Program Codes:
BAARTTH
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:
Departmental Requirements
A student who wishes to graduate with this major must complete the following requirements:
Sophomore Review
Students are reviewed by an evaluation committee in the spring semester of the sophomore year.
Students must:
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
Art Therapy majors investigate the healing potential of the arts through selfreflective art directives, research, and service learning in the community. The program includes classes in: art therapy, studio art, and psychology.
In art therapy classes, students learn the history and theory of the field as well as develop a non-judgmental approach toward art made by themselves and others. This approach enables an ability to support the use of art to address goals and problems. Internships provide students with opportunities to witness and encourage art-making as a transformational process. Art therapy students must have an overall GPA of 2.75 to begin an internship.
An introductory 3-dimensional design course. Emphasis is on elements and principles of design. The components of production, art history, aesthetics, and criticism will be introduced relevant to 3-dimensional art. Taken in freshman year.
ART-100
This foundational course introduces students to basic design concepts, computer literacy and software competency. Through various exercises, students will experience four of the basic types of publishing tools used by designers -- Photoshop, Illustrator, In Design and Dreamweaver.
ARTH 125
ARTH 225
ARTH 325
A general introduction to the science of behavior and mental processes. Topics considered include learning, memory, perception, motivation, personality, psychopathology and social interaction.
This course covers an area in psychology known as developmental psychology, which is the scientific study of age-related changes in behavior, thinking, emotions and social relationships. The focus is on childhood, from conception to the teenage years. Areas of development include physical, cognitive and socio-emotional. The role of biological, maturational and socio-cultural influences on development are considered. This course is solidly grounded in psychological theory. Basic issues in development are explored, and research methodologies and findings are emphasized.
PSYC-101
This course covers the area of developmental psychology and will focus exclusively on that part of the lifespan know as adolescence (or, "the second decade of life"). A multi-disciplinary approach is utilized to examine how individuals develop from childhood into mature adulthood. Grounded in theory and empirical research, the course will cover fundamental changes (e.g., puberty, social transitions), contexts (e.g., families, peer groups), and psychosocial developmental issues (e.g., achievement, intimacy) associated with adolescence. In addition, basic issues in development are explored, and research methodologies and findings are emphasized.
PSYC-101
In this course, we will examine how the elements of culture affect psychological processes including values, traditions, socialization, education, language and politics. We will explore which psychological theories and findings apply across cultures and which do not, and why. This course will also explore the psychological effects of moving between cultures and will address the immigrant and refugee experience. Finally, this course also aims to develop cross-cultural communication skills.
The major forms of psychopathology that appear in childhood and adult life. Topics include the symptomatology of mental disorders; their etiology from psychological, biological, and sociocultural perspectives; and issues pertaining to diagnosis, treatment, ethics, and the legal system.
This course is designed to provide students with a knowledge base concerning human diversity from a sociological perspective. Diversity is broadly defined to encompass many aspects of social life, including gender and sexuality, social class, race and ethnicity, and ability. Students will learn how to use each of these concepts in conversation and in writing, and to view them in combination using an intersectional lens. Phenomena such as stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination will be studied. The dynamics of oppression will be examined and ways to create a more just society explored.
Human beings are inherently cultural, moreso than any other species. This course explores the ways in which humans are uniquely built for cultural learning and how different cultural experiences affect perceptual processes, cognition, emotion, personality, self, social interactions, and physical and mental health.
This course introduces students to the discipline of sociology-the scientific study of human behavior as shaped by collective forces and self-reflections. The primary aim of this course is to enhance students' ability to interpret and evaluate the social and cultural influences around us. To achieve this aim, the course compares and contrasts sociological theoretical paradigms, as well as discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
This course examines the social foundations of human thoughts, feelings, and behavior by addressing the following aspects of social life: (a) social influence; (b) social roles and public behavior; (c) inferences about other people; and (d) interpersonal relations and groups. Among the topics to be considered are: the influence of public behavior on social norms, persuasion, impression management, social emotions, judgment of responsibility and character, interpersonal attraction, aggression, altruism, group dynamics, and inter-group conflict. The course will concentrate on the level of analysis of the individual, but will include sociological and evolutionary perspectives where appropriate.
Introduction to the biology of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including the structure and function of membranes and organelles, especially mitochondria and chloroplasts. Also included are studies of the molecular structure and function of DNA, with emphasis on the organization of the eukaryotic genome, transcription and translation.
BIO 143
Introduction to the biology of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including the structure and function of membranes and organelles, especially mitochondria and chloroplasts. Also included are studies of the molecular structure and function of DNA, with emphasis on the organization of the eukaryotic genome, transcription and translation.
BIO 143