Art

Through courses in art history, studio, and art education, the art department at Muskingum University seeks to foster a liberal arts environment in which the study of art leads to critical thinking, effective and mature expression, ethical sensitivity and spiritual growth.

Mission

The art department creates visually literate individuals through quality courses in the programs of art history, studio, and art education. The department seeks to foster a liberal arts environment in which the study of art leads to critical thinking, effective and mature expression, ethical sensitivity, and spiritual growth. Courses provide both appreciation of and participation in a wide variety of art experiences. The department also presents educational events, gallery programs, and a permanent collection to the University and its surrounding community. The comparison of “whole persons” within the University mission statement is reflected in the department mission via “critical thinking, effective and mature expression, ethical sensitivity, and spiritual growth.” The department statement is able to direct the art program with use of the capstone assessment formulas established in 2007.

Program Learning Goals

• Students will have the ability to describe visual art as a means of expression and to use the basic elements of visual arts.
• Students will have the ability to differentiate two-dimensional art and three-dimensional art, as well as to use proper techniques and skills to create two-dimensional and three-dimensional artworks.
• Students will be able to trace the historical development of the Western art and to discuss how Western art is different from non-Western art on specific aspects.
• Students will be able to, with the knowledge and skills learned, enter the careers/internships such as teaching art in K-12 schools, studying in master programs, working in museums or art centers, designing for companies, or establishing individual art and design studios.

The Art Department

Proficiency in the knowledge and skills acquired in the studio disciplines, coupled with a thorough study of art history, can prepare students for graduate fine arts studies, gallery management, and museum curatorship. The art education program leads to careers in teaching as well as graduate studies. Art, in combination with psychology, prepares students for graduate work in art therapy; in combination with business, it enhances careers in marketing and similar fields. Students interested in communication art should consider combining art studies with Digital Media Design or course work with the Art Institute of Pittsburgh as part of special programs linking the institutions. Students interested in art should contact the department chair at least by the first semester of the sophomore year to ensure fulfillment of all requirements for the degree, pre-professional options, the Art Institutes program, and teacher licensure in multi-age visual arts.