Art, BA or BS

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Declaring an Art Major

Students interested in the art major must first complete a pre-major declaration form and meet with the department chair for initial advising and assignment of an academic advisor. Pre-majors must complete three introductory studio courses and ARTH 204 , 205 , and 206 with a cumulative 3.0 GPA for these courses in order to be admitted to full major status.

Applications and appointments with the chair are made in the department office. Entering freshmen should take at least two art courses each quarter and plan to complete the lower division core curriculum by the end of their sophomore year. During their first year, it is recommended that students take one lower division studio course per term along with ARTH 204 in fall term, ARTH 205 in winter term, and ARTH 206 in spring term. Sample programs are available in the Art and Art History Department. Students must declare a major and file a junior plan before completing 90 credits. Annual advising plans must be approved by the student’s academic advisor (forms are available in the department office). It is ultimately the student’s responsibility to make meaningful progress toward completion of a degree. Faculty advisors will assist students with achieving academic goals and assessing career options.

Requirements for the Art Major

1.

Fulfill baccalaureate degree requirements.

2.

Complete the lower division requirements for a studio art option or art history option. Lower division requirements provide students with a foundation of technical skills, visual literacy, and knowledge of historical and cultural perspectives basic to the study of art. ARTH 260 should be taken in the fall of the sophomore year.

3.

In consultation with a faculty advisor, choose a degree option (See the BA/BS sections below) while completing lower division requirements. Students interested in the BFA degree must first plan a BA/BS degree option; admission to the BFA is limited, and not all students will be admitted to the program.

4.

Successfully complete a mid-program review prior to enrolling in upper division deparment courses.

5.

Fulfill a capstone component (see capstone requirements below).

6.

Maintain a 3.0 GPA for all coursework in the major for BA/BS degree; 3.25 for BFA degree.

Art Mid-Program Review

All department majors must enroll in ART 300 Mid-Program Review (for studio majors) or ARTH 300 Mid-Program Review (for art history majors) upon completion of the lower division requirements for the major and as they begin coursework at the intermediate level. The purpose of this review is to provide students with an assessment of their progress toward their degree. Studio art majors are required to make a short presentation and show examples of their work to a panel of art faculty for review. Students majoring in art history make short presentation and submit a portfolio of written assignments and research for evaluation. The review is graded on a pass/no pass basis. Department faculty convene two days during the quarter to conduct Mid-Program Reviews. Students can obtain Mid-Program Review Guidelines in the Department of Art and Art History office, and should meet early with their advisor for assistance preparing for the Mid-Program Review.

Art Capstone

All department majors complete ART 496 Capstone (studio art option) or ARTH 496 Capstone (art history option) during their senior year. The capstone is taken with the instructor of the student’s studio concentration area or art history emphasis and is offered during winter term.

The capstone has two components. The first is a capstone project designed collaboratively by the student and instructor that should integrate and apply the knowledge and skills of the discipline with a career-oriented independent project. Examples include the creation and/or exhibition of a body of artwork, a research project, an internship, or an independent project.

The second component is a final capstone report consisting of a professional resumé, visual documentation of the capstone project, a portfolio of artwork, or a research paper, as well as a reflective summary of the entire capstone experience. Upon completion of the project, the student submits the Final Capstone Report, in a standard format, to the department office, where it will be accessible by students and faculty.

BA/BS Degree in Art

The BA/BS in art encourages students to combine interests in the liberal arts, sciences, social sciences, or business with a mix of studio art, art history, and University-wide electives. As art majors, students select either a studio art or art history option. Students choosing the studio option select either the BA or BS degree option. Students choosing an art history focus must work toward a BA degree. In addition to the requirements for the majors listed above, students must fulfill the lower and upper division requirements specific to the studio or art history concentrations listed below.

Southern Oregon University Catalog