The Washington State University Pullman Catalog

Department of Art

The online catalog includes the most recent changes to courses and degree requirements that have been approved by the Faculty Senate, including changes that are not yet effective.

Department of Art

finearts.wsu.edu
FA Center 5072
509-335-8686

Department Chair and Associate Professor, S. Meisel; Professors, A. Bawa (Vancouver), K. Haas, I. Palmer, R. Safavi; Associate Professors, P. Christenson (Tri-Cities), D. DeHart, J. Hedges, H. Higgs (Vancouver), M. Holloman, M. Kinkel; Assistant Professor, H. Meredith; Career Track Faculty, K. Brand, D. Janssen; Instructors, D. Doty, M. Mehrabian, A. Rocha.

The Department of Art provides a range of experiences in the visual arts. The department offers diverse courses of study leading to the degrees of Bachelor of Arts in Art (within this degree, there are three options at the undergraduate level:  an Art Studio option, and an Art History option as BA-FA degrees, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts BFA in studio). At the graduate level there is the terminal degree of Master of Fine Arts (MFA). The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts programs are designed to open doors into the world of visual expression and intellectual development. In particular, we encourage students to sample a variety of art disciplines and make an informed choice about their direction in art. The department includes seven areas of emphasis within which to develop a program: drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, photography, digital media and interdisciplinary studies. These are supported by a strong art history component.

Students with a BA in Art - Art Studio Option or the BFA in Art, should have a broad understanding of the visual arts with an understanding of arts-related concepts/terms (including subject matter, form, and content) and basic studio production, a grounding in art history, and an awareness of contemporary trends in art and theory. They should be able to articulate in visual form a range of approaches, from a representational point of view through a more conceptual focus, make critical judgments about contemporary art and culture, and have an acceptable command of verbal and written expression.

Students with a BA in Art - Art History Option are given broad exposure to the history of the visual arts. As an interdisciplinary field, art history is an intellectual arena in which students develop their perceptual skills and analytical tools to engage diverse art forms from multiple perspectives. Students begin with foundation survey courses, the History of World Art (ART 201 and ART 202), and then take upper-division courses to consider art from specific cultures and historical time periods. In these courses, students gain familiarity with contextual issues concerning the production and consumption of art. They develop research and writing skills necessary to think critically about art and visual culture. Students are also introduced to basic aspects of studio production to enhance their visual skills and knowledge of material practices. Students complete their studies by writing a thesis paper and developing knowledge of one foreign language.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students with a BFA in Art should have a working knowledge of the processes and media that produce works of visual art, including a clear understanding of the terms: subject matter, form, and content, as well as specialized technical, conceptual and imaginative expertise in a given field. They should be able to articulate in visual form a range of approaches, from a representational point of view through a more conceptual focus, make critical judgments about contemporary art and culture, and have an acceptable command of verbal and written expression.

Admission Process

Prospective applicants for admission to the major are responsible for acquainting themselves with all requirements and procedures. Details including specific course requirements and portfolio submission are available in the departmental office or at finearts.wsu.edu.

Transfer Credits

The Department of Art will accept up to 18 credit hours in art toward the major and 9 credit hours in art toward the minor.

Graduate Study

The MFA program at Washington State University is a three-year interdisciplinary program where students may focus in, but are not limited to, ceramics, drawing, digital media, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture. Emphasis is placed on personal and conceptual artistic development in light of contemporary art practices. Graduates meet with faculty for one-on-one studio discussions. The program culminates in a thesis exhibition held in the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU. A final oral examination and a thesis document are also required. The degree requires 57 graded credit hours and 5 credit hours of thesis work (ART 700) totaling 62 credits.  The MFA Handbook is viewable at finearts.wsu.edu.



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