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Fine Art Specialization

The fine art specialization of the visual arts major offers a flexible course of study in which students are encouraged to develop a strong studio practice supporting the creation of images, objects, and visual, spatial and time-based experiences. Students learn technical skills informed by ideas, a firm grounding in making, conceptualization, art theory and criticism, and an awareness of contemporary issues. Exhibitions, student organization events, guest lectures and field trips as well as the Professional Practices course assist students with effective knowledge and preparation for the transition from student to professional artist. A three-semester capstone course sequence emphasizes critical thinking, writing and research culminating in a senior thesis paper and exhibition.
 

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Possible careers options for Fine Art students include:

  • Art Commissions
  • Art Therapy
  • Computer Visual Imaging
  • Conservation and Restoration
  • Drawing and Painting
  • Exhibition Installation
  • Experimental Illustration
  • Gallery Curation
  • Mural Painting
  • Photography and Imaging
  • Production Design
  • Sculpture and Public Art
  • Storyboard Art
  • Teaching and Art Education
  • Video, Film and Sound Editing

Specialization Requirements

Fine Art Core

Choose 5 courses and no more than two out of any one area:

2-D and Image-based

  • AAV 211/Drawing II
  • AAV 214/Printmaking I
  • AAV 215/Painting I
  • AAV 370/Topics in Art (with appropriate topic)

Technology-based

  • AAV 216/Fiber Arts
  • AAV 217/Ceramics
  • AAV 218/Book Arts
  • AAV 231/Studio Lighting
  • AAV 255/Web I
  • AAV 370/Topics in Art (with appropriate topic)

Spatially-Oriented

  • AAV 213/Sculpture I
  • AAV 342/Installation and Performance
  • AAV 370/Topics in Art (with appropriate topic)

Time-based

  • AAV 244/Video I
  • AAV 370/Topics in Art (with appropriate topic)

Advanced Requirements

(Choose 3 courses)

  • AAV 314/Printmaking II
  • AAV 315/Painting II
  • AAV 311/Drawing III
  • AAV 313/Sculpture II
  • AAV 330/Photo III: Image and Narrative
  • AAV 331/Advanced Projects in Photography and Video
  • AAV 342/Installations and Performance
  • AAV3XX/Video II
  • AAV 370/Topics in Art (with appropriate topic)

Studio Elective

(Choose 1 course)

  • Any Fine Art, Photo/Video, Studio, Internship, or Special Topics course.

Capstone

(3 courses)

  • AAV 318/Theory & Practice in Fine Art
  • AAV 461/Professional Practice
  • AAV 412/Senior Thesis in Fine Art

Recommended Second-Year Program of Study: Fine Art

First Semester

  • Fine Art Core 1 – 1 course unit
  • Fine Art Core 2 – 1 course unit
  • Art History – 1 course unit
  • College Core – 1 course unit

Second Semester

  • Fine Art Core 3 – 1 course unit
  • Advanced 1 – 1 course unit
  • Art History – 1 course unit
  • College Core – 1 course unit
  • Sophomore Review – 0 course unit

Total for year: 8 Course Units

 

Recommended Third-Year Program of Study: Fine Art

First Semester

  • Fine Art Core 4 – 1 course unit
  • Advanced 2 – 1 course unit
  • Art History – 1 course unit
  • College Core – 1 course unit

Second Semester

  • AAV 318/Theory & Practice in Fine Art – 1 course unit
  • Advanced 3 – 1 course unit
  • Art History – 1 course unit
  • College Core – 1 course unit

Total for year: 8 Course Units

 

Recommended Fourth-Year Program of Study: Fine Art

First Semester

  • AAV 461/Professional Practice – 1 course unit
  • Fine Art Core 5 – 1 course unit
  • Elective – 1 course unit
  • Elective – 1 course unit

Second Semester

  • AAV 412/Senior Thesis in Fine Art – 1 course unit
  • Studio Elective – 1 course unit
  • Elective – 1 course unit
  • Elective – 1 course unit

Total for year: 8 Course Units

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