Riverland Community College

This course is designed for the beginning student who wishes to get a better understanding of the concepts in art. Master works of art of many cultures, past and present, are examined and analyzed allowing the student to develop an art vocabulary, and knowledge of formal elements and principles of design related to specific works of art. Once basic elements and principles are mastered, the student will gain the confidence to examine, understand, and appreciate any work of art, traditional or contemporary. Recommended for art majors. MnTC (Goals 6/HU and 8/GP); (3 Cr - 3 lect, 0 studio)

This course is a survey of historical works of art. Architecture, sculpture, and painting are studied in the context of the periods in which they were produced. Each artistic period is examined in light of social, economic, and cultural significance. This study of artistic expression begins with the earliest attempt at image making and continues through the 15th Century. Recommended for art majors. MnTC (Goals 6/HU and 8/GP); (3 Cr - 3 lect, 0 studio)

This course is a survey of art that will begin with the 14th century and proceed to the present. Architecture, sculpture, and painting are viewed in stylistic classes on the basis of their likeness and the periods in which they were produced. Each artistic period is examined in light of social, economic, and human development within each given era. Completing ARTS 1102 before this course enhances student learning. Recommended for art majors. MnTC (Goals 6/HU and 8/GP); (3 Cr - 3 lect, 0 studio)

This course is designed for the beginning drawing student and provides a fundamental experience with drawing materials and tools in the context of drawing practices. Observational drawing will be stressed. Additionally, students will work from imagination, master drawings and photographic sources. Studio problems include exercises in the manipulation, organization, and control of the visual elements and principles of design. This course concludes with a beginning experience in drawing with color media. MnTC (Goals 6/HU and 2/CT); (3 Cr - 1 lect, 2 studio)

This course is an introduction to the study of the principles and elements of design. Assignments will focus on the student's ability to translate the design concepts into two-dimensional (2-D) works of art. Structured projects enable students to critically explore 2-D design. MnTC (Goals 6/HU and 2/CT); (3 Cr - 1 lect, 2 studio)

This foundation course presents the concept of art in three-dimensional (3-D) as seen in a variety of sculptural works that span time and cultures. Exploration of arts and humanities through interaction with a variety of 3-D media in expressing concepts in visual communication will develop an awareness of aesthetics in both process and finished works of art. Formal critiques of art work, personal and others will expand the creative process and develop an appreciation of 3-D design. The study and analysis of the elements and principles of design as they apply to the composition of 3-D art will provide the students with the foundation needed to create these works of art while also experiencing a variety of media to discover their possibilities for expression and communication. MnTC (Goals 6/HU and 2/CT); (3 Cr - 1 lect, 2 studio)

This course is an introduction to digital media as an art-making tool. This course includes an exploration of painting and drawing programs. Computer techniques for manipulation, layering and incorporation of multiple image sources in a single composition are investigated. Designing for graphic presentation and use of typography is introduced. This course covers a range of options for computer based expression. Course content includes an overview of both conceptual and historic concerns relevant to digital media. Basic knowledge of the computer is helpful. (3 Cr - 1 lect, 2 studio)

This course addresses professional practices in art. It focuses on preliminary selections, photographing artwork, artist’s statements, and resumes through the development of the artist’s portfolio. This portfolio is the capstone of the Associate in Fine Arts (AFA) degree. The final product will be the creation of a student portfolio representing a range of art media reflecting the student’s achievements while pursuing their AFA Degree. The portfolio will include, but not limited to a resume, an artist statement and art examples documenting student work. A final presentation of the portfolio will utilize a selection of media using current technology. This course may be taken more than once.(1 Cr – 1 lect, 0 studio)

This is an introductory college writing course designed to help students develop effective writing skills for college level work.  Students learn to generate ideas and organize them into unified, coherent essays.  Methods of instruction vary, but most sections combine individual conferences and peer review with regular class meetings.  Prerequisites:  A grade of C or higher in ENGL 0960 or appropriate placement score.

MnTC (Goals 1/CM and Goal 2/CT); (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

This course consists of a tour to major art centers for direct experiences with the arts. The goal of this course is to introduce students to major art institutions while expanding and enhancing their appreciation of the arts. A special fee is required for this course. (1 Cr - 0 lect, 1 lab)

This course is an investigation into the creative process and its relationship to the arts. The goal of this course is for the student to gain an understanding of the creative process and how to apply those skills in problem solving. Along with an historical perspective of design, the student will investigate the application of the creative process and its impact within societies. MnTC (Goals 6/HU and 2/CT); (3 Cr - 1 lect, 2 lab)

This course is designed to introduce students to artworks found and produced in diverse cultures around the globe. Students will utilize craft media to experience the arts and use a variety of cultural perspectives to develop an appreciation and greater understanding of the cultural diversity existing in the art world. The relationship between the material culture (arts and crafts) and non-material culture (values and beliefs) of a society will be researched and analyzed to develop a sense of aesthetics applied to artworks from diverse cultures.MnTC (Goals 6/HU and 8/GP); (3 Cr - 1 lect, 2 studio)

This course is an introduction to printmaking providing experiences in relief printing, mono-printing and silkscreen techniques. The course develops technical competency to produce an edition of identical prints. The course will encompass past and present processes in a social and artistic context. (3 Cr - 1 lect, 2 studio)

This course is an introduction to printmaking providing experiences in relief lithography and intaglio techniques. The course develops technical competency to produce an edition of identical prints. (3 Cr - 1 lect, 2 studio)

This course explores ceramics from an historical and a global perspective developing an appreciation of ceramic works of art. Arts and humanities are explored through research in the discipline of ceramics and interaction with clay as media. This exploration will develop an awareness of aesthetics in both process and finished works of art. Formal critiques of art work, personal and others, will expand the creative process and develop appreciation for ceramics. This course covers the foundations and fundamentals of creating in clay. Basic hand building and wheel techniques will be introduced through hands-on instruction. The philosophies and processes of working with clay will be experienced from conception through the finished fired state. Techniques will be demonstrated by the instructor to teach the skill involved and to appreciate the possibilities of each. MnTC (Goals 6/HU and 8/GP); (3 Cr - 1 lect, 2 studio)

This course is an introduction to fundamentals of acrylic painting, methods and materials. Beginning students will learn how to utilize acrylic painting techniques. This course will allow the student to discover the properties of acrylic paint and how to control consistency, thinning, drying, application, compatibility with other media, types of brushes and supports that will aid the student toward the completion of an art work. After studio problems of acrylic painting techniques are explored, the student will be encouraged to experiment on their own exploring heightened acrylic painting possibilities. MnTC (Goals 6/HU and 2/CT); (3 Cr - 1 lect, 2 studio)

This course is an exploration of basic watercolor techniques and their application to creative practices in the medium. The students will have the opportunity to develop their own imagination and creativity through watercolor techniques and the exploration of art concepts. (3 Cr - 1 lect, 2 studio)

This course is an introductory course covering both the history and application of the discipline. Familiarity with cameras, photographic equipment, film processing, photographic technique and composition will be emphasized. A 35-mm single-lens reflex camera is required. Cameras are available for student checkout and use. (3 Cr - 1 lect, 2 studio)

This course is an introduction to digital photography for everyone and includes an overview of both conceptual and historic concerns relevant to digital photographic media, as well as form and design issues including the use of color. The class includes an introduction to digital photographic techniques and the creative use of current editing software in using the computer as a digital darkroom. Students develop proficiency through projects and critiques. Basic knowledge of computers is helpful in this course. A digital camera is required for this course. Digital cameras are available for student checkout. (3 Cr - 1 lect, 2 studio)

This course is an intermediate-level drawing course. It covers creative methods of expression in specific thematic problems in composition, color, contemporary drawing materials, and self expression. The course includes exposure to drawing practices, both historic and contemporary. Critiques are scheduled that will address each student's artistic discoveries. Prerequisite: ARTS 1112. (3 Cr - 1 lect, 2 studio)

This course is an advancement of the concepts initiated in Ceramics I allowing the student to expand and focus on either hand-building or wheel techniques.  The student will concentrate on exploring and developing techniques in the chosen area while becoming aware of the problem-solving solutions/skills involved in creating at this level.   Clay body and glaze foundations will be researched and developed for the finishing process.  Prerequisites:  ARTS 1222.  This class may be taken twice for credit. 

(3 Cr - 0 lect, 3 studio)

This course is a continuation of Painting I. Color theory, along with continued study of conceptual aspects of painting, will be addressed. The student will also develop and pursue personal creative directions in paint along with continued media exploration. Prerequisite: ARTS 1226. (3 Cr - 1 lect, 2 studio)