Bachelor of Arts in Art

Program Overview

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The Art Major at Cal Lutheran University offers a comprehensive education in the visual arts, encompassing various mediums and emphasizing hands-on learning. The program prepares students for careers in fine art, graphic design, and other creative fields, providing a strong foundation in technical skills, critical thinking, and artistic expression. Through studio instruction, theoretical coursework, and professional opportunities, students develop their unique artistic style and build a strong portfolio.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Objectives:

• To cultivate artistic skills and develop a personal style.
• To prepare students for a future in the creative arts, whether in 2D or 3D fine art, or digital art and graphic design.
• To build a strong portfolio of artwork that showcases the student's unique style and skills.

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Description:

The Art Major at Cal Lutheran University provides a comprehensive education in the visual arts, encompassing various mediums like drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, digital art, and design. The program emphasizes hands-on learning and collaboration, encouraging students to experiment, explore their creativity, and develop their artistic voice. It aims to equip students with the technical skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities necessary to thrive in the competitive art world.

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Outline:

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Content:

• The program covers a wide range of art forms, including drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, digital art, and design.
• Students will gain a strong foundation in the principles of art and design, including composition, color theory, perspective, and anatomy.
• They will explore different artistic techniques and materials, experimenting with various mediums to find their preferred style of expression.
• The program also includes courses in art history and theory, providing students with a deeper understanding of the evolution and significance of art throughout history.

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Structure:

• The Art Major is offered as a Bachelor of Arts degree, typically requiring four years of full-time study to complete.
• The program is divided into lower-division and upper-division courses, with the lower-division courses focusing on foundational skills and knowledge, while the upper-division courses allow students to specialize in their chosen area of interest.
• There is a strong emphasis on studio work, with students spending a significant amount of time in the art studios engaged in practical exercises and projects.
• The program also incorporates theoretical coursework, seminars, and critiques to help students develop their critical thinking and analytical skills.

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Course Schedule:

• The specific course schedule for the Art Major can vary depending on the student's chosen emphasis area (e.g., design, fine arts), but typically includes a mix of studio-based courses, art history courses, and electives.
• Students are encouraged to consult with their academic advisor to create a personalized course plan that aligns with their interests and career goals.

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Individual Modules:

• The program offers a variety of modules covering different artistic disciplines and techniques.
Some examples include:
• Drawing: Fundamentals of Drawing, Figure Drawing, Advanced Drawing
• Painting: Introduction to Painting, Watercolor Painting, Oil Painting
• Sculpture: Introduction to Sculpture, Ceramics, Digital Sculpture
• Printmaking: Introduction to Printmaking, Lithography, Etching
• Digital Art: Introduction to Digital Art, digital Photography, Graphic Design

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Assessment:

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Methods:

• The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning and progress, including:
• Portfolios: Students develop and maintain a portfolio of their best work, demonstrating their growth and mastery of skills.
• Written assignments: Essays, research papers, and theoretical analyses related to art history and theory.
• Presentations: Students present their work and research to their peers and faculty, developing their communication and critical thinking skills.
• Final projects: Culminating projects in each course or emphasis area, allowing students to apply their knowledge and skills to a comprehensive project.

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Criteria:

• The assessment criteria vary depending on the specific course or project, but generally focus on:
• Technical proficiency: Demonstrating mastery of the skills and techniques required for the chosen medium.
• Creativity and originality: Expressing unique ideas and perspectives through artwork.
• Conceptual depth: Developing and communicating meaningful content through art.
• Critical thinking: Analyzing and interpreting art, reflecting on personal artistic choices, and engaging in informed discussions about art.
• Professionalism: Presenting work in a polished and presentable manner, meeting deadlines, and demonstrating a strong work ethic.

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Teaching:

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Methods:

• The Art Major program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Studio instruction: Hands-on指導 in the art studios, with faculty providing individual feedback and guidance.
• Lectures and seminars: Classroom-based instruction on art history, theory, and criticism.
• Guest lectures: Visiting artists and professionals share their experiences and insights with students.
• Field trips: Visits to museums, galleries, and other cultural institutions to experience art firsthand.
• Technology integration: Utilizing digital tools and technologies in the creation and presentation of artwork.

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Faculty:

• The program boasts a dedicated faculty of experienced artists and scholars, who are passionate about teaching and mentoring students.
• The faculty maintains active professional practices, exhibiting their work and engaging in research, ensuring students benefit from current trends and advancements in the art world.

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Unique Approach:

• The program adopts an atelier-inspired approach, where students learn through observation and practice, witnessing their professors in action and developing their skills through hands-on experience.
• This approach fosters a close-knit learning environment and provides students with valuable insights into the daily life and working methods of professional artists.

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Careers:

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Potential Paths:

• The Art Major program prepares students for a variety of careers in the creative arts, including:
• Fine artist: Creating and exhibiting original artwork in galleries, museums, or independent studios.
• Graphic designer: Designing visual concepts for advertising, marketing, websites, and other publications.
• Illustrator: Creating illustrations for books, magazines, websites, and other media.
• Animator: Creating animated characters and sequences for film, television, and video games.
• Art teacher: Inspiring and educating students in the visual arts at various levels of education.
• Museum curator: Researching, collecting, and exhibiting art in museums and galleries.
• Art critic: Analyzing and reviewing art for publications, websites, and other media outlets.

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Opportunities:

• The program provides students with opportunities to develop their professional skills and network with industry professionals through:
• Internships: Gaining hands-on experience in professional art studios, galleries, museums, or design firms.
• Exhibitions: Showcasing student work in the university galleries and participating in juried exhibitions.
• Career counseling: Receiving guidance from career services advisors on resume writing, portfolio development, and job search strategies.
• Networking events: Meeting and connecting with alumni and professionals in the art world.

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Outcomes:

• Graduates of the Art Major program have a strong track record of success, with 97% finding employment or enrolling in graduate school within nine months of graduation.
• Alumni have gone on to work for prestigious organizations such as Walt Disney Animation Studios, Image Entertainment, and the California Oil Museum.
• Many graduates pursue further education at renowned institutions like the Academy of Art University and the Gnomon School of Visual Effects.

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Other:

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Senior Exhibit:

• As a culminating experience, senior art majors collaborate to plan, design, and install an exhibit of their collective artwork at the William Rolland Gallery of Fine Art.
• This hands-on project allows students to apply their multidisciplinary skills and gain valuable experience in exhibition design and management.

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Facilities:

• The program is housed in the William Rolland Art Center, a state-of-the-art facility featuring spacious studios, modern equipment, and a dedicated digital media lab.
• The building provides students with a stimulating and inspiring environment to create and learn.

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VAPA Scholarship:

• Talented students in music, theatre, or art can apply for the Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) Scholarship, which awards up to full tuition.