Art

Visual Arts Building, Room 120
201-200-3214
http://www.njcu.edu/department/art

The Art Department of New Jersey City University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design since 1976.

Our mission is to encourage the development of our students as artists, designers, scholars, and leaders capable of excelling in a complex, rapidly changing society. The faculty of the Art Department, in support of the Urban Mission of the University, is committed to facilitating the outstanding achievement of every student in our program, to help each realize their goals, and to aid them in their development. Emphasis is placed on developing an understanding of the multiplicity of roles for the creative person in a contemporary urban society. Our program is dedicated to taking advantage of the cultural diversity of the greater metropolitan area. We recognize and stress the importance of balancing history and tradition with contemporary aesthetic ideas, skills, techniques and technologies.

The Master of Fine Arts program is an intensive 60-credit interdisciplinary studio art program that results in the terminal degree. Studio practice and the study of critical theory are employed to foster intellectual growth and individual achievement. The primary emphasis is the development of a personalized, professional, art-making practice that may be carried through to a lifetime career. By focusing on art production along with historical and critical studies, the MFA program stresses artistic skill, critical thinking and awareness of cultural and social frameworks as intrinsic parts of the curriculum. Students may work in any single or combination of studio areas including: Painting/ Drawing, Graphic Design, Printmaking, Photography, Computer Arts, Sculpture, Illustration, Ceramics, or Jewelry/Metalsmithing. MFA students work closely with faculty mentors and culminate their studio thesis in a solo exhibition.

Prerequisites for Admission:
Transcripts of previous college study, a professional resume, two letters of recommendation, a two-page statement of purpose relative to interest in a direction of study, and a portfolio of artwork demonstrating abilities in studio art and/or design. The portfolio must contain 20 images of finished work submitted to: https://njcu-art.submittable.com/submit. For each specific studio program, a graduate faculty committee assesses and evaluates all submitted materials for evidence of individual capability and demonstrated capacity for creative and professional work.
The Art Department may require undergraduate courses it deems necessary to satisfy the prior requirements for participation in the MFA program. Forty-five credits of the MFA program must be completed at NJCU.
Transfer applicants must fulfill the application requirements requested of those wishing to enter the MFA program for the first time.

Advisement:
The Graduate Coordinator performs preliminary advisement in charting initial curriculum choices tailored to the needs and backgrounds of each admitted applicant. Once enrolled in the MFA program, the student works with faculty advisors who guide the student through the program, mentor the student’s independent studio work, and provide career guidance and counseling to achieve comprehensive development of the student’s professional potential. It is possible for students to request a change of advisors during their programs, but it is recommended they remain with the same faculty for the last two semesters while they are working on their exhibition and written thesis.

Review/Evaluation:
To assure proper guidance of the student’s progress, periodic reviews take place in the MFA program. At the completion of thirty credits of specified course work, an Art Department faculty committee reviews the development of the MFA thesis-exhibition and critiques the student’s progress. Successful evaluations permit the student’s continuation in the program. Interim progress evaluations occur at the end of each Master Critique semester.


 

Martin Kruck, Chairperson
Professor of Art
Queens University, B.F.A.; State University of New York, M.F.A.

Hugo X. Bastidas
Associate Professor of Art
Rutgers University, B.F.A.; Hunter College, M.F.A.

Dennis Dittrich
Associate Professor of Art
Syracuse University, M.F.A.

Brian Gustafson
Associate Professor of Art
Tulane University, B.F.A.; Illinois State University, M.F.A.

Deborah Jack
Associate Professor of Art
Marsit College, B.A.; State University of New York, M.F.A.

Ashley Lyon
Assistant Professor of Art
University of Washington, B.F.A.; Virginia Commonwealth University, M.F.A.

Kenneth C. MacBain
Associate Professor of Art
State University of New York at New Paltz, B.F.A.; Temple University, M.F.A.

Winifred McNeill
Professor Emeritus
Boston University, B.F.A.; City University of New York, Queens College, M.F.A.

Janet Pihlblad
Assistant Professor of Art
Kansas City Art Institute, B.F.A.; Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University, M.F.A.

Ellen Quinn
Associate Professor of Art
University of Hartford Art School, B.F.A.; Rutgers University, Mason Gross, M.F.A.

Dennis Raverty
Associate Professor of Art History
University of Minnesota, University of Iowa, M.A. Rutgers University, Ph.D.

Midori Yoshimoto
Associate Professor of Art History
Osaka University, B.A.; Rutgers University, M.A, Ph.D.

Various discipline-specific concentrations that will prepare students for multiple fields of employment or areas of additional graduate study are noted below. Course requirements for each concentration are explained in detail. The requirements for graduation, in addition to completion of the major area, are listed on "Completing a Graduate Program."

Art (ART)

ART 501 Art Classroom Management (1 Credit)

Candidates learn knowledge and skills specific to classroom management for Art instruction K-12, including Special Needs and Gifted/Talented students. Seminars address behavior management specific to an art classroom; health and safety with art materials; the organization of the art classroom and "art-on-a-cart" situations; and developmentally appropriate assessment for art production.

UG Pre-Requisite(s): EDU 301, LTED 330, and Permission.

ART 510 Case Studies in Art Therapy (3 Credits)

Through the analyses of written cases of key practitioners of art therapy, relevant information is discussed and absorbed into one's own methods for writing and presenting case studies.

Prerequisites: ART 250 and PSYC 110

ART 520 Foundations & Goals in Art Education (3 Credits)

This course develops an understanding of teaching methodology specific to Art Education. Lesson and Unit plan development teaches students to integrate art materials, art history and visual literacy with curricular Outcomes and the cognitive development of children at different grade levels in the P-12 Art classroom.

UG Pre-Requisite(s): Permission of Art Teacher Certification Coordinator

ART 530 Pedagogy in Art Education (3 Credits)

This course focuses on contemporary pedagogy and teaching strategies for art instruction in the P-12 school setting. The subject matter content of Art is explored in relation to studio supplies, cognitive development, interdisciplinary curricula; museum based learning; contemporary art; technology and the National Core Art Standards.

UG Permission of ATCP Coordinator and ART 393
GR Pre-Requisite: Department Consent

ART 606 The History of Modern Art (3 Credits)

This course offers a study of the fine arts from 1800 to the early twentieth century, exploring the relationship of the fine arts to the philosophic, historical, and cultural movements of the period.

ART 607 Art Of Diverse Cultures (3 Credits)

This course explores a comparative analysis of multiple artistic traditions and their contemporary manifestations in art and art history. Using the thread of art, various international and multicultural developments interweave to provide a rich tapestry of human creativity in the visual arts representing world cultures from Alaska to Zambia.

ART 608 Contemporary Art Seminar (3 Credits)

This seminar is a theory course that gives the student an understanding of the current theory, practice, and discourse in art. This course presents the systematic and practical application of a wide variety of art historical and theoretical concepts in fine art. Through readings, discussions, field trips, papers, and student presentations of individual research, the student becomes conversant with the defining issues that have shaped contemporary art. Stress is placed on the student’s development of a diverse and global view of the key issues and trends in art theory and studio practice since World War II.

ART 609 Develop.Of Spatial Illusion (3 Credits)

Through lecture, discussion, and text analysis, the student develops an historical understanding of the changing visual/spatial meaning in the historical development of painting and drawing.

ART 610 Independent Study in Art (3 Credits)

Graduate students may pursue independent study/research for 1-3 credits, when appropriate: see Policies and Procedures section of the Graduate Catalogue, for further information and eligibility.

ART 612 Aesthetic & Critical Perspectives in Art (3 Credits)

This course examines the theoretical study of aesthetics and criticism concerning philosophical problems of describing, analyzing, interpreting and evaluating art. The purposes, approaches, and methods of art criticism and aesthetics are considered, as well as their contemporary and historical sources, forms, and effects.

ART 615 Lettering Design (3 Credits)

This course explores letter forms including analysis and rendering of five basic alphabets, their history and letter structure. Lettering indications for layout in pencil, marker, pen and brush techniques are covered. Creative communication through design variation and departure from conventional letter styles prepares students for advanced work in the design of logotypes and alphabets, among others.

ART 616 Advertising Design (3 Credits)

This course offers a study of modern visual communication through studio projects in lettering, layout, typography, use of photography and illustration, including exploring and executing solutions to problems encountered in advertising as well as conception, design and execution of ads for magazines, newspapers, direct marketing and other media.

ART 617 Adv. Advertising Design (3 Credits)

This is an advanced course to further develop skills in advertising design. Students design an entire promotion campaign for a single product by researching the market including conceiving, designing and executing ads, packaging, displays, billboards, and commercials, resulting in a professional portfolio.

ART 618 Ceramic Sculpture (3 Credits)

Technical and aesthetic problems of ceramic sculpture are resolved in studio production.

ART 621 Painting/Drawing Studio I (3 Credits)

This course is concerned with the development of technical skills and creative discovery in painting and drawing media. Working from observation and personal exploration, students learn techniques to control media, evolve a personal style, and articulate individual concepts.

ART 622 Art of Latin America (3 Credits)

The art historical examination of Latin American painting, sculpture, architecture, crafts, and other visual media from the 16th century to the 21st century, focusing on visual artistic developments in Mesoamerica, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, as well as studying manifestations of Latina/o art in the United States. Knowledge of the Spanish language is highly recommended.

ART 626 Studio Sculpture (3 Credits)

Provides student with the opportunity to select an area of particular interest and upon approval complete a series of related projects. The student is encouraged to experiment with various materials and analyze their potential for expressing three-dimensional concepts.

ART 627 Printmaking I (3 Credits)

This course provides an introduction to the graphic arts through the exploration of various printing techniques. Instruction is centered on the graphic translation of digital, photographic, drawing and painting techniques into creative forms and applications. Rapid layering and multicolor printing will be applied to wide range of image possibilities in the production of original prints and artist and designer’s multiples.

ART 628 Adv.Printmaking(Book Arts) (3 Credits)

This course provides the opportunity for advanced students to pursue in-depth one of the printmaking areas of Lithography, Intaglio (etching), Serigraphy (screen printing), Relief, photo-printmaking processes, Book Arts, or a combination of these areas. Students develop individual, creative approaches to graphic art applications and expanded their understanding of their selected medium.

ART 630 Art of Spain (3 Credits)

The study of historial and aesthetic developments in Spanish painting,sculpture,architecture,crafts, and other visual media from Prehistoric Age to the 21st Century.

ART 633 Ceramics I (3 Credits)

Ceramics I investigates the principles and practices of using clay as a medium for creating three-dimensional form. The basic hand-forming methods are stressed: the technique of “throwing” is covered on an individual basis in relation to the student’s experience and needs. Instructions also include glaze preparation and firing procedures.

ART 634 Ceramics II (3 Credits)

This intermediate course emphasizes common ceramic techniques and processes such as: handbuilding sculptures, wheel-throwing, tile design, slip casting, plaster moldmaking, clay and glaze formulation, and ceramic firings.

ART 635 Jewelry I (3 Credits)

This individualized course provides the opportunity to explore the technical and design problems involved in making jewelry as an art form.

ART 636 Jewelry II (3 Credits)

An advanced course designed to extend knowledge and skill in the design and fabrication of jewelry. The interrelationship between fine design. Technical facileness and material potential are further developed through the use of precious metals and other materials.

ART 637 Photography I (3 Credits)

This course is designed to give an overview of the medium of photography. Students are instructed in the use of the 35mm camera, black & white film processing, printing from negatives, and other technical matters. The significance and meaning photographs have as personally expressive, communicative media objects are explored.

ART 638 Advanced Photography (3 Credits)

This course is designed to reinforce and expand the information and ideas covered in Photography I and to give personal direction to the efforts of the student to evolve as an image maker in the photographic medium. Technical choices and presentation of images are discussed in relation to the student’s ideas and concerns, augmented by reading assignments in photographic theory.

ART 639 Technical Drawing For Artists (3 Credits)

This course increases the ability of students to use graphic media for visual communication. Students learn to analyze and simplify complex forms for the purpose of making accurate drawings. Concentrated work develops skills to construct complete visual statements.

ART 640 Painting/Drawing/Studio Iv (2 Credits)

ART 641 Life Drawing Studio (3 Credits)

Drawing is enhanced in this course by the ability to communicate ideas based upon a thorough understanding of the human body.

ART 642 Painting/Drawing Studio II (3 Credits)

Continuation of the focused study begun in Painting/Drawing Studio I in which the student works closely with a faculty mentor.

ART 643 Cooperative Education (2 Credits)

ART 644 Seminar in Cooperative Education (2 Credits)

ART 645 Lettering design (3 Credits)

This course explores letterforms including analysis and rendering of basic alphabets, their history and their letter structure. Students move on to basic type design for use in the design of logotypes, alphabets and other design projects.

ART 647 Honors in Studio Art (3 Credits)

This is a concentrated studio course designed to allow in-depth studio work, the conception and technique of which has evolved in previous courses. A maximum of six credits may be earned this way.

ART 649 Seminar Cooperative Education (3 Credits)

ART 650 Cooperative Education (3 Credits)

ART 651 Motion Graphics Design (3 Credits)

Through narrative and experimental structures, students will analyze and explore message-impact and brand identity, while applying techniques for kinetic typography, animation, sound and video. Historic precedents are examined and discussed. Industry-appropriate software for sequential media used for motion graphics will be taught. The graduate experience is enhanced through advanced readings, discussion and projects.

Pre-Requisite(s): ART 237 and ART 283

ART 652 Electronic Works (3 Credits)

The compositional problems of drawing which entail the organization of design elements into cohesive structures are manipulated by the use of the computer using drawing software.

ART 654 Experimental Painting (3 Credits)

Students will research alternative solutions to the problems and concerns of the paint medium.

ART 656 Conceptual Expression (3 Credits)

This course focuses on the exploration of conceptual approaches to painting. Installations and creative strategies to studio painting techniques and applications are extensively explored. Experimentation and the development of expressive representations in paint underlie the studio practice.

ART 657 Figure Painting (3 Credits)

The class will work from the live model, exploring several styles/techniques, toward increased mastery of professional skills.

ART 659 Experimental Drawing (3 Credits)

Through experimentation with ideas, techniques and materials, Experimental Drawing encourages the student to synthesize visual expression with innovation. Research into the genre of drawing from local to national and international levels will inform the student’s experimentation and production of work.

ART 660 Master Thesis Seminar I (3 Credits)

This seminar establishes an aesthetic and critical investigation in which the student conducts a master's research thesis (MA and MFA) and exhibition thesis (MFA only) under the supervision of a thesis committee. The student develops (MFA) an outline, bibliography, and summary of objectives or finalizes the written thesis (MA).

ART 661 Master Thesis Seminar II (3 Credits)

This seminar the student continues the aesthetic, critical, and artistic investigation which culminates in either a master's exhibition thesis (MFA or MA) or a master's research thesis (MA). The theses is developed under the supervision of faculty and the student's mentor, and is defended at the final, oral review. This course focuses on finishing the written document which accompanies the exhibition or serves independently (MA only) as the culminating activity of the degree program.

ART 662 Prep. Of Art For Print. (3 Credits)

This is a studio course designed to explore the materials, tools, methods, and vocabulary of pre-press production. Its emphasis is on computer production. Students will learn to prepare their design projects for output at a service bureau or printer. Documents are prepared in popular layout software programs providing a thorough grounding in current print requirements.

ART 663 Typography/Desktop Publishing (3 Credits)

This course covers typography as a means of communication and design, as well as a basic document construction. It teaches students how to choose typefaces that look great together and plan an effective design with text and images. Students acquire knowledge through hands-on design projects incorporating the learning of typesetting techniques, using style sheets and master pages, and setting up a library.

ART 664 Illustration I (3 Credits)

Various media, techniques and illustration genres are explored to solve the problems of visualization and distillation of ideas used in editorial and advertising illustration. Narrative problems and unique visual artistic statements are encouraged. Students will produce professional illustration portfolios.

ART 665 Advanced Illustration (3 Credits)

The theoretical and technical aspects of Advanced Illustration will be examined using current software programs employed by professional illustrators as an additional medium. Advanced concepts and problems will be investigated producing a professional illustration portfolio.

ART 666 Seminar Cooperative Education (1 Credit)

ART 667 Advanced Ceramics (3 Credits)

Advanced Ceramics is based on student direction either as a potter or ceramic sculptor. Development of studio techniques, glaze calculations, and concepts are supplemented by lectures, discussions and field research.

ART 668 Advanced Jewelry (3 Credits)

This advanced study in jewelry is intended to provide an opportunity to enhance skills, further explore fabrication, casting, anodizing and enameling techniques, as well as creative approaches to technical and aesthetic uses of unusual materials, research into historical methods, and designs and marketing strategies.

ART 669 Metalsmithing I (3 Credits)

Topics of this course include: metalsmithing, the art of three dimensional metal forming; studio work; slide lectures; design and technical research; and demonstrations and experience in forging, raising, key seam construction, sinking, stretching, casting, finishing, etc. These provide students with the technical means for designing and constructing aesthetically pleasing and functional hollowware such as vessels and flatware.

ART 670 Metalsmithing II (3 Credits)

This is an advanced course in metalsmithing emphasizing aesthetic, functional, and technical dimensions of designing and forging fine, hand-crafted hollowware. Historical and cultural approaches to metalwork will be reviewed in the context of developing individual approaches to metalware design. Pre-requisite: ART669 Metalsmithing I.

ART 671 Cooperative Education (1 Credit)

ART 672 Honors II (3 Credits)

This is a concentrated studio course designed to allow in-depth studio work, the conception and technique of which has evolved in previous courses. A maximum of six credits may be earned this way. Offered each semester.

ART 673 Book and Magazine Design (3 Credits)

This course is intended to build professional abilities for designing books and magazines, including design structure, visual identity and technical requirements for production of multiple-paged publications. Students will be instructed in the relationship between type, image, and a dynamically paced sequence to create a narratives and editorial designs across multiple pages. Advanced projects, readings and discussion enhance the graduate experience.

ART 676 User Experience and User Interface Design (3 Credits)

This course focuses on advanced design for interactive media and devices. Concepts and issues around human-centered design will be examined; tools and techniques used to solve interactive challenges will be applied, all while learning industry-standard software for designing interface prototypes. The graduate experience is enhanced through advanced readings, discussion and projects.

Pre-Requisite(s): ART 237 and ART 238

ART 701 Master Critique I (3 Credits)

This course focuses on synthesizing expression and intellect with innovative directions in the drawing genre.

ART 702 Master Critique II (3 Credits)

This is an applied theory. It utilizes historical and theoretical concepts. Students’ artwork is discussed weekly in group or individual sessions. Emphasizing conceptual understanding and its application to art making, these discussions give students experience in participating in art discourse and promote in them an attitude of investigation and inquiry. Interacting in group critiques encourages students to develop their capacity for integration of personal responses, art historical information, and art critical concepts into verbal commentary about their studio work. Students are encouraged to place their work in a cultural and historical context and to relate their work to the art of student peers, as well as current art world trends and movements.

ART 703 Master Critique III (3 Credits)

This is an applied theory. It utilizes historical and theoretical concepts. Students’ artwork is discussed weekly in group or individual sessions. Emphasizing conceptual understanding and its application to art making, these discussions give students experience in participating in art discourse and promote in them an attitude of investigation and inquiry. Interacting in group critiques encourages students to develop their capacity for integration of personal responses, art historical information, and art critical concepts into verbal commentary about their studio work. Students are encouraged to place their work in a cultural and historical context and to relate their work to the art of student peers, as well as current art world trends and movements.

ART 704 Master Critique IV (3 Credits)

The four courses above are applied theory courses, which utilize historical and theoretical concepts. Students’ artwork is discussed weekly in group- or individual-sessions. Emphasizing conceptual understanding and its application to art making, these discussions give students experience in participating in art discourse and promote in them an attitude of investigation and inquiry. Students are encouraged to place their work in a cultural and historical context and to relate their work to the art of student peers, as well as current art world trends and movements. Each section will emphasize a variety of topics and readings conducted by different faculty.

ART 711 Studio I (3 Credits)

In this course the student is directed toward an exhibition thesis project that is unique to the student, that fires the imagination, and that galvanizes the student to commitment and work. The student consults with her/his faculty mentor on the development of a personal vision.

ART 712 Studio II (3 Credits)

In this course the student is engaged in research and experimentation in an effort to find the best possible way to manifest his/her personal vision. The student continues to work with her/his faculty mentor on the development of that vision as evidenced by the conceptual, technical and aesthetic approach to the work.

ART 713 Studio III (3 Credits)

In this course the student is engaged in clarifying both theoretically and technically the elements of his/her personal vision. The refinement of materials and resolution of execution is accomplished. The student continues to work with the faculty mentor on the fulfillment and resolution of the exhibition thesis.

ART 714 Studio IV (3 Credits)

In this course the student completes the exhibition thesis, presents it, and defines it. The student continues to work with the faculty mentor on the finalization of the exhibition thesis.

ART 1647 Honors in Studio Art (1 Credit)

This is a concentrated studio course designed to allow in-depth studio work, the conception and technique of which has evolved in previous courses. A maximum of six credits may be earned this way.

ART 2647 Honors in Studio Art (2 Credits)

This is a concentrated studio course designed to allow in-depth studio work, the conception and technique of which has evolved in previous courses. A maximum of six credits may be earned this way.

*No more than three 500-level courses may be counted towards any master’s degree.