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Department of Art, Design, and Visual Studies PLOs

Art Education BFA

  1. Demonstrate technical proficiency and conceptual understanding across a variety of studio art media and techniques.
  2. Create and present a cohesive body of original artwork that reflects an understanding of art elements, principles of design, and creative problem-solving.
  3. Analyze and articulate historical, cultural, and contemporary contexts of visual art and design, including contributions of diverse artists and movements.
  4. Apply critical thinking to evaluate artworks, emphasizing global perspectives, cultural diversity, and the impact of art on society.
  5. Design, implement, and assess art education curricula that incorporate developmental appropriateness, cultural relevance, and inclusivity.
  6. Employ a range of instructional strategies, including technology integration, to foster creativity, critical thinking, and engagement in diverse classroom environments.
  7. Exhibit professionalism, ethical responsibility, and effective communication skills in educational and collaborative settings.
  8. Demonstrate preparedness for teacher certification requirements, including knowledge of state standards, classroom management, and assessment strategies.
  9. Reflect critically on teaching practices to adapt and improve instruction, informed by educational theories and student needs.

Graphic Design BFA

  1. Graduates attain professional skills in the visual, conceptual, developmental, interactive and technical aspects of graphic design.
  2. Graduates must demonstrate an understanding of the historical and theoretical contexts of graphic design.
  3. Graduates should attain a level of visual and cultural literacy commensurate with a professional role in creating and disseminating content in the public sphere.
  4. Graduates must demonstrate an ability to clearly express both verbally and in writing the meanings of design decisions.
  5. Graduates must experience the practical application of design strategies and design skills, in directed projects, collaborations and professionally-vetted internships.

History of Art & Visual Culture BA

  1. Identify the monuments and principal artists of the major Western art historical periods.
  2. Identify the monuments and principal artists of at least one non-Western culture.
  3. Cultivate a broad global historical perspective.
  4. Acquire advanced knowledge in at least one area of emphasis to the advanced seminar level.
  5. Demonstrate knowledge of the principal theorists and debates relevant to the area of emphasis.
  6. Develop skills in at least one foreign language to help cultivate a broad global art-historical perspective.
  7. Actively research and write analytical and critical essays using the tools and techniques of art historical scholarship.
  8. Gain practical functional experience in the applications of art and art history.

Illustration BFA

  1. Demonstrate proficiency in traditional and digital illustration techniques.
  2. Apply principles of design, composition, and color theory to solve visual problems.
  3. Create compelling visual narratives for a range of audiences and contexts.
  4. Develop a personal voice and artistic identity.
  5. Demonstrate professional work habits, time management, and creative resilience.
  6. Present a professional portfolio and articulate career goals in the creative arts.
  7. Engage with diverse perspectives and communicate concepts effectively.
  8. Analyze historical and contemporary art in context.

Visual Art BA BFA

  1. Develop an understanding of the practices and procedures of installing an exhibition of visual art.
  2. Graduates will investigate and utilize their developing proficiency of design principles, concepts and media in specific fine art applications.
  3. Demonstrate the ability to speak and write critically about design and visual images.
  4. Demonstrate an understanding of inherent meanings functions of materials and objects within cultural, historical contexts and formal qualities.

Visual Arts MFA

  1. To acquire technical skills in media of choice.
  2. To develop advanced capacities to work independently and make effective artistic and intellectual judgments and professional decisions in the artwork.
  3. To produce a professional body of artwork suitable for exhibition.
  4. To become aware of and be able to situate the artwork in relation to contemporary art theory and practice and to the broader culture.
  5. To be able to write and speak clearly and critically about the essential ideas, processes, and intentions in the artwork.
  6. To be able to do research and engage with experimentation that supports the studio practice.
  7. Demonstrate professional competence before peers and faculty with a thesis exhibition, oral defense, and written analysis.