The Fine Arts
Program at USF is dedicated to providing students with both traditional
and modern skills as they address established and contemporary concepts
in a studio setting under the guidance and mentorship of professional
artists. Our intimate class settings balance group interaction and
one-on-one instruction with exposure to galleries, museums, and events
in the Bay Area. The curriculum is designed to challenge young artists'
imagination and creativity while providing them with the techniques and
tools they will need to realize their career goals.
The
focus is an integration of the progressive and "back to basics": use of
environmentally safe, responsible practices and materials, and the
acquisition of auxiliary practical skills such as grant writing and
collaboration--with other students as well as with community-based
organizations.
Course
offerings include in-depth study in diverse painting and drawing media,
sculpture in wood, ceramics, fiber and mixed media, indoor and outdoor
installation, a variety of printmaking techniques, mural, stained
glass, and a senior portfolio class. The forward-thinking full year
sequence, Arts Outreach: The Artist as Citizen, exposes students to new
paradigms for the artist through community-based work. Fine Arts
coursework is augmented by visiting artists, field trips, and
interdisciplinary study within the university.
The Fine Arts Curriculum includes
- Studio Systems (introduction to materials and practices of studio art)
- Drawing
- Painting--various genres
- Sculpture
- Printmaking
- Stained Glass
- Installation/Public Art
- Art History in a variety of contexts (Women in Art, Asian Art, African Art, and others)
- Many one-time offerings on special topics
Requirements for the Major
The Major in Fine Arts Requires 48 credits, as follows:
Required Core Courses (40 credits)
- ART - 101 Survey of Western Art History 1
- ART - 102 Survey of Western Art History II
- ART - 120 Art Fundamentals
- ART - 210 Drawing 1
- ART - 155 Visual Communication
- ART - 220 Painting 1
- ART - 230 Sculpture 1
- ART - 280 Digital Photography 1
- ART - 470 Fine Arts Senior Studio
- ART - 487/488 Artist as Citizen
Electives (8 credits)
- ART - 235 Color Theory
- ART - 240 Printmaking 1
- ART - 250 Stained Glass 1
- ART - 305 Modern and Contemporary Art
- ART - 310 Drawing 2
- ART - 320 Painting 2
- ART - 330 Sculpture 2
- ART - 340 Printmaking 2
- ART - 360 Mural Painting
- ART - 370 Installation/Public Art
- ART - 420 Art and Business
- ART - 390 Special Topics
Learning Goals for the Major in Fine Arts
- Students
will gain solid historical knowledge of the objects of art and
principal artists of all major periods, and their associated theories,
analysis and criticism. This includes a broad understanding of the
cultural diversity of art movements from prehistoric times through
contemporary culture, both locally and globally.
-
- Students
will gain an understanding of basic visual principles, concepts, media,
and formats in the various fine art disciplines, and the ability to
apply them to meet a specific objective. This includes an ability to
think critically and propose creative solutions to aesthetic problems.
- Students
will gain a deep appreciation and knowledge of how to use their skills
to work with diverse communities both locally and globally to create
social change. This includes the acquisition of professional skills
that will serve them as post-graduate students, professional
practitioners, educators, and community leaders.
- Students
will gain knowledge and skills in the use of basic tools, technologies,
and processes sufficient to conduct advanced research or project work.
This includes the mastery of bibliographic research and understanding
of the digital tools and processes necessary to develop that research.
