Program Contact:  Stephen Henderson  203-582-3751

The Department of Visual and Performing Arts offers a minor for students interested in exploring the fine arts. The different tracks in fine arts are designed to advance each student’s unique abilities in creative thinking and artistic processes, in addition to developing a basic foundation in visual literacy.

A Minor in Fine Arts not only expands your knowledge of artists and their work, but also refines the lens through which you view, understand and critique works of art—from the medieval period to the present day. Whether your interest is focused exclusively in the history and interpretation of art, or whether you are seeking a more hands-on approach to develop your artistic skills, three separate tracks enable you to engage with subject matter on terms that match your personal goals.

The art history track traces the development of aesthetic movements and the artists associated with them. It also enriches your understanding of how the visual arts shape various cultural and social contexts. The studio art track enables you to experiment with materials, artistic strategies, composition and form. Regardless of your level of skill, courses in visual design, drawing, photography and other disciplines give you the opportunity to express your own concepts. The interdisciplinary track blends art history with courses in music, drama and film to illustrate the degree to which the visual arts have inspired and informed other expressive mediums.

Students minoring in fine arts must complete the courses under one of the following three tracks (18 credits).

Fine Arts: Studio Art Track

AR 102Art History: Ancient Through Medieval3
or AR 103 Art History: Renaissance Through Contemporary
AR 140Basic Visual Design3
AR 251Studio Art: Drawing3
Select three additional courses from the following:9
Photography I
The Creative Process
Color Theory
Studio Art: Special Topic
Studio Art: Painting
Studio Art: Printmaking
Photography II
Studio Art: Watercolor
Studio Art: Collage
Total Credits18

Fine Arts: Art History Track

AR 102Art History: Ancient Through Medieval3
or AR 103 Art History: Renaissance Through Contemporary
Select four additional courses from the following:12
Art History: Ancient Through Medieval
Art History: Renaissance Through Contemporary
Survey of Non-Western Art
American Art
Introduction to Digital Art
Special Topics in Art History
Select a sixth course in consultation with the program director or department chair3
Total Credits18

Fine Arts: Interdisciplinary Track

AR 102Art History: Ancient Through Medieval3
or AR 103 Art History: Renaissance Through Contemporary
Select five courses in art, music and/or drama 115
Total Credits18
1

In consultation with the chair, certain film courses may be applicable. At least two courses must be at the 200 level or higher. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of this minor, courses from at least two disciplines must be taken with a maximum of four courses from any single discipline.