Art and Design
Student Organizations/Clubs:
Art Club is the campus student organization that encourages a variety of student-directed events including a visiting artist series and an annual juried student exhibit to foster a greater awareness and participation in the visual arts.
AIGA (The Professional Organization for Design) The goal of this student group is to foster student involvement in the local design community, provide professional opportunities, and help students build leadership skills that will be valuable as they move into the professional world.
Career Possibilities:
Graphic designer, production designer, package designer, interactive designer, animator, illustrator, typographer, art historian, museum or gallery professional, art conservator, arts administrator, architect, freelance artist, studio artist, and public and private school art teacher. The major also prepares students for graduate studies and careers that require skills in creative problem solving, sophisticated visual communication, and independent thinking.
Department Overview
The Department of Art and Design at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside offers bachelor of arts degrees with majors in art and graphic design. These emphasize a thorough background in the visual arts with well-rounded experiences in both two and three dimensional studies, as well as in art history and visual culture.
Art and Design students work in well-equipped, new spacious studios with a faculty seriously committed to quality teaching as well as to production, exhibition and publication in their own areas of professional specialization. To complement the studio work, art history course offerings explore periods from prehistory to contemporary art and visual culture, including graphic design. Exhibits in the three modern art galleries located in the Rita Tallent Picken Regional Center for Arts and Humanities, as well as lectures and workshops by visiting exhibiting artists complement the studio and classroom experience. Upon graduation, art and design majors may continue professionally in quality graduate programs or enter one of many career options. There are also minors in graphic design and art as well as certificates in art history, design, and museum studies. Students planning employment as freelance designers or independent artists might consider adding a business certificate in business fundamentals.
Special Policies
Transfer students must have at least a 2.5 in their art and art history courses to be admitted into any department of art and design major; once admitted, required GPAs apply to graduation eligibility.
Students may double major in art and graphic design provided that the art major is one with a concentration. Art majors may earn a minor in graphic design; graphic design majors may not earn a minor in art.
Field trips to local and regional art centers may be required as partial fulfillment of any particular art course.
The Department of Art and Design reserves the right to retain selected examples of student work completed in studio courses or photographic images of work for educational, promotional, or exhibition purposes.
Studio fees may be required for certain courses to cover basic material expenses.
The Department of Art and Design faculty values the learning experience in the classroom and has specific policies pertaining to absenteeism and classroom conduct. In regard to these policies it is important for students to know that regular attendance in class is mandatory and unexcused absences will affect the student’s final grade. Additionally, the Department of Art and Design expects its students to present an open, respectful, and professional attitude toward their course work, facilities, instructors and peers. Plagiarism in any form is not tolerated.
Courses in the Department of Art and Design may be audited only with approval of the instructor.
Programs Offered
Art Major Concentrations
- Art Education
- Concentrations in Studio Art
- Two Dimensional Studio Art
- Three Dimensional Studio Art
- Interdisciplinary
Museum Studies Certificate
A certificate in museum studies is also available. Please see the geography and anthropology section of the catalog for more information.
Web Development Certificate
A certificate in web development is available through the Computer Science Department. Please see the computer science section of the catalog for more information.
Courses in Art and Design
ART 100 | Foundations of Art and Visual Culture | 3 cr
Introduces basic concepts and techniques of visual analysis and explores key issues in art history and visual culture, including the Western canon, gender, multiculturalism, modern and contemporary art, and the meanings of high art, craft and design.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
Meets: Humanities and the Arts: ART, CL Communication & Literacy, Humanities and the Arts: ART, CL Communication & Literacy, Humanities and the Arts: ART, CL Communication & Literacy, Humanities and the Arts: ART, CL Communication & Literacy
ART 102 | Introduction to Two Dimensional Design | 3 cr
Explores the visual language used in two-dimensional design, emphasizing the fundamental elements and principles of composition and color through lecture and studio problems.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
Meets: Humanities and the Arts: ART, HA Humanities & Arts, Humanities and the Arts: ART, HA Humanities & Arts, Humanities and the Arts: ART, HA Humanities & Arts, Humanities and the Arts: ART, HA Humanities & Arts
ART 103 | Introduction to 3-D Design | 3 cr
Exploration of the visual language used in three-dimensional design emphasizing the fundamental elements and principles through lecture and studio problems in a variety of sculptural processes.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
Meets: Humanities and the Arts: ART, HA Humanities & Arts, Humanities and the Arts: ART, HA Humanities & Arts, Humanities and the Arts: ART, HA Humanities & Arts, Humanities and the Arts: ART, HA Humanities & Arts
ART 104 | Introduction to Digital Art | 3 cr
Explores the digital visual language through various software programs used in the fields of digital art, graphic design, web design and digital fabrication, emphasizing the basic principles of composition through lecture and studio problems. Lab fee.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
ART 105 | Introduction to Graphic Design | 3 cr
Explores introductory graphic design topics through various software programs, studio problems and class lectures. Lab fee required.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
ART 122 | Introduction to Drawing | 3 cr
Exploration of the media and process of drawing to develop a visual language for representing visual imagery and cultivating perceptual and conceptual awareness.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
Meets: Humanities and the Arts: ART, HA Humanities & Arts, Humanities and the Arts: ART, HA Humanities & Arts, Humanities and the Arts: ART, HA Humanities & Arts, Humanities and the Arts: ART, HA Humanities & Arts
ART 124 | Lowriders, Kicks, and Graffiti | 3 cr
Focuses on the art and visual culture of Latin Americans, Hispanic Americans, and African Americans during the past 40 years. Features shrines, murals, street art, fashion, film/video, and "fine" art. Explores movements and techniques behind various expressions seen in popular culture and museums. Requires lab fee.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Fall.
Meets: Humanities and the Arts: ART, HA Humanities & Arts, Ethnic Diversity, Humanities and the Arts: ART, HA Humanities & Arts, Ethnic Diversity, Humanities and the Arts: ART, HA Humanities & Arts, Ethnic Diversity, Humanities and the Arts: ART, HA Humanities & Arts, Ethnic Diversity
ART 125 | Survey of World Art | 3 cr
Examines art history from the prehistoric era to the present with a global perspective. Covers the application visual analysis and to understand art in its social, political and historic contexts.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
Meets: Humanities and the Arts: ART, HA Humanities & Arts, Humanities and the Arts: ART, HA Humanities & Arts, Humanities and the Arts: ART, HA Humanities & Arts, Humanities and the Arts: ART, HA Humanities & Arts
ART 203 | Beginning Ceramics | 3 cr
An introduction to the fundamental aesthetic concepts and technical methods of creating works in clay emphasizing historical and contemporary developments of ceramics. Students will be exposed to the basics of ceramics in wheel throwing, hand building, glazing and firing.
Prerequisites: ART 103 or consent of instructor.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
ART 226 | Modern Art and Graphic Design | 3 cr
Examines major movements and styles in art and graphic design since 1900 and introduces key critical concepts and theories used to understand and analyze this work.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
ART 236 | Beginning Sculpture | 3 cr
Explores both historical and contemporary developments in sculpture emphasizing fundamental aesthetic concepts and technical methods. Students are directed through three basic techniques: reduction, addition, and casting.
Prerequisites: ART 103.
Offered: Fall.
ART 238 | Beginning Woodworking and Furniture Design | 3 cr
Introduces the craft of woodworking as it relates to the art of furniture making. Explores both functional and aesthetic considerations as well as the history of furniture over the centuries. Requires fees.
Prerequisites: ART 103 or consent of instructor.
Offered: Spring.
ART 251 | Beginning Printmaking | 3 cr
Investigates the following print processed: relief, intaglio, monotype, serigraphy and lithography. Emphasizes historical developments and the contemporary role of print media, both formally and functionally.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
ART 274 | Typography I | 3 cr
Introduces the theories and history of typography within the context of graphic design. Requires fees.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
ART 282 | Beginning Painting | 3 cr
Introduces the aesthetic, technical and thematic dimensions of oil painting as a fundamental visual language of expression from both traditional and contemporary perspectives.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
ART 287 | Topics in Graphic Design: | 3 cr
Explores selected topics in the field of graphic design. Focuses on diverse mediums, content, and projects.
Prerequisites: Varies with topic.
Offered: Occasionally.
ART 288 | Introductory Topics in Two-Dimensional Studio Art | 3 cr
Introduces special topics in two-dimensional media, including printmaking, painting, collage, photography, and book arts. Explores traditional and experimental materials and approaches. May repeat with different topic.
Offered: Occasionally.
ART 289 | Topics in Three-Dimensional Studio Art: | 3 cr
Special topics in three dimensional mediums including metals, fibers, ceramics, sculpture, woodworking, and book arts. Traditional and experimental materials and approaches will be explored. May be repeated for credit with different topic.
Prerequisites: Varies with topic.
Offered: Occasionally.
ART 290 | Special Topics in Art | 1-4 cr
Selected topics in the visual arts and their interrelationship will be studied. Lab fee varies with topic.
Prerequisites: Varies with topic.
Offered: Occasionally.
ART 299 | Independent Study | 1-4 cr
Special projects selected by student and approved by instructor. Includes a detailed project proposal. Lab fee varies with topic.
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and department chair.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
ART 303 | Intermediate Ceramics | 3 cr
Advances the development of aesthetic concepts and technical methods used in creating works in clay emphasizing historical and contemporary trends and artistic intent. Addresses various firing methods. Requires fees.
Prerequisites: ART 203.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
ART 315 | Anthropology of Non-Western Art | 3 cr
Examines indigenous arts and material culture with focus on functions of art related to social organization, belief systems and culture change; includes selected prehistoric and contemporary art forms. Cross-listed with: ANTH 315.
Offered: Occasionally.
ART 322 | Intermediate Drawing | 3 cr
Explores the formal and conceptual possibilities of the drawn mark as a visual language incorporating historical references both traditional and contemporary.
Offered: Occasionally.
ART 325 | Art Methods for Elementary-Middle | 3 cr
Covers theory, practice and methods for elementary and middle school level art education.
Prerequisites: Concurrent with EDU 430; consent of instructor.
Offered: Spring.
ART 326 | Art Methods for High School | 3 cr
Covers theory, practice and methods for high school level art education.
Prerequisites: Concurrent with EDU 440; consent of instructor.
Offered: Fall.
ART 331 | Life Drawing | 3 cr
Investigates the human form using diverse media with an emphasis on structural, anatomical, and personal expressive analysis.
Offered: Occasionally.
ART 336 | Intermediate Sculpture | 3 cr
Explores further aesthetic concepts and technical methods used in sculpture with an expanded range of processes embracing fabrication, carving, and casting. Requires fees.
Prerequisites: ART 236.
Offered: Fall.
ART 338 | Intermediate Woodworking and Furniture Design | 3 cr
Further exploration of design concepts in addition to the introduction of alternative joinery methods and materials as they relate to the craft of furniture making.
Prerequisites: ART 238 or consent of instructor.
Offered: Spring.
ART 351 | Intermediate Printmaking | 3 cr
Studies the aesthetic and technical principles of printmaking focusing on lithography, both stone and plate.
Prerequisites: ART 251.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
ART 370 | Digital Fabrication II | 3 cr
Expands upon 2D CAD and manufactoring with advanced techniques in 3D CAD/CAM and fabrication processes. Introduces 3D techniques in CNC milling and routing. Requires lab fee.
Offered: Fall.
ART 371 | Digital Photography | 3 cr
Investigates the creative practice of digital photography for both print and screen. Emphasizes conceptual development as it relates to the medium and students' own creative visions. Requires lab fee.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
ART 372 | Graphic Design I | 3 cr
Explores design history, theory, technique, and the formal language of graphic communications. Requires fees.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
ART 374 | Typography II | 3 cr
Explores using the fundamentals of typography to solve complex design problems. Requires fees.
Prerequisites: ART 274.
Offered: Spring.
ART 377 | Interactive Design I | 3 cr
Explores the modern field of interactive design from a graphic designer's viewpoint. Includes the conceptual and aesthetic approach to interactive design. Requires fees.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
ART 382 | Intermediate Painting | 3 cr
Continued aesthetic and technical exploration of the painted image involving a variety of media.
Prerequisites: ART 282.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
ART 387 | Topics in Graphic Design | 3 cr
Explores topics in the field of graphic design. Focuses on diverse mediums, content, and projects.
Prerequisites: Varies by topic.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
ART 388 | Intermediate Topics in Two-Dimensional Studio Art | 3 cr
Examines intermediate use of two-dimensional media, including printmaking, painting, collage, photography, and book arts. Explores traditional and experimental materials and techniques. May repeat with different topic.
Offered: Occasionally.
ART 389 | Intermediate Topics in Three-Dimensional Studio Art | 3 cr
Explores intermediate topics in three dimensional media including metals, fibers, ceramics, sculpture, woodworking, and book arts. Examines traditional and experimental materials and approaches. May be repeated for credit with a different topic.
Prerequisites: Varies with topic.
Offered: Occasionally.
ART 390 | Special Topics in Art | 1-4 cr
Selected topics in the visual arts and their interrelationship will be studied at the intermediate level. Lab fee varies with topic.
Prerequisites: Varies with topic.
Offered: Occasionally.
ART 391 | Selected Topics in Art History | 3 cr
Examines selected topics in art history. May be repeated for credit with a different topic.
Prerequisites: Varies with topic.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
ART 392 | Professional Practice | 3 cr
Provides insight into the professional aspects of studio art and graphic design fields. Includes professional application materials, photographic documentation, career options, post-baccalaureate pursuits, and the business of art and design.
Prerequisites: Art or graphic design major, junior standing; or consent of instructor.
Offered: Spring.
ART 399 | Independent Study | 1-4 cr
Special projects selected by intermediate level students and approved instructor. Includes a detailed project proposal.
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and department chair.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
ART 403 | Advanced Ceramics | 3 cr
Extends work in ceramic processes, emphasizing improved proficiency in the medium and developing a personal body of artwork. May be repeated for credit. Requires fees.
Prerequisites: ART 303.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
ART 422 | Advanced Drawing | 3 cr
Explores the aesthetic technical and thematic possibilities of the drawn mark, with emphasis on the development of the student's personal vision. May repeat for credit.
Offered: Occasionally.
ART 431 | Figure Studio | 3 cr
Emphasizes experimental exploration of the human form with an expressive focus in a variety of media with more individualized technical and aesthetic development. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites: ART 331.
Offered: Fall.
ART 436 | Advanced Sculpture | 3 cr
Emphasizes in-depth exploration of one or more recommended sculptural processes in relation to an individualized aesthetic point of view. May be repeated for credit. Requires fees.
Prerequisites: ART 336.
Offered: Fall.
ART 438 | Advanced Woodworking and Furniture Design | 3 cr
Investigates personal design aesthetic as it relates to construction, materials and methods of furniture making. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites: ART 338.
Offered: Spring.
ART 451 | Advanced Printmaking | 3 cr
Examines print media and related forms. Emphasizes the development of alternative print processes in portfolio creation and concept. Includes the broadening definition of printmaking. May be repeated for credit. Requires fees.
Prerequisites: ART 351.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
ART 470 | Digital Fabrication III | 3 cr
Provides opportunity to develop and fabricate a project based on artistic/innovative/entrepreneurial vision. Expands upon 3D CAD/CAM and fabrication processes. Lab Fee.
Prerequisites: DFAB 370 or ART 389.
Offered: Spring.
ART 471 | Advanced Digital Photography | 3 cr
Continues practice in digital photography. Emphasizes conceptual development related to the medium and students' own creative visions. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites: ART 371.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
ART 472 | Graphic Design II | 3 cr
Examines issues related to branding, identity, and design, emphasizing the development of strong concepts which communicate effectively. Requires fees.
Offered: Fall.
ART 477 | Interactive Design II | 3 cr
Examines advanced problems in interactive design from a designer's viewpoint comprising the conceptual and aesthetic approach to interactive design including both static and dynamic forms. Requires fees.
Prerequisites: ART 377.
Offered: Spring.
ART 482 | Advanced Painting | 3 cr
Provides opportunity to express individual problems in painting using a variety of media. May be repeated for credit. Requires fees.
Prerequisites: ART 382.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
ART 486 | Design Portfolio I | 3 cr
Focuses on the professional world of graphic design. Emphasizes developing a strong visual identity, improving craft and concept, and learning to present work effectively. Provides opportunity to engage with industry professionals. Community-based learning designation. Requires fees.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
Meets: Community Based Learning, Community Based Learning, Community Based Learning, Community Based Learning
ART 487 | Design Portfolio II | 3 cr
Further develops understanding of the professional world of graphic design. Addresses career trajectory, professional goals, creation of a portfolio of work, experience in interviewing, and building a website and promotional materials. Community-based learning designation. Requires fees.
Prerequisites: ART 486 or consent of instructor.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
Meets: Community Based Learning, Community Based Learning, Community Based Learning, Community Based Learning
ART 488 | Advanced Topics in Two-Dimensional Studio Art | 3 cr
Delves into the advanced use of two-dimensional media, including printmaking, painting, collage, photography, and book arts. Explores traditional and experimental materials and techniques. May repeat for credit.
Prerequisites: Varies with topic.
Offered: Occasionally.
ART 489 | Advanced Topics in Three-Dimensional Studio Art | 3 cr
Delves into advanced topics in three-dimensional media, including metals, fibers, ceramics, sculpture, woodworking, and book arts. Explores traditional and experimental materials and approaches at an advanced level. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites: Varies with topic.
Offered: Occasionally.
ART 490 | Special Topics in Art | 1-4 cr
Selected topics in art will be studied. Lab fee varies with topic.
Prerequisites: Varies with topic.
Offered: Occasionally.
ART 493 | Senior Studio | 4 cr
Provides opportunity for a rigorous, self-generated studio experience, focusing on the creation of a significant body of work as a culmination of the student's undergraduate education in the visual arts. Requires exhibition of artwork. May be repeated for credit with department permission. Lab fee varies by topic.
Prerequisites: Senior standing, department approval.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
ART 494 | Art Internship | 1-4 cr
Practical experience in studio and curatorial situations in business, industry, galleries and museums. Joint supervision by faculty member and organization representative. May repeat in different areas.
Prerequisites: Art major, junior standing; consent of instructor and department chair.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
ART 499 | Independent Study | 1-4 cr
Special projects selected by advanced level student and approved instructor. Includes a detailed project proposal.
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and department chair.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Courses in Digital and Design Fabrication
DFAB 170 | CAD I - Sketchup | 1 cr
Introduces fundamentals of 2D and 3D computer aided drafting [CAD] using Sketchup including layer control, vector precision and manipulation, object grouping, dimensioning, and 3D printing. Lab fee.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer, Winterim.
DFAB 171 | CAD I - AutoCAD | 1 cr
Introduces fundamentals of 2D and 3D computer aided drafting [CAD] using Autodesk, AutoCAD including layer control, vector precision and manipulation, object grouping, dimensioning, and 3D printing. Lab fee.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer, Winterim.
DFAB 172 | CAD I - Vectorworks | 1 cr
Introduces fundamentals of 2D and 3D computer aided drafting [CAD] using Nemetschek Vectorworks including layer control, vector precision and manipulation, object grouping, dimensioning, and 3D printing. Lab fee.
Prerequisites: None.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer, Winterim.
DFAB 270 | Digital Fabrication I | 3 cr
Explores CAD function and practice for 2D and 3D digital fabrication for manufacturing, design, and production using industry standard software and practices to create introductory 2D Vinyl Cut, CNC routed, and advanced 3D Printed works. Requires lab fee.
Offered: Spring.