BSU Catalog Home | Visual Arts Program | All-University Courses and Descriptions

Visual Arts (VSAR)

Check with department for semester when these courses are offered. Read each course description for prerequisites.

1102 VISUAL FOUNDATIONS II (3 credits) An introductory course in 3D problem solving in visual thinking: theory, content, process and application of visual design integrated with continued drawing experiences in visual structure with a variety of mediums. Prerequisite: VSAR 1101. Liberal Education Category 6

1107 INTRODUCTION TO ART (2 credits) An introduction to the essential concepts and problems involved in the study of the visual arts and to the basic processes used in their production. Not a studio course. May also be used as an elective in the art major. Liberal Education Category 6

1108 ARTS TODAY (3 credits) An introductory level, interdisciplinary course designed to give students a better understanding of form and meaning in contemporary literature, film, and the performing and visual arts.

2107 VISUAL FOUNDATIONS III (3 credits) The study of color as applied to visual theory and structure, integrated with drawing applications with a variety of color mediums. Prerequisites: VSAR 1101 and VSAR 1102. Liberal Education Category 6

2150 LIFE DRAWING (3 credits) Concentrated instruction in drawing the human figure. This course allows the student to expand their knowledge of historical viewpoints, media exploration, anatomical structure, and contemporary issues as they relate to the figure. Prerequisite: VSAR 1102 or consent of instructor.

2210 PRINTMAKING-RELIEF/INTAGLIO (3 credits) Exploration of the hand processes of relief printmaking: woodcut, linoleum block, collagraph, and embossing; exploration of the hand processes of printmaking from zinc and copper plates: dry point, etching and aquatint. Liberal Education Categories 6 & 11

2217 PAPERMAKING/BOOKS (3 credits) Introduction to the basic properties of various papermaking fibers: cotton, abaca, and native plant materials. Special topics include sheet forming, production papermaking, casting, one-of-a-kind book forms, accordion folds, Japanese, coptic, and non-adhesive bindings, and pop-up book construction. Liberal Education Categories 6 & 11 (Might not be offered every year)

2250 PAINTING (3 credits) Introduction to the medium of oil painting and to the processes involved in perceptual and conceptual exploration. Liberal Education Categories 6 & 11

2310 SCULPTURE (3 credits) Manipulation of techniques and materials on a level which exhibits an awareness of contemporary trends and standards in sculpture.

2350 CERAMICS (3 credits) An introduction to basic forming methods, glazing and firing of ceramic forms. (Might not be offered every year)

2400 JEWELRY/METALS (3 credits) An introduction to basic hand-fabrication techniques and processes using non-ferrous metals as jewelry or small sculptural forms. Avenues of study will include hand-soldering, etching, die forming and cabochon stone setting. Liberal Education Categories 6 & 11

2410/INST 2410 OJIBWE CRAFTS (2 credits) An introduction to the Ojibwe crafts in relation to their culture. Demonstration, instruction and studio experience in basketmaking, hide tanning, the making of leather goods, beading, jewelry making and quilting.

2700 COMPUTER IMAGING (3 credits) Utilization of computer hardware and software to create visual images. Covers the use of available technology in the creation of both fine art and illustration. Prerequisite: VSAR 2107.

2701 GRAPHIC DESIGN (3 credits) Introduction and overview of the graphic design profession. Through lecture, demonstration, research and studio experience, students become familiar with the conceptual and visual processes of the working graphic designer. Prerequisite: IT 1501, IT 1502, VSAR 1101 or consent of instructor.

2702 TYPOGRAPHY AND LAYOUT (3 credits) A theoretical and practical study of the visual nature and expressive potential of type forms as a fundamental tool of the graphic designer. Prerequisite: VSAR 2701 or consent of instructor.

2800 ISSUES AND MEDIA (2 credits) Intermediate level interdisciplinary study of recent tendencies and media approaches, theoretical and related issues in the visual arts. Combines lecture, discussion and studio practice. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

3100 INTERMEDIATE DRAWING (1-4 credits) Expanded study in visual thinking with a contemporary approach to the use of a variety of mediums and surfaces in drawing in order to direct the student toward individual development. Prerequisite: VSAR 2107.

3150 INTERMEDIATE LIFE DRAWING (1-4 credits) Concentrated instruction in drawing the human figure. This course allows the student to expand his/her knowledge of historical viewpoints, media exploration, anatomical structure and contemporary issues as they relate to the figure. Prerequisite: VSAR 2150.

3214 PRINTMAKING-LITHOGRAPHY (3 credits) Exploration of the hand processes of lithographic printmaking on limestone aluminum plates. Prerequisite: VSAR 2107.

3215 PRINTMAKING-SCREENPRINTING (2 credits) Exploring the hand processes of traditional and photographic screenprinting. Prerequisite: VSAR 2107 or consent of instructor. (Might not be offered every year)

3216 INTERMEDIATE PRINTMAKING (3 credits) Advanced study of printmaking techniques and processes; designed to meet the needs of individual students and encourage personal development. May be repeated for a total of 6 credits. Prerequisite: VSAR 3214.

3251 WATERCOLOR/AQUEOUS MEDIA (3 credits) Concentration on the study of composition, color and light, leading to an understanding of watercolor and/or acrylics. Prerequisite: VSAR 2250 or consent of instructor.

3252 INTERMEDIATE PAINTING (3 credits) Continued development of the basic foundations in painting with emphasis on the development of individual and experimental procedures. Prerequisite: VSAR 3251.

3310 INTERMEDIATE SCULPTURE (3 credits) Manipulation of techniques and materials on a level which exhibits an awareness of contemporary trends and standards in sculpture. Prerequisite: VSAR 2310.

3350 INTERMEDIATE CERAMICS (3 credits) Continued exploration of forming methods and additional experience in glaze formulation and firing of ceramic forms. Prerequisite: VSAR 2350.

3401 INTERMEDIATE JEWELRY/METALS-ENAMELING (3 credits) Concentrated instruction in the study of enamel (glass) on non-ferrous metal. Techniques include limoge, basse-taille, champleve, cloisonne, and grisaille. May be repeated for up to 6 credits. Prerequisite: VSAR 2400.

3402 INTERMEDIATE JEWELRY/METALS-LOST WAX CASTING (3 credits) Concentrated instruction in the direct and lost wax casting processes using non-ferrous metals. In addition small rubber mold making will be introduced. May be repeated for up to 6 credits. Prerequisite: VSAR 2400.

3410/INST 3410 ADVANCED OJIBWE CRAFTS (1-4 credits) Advanced study of American Indian craft media techniques and concepts geared to meet the needs of individual students and to help them develop personal direction. May be repeated for a total of 6 credits. Prerequisite: VSAR 2410/INST 2410.

3600 ELEMENTARY ART METHODS (2 credits) A studio approach to the study of the concepts, methods and curriculum planning in regard to the teaching of the visual arts on the elementary and middle school level. Prerequisite: VSAR 1101 or VSAR 1107 or formal admission to teacher education.

3700 INTERMEDIATE COMPUTER IMAGING (3 credits) Continued exploration of computer art in the creation of fine art and illustration. Prerequisite: VSAR 2700.

3707 PRODUCT AND IDENTITY DESIGN (3 credits) A studio examination of the visual and conceptual problems and processes unique to the 3D format of package design, and visual identity systems as part of the graphic designer's role. Prerequisite: VSAR 2701 or consent of instructor.

3708 EXHIBIT DESIGN (3 credits) A studio examination of the visual (form, volume, mass, color) and conceptual (emotional, physical and social behavior) problems and processes unique to the 2D and 3D formats of exhibit design as part of the graphic/exhibit designer's role. Prerequisite: VSAR 2107. (Might not be offered every year)

3709 FABRIC DESIGN (3 credits) Working with dyeing, painting, batik, appliqué, weaving, macramé, stitchery and related techniques and designing inventive forms for them. Prerequisite: VSAR 2107. (Might not be offered every year)

3800 CAREER PRACTICUM (2 credits) A course for art majors to assist with professional presentation and business applications related to making, marketing, and the exhibition of artwork. Prerequisites: VSAR 2107, and ARTH 2552 or consent of instructor.

3807 COMMUNITY ARTS MANAGEMENT (2 credits) Basic information and experiences designed to fit the needs and interests of community residents' exposure to the arts. (Might not be offered every year)

3809 HONORS SPECIAL PROBLEMS (2 credits) The course content is determined by the student in consultation with the advisor or instructor's consent.

3810/IT 3810 PORTFOLIO PREPARATION (1 credit) Student will gain an understanding of the preparation of a professional portfolio and interview techniques. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior status or consent of instructor.

4100 ADVANCED DRAWING (1-4 credits) Advanced study and exploration of a variety of media and surfaces in drawing furthering the development of an individual student's visual vocabulary. Prerequisite: VSAR 3100.

4150 ADVANCED LIFE DRAWING (1-4 credits) Expanded instruction in drawing the human figure. This course allows the student to expand his/her knowledge and technical fluency on an individual basis, and encourages personal expression and development. May be repeated to 4 credits. Prerequisite: VSAR 3150.

4210 ADVANCED PRINTMAKING (1-4 credits) Advanced study of printmaking processes; designed to meet the needs of individual students and encourage personal expression and technical development. May be repeated to 4 semester credits. Prerequisite: VSAR 2210.

4250 ADVANCED PAINTING (1-4 credits) Emphasis on individual understanding of painting media with special attention to creating a body of work appropriate to the individual painter. Prerequisite: VSAR 3252.

4310 ADVANCED SCULPTURE (1-4 credits) Expanded study of sculpture media, techniques and concepts geared to meet the needs of individual students and to help them develop personal direction. Prerequisite: VSAR 3310.

4351 TOPICS IN ADVANCED CERAMICS: SUBTITLED (1-4 credits) Advanced study of ceramic media, techniques and concepts (Raku, porcelain, kiln building, vapor firing); geared to meet the needs of individual students and to help them develop personal direction. Prerequisite: VSAR 3350. (Might not be offered every year)

4352 ADVANCED CERAMICS (1-4 credits) Advanced study of ceramic media, techniques and concepts; geared to meet the needs of individual students and to help them develop personal direction. Prerequisite: VSAR 3350. (may be repeated for a total of 4 credits)

4400 ADVANCED JEWELRY/METALS (1-4 credits) Advanced study in small metals, techniques, and concepts geared to meet the needs of individual students and to help them develop personal direction. Prerequisite: VSAR 3401 or VSAR 3402.

4407 ADVANCED CRAFTS (1-4 credits) Advanced study of one or more of the crafts geared to meet the needs of individual students and to help them develop personal direction. May be repeated for a total of 4credits. Prerequisites: Preliminary course work in area of specialty and consent of instructor. (Might not be offered every year)

4600 ART CONCEPTS K-12 (3 credits) A cohesive studio approach in teaching art methods and curriculum development on the elementary level through the secondary level. Prerequisite: ARTH 2552 or VSAR 2107 or consent of instructor.

4607 PRACTICUM (1 credit) Individualized applications in a public school setting of art education methods and concepts. Prerequisite or Corequisite: VSAR 4600

4700 ADVANCED COMPUTER IMAGING (1-4 credits) Advanced study of computer imaging techniques designed to meet the needs of individual students and encourage personal development in the fine and graphic arts. May be repeated for a total of 4 credits. Prerequisite: VSAR 3700.

4800 SENIOR EXHIBIT/THESIS PROJECT (3 credits) An examination and application of the functions and means of developing a well designed art exhibition, culminating in an on-campus individual or group exhibition of a Visual Arts major's personal art work. Thesis projects may culminate in research or experiential activities. Note: Required of all B.A., B.F.A. and B.S. K-12 licensure programs. Prerequisite: A student must provide evidence of senior status via the course catalog's suggested schedule for art majors, consent of the instructor is required, and this course may not be taken during an intern or student teaching semester.

4808 SPECIAL READINGS (2 credits) Reading assignments related to studio research. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

4809 HONORS SPECIAL PROBLEMS (2 credits) Upper level reading course in theory or a studio experience. Prerequisites: Enrolled in Honors Program and consent of visual arts faculty member before registering.

4810/IT 4810 PORTFOLIO PRESENTATION (1 credit) Final preparation and presentation of a well designed portfolio and resume in preparation for seeking internships and employment. Prerequisites: Senior status and IT/VSAR 3810 or consent of instructor.

4970 INTERNSHIP (1-8 credits) The following description may apply: The Visual Arts Internship program gives students the opportunity to spend a semester working one-on-one with an artist or for a major cultural institution. Each field experience is individually designed to meet the needs of the student.