Overview
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Studio Arts offers students a comprehensive approach to the study of art, giving them a primer on the essential artistic practices which revolve around studio education. Based on a university-wide liberal arts curriculum, the program is committed to encouraging critical thinking, in addition to a deeper initiation into specific artistic practices. As such, conceptual thinking, visual identity, and diverse artistic practices are integrated within the core of the curriculum.
Mission
The mission of the BFA in Studio Arts is to offer students an individualized learning experience grounded in contemporary artistic practices. The program seeks to graduate competent artists within the context of a liberal arts education.
Program Objectives
The purpose of the BFA in Studio Arts is to:
- Initiate students into the culture of studio arts and offer them a multiplicity of artistic techniques to explore.
- Foster an environment that is conducive to critical, experimental, and technically refined methods of artmaking.
- Incorporate art history and critical theory as they relate to both global and regional contexts.
- Nurture individual interests and talents in a supportive environment.
- Provide opportunities to explore both traditional and new media.
- Foster links with other disciplines in design, providing opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration.
- Prepare students to pursue graduate studies in art history, theory, or studio-based programs.
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the BFA in Studio Arts will be prepared to:
- Develop their own approach and interests in a particular artistic practice
- Critically analyse artistic developments through a solid understanding of art history and theory.
- Explore diverse artistic practices through conceptual, perceptual, and technical approaches.
- Create a distinctive portfolio of work that serves as a platform for further development in academia or professional practice.
Curriculum
A total of 90 credits are required to graduate, after Freshman Year [or the equivalent Lebanese Baccalaureate Part II], distributed as follows:
- Foundation Requirements (25 credits)
- Major Core Courses (29 credits)
- Art Elective Courses (15 credits)
- History/Theory Elective Courses (3 credits)
- LAS Requirements (18 credits)
Foundation Requirements (25 credits)
- FND201 Drawing for Foundation (3 cr.)
- FND231 Studio I-A (3 cr.)
- FND232 Studio I-B (3 cr.)
- FND235 Shop Techniques (1 cr.)
- FND237 Studio II Visual Dynamics (3 cr.)
- FND251 Digital Media (3 cr.)
- FND281 Design Culture (3 cr.)
- PHO201 Introduction to Photography
- ART222 Figure Drawing (3 cr.)
Major Core Courses (29 credits)
ART Elective Courses (15 credits)
- ART211 Ceramics (3 cr.)
- ART212 Ceramics Wheel Throwing (3 cr.)
- ART334 Printmaking (3 cr.)
- ART341 Painting I (3 cr.)
- ART342 Painting II (3 cr.)
- ART351 Sculpture I (3 cr.)
- ART352 Sculpture II (3 cr.)
- ART491 International Studio (3 cr.)
- FAS385 Textile Design (3 cr.)
- GRDE310 Illustration I (3 cr.)
- GRDE314 Silkscreen Printing & Binding (3 cr.)
- PHO301 Studio Photography (3 cr.)
- PHO311 Digital Imaging Technologies (3 cr.)
- PHO330B & PHO330W Analog Photography (3 cr.)
- PHO341 Architectural Photography (3 cr.)
- PHO342 Landscape Photography (3 cr.)
- PHO344 Fashion Photography (3 cr.)
History/Theory Elective Courses (3 credits)
- ART331 History of Art I (3 cr.)
- ART332 History of Art II (3 cr.)
- ART333 Art Education (3 cr.)
- ART335 Islamic Art of the Middle East (3 cr.)
- ART336 Art in Lebanon since 1900 (3 cr.)
- GRDE320 History of Graphic Design (3 cr.)
- GRDE431 Graphic Design in Middle East (3 cr.)
- IAA375 Introduction to Islamic Art (650-1650) (3 cr.)
- PHO231 History & Theory of Photography (3 cr.)
LAS Requirements (18 credits)
Recommended Study Plan
Year One
Fall (16 credits)
- FND231 Studio I-A (3 cr.)
- FND232 Studio I-B (3 cr.)
- FND281 Design Culture (3 cr.)
- FND201 Drawing for Foundation (3 cr.)
- FND235 Shop Techniques (1 cr.)
- ENG202 Advanced Academic English (3 cr.)
Spring (15 credits)
- FND237 Studio II Visual Dynamics (3 cr.)
- FND251 Digital Media (3 cr.)
- PHO201 Intro to Photography (3 cr.)
- ART222 Figure Drawing (3 cr.)
- COM203 Fundamentals of oral communication (3 cr.)
Year Two
Fall (16 credits)
- ART365 Studio III (4 cr.)
- ART301 Speculative Drawing (3 cr.)
- ART431 Modern Art (3 cr.)
- Art Elective (3 cr.)
- LAS course (3 cr.)
Spring (16 credits)
- ART366 Studio IV (4 cr.)
- History/Theory Elective (3 cr.)
- Art Elective (3 cr.)
- Art Elective (3 cr.)
- LAS course (3 cr.)
Year Three
Fall (13 credits)
- ART465 Studio V (4 cr.)
- ART432 Contemporary Art (3 cr.)
- ART481 Curation and the Art Market (3 cr.)
- Art Elective (3 cr.)
Spring (14 credits)
- ART466 Senior Project (4 cr.)
- ART472 Portfolio Design (1 cr.)
- Art Elective (3 cr.)
- LAS course (3 cr.)
- LAS course (3 cr.)
