2012-2013 Undergraduate Academic Catalog | Program Descriptions

Division of Visual Arts

The Division of Visual Arts presents art courses for those with specific interest in this creative discipline.  The Division of Visual Arts engages students in a style of relationship-based teaching within an artistic community that is dedicated to nurturing artists and Christians of consequence. This promotes an atmosphere of cooperative learning and greater appreciation of the arts within the College community.

Students who major in Art focus on conceptual and practical education with hands-on experience: Art Education majors gain theory and teaching experience; Studio Art majors are engaged with creating and exhibiting works of art. Service opportunities provide practical experience and real world opportunities for students who select concentrations in Graphic Design and Time-Based Media.

The Division of Visual Arts offers the following degrees:

  • Studio Art, B.A.
  • Studio Art, B.S.
  • Visual Art Education, B.S.

Students majoring in Studio Art B.A. may focus their studies by selecting a minimum of 9 hours in a specific studio discipline, such as painting, ceramics, printmaking, etc.  The Studio Art B.S. major requires students to complete a more in-depth concentration of 21 hours in one discipline.

The art curriculum at Roberts Wesleyan College is designed to expand students’ breadth of experience and understanding in the visual arts. Roberts Wesleyan College is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.

The art curriculum prepares students for a variety of pursuits, including teaching, work in commercial and professional disciplines, and graduate study. Art internships with local businesses provide students with on-the-job experience. Internships are arranged according to individual career objectives. Communication majors may select a concentration in Graphic Design. (See Communication major listed under the Division of Religion and Humanities.)

Admission

While preparing a portfolio is not a requirement for admission to RWC, it is, however, a Division of Visual Arts and scholarship requirement for all incoming art students.  The Art faculty regard the Portfolio Review as a critical opportunity to get to know our incoming students.  Our intent is that the faculty be informed as to the achievement level, experience, and aptitude for success of all our students.  Specific requirements for the portfolio can be obtained by calling the Division of Visual Arts at 585.594.6120 or by visiting our Divisional web page on the RWC website (http://www.roberts.edu/academics/divisions/fine_arts/art/home/).

Special Notes

  • While non-art majors may take any 100- or 200-level course without prior studio experience, it is recommended that ART 102 and ART 103 or 104 be completed as a foundation prior to enrolling in other studio electives, and Art 105 for any digital or electronic intense course.
  • All Art majors must complete the Foundations sequence (ART 102, 103, 104, 105) before enrolling in any other studio course.
  • All studio courses require a non-refundable studio fee.
  • All students should check prerequisites for individual courses.

Double Majors within the Division

Students may not double major in Studio Art B.A. and Studio Art B.S.

A double major in Visual Art Education B.S. and Studio Art B.A. is allowed with the following stipulations:

  • The 28 hours of Art History (including Capstone courses) and Foundations courses may be shared between the two majors;
  • Art Education Methods courses may not count toward the Studio Art B.A. major;
  • 15 hours of unique courses must be earned as follows:  The 9-hour focus (levels 200-400) in the Studio Art B.A. major must be different from studio courses taken for the Visual Art Education major and 6 hours of the studio electives in the Studio Art B.A. major must be different from studio courses taken for the Visual Art Education major.

A double major in Visual Art Education B.S. and Studio Art B.S. is allowed with the following stipulations:

  • The 28 hours of Art History (including Capstone courses) and Foundations courses may be shared between the two majors;
  • Art Education Methods courses may not count toward the Studio Art B.A. major;
  • The 21-hour studio art concentration in the Studio Art B.S. major must be unique from any courses taken for the Visual Art Education major;
  • 6 hours of studio art electives may be shared between the two majors.