Art major (B.A.)

Art major (B.F.A.)

Art history minor

Courses

Academic
Standards

Test-out/
Credit-by-
exam

Probation

Academic Appeal

Art & Design
(College of Fine Arts & Communication)
Diana Black, Chair
Room 163, Noel Fine Arts Center
Phone: 715-346-2669
E-mail: artdesign@uwsp.edu
Web:  www.uwsp.edu/art-design

Faculty: L Ball, D Black, M Brueggeman, D Bywaters, R Erickson, A Gary, L Hawkos, C Heft, B McKee, J Morin, S Morris, S Morrison, G Penafiel, M Pohlkamp, M Rosek, J Smith, R Stolzer, R Stowers, S Sullivan, K Thielking.

Program Information
Definition: The studio disciplines of art and design include the following:  2-D (drawing, painting, photography, printmaking); 3-D (ceramics, sculpture); and Graphic design. These fields of study incorporate both technical and conceptual approaches to art making and visual communication. Art History is required throughout the curriculum and new media studio courses can serve as electives for any art discipline.

Accreditation: The UW-Stevens Point Department of Art and Design is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). The primary purpose of the art and design program is to develop professional artists, designers, and educated consumers of fine art and commercial imagery.

Education in the visual arts and design is different from other subjects. The arts bring a special dimension to the academic program of the university--the personal dimension of feeling, sensitivity, empathy, and expression. The visual arts specifically seek to involve students in perceiving the world they live in, reacting to the things they see and feel, and interpreting their emotions, feelings, and insights through a variety of visual materials.

The making of works of art involving various materials and processes, the knowledge of art objects in relation to cultural meaning, and the critical evaluation of art products are the basic aspects of visual art program experiences. Studio work is the foundation upon which each of these experiences is based. From the technical and creative aspects of art production flow various functions, meaning, and special knowledge.

Enrollment Management Plan
The Department of Art and Design is a limited enrollment program. Students admitted to the university are accepted into the department in order of application.  We encourage you to apply as early as possible.

Professional Opportunities in Art and Design
Art and design graduates are employed in commercial and private firms, government, industry, and education fields. Some become self-employed professional artists and crafts people. Programs of study in the department prepare you for careers in the visual arts, graphic or advertising design. Employment in a museum/gallery or as an art program director, crafts program director, studio artist, designer, and art administrator are among many other possibilities.

Recommended High School Preparation
In addition to the usual university requirements for admission and entry into any of the art and design programs, high school courses in art and drafting are highly recommended. In addition, if you are planning to enter the professional art and design BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) program, four years of English, one year of algebra, two years of foreign language, and two years of science in high school are recommended.

Curricula in Art and Design
You may choose from a variety of courses specifically related to a career or emphasis area. All of the programs are approved by professional agencies. The Department of Art and Design prepares a curriculum guide and provides an advisor who assists you in planning your long-range programs, but ultimately you bear responsibility for keeping track of the requirements for the program you choose and making sure that you take the courses that meet them. You may use your electives to broaden your education, strengthen your areas of specialization, or in some cases, meet the needs of two programs of study.

General Requirements
Study in a variety of areas of knowledge is required of all undergraduates, and these requirements vary depending on the particular degree.  The Department of Art and Design offers the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees.  See the General Degree Requirements section in this catalog.

Courses for Nonart Majors
Subject to availability, courses in the Department of Art and Design are open to all students who meet the prerequisites and secure department permission. You do not need prior consent for courses that are open to nonart majors.

Exhibition Material, Visiting Artist/Lecturer Program, and Edna Carlsten Gallery
The department reserves the right to retain examples of student work for exhibition purposes. The department also maintains an ongoing program of visiting artists and lecturers to supplement the curriculum, and a cooperative schedule of operations and exhibitions with the Edna Carlsten Gallery, housed in the Noel Fine Arts Center. The gallery regularly displays traveling shows and exhibits for student and public viewing.

Course Fees
Fees are charged for certain courses to cover the cost of materials.

Art 270 and 271 serve as prerequisites for non-Western upper level Art History courses, while Art 282 and 283 serve as prerequisites for Western upper level Art History courses (see catalog descriptions to see which survey courses serve for specific upper level courses).

Art Major (B.A.)
The Bachelor of Arts is the liberal arts degree. The BA can be earned in either of two ways:

1. Studio Art Emphasis, with a focus on art and design in the context of a broad program of general studies. The Studio Art Emphasis B.A. major encourages study in a variety of disciplines and consists of 45 credits in the Department of Art and Design as follows:

1. Studio Art Foundation, 12 credits (see above).

2. Art History Foundation, 6 credits (see above).

3. Art History, 6 credits, upper level

4. Electives: 21 credits (plus all prerequisites) selected from Art 201, 205, 206, 207, 215, 221, 222, 234, 236, 251, 252, 261, 298 (sections 20-39), 303, 304, 305, 310, 320, 321, 334, 336, 353, 354, 355, 361, 398 (sections 20-39). Art 399 (sections 20-39) may be taken by BA art majors only in semester abroad programs. 

2.  Art Historical Emphasis, with a combination of studio art courses plus a strong art historical preparation. The standards for this B.A. in Art are those needed for admission into graduate study in Art History. The B.A. in Art with Art Historical Emphasis consists of 68 credits, including 8 credits of foreign language. 

1. Studio Art Foundation, 12 credits (see above).

2. Foundation courses in Art History, 12 credits: Art 270, 271, 282, and 283.

3. Advanced Art History, 21 credits selected from:

1. At least two must be Asian topics. Choose from: Art 370, 371, 372, 374, 375, 378, 396.

2. At least two must be western topics. Choose from: Art 382, 383, 385, 386, 387, 388, 389, 390, 391, 392, 394, 397.

3. At least two must be from Art classes covering periods prior to the 19th century. Choose from: Art 370, 371, 372, 374, 375, 378, 382, 383, 385, 386, 387, 396, 397.

4. Studio, 12 credits. Choose from: Art 206, 207, 215, 221, 222, 234, 236, 251, 252, 261, 303, 310.

5. Capstone Course, 3 credits: Art 492.

6. Foreign Language, 8 credits. Faculty will consult with students concerning which languages to study, according to their educational goals, preferred fields of graduate study, etc. Generally, students will be advised to start with French or German; if interested in pursuing Asian art, students will be advised to take at least two years of Chinese or Japanese.

Admission to the Art History Emphasis Area:
Admission to the Art History emphasis area is selective based on an evaluation procedure. This takes place late in the spring semester. You may apply when you've completed at least three studio foundation courses and at least three art history foundation courses, with the fourth either complete or in process.

The evaluation will include an application and interview, supported by review of final exams from at least three art history foundation courses, plus an essay exercise to demonstrate excellent academic performance, writing skills and an overall ability to excel in art history coursework. In the evaluation, you must demonstrate both the ability and the commitment to complete the Art History Emphasis Area to the standards required for admission to graduate school in Art History. If you are not admitted into the Art History Emphasis Area, you will still be in good standing in the B.A. with Studio Art Emphasis, assuming your GPA meets the department standards (see below).

Academic Standards in the Art History Emphasis Area:
You must meet the minimum overall 2.67 GPA for all art courses (studio and history). If your GPA is below 2.67, you may not enter or continue in the Art History emphasis area (there is no academic probation in this program). 300-level and 400-level art history courses cannot be counted towards the art history emphasis area if the grade is below 2.67, but all art course grades count towards the art GPA.

Art Major (B.F.A.)
The Bachelor of Fine Arts is the professional arts degree, with a focus on intensive work in art and design, supported by a program in general studies. The B.F.A. program prepares students for professional careers in the visual arts. In accordance with the standards of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, the major consists of 80 credits in the Department of Art and Design, as follows:

1. Studio Art foundation, 12 credits (see above).
2. Art History Foundation, 6 credits (see above).
3. One art emphasis area listed below (foundation and emphasis total 80 credits).
4. Distribution of course subjects as specified for the emphasis area. Art 420 may count in only one category, either 2-D or 3-D.
5. Art history: 6 credits at 300 level (includes Art 393).
6. Capstone courses as specified for each emphasis area (e.g., internship, senior seminar, senior gallery show or senior portfolio show).
7. BFA majors must also pass the BFA Portfolio Review, as specified below.

Art & Design Emphasis Options
Two-Dimensional Emphasis:

1. Studio Art foundation, 12 credits (see above).

2. Art History Foundation, 6 credits (see above).

3. Art history, 6 credits from Art 370, 371, 372, 374, 375, 378, 380, 382, 383, 385, 386, 387, 388, 389, 390, 391, 392, 393, 394, 396, 397, 398 (sec 40-49), 399 (sec 40-49), 498 (sec 40-49).

4. Studio art courses, 48 credits as follows:

1. WITHIN 2-D EMPHASIS, 39 credits. (Must take Art 234 and 236). Choose from 215, 221, 222, 298 (sec 20-29), 303, 304, 310, 320, 321, 334, 335, 336, 340, 398 (sec 20-29), 399 (sec 20-29), 401, 402, 403, 404, 417 (6 cr. max), 420, 421, 434, 436, 498 (sec 20-29). 

2. OUTSIDE EMPHASIS (3-D AND GD) 9 credits, (at least 6 credits must be in 3-D)
   3-D - choose from: any of the courses listed in the 3-D emphasis.
   GD - choose from: 206, 207, 309.

j       5.  Capstone, 8 credits: 490 and 491.

Three-Dimensional Emphasis:

1. Studio Art foundation, 12 credits (see above).

2. Art History Foundation, 6 credits (see above).

3. Art history, 6 credits from 370, 371, 372, 374, 375, 378, 380, 382, 383, 385, 386, 387, 388, 389, 390, 391, 392, 393, 394, 396, 397, 398 (sec 40-49), 399 (sec 40-49), 499 (sec 40-49).

4. Studio art courses, 48 credits as follows:

   1. WITHIN 3-D EMPHASIS, 33 credits from Art 201, 205, 251, 252, 261, 298 (sec 30-39), 305, 353, 354, 355, 361, 398 (sec 30-39), 399 (sec 30-39), 405, 417, (6 cr max), 420, 451, 461, 498 (sec 30-39). 

   2. OUTSIDE EMPHASIS (2-D AND GD) 15 credits.
      2-D - (Must take Art 234 and 236). Choose from: any of the courses listed in the 2-D emphasis.
      GD - choose from: Art 206, 207, 309.

5. Capstone, 8 credits: Art 490 and 491.

Graphic Design Emphasis: 

1. Studio Art foundation, 12 credits (see above).

2. Art History Foundation, 6 credits (see above).

3. Art history, 6 credits as follows:  (Must take Art 393).  Choose 3 credits from Art 370, 371, 372, 374, 375, 378, 380, 382, 383, 385, 386, 387, 388, 389, 390, 391, 392, 394, 396, 397, 398 (sec 40-49), 399 (sec 40-49), 498 (sec 40-49).

4. Studio art courses, 48 credits as follows:
   a.  WITHIN GD EMPHASIS, 24 credits (Must take Art 206, 207, 308, 309, 311, 410, 412, 413).
   b.  OUTSIDE EMPHASIS (2-D AND 3-D), 24 CREDITS.
        2-D - (Must take Art 215, 234, 236). May choose from any of the 200, 300, or 400 level courses listed
        in the 2-D emphasis.
       3-D - Choose at least one from any of the 200, 300, or 400 level courses listed in the 3-D emphasis.

5. Design internship, 4 credits as follows: (Must take Art 419 or 4 cr of 417). If 417 is taken for more than 4 credits, up to 3 credits may be applied as credits outside emphasis.

6. Capstone, 4 credits: Art 491.

Art History Minor
Consists of 24 credits:

1. Art 270, 271, 282, 283. Correct prerequisites from this group must be taken before taking corresponding upper level classes (Art 181 cannot be used as a prerequisite).

2. 12 credits of 300 or 400 level art history. Choose from 370, 371, 372, 374, 375, 378, 380, 382, 383, 385, 386, 387, 388, 389, 390, 391, 392, 393, 394, 396, 397, 398 (sec 40-49), 399 (sec 40-49), 498 (sec 40-49).

   3.    Distribution:

   1. At least 6 credits must cover periods prior to the 19th century: 370, 371, 375, 378, 382, 383, 385, 386, 387.
   2.  At least 3 credits must be of a Western topic: 382, 383, 385, 386, 387, 388, 389, 390, 391, 392, 393, 394. At least 3 credits must be of a non-Western topic: 370, 371, 372, 374, 375, 378, 380.
   3.  Art 396, 397, 398 (sections 40-49), 399, (sections 40-49) and 498 (sections 40-49) count for distribution according to the specific subtitle.
   4.  If you’re pursuing the B.A. degree with Art Historical Emphasis, you may NOT pursue the Arts History minor.

    

   Academic Standards
   All art and design students must meet the academic entrance requirements of the university. Since individual development is an expectation, you should be prepared to present a portfolio of artwork for review and evaluation periodically throughout the program as requested.

   Transfer credits: Please refer to the university policy on transferred credits in this catalog.

   Entry status: All entering art and design majors (freshmen, changes of major, and transfers) are accepted into the art program as BA majors. Acceptance into the BFA is by passing the BFA Portfolio Review, as described below.

   The Department of Art and Design has the following standards for continuation in its programs:

   Art Foundation Requirement: You need a 2.67 or higher GPA in the art foundation (Studio Art Foundation and Art History Foundation combined), including transfer credits and regardless of any declaration of academic bankruptcy, to maintain your status as an art major and to qualify for the BFA Portfolio Review. The foundation consists of Art 101, 102, 103, 104, and 6 credits of 200 level Art History.

   BFA Portfolio Review: Passing the BFA Portfolio Review is required for admission into the BFA (professional) program. This review, conducted by art and design faculty, occurs in spring. You must have completed Art 101, 102, 103, 104 and choice of six credits from other art studio courses.

   The review must take place before you complete 24 studio art credits. If you complete 24 studio art credits during the fall semester, you must complete the review the following spring. You may attempt the BFA Portfolio Review only once.

   At the time of the review, you may apply for up to two emphasis areas. If you do not pass the BFA Portfolio Review, you may maintain BA status in the Department of Art and Design. Graduating with a BA degree is contingent upon meeting the specific BA GDR requirements.

   BFA Requirement: In order to complete the BFA program, you must satisfy art foundation and portfolio requirements and maintain a 2.67 or higher GPA in all art courses.  This includes transfer credits and applies regardless of any declaration of academic bankruptcy. For graduation, you must also successfully pass Art 491. 

   BA Requirement: In order to complete the BA program you must maintain a 2.67 or higher GPA, including transfer credits, regardless of any declaration of academic bankruptcy.

   Contact the Department of Art and Design for further details. The chair may make exceptions to the above entrance and retention criteria under unusual circumstances.

   Test-Out and Credit-by-Exam Policy
   The Department of Art and Design has test-out and credit-by-exam procedures for all general degree requirement (GDR) art courses: Art 181, 270, 271, 282, 283, and 380. If you wish to test-out and receive credit-by-exam, you must first confer with the faculty member who teaches the course about requirements for the exam and grading procedures. If you pass the exam, the GDR requirement will be waived, you will receive credit for the course, and the course may count toward an art major and/or minor if appropriate.

   The cumulative exam will consist of a specific exercise or series of exercises different from those used in the existing course. In a course with a significant research component, you may be required to do an appropriate project. You may take a test-out/credit-by- test only once.

   Probation
   If your GPA is below the minimum requirement, you will receive a warning that your academic status is unsatisfactory. If your GPA falls below the minimum requirement for two consecutive semesters, you will be dismissed as a major. The department policy on repeating courses and academic bankruptcy requires prior department authorization, but is otherwise the same as general university policy, except where higher department GPA requirements apply.

   Academic Appeal
   You may appeal any action taken by the Department of Art and Design that is based on departmental requirements and policies that are set forth in this catalog. You must appeal in writing to the department chair within 30 days of notification of the action taken. The department chair will determine whether a review is appropriate. If so, a review team, composed of a faculty member appointed by the chair and a faculty member that you select, will review the matter and give a recommendation to the chair.