Degree Requirements

The AA – Art degree offers an engaged approach towards artistic practice and critical discourse through a variety and breadth of studio arts and art history courses, including two- and three-dimensional design, ceramics, digital art, drawing and painting, photography and sculpture. In addition to the core requirements, students can further pursue an emphasis of studio practice specific to their area of interest, including Ceramics, Digital Art, Drawing and Painting as well as Sculpture/Public Art.

Associate Degree Requirements 
Core Curriculum
Note: All courses in the major must be completed with a letter grade of “C” or higher. 
ART 130 Sculpture I 3
ART 229 Sculpture II 3
Select TWO (2) of the following:
ART 280 Sculpture III: The Structure 
of Sculpture 3
ART 281 Studio Workshop in 
Public Sculpture 3
ART 282 Public Art Fabrication 
and Installation 3
Total 12
Plus Core 12
Total Required 24
Plus General Education and
Elective Requirements

ART 130
SCULPTURE I
3 units, 2 hours lecture, 4 hours laboratory
An examination of the theories, methods and materials used in modern sculpture. The focus of this course will be on the conceptual and technological developments of sculpture in the twentieth century with an historical examination of sculpture as a vehicle for social, political and cultural expression. An emphasis is placed on skill development, the ability to control media, and the exploration of communication and personal expression through the aesthetic object. Satisfies General Education for: CSU C1, IGETC 3A. Transfers to: CSU, UC

ART 131 †
JEWELRY DESIGN I
3 units, 2 hours lecture, 4 hours laboratory
A beginning course that introduces fundamentals of design and execution of jewelry forms. A variety of materials and processes will be used to explore jewelry as a vehicle of aesthetic expression. The historical development of Metal Casting, Metal Smithing, Precious Stones and Found Objects as body adornment will be introduced along with an examination of cultural influence on the small-scale metal and jewelry designer.
Transfers to CSU

ART 132 †
JEWELRY DESIGN II
3 units, 2 hours lecture, 4 hours laboratory
Prerequisite: A “C” grade or higher or “Pass” in Art 131 or equivalent.
An intermediate course continuing the development of skills introduced in Jewelry Design I. This course will introduce the design and technical skills required for the execution of more complex jewelry forms. A variety of materials and processes will be explored through a series of design problems. Historical development of metalsmithing and advanced casting processes will be examined.
Transfers to CSU

ART 133
JEWELRY DESIGN III
3 units, 2 hours lecture, 4 hours laboratory
Prerequisite: A “C” grade or higher or “Pass” in Art 132 or equivalent.
An advanced course continuing the development of skills achieved in Jewelry Design II. This course will emphasize new techniques and fabrication skills as well as development of personal aesthetics and design goals. New processes are introduced and will be explored through individually selected projects appropriate to meet the student’s objectives.
Transfers to CSU

ART 229
SCULPTURE II
3 units, 2 hours lecture, 4 hours laboratory
Prerequisite: A “C” grade or higher or “Pass” in Art 130 or equivalent.
An expansion of the concepts covered in Art 130. This course is for those who wish to develop a more advanced conceptual and technological knowledge of contemporary sculpture. The history, theories and techniques used in contemporary sculpture will be emphasized. An examination of personal direction and communication skills through mixed media will be explored.
Transfers to: CSU, UC

ART 280
SCULPTURE III: THE STRUCTURE OF SCULPTURE
3 units, 2 hours lecture, 4 hours laboratory
Prerequisite: A “C” grade or higher or “Pass” in Art 229 or equivalent.
This course concentrates on the role of structure in sculpture of all media. Basic principles of balance and structural stability; fabrication of shapes and elements; and the design of frameworks, membranes, plates, shells and connection elements will be examined. Students will demonstrate their understanding of the course curriculum by producing individual sculptures. The course offers students the opportunity to learn how medium to large scale sculpture is conceived, planned, constructed and installed.
Transfers to: CSU, UC

ART 281
STUDIO WORKSHOP IN PUBLIC SCULPTURE
3 units, 2 hours lecture, 4 hours laboratory
Prerequisite: A “C” grade or higher or “Pass” in Art 229 or equivalent
This course is designed for students that have an interest in public art theory as applied to planning and applying for commissions in a public context. The course will examine issues of planning and public art design, as well as examining public art theory through case studies and planning models. Issues examined will include funding models, issues of community context, collaboration with public and private agencies, contracts, liability issues, and strategies for planning and implementation. Students will design a public art proposal, a detailed budget, and prepare a presentation within a lab context. In most cases, students and the department will attempt to secure an actual commission in conjunction with the course.
Transfers to CSU

ART 282
PUBLIC ART FABRICATION AND INSTALLATION
3 units, 2 hours lecture, 4 hours laboratory
Prerequisite: A “C” grade or higher or “Pass” in Art 229 or equivalent.
This course is designed for students that have an interest in fabricating sculpture for a public context and/or Public Art through a commissioning process. The course will cover several aspects and methods used in the physical production of commissioned works. Issues examined will include sub-contractor negotiation, design and budget issues with the procurement of materials, fabrication techniques, and installation methodology. Students will implement skills, techniques and concepts learned in sculpture courses to design and produce sculpture for a public context. In most cases, the department will attempt to secure an actual commission during the course.
Transfers to CSU