Courses

This course introduces the foundations of visual and verbal language universal to all artistic disciplines. Areas of concentration are explored through hands-on exercises, art historical examples, lectures, group discussion, and field trips. A focus on critical thinking, writing skills, and close reading are emphasized. Students will learn about and work with resources available at the University and within the Chattanooga community.

Fall semester only. (3) Credit Hours. (3) Contact Hours. 
Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed.

An introduction to the visual elements and principles of design through hands-on exploration, critical reading, written responses, and verbal critique. Special attention paid to developing craftsmanship, an ability to decode images, and an informed point of view.

Fall semester only. (3) Credit Hours. (6) Contact Hours. 
Corequisite: ART 1050 or Department Head approval. Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed.

An introduction to the basic material skills of working in three and four dimensions. Develops basic competencies in producing and using 3D materials, images, sound, and text in order to explore context, duration, and content. Students will gain technical skills through a series of projects emphasizing the manipulation of materials as well as the context of objects and environments in contemporary culture. 

Spring semester only. (3) Credit Hours. (6) Contact Hours. 
Corequisite: ART 1060 or Department Head approval. Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed.

An introduction to drawing and pictorial composition using basic drawing media in black and white. Primary emphasis on line, form, value, texture, space, shape, and one-point and multiple-point perspective, and the figure.

Fall semester only. (3) Credit Hours. (6) Contact Hours. 
Corequisite: ART 1010 or Department Head approval. Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed.

A focus on the process of making drawings, including ideation and research. Experimentation is highly encouraged and expected as part of the regular class work. Students will examine how drawing connects to multiple categories of artwork including video, performance, sculpture, and design. 

Spring semester only. (3) Credit Hours. (6) Contact Hours. 
Corequisite: ART 1020 or Department Head approval. Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed.

Exploratory activities designed to acquaint the prospective teacher of art with a representative range of art materials, art history methodology, and aesthetic criticism appropriate for the elementary and secondary classroom. 

Fall semester only.

Exploratory activities designed to acquaint the prospective teacher of art with a representative range of art materials, art history methodology, and aesthetic criticism appropriate for the elementary and secondary classroom. 

Spring semester only. 

This course is designed to heighten perception, appreciation, and enjoyment of the visual arts of the western world and its global intersections. It examines selected works representative of a broad range of functions, forms, styles, and artistic intentions. The visual arts of the Prehistoric, Ancient Near Eastern, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Early Christian, Byzantine, Romanesque, and Gothic periods will be introduced. The art historical development, formal elements, design principles, and technical factors of significance in the production of works will be emphasized. 

Fall semester only. (3) Credit Hours. (3) Contact Hours.

This course is designed to heighten perception, appreciation, and enjoyment of the visual arts of the western world and its global intersections from the Renaissance era until today. It examines select works representative of a broad range of functions, forms, styles, and artistic intentions. Artistic movements spanning the Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, Romantic, Modern and Contemporary periods will be introduced and examined in historic and cultural contexts, along with a consideration of the formal elements, design and technical factors in the production of key works. Emphasis will be placed on the relationship of art and society. 

Spring semester only. (3) Credit Hours. (3) Contact Hours. 

An introduction to critical theory from the perspective of artistic practice. An examination of the origins of contemporary critical discourse, as well as the numerous schools of thought known as postmodernism. The student will acquire a framework for understanding and engaging contemporary art, and will gain an appreciation for the potential of theory to inform artistic research. 

Fall semester only. (3) Credit Hours. (3) Contact Hours. 
Prerequisites: ART 2140 and 2150 or Department Head approval.

Advanced study in art history. This course is designated for special art history topics that are not offered on a regular basis. 

Offered occasionally. (3) Credit Hours. (3) Contact Hours. 
Prerequisites: ART 2150 or Department Head approval. 

Participation in a portfolio review of individual student work for the sophomore and transfer student. Written and oral presentation required. The review process will be used to evaluate an individual’s studio progress and assist in the identification of an area of concentration. 

Spring semester only. (0) Credit Hours. Evaluated on a satisfactory/no progress basis.
Prerequisites: ART 1010, ART 1020, ART 1050, and ART 1060, or Department Head approval.

Professional protocol for the studio artist. Students will write analytically about their work and that of others. Grant writing, application processes for graduate school admission. Preparation of professional portfolios, culminating in the Senior Exhibition.

Spring semester only. BFA only. (3) Credit Hours. (3) Contact Hours. 
Prerequisites: ART 4070, ART 4370, ART 4601, or ART 4840 or Department Head approval. Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed. 

Semiotics as a foundation for the concepts and methodologies central to the practice of graphic design. Emphasis on shaping meaning, image making, and connecting form to concept. 

Fall semester only. (3) Credit Hours. (6) Contact Hours. 
Prerequisites: ART 1010, ART 1060 or department head approval. This course is required for Graphic Design majors before pursuing the Portfolio Review. Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed.

Typographic strategies that focus on uniting aesthetics and purposeful communication. Emphasis on developing a variety of typographic strategies including lettering, type design, and designing with text. 

Spring semester only. (3) Credit Hours. (6) Contact Hours. 
Prerequisites: ART 2601 or department head approval. This course is required for Graphic Design majors while pursuing the Portfolio Review. Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed.

Survey of historical design practice emphasizing the relationship between designed objects and ideas to the circumstances of their production. 

Spring semester only. (3) Credit Hours. (3) Contact Hours. 
Prerequisites: ART 2140, ART 2601 or department head approval. This course will not fulfill the upper-division art history requirement. This course is required for Graphic Design majors while pursuing the Portfolio Review.

Typographic expression, experimental processes, and exploration of the relationship between form, content, and meaning. 

Fall semester only. (3) Credit Hours. (6) Contact Hours. 
Prerequisites: ART 2900, ART 2611 or department head approval. Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed.

Principles of designing for interactivity including user experience best practices and working with current web standards. Students will build technical skills while considering the cultural impact of digital life. 

(3) Credit Hours. (6) Contact Hours. 
Prerequisites: ART 2900, ART 2601 or department head approval. Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed.

Graphic design methodology with an emphasis on the integral relationship between process and product. Students will engage a broad range of traditional and experimental methods. 

Fall semester only. (3) Credit Hours. (6) Contact Hours. 
Prerequisites: ART 2900, Art 2601 or department head approval. Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed.

Application of graphic design principles focused on human-centered design. Students will emulate a professional design studio, working collaboratively in partnership with a client. 

Spring semester only, BFA only. (3) Credit Hours. (6) Contact Hours. 
Prerequisites: ART 2900, ART 3631. Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed.

Study of graphic design practice centered on developing individual voice and using design methodology to engage in a broadly defined contemporary discourse. Culminates in a self-directed design project. 

Fall semester only, BFA only. (3) Credit Hours. (6) Contact Hours. 
Prerequisites: Art 3641. Courses are sequential; Art 4601 is prerequisite to Art 4611. Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed. 

Sustained focus on self-directed projects and development of work initiated in Graphic Design Workshop I. Students will also develop portfolios appropriate to their professional goals. 

Spring semester only, BFA only. (3) Credit Hours. (6) Contact Hours. 
Prerequisites: ART 4601. Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed. 

Complex formal, psychological, and theoretical problems related to working from direct observation of a live nude model through the practice of drawing. Students will consider the body as a tool and as a subject, rich with conceptual possibilities that challenge conventional approaches to figure drawing. Readings and discussions will examine topics such as the tradition of the figure, the relationship between the artist and model, the dichotomy of the naked versus the nude, and identity. Introduction to a diverse range of artists will provide a historical framework and emphasize the figure in contemporary art. 

Fall semester only. (3) Credit Hours. (6) Contact Hours. 
Prerequisites: ART 1010, ART 1020, ART 1050, and ART 1060 or Department Head approval. This course is required for Painting and Drawing majors before pursuing Portfolio Review. Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed.

An introduction to a variety of drawing media and processes to promote experimentation and support the development of the student’s individual research priorities. Students will generate content through research, writing, planning, and discussion. Readings and lectures will supplement studio problems and offer an expanded view of the medium. 

Spring semester only. (3) Credit Hours. (6) Contact Hours. 
Prerequisites: ART 1010, ART 1020, ART 1050, and ART 1060 or Department Head approval. This course is required for Painting and Drawing majors while pursuing Portfolio Review. Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed.

An introduction to the visual language of painting, including its technical, formal, and perceptual features: mark, color, surface, facture, touch, edge, and support. Students will practice the techniques and methods of various periods, with an emphasis on current approaches. Readings, lectures, and discussion will supplement studio problems, establishing an awareness of the context within which a painting is made and viewed today. 

Fall semester only. (3) Credit Hours. (6) Contact Hours. 
Prerequisites: ART 1010, ART 1020, ART 1050, and ART 1060 or Department Head approval. This course is required for Painting and Drawing majors before pursuing Portfolio Review. Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed. 

Building on the foundation of Painting I, students will learn basic construction of painting supports and work with approaches to representation and abstraction. Painting problems will promote experimentation and interpretation as students work to generate personal content and individual research priorities. Lectures, readings, writing, and discussions will supplement studio problems. 

Spring semester only. (3) Credit Hours. (6) Contact Hours. 
Prerequisites: ART 2070 or Department Head approval. This course is required for Painting and Drawing majors while pursuing Portfolio Review. Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed. 

The first of a four-semester advanced studio and seminar sequence for students pursuing the BFA in Painting and Drawing. Students work to develop an independent studio practice through self-directed creative research. Group critiques and individual studio visits with the instructor provide a critical framework. Lectures and seminars offer opportunities for group discussion of required readings, research, and relevant historical and contemporary issues in painting. 

Fall semester only, BFA only. (3) Credit Hours. (6) Contact Hours. 
Prerequisites: ART 2900 and ART 2080 or Department Head approval. Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed. 

The second of a four-semester advanced studio and seminar sequence for students pursuing the BFA in Painting and Drawing. Students work to develop an independent studio practice through self-directed creative research. Group critiques and individual studio visits with the instructor provide a critical framework. Lectures and seminars offer opportunities for group discussion of required readings, research, and relevant historical and contemporary issues in painting.

Spring semester only, BFA only. (3) Credit Hours. (6) Contact Hours. 
Prerequisites: ART 3070 or Department Head approval. Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed.

Various approaches to representing the human form in painting through work from nude and clothed models, and from personally generated source material. The student’s individual approach and sensibility is encouraged to allow for broad interpretation of painting problems. A range of historical and contemporary artists is introduced with an emphasis on the figure in contemporary painting. Readings, lectures, and discussions will supplement studio problems. 

Spring semester only. (3) Credit Hours. (6) Contact Hours. 
Prerequisites: ART 2900 and ART 2080 or Department Head approval. Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed. 

Individual problems in the application of drawing techniques and styles. Continued exploration of life drawing from the human figure. Drawing from the nude model. 

Fall semester only. (3) Credit Hours. (6) Contact Hours. 
Prerequisites: ART 2900 and ART 2060 or Department Head approval. Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed.

Individual problems in the application of drawing techniques and styles. Continued exploration of life drawing from the human figure. Drawing from the nude model. 

Spring semester only. (3) Credit Hours. (6) Contact Hours. 
Prerequisites: ART 2900 and ART 2060 or Department Head approval. Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed. 

The third of a four-semester advanced studio and seminar sequence for students pursuing the BFA in Painting and Drawing. Students work to develop an independent studio practice through self-directed creative research. Group critiques and individual studio visits with the instructor provide a critical framework. Lectures and seminars offer opportunities for group discussion of required readings, research, and relevant historical and contemporary issues in painting. 

Fall semester only, BFA only. (3) Credit Hours. (6) Contact Hours. 
Prerequisites: ART 3080 or Department Head approval. Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed.

The conclusion of a four-semester advanced studio and seminar sequence for students pursuing the BFA in Painting and Drawing, culminating in the senior thesis exhibition. Students work to develop an independent studio practice through self-directed creative research. Group critiques and individual studio visits with the instructor provide a critical framework. Lectures and seminars offer opportunities for group discussion of required readings, research, and relevant historical and contemporary issues in painting. 

Spring semester only, BFA only. (3) Credit Hours. (6) Contact Hours. 
Prerequisites: ART 4070 or Department Head approval. Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed.

Selected problem in painting or drawing to further the development of a student’s aesthetic, and which culminates in a body of work of exhibition quality. 

Spring semester only, BFA only. (3) Credit Hours. (6) Contact Hours. 
Corequisite: ART 4080. Prerequisites: ART 4070 or Department Head approval. Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed. 

Introductory study of the fundamental technical, aesthetic and theoretical concepts of photography as an expressive medium. Emphasis is placed on establishing an awareness of photographic seeing, composition, and the fundamentals of camera operation. Every semester. 

Fall and Spring semesters. (3) Credit Hours. (6) Contact Hours. 
Prerequisites: ART 1010, ART 1020, ART 1050, and ART 1060 or Department Head approval. This course is required for Photography & Media Art majors before pursuing Portfolio Review. Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed. 

Introduction to the fundamental technical, aesthetic and theoretical concepts of color photography and digital imaging as an expressive medium. 

Spring semester only. (3) Credit Hours. (6) Contact Hours. 
Prerequisites: ART 2830 or Department Head approval. This course is required for Photography & Media Art majors while pursuing Portfolio Review. Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed.

Introduction to the fundamental technical, aesthetic and theoretical concepts of video and sound as related to the creative potential of the moving image. 

Spring semester only. (3) Credit Hours. (6) Contact Hours. 
Prerequisites: ART 1010, ART 1020, ART 1050, and ART 1060 or Department Head approval. This course is required for Photography & Media Art majors while pursuing Portfolio Review. Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed. 

Survey of the origin and development in time-based media art and its relationship to our contemporary culture. Through presentations, discussions, field trips, readings, and writing this class will impart a greater understanding of the history of and contemporary issues in photography, film, video, performance art, installation, sound, web, and electronic art. 

Fall semester only. (3) Credit Hours. (3) Contact Hours. 
Prerequisites: ART 1010, ART 1020, ART 1050, and ART 1060 or Department Head approval.This course is required for Photography & Media Art majors before pursuing Portfolio Review.

Intermediate study of moving image and sound design with emphasis on developing and communicating a strong personal vision while expanding a working knowledge of the tools and techniques of all stages of production. 

Spring semester only. (3) Credit Hours. (6) Contact Hours. 
Prerequisites: ART 2830 or Department Head approval. Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed.

Advanced seminar and studio presenting problems in analytical study, creative interpretation and logistics of working with photography and media art. 

Fall semester only, BFA only. (3) Credit Hours. (6) Contact Hours. 
Prerequisites: ART 2900 and ART 2820 or Department Head approval. Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed. 

Advanced seminar and studio presenting problems in analytical study, creative interpretation and logistics of working with photography and media art. 

Spring semester only, BFA only. (3) Credit Hours. (6) Contact Hours. 
Prerequisites: ART 2900 and ART 3840 or Department Head approval. Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed. 

Study of new technologies, issues and design philosophy involved in the expansion of time-based media art. Topics include: generative works and interactive environments. 

Offered on a rotating basis, Fall or Spring. (3) Credit Hours. (6) Contact Hours. 
Prerequisites: ART 2900 and ART 2820 or Department Head approval. Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed.

Development of web and book forms as both archives and creative mediums. Topics include: design, production, and distribution. 

Offered on a rotating basis, Fall or Spring. (3) Credit Hours. (6) Contact Hours. 
Prerequisites: ART 2900 and ART 2820 or Department Head approval. Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed.

Advanced topics in photo and media art with a cross-disciplinary focus. Topics include: creative social practice and collaborative projects. 

Offered on a rotating basis, Fall or Spring. (3) Credit Hours. (6) Contact Hours. 
Prerequisites: ART 2900 and ART 2820 or Department Head approval. Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed. 

The third of a four-semester advanced studio and seminar sequence for students pursuing the BFA in Painting and Drawing. Students work to develop an independent studio practice through self-directed creative research. Group critiques and individual studio visits with the instructor provide a critical framework. Lectures and seminars offer opportunities for group discussion of required readings, research, and relevant historical and contemporary issues in painting. 

Fall semester only, BFA only. (3) Credit Hours. (6) Contact Hours. 
Prerequisites: ART 2900 and ART 3850 or Department Head approval. Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed. 

The conclusion of a four-semester advanced studio and seminar sequence for students pursuing the BFA in Painting and Drawing, culminating in the senior thesis exhibition. Students work to develop an independent studio practice through self-directed creative research. Group critiques and individual studio visits with the instructor provide a critical framework. Lectures and seminars offer opportunities for group discussion of required readings, research, and relevant historical and contemporary issues in painting. 

Spring semester only, BFA only. (3) Credit Hours. (6) Contact Hours. 
Prerequisites: ART 2900 and ART 4840 or Department Head approval. Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed. 

Survey of the development of sculptural practice in relationship to culture. This course includes discussions, readings, presentations, field trips, and writing on topics that range from the historical role of the object to emerging forms of art making. 

Fall semester only. (3) Credit Hours. (3) Contact Hours. 
Prerequisites: ART 1010, ART 1020, ART 1050, and ART 1060 or Department Head approval. Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed.

Introduction to the concepts, techniques, and processes of sculpture in a variety of traditional and nontraditional media. 

Fall semester only. (3) Credit Hours. (3) Contact Hours. 
Prerequisites: ART 1010, ART 1020, ART 1050, and ART 1060 or Department Head approval. This course is required for Sculpture majors before pursuing Portfolio Review. Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed.

Intermediate study of the concepts, techniques, and processes of contemporary sculpture in a variety of traditional and nontraditional media. 

Spring semester only. (3) Credit Hours. (3) Contact Hours. 
Prerequisites: ART 2330 or Department Head approval. This course is required for Sculpture majors while pursuing Portfolio Review. Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed.

Seminar and studio for the exploration of contemporary concepts and media with an emphasis on developing a strong personal vision and conceptual intent. 

Fall semester only, BFA only. (3) Credit Hours. (3) Contact Hours. 
Prerequisites: ART 2900 and ART 3360 or Department Head approval. Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed.

Seminar and studio for the exploration of contemporary concepts and media with an emphasis on developing a strong personal vision and conceptual intent. 

Spring semester only, BFA only. (3) Credit Hours. (3) Contact Hours. 
Prerequisites: ART 3370 or Department Head approval. Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed.

In-depth study of the concepts, techniques, and processes of sculpture in a variety of nontraditional and expanded media forms. 

Fall semester only. (3) Credit Hours. (3) Contact Hours. 
Prerequisites: ART 3360 or Department Head approval. Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed.

Development of sculptural works in relation to expanded concepts of site and context including site specificity, relational art, and art in the public sphere.

Offered on a rotating basis, Fall or Spring. (3) Credit Hours. (3) Contact Hours. 
Prerequisites: ART 2900 or Department Head approval. Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed.

Study of the theory and practice of performance, interaction, and participation in relationship to sculpture with a focus on time-based work. 

Offered on a rotating basis, Fall or Spring. (3) Credit Hours. (3) Contact Hours. 
Prerequisites: ART 2900 or Department Head approval. Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed.

Study and practice of socially engaged, cooperative, and emerging art forms with a focus on critical dialog and collaborative learning. 

Offered on a rotating basis, Fall or Spring. (3) Credit Hours. (3) Contact Hours. 
Prerequisites: ART 2900 or Department Head approval. Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed.

Advanced development of individual creative works with a focus on conceptual intent. 

Fall semester only, BFA only. (3) Credit Hours. (3) Contact Hours. 
Prerequisites: ART 3380 or Department Head approval. Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed.

Advanced development of individual creative works with a focus on issues of exhibition and installation. 

Spring semester only, BFA only. (3) Credit Hours. (3) Contact Hours. 
Prerequisites: ART 4370 or Department Head approval. Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed.

Practical experience in a professional environment that provides individuals with a supervised opportunity to work in an art-related agency. These include, but are limited to, advertising and media industries, art museum operation, gallery management, etc. 

Offered occasionally. (3) Credit Hours. (6) Contact Hours. 
Requires approval by the Associate Department Head. Students may register to receive course credit twice so long as the second internship is with a different organization.

Advanced study in studio art. This course is designated for special studio art topics that are not offered on a regular basis. 

Offered occasionally. (3) Credit Hours. (6) Contact Hours. 
Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed.

Opportunity for an individual student to develop a Departmental Honors Thesis in conjunction with utc Honors College. 

Offered on demand. (1-3) Credit Hours. 
Requires Department Head and University Honors approval. Student must submit an Individual Studies/Research Contract to the Records Office at the time of registration. 

Independent study on an advanced topic in studio art or art history. 

Offered on demand. (1-3) Credit Hours. 
Requires Department Head approval. Student must submit an Individual Studies/Research Contract to the Records Office at the time of registration. 

Designed to heighten perception, appreciation, and enjoyment of the visual arts of the western world, this course examines selected works representative of a broad range of functions, forms, styles, and artistic intentions from prehistoric to present day. Consideration of the formal elements, design principles, and technical factors of significance in the production of works. 

Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. (3) Credit Hours. (3) Contact Hours. 

An exploration of the visual arts to enhance critical perception and appreciation of art with experiences in describing, analyzing and comparing various examples. Involves studio experiences in painting, drawing, sculpture, and other media as well as written work in art history and contemporary theory and criticism. 

Offered occasionally. (3) Credit Hours. (3) Contact Hours. 
Laboratory/studio course fee will be assessed.