Briar Cliff University - The Catholic Franciscan Learning Place

Art

Bachelor of Arts

Art is more than a four-year program of study at Briar Cliff University. It is the beginning of a lifetime of experiences, growth, ideas and expression. In BCU's art program, students develop an appreciation and understanding of various art forms through in depth criticism, leading to artistic and intellectual growth. A strong foundation in art history and philosophy of art is also stressed. Courses introduce students to great artists and philosophies of the past and present.

The student begins their artistic development with the foundations of drawing, design, art history and theory. This is followed by a progressive studio experience which is individualized for the purpose of developing each student's core sensibility. The studio experience is based on a sequence of six courses, during which the student progresses from an elemental stage of artistic thinking and forming to one where they are comprehending the current aesthetic issues in the visual arts.

Upon graduation, students majoring in art will be able to produce basic visual forms, use an electronic image portfolio of their works, understand the history of western art, understand and apply media and techniques as an integral component of their art works, develop an understanding of contemporary and avant-garde issues in art, encounter critical and historical works of art, independently produce critical, creative and personal works of art using appropriate media and techniques, relate their work to critical theories and art history and pursue professional and career options in art such as graduate study in painting, sculpture, museum studies, architecture, teaching and/or pursue areas of special interest.