ART 220, ART 302, ART 304

Credits: 3

Intermediate painting. Emphasizing individual creative development. Must be taken twice before advancing to ART 440. Pre: ART 240 or consent F, S

Prerequisites: ART 240 or consent

Credits: 3

Experience in advanced watercolor techniques and concepts. Must be taken twice before advancing to ART 445.

Prerequisites: ART 245 or consent

Credits: 3

An intermediate course emphasizing personal exploration and creative research relating to hand building, molding processes and/or the potters wheel. Must be taken twice before advancing to ART 450.

Prerequisites: ART 250 or ART 251

Credits: 3

Continued exploration of intaglio, lithographic, relief and silk-screen processes. Must be taken twice before advancing to ART 470.

Prerequisites: ART 270 or ART 271

Credits: 3

This is an intermediate course focusing exclusively on materials, technique, processes, equipment, and safety in contemporary digital printmaking processes.

Prerequisites: ART 202, ART 271

Credits: 3

This intermediate course builds on basic knowledge learned in ART 275. Topics covered include medium and large format film cameras and film development, film scanning, as well as digital editing, manipulation, and fine art digital print and darkroom print output. Additionally we will discuss lighting, composition, creative problem solving, and creating a cohesive series. In rotation with ART 377.

Prerequisites: ART 275

Credits: 3

This intermediate course builds on basic knowledge learned in ART 275. Topics covered include digital camera operations, digital editing, manipulation and layering of images, and fine art digital print output. Additionally we will discuss lighting, composition, creative problem solving, and creating a cohesive series. In rotation with ART 375. A digital SLR camera is required.

Prerequisites: ART 275

Credits: 3

Introduction to the techniques and expressive potential of digital video as an art medium. We will cover capturing video, editing using current software applications, and final output and display of video work. We will build formal and conceptual skills to explore the possibilities of digital video as art, and explore the history and contemporary examples of video in the art world. Access to a digital SLR camera with video/movie capabilities is required (most SLRs have this).

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

Investigation of three-dimensional form, space and media in search of a personal aesthetic statement. Must be taken twice before advancing to ART 480.

Prerequisites: ART 280

Credits: 3

This studio course explores a wide range of material and conceptual strategies to site-specific work. Personal approaches will be stressed as students develop and implement their own installations. Environmental impact, health, and safety will be addressed. In addition to studio work, the course will cover a variety of installation artists and related readings. Must be taken twice before advancing to ART 485.

Prerequisites: ART 285 or consent

Credits: 0

Required of all B.F.A. majors before taking 4XX advanced studio specialization sequence to continue in program.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 0

Required of all B.F.A. majors with an emphasis in Graphic Design before taking 4XX advanced design sequence courses to continue in program.

Prerequisites: none

400 Level

Credits: 3-6

This advanced course investigates design related topics in greater depth.

Prerequisites: ART 302 and ART 320

Credits: 3

This course is an advanced study of motion design. The study and exploration of digital narrative and non-linear storytelling are key components. Students build on existing motion design skills to create conceptually and technically advanced time-based solutions. This course is repeatable.

Prerequisites: ART 220, ART 302, ART 304

Credits: 3

This course is an advanced study of typography. Students build on existing type sensibilities while exploring traditional and non-traditional applications of type.

Prerequisites: ART 220, ART 302, ART 304

Credits: 3

This is an advanced-level course that aims to strengthen designers¿ sense of curiosity, creativity, and confidence in generating self-initiated work. Students explore their own areas of interests within the context of graphic design and creative problem solving.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

Concentrated study of front-end web design standards as it pertains to typography, graphics, creativity, and strategic planning. Students will prototype interactive media through the utilization of visual design systems and UI/UX methodologies.

Prerequisites: ART 220, ART 302, ART 304

Credits: 3-6

Continued in-depth exploration of drawing techniques and concepts. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: ART 310

Credits: 3

Advanced experience in drawing from the human figure. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: ART 212 or ART 310

Credits: 3

Introduction to art and architecture of Western Europe, the Byzantine Empire, and the Islamic world, from the second to the fifteenth centuries. Examination of representative works of art and major styles of Christian, Jewish, and Islamic cultures, including the Romanesque and Gothic periods.

Prerequisites: ART 260 or consent

Credits: 3

Historical survey of the representation of gender with comparison of the artistic efforts of males and females and examination of art used to present gender-based issues including homosexuality, feminism, censorship and pornography.

Prerequisites: ART 261 or consent

Credits: 3-6

This course is split between engagement in advanced design problems and preparation for entry into the graphic design field. This course is repeatable.

Prerequisites: ART 320, ART 404, ART 406

Credits: 3

Art expression related to child growth, development and teaching strategies. (Required for student teaching and certification.) Junior status or consent required.

Prerequisites: ART 100 or ART 101, Jr. status or consent

Credits: 3

Current theory and practice of teaching art to students with physical, emotional, and developmental exceptionalities. Includes experiences in elementary classrooms.

Prerequisites: ART 421

Credits: 3

The characteristics of art expression and evaluation at the junior and senior high level: the status, curricula and strategies of teaching. (Required for student teaching.)

Prerequisites: ART 421

Credits: 3

Application of instruction in art history as well as contemporary art to elementary and secondary schools. Includes experiences in elementary classrooms. Spring

Prerequisites: ART 260, ART 261, ART 421 or consent

Credits: 3

Theoretical and practical aspects of administering arts organizations. Examines the management, budgeting, marketing and administration of arts programs and organizations in the postmodern era.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

Exploration of front-end web design as a graphic and visual communication design medium. Emphasis is placed on research discovery, ideation, information architecture, UI/UX experience, and designing for emotion.

Prerequisites: ART 320, ART 404, ART 406

Credits: 3-6

Advanced painting. Continued development of a focused individual expression. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: ART 340

Credits: 3

This course continues students' advanced study of typography. Emphasis is placed on designing complex typographic systems, multiple page publications, and expressive type-based solutions.

Prerequisites: ART 320, ART 404, ART 406

Credits: 3-6

Advanced experience in watercolor. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: ART 345

Credits: 3-6

An advanced course which emphasizes individual research in technical, aesthetic and conceptual considerations. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: ART 350

Credits: 3

Introduction to the art and architecture of the ancient era in its historical and cultural frameworks. Examination of representative works of art and major styles of ancient Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Aegean, Greek, Etruscan, and Roman cultures.

Prerequisites: ART 260 or consent

Credits: 3

Origins and development of Northern and Italian Renaissance art and architecture as an expression of historical, cultural and religious issues.

Prerequisites: ART 261 or consent

Credits: 3

Historical survey of art, architecture and urban planning in Europe and America from the late sixteenth to mid-nineteenth century: Mannerism, Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassicism and Romanticism.

Prerequisites: ART 261 or consent

Credits: 3

The study of art museum history, theory and practice, including ethics, collecting, and display. Alongside these studies, students will conceive and realize an exhibition in order to further develop knowledge of and experience in the field.

Prerequisites: ART 260, ART 261

Credits: 3

Historical survey of art, architecture and urban planning in Europe and America from the mid-nineteenth century to the present: Realism, Impressionism, Expressionism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, Minimalism, Op Art, Pop Art, and Post-modern issues and trends.

Prerequisites: ART 261 or consent

Credits: 3

Historical survey of art and architectural developments from Islam's origins through the twentieth century. Course focuses on contextualizing monuments, paintings, and other arts from various regions around the world.

Prerequisites: none

Diverse Cultures: Purple

Credits: 3

Survey of Graphic Design, Industrial Design and Architecture from historical and theoretical perspectives. Design issues examined from formal and contextual points of view, using analysis strategies that consider style, composition, historical context, functional/propagandistic significance and communicative ability.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

Historical survey of the art and architecture of China, India, Korea and Japan from pre-history to the 20th century.

Prerequisites: ART 260, ART 261 or consent

Diverse Cultures: Purple

Credits: 3-6

Continued investigation of advanced print making techniques and concepts. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: ART 370

Credits: 3-6

Expanding technical knowledge and visual awareness while building a portfolio in selected areas. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 3

Investigation of developments in sacred and secular art and architecture in various regions of the world, exploring themes such as nation-building, modernization vs. tradition, post colonialism among others, since the 19th century.

Prerequisites: none

Diverse Cultures: Purple

Credits: 3-6

Continuing development of a strongly personal means of aesthetic expression in three dimensions. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: ART 380

Credits: 3-6

This studio course focuses on the planning and implementation of site-specific work. Students personal interests will be paramount in the development of works that address site and audience. Professional practices necessary to carry out installations will be emphasized, including proposal development, project planning, and documentation. Environmental impact, health, and safety will be addressed. The course will cover a variety of installation artists and related readings. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: ART 385 or consent

Credits: 1-6

Specific problems in art emphasizing both individual research and contributions to the seminar group on advanced, in-depth topics.

Prerequisites: Consent

Credits: 3

Lecture/discussion/studio course on a selected area of discourse relating to the study of Art History, Art Criticism, Art Education or Art Studio. May focus on a specific artist, style period, cultural group or technical or methodological problem.

Prerequisites: none

Credits: 0-1

A required course in all art major degree programs. Students plan and present art work in an exhibition. Can not be taken same semester as student teaching.

Prerequisites: Consent

Credits: 1

Capstone writing project. Advanced study and research required. Topic of the senior thesis determined jointly by the student and the faculty advisor. Required for art history specialization and art history major. A less expansive project is required for the art history minor.

Prerequisites: Consent of advisor

Credits: 1-6

Field experience in professional settings relating to the specialization: graphic design, museum or arts administration, etc. Pre: Jr. standing with consent of advisor and department chair.

Prerequisites: Jr. standing with consent of advisor and department chair.

Credits: 1-6

Advanced level pursuit of special projects of research on an independent basis. Requires contractual agreement in art office for registration.

Prerequisites: Consent