Faculty

Jeffrey T. Meyer, chair
Ross A. Hilgers
Susan J. Lee
Jess Matson-Fluto
Christian E. Mortenson

The Concordia College department of art serves the artistic interests of art majors/minors and the general student population. We maintain a dynamic program that strives to enhance our students’ sensitivity and creativity. Our primary goal is to foster our students’ ability to freely and fully engage the world through the visual arts.

All programs in the department of art encourage a visually sophisticated and historically informed stance toward the contemporary world. We produce confident students who can respond to the world with nuance, passion and technical expertise. The department of art provides learning experiences that prepare students to achieve the following outcomes:

  • Our students gain a basic understanding of art history from ancient cultures to modernity, including in-depth knowledge regarding at least one specific area of art history.
  • Our students have a range of studio experiences and learn to use a wide variety of tools, materials, technical skills and creative approaches within the frame of traditional and contemporary methodologies.
  • Our students develop a liberal arts skill set that will enable them to relate art and art history to their other academic interests, to their families and to their communities.
  • Our students develop skills by which their individuality and creativity can be recognized as unique and then expressed as such to the world.

The department of art offers two major concentrations. These two concentrations lead to a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in art and art education, respectively. The department also offers a minor in art and design, and a minor in web design and development. The art major is designed to serve as a foundation for careers in studio work and related fields such as design, art therapy, recreational or community art, or museum studies. The art major offers a choice of two programs, the general program, and the preprofessional program. The general program includes two concentrations: a 32-credit studio art concentration and a 32-credit art history concentration. The preprofessional program also includes two concentrations: a 48-credit studio art concentration and 48-credit art history concentration. The art education major serves as preparation for careers in K-12 education. For some of these careers and for college and university teaching, the student will continue study beyond the bachelor’s degree in graduate school, specialized art school or apprenticeships.

Courses

ART 111  -  Two-Dimensional Foundations,  4 credits.  

Using a variety of materials and processes, students carry out studies in line, shape and form, value, texture and color; and explore methods of implying depth, mass and volume on a flat surface. These exercises in two-dimensional image making are correlated with lectures, critiques, written presentations and field trips.

Frequency: Every Semester  
Core designations: Arts R  
ART 112  -  Three-Dimensional Foundations,  4 credits.  

An introductory course offering experience in making three-dimensional images with concentration on design elements and principles. A wide range of materials, tools and techniques will be explored. Lectures, critiques, written and oral presentations, and field trips are also included.

Frequency: Every Year - First Semester  
Core designations: Arts R  
ART 130  -  Beginning Drawing,  4 credits.  

A studio introduction to basic drawing skills, methods and terminology. Through the use of a variety of drawing materials, students will translate thought and observation into image. Includes discussion, critiques and field trips.

Frequency: Every Semester  
Core designations: Arts R  
ART 199  -  Exploration Seminar,  0 credits.  
Repeatable: Yes  
ART 250  -  Pre-May Seminar,  2,4 credits.  

An intense introduction to the peoples and places to be experienced during the May Seminar in Art History with particular focus on student preparatory research and on-site reports.

Frequency: Not offered on a Regular Basis  
Prerequisites: ART 155 or ART 156  
ART 300  -  May Seminar in Art History,  4 credits.  
Frequency: May Seminar  
Prerequisites: ART 250  
ART 307  -  Graphic Design I,  4 credits.  

This introductory studio course provides studies relating to graphic design. The study and application of design methods are examined during the production of promotional and three-dimensional materials. Ability to work metaphorically with image and design is stressed with a focus on composition. Expertise in the conceptual design process, communicating through presentation and critique, and high-quality craftsmanship and production methods are learned.

Frequency: Not offered on a Regular Basis  
Prerequisites: ART 370  
ART 320  -  Painting,  4 credits.  

An introduction to painting through the development of a sequence of paintings that progress from representation of assigned subject matter to complete abstraction and freedom of expression. Studio focus is on oil painting but includes methods and techniques of oil, acrylic, and mixed media painting.

Frequency: Every Year - Second Semester  
Core designations: Arts R  
ART 330  -  Ceramics,  4 credits.  

Introduction to basic hand building, wheel throwing, glazing and firing techniques. Class critiquing and student-teacher dialogue are integrated into all phases of the creative process.

Frequency: Every Semester  
Corequisites: PEAK 400  
Core designations: Arts R  
This course is PEAK Required  
ART 340  -  Sculpture,  4 credits.  

Introduction to the design and execution of three-dimensional objects in such materials as wood, clay, plaster, cast and constructed metal, stone, plastics, fibers, and mixed media. Installations and video/performance are also encouraged.

Frequency: Every Year - Second Semester  
Core designations: Arts R  
ART 350  -  Printmaking,  4 credits.  

An exploration of the aesthetic and technical possibilities of monotype, intaglio, relief and lithography.

Frequency: Every Year - First Semester  
Prerequisites: ART 111 or ART 130  
Core designations: Arts R  
ART 358  -  Intro to Darkroom Photography,  4 credits.  

This course is an exploration of the techniques, aesthetics, and historical frameworks of traditional photographic processes. Photography will be explored as a fine art through the technical and conceptual means needed to utilize it as an effective communicative medium.

Frequency: Every Year - Second Semester  
ART 368 / COM 368  -  Digital Photography,  4 credits.  

Digital Photography is the study of basic digital photographic procedures, including digital camera and processing techniques. Approaching digital photography as an art form and as a communicative medium, the course will introduce students to the specific techniques used in such fields as fine art photography, photojournalism and photography for advertising.

Frequency: Every Semester  
Core designations: Arts R  
ART 370  -  Digital Design,  4 credits.  

A studio course for students who wish to improve their computer and graphic design skills. Students will be introduced to design software, primarily Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign. The study of general graphic design techniques, knowledge in the conceptual design process, communicating through presentation and critique, and high quality craftsmanship and production methods will be learned through the production of promotional materials.

Frequency: Every Year - First Semester  
ART 376  -  Nordic Arts,  4 credits.  

This interdisciplinary course in Studio Art and Scandinavian Studies is an introduction to the technical and aesthetic depth, beauty, variety and uses of works in various media from Nordic countries. Students will learn about influences of: history, fundamental connection to nature, aesthetic, style, and function as well as technical processes of traditional arts of woodcarving, rosemaling, and fiber.

Frequency: Not offered on a Regular Basis  
Core designations: Arts R  
ART 378  -  Web and User Experience Design I,  4 credits.  

This introductory studio course provides studies relating to web and user experience design, focusing on design principles and web development to assist students in producing accessible, interactive, dynamic, and visually imaginative web compositions. It integrates the use of web design, user experience design, grid layout, responsive design and development, web safe fonts, optimized imagery, media queries, HTML, and CSS.

Frequency: Every Year - Second Semester  
ART 379  -  Typography in Book Design I,  4 credits.  

This introductory studio course provides studies relating to typography and book design. Visual elements are used to communicate and influence meaning through the investigation of structure and the expressive nature of typography as an integral element of visual communication. Examination of different binding methods, printing and production practices, and the ability to work fluently with Adobe InDesign are taught.

Frequency: Not offered on a Regular Basis  
ART 380  -  Special Topics,  0-4 credits.  

Courses covering various topics of interest in this particular discipline are offered regularly. Contact department or program chair for more information.

Frequency: Not offered on a Regular Basis  
Repeatable: Yes  
ART 390  -  Academic Internship,  1-8 credits.  
Frequency: Not offered on a Regular Basis  
Repeatable: Yes  
ART 401  -  Intermediate Drawing,  2-4 credits.  

Continuing studies and practice relating to this studio area.

Frequency: Every Semester  
ART 402  -  Intermediate Painting,  2-4 credits.  

Continuing studies and practice relating to this studio area.

Frequency: Every Year - Second Semester  
ART 403  -  Intermediate Ceramics,  2-4 credits.  

Continuing studies and practice relating to this studio area.

Frequency: Every Semester  
This course is PEAK Optional  
ART 404  -  Intermediate Sculpture,  2-4 credits.  

Continuing studies and practice relating to this studio area.

Frequency: Every Year - Second Semester  
ART 405  -  Intermediate Printmaking,  2-4 credits.  

Continuing studies and practice relating to this studio area.

Frequency: Every Year - First Semester  
ART 407  -  Graphic Design II,  4 credits.  

This advanced studio course provides continuing studies relating to graphic design. The study and application of design methods are examined during the production of promotional and three-dimensional materials. Ability to work metaphorically with image and design is stressed with a focus on composition. Expertise in the conceptual design process, communicating through presentation and critique, and high-quality craftsmanship and production methods are learned.

Frequency: Not offered on a Regular Basis  
Prerequisites: ART 307  
ART 408  -  Intermediate Studio,  4 credits.  

This course is an exploration of intermediate studio practices in mixed media. Students will experiment with various methods and media to make work and develop content. Students will research historical and contemporary artists relating to projects. The course is repeatable and provides continuing studies in traditional studio arts of drawing, printmaking, painting, and mixed media.

Frequency: Not offered on a Regular Basis  
Prerequisites: ART 130 or ART 320 or ART 340 or ART 350  
Repeatable: Yes  
ART 409  -  Intermediate Photography,  2-4 credits.  

Continuing studies and practice relating to this studio area.

Frequency: Every Year - First Semester  
ART 420  -  Senior Project,  4 credits.  

A special project in any studio area. Studio projects will result in work prepared for the Senior Art Exhibition. Prerequisites: senior standing and permission of instructor before registration.

Frequency: Every Semester  
ART 440  -  Portfolio Preparation,  4 credits.  

Designed to function as a culminating experience in which art majors develop portfolios of images and written work appropriate for post collegiate applications. Coursework includes preparation of both traditional and digital image portfolios, artist's résumé, artist's statement or designer's briefs, artist's marketing folio materials, and written critiques. Prerequisite: senior standing in art or permission of instructor

Frequency: Every Year - First Semester, Every Year - Second Semester  
ART 478  -  Web and User Experience Design II,  4 credits.  

Continuing studies in web and user experience design. This advanced course focuses on design principles and web development to assist students in producing accessible, interactive, dynamic, and visually imaginative web compositions. It integrates the use of web design, user experience design, grid layout, responsive design and development, web safe fonts, optimized imagery, media queries, HTML, and CSS.

Frequency: Every Year - Second Semester  
Prerequisites: ART 378  
ART 479  -  Typography in Book Design II,  4 credits.  

This advanced course provides continuing studies relating to typography and book design. Visual elements are used to communicate and influence meaning through the investigation of structure and the expressive nature of typography as an integral element of visual communication. Examination of different binding methods, printing and production practices, and the ability to work fluently with Adobe InDesign are taught.

Frequency: Not offered on a Regular Basis  
ART 480  -  Independent Study,  1-4 credits.  

This course provides an opportunity for individual students to conduct in-depth study of a particular topic under the supervision of a faculty member. Contact the department or program chair for more information.

Frequency: Not offered on a Regular Basis  
Repeatable: Yes  
ART 483  -  Art and Environmental Activism,  4 credits.  

This course surveys contemporary art activism and advances environmental and humanitarian issues through the production of artwork, research papers, presentations, and seminar discussions. This course encourages students to step into the role of being an art activist for the promotion of a sustainable future. This course can also count toward the environmental studies program.

Frequency: Not offered on a Regular Basis  
ART 487  -  Directed Research,  1-4 credits.  

This course provides an opportunity for individual students to conduct research in a specific area of study, completed under the direction of a faculty mentor. Specific expectations of the research experience to be determined by the faculty. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

Frequency: Not offered on a Regular Basis  
Repeatable: Yes  
HART 155  -  History in Art I: Origins to the Early Renaissance,  4 credits.  

HART 155 is a historical exploration of global visual culture - including Near Eastern and African traditions - from the origins of human civilization to ca. 1400 CE with particular emphasis given to the religious, political and social contexts of the world's greatest art.

Frequency: Every Year - First Semester, Every Year - Second Semester  
Core designations: Arts R, International-Global Prspct G  
HART 156  -  History in Art II: Renaissance to Impressionism,  4 credits.  

HART 156 is a historical exploration of global visual culture - including East Asian and Native American traditions - from the Renaissance to Impressionism with particular emphasis given to the religious, political and social contexts of the world's greatest art. (HART 155 is not a prerequisite for HART 156.)

Frequency: Every Year - Second Semester  
Core designations: Arts R, International-Global Prspct G  
HART 158  -  History in Art III: Post-Impressionism to the Digital Age,  4 credits.  

HART 158 is a historical exploration of global visual culture - including Oceanic and Central Asian traditions - from Impressionism to the present day with particular emphasis given to the religious, political and social contexts of the world's greatest art. (HART 155 and/or 156 are not prerequisites for HART 158).

Frequency: Every Year - First Semester  
Core designations: Arts R, International-Global Prspct G  
HART 364  -  Greek and Roman Art,  4 credits.  

A historical survey of Greek and Roman art and culture with particular emphasis given to the connections that exist between early literature, religion, politics and visual culture. Coursework covers ancient Greek and Italian archaeology from the Bronze Age to the Late Empire. Like all 300-level art history courses, this course is conducted as an advanced seminar with emphasis placed on individual research and advanced presentations.

Frequency: Not offered on a Regular Basis  
HART 365  -  Renaissance and Baroque Art,  4 credits.  

A survey of Western European culture that explores the art of the 15th-17th centuries. This course highlights the art of the Baroque era across western Europe as a response to and reaction against the Italian Renaissance. Students will be introduced to digital liberal arts as they produce a collaborative project utilizing digital tools. This course can count toward the Global Studies program.

Frequency: Alternate Years - 2nd Semester  
Core designations: Arts R  
HART 367  -  20th Century Art,  4 credits.  

A historical survey of Western European art and culture with particular emphasis given to the connections that exist between 20th century politics and visual culture of the modern, post-modern and hyper-modern ages. Coursework covers European and American art from the end of the 19th century to the present moment. Like all 300-level art history courses, this course is conducted as an advanced seminar with emphasis placed on individual research and advanced presentations. This course can also count toward the global studies program.

Frequency: Every Year - First Semester  
HART 369  -  18th and 19th Century Art in the East and West,  4 credits.  

A historical survey of art and culture at the dawn of the Modern Age with particular emphasis given to the global exchange between Western Europe and East Asia. From Rococo to the French Revolution, to impressionism and beyond this course tracks developments in the visual art during one of the most dynamic and innovative periods of human history. Special attention is given to the connections that exist between early Modern literature, politics and visual culture. Coursework covers the Rococo, Neo-Classicism, Realism, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, as well as the connections that exist between these movements and the art of Asia. Like all 300-level art history courses, this course is conducted as an advanced seminar with emphasis placed on individual research and advanced presenatations.

Frequency: Alternate Years - 2nd Semester  
Core designations: Arts R, International-Global Prspct G  
HART 374  -  Art and Religion,  4 credits.  

A comparative exploration of the connections between artistic and religious concepts and practices. Students will learn about various artistic traditions tied to the Christian, Islamic, Buddhist, Hindu and Daoist religions. In addition, we will look beyond religious institutions and contemplate the pursuit of spiritual expression in modern and postmodern artisitic practices. Like all 300-level art history courses, this course is conducted as an advanced seminar with emphasis placed on individual research and advanced presentations. This course can also count toward the global studies program.

Frequency: Not offered on a Regular Basis  
Core designations: Arts R, International-Global Prspct G  
HART 375  -  Women and Art,  4 credits.  

An exploration of the role of women as creators and the subjects of art in various traditions of Euro-America, East Asia, and South/Southeast Asia. This course examines several dominant discourses of aesthetics and traditions of art-making and questions how gender idealogies operate to assign value and meaning to artists, artworks, genres, media, and styles. Like all 300-level art history courses, this course is conducted as an advanced seminar with emphasis placed on individual research and advanced presentations. This course can also count toward the global studies program and the women's and gender studies program.

Frequency: Alternate Years - 2nd Semester  
Core designations: Arts R, International-Global Prspct G  
HART 377  -  Arts of Asia,  4 credits.  

An exploration of important artistic traditions of Asia. While there is a strong focus on East Asian arts such as calligraphy, Zen art, and landscape painting, this course also examines temples, statuary, and paintings of South and Southeast Asia. Like all 300-level art history courses, this course is conducted as an advanced seminar with emphasis placed on individual research and advanced presentations. This course can count toward the global studies program.

Frequency: Alternate Years - 2nd Semester  
Core designations: Arts R, International-Global Prspct G  
HART 380  -  Special Topics,  0-4 credits.  

Courses covering various topics of interest in this particular discipline are offered regularly. Contact department or program chair for more information.

Frequency: Not offered on a Regular Basis  
Repeatable: Yes  
HART 390  -  Academic Internship,  1-8 credits.  
Frequency: Not offered on a Regular Basis  
Repeatable: Yes  
HART 420  -  Senior Project,  4 credits.  

A special project in the history of art. Projects in the history of art will result in an extended research paper. Prerequisites: senior standing and permission of instructor before registration.

Frequency: Every Semester  
HART 480  -  Independent Study,  1-4 credits.  

This course provides an opportunity for individual students to conduct in-depth study of a particular topic under the supervision of a faculty member. Contact the department or program chair for more information.

Frequency: Not offered on a Regular Basis  
Repeatable: Yes  
HART 487  -  Directed Research,  1-4 credits.  

This course provides an opportunity for individual students to conducts research in a specific area of study, completed under the direction of a faculty mentor. Specific expectations of the research experience to be determined by the faculty. Repeatable for credit. Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

Frequency: Not offered on a Regular Basis  
Repeatable: Yes