Art at Aquinas College

Art Courses

AT111 Art for Non-Majors (3) AP

Course offered fall and spring. Introduction to visual thinking and process in art through a studio art experience. Specific media (ceramics, drawing, painting, print-making, photography, or sculpture) will vary from semester to semester.

AT130 Basic Drawing I (3) AP

Course offered fall only Introductory course in drawing from life using traditional materials and subject matter including still life, landscape, and the human figure. A sequence of projects isolates technical and compositional problems.

AT131 Basic Drawing II (3)

Course offered spring only Continuation of AT130. Emphasis on increased understanding and control of composition as well as basic elements of drawing. Exploration of additional drawing media and techniques. Individual creative solutions encouraged. Prerequisite: AT130.

AT142 Graphic and Digital Design (3) AP

This course introduces the technical and creative aspects of graphic design, digital design and the design process. Assignments will introduce the most current computer applications and image making software used in the graphic design profession. Traditional and digital design environments will be explored, and principles of 2-d design will be woven into every unit, every project, and every media used.

AT143 2 and 3 Dimensional Design (3) AP

This course will cover the basic elements of both 2 and 3 dimensional design. Studio problems, readings, and critiques will create a visual vocabulary and develop familiarity with both 2 and 3-D materials. Color theory will also be introduced.

AT150 History of Art and Architecture I (3) AT

Course offered fall only. A survey of global art from pre-history to 1300 CE.

AT151 History of Art and Architecture II (3) AT

Course offered spring only. A survey of global art from 1300 CE to the present.

AT161 Understanding Art and Museums (3)

A sampling of a wide range of Art with emphasis on understanding the elements, principles, and language of the visual arts, selected artists, their works, and their historical contexts. This course will not apply for credit in the studio art major.

AT201 Life Drawing (3)

Course offered fall and spring Beginning course in drawing the human form using both clothed and nude models. Accurate observation and rendering will be emphasized along with compositional elements and recognition of a developing personal aesthetic. Prerequisite: AT131.

AT202 Advanced Drawing (3)

Course offered fall and spring Continuation of AT201, Life Drawing; broadened technical and conceptual approaches introduced; strong encouragement in recognizing and developing individual direction. Prerequisite: AT131. This course is not accepted for the Artistic Theory or Practice requirement.

AT211 Beginning Digital Photography (3) AP

Our goal in this course is to learn the techniques of a medium, here digital photography, to allow you to express your own ideas. We will explore digital photography, including basic camera handling, image editing and printing. Techniques, aesthetics and concepts will be discussed through class critiques.

AT212 Photography I (3) AP

Course offered fall and spring Exploration of photography as fine art. Includes: basic camera handling, black-and-white film development and printing, aesthetic discussion and critiques. All photography courses require an additional lab fee. Consult current course schedule. Equipment required: 35 mm camera.

AT213 Photography II (3)

Continuation of Photography I and Beginning Digital Photography. Includes further development of camera techniques, darkroom skills, and manipulation of print, and digital photography and editing of print. Postmodern issues in photography also covered. Individual directions are encouraged, written and verbal critiques included. All photography courses require an additional lab fee. Consult current course schedule. Prerequisite: AT212 or AT211. This course is not accepted for the Artistic Theory or Practice requirement.

AT214-219 Photography III-VIII (3)

Course offered fall and spring. Advanced photography course emphasizing personal artistic growth. Frequent critiques. Exploration of advanced techniques. Digital photography an option for some projects. All photography courses require an additional lab fee. Consult current course schedule. This course is not accepted for the Artistic Theory or Practice.

AT230 New Forms Studio (3) AP

Course offered fall semester only Based in a post-modern art aesthetic, this course will allow students to make art using a concept-driven approach. Ideas will be developed via reading, journal-writing, sketching, video, and photography. Final art works will use media appropriate to the idea.

AT231-235 New Forms II (3)

Based in a post-modern art aesthetic, this course challenges students to make art using concept-driven approach. Ideas will be developed via reading, journal writing, sketching, video and photography. Final artworks will use media appropriate to the chosen idea and be shown in the AMC Gallery. This course is not accepted for the Artistic Theory or Practice requirement.

AT240/EH240 Artists and Writers in Collaboration (3) AP

A studio/writing workshop centered on collaborative production of art works and creative writing. Students are encouraged to register in collaborative pairs if possible. Prerequisites: for EH240, EH210; for AT240, one studio art class. For EH240 and AT240, junior or senior status or instructor permission.

AT242 Digitally Based Art (3) AP

The Digitally Based Art class is designed to expose art students to various methods of using current image editing technology in the creation of art. Students will not only learn to use image editing software and equipment and how to incorporate new technology into their art practice, but will also learn about the place that technologically based art has in modern art history and in the current discourse. Prerequisite: AT140

AT243 Graphic Design II (3) (AP)

This course builds upon Graphics and Digital Design AT142. Learners will delve more deeply into the history and influence of visual communications, develop intermediate level Adobe design (and other) software skills, further develop design thinking practice, develop greater understanding and implementation of color language/color design, typography, grid systems, layout, and digital design. Learners will develop technical understanding of pre-press, materials, systems, and technology. Learners will experience collaborative service learning through designing for real-world clients. Prerequisite: AT-142  

AT252/WS252 Women, Ceramics, and the Creative Process (3) AP

The study of contemporary women ceramic master artists through lecture, discussion and studio work using clay. Images, concepts, and styles of artists studied will be incorporated into student-made ceramic vessels. No prerequisite.

AT260 Nineteenth-Century Art in Europe (3) AT

Course offered spring of even years. An exploration of Eighteenth- and Nineteenth-Century art in Europe with special emphasis on the Enlightenment and Romanticism.

AT275/CA275 Renaissance Art in Rome, Florence, and Venice (3) AT

Course offered fall of even years An investigation of the masters and monuments from 1250–1550. Emphasis is placed on Italy culminating in a study of Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Raphael and their legacy; however, Northern masters and styles will be introduced.

AT280 American Art (3)

This course is a survey of American Art from a global perspective, focusing primarily upon painting, sculpture, and architecture from the Colonial Era to World War I

AT302-307 Advanced Drawing III-VIII (3)

Course offered fall and spring Individual problems in drawing defined by the student, approved by instructor. Options include addressing a traditional or non-traditional, figurative or non-figurative direction. Frequent critiques. Scheduled in same time slot as AT201 and AT202. Prerequisite: Previous level of study starting with AT-202.

AT310 Special Topics in Art (1-3)

Trial courses on variable subject matter in studio art or art history, outside of the focuses of regularly scheduled courses.

AT311 Painting I (3)

Course offered fall and spring Beginning course in oil painting. Introduction to basic tools and techniques, with an emphasis on observation and composition. Prerequisites: AT130, AT140 or instructor approval.

AT312 Painting II (3)

Course offered fall and spring Continuation of Painting I with more advanced problems and techniques. Prerequisite: AT311 or instructor approval. This course is not accepted for the Artistic Theory or Practice requirement.

AT321 Sculpture I (3) AP

Course offered fall and spring Traditional life-sized figurehead project modeled in clay and either kiln-fired or cast in plaster. Additional figurative sculptural problems.

AT322 Sculpture II (3)

Course offered fall and spring On a rotating basis, opportunities to work in steel, stone, clay, plaster, bronze, and assemblage. The conceptual emphasis will be on 20th century approaches to sculpture. Individual sculptural directions will be encouraged. This course is not accepted for the Artistic Theory or Practice requirement. Prerequisite: AT-321. 

AT331 Ceramics I (3) AP

Course offered fall and spring Introduction to ceramics as a fine-art form. Hand building, wheel-throwing, and glazing techniques. Frequent critiques will build skills in evaluating art objects.

AT332 Ceramics II (3)

Course offered fall and spring Continuation of Ceramics I. Greater student involvement in wheel-throwing, glazing, and firing techniques. Individual directions encouraged. Frequent critiques. Prerequisite: AT331. This course is not accepted for the Artistic Theory or Practice requirement.

AT341 Printmaking I (3) AP

Course offered fall and spring Beginning course in etching, lithography, and relief printmaking. Introduction to materials, techniques and methods unique to these media.

AT342 Printmaking II (3)

Course offered fall and spring Continuation of Printmaking I. With more advanced problems and techniques, studio problems are designed to encourage individual direction and the development of a personal aesthetic. Prerequisite: AT341. This course is not accepted for the Artistic Theory or Practice requirement.

AT350 Modern Art (3) AT, WI

Course offered fall only. A survey of modern art practices in Europe and the United States from 1880 to 1945.

AT360 Art: A Global Perspective (3) AT, GP

Course offered spring of odd years. This course offers a survey of art from a global perspective by analyzing works of art from the pre-contact Americas, Africa, Asia, the Pacific and contemporary art world. Special consideration is given to the idea of world heritage and art history’s engagement with art beyond the western world.

AT380 Rembrandt and the Baroque (3) AT

Course offered fall of odd years. A study of the artistic styles and cultural centers of European painting, sculpture and architecture of the 17th and 18th centuries. Emphasis will be placed on the development and legacy of leading masters such as Rembrandt, Rubens, Bernini and Caravaggio.

AT382 Cityscape Drawing Abroad (3)

Introduction to visual thinking and process in art through a studio art experience in drawing, specifically as it applies to the art and architecture of a major art center in Europe. The structure of the course combines an eight (8) week study period on the Aquinas campus during the 4th quad with a three (3) week intensive study, travel, and drawing experience in Europe. Prerequisites: AT130, AT150, AT151, or instructor approval.

AT384 Art and Architecture Abroad (3)

An intensive seminar (quad format) in the art history of a region outside the United States that includes a travel abroad component (past courses have gone to Paris and London). Prerequisites: AT150, AT151, AT130.

AT391 Contemporary Art (3) AT, WI

Course offered spring only An exploration of the primary currents in the visual arts from 1945 through the present. Leading figures and artistic currents in the United States and Europe are discussed as will the expanding role of art theory and criticism.

AT398 Independent Readings in Art History (Variable)

Individually-negotiated program of readings on selected topics established by contract between instructor and student. Contracts filed with Registrar. Prerequisite: Approval of the department chairperson.

AT399 Independent Studio Project (Variable)

Individually-negotiated project of defined nature established by contract between instructor and student. Contract filed with Registrar. Department chairperson approval.

AT400 Art Seminar (3) SC, AP

Structured experiences centered on the profession of being an artist: digital documentation of artworks, portfolio and resume preparation, discussions with art 70 professionals, and learning techniques for mounting an exhibition. Substantial writing component. Prerequisite: junior or senior status.

AT412-417 Painting III-VIII (3)

Course offered fall and spring Advanced courses in painting. Individual problems and directions designed to build strengths in color and composition while emphasizing personal artistic growth. Prerequisite: Previous level of study starting with AT-312. This course is not accepted for the Artistic Theory or Practice requirement.

AT420 Theory & Methods of Art History (3) SC

This intensive course introduces the history, philosophy, and practice of the field of art history from antiquity to the present, reflecting on how different theoretical approaches shape thinking and writing about art.

AT422-427 Sculpture III-VIII (3)

Course offered fall and spring Continuation of individual directions begun in Sculpture I and II. Prerequisite: Previous level of study starting with AT-322. This course is not accepted for the Artistic Theory or Practice.

AT432-437 Ceramics III-VII (3)

Course offered fall and spring Continuation of AT332 with emphasis on individual solutions to problems in design, clay, and glaze composition, forming and firing techniques. Prerequisite: Previous level of study starting with AT-332. This course is not accepted for the Artistic Theory or Practice requirement.

AT442-447 Printmaking III-VIII (3)

course offered fall and spring Advanced course in printmaking. Individual problems and directions designed to foster growth within the printmaking media. Prerequisite: Previous level of study starting with AT-342. This course is not accepted for the Artistic Theory or Practice requirement.