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  Indiana University South Bend
 
Majors & Programs
   

Fine Arts Minor
A.A. Associate of Arts with a Concentration in Fine Arts
B.A. Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts
B.F.A. Bachelor of Fine Arts
Areas of Study
Upper-Divisional Review

The fine arts program offers students the choice of three degrees, an Associate of Arts (A.A.), a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), and Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.). These degrees are built on a fundamental core of courses in drawing, two- and three-dimensional design, and art history. Areas of advanced study include painting; drawing; sculpture; ceramics; jewelry-making; electronic media such as video art, printmaking, graphic design, and photography; and the history of art. Whether a student takes a single course or chooses to follow one of the degree programs described below, the study of the visual arts offers the opportunity to observe and analyze the world around us and express our intellectual, emotional, and physical relationships to it.

Minor in Fine Arts

The minor in fine arts consists of a total of 18 credit hours, distributed as follows: 6 credit hours of fundamental courses (two of three from the introductory series listed on the previous page); 6 credit hours of 300-400 level studio courses in one area; and 6 credit hours in art history (FINA A101 Ancient and Medieval Art and FINA A102 Renaissance Through Modern Art). Students must consult with the area coordinator before pursuing the minor. FINA H100 Art Appreciation does not count as credit toward a fine arts major or minor. Students should plan the distribution of their program within the areas offered, under the guidance of departmental advisors.

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Associate of Arts with a Concentration in Fine Arts

(All courses are 3 cr. hours unless otherwise designated.)

General Education Requirements (38 cr.)

Communication (6 cr.)
ENG W131 Elementary Composition
SPCH S121 Public Speaking

Humanities (9 cr.)
HIST H113 Western Culture I
HIST H114 Western Culture II

Arts course outside major

Foreign Language (6 cr.)
Select two courses in one language.

Social and Behavioral Science (3 cr.)
Select one course from political science, economics, psychology, sociology.

Natural Science (8 cr.)
Select life or physical science (one class must include a laboratory).

Mathematical Sciences (3 cr.)
MATH M110 Excursions in Mathematics or above

Concentration Requirements (27 cr.)

Fundamental Studio Courses (12 cr.)
FINA F100 Fundamental Studio-Drawing
FINA F101 Fundamental Studio-3D Design/Sculpture
FINA F102 Fundamental Studio-2D Design
FINA P273 Computer Art and Design I

Art History Courses (6 cr.)
FINA A101 Ancient and Medieval Art
FINA A102 Renaissance Through Modern Art

Advanced Studio Courses (9 cr.)
Select three courses from ceramics, drawing, graphic design, jewelry, painting, photography, printmaking, or sculpture

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Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree offers students a wide range of options, permitting them to combine their study in the visual arts with a well-rounded, general education. Graduates of this program will develop skills in three or more studio areas of their choice as well as a broad familiarity with the basic principles of several academic disciplines in the sciences, humanities, and social sciences.

(All courses are 3 cr. hours unless otherwise designated.)

General Education Requirements (77 cr.)

Communication (three courses)
ENG W131 Elementary Composition
SPCH S121 Public Speaking
Second-level writing (See College of Liberal Arts and Sciences for a listing of these courses.)

Science and Math (three courses, one of which must include a laboratory)
One course in life sciences, chemistry, or physics
One course in astronomy or geology
One course in mathematical sciences (MATH M110 Excursions in Mathematics or higher)

Humanities (eight courses)
HIST H113 Western Culture I
HIST H114 Western Culture II

Two courses in one foreign language
One course in literature or creative writing
One course in philosophy
Two courses in the arts (not in the studio or art history areas)

Computer (one course; may be within major)

Social Science (three courses)
One course in economics or geography
One course in political science or psychology
One course in sociology or anthropology

American Culture (one course)
See College of Liberal Arts and Sciences for a listing of these courses; may be satisfied within major

World Culture (one course)
See College of Liberal Arts and Sciences for a listing of these courses; may be satisfied within major

Electives (five courses)
Three courses must be 300-level or above

Fine Arts Core Requirements (45 cr.)

Foundation level

It is recommended that students complete the following classes during the first two years of study:

FINA A101 Ancient and Medieval Art
FINA A102 Renaissance Through Modern Art
FINA F100 Fundamental Studio-Drawing
FINA F101 Fundamental Studio-3D Design/Sculpture
FINA F102 Fundamental Studio-2D Design

Upper-level Requirements

Art History
Two courses; must be 300-400 level (at least 6 cr.)

Studio
Eight courses (at least 24 cr.) above the 100-level. Three courses must be 300-400 level. These courses must be distributed among at least three different studio areas; 300-level courses may be repeated once for credit and some 400-level studio courses may be repeated three times for credit. No more than 45 studio credit hours above the 100-level will be counted toward graduation.

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Bachelor of Fine Arts

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) is a performance-oriented degree focusing on high-level studio skills. It includes intensive portfolio development and prepares students for hands-on careers in design or visual arts or for pursuit of a Master in Fine Arts degree. Specializations available are electronic media, graphic design, painting/drawing, photography, printmaking, and sculpture.

(All courses are 3 cr. hours unless otherwise designated.)

General Education Requirements (33 cr.)

Communication (3 cr.)
ENG W131 Elementary Composition
Second-level Writing (See College of Liberal Arts and Sciences for a listing of these courses.)

Mathematical Sciences and Physical Science (9 cr.)
Three courses

Arts/Humanities (9 cr.)
Three courses (must include two semesters of one foreign language or passing appropriate language examination)

Social Sciences (9 cr.)
Three courses

Core Requirements (96 cr.)

Foundation Level (12 cr.)
FINA F100 Fundamental Studio-Drawing
FINA F101 Fundamental Studio-3D Design/Sculpture
FINA F102 Fundamental Studio-2D Design
FINA P273 Computer Art and Design I

Survey Level (9 cr.)
Three courses at the 200-level, outside area of concentration

Upper-level Concentration (39 cr.)
Thirteen studio courses in one area

Upper-level Elective (18 cr.)
Six courses in other areas (may choose a 15 credit hour secondary concentration from studio or art history). Courses must be at the 300-400 level.

Art History/Foundation Level (6 cr.)
FINA A101 Ancient and Medieval Art
FINA A102 Renaissance Through Modern Art

Art History/Upper Level (9 cr.)
Three courses at the 300-400 level

Senior Level (3 cr.)
FINA S499 B.F.A. Final Review (0 cr.)
FINA Y398 Professional Practices in Fine Arts (1-6 cr.)

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Areas of Study

Students in the B.F.A. program select, with the advice of the faculty, an area of primary concentration consisting of 39 credit hours at the time of their upper-divisional review (discussed below). It is possible for students to select an area of secondary concentration of 15 credit hours, subject to faculty approval.

Drawing and Painting

Drawing and painting classes provide a thorough grounding in anatomy and perspective as well as developing skills in observation and visual description. Emphasis is placed on the human figure. Many different media are offered including pencil, charcoal, and acrylics. The program is particularly strong in oil, pastel, and watercolor. Students who wish to concentrate in painting and drawing should complete a total of 39 credit hours by taking the following courses:

FINA S200 Drawing I
FINA S230 Painting I
FINA S270 Sculpture I
FINA S291 Fundamentals of Photography
FINA S301 Drawing II
FINA S331 Painting II
FINA S337 Watercolor Painting I
FINA S403 Anatomy for the Artist
FINA S497 Independent Study in Studio Art (cr. arr.)
JOUR J210 Visual Communication

One of the following:
FINA S401 Drawing III
FINA S431 Painting III

One of the following:
FINA S405 B.F.A. Drawing
FINA S432 B.F.A. Painting

Electronic Media

This program prepares students for creative work in Web-based products, computer platforms and any of the emerging electronic technologies, including multi-media. Students acquire the technical tools to work in a variety of fields and a thorough grounding in the work of contemporary producers and artists in the field of electronic media. This concentration is comprised of 39 credit hours taken from the following courses:

FINA S250 Graphic Design I
FINA S291 Fundamentals of Photography
FINA S310 Web Page Design
JOUR C200 Introduction to Mass Communications
JOUR J210 Visual Communication
MUS T120 Computer Skills for Musicians (2 cr.)
MUS U396 Introduction to MIDI and Computer Music
TEL T273 Media Program Design
TEL T283 Introduction to Production Techniques and Practices
TEL T336 Digital Video Production
TEL T430 Topical Seminar in Design and Production
TEL T434 Advanced Production Workshop

One of the following:
FINA P374 Computer Art and Design II
FINA P455 Advanced Lettering and Typography
FINA S351 Graphic Design II

Graphic Design

In order to communicate information, designers must respond to visual problem solving in a way that is intelligent, creative, and visually engaging. The design program develops skills in the basic visual components of two-dimensional media. Students develop their personal viewpoint and style, clarify career goals, and develop a professional attitude. Computer technology is an integral part of the graphic design program and will help give students an edge in a competitive market. The graphic design B.F.A. concentration requires a total of 39 credit hours in the following courses:

FINA P374 Computer Art and Design II
FINA P453 Graphic Design III
FINA P454 Graphic Design IV
FINA P455 Advanced Lettering and Typography
FINA P461 Graphic Reproduction Methods I
FINA P475 Computer Art and Design III
FINA S250 Graphic Design I
FINA S291 Fundamentals of Photography
FINA S305 Visual Arts Internship (cr. arr.)
FINA S310 Web Page Design
FINA S351 Graphic Design II
JOUR J210 Visual Communication

One of the following
FINA S240 Basic Printmaking Media
FINA S302 Relief and Book Arts
FINA S344 Printmaking II Silk Screen
FINA S417 Hand Papermaking I

Photography

Based on the tradition of fine art photography, this program stresses the technical, conceptual, and historical aspects of the medium. Emphasis is placed on black-and-white photography, though color and non-silver processes are represented. Students interested in graduate study, professional employment, or exploring the use of photography in their personal expression will benefit from this program. The following upper-level courses, totaling 39 credit hours, comprise the B.F.A. concentration in photography:

FINA P374 Computer Art and Design II
FINA S291 Fundamentals of Photography
FINA S300 Video Art
FINA S344 Printmaking II Silk Screen
FINA S392 Intermediate Photography
FINA S394 Photography II
FINA S490 Advanced Photography I
FINA S491 Advanced Photography II
FINA S492 B.F.A. Photography
FINA S494 History of Photography Twentieth Century
FINA S495 Advanced Photo Systems

Printmaking

The printmaking program offers courses in four areas (silkscreen, lithography, etching, and relief printing/papermaking/book arts. The B.F.A. concentration in printmaking requires students to concentrate their efforts not only in the major area but in the closely allied design and photography programs as well. This program encourages students to find an individual voice while at the same time developing basic skills. A student must complete a total of 39 credit hours from the list of courses below:

FINA S200 Drawing I
FINA S240 Basic Printmaking Media
FINA S291 Fundamentals of Photography
FINA S302 Relief and Book Arts
FINA S341 Printmaking II Intaglio
FINA S343 Printmaking II Lithography
FINA S344 Printmaking II Silk Screen
FINA S417 Hand Papermaking I
FINA S432 B.F.A. Painting
JOUR J210 Visual Communication

Choice of any two 400-level printmaking courses

Sculpture

In this program students learn to work in many three-dimensional media including clay, ceramics, plaster, jewelry, wood, and stone. With a particular strength in casting, the program emphasizes extensive work in the finishing, patination, and presentation of bronze sculpture. The B.F.A. program is a perfect basis for moving on to an M.F.A. program. The 39 credit hour B.F.A concentration in sculpture includes the following courses:

FINA S200 Drawing I
FINA S260 Ceramics I
FINA S270 Sculpture I
FINA S280 Metalsmithing and Jewelry Design I
FINA S371 Sculpture II
FINA S471 Sculpture III
FINA S472 B.F.A. Sculpture

Permissible Substitutions FINA S291 Fundamentals of Photography
FINA S361 Ceramics II
FINA S381 Metalsmithing and Jewelry Design II
Ivy Tech Commercial Welding

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Fine Arts Upper-Divisional Review

No student may take any B.F.A. courses or any 400-level studio courses before he or she successfully passes the upper-divisional review. Students are expected to complete this review at the earliest possible point in their academic career. When students have completed between 50 and 60 credit hours and at least five of the six fundamental courses (FINA F100, FINA F101, FINA F102, FINA P273, FINA A101, and FINA A102) they will be scheduled for their upper-divisionals.

Students undertaking this review will be expected to present a portfolio of work representing their achievements in the studio. This portfolio should show breadth (work in all the areas that a student has studied) and quality (a careful selection of the best work in the student’s area of concentration). The faculty expects to see work that demonstrates ability and improvement. The faculty expects students to present their work in good condition and in a manner that expresses their personal development, course of study, or academic goals. Also, students will be expected to make a brief, 3-5 minute opening statement outlining their achievements so far and goals for the future, as well as address any faculty questions. For B.F.A. students this should include a statement of proposed concentration. In addition, the faculty expects that students will attain a minimum GPA of 2.0 in all courses taken, and a minimum 2.5 GPA in courses in the fine arts.

At the conclusion of the review, the faculty may choose to accept a student into the B.A. or B.F.A. programs with or without provisions outlined by the faculty. The faculty may also decide to rehear students if work in some areas requires improvement. In certain cases, the faculty may decline to accept a student into the B.A. or B.F.A. programs if the quality of either their classroom or studio work is deemed insufficient. A student may attempt to pass upper-divisional review only two times. Each hearing counts as one attempt; failure to meet provisions within a specified time counts as one attempt. Failure to attend a scheduled review counts as one attempt.

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Indiana University South Bend
1700 Mishawaka Ave. P.O. Box 7111
South Bend, IN 46634
Phone: (574) 520-IUSB
(574) 520-4872

Last updated: 28 October 2003
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