Mar 28, 2024  
2017-2018 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2017-2018 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Art Studio - Major (BFA in Studio Arts)


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The BFA in Studio Arts prepares students in the common body of knowledge and skills required for entry as a career artist/designer. BFA students develop technical competence, informed aesthetic judgment, and an understanding of the context in which contemporary work is created. They also receive sound instruction in other academic disciplines in order to have a full opportunity for success in the profession. The BFA in Studio Arts puts the focus on developing thesis work that reflects interdisciplinary research and inquiry, as well as indicating a high degree of proficiency in one medium.

Students choose a concentration in the area of painting, printmaking, photography, jewelry/metalsmithing, sculpture, or ceramics. Intermediate level studio courses focus on introduction of art techniques and exposure to historical and contemporary work specific to the medium.  In advanced studios, the emphasis shifts to refining technique and articulating concepts, as well as preparing a career portfolio and a BFA thesis exhibition.

The BFA, which is often preferred for admission to graduate schools, equips students to compete in an art market in which technology and globalization provide increasing opportunities for cultural production and exchange. Diverse job opportunities include working as teaching artists, free-lance designers, studio artists, art administrators, architects, filmmakers, movie set sculptors, industry designers, art conservators, exhibition designers, curators, etc. Our students are particularly likely to combine art with other disciplines, giving them the tools to enter cross-disciplinary careers.

To be a fine artist requires vision, discipline, and daily practice. It also requires a supportive environment where creativity is encouraged and nurtured. Guided by professors who are artist/mentors, Nazareth BFA students develop a strong portfolio and an understanding of basic professional art practices, including the ability to organize projects and to communicate concepts and designs.

The BFA in Studio Arts degree requires 78 credits in art, including foundation courses in drawing, design, and digital imaging, and a minimum of four art history courses. Before declaring a studio concentration students must select five 200 level studios in order to explore a variety of media across 2D and 3D areas.

Notes:

  • Students who transfer into the BFA program must complete eight studio courses at Nazareth College to graduate with a BFA degree.
  • Students wishing to pursue a BFA will be reviewed at the end of the Fall semester, Junior year. Students must have a 3.0 average in major (studio and art history classes) and submit a portfolio.

Core Curriculum Requirements


All Nazareth students complete Core Curriculum coursework as part of their degree requirements. The Core provides a foundation in the liberal arts and sciences while guiding students to pose and explore their own intellectual questions. See Academic Policies and Procedures  for specific core curriculum requirements. 

Art Core


 The Art Core is designed to provide fundamental knowledge in preparation for more advanced coursework in Art.

Studio Concentration


 

Studio concentrations of 18 credits are in the following areas: Painting, Printmaking, Photography, Sculpture, and Ceramics.

BFA students have the option to create a combined concentration from two areas with the approval of the full time studio faculty. The BFA Thesis Project and Seminar course (3 credits) is required as part of the 18 credit concentration.

Art Electives: Studios


Students take nine credits from any upper division ART or AVCD studio.

Art Electives: Studios or “supportive art courses”


Students choose one course from the following:

Sample Program


Freshman Year


  • Social Science Perspectives - Enduring Questions (P-EQ) Credits: 3
  • Science Perspectives - Enduring Questions (P-EQ) Credits: 4

As well as:

Sophomore Year


  • ART XXX - 200 level studio Credits: 12
  • ART XXX - studio in concentration Credits: 3
  • History Perspectives - Enduring Questions (P-EQ) Credits: 3
  • Literature Perspectives - Enduring Questions (P-EQ) Credits: 3
  • Philosophy Perspectives - Enduring Questions (P-EQ) Credits: 3
  • Experiential Learning (EL) Pathway
  • Health/Wellness Credits: 0

Junior Year


  • ART XXX - studio in concentration Credits: 6
  • ART XXX - studio elective Credits: 3
  • Mathematics Perspectives - Enduring Questions (P-EQ) Credits: 3
  • Religious Studies Perspectives - Enduring Questions (P-EQ) Credits: 3
  • Integrative Studies (IS) Credits: 3
  • Art Supportive Liberal Arts Elective Credits: 3

 As well as:

Senior Year


  •  ART XXX - studio in concentration Credits: 6
  • ART XXX - studio elective or internship Credits: 3
  • ART XXX - studio elective Credits: 3
  • Liberal Arts Elective Credits: 3 (Possible IS course)
  • Integrative Studies (IS) Credits: 3
  • Core Milestone Experience (CME)  Credits: 0

As well as:

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