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

Visual Arts, by number Course Descriptions

(VSAR) College-Program: 12-01. Check with Department for quarter when courses are offered. Read each course description for prerequisite.

101 ORIENTATION TO DESIGN TECHNOLOGY (1 credit). An introduction to the broad fields of technical illustration and graphic design and an orientation to the content and structure of Bemidji State University's Applied Design program. Should be taken during the first year on campus. May also be taken as IT 101.

102 ARTS TODAY (4 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. (Applies to Liberal Education Area II ).

110 INTRODUCTION TO DESIGN (3 credits). Introductory theory, content, process and application of visual design. (Applies to Liberal Education Area III ).

117 INTRODUCTION TO DRAWING (3 credits). Experiences with a variety of drawing media with emphasis upon visual structure. (Applies to Liberal Education Area III ).

210 COMMERCIAL VISUAL PROGRAMMING (3 credits). A studio course exploring the development of systematic design programs relating to visual identity and continuity. Prerequisite: VSAR 110.

211 DESIGN II (3 credits). Continued study of visual theory and structure through the design process with an emphasis upon color. Prerequisite: VSAR 110.

212 INTRODUCTION TO GRAPHIC DESIGN (3 credits). An introduction to and overview of the graphic design profession. Through lecture, discussion, research, and studio experience, students become familiar with the conceptual, visual, and material tools and processes that form the working foundation of the graphic designer.

213 TYPOGRAPHICS (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 110.

216 FIGURE DRAWING (3 credits). Concentrated instruction in drawing the human figure. Prerequisites: VSAR 117.

217 DRAWING II (3 credits). Emphasis upon development of drawing techniques in relation to visual concepts and the inclusion of color media. Prerequisite: VSAR 117.

220 INTRODUCTION TO PAINTING (3 credits). Basic instruction in use of the oil and acrylic painting media with emphasis upon the visual problems of painting. Prerequisites: VSAR 110, 117, or consent of instructor.

221 PAINTING II (3 credits). Development of painting media, techniques, and form in relation to visual concepts. Prerequisite: VSAR 220.

222 INTRODUCTION TO WATERCOLOR (3 credits). Exploration of a variety of watercolor processes that relate to the unique possibilities of the transparent media. Prerequisites: VSAR 110, 117 or consent of instructor.

223 WATERCOLOR II (3 credits). Continued painting experiences with emphasis on visual issues and creative experience. Introduction of gouache, acrylic, and mixed media. Prerequisite: VSAR 222.

225 PRINTMAKING-RELIEF (3 credits). Exploring the hand processes of relief printmaking: woodcut, linoleum block, collograph, and embossing.

226 PRINTMAKING-SCREENPRINTING (3 credits). Exploring the hand processes of traditional and photographic screenprinting.

227 PRINTMAKING-INTAGLIO (3 credits). Exploring the hand processes of printing from copper and zinc plates - etching and engraving. Prerequisites: VSAR 110, 117, or consent of instructor. (May not be offered every year.)

228 PRINTMAKING-LITHOGRAPHY (3 credits). Exploring the hand process of printing lithographic prints. (May not be offered every year.)

230 INTRODUCTION TO SCULPTURE/3-D DESIGN (3 credits). Exploring the concepts and problems of three dimensional form using techniques of both additive and subtractive methods of sculpture; materials include wood, stone, metal, and fiberglass. (Applies to Liberal Education Area III ).

231 SCULPTURE II/3-D DESIGN (3 credits). Concentrated application of one or more of the combinations of techniques and materials explored in VSAR 230. Prerequisite: VSAR 230.

235 INTRODUCTION TO CERAMICS (HAND CONSTRUCTION) (3 credits). Introduction to hand construction (pinch, coil and slab) through working with high fire (stoneware) clay and glazes. Experience in surface decoration (textures, stamping), bisque firing (electric kiln), glaze making, and glazing. Analysis of aesthetic considerations (form, volume, mass) through the student's own work as well as exposure to historical and contemporary ceramic philosophy. (Applies to Liberal Education Area III ).

236 INTRODUCTION TO THE WHEEL (3 credits). Introduction to wheel throwing and trimming techniques, using high fire (stoneware) clays and glazes. (Applies to Liberal Education Area III ).

237 CERAMICS II (3 credits). Continued study of the stoneware process through decorative techniques using engobes and oxides. Experience in bisque firing (gas kiln) and loading glaze firings. Prerequisite: VSAR 235 or 236.

238 CERAMICS III (3 credits). Continued study of the ceramic process through firing techniques; kiln theory: oxidation/reduction, updraft/downdraft. Practice in stoneware glaze firing. Experience in salt-firing and raku (when available), clay body modification and analysis. Prerequisite: VSAR 237.

240 INTRODUCTION TO JEWELRY/METALS (3 credits). Introduction to the basic forms, materials, and techniques of hand fabricated jewelry and small metal sculpture using non-ferrous metals. (Applies to Liberal Education Area III ).

241 JEWELRY/METALS II (3 credits). Expanded exploration of the design, materials, and technical processes in small metals and jewelry making with forging, etching and direct casting methods utilizing non-ferrous metals. Prerequisite: VSAR 240.

244 PAPERMAKING (3 credits). Introduction to the basic properties of various papermaking fibers, e.g., cotton, abaca, and native plant materials. Special topics include sheet forming, casting, and mold and deckle construction.

247 INTRODUCTION TO OJIBWE CRAFTS (3 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. (Applies to Liberal Education Area III ).

255 ART HISTORY SURVEY I (4 credits). An overview of the art and architecture of world cultures from prehistoric times through the end of the ancient world (ca 300 A.D.). (Applies to Liberal Education Area II ).

256 ART HISTORY SURVEY II (4 credits). The art and architecture of world cultures between ca 300 A.D. and 1600, with and emphasis on the Medieval and Renaissance periods in Europe. (Applies to Liberal Education Area II ).

257 ART HISTORY SURVEY III (4 credits). The art and architecture of world cultures from early modern times (the 17th century) to the present. (Applies to Liberal Education Area II ).

258 SURVEY OF AMERICAN INDIAN ART (4 credits). Survey of American Indian Art by culture area i.e. Northwest Coast, Plains, Sub-Arctic. The course includes not only the arts and crafts to each indigenous area, but a brief consideration of the culture producing them.

270 COMPUTER IMAGING (3 credits). Using computer hardware and software to create visual images. Covers the use of some of the available technology in the creation of visual art. Specific topical coverage includes input-output devices, software utilization, and visual problem solving. Prerequisites: VSAR 110, 117, or consent of instructor.

300 COMMUNITY ARTS (3 credits). Basic information and visual experience designed to fit the needs and interests of the community. May be taken more than once. NOTE: This course may not be used to substitute for requirements or electives in any degree program. (May not be offered every year.)

301 ISSUES AND MEDIA IN CONTEMPORARY ART (3 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.

310 ADVANCED DESIGN (1-6 credits). Expanded and advanced study of visual design theory and practice geared to meet the needs of individual students and to help them develop personal direction. Prerequisite: VSAR 211. May be repeated for a total of 6 quarter hours.

312 PUBLICATION DESIGN (3 credits). A conceptual and experiential investigation of the procedures involved in posing and solving communication problems through visual means that would function in a variety of print formats. Prerequisites: VSAR 212 and 213.

316 ADVANCED FIGURE DRAWING I (1-6 credits). This course will allow the student to expand their knowledge of historical viewpoints, media exploration, anatomical structure and contemporary issues as it relates to the figure in recent work. Prerequisite: VSAR 216.

317 ADVANCED DRAWING (1-6 credits). Expanded and advanced study of drawing media techniques, and concepts geared to meet the needs of individual students and to help them develop personal direction. Prerequisite: VSAR 217. May be repeated for a total of 6 quarter hours.

320 ADVANCED PAINTING (1-6 credits). Expanded and advanced study of painting media, techniques, and concepts geared to meet the needs of individual students and to help them develop personal direction. Prerequisite: VSAR 221. May be repeated for a total of 6 quarter hours.

330 ADVANCED SCULPTURE/3-D DESIGN (1-6 credits). Manipulation of techniques and materials on a level which exhibits an awareness of contemporary trends and standards in sculpture. Prerequisite: VSAR 231. May be repeated for a total of 6 quarter hours.

335 ADVANCED CERAMICS (1-6 credits). Expanded and 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 238. May be repeated for a total of 6 quarter hours.

340 JEWELRY/METALS III (LOST WAX CASTING) (3-6 credits). Expanded exploration of the design, materials, and technical processes in small metals and jewelry making with the lost wax casting process and mold making with non-ferrous metals, 3 hours. Prerequisite: VSAR 241. May be repeated for a total of 6 quarter hours.

341 JEWELRY/METALS III (ENAMELING) (3-6 credits). Introduces vitreous enameling on non-ferrous metals. The following techniques will be explored: Limoge, basse-taille, champlers, cloisonne, and grisaille. Prerequisites: VSAR 241 or consent of instructor.

344 FABRIC DESIGN (3 credits). Working with dyeing, painting, batik, applique, weaving, macrame, stitchery, and related techniques and designing inventive forms for them. (May not be offered every year.)

347 ADVANCED OJIBWE CRAFTS (1-6 credits). Expanded and advanced study of American Indian craft media techniques and concepts geared to meet the needs of individual students and help them develop personal direction. Prerequisite: VSAR 247. May be repeated for a total of 6 quarter hours.

351 SECONDARY ART CONCEPTS, METHODS, & CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT (4 credits). A study of the concepts and methods of teaching art on the secondary level. Prerequisite: VSAR 353.

353 ELEMENTARY ART CONCEPTS, METHODS, & CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT (3 credits). A hands-on approach to the study of the concepts, methods, and curriculum planning in regards to the teaching of the visual arts on the elementary and middle school level. Prerequisites: VSAR 100, 211 or consent of instructor.

354 EARLY 20TH CENTURY ART (4 credits). An advanced level survey of significant movements in European and American art between 1885 and the Second World War. (May not be offered every year.) Prerequisite: VSAR 257 (Survey III) or consent of instructor.

355 ART SINCE 1945 (4 credits). An advanced level survey of key developments in the visual arts in America and Europe between World War II and the present day. (May not be offered every year.) Prerequisite: VSAR 257 (Survey III) or consent of instructor.

356 STUDIES IN ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN (3 credits). Advanced level study of a selected cultural tradition, historical period, or cross-cultural topic in the building and design arts. (May not be offered every year.)

357 ORIENTAL ART (4 credits). An advanced level survey of selected artistic traditions of East and South Asia. (May not be offered every year.)

358 19th CENTURY AMERICAN AND EUROPEAN ART (4 credits). An advanced level survey of significant developments in the visual arts, with an emphasis on painting and graphics, between 1780 and 1900. (May not be offered every year.) Prerequisite: VSAR 257 (Survey III) or consent of instructor.

360 HISTORY OF MODERN DESIGN (3 credits). An advanced level survey of major movements, period tendencies, and key figures in the development of graphic, craft, and industrial design between the mid-19th Century and the present day.

370 ADVANCED COMPUTER IMAGING (3 credits). Continued exploration of computer hardware and software, intended to expand upon problems presented in VSAR 270 Computer Imaging. May be repeated for a total of 6 quarter hours. Prerequisite: VSAR 270, or consent of the instructor.

375 HISTORY OF PHOTOGRAPHY (3 credits). The major aesthetic and technical trends in photography from 1839 to present. (May not be offered every year.) Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.

389 HONORS SPECIAL PROBLEMS (3 credits). Reading in art history, theory, or a studio experience. Prerequisites: Enrolled in Honors program, consent of the Visual Arts faculty member before registering.

410 ADVANCED DESIGN (3 credits). Expanded and advanced study of visual design theory and practice geared to meet the needs of individual students and to help them develop personal direction. Prerequisite: VSAR 310. May be repeated for a total of 6 quarter hours.

412 EXHIBIT DESIGN (3 credits). A studio examination of the visual (form, volume, mass, color) and conceptual (emotional, physical, & social behavior) problems and processes unique to the 2-D and 3-D formats of exhibit design, as part of the graphic/exhibit designer's role. Prerequisites: VSAR 212, 213, IT 201 (Introduction to Exhibit Design).

414 PACKAGE DESIGN (3 credits). A studio examination of the visual and conceptual problems and processes unique to the 3-D format of package design, as part of the graphic designer's role. Prerequisites: VSAR 212, 213.

416 ADVANCED FIGURE DRAWING II (1-6 credits). Expanded and concentrated instruction in drawing the human figure. Prerequisite: VSAR 316. May be repeated for a total of 6 quarter hours.

417 ADVANCED DRAWING (1-6 credits). Expanded and advanced study of drawing media, techniques and concepts geared to meet the needs of individual students and to help them develop personal direction. Prerequisite: VSAR 317. May be repeated for a total of 6 quarter hours.

420 ADVANCED PAINTING (1-6 credits). Expanded and advanced study of painting media, techniques and concepts geared to meet the needs of individual students and to help them develop personal direction. Prerequisite: VSAR 320. May be repeated for a total of 6 quarter hours.

425 ADVANCED PRINTMAKING (1-6 credits). Advanced study of printmaking techniques and processed designed to meet the needs of individual students and encourage personal development. May be repeated for a total of 6 quarter hours. Prerequisites: VSAR 227 or consent of instructor.

427 PORTFOLIO SEMINAR (3 credits). An examination of the functions and means of developing and maintaining well designed portfolios and resumes in preparation for seeking internships and employment. NOTE: Required of all Technical Illustration-Graphic Design B.S. and A.S. non-teaching majors. Must be taken prior to the VSAR 497. May also be taken as IT 427.

430 ADVANCED SCULPTURE/3-D DESIGN (1-6 credits). Expanded and advanced study of sculpture media, techniques and concepts geared to meet the needs of individual students and to help them develop personal direction. Prerequisite: VSAR 330. May be repeated for a total of 6 quarter hours.

435 ADVANCED CERAMICS (1-6 credits). Expanded and 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 335. May be repeated for a total of 6 quarter hours.

440 ADVANCED JEWELRY/METALS (1-6 credits). Expanded and advanced study of jewelry, 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 quarter hours. Prerequisite: VSAR 340, or 341, or consent of the instructor.

446 ADVANCED CRAFTS (1-6 credits). Expanded and advanced study of one or more of the crafts geared to meet the needs of individual students and to help them develop personal direction. Prerequisite: Preliminary course work in area of specialty. May be repeated for a total of 6 hours.

447 ADVANCED OJIBWE CRAFTS (1-6 credits). Expanded and 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. Prerequisite: VSAR 347. May be repeated for a total of 6 quarter hours.

455 STUDIES IN ART HISTORY (3 credits). A close examination of a selected period, national tradition, or movement in the history of the visual arts. See instructor for current subject area. May be repeated.

457 CONTEMPORARY THEORY AND CRITICISM (3 credits). Advanced level study of the changes in theoretical and critical approaches to the visual arts, with an emphasis on current artistic production.

459 SENIOR EXHIBIT/THESIS PROJECT (3 credits). An examination of the functions and means of developing well-designed art exhibits, culminating in an on-campus individual or group exhibit of the Visual Art major's personal work. Thesis projects may culminate in research or experiential activities. NOTE: Required of all B.A., B.S. (teacher licensure) and B.F.A. majors. May not be taken during a student teaching or internship quarter.

489 HONORS SPECIAL PROBLEMS (3 credits). Upper level reading course in art history, theory or a studio experience. Prerequisite: Enrolled in Honors Program, consent of visual arts faculty member before registering.

492 DIRECTED GROUP STUDY (1-3 credits). When taken as a seminar, the following description may apply: Exploring unique and special problems of visual arts as a small group, the area of study to be established each quarter. Prerequisites: Upper division status and consent of instructor. May be repeated.

497 INTERNSHIP (12 credits). The following description may apply: The Visual Arts Internship program gives students the opportunity to spend a quarter 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.