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Art
Member of the Division of Humanities
Timothy Chasson, Chair, Jenny Anger, Matthew Kluber, Bobbie McKibbin , Lee Emma Running,
Susan Strauber, Lesley Wright
The Department of Art provides curricular opportunities for the development of technical skills, aesthetic judgment, and historical understanding. Participation in both studio and art history courses stimulates critical thinking and refines creative potential in the visual arts. The Grinnell College Art Collection of approximately 3,000 original works of art and the changing exhibitions of the Faulconer Gallery and the Print and Drawing Study Room supplement formal course study.
Students who major in art may elect a studio or an art history concentration, with opportunities for advanced work in 300- and 400- level courses. Students who receive a 5 on the Advanced Placement exam in Art History will be exempted from Art 103. Students with a score of 4 may, upon consultation with the department, be exempted from Art 103. Students electing an art history concentration must consult with the department about appropriate foreign language study. Majors are expected to enrich their concentration through selected courses offered by other departments. For example, appropriate courses in film, history, literature, philosophy, and religious studies, or syntheses of these materials in Humanities courses contribute to the art history concentration. Furthermore, anthropology, economics, and the sciences, especially chemistry, promote possibilities for careers in art conservation and arts management, in addition to teaching and research.
Students are encouraged to consider the advantages of a semester abroad in an approved program. Off-campus programs in this country also are available to majors with adequate preparation for advanced study. There are opportunities for academic internships at the Faulconer Gallery and at the Des Moines Art Center. Competitive summer internships at national museums and institutions are open to qualifying students with considerable preparation in art history. A competitive scholarship in studio art allows for a ninth semester of portfolio preparation. Finally, students interested in preparing for a career in architecture should bear in mind the cooperative program between Grinnell and Washington University in St. Louis (see Cooperative Preprofessional Programs).
The Major
A minimum of 32 credits. Required for the studio concentration are Art 234, two others of series 200, two of series 300 or above (one of which must be from Art 334 - Art 342), one other art history course. For the art history concentration, required are 28 credits in art history, which must include Art 103 and Art 400, and may include Art 499, and four credits in studio art. Art history concentrators are required to take one course from each of the following groups: Art 214 or 227 or 230; Art 221 or 222; Art 231 or 232. With permission, up to eight credits in the art history concentration may be taken in related studies outside the department. At least 20 credits of coursework must be taken with the Department of Art at Grinnell. No more than 16 credits within a single medium or art history area may count toward the major unless approved in advance by the department. Only one Art 499 (four credits) may count toward the major. Pre-architecture students must include one semester each of laboratory physics and calculus and are advised to fulfill the studio concentration, though other majors are possible.
To be considered for honors in art, graduating seniors, in addition to meeting the College's general requirements for honors, must demonstrate, by departmental consensus, superior performance in coursework combined with superior breadth or depth of curriculum.
History and Theory
103 Introduction to Art and Art History (Fall and Spring) 4 credits
A thematic and cross-cultural study of art and architecture as expressions of diverse social, intellectual, religious, and aesthetic values, primarily in Western societies since antiquity, with reference to certain East Asian and African traditions. Emphasis on developing critical skills. Use of Grinnell College Art Collection. Prerequisite: none. STAFF.
210 Women, Art, and History* 4 credits+
An introduction to the history of women's involvement in the visual arts. Concerned with ways of analyzing changing relationships among gender, culture, and creativity. The focus is on a historical study of women as producers of art, with emphasis on the various ways women have responded to social conditions determining the production of art, and on defining the issues and methods of investigations, based on feminist critiques of conventional art historical approaches. Prerequisite: Art 103, or Gender and Women's Studies 111, or permission of instructor. STRAUBER.
214 Monastery and Cathedral in Medieval Europe* 4 credits+
Study of major developments in architecture and art from the Carolingian through Gothic periods (9th - 14th centuries). Primary focus on architectural design and structure (as at Durham, Canterbury, Lincoln, Cluny, Paris, Chartres, Amiens), including the roles of sculpture and manuscript painting within their social, political, religious, and intellectual climates. Option of executing projects in architectural design or doing reading in French, German, Italian, Latin, or Spanish. Prerequisite: Art 103 or permission of instructor. CHASSON.
221 19th-Century Painting: Romanticism and Realism* 4 credits+
Examination of 19th-century Romantic and Realist painting as critical responses to the period's dramatic political, industrial, and cultural transformations and as the foundation of artistic "modernity." Emphasis on issues of high and mass culture; art and political voice; representations of non-Europeans; relevance of the canon; tensions between the urban and natural worlds; and creation of the avant-garde. Prerequisite: Art 103 or permission of instructor. STRAUBER.
222 Impressionism and Post-Impressionism* 4 credits+
A study of major artists, works, and issues in European Impressionist and Post-Impressionist painting and sculpture (c. 1865 - 1900). Specific movements include Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Symbolism, Art Nouveau. Prerequisite: Art 103 or permission of instructor. STRAUBER.
227 Italian Renaissance Art* 4 credits+
A study of Italian culture from the late 13th through the late 16th centuries as expressed in painting, sculpture, architecture, and urban design. Emphasis on political, social, religious, and intellectual factors shaping artistic theory and expression in Florence, Siena, Rome, Venice, and the courts at Mantua and Urbino. Option of doing some reading in French, German, Italian, or Latin. Prerequisite: Art 103 or permission of instructor. CHASSON.
230 Northern Renaissance Art* 4 credits+
Primarily a study of Netherlandish and German painting and printmaking of the 15th and 16th centuries (Van Eyck, Bosch, Gruenewald, Duerer, Baldung Grien, Holbein, Bruegel). Emphasis on the functions and audiences for religious and secular work in light of original sources and recent criticism. Use of late medieval and Renaissance images and prints in the College Art Collection. Option of doing some reading in French, German, or Latin. Prerequisite: Art 103 or permission of instructor. CHASSON.
231 Modern Art in Europe, 1900-1940 (Fall) 4 credits+
An examination of major movements in European art from 1900 - 1940, including Fauvism, Expressionism, Cubism, Futurism, Dada, Surrealism, Constructivism, and Socialist Realism. Focus upon the historical contexts of art production and reception. Readings range from contemporary criticism to historical analysis. Investigation of recurrent problems such as primitivism, gender, authorship, and cultural politics. Prerequisite: Art 103 or permission of instructor. ANGER.
232 Art Since 1945 (Spring) 4 credits+
An examination of developments primarily in American and European art since 1945, from Abstract Expressionism to current trends such as the globalized art market. Particular attention to art since 1960: Pop, Happenings, Black Art, Minimalism, Conceptualism, Earth Works, Feminist Art, Video, and Installation. Readings range from contemporary criticism to historical analysis from a variety of perspectives (e.g., formal, multicultural, deconstructive). Prerequisite: Art 103 or permission of instructor. ANGER.
233 American Art* 4 credits+
A survey of American art within its cultural, philosophical, and social contexts. Topics include: Colonial portraiture; history painting, landscape, and vernacular expressions in the 19th century; the sources and development of modernism and postmodernism. Prerequisite: Art 103 or permission of instructor. ANGER.
248 Greek Archaeology and Art* (Spring) 4 credits+
See Classics 248.
250 Roman Archaeology and Art* (Spring) 4 credits+
See Classics 250.
251 Architecture and Urban Planning 4 credits+
in Papal and Fascist Rome*
Study of major buildings and concepts of urban development from the late Imperial age of early Christianity (4th century) through the height of papal power in the Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo periods (18th century). We conclude with the vast urban reconstructions under Mussolini and their legacy in the contemporary city. Use of historical maps in the College Art Collection. Option of executing design projects or doing some reading in French, German, Italian, or Latin. Prerequisite: None, although Art 250 or History 256 is helpful. CHASSON.
260 Museum Studies: The Art Museum* 4 credits+
An examination of the history of museums, museum operations, funding, ethics, and the philosophical and intellectual issues raised by the contemporary museum. The course will focus on art museums, but many of the topics will pertain to history, ethnographic, science, and other types of museums. Prerequisite: Art 103 or permission of instructor. WRIGHT.
316 Architecture and Urbanism in Paris* (Fall) 4 credits
See French 316. Conducted in French. Major monuments and the development of the city in historical context from the Middle Ages through the transformations of Haussmann in the 19th century. Attention to the vocabulary of architectural design and structure, and to analysis of period treatises and literary texts in relation to aesthetic issues and the politics of architecture. Prerequisite: a 300-level French course or permission of instructor. CHASSON.
360 Exhibition Seminar* (Fall) 4 credits
An exploration of the materials and methods of primary art historical research and museum practice through the organization and presentation of an exhibition. Students work directly with art objects, using works in the Grinnell College Art Collection and/or borrowed from lenders. Topic and instructor vary; see current Schedule of Courses. Course may be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: One 200-level art history course or permission of instructor. STAFF.
400 Seminar in Art History (Spring) 4 credits
An intensive study of selected problems with emphasis on research, methodology, and critical evaluation of a special area as announced in the current Schedule of Courses. May be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits if different topics are taken each time. Prerequisite: Senior standing in art history concentration or permission of instructor. STAFF.
499 Mentored Advanced Project (Fall or Spring) 4 credits
Senior Thesis: The preparation, writing, and public presentation of a piece of art-historical research in any area of history. Seniors must obtain prior approval of the project by a primary and a secondary adviser (the former from within the department of art). A MAP application must be completed with the required project statement and with all faculty signatures before submission to the Office of the Registrar. All applications are subject to the approval of the dean of the College. Prerequisite: Senior standing and departmental approval of official MAP proposal before the end of the preceding semester. STAFF.
Studio
136 Introduction to Studio: Printing Processes (Fall or Spring) 4 credits
STAFF.
138 Introduction to Studio: Painting Processes (Fall or Spring) 4 credits
STAFF.
140 Introduction to Studio: Ceramic Processes (Fall or Spring) 4 credits
SCHRIFT.
142 Introduction to Studio: Sculpting Processes (Fall or Spring) 4 credits
RUNNING.
148 Introduction to Studio: Digital Art (Fall or Spring) 4 credits
This introductory course provides a foundation for art-making methods, design composition skills, and digital image creation. The course will focus on two-dimensional images, making use of both raster and vector graphics software programs. This course will introduce students to the new vitality of digital imaging and encourage reflection on the computer as a visual-thinking tool. Prerequisite: none. STAFF.
Incorporated into each of the media-oriented problems of these courses listed above are drawing and design components that ensure each student's recognition of the relationship among drawing, design, and the designated medium. These courses develop important and useful skills in these areas.
234 Drawing (Fall or Spring) 4 credits
Studio assignments in color and black and white, designed to continue the development of visual skills and concepts as they pertain to drawing. Folios include figurative and nonfigurative work. The concept of drawing as a complete and finished work explored and emphasized. Prerequisite: Art 136, or 138, or 140, or 142, or permission of instructor. STAFF.
236 Printmaking (Spring) 4 credits
Prerequisite: Art 136, or 138, or 148, or permission of instructor. KLUBER.
238 Painting (Spring) 4 credits
Prerequisite: Art 136, or 138, or 148, or permission of instructor. STAFF.
240 Ceramics* (Fall or Spring) 4 credits
Prerequisite: Art 140, or 142, or permission of instructor. STAFF.
242 Sculpture (Spring) 4 credits
Prerequisite: Art 140, or 142, or 148, or permission of instructor. RUNNING.
The above studio courses build on skills introduced in the 100-level studio courses and present new processes and challenges for the students in these areas.
334 Advanced Drawing (Spring) 4 credits+
Using subject matter and media similar to those employed in Art 234, this studio course presents advanced problems in drawing as an independent art form. Prerequisite: Art 234 or permission of instructor. STAFF.
336 Advanced Printmaking (Spring) 4 credits+
Prerequisite: Art 236 or permission of instructor. KLUBER.
338 Advanced Painting (Spring) 4 credits+
Prerequisite: Art 238 or permission of instructor. STAFF.
340 Advanced Ceramics* (Fall or Spring) 4 credits+
Prerequisite: Art 240 or permission of instructor. STAFF.
342 Advanced Sculpture (Spring) 4 credits+
Prerequisite: Art 242 or permission of instructor. RUNNING.
The above studio courses build on skills developed in the 200 - level courses in these areas and present advanced problems in each.
499 Mentored Advanced Project (Fall or Spring) 4 credits
Senior Project: A concentrated focus within a specific medium in which the student has extensive experience. This course is aimed at the establishment of a personal direction in content and personal expression while developing a mature portfolio in preparation for an advanced degree. The project includes preparation, creation, and public presentation of a body of artwork. Seniors must obtain approval of a department member for the desired medium as supervisor of the project A MAP application must be completed with the required project statement and with all faculty signatures before submission to the Office of the Registrar. All applications are subject to approval of the dean of the College. Prerequisite: 300-level studio course, senior standing, and departmental approval of official MAP proposal before the end of the preceding semester. STAFF.
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