Yearly Objectives

FRESHMAN YEAR

The freshman year is one of discovery. Students transition toward professional identities as artists, designers, photographers or educators.
Freshmen:

  • develop skills in the concentration area as well as in other studio areas
  • develop creative problem solving skills and methods
  • are introduced to contemporary themes and concepts in the visual arts
  • are introduced to visual communication through composition, the elements and principles of design, concept, symbol and metaphor
  • begin to develop skills and techniques in a variety of media and processes
  • are introduced to the language of art and to critique skills
  • are introduced to sources of inspiration

Learning takes place in the following courses:

Fall Classes
ART 140 Visual Thinking I
ART 104 Introduction to Visual Art

Spring Classes
ART 170 Visual Thinking II

In addition to courses in the concentration area and general studies

  • Courses listed in bold are only offered during the semester indicated.
  • ALL TRANSFER STUDENTS and ANY STUDENT changing their major within Shepherd University MUST enroll in ART 140 Visual Thinking Skills before they may continue to take any additional art classes.

SOPHOMORE YEAR

The sophomore year is one of practice and application. Students begin to learn professionalism in the concentration area.
Sophomores:

  • begin the process of developing a professional portfolio including a letter of introduction, resume, and statement about work
  • become professionally active through participation in exhibits, clubs and organizations
  • demonstrate an understanding of composition
  • demonstrate an understanding of visual communication through elements and principles of design, concept, symbol and metaphor
  • demonstrate the acquisition of skills associated with the concentration area
  • develop critique skills to become objective evaluators of the content and visual language of their work and that of others
  • develop an understanding and appreciation of art history from prehistoric through the contemporary era
  • utilize professional materials associated with the concentration such as journals, websites and other resources to remain aware of current practices
  • begin to write and speak in language appropriate to the concentration area
  • continue to develop creative problem solving skills
  • begin to develop a body of work in the concentration area.

Learning takes place in the following courses:

Fall Classes
ART 203 Surv. West. Art
ART 204 Contemp. Art

Spring Classes
ART 208 Prof. Prac. I*
*advancement in the BFA program is contingent upon successful completion of Art 208

In addition to courses in the concentration area and general studies

  • Courses listed in bold are only offered during the semester indicated.
  • ALL TRANSFER STUDENTS and ANY STUDENT changing their major within Shepherd University MUST enroll in ART 208 Professional Practices I immediately upon completion of three courses in the concentration area.

JUNIOR YEAR

The junior year is one of synthesis. Students build and expand the concepts and skills acquired during the Freshman and Sophomore years.
Juniors:

  • develop a cohesive and professional body of work in the concentration
  • learn about graduate schools and programs, and professional opportunities within the concentration
  • learn about grants, resources and practical information essential for living as a practicing professional artist, designer, photographer or educator.
  • develop and hone skills essential to a professional presentation
  • write and speak about art, design, photography or education in language appropriate to the concentration area and with awareness of contemporary artistic discourse.
  • begin to make connections between historical and contemporary art
  • participate in internships, coops, exhibitions and professional opportunities
  • become art advocates
  • become knowledgeable about ethical practices in the field.
  • prepare to conduct a job search in their concentration

Learning takes place in the following courses:

ART 403 Art Criticism
ART 390 Professional Practices II
Courses in the major as specified in the curriculum and general studies

SENIOR YEAR

The Senior year is one of refinement and transition to professional. Students prepare to exit the program with a professional credentials.
Seniors:

  • present a cohesive and professional body of work within the concentration area
  • pursue entry into the competitive job market or into graduate programs
  • successfully compete for exhibit opportunities, grants; client based work, or other activities associated with success in the concentration area.
  • prepare and present a professional portfolio for review by seasoned practitioners in the concentration area
  • speak and write about art, design, photography or education in a language that demonstrates an awareness of contemporary discourse in the field.
  • Able to situate their work in a professional context

Learning takes place in the following courses:

Spring
ART 490 Capstone
Courses in the major as specified in the curriculum and general studies.