58 courses with the subject AR, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
An introduction to the history of art from the prehistoric period to the year 1300. This course provides a chronology of the major works in the Western tradition and provides the basic terminology and methodologies necessary to analyze these works in a social, historical, religious, and/or material context.
An introduction to art in the West from Renaissance to early 20th century. Students learn basic vocabulary and methodologies necessary to analyze key works and critically engage with issues raised. Special attention is given to representation of social relations, gender, religion, and politics, the context of production, use, and display.
This course introduces students to contemporary art from a global perspective, exploring how artists from diverse cultures and regions engage with critical issues such as identity, gender, ecology, memory, and globalization. Structured around thematic units and regional case studies, students will examine artworks from the late 20th century to the present day, considering how contemporary artistic practices reflect local contexts while contributing to international dialogues. Through readings, discussions, self-assessment quizzes, and a final research capstone, students will develop the ability to critically analyze contemporary artworks, appreciate their cultural specificity, and situate them within broader social, political, and historical frameworks.
This course introduces the fundamentals of two-dimensional art through drawing, painting, and design. Students will explore key principles like line, shape, value, texture, and color to create effective compositions. Topics may include visual hierarchy, negative and positive space, and observational studies, including figurative work with live models. Basic painting techniques such as color mixing and light representation will be introduced. Through hands-on projects and material experimentation, students will develop a strong foundation in both traditional and contemporary approaches to 2D art. 4 credits 105
A second-level drawing course following AR 111 Basic Art I/Drawing I. Continued development of basic drawing techniques along with more in-depth exploration of various 2-D media and conceptual approaches.
Building on the foundational skills from 2D I, this course emphasizes artistic voice and conceptual development. Students will refine their observational and technical skills in drawing, painting, and design while exploring complex compositions, advanced color theory, and the development of meaningful content within their work. Through hands-on projects, material experimentation, and critical discussions, students will expand their understanding of 2D processes, developing a more advanced and individualized artistic practice.
Every two years, Pittsburgh hosts one of the most important exhibitions of global contemporary art, The Carnegie International (CI). This course highlights the artists and artwork of the current CI and places these works in a historical context. The first half of the course will be devoted to issues in modern and avant‐garde art in Europe and North America, setting the foundation for an in-depth exploration of the CI. The second half of this course will explore the ways in which the modernist tradition has been challenged and re- evaluated by contemporary postmodern and feminist artists from around the world, highlighting the work of artists represented in the CI.
This course introduces students to concepts, skills, language, and principles of practice in digital arts and design. Students will use concepts and principles of practice necessary for digital arts and media design, creative research, and production. Utilizing Adobe Suites, students will develop technical and critical proficiencies in design by applying problem-solving skills and exploring issues and ideas in digital arts and design; this is achieved by completing a series of individual and collaborative projects in a hands-on, digital studio setting.
This course introduces students to innovative research methodologies that bridge artistic practice, design thinking, art historical inquiry, and curatorial studies. Emphasizing interdisciplinary and process-based approaches, students will explore how research informs creative work, exhibition-making, and scholarly analysis. Through hands-on projects, readings, and discussions, students will engage with a range of methodologies, including visual analysis, material culture studies, ethnography, participatory research, and archival exploration. The course will also examine decolonial, feminist, and experimental research strategies that challenge traditional knowledge production. By the end of the semester, students will develop their own creative research projects, applying diverse methodologies to deepen their artistic, curatorial, and scholarly practices. 3 credits AR 209 (WS 209) Women and Art An investigation of the history of art through the lens of feminist critical theory. Explores the production and status of women artists and patrons as well as the representation of women in art from the Renaissance to the present. Students critically engage with course materials through class dialogue, written assignments, and collaborative projects.
Studies the history of public art in the United States from the late 19th century until the present. Emphasis on the critical issues raised by public art over time as they relate to race, class, gender, and key historical events in American history. Highlights how public art is used to create and shape identity and space.
This course introduces the fundamentals of three-dimensional art, emphasizing form, space, structure, and material exploration. Students will engage with eco-conscious practices, working with recycled, repurposed, and natural materials to explore themes of growth, transformation, and ephemerality. Hands-on projects in sculpture, object design, and mixed media may incorporate fiber arts, 106
A second-year level experience in drawing of the human figure. Included in the course are concepts such as gesture, anatomy, proportion, and composition. Students will work with anatomical and live models. Various media will be explored.
A course designed to familiarize students with contemporary conceptual art skills, thinking through the process of artistic idea generation, personal approaches to subject matter and content, and developing individual art practices. Themes can include: the self, processes and systems, time, and space, etc. The course can be repeated for credit and has no prerequisites.
An introduction to creative expression using traditional and contemporary approaches to fiber and mixed media materials. Emphasis on combining content and form and application of craft techniques such as quilting, crocheting, basketry, sewing, etc., to production of expressive artworks. 3 credits AR 226 (EN 226) AR/EN 226 is a cross-listed course that draws on the pedagogy and disciplines of Art and English to create a print issue of The Critical Point, Carlow’s literary and art journal. In this course, you will learn how to create publicity for submissions of creative writing, critical writing, and artwork, as well as solicit and select submissions. In addition, you will learn editing and layout skills. The result of the course will be the creation of the 38th print issue of The Critical Point. 3 credits
An introduction to basic concepts and techniques in oil painting. There will be a specialization on color mixtures, creating form, space, and light. A variety of subjects will be explored. 3 credits
An exploration of advanced drawing and painting issues. Experimentation with media and technique.
This course provides students with the opportunity to evaluate their artistic progress, refine presentation skills, and prepare for future studies. Students will create a professional artist presentation, develop professional documentation, generate a portfolio, and curate their Sophomore Exhibition. Faculty and peer reviews offer constructive feedback to guide their artistic development. Emphasizing portfolio building, exhibition design, and self-assessment, this course strengthens students' artistic voice and professional practice. Art majors only.
This course introduces students to the core principles and methods of archival theory and practice, with a focus on the role of archives in art history and curatorial studies. By the end of the semester, students will develop practical skills in archival research and analysis, preparing them for careers in museums, libraries, galleries, and cultural institutions. Students will explore the histories, ethics, and politics of archival work, examining how archives shape cultural memory, identity, and institutional narratives. Through case studies, hands-on projects, and engagement with local collections, students will learn core archival practices such as acquisition, preservation, cataloging, and digital archiving. The course will also address contemporary debates on decolonizing archives, accessibility, and the impact of digital technologies on archival research and curatorial work. 3 credits 107
This lecture and studio course explores deaf and disability arts, examining their relationship to identity and culture. Students will engage in both critical discussion and hands-on creative practice, integrating disability studies concepts like person-first and identity- first language, as well as medical and social models of disability. Through analysis and studio work, they will explore disability aesthetics, universal design, and accessibility using various media, including physical computing. By course end, students will have a theoretical foundation and practical skills to express Deaf and disability identities through art, emphasizing accessibility, inclusion, and cultural activism.
This course examines visual art (primarily painting and photography) in the United States in the 20th century. Following a chronological format, we begin with the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition and end with a discussion of 9/11 memorials. Students study modern art movements such as Regionalism, Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art, and Minimalism, as well as postmodern art production that defies and questions the “isms” of modernist movements. Special emphasis on race, class, gender, and the socio-political context of artmaking and art reception. In addition, we highlight the importance of art institutions, exhibitions, and art collecting in shaping culture in the U.S. in the 20th century.
A special topics course in the area of the history of modern art. Students engage in an in-depth exploration of a particular topic, issue, theme, or artist of the modern period through advanced readings, class discussion, research, and written exercises.
A special topics course in studio art, focusing on hands-on exploration of materials, techniques, and conceptual approaches. Students engage in an in-depth investigation of a particular theme, process, or method through studio projects, experimentation, critique, and discussion. Emphasizing creative problem-solving and technical development, the course encourages students to expand their artistic practice through guided research and material exploration.
An introduction to the art theories and practices of artists working with social and political issues in the 20th and 21st centuries. Surveys global practices and art movements. Concentrates on the social engagement and art activism of artists from the 1960s to present day in the context of social and political movements examined through anti-racism and decolonial lenses.
This interdisciplinary course explores the evolving role of memory in contemporary culture, with a focus on how digital technologies shape the ways we remember, archive, and narrate history. Drawing from art history, curatorial studies, design, and memory studies, students will examine theories of memory, collective remembrance, and forgetting through visual culture, digital media, and emerging technologies. Topics include digital archiving, memorialization, virtual and augmented reality, AI-generated memory, and the ethics of digital preservation. Through critical readings, case studies, and creative projects, students will analyze how artists, designers, and curators engage with memory in an era of rapid technological change. The course culminates in a research or creative project that applies interdisciplinary methods to explore memory in the digital age. 3 credits AR 307 (CM 307) Media Criticism An introduction to the aesthetic and social analysis of mass media, film, and television through critical writing and discussion.
This course builds on the foundational knowledge and skills acquired in Digital Arts and Media I. This course is designed to challenge students and help them take their digital art and design skills to the next level. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, and hands-on projects, students will explore advanced topics in digital art and design, such as 3D modeling, animation, and interactive design. This class is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the latest tools and technologies used in the industry, and to help them develop their own unique style and voice. The course emphasizes experimentation and innovation, encouraging 108
The course is intended to develop the student’s quantitative understanding of scale in artwork as well as in exploring methods for quantitatively approaching studio project development.
This course provides a solid foundation in digital photography, focusing on various aspects of making images including storytelling techniques, smartphone photography and aesthetics, developing skills with DSLR cameras and post-production practices using Adobe Creative Suite, as well as providing an introduction into media studies, and photography theory and histories. As such, this course provides a solid foundation in digital photography, including developing skills to create visually compelling photographs, tell captivating stories, and understanding the theoretical and historical underpinnings of photography. 3 credits
An intermediate course that explores the relationship between two- and three-dimensional art, emphasizing material exploration and conceptual development. Building on foundational skills, students will investigate a range of materials and techniques, including mixed media collage, paper sculpture, and installation while investigating composition, color, form, scale, and structure. Hands-on projects encourage creative problem-solving through material-driven and conceptual exploration, integrating sustainable practices and contemporary approaches to artmaking. Through critical discussions, students will refine their technical skills and deepen their understanding of design principles across both 2D and 3D practices.
A focus on more advanced painting issues. Discussions of painting styles, personal voice, and other issues of expression. Refinements in basic skills while reviewing and exploring contemporary visual directions.
A studio course that immerses students in the study and application of a new medium through collaboration with an external art studio facility. Designed for students beyond the sophomore level, this course emphasizes independent project development, encouraging students to conceptualize, research, and execute a cohesive body of work. Through hands-on exploration, material experimentation, and advanced technical skill-building, students refine their artistic voice while deepening their understanding of media and process. Individual projects focus on personal artistic inquiry, with guidance from instructors and outside professionals, fostering both creative growth and professional practice.
An introduction to basic printmaking methods. The course will include lino block, monoprint, collagraph prints, and drypoint etching. Emphasizes understanding various techniques, development of concepts, and precision of print execution. 3 credits
This course offers an in-depth exploration of curatorial theory and practice, equipping students with the critical and practical skills necessary for exhibition-making, collection management, and institutional critique. Through readings, discussions, and hands-on projects, students will engage with contemporary debates in the field, including ethical considerations, community engagement, decolonial strategies, and digital curation. Case studies of significant exhibitions and curatorial models will provide insights into the evolving role of the curator in museums, galleries, and alternative spaces. Students will develop their own curatorial proposals, applying theoretical and methodological frameworks to real-world exhibition concepts. This course is ideal for students interested in pursuing careers in museums, galleries, or independent curatorial practice. 3 credits 109
Advanced project work in any visual media for students beyond the sophomore level. Students work on projects of their own design. The emphasis of the course is on conceptualizing, researching, and executing substantive art projects, as well as advancing students’ familiarity with techniques and media. 3 credits AR 331SL 3D II: Ceramics An introduction to ceramic design and techniques, including the hand-built methods of pinch, coil, drape, and slab as well as wheel throwing with stoneware clay. Emphasis on creativity, concepts, terminology, and process.
This course will introduce students to both traditional and advanced typography. Students will focus on the history and foundation of letterforms. The course will expose students to the relationship between appearance and readability of letterforms; placement of display and text typed in formatted space. As they work in a traditional context of hand rendering type, they will also be introduced to contemporary typesetting technology. As students understand the basics, they will be challenged to emphasis creativity and visual aesthetics with type. Typographical assignments will be geared to develop sensitivity to the integration of typography with a variety of visual imagery. 3 credits
This course will introduce the study of the art of movements that have structured the field of graphic design covering political, social, and economic influences as well as the analysis of contemporary design and design trends.
This course will be focused on teaching vector-based image creation techniques as they are related to advertising, design, and illustration fields.
This course is designed to introduce both advertising design and corporate identity. Students will explore the preparation of original concepts while utilizing the principles of design, typography, color, and problem-solving skills. They will stress attention to detail, deadlines, professional presentation, and cultural diversity in artwork. This course will introduce students to the business ethics, contracts, and billing within the design and advertising fields. Students will also have an opportunity to learn about the role of design in corporate identity. An analysis of corporate objectives and practical applications will be the basis for developing a structured corporate image system including logo design and brand standards.
In this course, Students will explore various means of indicating, placing, and manipulating visual elements in page design. They will develop strong and creative layout solutions by means of the conceptual design process. The course is designed to help students obtain the ability to effectively integrate photographs, illustrations, and type using InDesign.
This course explores how artists engage communities through workshops, public programming, and participatory art experiences. Building on their experience in art, design, and exhibition practices, students will develop and lead workshops that connect audiences with artistic processes, exhibitions, or community-based projects. The course introduces techniques for creating inclusive and engaging programming that connects art with the community. Through hands-on experience, students will design and implement workshops, facilitate discussions, and develop interactive experiences. Projects may include teaching artistic techniques, designing exhibition-based programming, or guiding participants in collaborative creative practices. By the end of the course, students will have designed and facilitated a community-based workshop or public program, gaining practical experience in bridging art and audience.
110
This course introduces essential professional practices for sustaining a creative career. Topics include branding, marketing, business practices, arts management, and navigating professional opportunities. Students will explore proposal and grant writing through real- world applications while developing professional materials such as CVs, cover letters, artist and curatorial statements, and beginning preparations for their senior exhibition. Emphasizing practical skills, this course provides the knowledge and resources to help students define their artistic direction and prepare for future opportunities. Art majors only.
In this course, students will work in a studio environment and will focus on the production and postproduction of graphic design, illustration, print media, and digital fabrication. Students will have an opportunity to work in small teams with designated roles and responsibilities. They will utilize written and oral communication skills while working on outsourced client-based projects or Carlow University in-house clients.
Transmedia Storytelling examines how narratives evolve across multiple platforms, such as film, literature, animation, digital media, and interactive experiences. Students will develop stories within one or more mediums while considering how different formats shape storytelling and audience engagement. The course introduces techniques for adapting and expanding narratives across media. Hands-on experiences may include storyboarding, script development, prototyping interactive narratives, and integrating text, sound, and visual design. Through creative projects, students will refine their storytelling skills while experimenting with structure, sequential art, character and world-building, and collaborative storytelling. By the end of the course, they will have a completed project demonstrating their ability to craft compelling narratives across creative and professional contexts.
This course will expose students to materials, textures, and lighting strategies to add detail and realism to objects while working with simple models. During assignments, students will study real world surfaces and recreate them along with textures.
This course will refine students' illustration techniques through the introduction of a timeline based digital compositing process. This course will further emphasize the importance in design elements while working with 20 elements in a 30 environment to create various projects which will include examples in: rotoscoping, keying, tracking, multiple layers, 30-camera and lighting, and kinetic typography. Students will also have the opportunity to incorporate live action film footage to projects.
This course will allow the students to explore animation throughout history. It will introduce animated film from its most simplistic form to current adaptations also in a variety of mediums. Students will have the opportunity to implement the principles of animation within projects that will concentrate on real world movements and how to manipulate them to create the illusion of life. 3 credits
This course challenges students to explore animation as a medium for creative expression, storytelling, and social impact. Through hands-on experience with industry-standard 2D and 3D animation software, students will propose, plan, and produce an original animated project, moving through pre-production, production, and post-production to create a piece between 30 seconds and 5 minutes in length. They may experiment with techniques—including hand-drawn animation, stop motion, digital media, motion graphics, and 3D modeling—to best realize their artistic vision. Class sessions will feature technical demonstrations, workshops, 111
This course is an introduction to 2-dimensional hand drawn animation which focuses on the principles of animation and incorporates acting elements through the study of animation. Students will reproduce characters’ personality, expression, body language, and posture through classroom exercises. As the students apply principles to create an animated sequence, they will demonstrate timing through the use of various image acquisition techniques, pencil tests, inking, and other 2D animation skills will be introduced.
This course will allow students to utilize basic design principles to conceptualize 3D design elements. Students will construct 3D models focusing on the geometric construction. The course will also introduce basic 3D animation techniques which will include hierarchical linking, keyframing, function curves, animated modifiers, basic morphing, animated cameras, and an introduction to character animation.
This course will introduce the fundamentals of character setup. Using industry standard techniques, students will use advanced anatomical modeling to create 3D characters. The characters will be tested by animation assignments. After animated studies, students will incorporate their character animation in a real-life sequence.
This course will help students prepare for the industry through personal branding and portfolio. Students will demonstrate the skill and knowledge they have obtained throughout the program in conceptual design and creative problem solving while compiling and refining portfolio artwork. Instructors will work individually with students to advise them on what should be chosen to showcase their unique style and skill. This course is designed to help students identify short- and long-term professional employment goals as well as industry related resources.
This course is designed to continue students’ portfolio pre-production professional development. The students will prepare for entry level employment within the industry through finalizing their professional portfolio along with its presentation. Students will demonstrate advanced skills in conceptual thinking, design, creative problem solving, and utilizing constructive criticism as portfolios are refined. Students will be exposed to additional industry resources such as industry database, employment guide, discussion in copyright, and film festivals.
An opportunity for the student to create and present a professional presentation of artwork and progress to date. The student and the studio arts faculty assess the work and its presentation. Can be expanded to include a project approved and advised by a faculty member. 2 to 8 credits REQUIRED OF ALL ART MAJORS. ART MAJORS ONLY.
Opportunity for professional student experience in various organizations.
Advanced project work in visual media, conducted with the guidance of an appropriate studio faculty member. The emphasis of the course is on conceptualizing, researching, and executing substantive art projects, as well as advancing students’ familiarity with techniques and media.
Graduate level Art Historical research conducted with the guidance of an Art History faculty member. 3 credits AR 740 MA Thesis Students will demonstrate in-depth knowledge of their area of study relevant to their intended professional practice, as well as the ability to think critically, integrate and evaluate research, theory, and practice, and to communicate their work clearly. The MA Thesis will utilize research into current and historical theory and studio practice to provide the background and theoretical framework for the work presented in student's MA Exhibition.
Students will demonstrate in-depth knowledge of their area of study relevant to their intended professional practice, as well as the ability to think critically, integrate and evaluate research, theory, and practice, and to communicate their work clearly. The MA Thesis will utilize research into current and historical theory and studio practice to provide the background and theoretical framework for the work presented in the student's MA Exhibition.
MA Exhibition provides the student with the opportunity to have a professional presentation of work accomplished during MA studies as well as the opportunity for an in-depth critique of this work. 3 credits
Source: Carlow University's catalog, linked per course · table learning_unit · CourseShelf publish 59
