Graphic Design
Northwestern’s undergraduate art degree is designed to provide a strong foundation in studio art and art history. Upon graduation, you’ll be qualified to seek a vocation in art education, the broad field of graphic design, or to seek admittance to a graduate program in art studio, art history or art therapy.
Since our emphasis is on individual creative thinking and activity, you will be well prepared to deal successfully with a rapidly changing society in the future. The art major and minor programs will allow you to explore your individual ideas, feelings and approaches to life in studio courses such as drawing, printmaking, painting, ceramics, design, computer design sculpture and photography.
The Thea G. Korver Visual Arts Center has fourteen well-equipped studios in which art is made in a variety of media and processes, including a fully equipped graphic design lab, and sculpture and ceramic studios. The intaglio printmaking program has some of the better equipped studios of any small college department in the Midwest. Several thousand art history slides, videos, etc. are part of the college’s audio-visual collection. The art gallery features monthly exhibitions of works by student and professional artists. The visiting artist program allows students to work with professional artists who often conduct workshops and seminars.
Art department homepage
Major requirements:
ART 206 - Drawing
(4 credits) Drawing will emphasize learning how to perceive the three- dimensional world and render it on paper using the most simple and direct drawing media. Drawing will form the foundation of work in other media. Design fundamentals will be a significant part of the course.
Note: Class critiques are used to learn formal vocabulary, find content in drawings and understand fine art. A fee is associated with this course.
ART 220 - Graphic Design I
(4 credits) Graphic Design I is an introduction to the computer applications used in the communication, design and publishing fields. There will be an introduction to graphic design problems and projects in order to learn how these applications all work together.
ART 244 - Painting
(4 credits) Introduces students to the techniques of oil, acrylic and water color painting. Students will learn to understand compositional form and color relationships. Historical examples of painting are examined and different methods of painting are demonstrated. Class critiques are used to learn formal vocabulary and achieve an understanding of subject style and content in painting.
Note: A fee is associated with this course.
ART 320 - Graphic Design II
(4 credits) Graphic Design II is a course for students to gain the understanding of what good design is and how to clearly communicate with it. Students will produce finished examples of graphic design with a specific use in mind such as advertising, public information, business communication, etc. Prerequisite: ART220.
ART 331WI - Art Since 1940
(4 credits; alternate years, consult department) (Writing intensive) A survey of contemporary art and the art of the second half of the 20th century. The course will focus on studying the development of artists and their works by examining their works and identifying the artistic, social, political and philosophical ideas and events that may have been influential. In the process, artistic styles and movements will be defined and compared. Prerequisites: ART120AE and 122.
ART 342 - Printmaking
(4 credits) This course will provide an introduction to the foundational printmaking techniques of: intaglio, lithography, relief, and monotype. Demonstrations and individual assistance will help you gain technical proficiency, while in-class discussions and critiques will help you cultivate unique visual ideas. Reading assignments and responsive essays will allow you to consider questions inherent in printmaking and hone your ability to put visual phenomena into words.
Note: A fee is associated with this course.
ART 417 - Internship (2-4 credits)
(2 credits may apply toward the major) An internship to provide the student with opportunities to learn and to apply the knowledge, principles, and abilities gained from the curriculum. Opportunities are available in professional art studios, graphic design studios, galleries, museums and printing houses.
Cognate requirements:
COM 202 - Video Production
(2 credits) This course introduces students to some of the basic equipment, aesthetic techniques and procedures used in creating short videos. Students will practice these skills through a series of projects, assessing how the techniques could be applied to their unique areas of study.
COM 263 - Layout and Design
(3 credits) Covers basic principles of design as they apply to a wide variety of publications. Emphasis on selecting type, art and graphics appropriate to subject matter, purpose and audience.
COM 315 - Writing and Design for the Web
(3 credits; alternate years, consult department) Study of writing and design for a Web environment. Students will analyze Internet sites and design sites of their own, using a standard program for Web design. Prerequisites: ENG184 or equivalent and any of the following: COM263, ART220, ART230, or permission of instructor.
THE 245 - Motion Graphics
(2 credits, alternate years, consult department) This course will explore the equipment and techniques used in artistic projections. Students will cover different software applications used to create and display motion graphics as well as discuss the aesthetic nature and purpose of this medium in order to create a rich, artistic experience. Prerequisite: ART105AE.
Choose One Course:
BUS 200 - Principles of Marketing
(2 credits) This course introduces students to marketing terminology; defines the elements necessary in moving a product, service or idea from concept to market sales; and enables students to understand and replicate the marketing process at an entry level.
BUS 210 - New Venture Innovation
(2 credits) This course is a foundational course designed to inspire and engage students in dimensions that drive new ideas as well as the methods and tools to develop innovation and problem solving. Students will address practical problems associated with starting a business, including a feasibility analysis. The focus is to empower learning through entrepreneurial thinking and immerse students in experiences that will develop skills for new ventures. This course will be of value to students of all majors and requires no specialized knowledge.
Total credits required: 38-40
Notes:
Students will produce a portfolio of their work in ART 320 and will submit a final portfolio prior to graduation.
An art major can receive a teaching endorsement in elementary education and secondary education. Students must also complete the education requirements. See education department listing for requirements.
