Department of Visual Arts

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Lynn Reynolds, Head
Faculty: Baskin, Bee, Fleming, Johnson, Kelley, Reinauer, Schuh, Temple, Vasterling-McDaniel, Wubben

Purpose

The mission of the Department of Visual Arts is to provide education that will enable graduates to develop their talent and potential as creative artists and future art educators within a liberal arts framework. The Department of Visual Arts offers two undergraduate degrees, the Bachelor of Arts in Art with studio concentrations and the Bachelor of Art in Art Education. Through curriculum providing a breadth of experience and understanding in studio art, graduates learn to analyze the history of art and its function within the evolution of contemporary culture while developing competency in a select area of art studio concentration. Students acquire knowledge of critical thinking skills, effective communication, and analyze world issues en route to becoming better citizens of the global community.

Departmental Requirements

Art majors are required to follow the prescribed sequence of studio art courses. The letter grade of “C” will be the minimum prerequisite grade for continuing studio courses in sequence. Students transferring into the program may be required to submit a portfolio of their work.

Sophomore year: Before the completion of 60 credit hours, a formal portfolio review is required for all majors.

Senior year: A candidate for a degree in Art will be required to participate in a group exhibition of works selected by the faculty review committee. The Department of Visual Arts reserves the right to retain a selected work from each graduate for its departmental collection.

Students majoring in Art Education—Grades K-12 are responsible for all requirements pertaining to Teacher Education Preparation. Praxis tests are required for admission to the Teacher Education Program and for certification in the State of Louisiana. Prior to admission into the Teacher Education Program a student must pass the Reading, Writing, and Mathematics portions of the Praxis. Prior to Student Teaching or Internship a student must pass the Principles of Learning (PLT K-6, or PLT 5-9, or PLT 7-12) and the Art Content Knowledge portions of the Praxis (effective Spring Semester 2005). Students must establish and maintain a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale to remain in the program, student teach, or to do an internship. A 2.5 undergraduate GPA is required for teacher certification.

Students may minor in Art by earning 21 hours of credit approved by the Department Head.

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