Art and Graphic Design

Purpose Statement

The McPherson College art and design department provides 1) high-quality art instruction within the content areas of art production, art history, art criticism, and aesthetic inquiry, 2) unique art programs within the art and design major, including graphic design, graphic design marketing, graphic design photography, studio arts, art teaching licensure, as well as two hybrid majors: digital media with an emphasis in visual design and auto restoration design in conjunction with the technology department, and 3) venues for the fulfillment of academic and professional goals of students pursuing a visual arts-related career within a liberal arts context and an entrepreneurial environment at a small private college in Kansas.

Goals

The four primary goals of the art and design department are to produce graduates who can 1) effectively execute and perform a variety of art skills with sensitivity and intelligence, 2) communicate the ability to analyze and critique works of art, 3) relate the creative process to life in personally meaningful ways, and 4) apply skills and knowledge to arts-related opportunities and professions. The Art and Design department achieves these goals when graduates can:

• demonstrate knowledge of art elements and design principles;
• demonstrate performance in a variety of traditional and contemporary art media;
• demonstrate abilities to analyze and critique works of art in verbal and written form;
• demonstrate meaningful connections of art to life through the development of perceptual skills;
• research, identify, and interpret Western and non- Western cultural contributions to art;
• understand the qualities and the mentality needed to be a working, active artist and/or arts-related professional;
• meet State Department of Education standards for certification in the area of art for those pursuing art teaching licensure;
• demonstrate knowledge and skills with emerging technologies, both hardware and software, needed for opportunities and/or careers in the field of graphic design.

The Art and Design department’s curriculum is designed to meet the needs of students who want to 1) develop their artistic skills and refine their aesthetic values, 2) plan for careers as artists, graphic designers, or for employment in arts-related positions, 3) teach art in the public schools, and 4) further their education in graduate school.

Art and Design Major: Graphic Design Emphasis

Requirements: 61 hours

G-AR 101 Drawing I (2 hours)
G-AR 102 Painting I (3 hours)
AR 103 Elementary Design (3 hours)
AR 130 Design Software I (2 hours)
AR 203 Photography I (2 hours)
AR 205 Video Editing & Production (2 hours)
AR 210 Drawing II: Figure Drawing (2 hours)
AR 230 Graphic Design I (3 hours)
AR 235 Graphic Design II (3 hours)
AR 303 Photography II (3 hours)
G-AR 310 Art History I (4 hours)
G-AR 311 Art History II (4 hours)
AR 312 Themes in Contemporary Art (3 hours)
AR 320 Typography and Logo Branding (2 hours)
AR 330 Graphic Design III (3 hours)
AR 335 Design Software II (3 hours)
AR 340 Web Design I (3 hours)
AR 345 Art as Community & Social Practice (2 hours)
G-AR 350 Sculpture I (3 hours)
AR 375 Junior Seminar (2 hours)
AR 440 Web Design II (3 hours)
AR 470 Senior Show: Digital Design (1 hour)
AR 475G Graphic Design IV (3 hours)

Suggested Supporting Courses

AR 202 Painting II (2 hours)
CM 210 Podcasting: Audio/Video Production (3 hours)
BA 327 Consumer Behavior (3 hours)
BA 360 Marketing Research  (3 hours)
AR 388 Internship in Graphic Design (3 hours)

Majors in the graphic design emphasis are required to produce a senior exhibition during the spring semester of their senior year.

Art and Design Major: Graphic Design Photography Emphasis

Requirements: 61 hours

G-AR 101 Drawing I (2 hours)
G-AR 102 Painting I (3 hours)
AR 103 Elementary Design (3 hours)
AR 130 Design Software I (2 hours)
AR 203 Photography I (2 hours)
AR 205 Video Editing & Production (2 hours)
AR 210 Drawing II (2 hours)
AR 230 Graphic Design I (3 hours)
AR 235 Graphic Design II (3 hours)
AR 303 Photography II (3 hours)
G-AR 311 Art History II (4 hours)
AR 320 Typography and Logo Branding (2 hours)
AR 323 Analog Photography (3 hours)
AR 330 Graphic Design III (3 hours)
AR 333 Commercial Photography I (3 hours)
AR 335 Design Software II (3 hours)
AR 340 Web Design I (3 hours)
AR 345 Art as Community & Social Practice (2 hours)
G-AR 350 Sculpture I (3 hours)
AR 375 Junior Seminar (2 hours)
AR 450 Web Design II (3 hours)
AR 403 Photography Portfolio Development (1 hour)
AR 470 Senior Show: Digital Design (1 hour)
AR 475G Graphic Design IV (3 hours)

Suggested Supporting Courses

AR 202 Painting II (2 hours)
CM 210 Podcasting: Audio/Video Production (3 hours)
BA 327 Consumer Behavior (3 hours)
BA 360 Marketing Research  (3 hours)
AR 388 Internship in Graphic Design (3 hours)

Majors in the graphic design photography emphasis are required to produce a senior exhibition during the spring semester of their senior year.

Art and Design Major: Graphic Design Marketing Emphasis

Requirements: 72 combined hours: 41 hours art + 31 hours business

G-AR 101 Drawing I (2 hours)
G-AR 102 Painting I (3 hours)
AR 103 Elementary Design (3 hours)
AR 130 Design Software I (2 hours)
AR 203 Photography I (2 hours)
AR 230 Graphic Design I (3 hours)
AR 235 Graphic Design II (3 hours)
G-AR 311 Art History II (4 hours)
AR 330 Graphic Design III (3 hours)
AR 335 Design Software II (3 hours)
AR 340 Web Design I (3 hours)
G-AR 350 Sculpture I (3 hours)
AR 440 Web Design II (3 hours)
AR 470 Senior Show: Digital Design (1 hour)
AR 475 Graphic Design IV (3 hours)
G-BA 130 Principles of Business Management (3 hours)
EC 202 Survey of Economics (3 hours)
AC 202 Survey of Accounting (3 hours)
BA 315 Business Law (3 hours)
BA 321 Marketing (3 hours)
BA 322 Advertising and Promotion (3 hours)
BA 327 Consumer Behavior (3 hours)
BA 360 Marketing Research (3 hours)

Suggested Supporting Courses

AR 205 Video Editing & Production (2 hours)
AR 305 Typography and Logo Branding (2 hours)
AR 303 Photography II (3 hours)

Majors in the graphic design marketing emphasis are required to produce a senior exhibition during the spring semester of their senior year.

Art and Design Major: Studio Arts Emphasis

Requirements: 52 required hours

G-AR 101 Drawing I (2 hours)
G-AR 102 Painting I (3 hours)
AR 103 Elementary Design (3 hours)
G-AR 131 Ceramics I (3 hours)
AR 130 Design Software I (2 hours)
AR 202 Painting II (2 hours)
AR 203 Photography I (2 hours)
AR 210 Drawing II: Figure Drawing (2 hours)
AR 230 Graphic Design I (3 hours)
AR 231 Ceramics II (2 hours)
AR 303 Photography II (3 hours)
G-AR 310 Art History I (4 hours)
G-AR 311 Art History II (4 hours)
AR 312 Themes in Contemporary Art (3 hours)
AR 315 Metalsmithing and Jewelry Making (3 hours)
AR 345 Art as Community & Social Practice (2 hours)
G-AR 350 Sculpture I (3 hours)
AR 375 Junior Seminar (2 hours)
AR 475A Senior Show: Studio Arts (3 hours–2 hours in fall, 1 hour in spring)

Suggested Supporting Courses

AR 235 Graphic Design II (3 hours)
AR 323 Analog Photography (3 hours)
AR 335 Design Software II (3 hours)
AR 340 Web Design I (3 hours)

Majors in the studio arts emphasis are required to produce a senior exhibition during the spring semester of their senior year.

Digital Media: Visual Design Emphasis

(See also Digital Media: Communication emphasis in the Communication Program section in this catalog.)

Requirements: 25 credit hours of digital media core courses and 27 credit hours of visual design emphasis.

AR 130 Design Software I (2 hours)
AR 205 Video Editing & Production (2 hours)
AR 230 Graphic Design I (3 hours)
CM 330 Persuasion and Social Influence (3 hours)
AR 335 Design Software II (3 hours)
AR 340/CM 340 Web Design I (3 hours)
CM 360 Videography I
CM 410 Videography II (3 hours)
AR 450/CM 440 Web Design II (3 hours)

AR 103 Elementary Design (3 hours)
AR 203 Photography I (2 hours)
AR 235 Graphic Design II (3 hours)
AR 260 UX/UI Prototyping (2 hours)
AR 265 UX/UI Application (2 hours)
AR 303 Photography II (3 hours)
AR 320 Typography & Logo Branding (2 hours)
AR 330 Graphic Design III ( 3 hours)
AR 333 Commercial Photography I (3 hours)
AR 375 Junior Seminar (2 hours)
AR 475G Graphic Design IV (3 hours)
AR 470 Senior Show: Digital Design (1 hour)

Suggested Supporting Courses
BA 221 Marketing (3 hours)
BA 322 Advertising and Promotion (3 hours)
BA 327 Consumer Behavior (3 hours)
BA 427 Marketing Research (3 hours)
ET 101 Creativity and Innovation (3 hours)

Majors in the digital media visual design emphasis are required to produce a senior exhibition during the spring semester of their senior year.

Art and Design Major: Licensure emphasis for teaching Art in the Public Schools (PK-12)

Requirements: 55 required hours. In addition to the required courses in the Art and Design department, licensure art majors complete 44 hours in professional education requirements through the Curriculum and Instruction department.

G-AR 101 Drawing I (2 hours)
G-AR 102 Painting I (3 hours)
AR 103 Elementary Design (3 hours)
AR 130 Design Software I (2 hours)
G-AR 131 Ceramics I (3 hours)
AR 202 Painting II (2 hours)
AR 203 Photography I (2 hours)
AR 210 Drawing II: Figure Drawing (2 hours)
AR 230 Graphic Design I (3 hours)
AR 231 Ceramics II (2 hours)
AR 303 Photography II (3 hours)
G-AR 310 Art History I (4 hours)
G-AR 311 Art History II (4 hours)
AR 312 Themes in Contemporary Art (3 hours)
AR 315 Metalsmithing and Jewelry Making (3 hours)
AR 345 Art as Community & Social Practice (2 hours)
G-AR 350 Sculpture I (3 hours)
AR 358/EE 301 Elementary Art Methods (2 hours)
AR 375 Junior Seminar (2 hours)
AR 401/CI 401 Secondary Art Methods (2 hours)
AR 475A Senior Show: Studio Arts (3 hours–2 hours in fall, 1 hour in spring)

Majors in the licensure emphasis are required to produce a senior exhibition during the spring semester of their senior year.

Graphic Design Minor

Requirements: 21 required hours

G-AR 220 Graphic Design for Non-Art Majors (3 hours)
AR 235 Graphic Design II (3 hours)
AR 320 Typography & Logo Branding (3 hours)
AR 330 Graphic Design III (3 hours)
AR 335 Design Software II (3 hours)
AR 340 Web Design I (3 hours)
AR 475G Graphic Design IV (3 hours)

Studio Arts Minor

A minor in art and design may be earned by completing 18 credit hours from four course categories: 1) two foundation courses for seven credit hours, 2) four credit hours in two-dimensional courses, 3) five credit hours in three-dimensional courses, and 4) three credit hours in graphic design.

Foundation Courses: 7 hours total

Choose two of the following courses:

G-AR 310 Art History I, OR
G-AR 311 Art History II, OR
AR 312 Themes in Contemporary Art (3 hours)
AR 103 Elementary Design (3 hours)

Two-dimensional Courses: choose 4 hours total

G-AR 101 Drawing I (2 hours)
G-AR 102 Painting I (3 hours)
AR 202 Painting II (2 hours)
AR 203 Photography I (2 hours)
AR 210 Drawing II (2 hours)

Three-dimensional Courses: choose 4 hours total

G-AR 131 Ceramics I (3 hours)
AR 231 Ceramics II (2 hours)
AR 315 Metalsmithing and Jewelry Making (3 hours)
G-AR 350 Sculpture I (3 hours)

Graphic Design Course: 3 hours

G-AR 220 Graphic Design for Non-Art Majors (3 hours)

G-AR 101 Drawing I

2 hours
An introduction to the techniques and aesthetics of drawing from observation, with an emphasis on the exploration and application of basic design principles. A variety of media will be presented, including but not limited to pencil, colored pencil, charcoal, and conté crayon. (Fall and Spring)

G-AR 102 Painting I

3 hours
This course provides an introduction to the techniques and aesthetics of opaque painting, with an emphasis on the exploration and application of color theory.  Painting medium is acrylic paint. (Fall and Spring)

AR 103 Elementary Design

3 hours
This course will focus on the principles and elements of design. With the components of form, line, shape, value, texture, color, space, content, and style, students will learn to develop whole, integrated compositions. Emphasis will be placed on the formal and structural elements of design in various media in order to provide a visual vocabulary for how art works are created. (Fall)

AR 130 Design Software

2 hours
An introduction to graphic design software. Basic operating systems of Macintosh computers and software will be demonstrated as well as print-, photography-, and vector-based design techniques using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. (Fall)

G-AR 131 Ceramics I

3 hours
The emphasis of this course is in discovering clay and glaze as an art medium. This will be accomplished through an exploration of: hand building techniques and throwing on the potter’s wheel, the various drying stages of clay, slip, stain and glaze application, the firing process, and the historical and contemporary significance of clay as a functional and expressive medium for the ceramicist.  This course is level 1 and is required for all art majors; no prerequisites.  (Fall and Spring)

G-AR 202 Painting II

2 hours
This course provides an introduction to abstract techniques and aesthetics of opaque painting, with an emphasis on the exploration and application of color theory and the elements and principles of design. Painting medium is acrylic paint. No prerequisites. (Fall)

AR 203 Photography I

2 hours
An introduction to photography with an emphasis on developing a working familiarity of the concepts and techniques required to take aesthetic photographs.  Camera functions, settings, and manual applications of digital photography primarily using digital SLR cameras will be emphasized. (Spring)

AR 205 Video Editing & Production

2 hours
A working overview of Adobe’s Premiere Pro editing software. On mastering the concepts in this course, students will understand the main principles and functionality of audio and visual narrative editing. (Spring)

AR 210 Drawing II

2 hours
A continued experience in the techniques and aesthetics of drawing with an emphasis on the human figure from direct observation. Prerequisite: G-AR 101. (Spring)

G-AR 220 Graphic Design for Non-Art Majors

3 hours
An introduction to graphic design for non-art majors focusing on the foundation of graphics through design principles and elements. Topics will cover branding and advertising basics. Basic operating systems of Macintosh computers will be demonstrated as well as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and an introduction to Adobe After Effects. No prerequisite; however, G-AR 101 Drawing I and AR 103 Elementary Design strongly recommended. (Spring)

AR 230 Graphic Design I

3 hours
An introduction to graphic design focusing on the foundation of graphics through design principles and elements. Topics over conceptual thinking, uses of typography and symbols, layout, advertising, branding, environmental and packaging design, motion and web layout will be covered. Prerequisite: AR 130 Design Software. (Fall)

AR 231 Ceramics II

2 hours
An advanced experience in exploring clay and glaze as an art medium. This will be accomplished through an exploration of: hand building techniques and/or throwing on the potter’s wheel, the various drying stages of clay, slip, stain and glaze application, the firing processes, and the historical and contemporary significance of clay as a functional and expressive medium for the ceramicist.  Prerequisite: G-AR 131 (Spring)

AR 235 Graphic Design II

3 hours
A course focusing on using design principles and elements for three-dimensional packaging in relation to print and advertising media. Photoshop and Illustrator will be used. Prerequisite: AR 230 Graphic Design I (Spring)

AR 245/HI 245 The History of Automotive Design

3 hours
Discover and examine the technological and stylistic evolution of automotive design. This course will explore ways in which automobiles, by way of their design, reflect the technology and communicate the values of the culture that produced them. Prerequisites: None. (Fall)

AR 260 UX/UI Prototyping

2 hours
Build the expertise needed to design interactions between the consumer and the product. Create more natural and intuitive user experiences through analysis, prototyping, usability testing, and evaluation. (Fall, even years)

AR 265 UX/UI Application

2 hours
Learn to apply techniques and tools to improve the usability, accessibility, and pleasure with which people interact with digital interfaces. Using a project-based approach, become skilled at interaction design, information architecture, and interface design. (Fall, odd years)

AR 303 Photography II

3 hours
A continuation in the study of photography with a focus on lighting techniques, advanced Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom editing, contemporary photography practices and professional presentation. Prerequisite: AR 203 Photography I or consent of the instructor. (Fall)

G-AR 310 Art History I*

4 hours, Language Intensive
A study of art, its meanings and functions in society, and major trends in the evolution of art. Encompasses prehistoric through the Middle Ages. (Fall)

G-AR 311 Art History II*

4 hours, Language Intensive
A study of major art movements and individual artists from the Renaissance to contemporary art. Interrelates art to diverse aspects of society, and explores meaning and function of art as an integral part of life. (Spring)

AR 312 Themes in Contemporary Art

3 hours
This course is a study of a variety of themes in contemporary visual art of the late 20th and early 21st centuries, designed for art majors and all students interested in contemporary art issues.  Students will study works produced by contemporary artists beginning with the postmodern period through to the present day. The students will also begin to find their own place as artists in today’s art world by producing one advanced piece of inter-media art and reflecting on it in writing. (Spring)

AR 315 Metalsmithing and Jewelry Making

3 hours
This studio course is an introduction to the techniques, materials, and aesthetics of jewelry and small metal sculpture design and fabrication. Students will design and fabricate jewelry and small sculpture utilizing stones and metals such as silver, copper, and brass. Basic metalsmithing techniques will be covered such as forging and shaping, silver solder, casting, enameling, as well as a variety of other assemblage methods.  (Fall)

AR 320 Typography and Logo Branding

2 hours
A course focusing on type design with an emphasis on design techniques using typography in layout and logo branding using the font editing program Glyphs and Adobe Illustrator. Prerequisite: AR130 Design Software (Fall)

AR 323 Analog Photography

3 hours
A further study in photography including alternative processes and analog techniques, including black and white 35-mm film developing and photographic print developing in the darkroom, as well as photograms, cyanotypes, and medium/large-format film cameras. Prerequisites: Photography I and II or consent of instructor. (Spring, odd years)

AR 330 Graphic Design III

3 hours
A course focusing on advanced projects in graphic design, including print, packaging and motion design. This course functions as a preparatory experience leading into AR 475G Graphic Design IV. Prerequisite: AR 235 Graphic Design II. (Fall)

AR 333 Commercial Studio Photography I

3 hours
This course focuses on important aspects of commercial studio photography, including but not limited to: professional practice, workflow, advanced use of digital camera, advanced lighting techniques for studio shoots. Prerequisites: Photography I and II or consent of instructor. (Spring, even years)

AR 335 Design Software II

3 hours
An introduction to moving image design software, including animation techniques using the following software: Adobe After Effects & Maxon Cinema 4D.  Prerequisite: AR 130 Design Software I. (Spring)

AR 340 Web Design I (Cross-Listed with CM 340 Web Design I)

3 hours
An introduction to web design, web usability, and standards-compliant web sites built with HTML and CSS.  Prerequisite: AR 130 Design Software. AR 230 Graphic Design I recommended but not required. (Interterm)

AR 345 Art as Community & Social Practice

2 hours
A study of contemporary art that brings together community and place making. Art as activism and part of a social practice will be explored, and students will make a large-scale art project based on themes discussed in class. (Fall)

G-AR 350 Sculpture I

3 hours
This class is an introduction to creating art in the round.  Students will work with three masters in their respective fields, each for five weeks, and create works in clay, wood and metal. (Fall)

AR 358/EE 301 Methods for Teaching Art in the Elementary School

2 hours
A comprehensive study of elementary art curricula and methods relevant to today’s educator in the public schools. Topics to be covered include: current techniques and materials, issues in art, basic art and design concepts, the developmental stages of children related to age-appropriate art teaching, and curriculum implementation. (Fall)

AR 375 Junior Seminar

2 hours
Professional development topics will be covered in preparation of a career in the visual arts. Prerequisite: Junior classification. (Spring)

AR 388 Internship in Graphic Design

3 hours
Students will apply to the graphic design program director for acceptance to enter an intern relationship with a local or regional business or graphic design firm for one semester, with close monitoring from the graphic design program director. Acceptance of application for the internship is determined by the art and design department faculty.  Therefore, the student must be granted acceptance prior to enrollment. Prerequisites: AR 230 Graphic Design I, AR 235 Graphic Design II, and AR 330 Graphic Design III.  An internship can be taken concurrently with Graphic Design III.  Instructor approval required. (Fall and Spring)

AR 401/CI 401 Methods for Teaching Art in the Secondary School

2 hours
A comprehensive study of secondary art curricula and methods relevant to today’s educator in the public schools. Topics to be covered include: the role of the art teacher in a public school system, developing a secondary art curriculum, exposure to Discipline Based Art Education, motivating students, developing realistic expectations, establishing criteria for grading, assessing individual needs in the classroom, and discipline in the classroom. (Spring)

AR 403 Senior Show: Photography 

1 hour
A course focused on preparation for the Senior Photography Exhibition.  Various photography projects will be created or updated.  Work produced will become the foundation for the students’ Senior Exhibition. A senior exhibition is required and is a component of this course. Professional practices related specifically to photography will be addressed. (Fall and Spring)

AR 440 Web Design II (Cross-listed with CM 440 Web Design II)

3 hours
A recap of HTML and CSS and a more detailed exploration of responsive design. Students will utilize grids for layout and explore advanced styling for building dynamic web pages. Focuses on the skills students need to competently create and maintain their work, using best practices advocated by professional web designers. Prerequsite: CM 340/AR 350 Web Design I. (Spring)

AR 470 Senior Show: Digital Design

1 hour
A course focused on preparation for the Senior Design Exhibition. Various design projects will be created or updated. Graphic, digital and/or photography work produced will become the foundation for the students’ Senior Exhibition. A senior exhibition is required and is a component of this course. Can be taken concurrently with AR 475G Graphic Design IV.  Students are encouraged to take it in both fall and spring semesters of their senior year. (Fall and Spring)

AR 475A Senior Show: Studio Arts

3 hours
This course provides an introduction to professional practices (writing artist statements, applications to exhibits, grant writing, gallery practice, amongst others) necessary for artists. It also requires the senior art major to concentrate their work in a selected area of study. With the aim of this experience being to increase professional proficiency, the student will work under the close supervision of the professor. Upon completion a senior exhibition is required and is a main component of this course. Students are required to enroll in this course in both semesters, which will allow them to focus on the preparation for their Senior Exhibition and on the development of a strong body of work. Instructor’s approval required.  (Fall 2 hours and Spring 1 hour of senior year)

AR 475G Graphic Design IV

3 hours
Advanced large-scale projects will be produced as final pieces to be used as the students’ graphic portfolio. Professional development issues will be covered, including preparation for freelance work, billing clients, and constructing a personal portfolio to be sent to prospective employers. Prerequisite: AR 330 Graphic Design III. (Spring)

Special Course Options
295/495 Field Experience (1-4 hours)
297 Study Abroad (12-16 hours)
299/499 Independent Study (1-4 hours)
388 Career Connections (3-10 hours)
445 Readings and Research (1-4 hours)