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Art

The City College Art Department offers students a comprehensive lower division program in the areas of Fine Art and Art History, revolving around the basic CORE program. The Art Department prepares students for transfer to upper division courses in colleges and universities or for direct entry into art careers. Most of our courses are acceptable for Credit at the University of California and California State system.

Students intending to transfer and major in the Fine Arts are advised to enroll in two art history courses, along with general education and studio courses. Students intending to transfer and major in Art History are advised to enroll in one studio course, along with general education and art history courses.

Annoucement of Courses

Most advanced classes in the Art Department require that prerequisites be completed before taking those classes. Students who have not completed those prerequisites must demonstrate the exit skills required upon completion of the prerequisite(s). (See specific courses for prerequisite requirements.)

Most Art Studio courses listed will require a laboratory fee.


Art

PEDIT, DEGREE APPLICABLE COURSES:


Art

CREDIT, DEGREE APPLICABLE COURSES:

Art History Courses

The Art History Curriculum offers a wide selection of courses which apply critical thinking and analytical skills to an understanding of visual arts around the world: (101 through 109), Telecourses 116 and 118, and Selected Topics Courses (121, 122, 123, and 124) which offer a more in-depth study of art at the Legion of Honor and the De Young Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco. All Art History courses may be taken in any sequence. College-level reading and writing skills are advised.

ART 101. Western Art History (3)
Lec-3, field trips
A survey of Western Art from 35,000 B.C. to 500 A.D. The course will begin with Paleolithic cave paintings and continue to the Roman and Early Byzantine and Early Medieval periods. Art will be discussed from both a critical and historical perspective, with regard to formal visual elements of style and the social context of the societies, values, and ideas that gave birth to Western art. CSU/UC/CAN ART 2

ART 102. Western Art History (3)
Lec-3, field trips
A survey of Western Art from the sixth to the eighteenth centuries. The course will begin with the Roman era as an introduction, and continue to the Neo-Classical period. Art will be discussed from both a critical and a historical perspective, with regard to formal visual elements of style and the social context of the societies, values, and ideas that gave birth to Western art. CSU/UC

ART 103. History of Modern Art (3)
Lec-3, field trips
The origins and developments of Modern Art in Europe and America from the French Revolution through World War II. Artworks will be analyzed from both critical and historical perspectives. Students will examine the formal/thematic characteristics of styles and periods of modernism. Also under examination are the larger social/cultural contexts for the art movements under study. CSU/UC

ART 104. Asian Art  History (3)
Lec-3, field trips
A survey of the artistic heritages of Asia, from Iran in the west to south-eastern regions of Indonesia, spanning five millennia of Asian art history. ART 104 explores the themes and beliefs which give unity to the art of this part of the world, as well as the diverse cultural characteristics which led to the development of national styles. CSU/UC

ART 105. Ancient Art and Architecture of Latin America (3)
Lec-3, field trips
A survey of the artistic heritage of Pre-Columbian Mexico, Central and South America. Art 105 explores the themes and beliefs which gave unity to the art of this part of the world as well as the diverse cultural characteristics which led to the development of regional styles. CSU/UC

ART 106. Latin American Art History (3)
Lec-3, field trips
A survey of the artistic heritage of Latin America from the sixteenth century AD to the present. All art will be discussed from a critical and historical perspective, with regard to formal visual elements of style and the societies, values, and ideas that gave birth to Latin American art. CSU/UC

ART 107. African American Art History (3)
Lec-3, field trips
A survey of the artistic heritage of West African civilizations and of African Americans from the colonial to contemporary time. All art will be discussed from both a critical and historical perspective, with regard to formal visual elements of style and the societies, values and ideas that gave birth to African American art. CSU/UC

ART 108. Women Through Art History (3)
Lec-3, field trips
A survey of women in art, investigating their place in society as artists, patrons, and subjects in art. The course will introduce women from both European and non-European cultures, from pre-history to the present. All art will be discussed from both a critical and historical perspective, with regard to social context and formal visual elements. CSU/UC

ART 109. History of Contemporary Art (3)
Lec-3, field trips
Contemporary art from 1945 to the present. Students will analyze late modern and postmodern developments in art in relation to their historical contexts. The course will also investigate the unusual challenges contemporary art forms and concepts present to the traditional methods and practices of art history. CSU/UC

ART 116. Art of the Western World (3)
Lec-3, field trips .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. P/NP available
A telecourse introduction to art history from the Classical Greek period to the Modern twentieth century. Art will be discussed in its social context and for formal visual elements. The course introduces the societies, values, and ideas that gave birth to Western art, discusses the changing goals of artists and patrons, traces art’s relation to power, religion, culture, and the art of the past, and suggests how art defines or contradicts its time. Refer to the Telelesson Schedule for viewing dates and times. CSU/UC

ART 118. American Art (3)
Lec-3, field trips                                    P/NP available
The history of American art from colonial times to the present. Painting, sculpture, architecture, and crafts will be examined within their historical, political, and sociocultural background. Students learn to identify works by pivotal artists, recognize techniques and formal visual elements, and critically analyze artwork within its contextual framework. CSU/UC

ART 121-122-123. Selected Topics in Art (1-2-3)
Lec-1, 2, or 3 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. P/NP available
Repeat: if no subject repeat
An in-depth investigation of selected topics in art. These courses were developed in conjunction with the permanent and special exhibitions at the Legion of Honor and De Young Memorial Museums of Art. The content of these courses vary. Students may re-enroll without repeating subject matter. Specific times and topics will be announced in the Class Schedule, in classes and through campus media. CSU/UC
    ART 123M. Master European Painting.
    ART 123N. European Art at the Legion.
    ART 123P. American Art: The Peale Family
    ART 123Q. Baroque Masters of Light.
    ART 123R. Congo and African-American Art.
    ART 123S. Greek and Thracian Art.
    ART 123T. British Art at the Legion.
    ART 123U. 18th c. French Art at the Legion.
    ART 123V. Renaissance Art at the Legion.
    ART 123W. 19th Century Painting at the Legion
    ART 123X. Baroque Art at the Legion
    ART 123Y. 19th c. Realism and Courbet
    ART 123Z. Eternal Egypt at the Legion

ART 124. American Art at DeYoung (3)
Lec-3                                              P/NP available
American master paintings from the time of the Revolution to the 20th century on exhibit in the newly reopened DeYoung Fine Arts Museum will be examined. Artifacts will be analyzed for the formal qualities of style, interpreted within the context of American history and mainstreamed within a broader context of the western tradition. CSU/UC

Fine Arts Courses

The Fine Arts Curriculum provides students with a comprehensive range of instruction in the methods of producing two and three-dimensional artwork. Basic Design: ART 125, and Basic Drawing: 130A, serve as prerequisites for Intermediate and Museum Drawing courses as well as Illustration, Painting, Printmaking, and Mixed Media courses. All studio classes should be taken sequentially in order for students to acquire the skills necessary for their success in intermediate and advanced course work.

ART 125A. Basic Design (3)
Lec-2, lab-4, field trips
Advise: Completion/concurrent enrollment in ART 130A
Repeat: max. 6 units
Basic design elements; color and the concepts, operations, and methods of the two-dimension design process as related to all well-ordered form. Emphasis on experimentation, exploration, and criticism intended to develop creativity and manipulative ability. CSU/UC/CAN ART 14

ART 125B. Advanced Design (3)
Lec-2, lab-4, field trips
PREREQ.: ART 125A
Advise: ART 130A
Repeat: max. 9 units
Continuation of basic design with an emphasis on advanced two-dimensional and beginning three-dimensional design. Advanced experimentation in color. Design problems geared to assist the following majors: Fine and applied arts, photography, theater arts, fashion, and interior and architectural design. Further exploration and development of creativity. CSU/UC/CAN ART 16

ART 126. Color (3)
Lec-2, lab-4, field trips
Repeat: max. 6 units
A study of the basic properties and theories of color, including the practice of color mixing, creating color relationships and harmonies, optical, psychological and spatial effects of color, and properties of pigments. Historical, cultural and subjective uses of color will be explored. Work will be done in water based color media. CSU/UC

ART 130A. Basic Drawing (3)
Lec-2, lab-4, field trips
Advise: Completion/concurrent enrollment in ART 125A
Repeat: max. 6 units
A course in the theory and practice of drawing using a systematic variety of media and subject matter. The student will examine drawing through the graphic elements of line, plane, tone, shape, form, volume, rendering, and perspective. The course includes an introduction to light and shadow. Beginning problems will be structured to guide the student and the instructor will assist in this experience through individual attention. Instruction leads to direct the student and encourage subjective self-expression. CSU/UC/CAN ART 8

ART 130B. Intermediate Drawing (3)
Lec-2, lab-4, field trips
PREREQ.: ART 125A and 130A
Repeat: max. 9 units
Continued development of drawing skills, with additional approaches to drawing, composition, and varied drawing materials. CSU/UC

ART 131A. Museum Drawing (3)
Lec-2, lab-4, field trips
PREREQ.: ART 130A
Repeat: max. 6 units
The Legion of Honor Museum will initially act as the studio/atelier for the continuance of the tradition of museum drawing; development of skills and expansion of abilities in the creation of unique drawings through classroom and museum instruction. CSU

ART 131B. Advanced Museum Drawing (3)
Lec-2, lab-4, field trips
PREREQ.: ART 130A and ART 131A
Repeat: max. 9 units
Builds upon skills and techniques already acquired in ART 131A. Development of original sketches and compositions based on major works in the Legion of Honor Museum. CSU

ART 132A. Beginning Figure Drawing (3)
Lec-2, lab-4, field trips
PREREQ.: ART 125A and 130A
Repeat: max. 6 units
ART 132A is strongly recommended for all art majors.
An introduction to the drawing of the nude human figure. Analysis of basic forms, structure, proportion, symmetry, balance, and rhythm. Introductory anatomy. CSU/UC

ART 132B. Advanced Figure Drawing (3)
Lec-2, lab-4, field trips
PREREQ.: ART 125A, 130A, and 132A
Repeat: max. 9 units
Advanced study of the drawing of the nude human figure. Analysis of basic forms, structure, proportion, symmetry, balance, and rhythm. Human anatomy. CSU/UC

ART 136A. Introduction to Illustration (3)
Lec-2, lab-4, field trips
PREREQ.: ART 125A and 130A
Repeat: max. 6 units
How to prepare for the profession of illustration and learn the processes by which one gets professional results. Emphasis on ideas and originality, appropriate to the marketplace. Projects include pencil drawing, pen and ink rendering, color posters and some practical projects which may be reproduced on campus. CSU

ART 136B. Illustration in Color (3)
Lec-2, lab-4, field trips
PREREQ.: ART 136A
Repeat: max. 9 units
Practical problems in illustrations with emphasis on contemporary approaches to the subject in color media. Projects include design, visualization and finished work for advertising, public relations and book and periodical publications. CSU

ART 136C. Portfolio Preparation for Illustration (3)
Lec-2, lec-4, field trips
PREREQ.: ART 136B
Repeat: max. 9 units
Problems in contemporary media: visualization and final-image techniques for reproduction. Emphasis on the development of portfolio items suitable for use in the employment or freelance professional interview. Comprehensive layout and the use of type and letterfaces in illustration. CSU

ART 137. Humorous Illustration (3)
Lec-2, lab-4
PREREQ.: ART 130A
Elements of humorous illustration; basics of exaggeration, distortion, and caricature; differentiation of these from the grotesque; importance of observation and the use of a sketchbook to draw from real life situations. CSU

ART 140A. Beginning Painting (3)
Lec-2, lab-4, field trips.
PREREQ.: ART 125A and 130A
Repeat: max. 6 units
Studio course in the technical and conceptual basics of painting both in oils and acrylics. Through hands-on practice, lectures, and critiques the student develops the requisite skills and techniques as well as the underlying conceptual and perceptual abilities necessary to painting. In addition, the student is introduced to the historical traditions and the contemporary context of the field. CSU/UC/CAN ART 10

ART 140B. Intermediate Painting (3)
Lec-2, lab-4, field trips
PREREQ.: ART 140A
Repeat: max. 9 units
Development of painting techniques and style into advanced concepts and the processes of painting. Emphasis will be placed on the development of individual style and interest, with exploration in the experimental use of media and technique. Personal creativity will be stressed, and dialogue will be pursued in the broader understanding of aesthetics and contemporary thinking. CSU/UC

ART 140C. Advanced Painting (3)
Lec-2, lab-4, field trips
PREREQ.: ART 140B
Repeat: max. 9 units
Focus on the development of a self-directed creative process; building on the concepts, skills, and issues of ART 140B; long-term thematic projects, series projects, and mixed-media assignments leading to advanced-level exploration of contemporary art issues and media. CSU/UC

ART 141. Acrylic Painting (3)
Lec-2, lab-4, field trips
PREREQ.: 125A and 130A
Repeat: max. 6 units
An introduction to the painting techniques and characteristics of acrylic media. No media requiring volatile solvents will be used. Historic traditions and the contemporary context of painting are introduced. CSU/UC

ART 145A. Introduction to Watercolor Painting (3)
Lec-2, lab-4, field trips
PREREQ.: ART 125A and 130A
Repeat: max. 6 units
Instruction and practice in the materials, techniques, concepts, and history of watercolor painting. Through lecture, demonstration, hands-on experience, and critiques, the student will develop the technical, perceptual, and conceptual skills to produce and analyze paintings. Emphasis will be on technical development and personal explorations. CSU/UC

ART 145B. Advanced Watercolor Painting (3)
Lec-2, lab-4, field trips
PREREQ.: ART 145A
Repeat: max. 9 units
Advanced Watercolor will be a continuance of the program in 145A.  The purpose of the second semester will be to develop additional skill in painting with transparent watercolor, to introduce techniques in opaque watercolor (gouache), and to explore options in paper surfaces.  Students will also analyze transparent, sedimentary, and staining pigment groups to extend knowledge of color and texture choices.  The study of contemporary and historical art history will be continued.  Emphasis will be placed on the development of individual styles and interests. CSU/UC

ART 146A. Beginning Chinese Brush Painting (3)
Lec-2, lab-4, field trips
Repeat: max. 6 units
Orientation on the three classic elements of Chinese art (brush painting, calligraphy and seal engraving) with emphasis on Chinese masterpieces both ancient and contemporary, focusing on the concepts of style, line composition, perspective and stroke. CSU/UC

ART 146B. Advanced Chinese Brush Painting (3)
Lec-2, lab-4, field trips
Repeat: max. 9 units
Continuation of ART 146A with emphasis on artistic development. Investigation of methods of traditional and contemporary Chinese art. Paintings of various subject matter including complex landscapes, flowers, birds, animals and figures. Free brush strokes and meticulous styles. Lectures and demonstrations will be offered with slides and videos. Individual expression will be encouraged by modeling after a series of masterpieces and original works. Group and individual critiques. Outdoor painting and museum visits. CSU/UC

ART 150A. Fine Arts Printmaking (3)
Lec-2, lab-4, field trips
PREREQ.: ART 130A
Repeat: max. 6 units
An exploration of printmaking techniques, including relief, intaglio, lithography, monoprint, and collagraph, in which students will use a variety of tools and materials to develop their analytic and creative skills. The course also provides an introduction to historical and contemporary issues of the field. CSU/UC/CAN ART 20

ART 150B. Fine Art Intaglio Printmaking (3)
Lec-2, lab-4, field trips
PREREQ.: ART 150A
Repeat: max. 9 units
This is an intermediate and advanced level, intaglio printmaking course. Individual and class projects will include multiple color plate printing, viscosity printing, chine colle', mezzotint, sugar lift, salt, and soft ground. Through lecture, demonstration, studio practice and critiques, students develop the requisite skills and conceptual basis necessary for innovative work in this exciting discipline. CSU/UC

ART 150C. Fine Art Relief Printmaking (3)
Lec-2, lab-4, field trips
PREREQ.: ART 150A
Repeat: max. 9 units
The ART 150 series may be taken conurrently and/or out of sequenc e.
A wider and more complex variety of intermediate and advanced relief printing techniques will be introduced including reduction printing, color multiple plates, varying matrix materials, split fountain roll-ups, segmented plates, and viscosity inking. Emphasis on the student’s individual artistic growth and development through the mastery of requisite and conceptual skills. Introduction to historical traditions and contemporary issues of the field. CSU/UC

ART 151A. Beginning Monoprint (3)
Lec-2, lab-4, field trips
PREREQ.: Art 130A
Repeat: max. 6 units
Introduction to a wide variety of contemporary monoprint techniques. Through lecture, demonstration, studio practices, and critiques, students develop the skills and concepts necessary for basic work in this exciting area. Monoprint is a cross over discipline that combines skills of drawing and painting with printmaking. Introduction to historical traditions and contemporary issues of the field. CSU/UC

ART 151B. Intermediate Monoprinting (3)
Lec-2, lab-4, field trips
Prerq.: Art 151A
Repeat: max. 9 units
Intermediate Monoprinting will focus on more complex monoprint techniques. The emphasis of this course stresses the development of indivudual artistic growth building on material covered in 151A (Beginning Monoprinting). Students will plan and execute long term thematic, mixed media, and self directed projects. Contemporary issues and approaches will be explored through lecture and demonstration. Lecture domonstrations will be followed up with individualized attention so students can strengthen personal weaknesses related to the techniques and concepts of monoprinting in the studio laboratory situation. CSU/UC
Formerly ART 15B.

ART 151C. Advanced Monoprinting (3)
Lec-2, lab-4, field trips
PREREQ.: ART 151B
Repeat: max. 9 units
The emphasis of Advanced Monoprinting is the further development of the student's creative process to execute long term thematic, mixed media and self-directed projects. Students utilize materials, processes, and methods of beginning, intermediate and advanced monoprinting, while focusing on a body of interrelated monoprints that explore their personal creativity through experimental means. Students prepare a portfolio of work that is suitable for advanced study, transfer, and/or career opportunities. CSU/UC

ART 154. Hand Printed Book: Design and Production (3)
Lec-2, lab-4
Repeat: max. 9 units
The bookmaking process focusing on the design of pages using fine art printmaking combined with letterpress and digital typesetting technologies. Participation in the bookmaking process as author, illustrator, and publisher. Research on the history of the book and an examination of the book arts community in San Francisco and beyond. CSU
ART 154 = GRPH 154

ART 155. Bookbinding (3)
Lec-2, lab-4
Repeat: max. 9 units
Study and practice of bookbinding. First: basic structures and craftsmanship. Second: innovative bindings and conservation technicques. CSU
ART 155 = GRPH 155

ART 156. Mixed Media: Works on Paper (3)
Lec-2, lab-4, field trips
PREREQ.: ART 125A and 130A
Repeat: max. 6 units
This course selectively and aesthetically combines various media and techniques of drawing, painting, photography, printing and collage into two and three-dimensional works. Through structured studio experience, lectures and critiques, the student will develop the requisite skills and techniques as well as the conceptual basis of this contemporary art form. Underlying the instruction is a historical component which emphasizes modern and contemporary art to broaden the student's interest and awareness of contemporary trends. CSU/UC

ART 160A. Beginning Ceramics (3)
Lec-2, lab-4, field trips
Repeat: max. 6 units
Introduction to developing ceramic forms in a studio atmosphere. Basic methods of ceramic forming through use of the potter's wheel and hand-construction techniques, glaze application, and kiln-firing processes. Lectures on the historical uses of clay and its relationship to the development of civilizations and industry. Emphasis on technical development and exploration of clay as a means for aesthetic growth. CSU/UC/CAN ART 6

ART 160B. Intermediate Ceramics (3)
Lec-2, lab-4, field trips
PREREQ.: ART 160A
Repeat: max. 9 units
Emphasis on wheel-throwing and hand-building skills, and on surface techniques. Introduction to non-technical glaze experimentation. Further development of aesthetics. CSU/UC

ART 160C. Advanced Ceramics (3)
Lec-2, lab-4, field trips
PREREQ.: ART 160B
Repeat: max. 9 units
Advanced development of ceramic forms in a studio atmosphere. Advanced methods of ceramic forming through the use of the potter’s wheel and hand-construction techniques, glaze formulation, advanced glaze application techniques and kiln-firing processes. Lectures on the historical uses of clay and its relationship to the development of civilizations and industry. Emphasis on technical and conceptual development and exploration of clay as a means for aesthetic growth. CSU/UC

ART 162A. Ceramic Sculpture I (3)
Lec-2, lab-4, field trips
PREREQ.: ART 160A and 160B
Repeat: max. 6 units
Introduction to the basic techniques and concepts of making sculpture with ceramic materials. Emphasis on the development of concepts and content in the execution of ceramic sculpture. Utilization of plaster mold-making and slip casting, basic handbuilding, wheel-throwing, and mold work as applied to sculpture. Exploration of additive and subtractive processes, press molds, surface development and formulation of glazes pertaining to sculpture. Emphasis on technical development and exploration of clay as a means for aesthetic growth. CSU/UC

ART 162B. Ceramic Sculpture II (3)
Lec-2, lab-4, field trips
PREREQ.: ART 160A, 160B, and 162A
Repeat: max. 9 units
A continuing exploration of concepts and techniques in making sculpture with ceramic materials. Conceptualizing and creating in three dimensions. Hand building, wheel-throwing, and mold work as applied to ceramic sculpture. Continued emphasis on the development of concepts and content in the execution of the ceramic sculpture. Utilization of plaster mold-making and slip casting, basic hand building, wheel-throwing, and mold work as applied to sculpture. Surface development and formulation of glazes pertaining to sculpture. Emphasis on exploration of clay as a means for aesthetic growth. CSU/UC

ART 170A. Beginning Sculpture (3)
Lec-2, lab-4, field trips
Repeat: max. 6 units
An introduction to the historical evolution of sculpture and the basic elements of three-dimensional form. Exploration of carving, modeling, mold making and basic woodworking techniques. Emphasis on technical skill, expression and artistic growth. CSU/UC/CAN ART 12

ART 170B. Intermediate Sculpture (3)
Lec-2, lab-4, field trips
PREREQ.: ART 170A
Repeat: max. 9 units
Advanced concepts and processes of sculpture. Exploration of stone carving, armature construction and life modeling. Requires a highly experimental approach. Further discussion of historical evolution of sculpture. Emphasis on technical development and power of expression. CSU/UC

ART 170C. Advanced Sculpture (3)
Lec-2, lab-4, field trips
PREREQ.: ART 170A and 170B
Repeat: max. 9 units
Further advanced processes of sculpture with emphasis on metal work using the welding process. Students will have an opportunity to decide what areas of sculpture they wish to investigate in depth, with instructors' approval and based on previous experience. The successful completion of Art 170B is required in order to take Art 170C. CSU/UC

ART 180A. Beginning Metal Arts (3)
Lec-2, lab-4, field trips
Repeat: max. 6 units
An introduction to basic fabricating processes, i.e., forming, annealing, and soldering of both common and fine metals. Projects vary from engraving to the setting of gemstones, or the making of small sculptures. Survey of the history of metal arts, from the Bronze Age to the present. Emphasis on the knowledge and development of manual skills to gain personal aesthetic sense. CSU/CAN ART 26

ART 180B. Intermediate Metal Arts (3)
Lec-2, lab-4, field trips
PREREQ.: ART 180A
Repeat: max. 9 units
An introduction to the basic techniques of lost wax metal casting (centrifuge and vacuum), ranging from jewelry to small sculpture. Instruction inc ludes information about waxes, modeling, sprueing, investing, casting, and finishing. CSU

ART 180C. Advanced Metal Arts (3)
Lec-2, lab-4, field trips
PREREQ.: ART 180A
Repeat: max. 9 units
An introduction to production techniques, mold making, and advanced casting techniques. This course involves a close look at the development of the student's ideas, from conception to completion, including possible marketing ideas. CSU

ART 185. Portfolio Preparation (3)
Lec-2, lec-studio-4, field trips
Repeat: max. 6 units
This course is designed to enable the art student to organize and present a body of work in an effective and professional manner for transfer, advanced study opportunities and/or career preparation. Through hands-on practice, lectures, demonstrations and Pitiques, the student gains the requisite skills for portfolio development. CSU

ART 187A. Independent Study (2)
Ind st-5, field trips
PREREQ.: Any advanced level art courses
An opportunity for students to perform specialized studies in art with the guidance of an art instructor of his/her choice. CSU

ART 187B. Independent Study (2)
Ind st-5, field trips
PREREQ.: ART 187A
An opportunity for students to continue to perform specialized studies in art with the guidance of an art instructor of his/her choice. CSU
 

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