Art Undergraduate Programs - Kendall College of Arts and Sciences

Art Undergraduate Programs

The School of Art offers rigorous training in Art, Design, Art History and Arts Management. The study of the arts encourages students to approach art from multiple perspectives, and their art is rooted in contemporary discourses on art and history. State-of-the-art facilities and engaged professors embolden students to develop and realize their visions. We attract an array of regional and national artists and scholars to campus to help students discuss, critique and cultivate their work. Through strong partnerships with local museums and galleries, students create advertising campaigns, participate in exhibitions and pursue rewarding internships.

Students in the School of Art participate in a dynamic and collaborative program focused on exploring, creating and analyzing art and its practices. We offer concentrations in art history, digital art, graphic design, painting, photography and printmaking, while also encouraging students to work across varying media. The interdisciplinary Arts Management program is housed at the School of Art. Small class sizes foster close relationships with students and professors, and together, students’ vision becomes art.

  • Program Learning Outcomes

    Studio Art Specialization

    1. Demonstrate conceptual and technical proficiency within one or more aspect of the visual arts.

    2. Exhibit evidence of professionalism by developing a portfolio, resume and artist statement, locating their own work within historical and contemporary contexts.

    Art History Specialization

    1. Demonstrate knowledge of major monuments and artists in their specific cultural-historical context and apply that knowledge to specific art historical problems (e.g., what makes a work of art meaningful or worthy of study)

    a. Identify major works of art and architecture in specific art historical periods.

    b. Analyze works of art with due consideration to their content, style, composition and facture.

    c. Analyze works of art or artistic practices in light of the specific set of cultural values, socio-historical conditions, or in light of theoretical approaches (e.g., religious beliefs, issues of cultural identity, social status of artists, art consumption practices, feminist theory etc.).

    d. Identify key scholars and their work and recognize various theoretical approaches to art historical studies (e.g., formal analysis, iconology, social history, feminist approaches, etc.)

    2. Demonstrate sound research, intellectual analysis of source material, critical thinking, and effective writing and speaking skills

    a. Gather information and discriminate between significant and insignificant information found

    while researching

    b. Negotiate conflicting information and interpretations

    c. Draw logical conclusions from research sources, and organize them in a coherent, properly documented manner

    d. Write well and effectively, using language appropriate to the discipline

    e. Present research in a public forum using appropriately chosen and paced visual material

    Bachelor of Fine Arts

    1. Demonstrate high level of conceptual and technical competency within at least one area of emphasis.

    a. Students are evaluated on drawing competency, both as a stand-alone media and how these skills are applied in other media areas.

    b. Students are evaluated on design knowledge and competency, both as a stand-alone media and how these skills are applies in other media areas.

    c. Student projects are evaluated on the level of proficiency with the selected media and whether or not the student shows the potential for broad ranging technical refinement and sensitivity to materials.

    2. Exhibit evidence of professionalism by developing a cohesive body of work, resume and artist statement, demonstrating the ability to apply historical and contemporary contexts to their own practice.

    a. Student work is evaluated on whether or not there is evidence of conceptual development – meaning, the content of the work clearly expresses an original, creative, and thought-provoking theme, reflecting a strong personal direction in regard to the subject matter and the execution of their work. Technical proficiency/mastery in their chosen media area is evaluated in regard to how that supports the conceptual focus of the work.

    b. Student work demonstrates a clear and insightful knowledge of past and present artistic influences and precedents (as reflected in the work and in the artist statement). Sometimes knowledge of historical context is reflected in targeted projects, but this attribute should become increasingly evident in the overall body of work as the students take higher level art courses (Note: all studio courses include aspects of viewing/discussing historical and contemporary artists relevant to the media area being taught).

    c. Students are expected to exhibit evidence of the ability to properly document their work and develop well-written supporting professional materials (resumes, cover letters, etc.).

    3. Successful execution of final project or exhibition, including written artist statement, which illustrates stylistic and conceptual competency of chosen art form.

    a. Overall quality of the portfolio is evaluated as to whether or not the body of work reflects a high degree of consistency in quality, and in cohesiveness of theme, content and stylistic approach.

    b. Professionalism is also evaluated as part of PLO 3 by looking at the quality of the images and supporting professional materials submitted.

    c. Student final exhibitions and/or Senior projects are evaluated on their quality and execution.

  • Degree Options

    Art, B.F.A.

    Enables students to enter professional careers in art and to find their place in contemporary artistic practice.

    Art, Studio Art Specialization, B.A.

    Students have a chance to do course work in the visual arts as an integral part of a general liberal arts degree program. Students who earn a Bachelor of Arts with a specialization in studio art will attain a broad knowledge of artistic production and concepts that will prepare them for diverse career paths.

    Art, Art History Specialization, B.A.

    Offers the student general knowledge about art through the ages and the critical skills to interpret it.

    Art Minor

    Non-majors interested in learning more about art are encouraged to add it to their degree program as a minor.

    Art History Minor

    Non-majors interested in learning more about art history are encouraged to add it to their degree program as a minor.