Studio Art

Program Codes: BASA
Bachelor of Arts

Introduction
The University offers the Bachelor of Arts degree with majors in Art Education, Art Therapy, Graphic Design, and Studio Art.

Mission Statement
In accord with the University Mission Statement and grounded in the Art Department’s history and tradition, we aim to provide training for students in selected artistic areas to develop and refine their talents and abilities. With this purpose in mind, Art faculty members with their varied areas of expertise, encourage and emphasize the student’s pursuit of excellence. We believe in a comprehensive approach to teaching that values a range of artistic processes and products, as well as a variety of historical and contemporary methods to the study of art.

We believe that art is a universally accepted form of sharing, capable of promoting lifelong, caring learners. Dedicated to developing students who are globally and socially aware and engaged in service and leadership, we provide a wide range   of opportunities for students to encounter art. Beginning with the Foundation Year, course work emphasizes a hands-on studio approach. The learning of artistic processes, methods of creative problem solving, the diversity of art materials, media and approaches, the importance of  design,  and  the  role  of  art  history  are mastered and integrated to help form future ambassador artists, teachers, therapists, designers, and practitioners.

Our Values
The core values of the university (being socially merciful, globally responsible, compassionately hospitable, intellectually creative and reflectively aware) are embedded in the Mercyhurst Art Program.

Artful Discipline
Students of Art will realize true progress in their artistic lives when their art becomes part of their daily lives. Students are encouraged to use journals and/or sketchbooks to document their work. We have found that through this activity concepts will arise for exploration; progress will be documented; research stored; and media and designs can be explored, tested, nurtured and developed.

Creativity
Students within the Art Department are concept, process, and product oriented. They learn about creativity and develop ways to investigate challenging problems or areas of interest through the use and practice of a variety of approaches including mind-mapping, CPS (creative problem-solving method), brainstorming, matrix systems, analogy, listing methods, free-expression, etc.

Design
Using the full spectrum of study from “nature as builder” through Math as system, art students learn to organize, form, plan and create art through the use of the elements, processes, and principles of design.

History of Art
Understanding the past is necessary to future success. Art students study, apply, and explore social, cultural, aesthetic, and  historical perspectives of Western and Non-western Art including artists, movements, artifacts, and styles.

Social Responsibility
Art students are trained in the powerful tools of visual communication and service. With training in design, communication theory, and media selection, students are challenged to create  responsible  Art,  reflect  on  its  impact,  and to make ethically sound decisions that benefit local and global communities. Students participate in numerous art exhibitions, voluntary art projects, and political and social action efforts.

Professional Practice
Integral to the discipline of Art, students are trained in the standards and practices of their chosen field. They are called upon to uphold the integrity of the profession.

Art Department Student Learning Outcomes
The Art curriculum is designed to develop the whole artist. Students within the Department are concept, process, and product oriented. They study, apply, and explore social, cultural, aesthetic, and historical perspectives of art.

Students in the Department will:

  • Critically analyze select works of art and
  • Describe the historical, geographic, cultural and contemporary contexts of works of art and design.
  • Present and critique works of art and design using appropriate criteria and terminology.
  • Create works of art and design by applying methods, tools, materials and techniques.
  • Generate and revise ideas in the stages of the creative
  • Develop works of art and design that utilize concepts, elements and principles of art and design.

Departmental Requirements
A student who wishes to graduate with this major must complete the following requirements:

  • Satisfactorily complete 48 to 63 credits of Art coursework
  • Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 in the major
  • Submit a digital portfolio and an up-to-date resume prior to graduation
  • Art Education, Art Therapy, and Studio Art majors are required to produce a visual art thesis in the form of an exhibition during their senior year

Sophomore Review
Students are reviewed by an evaluation committee in the spring semester of the sophomore year.

Students must:

  • Maintain a minimum GPA in the major (2.5 for Studio Art, Graphic Design, and Art Therapy and 3.0 for Art Education)
  • Write an artist’s statement
  • Give a presentation of selected works
  • Provide an up-to-date resume

After departmental review and under special circumstances, a full-time art faculty member’s recommendation may be used in lieu of grades.

 

Art Minor
ART 100 Drawing I 3 credits
ART 122 Ancient to Medieval Art History 3 credits
OR ART 123 Renaissance to 20th Century Art History 3 credits
ART 125 2-Dimensional Design 3 credits
ART 126 3-Dimensional Design 3 credits
ART 128 Basic Computer Design 3 credits
Two (2) Approved Art Electives 6 credits

Art History Minor
ART 122 Ancient to Medieval Art History 3 credits
ART 123 Renaissance to 20th Century Art History 3 credits
ART 128 Basic Computer Design 3 credits
ART 223 History of Modern Art 3 credits
ART 224 History of Photography 3 credits
ART 230 Graphic Design History 3 credits
IA 220 History of Interior Design 3 credits OR IA 221 History of Architecture 3 credits

Art Therapy Minor
ART 100 Drawing I 3 credits
ART 102 Ceramics I 3 credits
ART 128 Basic Computer Design 3 credits OR ART 101/105 Painting 1: Watercolor or Acrylic 3 credits
ARTH 125 Art Therapy: Introduction I 3 credits
ARTH 225 Art Therapy II: Materials and Methods 3 credits
ARTH 325 Art Therapy III: Practices 3 credits
PSYC 101 Introduction to Psychology 3 credits

Graphic Design Minor
ART 128 Basic Computer Design 3 credits
ART 220 Typographic Foundations 3 credits
ART 221 Digital Imagery 3 credits
Four (4) Approved Art and Graphic Design Electives 12 credits

Photography Minor
ART 106 Photography I 3 credits
ART 128 Basic Computer Design 3 credits
ART 206 Intermediate Photography 3 credits
ART 306 Color Photography 3 credits
ART 223 History of Modern Art 3 credits
ART 224 History of Photography 3 credits
ART 305 Digital Photography 3 credits

Studio Art

The Studio Art program emphasizes hands-on learning, stresses craftsmanship, design, and strives for excellence in the production of art. Students come with gifts, talent, focus, passion, and imagination. They, in turn, are provided the environment and guidance that are needed to develop a disciplined approach to the making of art.

The concentration is primarily designed as a preparation for graduate school and further professional study, but, given the variety of studio experiences, students also pursue careers in design, publication, commercial galleries, and museum work.

In addition to course requirements, students must successfully complete Sophomore Review and complete a visual thesis in the form of an exhibition.

OR

OR

Three (3) Studio Electives and Three (3) Upper Level Concentration
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ELECTIVE
18
Degrees & Certificates
Course Descriptions