2014-2015 Catalog ARCHIVED CATALOG: Content may no longer be accurate.
Department of Visual Art and Design
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Department Chair: Matthew Choberka
Location: Ethel Wattis Kimball Visual Arts Center
Telephone Contact: Cynthia Kurien 801-626-6455
Professors: Naseem Banerji, Mark Biddle, James Jacobs, Susan Makov, Angelika Pagel, K Stevenson; Associate Professors: Matthew Choberka, Larry Clarkson, Joshua Winegar; Assistant Professors: Paul Crow, Jason Manley, Molly Morin, Stephen Wolochowicz, Liese Zahabi
Our world is partially understood through smell, taste, sound, and touch. But perhaps most of all we make sense of our environment through what we see. The art, architecture, mass media and even the furniture in our spaces bear distinct messages that influence our decisions and enrich life.
Creative processes are exciting. Students of art and design contribute new expression to the vitality of our visual environment and learn to interpret what is seen through trained observation. Innovative thinking is absolutely necessary for success and must be balanced against research and critical judgment. Emphasis is placed on writing and the critical evaluation of artistic products. Students gain experience at preparing exhibits and portfolios for eventual professional activity.
Studies in art and art history offer windows of understanding to other cultures, both past and present. This is one of our primary concerns in preparing citizens for productive relations in an increasingly multicultural society.
Seventy-eight different courses are offered by the Department of Visual Arts. These span traditional areas such as art history, art education, ceramics, drawing, small metals/jewelry, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and visual communication. The department is continually expanding into emerging modes of expression involving digital video, digital photography, animation, interactive design, and sound. Classes are enhanced by public lectures, seminars, workshops and special sessions by critics, historians, and visiting artists.
Weber State University supports three Bachelor’s degrees in the visual arts with specializations in most of the areas mentioned above. The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees provide a broad liberal arts background, a solid base for many careers or further study. The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is more professionally focused with high concentrations of studio art and art history. The BFA is for students who wish to move directly into professional work in art or design, or those who intend to pursue graduate study in the visual arts. Senior exhibitions are required for most Bachelor of Fine Arts majors.
The Elizabeth Dee Shaw Gallery exhibits art that exemplifies the ideas and values of the curriculum. This serves our students and the public interest as well. Exhibitions involving regional, national, and internationally recognized artists serve a vital role in the cultural life of the community. The Gallery organizes at least six exhibitions each year. All are free and open to the public.
Transfer of Credits
Transfer students must present an official transcript and a portfolio to petition course substitutions for visual arts program requirements. A minimum number of departmental residency hours is required for completion of degree programs: 19 credit hours for the BFA, 12 hours for BS and BA programs, 6 hours for minors.
The University requires students seeking a second baccalaureate degree to complete a full year in residence and a minimum of 30 total credit hours.
Studio Fees
Studio fees are required in most visual arts classes. Check the current course schedule for exact amounts.
Foundation Courses Required for All Art Majors (27 credit hours)
The following are required for all BS/BA/BFA majors and should be completed by the end of the sophomore year.
Studio Foundation courses are offered Fall and Spring semesters. Look for an “F” or a “Sp” at the end of Art History and advanced studio course titles to see when they are usually offered. An “e” or an “o” indicates that the course is offered only in even or odd years. Course offering schedules may change. Consult the current course schedule for the latest information. The 1000 level courses should be taken during the freshman year.
Choose two of the following courses
Choose one of the following courses
Asian Studies Minor
The Department of Visual Arts participates in the Asian Studies Minor Program. Students who wish to enroll in this program should indicate their desire to do so with the program coordinator who will help them work out a proper combination of courses to fit their particular needs. (See the Interdisciplinary Programs section of this catalog.)
Courses
Visual Arts Course Descriptions
ProgramsBachelor of ArtsBachelor of Fine ArtsBachelor of ScienceMinorHonors, Departmental
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