Program Overview
The Fine Art program at York College of Pennsylvania equips students with technical proficiency, conceptual understanding, and professional development in various artistic mediums. Through a balance of studio practice, art history, and critical analysis, students prepare for careers as illustrators, teachers, art directors, photographers, and independent artists. The program emphasizes creative thinking, communication skills, and opportunities for growth through exhibitions, internships, and professional development seminars.
Program Outline
at York College of Pennsylvania
Degree Overview:
Program Goals:
- Prepare students for professional positions in the arts, such as illustrators, teachers, art directors, art critics, studio/commercial photographers, or independent artists.
- Develop students' technical skills and understanding of cultural history's influence on artistic expression.
- Cultivate strong verbal and visual communication skills, emphasizing creative and original thinking.
- Offer opportunities for growth through exhibitions, internships, professional development seminars, artist lectures, and museum excursions.
Program Description:
The Fine Art program at York College of Pennsylvania provides a comprehensive foundation for students aspiring to pursue careers in diverse artistic fields. The curriculum emphasizes a balance between technical proficiency, conceptual understanding, and professional development. Students acquire essential skills in various mediums, including drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, and digital art. They also explore the history of art, engage in critical analysis, and develop effective communication skills.
Outline:
Year 1:
- Fall Semester:
- GRD 206: Elements of Computer Graphics (3 credits)
- ART 210: Design Fundamentals (3 credits)
- ART 215: Drawing I (3 credits)
- FYS 100: First-Year Seminar (3 credits)
- FYS 102: Common Hour (0 credits)
- Global Citizenship course (3 credits)
- Spring Semester:
- ART 204: Survey of Western Art I (3 credits) or ART 205: Survey of Western Art II (3 credits)
- ART 216: Figure Drawing I (3 credits)
- ART 265: Drawing II (3 credits)
- FCO 105: Rhetorical Communication (3 credits)
- Quantitative Fluency course (3 credits)
Year 2:
- Fall Semester:
- ART 204: Survey of Western Art I (3 credits) or ART 205: Survey of Western Art II (3 credits)
- ART 220: Painting I (3 credits)
- ART 230: Sculpture I (3 credits)
- Elective course (3 credits)
- Advanced Communication course (3 credits)
- Spring Semester:
- ART 246: Digital Photography (3 credits)
- ART 298: Sophomore Portfolio Review/Fine Art (1 credit)
- American Citizenship course (3 credits)
- Elective course (2 credits)
- Studio Elective course (3 credits)
- Humanities course (3 credits)
Year 3:
- Fall Semester:
- ART 337: Junior Fine Art Studio (3 credits)
- Studio Elective course (3 credits)
- Art History Elective course (3 credits)
- Social and Behavioral Sciences course (3 credits)
- Elective course (3 credits)
- Spring Semester:
- ART 435: Professional Development Seminar/Fine Art (3 credits)
- Studio Elective course (3 credits)
- Arts course (3 credits)
- Natural and Physical Sciences course (3 credits)
- Constellation course (3 credits)
Year 4:
- Fall Semester:
- ART 437: Senior Fine Art Studio (3 credits)
- Studio Elective course (3 credits)
- Art History Elective course (3 credits)
- Constellation course (3 credits)
- Elective course (3 credits)
- Spring Semester:
- ART 440: Senior Portfolio and Exhibition/Fine Art (1 credit)
- Constellation course (3 credits)
- Constellation course (3 credits)
- Studio Elective course (3 credits)
- Elective course (2 credits)
- ART 450: Art Internship (3 credits) OR ART 451: Art Internship (3 credits) OR ART 498: Independent Study (1-3 credits) OR ART 499: Independent Study (1-3 credits)
Assessment:
- All major courses require a minimum grade of 2.0.
- Students participate in portfolio reviews at the sophomore and senior levels.
- The Senior Portfolio and Exhibition serve as a comprehensive assessment of student development.
- Ongoing assessment through critiques, presentations, and discussions in studio and art history courses.
Teaching:
- The program features a dedicated faculty with expertise in various artistic disciplines.
- Small class sizes allow for personalized attention and interaction with instructors.
- A blend of theoretical and practical teaching methods, fostering both conceptual understanding and technical skills.
- Emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and creative expression.
- Opportunities for collaborative learning through group projects and critiques.
Careers:
- The Fine Art program prepares graduates for a wide range of careers in the arts, including:
- Illustrators
- Teachers
- Art directors
- Art critics
- Studio/commercial photographers
- Independent artists
- Gallery owners
- Museum curators
- Art therapists
- Graphic designers
- Web designers
- Animators
- Videographers
