Art

Degrees and Certificates

The Art Program at Felician University produces artists with the skills, knowledge, and critical sensibility to effectively communicate ideas through individual forms of expression. Offering a variety of courses in Fine Art, Graphic Design, Photography and New Media, the Department’s objective is to emphasize the teaching of technique in concert with the critical study of different historical forms of art production, providing a life-long reference of cultural understanding.

The Department of Art offers a four-year Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) with concentrations in Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Painting & Drawing, and Photography & New Media, as well as 18-credit minors and certificate programs. All studio classes are kept small, so that instructors can provide personalized attention to their students, working with them on a level appropriate for their abilities

As an Art major, you will have access to fully equipped art studios, a traditional black-and-white darkroom, and a comprehensive graphics lab, as well as opportunities to show your work in our dedicated gallery space. There is also a unique Study Abroad program, which begins with preparatory classes on campus in the spring and concludes abroad in the summer.

Felician’s proximity to New York City provides access to world-renowned museums and galleries, and numerous opportunities in the Arts. Graduates may pursue careers in studio art and illustration, graphic design, web design, photography, and art education; they may also consider pursuing a graduate degree.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Felician Art Department is to produce graduates with the skills, knowledge, and critical sensibility to effectively communicate ideas through individual forms of expression.  Offering a variety of courses in Fine Art, Graphic Design, Photography, New Media, and Art History, the Art program supports the University community by promoting the personal, social, and spiritual development of our students through creative exploration and problem-solving.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Art Program will be able to:

  • Implement a variety of creative skills and techniques.
  • Critique artworks based on a survey knowledge of diverse historical and contemporary examples.
  • Produce a body of work encompassing a range of forms and styles.
  • Synthesize ideas and techniques into strategies for creative problem-solving.
  • Create and present work suitable for exhibition and publication.

 

Classes

ART 101: Drawing and Composition

Credits 3
This course examines the fundamental elements of basic drawing: line, value, shape, proportional accuracy, and compositional design. These elements are discussed in relation to the representational rendering of visual reality. Experimental drawing techniques, working from photographs, and perspective will also be addressed. A broad range of art historical approaches to drawing will be explored. A trip to a New York museum is also planned.

ART 102: Two-Dimensional Design

Credits 3

Students in this course will study the basic elements and principles of two-dimensional design through experimental projects that explore the dynamic interaction of visual form. This studio class provides a foundation for both fine arts and graphic design majors while also challenging the students’ individual creativity. The students will learn the use of appropriate tools when making work. A field trip may also be organized for this class.

ART 103: Form, Space, and Time

Credits 3
This foundation course considers art as a three-dimensional medium, an interaction of form and space that can also be time-based. Students will experiment with the physicality of art, evaluating different working methods as appropriate solutions to a variety of projects

ART 104: Introduction to Computer Graphics

Credits 3
This course familiarizes students with the basic principles of visual communication using a digital structure. Students will become familiar with computer hardware and software as well as design principles. Projects that enhance basic skills will be assigned.

ART 151: Art History I: Paleolithic to Gothic

Credits 3
This course will explore the history of art and architecture of the ancient and medieval worlds. Beginning with the Paleolithic period, this course will chronologically investigate the artistic creations of a diverse range of cultures from around the globe, including the art of the Ancient Near East, Ancient Egypt, Africa, and the Islamic world. Emphasizing the principle that the ideal way to experience art is to look at it in person, the class will take a museum trip during the semester.

ART 152: Art History II: Renaissance to Baroque

Credits 3

This course provides a foundation for understanding the history of art and architecture from the Renaissance to the present. Beginning with the thirteenth century in Florence, this course will survey visual culture and artistic activity through the Italian Renaissance and conclude with the Baroque Period. In addition, this course will study a broad range of cultures from around the world. Since the ideal way to experience art is to look at it in person, the class will also take a museum trip.

ART 153: Art History III: Modernism to Contemporary

Credits 3
This course will survey the major artistic movements of the modern era up to the present day. Beginning with Impressionism and concluding with the latest trends in contemporary art seen in New York’s gallery districts, this class will enable students to understand and evaluate the art from the late 18th through 21st century globalization. In addition, students will analyze historical connections between contemporary art and the art of the past, exploring non-traditional and multicultural influences. Among the activities are lectures, discussion, projects, and student research.

ART 202: Introduction to Printmaking

Credits 3
This is a studio-based course focusing on the collagraph as a process for creating art image. Craftsmanship, visual concern, selfexpression, and concept will be emphasized during image development and studio work. Through presentation, discussion, and critiques, students will become more articulate in communicating their ideas and speaking about art. This course is designed to give students an introduction to printmaking along with indepth experimentation in creating single and multiple-colored collagraph prints. Creative exploration of ideas and content will be encouraged. Viewing prints will be an important component to this course; this will involve a trip to an art museum or gallery.

ART 203: Experimenting with Monoprint

Credits 3
Monotypes are made by applying ink to a changing and unprocessed surface, such as glass, acetate, wax paper or metal. These plates are then printed, creating distinctive and painterly prints. This course is a studiobased course exploring the forms of monotype and monoprint within printmaking. Experimentation with material and well developed ideas are important in this course, as we are working with constantly evolving and unique results. Craftsmanship, visual concern, self-expression, and concept will be emphasized during image development and studio work. Through discussion and critiques, students will become more articulate in communicating their ideas and speaking about art.

ART 210: Installation and Performance Art

Credits 3
This course asks students to look beyond the frame and gallery of traditional art making, encouraging them to consider alternative ways of creating and displaying work. Projects will consider site-specificity, temporality, and movement.

ART 215: Art for Educators

Credits 3
This course enables educators (K-8 and beyond) to bring the arts to others, while also learning to enhance arts pedagogy through an energized creative process. Although the basis of this course will be studio art, other disciplines may be integrated into the curriculum. (Also see MUS 215 Music for Educators) This class is highly recommended for Teacher Education students.

ART 225: Art for Non-Majors

Credits 3
This course is formulated as an elective for the non-Art major. Here, the student can explore the arts on an equal footing with other students who have little experience with the development and skills related to the making of art objects. The student will be guided in creating art through a variety of art-making techniques such as drawing, painting, and printmaking as well as three-dimensional projects with materials like clay, glass and plaster. Some art historical information will be used to enrich and enhance the art work, pointing the way to quality design and appreciation of art in general.

ART 236: Ceramics I

Credits 3
This course will introduce students to the vast range of the ceramic arts. Both functional pottery and clay sculptures will be explored. This course will focus on hand building, including coil, slab, and extruded forms. There may also be the opportunity for learning the basics of the potter’s wheel.

ART 237: Stained Glass

Credits 3
An introduction to the stained glass building techniques of the Tiffany copper foiling process, this class explores the construction of a window. The students will learn about different types of glass and their application as well as foiling and lead soldering. Students will finish two small windows and a garden stone over the course of the semester. A field trip to view historical stained glass as well as some reading of the history of glass will be included. (see ART 353 Glass Fusion)

ART 239: Mixed Media

Credits 3
Working with a variety of materials and techniques, students will explore projects that incorporate more than one medium into its design and construction. This course will combine traditional drawing, painting, and 3-D arts techniques such as watercolor, charcoal, collage, soldering, and fired clay with less conventional materials such as beeswax, wood, cement/plaster and found objects. Beginning with observational studies as a starting point, students will examine their environment and surroundings to resource ideas and collect materials. Emphasis will be placed on creative and inventive use of materials, ability to interpret thematic subject matter, and the well-constructed object. In addition, the idea of “green art” or eco-art will be explored through the use of recycled objects and natural materials. Both representational and abstract objects will be possible.

ART 244: SA International Visual Studies: Web Design

Credits 3
This Study Abroad course introduces students to the design and the use of websites as travelogues. While living and studying abroad, students will design a website that chronicles their experiences. Students will also consider the use of blogs and social media sites as ways to expand their web presence.

ART 245: Introduction to Web Design

Credits 3
This course enables students to design websites that effectively communicate their ideas by combining the technical aspects of web design with the development of a personal aesthetic. Beginning with an examination of Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), the basis of current web design, different techniques for manipulating HTML will be introduced as the semester progresses. By producing a variety of websites throughout the course, students gain the practical knowledge needed to be proficient designers with their own unique visual styles. See ART 390 Advanced Web Design

ART 246: Computer Graphics: Image

Credits 3
This course is dedicated to image construction and manipulation. Students will begin to work with traditional art materials, moving on to experiment and elaborate within the digital realm, and finally realizing their completed project in printed form.

ART 246: Graphic Design: Paterson

Credits 3

This course is dedicated to image construction and manipulation. Students will begin to work with traditional art materials, moving on to experiment and elaborate within the digital realm, and finally realize their completed project in published form, specifically in the creation and launching of the Prism Paterson website.

ART 247: Computer Graphics: Type

Credits 3
This class investigates both a traditional and digital approach to typography in graphic communication. Students, guided by typographic history, will develop solutions to issues of communication giving special attention to design principles.

ART 248: Computer Graphics: Layout

Credits 3
This course integrates the skills acquired in Art 246 and 247. Projects will be created that allow students to experiment with the theories and principles of design. Each investigation will bring with it a greater understanding of the marriage of type and image.

ART 249: SA International Visual Studies: Book Design

Credits 3
This Study Abroad course introduces students to the design and production of the photographic travel book. While living and studying abroad, students detail their experiences through photographs, utilizing readily accessible web-based software to design and publish their books.

ART 260: Film Video Art I

Credits 3
From super-8 film to digital video, this class explores film and video as fine art. Students will experiment with different media, producing short pieces that will be edited and published using software such as Final Cut Pro and DVD Studio Pro.

ART 265: Animation

Credits 3
To animate is to bring something to life, and this course will show students how. Students will learn the principles of animation by creating and editing short films, using as their actors everything from household objects to handmade illustrations and models.

ART 272: Painting I

Credits 3
This studio course will address the fundamental artistic and technical issues of painting while at the same time stimulating an exploration of aesthetic diversity. These themes will be investigated in a series of three extended projects. Each project will evolve around one of the following subjects: form and design, color contrasts, and informing a painting's content. Throughout the term, various technical issues such as stretching canvases and archival technique will be addressed. A visit to a New York museum will also be scheduled.

ART 273: Photography I

Credits 3
A creative approach to the art of photography, this course emphasizes perceptual awareness and personal expression in conjunction with the techniques and materials of this contemporary art form. The history of photography is explored through lectures and, time permitting, a New York field trip. (see ART 274 Color and Digital Photography and ART 322 Photography II)

ART 274: Color and Digital Photography

Credits 3
This course is an introduction to digital photography and the creative use of color in image making. Using Photoshop as a digital darkroom, students will learn the technical skills needed to create meaningful photographs, while also developing a critical framework through which to understand digital imagery.

ART 275: SA International Visual Studies: Photography

Credits 3
This Study Abroad course introduces students to the unique demands of travel photography and shooting on locations. While living and studying abroad, students detail their experiences through photographs, considering various techniques for shooting in crowds, from a distance, and in low-light conditions without a flash, among others. Expressive use of color and composition, as well as narrative concepts, will also be discussed.

ART 280: Advanced Drawing

Credits 3
Building upon the fundamentals of drawing and design established in Basic Drawing, this course will examine advanced drawing techniques, intuitive and more personally expressive approaches to drawing, as well as contemporary art-making strategies. The topics covered include realistic drawing, figure drawing, constructing a drawing from the imagination, and informing a drawing's content. Readings relevant to contemporary artistic issues will be periodically assigned and discussed in class. A visit to a New York art museum will also be scheduled.

ART 281: Life Drawing

Credits 3
Life Drawing is an intensive study of the anatomy and structure of the human figure as rendered in pencil, charcoal and various other drawing media. While working from the live model, this course will explore these topics, placing particular emphasis upon line, form, value, proportional accuracy, and spatial relationships. Various art historical examples of figurative drawing will be reviewed. A visit to a New York art museum may also be scheduled.

ART 301: Junior Seminar

Credits 3
Through weekly discussions, readings, and presentations, this class provides students with the critical framework necessary for creating and presenting a meaningful, original, and professional body of work. This essential course, together with ART 449 Senior Seminar, will lead the students to pull together skills developed in previous courses in order to define a focused direction. An exhibition will be organized to present the work created during the semester.

ART 312: Printmaking: Intaglio

Credits 3
This course introduces students to the aesthetic and technical parameters of etching as a major printmaking medium in the fine arts. Students will learn how to prepare an etching plate, develop an image, revise an existing image, and print from a plate. Equal consideration will be given to both artistic concepts and technical mastery. A visit to a museum to view the collections of historic and contemporary prints will be an important feature of this class.

ART 314: Book Arts

Credits 3
This course is an exploration of art based in narrative structures. The student will be guided in creating a variety of conventional and unconventional book structures. Some art historical information will be used to enrich and enhance the projects both in content and craft.

ART 315: Experiencing the Arts

Credits 3
This experiential learning course provides an overview of the creative arts through its practical application, critical analysis, and historical study. Students will explore artistic expression in projects that consider how technical decisions inform the communication of ideas. Historical examples of creative expression will also be examined throughout the course; a museum visit or cultural activity may be included.

ART 316: Relief Printmaking: Woodcut and Linoleum Cut

Credits 3
This is a studio-based course providing focused exploration on the discipline of Relief Printmaking. We will explore the rich possibilities of image production through a variety of carving and printing techniques. The ultimate goal of this course is to motivate students to engage with printmaking processes that stimulate visual interpretation and conceptual investigations in art. Students are encouraged to explore creative methods that meet individual aesthetic and conceptual needs. Drawing, concept, and image quality will be emphasized in the development of all work.

ART 317: Large-Scale Printmaking

Credits 3
This course explores the issue of scale in printmaking. This is a studio-based course, which is both conceptual and technical in scope. Reading, discussion, and collaboration with peers will be just as important as craftsmanship and work ethic. Students will experiment with materials and processes, including monoprinting and etching, along with drawing techniques. Of equal importance, students will develop concepts and images that are original, imaginative, and expressive. Along with studio work, there will be components of discussion, critique, and writing exercises so that students become more fluent in speaking about art and working within a theme.

ART 318: Digital Printmaking

Credits 3
Throughout history, humans have adopted and adapted technology as a means of creating art. As traditional printmaking continues to evolve, digital techniques are being used alongside and combined with hand processes. In this course, we will explore the use of the computer and digital printing along with traditional printing techniques as creative tools for making art. Demonstration of techniques and concepts will be achieved through hands-on work in the computer lab and art studio, demonstrations, presentation and discussion of examples, and class critiques. Students will make a regular commitment of time outside of class in order to create a portfolio of digital and printed artworks.

ART 320: Comics and Zines

Credits 3
This course focuses on the development and production of comics and zines in printed and digital forms. Through a series of studio assignments and close readings of examples of comics and zines, this course aims to provide students with the necessary skills to create original edition work. The major portion of this course covers the basics of comics and zine production. However, a historical and cultural perspective will also be included. Additional critical and theoretical texts will be incorporated into class discussion.

ART 322: Photography II

Credits 3
This course continues the skills and processes studied in Photography I. Students will concentrate on exploring personal themes and technical accomplishments on an individual basis. Students will also concentrate on mastering new technical skills related to exhibition printing, lighting control, and more sophisticated camera functions. The culmination of the course is the editing and printing of a portfolio of prints reflecting students’ interests.

ART 331: Painting II

Credits 3
Building upon the fundamental artistic and technical issues addressed in Painting I, this studio course explores advanced approaches to the art of painting, focusing on translating theoretical, social, and formal concepts into painted art. In a series of projects, Painting II encourages its participants to think, experiment, and create at the outer bounds of their known experience. A trip to New York’s gallery districts may also be included.

ART 333: Watercolor

Credits 3
This course explores the fundamental principles of watercolor technique. Color mixing, basic color theory, and paint handling will all be addressed. Topics such as depicting different lighting and atmospheric conditions, expressive color, and working from photographs will also be examined. Weather permitting, watercolor landscape paintings may also be created on the campus grounds. A visit to a New York art museum may also be scheduled.

ART 341: Sculpture

Credits 3
This course will introduce fundamental methods, materials and concepts of sculpture. Focus will be on developing modeling and construction skills, with a particular attention to “training the eye” to see correctly and translating that into “training the hand” to make a sculpture. This will be accomplished through the student completing a self-portrait. The students will also learn about other types of sculpture. An additional project allowing for the student to explore personal ideas and expression through sculptural form will be assigned as well.

ART 352: Ceramics II

Credits 3
This course will expand on hand-building skills (coil, slab, etc.) learned in Ceramics I. Students will make more complex and ambitious projects, both in construction and design. Both functional and abstract ceramic work will be possible, and there will be a greater variety of materials (clays and glazes) for students to use. The potter's wheel will also be available for greater exploration. Development of personal style, expression and vision will be emphasized.

ART 353: Glass Fusion

Credits 3
In this class, students will learn the skills to develop original glass pieces from experimentation, design, and decorative objects. Both contemporary and ancient art processes of glass fusion will be included in final original work. A field trip will be offered and a research paper will complete the course.

ART 361: Women in Art

Credits 3
This course is an exploration of women both as the subjects and the creators of art. It is organized thematically and involves a survey of key women artists — mainly in the 20th century — and their artistic contributions, as well as an examination and analysis of feminist art practices and issues in the history of art. A field trip to the Brooklyn Museum of Art to specifically view Judy Chicago's "Dinner Party" is required.

ART 362: History of Graphic Design

Credits 3
This course explores the history of graphic design and the impact that the field has had on social institutions and thought into the present period. Topics include pre-historic mark-making; the invention of writing and the alphabet; the medieval manuscript; the origins of printing and typography; renaissance graphic design; the development of photography; Victorian and Art Nouveau Graphics; Modern Art and its impact on design; historical and contemporary visual identity programs; conceptual images and post-modern designs; computer graphics. Emphasis will be placed on critical thinking and on written communications skills. Image study, concluding research and a field trip are included.

ART 363: History of Photography

Credits 3
Few other inventions have created such an impact on the way we view ourselves as has photography. This course will trace the development of the photograph, from its 19th century beginnings to its current manifestations, while also examining the issues it brings into question. Through field trips and weekly assignments, students will evaluate current images within an historical context, establishing a framework for analyzing images past and present.

ART 364: New Media History

Credits 3
In today's computer-dominated society, our perceptions and beliefs are challenged and tested daily. This course traces the development of the cyber age, from its beginnings to its current manifestations, enabling students to critically assess our dependence on the digital world.

ART 365: The Art of Medieval Europe

Credits 3
This course is a comprehensive study of the most important examples of visual art in Western Europe from the period spanning the transformation of the late Roman Empire and Byzantium into the High Middle Ages. Emphasis will be placed on the interpretation of the artworks, their overlapping influences, symbolism, and Christianity. Among the topics discussed are: the Romanesque and Gothic Cathedrals, monasteries and castles, as well as illuminated manuscripts, stained glass, and the ecclesiastical sculpture of these structures. The class will approach these issues through the use of a textbook and supportive readings as well as electronic media images.

ART 366: Surrealism

Credits 3
Surrealism was one of the most influential art movements of the last century, with practitioners working in all mediums from painting and sculpture to photography and film. Through a close study of the Surrealists and their work, this course will analyze the development of the movement and consider the evidence of its ongoing influence in today’s society. Emphasis will be placed on research of source material and study of art works; as such, a museum field trip will be planned.

ART 367: SA International Visual Studies: Culture and History

Credits 3
This Study Abroad course provides students with the opportunity for field study and experimental learning. While living and studying abroad, students will explore significant cultural and historical sites, with a particular focus on art and art history.

ART 368: Sacred Spaces: The History and Design of Religious Architecture

Credits 3
From the caves of Lascaux in France to the Crystal Cathedral in California, human beings have created places, buildings, and landscapes for worship and religious ritual. In this course we will examine the construction of sacred spaces across cultures and historical eras. The objectives will include a heightened consciousness of the built environment and how it shapes the religious experience. Class presentations, a guest lecture, and several visits to Bergen County and New York City houses of worship are included.

ART 382: Color Theory

Credits 3
This course will survey the physical and phenomenological aspects of color and light. In various studio art projects, this course will establish a fundamental understanding of color theory based upon its practical application. The class will begin by investigating the empirical principles of color and light then shift its focus towards color contrasts; the most essential component in the study of color theory. The class will conclude with an exploration of historical attitudes and philosophies about color and light. A visit to a New York museum may also be scheduled.

ART 388: Graphic Design Practicum

Credits 3
This course offers students experience working within the setting of a campus-based creative agency. Students will identify potential clients, schedule and conduct meetings, research creative strategies, produce promotional materials, and launch creative campaigns. Incorporating and presenting this work into student portfolios will also be covered.

ART 389: SA International Visual Studies: Video

Credits 3
This Study Abroad course introduces students to the use of video as an expressive medium. While living and studying abroad, students will record their experiences through a variety of video cameras, from handheld HD to cell phones, considering the unique visual properties of each. Several video editing options will also be discussed.

ART 390: Advanced Web Design

Credits 3
This course helps students further develop their web-design skills through dynamic animation techniques. Emphasis will be placed on learning Flash, a computer animation program used to create everything from simple web graphics to immersive interactive environments. Through assignments and readings, students will consider current design issues, as well as the impact of the computer on our society.

ART 441: Independent Study in Art

Credits 3
This student-designed sequence of courses extends the advanced work of the art student in fine arts, commercial art, or interdisciplinary fields through a research-structured project developed from a previous work.

ART 442: Independent Study in Art

Credits 3
This student-designed sequence of courses extends the advanced work of the art student in fine arts, commercial art, or interdisciplinary fields through a research-structured project developed from a previous work.

ART 449: Senior Seminar

Credits 3
Senior Seminar completes the process of creating a representative body of work that was begun in Junior Seminar. In this course, students will develop a thesis project, or series of projects, that represents the technical and intellectual summation of their academic experience. After developing their ideas, students will mount a thesis exhibition of their work, with a written and oral defense presented to the College faculty. Regular readings will be assigned and discussed in class, and a museum or gallery field trip will also be included.

ART 450: Senior Practicum

Credits 3
This course enables students to develop an advanced project or series of projects, with particular emphasis on professional studio practice. Intended primarily for students interested in graduate study and required of B.F.A. candidates, this course serves as a bridge to their future careers. Regular readings will be assigned and discussed in class, and a museum or gallery field trip will be included as well.

ART 451: Academic Internship in the Arts

Credits 3
This course offers students experience as teaching assistants in a class within their area of specialization. Students will assist instructors with weekly classes, help maintain lab and studio space, and prepare presentations on a specified research topic, culminating in a selfstudy of their experience.

ART 452: Internship in Art

Credits 3
This course offers art majors the opportunity to work in the field of art for a minimum of 120 hours during the semester. Students must complete all paperwork to register for the Internship at least one semester before; students will meet with the Career Center and complete the application that will be sent to their advisor and site supervisor. This application will then be filed in the Career Center. Students must register for the class with the Registrar as well. They will be required to write a paper that is relevant to the Internship and maintain a journal that reflects their experience; the site supervisor will complete an evaluation form on their performance. This is a Pass/Fail course. (as needed)

CS 497: Advanced Computer Graphics

Credits 3

This course covers the basic principles of design, use, and understanding of computer graphics systems. The covered topics include animation, visualization, image processing, coordinate systems and transformations, rudimentary shapes, the representation of gray and colors, modeling three-dimensional objects, introduction to effects of lightening and shading, ray tracing, radiosity, visualization, simulating falling objects, playing sound effect and music.

GAIM 400: Gaming and Interactive Media Project

Credits 3

Advanced IMD majors will complete the design and implementation of one of the following products on digital computer-based systems: application software as a tool for users such as a knowledge management platform; application software for mobile devices; games; virtual reality; pervasive games; interactive video; publications such as websites that allow users to navigate, communicate and participate; social media; interactive art; interactive advertisement; interactive cinema; etc. As the capstone experience, all products should demonstrate the student's mastery of the interdisciplinary aspects of GAIM, from programming skills to conceptual and artistic
sensibilities.