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Special Opportunities
While most students who choose the architecture program major in art, the opportunity does exist to major in, for example, biology, classics, sociology, physics or any of the 36 majors offered at Macalester. Students take all the required courses in their chosen major as well as courses listed on this page.
Through Macalester’s Art Department students may also choose to complete a traditional four years of art study and continue on to graduate school at a number of places. For example:
- Anina Mbilinyi ’99 (Dar es Salaam, Tanzania) is a graduate student in the architecture program at the University of Wisconsin after spending several years in a Tanzanian architectural firm.
- Skyler Brickley ’99 (Billings, Mont.) is studying architecture at the University of Minnesota.
- Jacob Tobias ’96 (Philadelphia, Pa.) is in the landscape architecture program at the University of California – Berkeley.
- Dan Noyes ’90 (Minneapolis, Minn.), graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a master’s of architecture, worked as an architect at BWBR Architects, a prominent firm in the Twin Cities, and is now in private practice.
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Courses
- Drawing
This studio course is an introduction to a variety of drawing media and techniques. Three basic approaches are pursued: drawing as observation and analysis, drawing as problem solving and invention, and drawing as independent expressive statement. Students explore a variety of themes and subject matter, including the human figure. Theoretical components include group critiques and slide lectures.
- Painting
An introduction to the studio practice of painting, using oil paint on a variety of supports ranging from paper, board and canvas to non-traditional painting surfaces. Exploration of the practical techniques and mechanics of painting as well as a consideration of content and meaning. Readings and class discussions of historical and contemporary painting practices and issues will develop a visual vocabulary as well as critical/theoretical knowledge to complement technical skills. Slide lectures, critiques and a gallery/museum visit will supplement studio work. Three two-hour periods per week.
- Sculpture
An introduction to a basic visual language of sculpture and an exploration of the creative process and the nature of materials. The course includes training in the safe use of a range of hand and power tools, in support of a series of projects in wood, clay, and other sculptural media.
- Principles of Art
A philosophical approach to the creative arts, relating art to humanity, the creator to the consumer; and to the social and psychological. The major thrust of the course is a series of aesthetic experiences encompassing numerous activities and attitudes of visual artists.
- History of Art I
This course offers an introduction to major monuments and periods of art from Ancient Antiquity through the Middle Ages. Its purpose is not only to acquaint students with key works of Prehistoric, Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Aegean, Greek, Etruscan, Roman, Early Christian, Byzantine, Hiberno-Saxon, Carolingian, Ottonian, Romanesque and Gothic art, but also to help them develop a vocabulary for the description and analysis of works of art. The course also provides a basic understanding of the methods and aims of art historical study while examining a broad range of issues such as patronage and the art maker, the changing roles of artists in society, and the changing functions of art.
- History of Art II
This course is a survey of topics in European art from the late 14th century to the second decade of the 20th century. Stylistic periods covered include Italian and Northern Renaissance; Mannerism; Baroque art in Italy, Spain and Northern Europe; Rococo; Neoclassicism; Romanticism, Realism; Impressionism; Post-Impressionism; Expressionism; and Cubism. In addition to questions of style, the course addresses other issues such as the identification of subject-matter, the function of art and its relation to the culture that produced it.
- 2-D Design
A series of two-dimensional projects through which the components of design are introduced and applied. Discussion includes the aesthetics and history of modern design, propaganda and commercial advertising and a review of contemporary design via the graphic novel, posters, web design, etc. Hands-on work includes concepts, layout, and production both manually and computer generated.
- 3-D Design
A series of three-dimensional projects using a basic visual language of line, texture, shape, plane, space, volume, and form will be explored. Critiques and structural testing of the projects lead to an understanding of functional and aesthetic relationships. The problem solving approach used in this class contributes to a resolution of spatial problems in a series of projects with references to sculpture, architecture, industrial design and interior design.
- Advanced Drawing
Building on Art 130, this studio course seeks to enlarge the student's visual vocabulary and inventive capacities. Projects are more complex and require a sustained effort. Students have an opportunity to find content and styles most suited to their individual needs. Weekly group discussions and critiques, slide lectures, and field trips are included.
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