Art Teaching (BS)

Art Education is devoted to the training of qualified and motivated artists who are also Kindergarten through high school educators. We are also devoted to the development of concepts, attitudes, and skills in the visual arts within a broad university curriculum of liberal arts orientation. There are four objectives: professional training of artists and scholars in chosen areas of specialization, preparation of art educators, elective study for students in all areas of the university, and service to the local communities as a source of cultural enrichment. 

Current Catalog Year
2024-2025
Degree
Bachelor of Science
Major / Total Credits
81 / 120
Locations
Mankato
Accreditation
NASAD, NCATE
National Association of Schools of Art and Design, National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education

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The Art Education program prepares students to teach visual arts in elementary, middle, and secondary schools. 

Program Requirements

Required General Education

Introduction to art history from prehistoric and ancient cultures through the Middle Ages. Includes representative examples and styles of art and architecture of Western (Europe and the Near East) and non-Western cultures (China, India, Japan, Southeast Asia, Africa, Mesoamerica, South America, North America, Australia).

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06, GE-08

Diverse Cultures: Purple

Lecture-based survey of the Art and Architecture of both Western and non-Western countries from the thirteenth through twentieth centuries.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06, GE-08

Addresses drugs and drug use from psychological, behavioral, pharmacological, historical, legal and clinical perspectives - while examining the effects of drug use on personal health and social functioning.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-05

Study of interpersonal skills, motivation, and group skills. Applied to educational settings. There will be 30 hours of field experience outside of class (collaborative for KSP 222 and 220W). Meets State of Minnesota human relations requirement for teacher licensure.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-07, GE-11

Diverse Cultures: Gold

Major Common Core

Introduction to concept and processes related to the visual and physical organization of three-dimensional form and space.

Prerequisites: none

Introduction to traditional drawing techniques and concepts.

Prerequisites: none

An introduction to basic wheel throwing techniques exploring the potential of clay as a creative and expressive material.

Prerequisites: none

Introduction to silkscreen and lithography printmaking processes including silkscreen, monotype, and plate lithography.

Prerequisites: none

Art expression related to child growth, development and teaching strategies. (Required for student teaching and certification.) Junior status or consent required.

Prerequisites: ART 100 or ART 101, Jr. status or consent

The characteristics of art expression and evaluation at the junior and senior high level: the status, curricula and strategies of teaching. (Required for student teaching.)

Prerequisites: ART 421

Historical survey of art, architecture and urban planning in Europe and America from the mid-nineteenth century to the present: Realism, Impressionism, Expressionism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, Minimalism, Op Art, Pop Art, and Post-modern issues and trends.

Prerequisites: ART 261 or consent

A required course in all art major degree programs. Students plan and present art work in an exhibition. Can not be taken same semester as student teaching.

Prerequisites: Consent

Design Foundations - Choose 3 Credit(s).

2-D visual problem solving and art-making strategies using the elements and principles of design. For elementary education majors and general education.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06

For art, art history and art education majors.

Prerequisites: none

Art Education - Choose 3 Credit(s).

Current theory and practice of teaching art to students with physical, emotional, and developmental exceptionalities. Includes experiences in elementary classrooms.

Prerequisites: ART 421

Major Restricted Electives

STUDIO CONCENTRATION - Choose 12 Credit(s). Select a minimum of 12 studio credits in your specialization area at the 300/400 level in consultation with the art advisor. Certain 300-level courses need to be taken twice before proceeding to the 400-level. Consult your advisor.

Introduction to product design as it relates to user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design from a visual communication design perspective. Applicable visual prototypes will encompass various situations that may range from icon wayfinding systems to mobile app designs. The course will explore issues of differing philosophical perspectives of technology as a tool, a medium, and/or an environment.

Prerequisites: ART 202

This course investigates the use of letterforms in the message making process. Topics include historical overview of letter development, type terminology, type and image relationships, and technical and aesthetic applications of type.

Prerequisites: ART 202

This course encourages experimental approaches that build on drawing skills developed in ART 110 and ART 210. Formal and conceptual issues will be addressed as students pursue individualized subject matter. Course may be repeated.

Prerequisites: ART 210

This course expands upon the beginning and intermediate design experience. Emphasis is placed on concept development and the exploration of meaningful solutions applied across a variety of media. The technical skills of preparing work for production will be strengthened.

Prerequisites: ART 220, ART 302, ART 304

Intermediate painting. Emphasizing individual creative development. Must be taken twice before advancing to ART 440. Pre: ART 240 or consent F, S

Prerequisites: ART 240 or consent

An intermediate course emphasizing personal exploration and creative research relating to hand building, molding processes and/or the potters wheel. Must be taken twice before advancing to ART 450.

Prerequisites: ART 250 or ART 251

Continued exploration of intaglio, lithographic, relief and silk-screen processes. Must be taken twice before advancing to ART 470.

Prerequisites: ART 270 or ART 271

This is an intermediate course focusing exclusively on materials, technique, processes, equipment, and safety in contemporary digital printmaking processes.

Prerequisites: ART 202, ART 271

This intermediate course builds on basic knowledge learned in ART 275. Topics covered include medium and large format film cameras and film development, film scanning, as well as digital editing, manipulation, and fine art digital print and darkroom print output. Additionally we will discuss lighting, composition, creative problem solving, and creating a cohesive series. In rotation with ART 377.

Prerequisites: ART 275

This intermediate course builds on basic knowledge learned in ART 275. Topics covered include digital camera operations, digital editing, manipulation and layering of images, and fine art digital print output. Additionally we will discuss lighting, composition, creative problem solving, and creating a cohesive series. In rotation with ART 375. A digital SLR camera is required.

Prerequisites: ART 275

Investigation of three-dimensional form, space and media in search of a personal aesthetic statement. Must be taken twice before advancing to ART 480.

Prerequisites: ART 280

This course is an advanced study of motion design. The study and exploration of digital narrative and non-linear storytelling are key components. Students build on existing motion design skills to create conceptually and technically advanced time-based solutions. This course is repeatable.

Prerequisites: ARTR 392

This course is an advanced study of typography. Students build on existing type sensibilities while exploring traditional and non-traditional applications of type.

Prerequisites: ART 220, ART 302, ART 304

Concentrated study of front-end web design standards as it pertains to typography, graphics, creativity, and strategic planning. Students will prototype interactive media through the utilization of visual design systems and UI/UX methodologies.

Prerequisites: ART 220, ART 302, ART 304

Continued in-depth exploration of drawing techniques and concepts. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: ART 310

This course is split between engagement in advanced design problems and preparation for entry into the graphic design field. This course is repeatable.

Prerequisites: ART 320, ART 404, ART 406

Advanced painting. Continued development of a focused individual expression. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: ART 340

An advanced course which emphasizes individual research in technical, aesthetic and conceptual considerations. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: ART 350

Continued investigation of advanced print making techniques and concepts. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: ART 370

Expanding technical knowledge and visual awareness while building a portfolio in selected areas. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: none

Continuing development of a strongly personal means of aesthetic expression in three dimensions. May be repeated.

Prerequisites: ART 380

Studio Electives - Select 12 credits from multiple areas.

Graphic Design

This graphic design course is an introduction to digital media technology as a creative tool for the development of visual expression. The course is taught using the Mac OS and explores vector and bitmap image making.

Prerequisites: none

This course explores the basic principles of graphic design. Emphasis is placed on developing an awareness and effective use of type, image, and symbol. Students focus on the design process as a way to develop and refine design solutions.

Prerequisites: ART 202

Drawing

Continued exploration of drawing techniques and concepts.

Prerequisites: ART 110

Experience in drawing from the human figure.

Prerequisites: ART 110

Mixed Media

Multimedia art exploration is a problem solving art studio experience involving the use of a variety of traditional and non-traditional art materials.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06

Painting

Beginning experience with oil and/or acrylic paint. Emphasis upon technical and conceptual development.

Prerequisites: ART 100 or ART 101, ART 110 or consent

Introduction to basic techniques in watercolor.

Prerequisites: ART 100 or ART 101, ART 110 or consent

Ceramics

An introduction to basic sculptural hand building techniques exploring the nature of clay as a creative-expressive medium.

Prerequisites: none

Printmaking

Introduction to intaglio and relief printmaking processes including collagraph, etching, relief carving, and engraving.

Prerequisites: none

Photography

Introduction to the techniques and expressive potential of both digital and darkroom photography. Topics include basic camera controls, lighting, composition, editing, and fine art printing in the digital lab and darkroom. A digital camera with manual controls of aperture and shutter speed is required for part of the semester (a film camera will be provided).

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06

Sculpture

Exploration of the visual and physical organization of three-dimensional form and space through problems employing various media and processes.

Prerequisites: ART 103 or consent

Installation

This studio course familiarizes students with the basic concerns of installation art, including relationship to site and audience. A variety of materials and approaches will be explored. Environmental impact, health, and safety will be addressed. In addition to studio work, historical and contemporary examples will be discussed to provide context and encourage awareness of the disciplines past and present potential.

Prerequisites: ART 103 or consent

Other Graduation Requirements

See the K-12 Teaching Programs section of the catalog for admission requirements for professional education and for a list of required professional education courses.
All students seeking a teaching license must meet and maintain the requirements to be admitted into professional education.

Minor

No minor is required.

Degree Plan

First Year

Fall - 17 Credits

For art, art history and art education majors.

Prerequisites: none

Students in this course approach writing as a subject of study by investigating how writing works across a variety of contexts.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-1A

Introduction to concept and processes related to the visual and physical organization of three-dimensional form and space.

Prerequisites: none

Introduction to traditional drawing techniques and concepts.

Prerequisites: none

Spring - 16 Credits

This graphic design course is an introduction to digital media technology as a creative tool for the development of visual expression. The course is taught using the Mac OS and explores vector and bitmap image making.

Prerequisites: none

An introduction to basic wheel throwing techniques exploring the potential of clay as a creative and expressive material.

Prerequisites: none

Second Year

Fall - 15 Credits

Addresses drugs and drug use from psychological, behavioral, pharmacological, historical, legal and clinical perspectives - while examining the effects of drug use on personal health and social functioning.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-05

Introduction to art history from prehistoric and ancient cultures through the Middle Ages. Includes representative examples and styles of art and architecture of Western (Europe and the Near East) and non-Western cultures (China, India, Japan, Southeast Asia, Africa, Mesoamerica, South America, North America, Australia).

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06, GE-08

Diverse Cultures: Purple

Spring - 14 Credits

Lecture-based survey of the Art and Architecture of both Western and non-Western countries from the thirteenth through twentieth centuries.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-06, GE-08

Introduction to silkscreen and lithography printmaking processes including silkscreen, monotype, and plate lithography.

Prerequisites: none

Third Year

Fall - 15 Credits

Teacher candidates will develop skills to access information and integrate technology to improve learning for PK-12 students. Teacher candidates research, select, and evaluate information about diverse populations to design classroom applications using a wide variety of instructional technology.

Prerequisites: none

Study of interpersonal skills, motivation, and group skills. Applied to educational settings. There will be 30 hours of field experience outside of class (collaborative for KSP 222 and 220W). Meets State of Minnesota human relations requirement for teacher licensure.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-07, GE-11

Diverse Cultures: Gold

Teacher candidates develop understanding of cognitive, language, personal and social development for implications on teaching in the inclusive classroom. Dispositions and skills will be developed for recognizing and accommodating exceptionality in student learning.

Prerequisites: none

Art expression related to child growth, development and teaching strategies. (Required for student teaching and certification.) Junior status or consent required.

Prerequisites: ART 100 or ART 101, Jr. status or consent

Spring - 16 Credits

The course is designed to guide K-12 and 5-12 teacher candidates through the design, implementation, and assessment of a standards-based curriculum. Candidates will analyze standards, create assessments, and design and delivery of instruction in a field-site.

Prerequisites: none

Course content addresses formal and informal, standardized evaluation of learner achievement in the classroom and programmatic evaluation. Assigned projects will accommodate the student's present/future professional career track.

Prerequisites: none

Current theory and practice of teaching art to students with physical, emotional, and developmental exceptionalities. Includes experiences in elementary classrooms.

Prerequisites: ART 421

Fourth Year

Fall - 15 Credits

The characteristics of art expression and evaluation at the junior and senior high level: the status, curricula and strategies of teaching. (Required for student teaching.)

Prerequisites: ART 421

Teacher candidates will further develop processes for creating and sustaining a classroom learning environment that enables success for all learners, including interacting with diverse families, school colleagues, and representatives from community agencies to support student engagement and learning. Co-reqs: KSP 440 & KSP 442

Prerequisites: none

Teacher candidates will develop skills in differentiated instruction, reading and content-based literacy in inclusive classrooms. Teacher candidates will integrate prior knowledge of diverse learners, developmental models of learning, and curriculum and instruction into a comprehensive understanding of teaching. Co-reqs: KSP 440 & KSP 442

Prerequisites: none

Historical survey of art, architecture and urban planning in Europe and America from the mid-nineteenth century to the present: Realism, Impressionism, Expressionism, Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, Minimalism, Op Art, Pop Art, and Post-modern issues and trends.

Prerequisites: ART 261 or consent

A required course in all art major degree programs. Students plan and present art work in an exhibition. Can not be taken same semester as student teaching.

Prerequisites: none

Spring - 12 Credits

Content focus is on professional rights, responsibilities, and development; student rights and responsibilities; and legal issues regarding data privacy and confidentiality. Skills of professional development, inquiry, reflection, coaching, and collaboration will be developed, practiced, and monitored.

Prerequisites: none

Student teaching in the K-12 schools including weekly seminar for K-12 majors. Prereq: Admission to student teaching and KSP 420. Coreq: KSP 475

Prerequisites: Admission to student teaching.

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