Undergraduate Bulletin

Fall 2024

ARS: Art, Studio

ARS 105: The Creative Process

An introduction to the creative process in art making and conceptual tools for understanding the visual arts from the perspective of the artist. Students learn about various methods, terms and approaches of the creative process through demonstrations, lectures and discussions on related themes. By placing art in context of today's issues, this course enables students to gain insight into the significance of creativity in its many physical and intellectual manifestations.

DEC:     D
SBC:     ARTS

3 credits

ARS 154: Foundations: Drawing

Fundamentals of drawing with a focus on developing technical and perceptual skills in hand-eye coordination and the ability to draw from observation using a variety of media. Conceptual and expressive possibilities of drawing explored within a range of subject matter that includes still life, the figure, landscape, and the study of the drawings of major artists, past and present.

DEC:     D
SBC:     ARTS

3 credits

ARS 205: Foundations: Idea and Form

An exploration of the basic building blocks of artistic practice and aesthetic analysis. Projects, readings, presentations, and discussions are used to examine the impact cultural, environmental and social context have on meaning and perception in art and visual culture. Projects are organized around themes such as line, plane, volume, color, composition, pattern, scale, narrative, performance, light and time. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.

DEC:     D
SBC:     ARTS

3 credits

ARS 225: Introduction to Digital Art

A hands-on introduction to the use of computers in the fine arts. Students explore image creation/manipulation, digital publishing and moving image through lecture, lab and discussion. Emphasis is on the expressive potential of the technology. No prior computer experience is required. Study of the history and impact of digital media on the arts and contemporary culture contextualize practical assignments. This course serves as preparation for further study in electronic media. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.

Advisory Prerequisite: ARS 205

DEC:     D
SBC:     ARTS, TECH

3 credits

ARS 255: Introductory Painting

Introductory painting in oils or acrylics. The various media, tools, and techniques of painting and of preparing surfaces for painting are explored. Continues the work of ARS 154 in the traditional areas of landscape, still life, and figure, as well as in perspective, foreshortening, proportion, anatomy, and color theory. One or two field trips to New York City museums and galleries may be required.

Prerequisite: ARS 154

3 credits

ARS 256: Introductory Sculpture

An introduction to sculpture. Students will learn basic skills and concepts relevant to 3-D creation, using a variety of materials and techniques. Specific sequentially organized projects in armature building, modeling, casting, and wood construction to develop technical skills, in conjunction with lectures, group critiques and discussions. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.

Prerequisite: ARS 154 or ARS 205

3 credits

ARS 264: Introductory Ceramics

Investigation of ceramic ware and ceramic sculpture utilizing a wide variety of approaches in earthenware and stoneware clay bodies. The course offers a technical and conceptual foundation for clay construction, low- and high-fire glazing, and multiple finishing techniques using gas and electric firing processes. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.

Prerequisite: ARS 154

3 credits

ARS 274: Introductory Printmaking

An introduction to printmaking. Demonstrations and lectures treat printmaking techniques and print shop procedures. Students are introduced to intaglio (etching, drypoint, engraving), relief (wood block, line block) monoprinting, and if time permits, lithography. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.

Prerequisite: ARS 154

3 credits

ARS 281: Introductory Photography

An introduction to the creative techniques and visual grammar of contemporary photographic image production. This course presents core camera operations, lens-based techniques, and software applications used in digital image processing and output. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information. Estimated cost of supplies is $450, in addition to the course fee.

DEC:     D
SBC:     ARTS, TECH

3 credits

ARS 299: Studio Management Workshop

Development of practical skills needed to manage and maintain a studio lab or shop in the art department. Students work under the supervision of a faculty member in an area of interest, such as photography, printmaking, electronic media, or sculpture. May be repeated twice.

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

1 credit, S/U grading

ARS 308: Writing About Art

An advanced topics course with a focus on research, analytical skills and writing about art. Students analyze essays by different artists, scholars, and critics about a central topic before selecting and developing their own related topic to research. The final project is a research paper that begins with a thesis statement and outline, includes several drafts, peer review, and a final product. This course is offered as both ARH 308 and ARS 308.

Prerequisite: ARH or ARS major/minor or permission of instructor

SBC:     WRTD

3 credits

ARS 324: Digital Arts: Design

An introduction to the practice and theory of digital imagery, art and design through lecture, labs, readings and production. Students use contemporary page layout and design techniques to create image centered works of art, including digital prints, and artist's book. Study of the history and impact of digital print media on the arts and contemporary culture contextualize practical assignments. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.

Prerequisite: CDT 208 or ARS 225

3 credits

ARS 325: Digital Arts: Print

An exploration of the practical, aesthetic, social, political, and ethical issues at stake in digital imaging. Students use contemporary compositing techniques as well as 2 and 3D printing to create digital art, including digital prints, artist's books, and data visualization. Hybrid digital and analog image making techniques are also explored. An introduction to the practice and theory of constructed digital art and design through lecture, labs, readings and art production. Students use contemporary compositing, page layout and design techniques to create image centered works of art, including digital prints, artist's books, data based visualization, and installations. Hybrid combinations of digital and analog image making techniques are also explored. Study of the history and impact of digital print media on the arts and contemporary culture contextualize practical assignments. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.

Prerequisite: ARS 225 or ARS 281 or CDT 208

SBC:     HFA+

3 credits

ARS 326: Video Art: Narrative Forms

An exploration of the practice, theory, and history of narrative video art and independent cinema through lecture, production and critique. Students script, plan, shoot and edit short narrative video works for screen and projection. Emphasis is on story development, technical proficiency, creative execution and critical thinking. Video production and editing is done digitally. Video production is supported by the study of historical and contemporary examples of narrative-based video art. This course is repeatable to a maximum of 6 credits. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.

Prerequisite: ARS 225 or ARS 281 or CDT 208

SBC:     HFA+

3 credits

ARS 327: Digital Arts: Web Design and Culture

An exploration of the practice and history of art on the Internet through lecture, project production, discussion and critique. Students create content for the web and mobile platforms while examining historical, and theoretical issues related to art and design on the Internet. Images, text, sound, and code are used to create web-based artworks and informational sites in response to course content. Emphasis is on creative use of current web technologies and software, as well as an examination of the cultural implications of the web. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.

Prerequisite: CDT 208 or ARS 225

DEC:     H
SBC:     STAS

3 credits

ARS 328: Digital Arts: Animation

An investigation of the practice, theory, and history of animation within art and independent media through labs, lecture, readings, and project critiques. Animation production will cover computer-based stop-motion as well as some 2D and 3D computer animation. Emphasis is on creative content, experimentation and critical thinking. Students work with computer based 2D and 3D animation tools to create several short assignments and one significant project using one or more techniques.

Prerequisite: CDT 208 or ARS 225

SBC:     HFA+

3 credits

ARS 329: Video Art: Experimental Forms

An exploration of video as an experimental art form. Video can be displayed on screen, integrated into objects, installations and performances, or harnessed for its light and time bending capacities. Students explore the potential of moving images as fine art material through production, lecture, discussion and critique. Includes an overview of important experimental, contemporary and historic film, video and moving image projects. Readings, art viewing and critique support art production. Emphasis is on experimentation in the creation of time-based artworks. This course may be repeated to a maximum of 6 credits. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.

Prerequisite: ARS 225 or ARS 281 or CDT 208

SBC:     HFA+

3 credits

ARS 350: Life Drawing and Painting

Drawing and painting of the human figure. May be repeated once. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.

Prerequisite: ARS 255

SBC:     HFA+

3 credits

ARS 351: Painting II: Theory and Practice

Painting and drawing studio; practice and theory stressing exploration of media and crafts, historical styles, and individual development.

Prerequisite: ARS 154 and ARS 255

SBC:     HFA+

3 credits

ARS 352: Painting III: Theory and Practice

A continuation of ARS 351, stressing the individual development of the student as a maturing artist through critiques of the student's work and discussion of contemporary and historical issues in art. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.

Prerequisite: ARS 351

SBC:     HFA+

3 credits

ARS 355: Anatomical/Bio Illustration

This course is intended to develop skills and approaches to design, scientific visualization and illustration not specific to any particular academic background or intended career path. It encourages the development of analytical observational skills and better brain/eye/hand coordination, providing an opportunity to explore the specialist rendering techniques used in scientific illustration. It is open to students with either a science or art background. It includes a historical overview of medical, biological, archaeological, botanical, technical, geological, paleontological, and anatomical illustration, but the focus is on student projects. Grading is on an individual basis, rather than against absolute standards, and students are expected to show that their skills have improved during the course by providing evidence of their work in the form of sketchbooks, preparatory studies as well as more finished pieces. This course is offered as both HBA 325 and ARS 355. Summer, 3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

3 credits

ARS 359: Theory and Practice of Conceptual Drawing

The further study of different processes and methods of generating drawings, encouraging individual expression. Slide presentations, assigned readings, and gallery visits are part of the student's experience. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.

Prerequisite: ARH 206 and ARS 255

SBC:     HFA+

3 credits

ARS 364: Advanced Theory and Practice of Ceramics

An advanced course in ceramics stressing sophisticated sculptural forms and techniques in earthenware, stoneware, porcelain, and raku clay bodies. Class work is based on individual projects stressing expression of ideas and image making. Additional techniques of mold making, slip casting, and raku firing enlarge the repertoire of construction and surface finishes. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.

Prerequisite: ARS 264

SBC:     HFA+

3 credits

ARS 365: Theories and Practice of Sculpture: Welding, Construction, and Intermedia

A range of techniques, materials and ways to approach sculpture will be explored. The class will consist of technical demonstrations in wood constructions, plasma cutting, welding, forming, forging in metal, and related concepts and techniques in intermedia. Through lectures, critiques and discussions, the course will also address the various stages of planning, from conceptualizing the idea, gathering materials, to physical and material considerations. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.

Prerequisite: ARS 256

SBC:     HFA+

3 credits

ARS 366: Theory and Practice of Sculpture: Modeling, Casting, and Carving

A historical and philosophical survey of sculpture in expanded fields. Exploration focusing on site as a major component of artwork in both content and form, emphasizing multidimensional work in relation to context, material and intent. The class will consist of technical demonstrations in various materials, lectures, critiques, and discussions. Students will learn creative skills in the design process: site analysis, conceptualization, presentation, and production. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.

Prerequisite: ARS 256

SBC:     HFA+

3 credits

ARS 374: Theory and Practice of Printmaking: Intaglio Processes

Further development of the craft of black-and-white intaglio printing, utilizing various methods including dry point, engraving, etching, soft ground, and aquatint, with an emphasis on the history of printmaking. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.

Prerequisite: ARS 274

SBC:     HFA+

3 credits

ARS 375: Theory and Practice of Printmaking: Lithography

Demonstrations and hands-on work in the basic techniques of direct lithographic printing from limestone, primarily in black and white, with an emphasis on the history of printmaking.

Prerequisite: ARS 274

SBC:     HFA+

3 credits

ARS 381: Color and Light Photography

An exploration of the creative aspects of color and light relationships with natural and artificial lighting. This course presents digital imaging techniques, critical color output, and use of the lighting studio. This course is repeatable to a maximum of 6 credits. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information. Estimated cost of supplies is $300 in addition to the course fee.

Prerequisite: ARS 281

SBC:     HFA+

3 credits

ARS 382: Analog Black and White Photography

A study of analog black and white photography using traditional materials, processes and analog imaging techniques. Use of black and white photographic film formats, and the darkroom. This course is repeatable to a maximum of 6 credits. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.

Prerequisite: ARS 281

SBC:     HFA+

3 credits

ARS 384: Art, Media and Technology

A critical practice-based inquiry into the intersection of art and technology in contemporary culture. This studio/theory hybrid course familiarizes students with a variety of technologies and platforms that increasingly impact and shape the production and interpretation of contemporary art, culture, and society. Through a combination of studio exercises, focused readings of contemporary artists' work, training sessions, and discussions that explore the course's texts, students are given the opportunity to experiment with emerging digital technologies in their artistic practice as well as critically reflect on the diverse systems, infrastructures, and histories that inform the role of technology in the arts. Situated within an interdisciplinary frame, the course broadly reflects on the relationships between the sciences and the humanities through the study of technology and the arts, examining their disciplinary, methodological, and philosophical underpinnings. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.

Prerequisite: CDT 208 or ARS 225

DEC:     H
SBC:     STAS

3 credits

ARS 390: Topics in Studio Art

May be repeated as the topic changes. Not for major credit.

Prerequisite: ARS 154 or ARS 205

DEC:     G
SBC:     HFA+

3 credits

ARS 401: Critical Issues Seminar

An in-depth investigation of the relationship between current events, popular culture, and visual art practice. This seminar is designed to engage social, political and ethical issues through readings, discussion, and written responses to current events in the art world. The course includes reading, debating and responding to a wide array of critical writings and work by selected theorists, philosophers, artists, cultural producers, and public intellectuals. Active participation required. May be repeated for credit as topics vary to a maximum of 6 credits.

Prerequisite: U3 or U4 status; one upper-level ARS course

SBC:     CER, WRTD

3 credits

ARS 402: Documentary Media Art

Research, project development and creative production of documentary media art. Advanced self-directed project-based work, contextualized by readings, discussions, critiques and presentations. Use of photographic, sound and digital video production techniques applied toward actual events and non-fiction subject matter. The course takes an inclusive approach to documentary, considering experimental practices, as well as the artistic implications of new media, networked, crowd-sourced images, surveillance, forensics and data. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.

Prerequisite: U3 or U4 status; one 300- or 400-level ARS or CDT course

SBC:     ESI, WRTD

3 credits

ARS 403: Socially Engaged Art

Research, project development and creative production of socially engaged art. Advanced project-based work, contextualized by readings, discussions, critiques and presentations. The course takes an inclusive and interdisciplinary approach to forms of creative expression including collaboration, action and performance, intervention, audiovisual media and documentation, drawing, painting, sculpture or installation art, with projects sharing a common focus on the social, the participant, the audience and the public.

Prerequisite: U3 or U4 status; one upper-level ARS course

SBC:     HFA+, SPK

3 credits

ARS 420: Studio Art Senior Seminar

An advanced seminar and critique course for seniors to develop a body of work in their individual area, particularly designed for students who wish to continue study and/or work in the visual arts. Where applicable, includes field trips and assignments of special lectures, panels, seminars, and other events and practices of the professional art world. A group exhibition in a public on-campus venue will be strongly encouraged.

Prerequisite: U3 or U4 standing; ARS major or minor

SBC:     ESI, SPK

3 credits

ARS 425: Advanced New Media Art

Advanced study of the practice and theory of new media art through production, lecture, discussion, exhibition and critique. Students create self-defined projects that revolve around new media methodologies and techniques. Artwork created in class can include but is not limited to 2 and 3D digital print, video, animation, interactive objects, data, installation and performance. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information. May be repeated once.

Prerequisite: 2 or more of the following courses: ARS 324, ARS 325, ARS 326, ARS 327; ARS 328; ARS 381; ARS 382; ARS 329; CDT 317; CDT 318; or permission of instructor

SBC:     SPK

3 credits

ARS 444: Experiential Learning

This course is designed for students who engage in a substantial, structured experiential learning activity in conjunction with another class. Experiential learning occurs when knowledge acquired through formal learning and past experience are applied to a "real-world" setting or problem to create new knowledge through a process of reflection, critical analysis, feedback and synthesis. Beyond-the-classroom experiences that support experiential learning may include: service learning, mentored research, field work, or an internship.

Prerequisite: WRT 102 or equivalent; permission of the instructor and approval of the EXP+ contract (http://sb.cc.stonybrook.edu/bulletin/current/policiesandregulations/degree_requirements/EXPplus.php)

SBC:     EXP+

0 credit, S/U grading

ARS 452: Advanced Theory and Practice of Painting

Examination of ideas and techniques of painting through studio, lecture, critique, exhibition, and painting assignments. May be repeated once.

Prerequisite: ARH 206, ARS 351, and ARS 352

3 credits

ARS 458: Speak Effectively Before an Audience

A zero credit course that may be taken in conjunction with any ARS course that provides opportunity to achieve the learning outcomes of the Stony Brook Curriculum's SPK learning objective.

Pre- or corequisite: WRT 102 or equivalent; permission of the instructor

SBC:     SPK

0 credit, S/U grading

ARS 459: Write Effectively in Studio Art

A zero credit course that may be taken in conjunction with any 300- or 400-level ARS course, with permission of the instructor. The course provides opportunity to practice the skills and techniques of effective academic writing and satisfies the learning outcomes of the Stony Brook Curriculum's WRTD learning objective.

Prerequisite: WRT 102; permission of the instructor

SBC:     WRTD

0 credit, S/U grading

ARS 465: Advanced Theory and Practice of Sculpture: Welding, Construction, and Inter-media

An advanced course in the theory, techniques, and methodology's informed by contemporary studio practice and innovation. The class will consist of technical demonstrations, lectures, critiques and discussions. Emphasis is on creative content, and process, critical thinking, and experimentation. Increased ability in the articulation of three-dimensional form and space will be explored. May be repeated once, for a total of 6 credits. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.

Prerequisite: ARS 365

3 credits

ARS 466: Advanced Theory and Practice of Sculpture: Installation, Site Specific and Public Art

An advanced investigation of the history, contemporary practice, and techniques of sculpture, installation, and expansions of art in the public realm. Students will explore ideas as research through readings, discussions, and critiques. Emphasis is on the conceptual investigation, and artistic expression through experimentation and production in space/time inquiry. Examinations of ideas through alternative visual processes may be explored. May be repeated once, for a total of 6 credits. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.

Prerequisite: ARS 365 or ARS 366

3 credits

ARS 471: Advanced Theory and Practice of Printmaking: Intaglio Processes

Continued development of intaglio techniques, emphasizing a variety of multi-plate and single-plate color printing processes, and tailored to the individual requirements of advanced students. May be repeated once.

Prerequisite: ARS 374

3 credits

ARS 472: Advanced Theory and Practice of Printmaking: Lithography

Continued development of lithographic techniques, emphasizing methods of stone and plate lithography and leading to the production of printed single- and multi-colored editions. May be repeated once.

Prerequisite: ARS 375

3 credits

ARS 475: Undergraduate Teaching Practicum I

Work with a faculty member as an assistant in one of the faculty member's regularly scheduled classes. The student is required to attend all the classes, do all the regularly assigned work, and meet with the faculty member at regularly scheduled times to discuss the intellectual and pedagogical matters relating to the course.

Prerequisites: Studio art major; preferably U4 standing; sponsorship of an instructor; permission of department

SBC:     EXP+

3 credits, S/U grading

ARS 476: Undergraduate Teaching Practicum II

Work with a faculty member as an assistant in one of the faculty member's regularly scheduled classes. The student is required to attend all the classes, do all the regularly assigned work, and meet with the faculty member at regularly scheduled times to discuss the intellectual and pedagogical matters relating to the course. Students assume greater responsibility in such areas as assisting in demonstrations and critiques, only under direct supervision of the instructor. The course in which the student is permitted to work as a teaching assistant must be different from the course in which he or she previously served.

Prerequisite: ARS 475; permission of department

SBC:     EXP+

3 credits, S/U grading

ARS 481: Advanced Photography

Advanced photography production and independent self-directed project based work, contextualized by readings, discussions, critiques and presentations. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information. Estimated cost of supplies is $300 in addition to the course fee.

Prerequisite: 2 or more of the following courses: ARS 324, ARS 325, ARS 326, ARS 327; ARS 328; ARS 381; ARS 382; ARS 329; CDT 317; CDT 318; or permission of instructor

3 credits

ARS 487: Advanced Directed Projects in Studio Theory and Practice

Advanced independent projects for outstanding students under the supervision of a faculty member. May be repeated once for a maximum of six credits.

Prerequisites: Advanced status in one of the studio areas; sponsorship of a faculty member; permission of department

SBC:     EXP+

0-6 credits

ARS 488: Internship

Prerequisites: U3 or U4 standing; 15 credits in art department courses; permission of department

SBC:     EXP+

0-6 credits, S/U grading

ARS 491: Special Topics in Studio Theory and Practice

May be repeated as the topic changes. This course has an associated fee. Please see www.stonybrook.edu/coursefees for more information.

Prerequisite: Permission of department

3 credits

ARS 495: Senior Honors Project in Studio Art

A one-semester project for studio art majors who are candidates for the degree with departmental honors.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor and department

SBC:     EXP+

3 credits