ART 100 Introduction to the Visual Arts

Overview of Course

Art is a way of seeing, thinking, and making meaning. In this course, you will learn how to look closely at works of art and develop interpretations grounded in visual evidence.
Using artworks from diverse cultures and time periods, you will be introduced to the visual language of art—including elements such as line, color, form, space, and texture, and principles such as balance, contrast, and movement—and how artists use these to shape meaning.
Through a structured process—prepare, observe, interpret, contextualize, curate, and reflect—you will engage in repeated cycles of visual inquiry. You will practice moving beyond first impressions to develop clear, supported interpretations and to consider how context, including culture, history, politics, and belief systems, influences both the creation and understanding of art.
Course activities include sketchbook-based observation, discussion, short writing, and introductory curatorial work. By the end of the course, you will be able to analyze artworks, use visual evidence to support your ideas, and communicate your interpretations clearly. The course will culminate in exhibiting a curated selection of coursework that presents a focused visual and written argument about how meaning is constructed in art.