;

Fine Art, Associate in Arts

Overview

Narrative

Northampton's Fine Art Program is a transfer degree meant to parallel the first two years of a bachelor's degree. The program provides students with a thorough introduction to the basic areas of study in the visual arts. We help you develop a strong set of foundation skills for future artistic growth.

Upon successful completion of our program, you will have a clear understanding of the core technical, conceptual and aesthetic issues involved in creating successful works of art. You also will have prepared a portfolio, drawn from examples of your course work, for transfer to a four-year baccalaureate program (B.A. or B.F.A.) at a college, university or art school.

In NCC's well-equipped studio facilities you will have the opportunity to explore the arts in small classes with close student-instructor interaction. In your fourth semester, studio time will increase greatly to allow you to hone your talents while working on art projects for credit. Also during this semester, you will have the chance to consult one-to-one with a professional artist from a gallery in New York City, who will examine and critique your work. Courses in this program are offered primarily during the day.

Features

First year art offerings include Drawing I, Drawing II, Principles of 2-D Design & Color, and Principles of 3-D Design. These courses emphasize essential skills for studying all of the visual arts. You will also take introductory courses in Art History, Computer Graphics, and Painting. Advanced Drawing and Painting follow, along with additional choices in 2-D and 3-D media such as Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, and Ceramics. In the final semester, Media Art features a synthesis of traditional art techniques and experimental digital technology.

During the final capstone course, Individual Studio/Professional Practices, you have the opportunity and personal challenge of synthesizing your accumulated experience and knowledge into a highly individualized series of artworks for a final group exhibition. You may also maintain an extensive sketchbook/journal and use this resource for writing assignments and studio work. The program also expands your knowledge of the professional fine art world through visits to museums, galleries, and art centers in New York City, Philadelphia, and the Lehigh Valley. There, you will speak with artists, curators, gallery directors, and art museum personnel who will share their wealth of experience.

Requirements

Contact the Admissions Office at 610.861.5500 for further information.

Career Potential: Transfer program for artists, art educators, and visual art related careers

NCC FINE ART students have transferred to: Kutztown University, East Stroudsburg University, Millersville University, Moravian College, Cedar Crest College, University of the Arts (UArts), Tyler School of Art/Temple University, School of Visual Arts (SVA), Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Art (Pafa), School of Visual Arts (SVA), The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, Pratt Institute, Parsons The New School for Design, Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), Maryland Institute College of Fine Art (MICA), Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Herron School of Art and Design - Indiana University, Massachusetts College of Art, Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC).

Outcomes

Graduates of the program will:

  • Create artworks using basic art media, demonstrating core techniques, with proficient craftsmanship.
  • Utilize design, i.e. the elements of art and principles of organization, in the creation of successful artworks.
  • Demonstrate creativity, by synthesizing knowledge and imagination in form, style, and content.
  • Recognize and use the technical and aesthetic terminology of the fine arts.
  • Develop and use critical thinking skills to analyze artworks, both in speaking and writing.
  • Have prepared a comprehensive portfolio of high quality artworks for transfer to four-year colleges, universities, or art school.

Courses

First Semester

COLS101College Success

1 credits

ARTA101Art History Survey

3 credits

ARTA107Drawing I

3 credits

ARTA111Principles of 2-D Design & Color

3 credits

ARTA170Computer Graphics

4 credits

ENGL101English I

3 credits

Total Credit Hours:17

Second Semester

ARTA110Principles of 3-D Design

3 credits

ARTA124Drawing II

3 credits

ARTA158Painting I

3 credits

COMM101Introduction to Communication

3 credits

ENGL151LEnglish II

3 credits

Total Credit Hours:15

Third Semester

ARTA162Sculpture

3 credits

OR

ARTA161Ceramics

3 credits

 

Studio Elective +

3 credits

Studio Elective +

3 credits

Science Elective (SCI)

3/4 credits

Social Science: Societies and Institutions over Time Elective (SIT)

3 credits

Total Credit Hours:15-16

Fourth Semester

ARTA220Media Art

3 credits

ARTA260Individual Studio/ Professional Practices

4 credits

MATH120Nature of Mathematics

3 credits

Studio Elective +

3 credits

Social Science: Scientific Study of Human Behavior Elective (SSHB)

3 credits

Total Credit Hours:16

Total Credit Hours: 63-64

  • The electives specified above must be taken from the list of approved courses in each of the categories.
  • One course should be designated as Diversity and Global Awareness (D).
  • Students must take two General Education Electives (SIT, SSHB or SCI) in Writing Intensive (WI) sections. WI course sections are identified with a "G" following the course number.
  • Computer competencies are included in various courses in this program, specifically ARTA111, ARTA170, and ARTA220. Thus, completing the program automatically satisfies the computing requirement.

+ Complete a total of three (3) Studio Electives from among:  ARTA 151, ARTA 161, ARTA 162, ARTA 164, ARTA 204, ARTA 226, ARTA 282