Art and Art History

Art and Art History (ART)

Professor: Rosalyn A. Richards

Associate Professors: Christiane D. Andersson, Janice E. Mann, Xiaoze Xie (Chair)

Assistant Professors: Tulu Bayar, Roger I. Rothman

Goals: An understanding of visual language gained by making or studying art is an essential component of a liberal arts education. The department of art and art history encourages interactions among the disciplines of art, art history, and museum studies. By fostering visual literacy, its curriculum enhances students’ critical skills and prepares them for an increasingly visually oriented world. The faculty in art and art history, as well as the director of the Samek Art Gallery, translate this ideal into courses appropriate for students ranging from majors contemplating graduate studies in art, art history, or related fields, to nonmajors seeking a well-rounded academic background.

Majors: The department offers three majors: art (the making of art), art history (analysis of art within its cultural context), and a major that combines art and art history. It also offers two minors in art and in art history. The minimum number of courses to establish a major in art and art history is nine, while the combined major requires 10. The maximum number of courses that may be elected in the department is 12. Students contemplating one of these majors are encouraged to discuss their interests and programs with the department chair or an appropriate department faculty member prior to declaring a major in the spring of the sophomore year.

Resources: We have well equipped studios in each of the four areas of painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and also a computer lab for digital photography. The slide library provides access to 75,000 color slides and is continually growing. The Samek Art Gallery, located in the Elaine Langone Center, organizes exhibitions and installation projects that put contemporary art and historical art in dialogue with other disciplines. Its permanent collection, including the Samuel H. Kress Collection of European paintings and especially strong holdings in the graphic arts and photography, is used for study and research by classes in art and art history. The department of art and art history and the Samek Art Gallery sponsor workshops, lectures, and on-site installations by visiting artists, critics, and historians. Students often work with visiting artists on their installations in the gallery, and serve as interns. Faculty and students take advantage of Bucknell’s proximity to major museums and galleries through organized trips and individual travel to sites including New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C.

The Art Major

The art major consists of a minimum of nine courses, seven of which must be in art and two of which must be in art history.

Distribution of required courses:

• one course selected from ART 112 Basic Photography, ART 120 Introduction to Painting, ART 130 Introduction to Printmaking, ART 131 Elementary Drawing, ART 150 3-D Design
• one 200-level course in each of the four areas of photography, painting, printmaking, and sculpture
• two courses in art history, one of which must cover contemporary art
• two advanced course electives in art selected in consultation with the academic adviser and chosen from the four areas of photography, painting, printmaking, or sculpture.

No more than two of the nine required courses may be taken for credit elsewhere.

The Art Minor

The minimum requirement for a minor in art is five courses in studio art, including two of the following: ART 112, ART 120, ART 130, ART 131, ART 150. At least three courses must be above the 100 level. No more than one course may be taken elsewhere for credit.

The Art History Major

The minimum requirement for a major in art history is nine courses: eight in art history and one in studio art. Only two of the eight required art history courses may be taken at the 100 level. Of the remaining six courses, at least two must be taken at the 300 level or above.

Distribution of required courses:

• one studio art course to acquaint students with the creative process
• courses in three of the following four areas: Ancient and Medieval; Renaissance and Baroque; Modern and Contemporary; non-European art or art of minorities or women
• two 300-level (or above) art history courses emphasizing original research (these may count towards other distribution requirements)
• additional electives in art history, including museum studies courses, crosslisted courses and internships

Sequencing of Courses: Althought there are no prerequisites to any of the art history courses, students are encouraged to begin their study of art history with one or more introductory courses before engaging in course work on the 200 level or above. ART 101and 102 (World Art I and II) familiarize students with the monuments and methods of the discipline.

In addition, it is advisable to take a broad survey of an art historical period before engaging in more specialized study of that period. For example, it is recommended that students take ART 101 World Art I: Caves to Cathedrals before taking ART 204 Castle, Cathedral, Cloister and ART 204 before ART 300 Special Topics in Medieval Art. Appropriate Capstone courses (such as recent departmental offerings on Renaissance Women or Expressions of Nationalism) also may be counted towards the major.

Interdisciplinary and Language Study: The department recommends that students select courses in other disciplines that will complement and strengthen their art history major. Permission from the chair also may be obtained to count one appropriate course taken in another Bucknell department (for example, in ancient archaeology, cultural anthropology, or film studies) toward the major. Students considering this option should discuss it with their art history adviser and department chair.

A knowledge of languages is essential to the cross-cultural nature of art history and is a prerequisite for admission to graduate study in the discipline. All art history majors are urged to develop competence in at least one modern language. Majors contemplating graduate study should become competent in two of these languages (or in one modern language and one ancient language). Competence is normally defined as the completion of a 200-level language course. Students should consult with their art history adviser as early as possible concerning which language (or languages) is most appropriate to their interests in the field.

Study Abroad and Internships: Art history majors are encouraged to pursue opportunities for study abroad and for internships in galleries, museums, and other settings (see materials in art department office). No more than two course credits earned from non-Bucknell faculty, however, may be used to meet the minimum requirements for the major. Students planning to undertake off-campus or non-traditional study are expected to consult closely with their art history adviser and department chair.

The Art History Minor

The minimum requirement for a minor in art history is five courses in art history, including no more than one course at the 100 level and at least one course at the 300 level or above. In addition, students must take at least one course in three out of the following four areas of art history: Ancient and Medieval; Renaissance and Baroque; Modern and Contemporary; non-European art, art of minority groups or women. No more than two course credits earned from non-Bucknell faculty may be used to meet the minimum requirements for the minor.

The Combined Art and Art History Major

The minimum requirement for the combined major is 10 courses, including five courses in art, and five courses in art history. No more than two courses taken elsewhere will count toward the minimum requirements of the combined major.

Distribution of required courses:

• five courses in studio art including specialized courses in at least three distinct media and at least two courses at the 200 (or higher) level
• five courses including courses in at least three out of the following four areas of art history: Ancient and Medieval; Renaissance and Baroque; Modern and Contemporary; Non-European Art or art of minority groups or women with at least two of these courses at the 200 (or higher) level, one of which will be in modern/contemporary.

Honors in Art, Art History or Combined Art and Art History

A program leading to a major with honors in art, art history, or art and art history may be proposed by the student in consultation with the department chair and appropriate department faculty. The student generally undertakes a specifically designed sequence of courses and independent research culminating in a significant studio project or written thesis.

Graduate Study and Careers in Art and Art History

Students considering graduate studies in art, art history, art administration, art conservation, museum studies, or related fields, should consult CAA guides and other materials in the art department office. Department faculty members also will be glad to provide information on careers in art and art history and on M.A., M.F.A., and  Ph.D. programs and fellowships.

Art

112. Basic Photography (I and II; 0, 4)
An introduction to the theory, practice, and criticism of fine art photography. Preference to ART majors.

120. Introduction to Painting (I and II; 0, 4)
Studio course to introduce basic techniques and materials of painting, color theory and its application, image and composition.

130. Introduction to Printmaking (I or II; 0, 4)
An introduction to visual concepts and processes in intaglio, relief, and screen printing..

131. Elementary Drawing (I and II; 0, 8)
The tradition of drawing, its practice and theory in various media.

150. 3-D Design  (I or II; 0, 4)
This course will introduce students to the principles of three-dimensional design. Problem solving will focus around the following concepts: line/plane, shape/form, color/texture, and scale. Prerequisite: seniors by permission of the instructor.

229 and 230. Intermediate Printmaking (I and II; 0, 4)
Individual projects in intaglio and woodblock printing with an emphasis on concept and refinement of image. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

231. Intermediate Drawing (I and II; 0, 8)
A continuation of ART 131 with emphasis on concept and refinement of image. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

234. Digital Photography (II; 0, 4)
Individual projects in digital photography with an emphasis on concept and refinement of image. Prerequisite: ART 112, ART 131 and permission of the instructor.

237 and 238. Projects in Painting (I and II; R; 0, 4)
Individual projects in oil and acrylic-based media on supported canvas will be emphasized. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

243. Graphic Design I (I or II; 0, 3)
An introduction to the theory and practice of graphic design and the principles underlying the visual presentation of information, both verbal and pictorial. Prerequisite: one of the following: ART 112, 130, 131, 150, 234. 

247. Intermediate Photography (I and II; 0, 4)
This course builds upon skills and knowledge gained in ART 112, including more complex technical and critical methods and development of a personal direction. Prerequisites: ART 112 and permission of the instructor.

250. Projects in Sculpture (I and II; 0, 8)
Studio work will introduce students to basic concepts in sculpture, focusing on ideas and materials. Mixed media applications will engage students in contemporary sculptural practices. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

255. Topics in Sculpture (I or II; 0, 3)
An investigation of specific topics in contemporary sculpture including process, public art, time and technology. These topics may vary yearly. Prerequisite: ART 150 or ART 250.

335 and 336. Advanced Work in the Studio (I and II; R; 0, 8)
Advanced projects in each studio area: painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture or graphics. This course may be repeated for additional credit. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

340. Multi-media and Installation Art (I or II; 3, 0)
This course builds upon the principles of interdisciplinary practices and histories of performance, installation, and video art. The class will function as a survey of modern and contemporary interdisciplinary art as well as a studio for individual and collaborative projects and actions in installation, performance and video. Prerequisite: one of the following: ART 112, ART 229, ART 237, ART 250.

345. Advanced Painting (I or II; R; 0, 3)
Independent painting projects to develop themes, concepts, and skills of painting in a contemporary context. Prerequisite: ART 237 or 238 and permission of the instructor.

346. Advanced Printmaking (I or II; R; 0, 3)
Advanced projects in printmaking to develop individual themes and concepts. Prerequisite: ART 229 or 230 and permission of the instructor.

347. Advanced Photography (I or II; R; 0, 3)
Advanced projects in photography to develop individual themes and concepts. Prerequisite: ART 247 and permission of the instructor.

348. Advanced Sculpture (I or II; R; 0, 3)
Advanced projects in sculpture to develop individual themes and concepts. Prerequisite: ART 250 and permission of the instructor.

435. Advanced Studio Capstone (I or II; TBA)
This course provides art students the opportunity to integrate their areas of study by designing a project which will encourage independent and collaborative creative activities.

History of Art

101. World Art I: Caves to Cathedrals (I; 3, 0)
This course explores the art and architecture created throughout the world from the prehistoric period to roughly the 14th century. Visual analysis will be the main focus.

102. World Art II: Renaissance to Now (I or II; 3, 0)
This course explores art and architecture from 1400 to the present. Focus on visual analysis and the development of European and American art from the Renaissance to Postmodernism. Not open to students who have taken ART 103.

204. Castle, Cathedral and Cloister (I; 3, 0)
Architecture, sculpture, and painting from the Early Christian period to the beginning of the Renaissance. Monastic, religious, and secular arts will be explored.

207. Modern Art: 1850 - 1915 (I; 3, 0)
Examination of artists and movements from 1850 to 1915, including Realism, Impressionism, Post-impressionism, Symbolism, Expressionism, Fauvism, Cubism, and Abstraction. Focus on innovations in French painting and urban experience.

208. Modern Art 1915 - Now (II; 3, 0)
Examination of artists and movements after 1915, including Dadaism, Surrealism, Constructivism, Abstract Expressionism, Minimalism, Conceptual Art, and Performance Art. Issues of class, race, and gender will be central.

211. History of Photography (I or II; 3, 0)
History of photography from its origins in the 19th century to the present. Focus on the history of avant-garde practices as well as contemporary techniques and themes.

213. History of Western Architecture (I or II; 3, 0)
This course traces the "Western" architectural tradition with particular attention to technical advances and cultural context.

215. Architecture and Art in London (I; 3, 0) Half or full course.
To undertake the study of the art of England and other countries as presented by and in the city of London and its environs. Prerequisites: London Semester students only and permission of the instructor.

218. French Art and Architecture (II; 3, 0)
Selected topics in painting, sculpture, and architecture from the medieval period to the present time. Prerequisites: Bucknell en France students only and permission of the instructor.

221. Visual Cultures of the Mediterranean 1 - 1000 CE (AII; 3, 0)
This class explores the visual art and architecture of the cultures (Romans, Jews, Muslims, Christians, etc.) that lived around the Mediterranean in the first millennium.

222. Philosophy of Art (I or II; 3, 0)
Analysis of the creative process, the work of art, natural beauty, aesthetic experience, and principles of criticism. Prerequisite: one of the following: PHIL 098, PHIL 100, PHIL 103, PHIL 201, PHIL 220. Crosslisted as PHIL 212.

224. Art and Architecture of Asia (I; 3, 0)
This course explores art and architecture of Asia from Neolithic period to the present. Special attention will be given to significant monuments and cultural context.

225. Popular Culture and Prints (II; 3,0)
Popular culture as expressed in prints: their subjects, history, purpose, and social significance from Albrecht Durer to Andy Warhol. Study original prints in Bucknell's and NYC collections.

227. Introduction to Visual Culture (I or II; 3, 0)
Introduction to the interdisciplinary study of visual culture with particular attention to representations and media from popular culture (billboards, slasher films, music video, etc.). Emphasis on issues of class, race, and gender.

263. Curatorial and Gallery Practices (II; 3, 1)
Seminar focusing on exhibition planning and implementation, and gallery/museum theory and methodology. Prerequisites: one of the following  ART 112, ART 120, ART 130, ART 131,  ART 150; and one of the following: ART 101, ART 102, ART 103 or permission of the instructor.

264. Museum Studies: Gillray Exhibition (I or II; 3, 0)
This seminar will study and mount an exhibition of the caricatures (original prints in Bucknell’s Samek Art Gallery) of James Gillray (1756-1815), the English engraver who invented the genre of British political caricature. Students will learn all aspects of organizing an exhibition.

265. Topics in Aesthetics (II; R; 3, 0)
An investigation of specific topics in aesthetics, e.g., The Beautiful and the Sublime; Philosophy and Comedy; The Aesthetics of Film. These topics may vary yearly. Prerequisite: one of the following: PHIL 98, PHIL 100, PHIL 103, PHIL 201, PHIL 220 or permisison of the instructor.

271. Italian Renaissance Art (I; 3, 0)
Renaissance art in Italy with emphasis on Raphael, Leonardo, Michelangelo, Titian and others, and studying original paintings in Samek Art Gallery. Essential for students planning to study abroad in Italy.

273. Northern Renaissance Art (II; 3, 0)
Renaissance art in Northern Europe and its interconnections with Italian art. Flemish, French,  and German painting by van Eyck, Albrecht Dürer, Grünewald, Holbein, Francois Clouet, Primaticcio compared with Raphael, Leonardo, painters in Venice.

275. Art and Architecture of the Islamic World (II; 3, 0)
A survey of Islamic art and architecture from the inception of the faith in the 7th century through the 16th century.

296. Art and Politics in China (II; 3, 0)
An examination of the interactions between art and politics in the People's Republic of China since 1949. Crosslisted as EAST 296.

300. Special Topics in Medieval Art (I; R; 3, 0)
In-depth focus on one of several possible topics in medieval art, including the Cloister, the Portal, pilgrimage, or the saints. Prerequisite: ART 101 or ART 204 or permission of the instructor.

315. Seminar: Rembrandt's World (I or II; 3, 0)
Rembrandt's work studied in the context of his contemporaries (Vermeer, Hals, Rubens), and his experimental techniques, his imagery, his clientele, and his 17th-century world.

319 and 320. Special Studies in Art History (I and II; R)
Advanced problems in art history. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

323. Contemporary Art (I or II; 3, 0)
Study of key artists and concepts of the past 30 years. Focus on the transformation from modernism to postmodernism in painting, sculpture, photography, and performance art.

325. Special Studies in Modern Art (I and II; R: 3, 0)
Seminar focusing on selected aspects of the interaction between the fine arts, popular culture, and contemporary society in the modern world. Prerequisite: one of the following ART 102, ART 103,  ART 211, ART 227 or ART 323.

370. Kress Paintings Seminar (I; 0, 3)
Study and do research on the Samek Art Gallery’s collection of original Italian Renaissance paintings (Kress Collection) and prepare new publication on these pictures.

371. Gillray Prints Seminar (II; 0, 3)
Study the political and social caricatures of English engraver James Gillray in original prints in the Samek Art Gallery collection; the tradition of caricature, and libel and freedom of speech issues.

419. Henry VIII and English Renaissance (I; 3, 0)
English Renaissance works of art illustrating political and dynastic concerns, especially royal portraits, studied in their historical and literary context.

Honors

350 and 351. Honors (I and II; R)
Independent study or creative work leading either to the writing of a thesis or the completion of a significant studio project. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor.

For courses in theatre production and design, see listings in Theatre and Dance.