Studio Arts (AFA)(Plan Code: LASFSAA)

Academic Plans, known as programs, include an overview description and a summary of program requirements. You can search the online catalog via the Academic Plan links on the right for a desired program or a specific course information. 

CORRECTION MADE 10/30/23. Please see Corrections Page for details. 

The Art Department offers this specialized degree primarily for students intending to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art at a baccalaureate institution with competitive portfolio entry. The program also provides a suggested framework of study for those who, although they may not wish to transfer, still want a well-rounded educational experience in studio art for personal enrichment or to develop their skills as a commercial or fine artist. The degree places emphasis on fine art foundations courses and also requires the student to specialize in a particular studio area (painting, drawing, photography, ceramics, or metals). Students will document a body of artwork in the culminating ART 215 Portfolio class and create related written materials to demonstrate their skills and to carry them to the next step on their pathway within the fine arts.

Completion of the following recommended courses does not guarantee admission as an art major with junior standing at the transfer institution. A competitive GPA and a quality portfolio are also essential. Due to the AFA degree’s heavy emphasis on studio art and art foundation courses, upon acceptance, the AFA student should expect to complete further general education courses at the baccalaureate institution in additions to upper-level course work in their major area. Students are strongly advised to select and plan courses in collaboration with their Art Department advisor and to contact the intended transfer institution to determine required coursework as early as possible.

General Education Requirements
Communication Skills
ENGL& 101English Composition I5
Quantitative Skills
Course Options5
Social Sciences
Course Options5
Humanities
Select five credits/units from the AA distribution list of Humanities A-list classes 15
Natural Sciences
Course Options 25
Health and Physical Education
https://catalog.clark.edu/degree-certificate-requirements/transfer-degree-distribution-list/#health-physical-education3
College 101
COLL 101College Essentials: Introduction to Clark2
Fine Art Foundations
ART 1012D Art and Design5
ART 103Drawing I5
ART 117Three-Dimensional Design5
ART 118Time-Based Art and Design5
ART 104Observational Drawing5
or ART 203 The Human Figure I
or ART 105 Drawing for Comics
ART 215Portfolio Development3
Art History - Choose 2 (two) from List A and 1 (one) more from either list A or B:15
List A:
Art History: Ancient to Late Antique (5 credits/units)
Art History: Medieval-Renaissance (5 credits/units)
Art History: Baroque-Modern (5 credits/units)
Art History: 20th Century (5 credits/units)
List B:
Art History: Asian Art (5 credits/units)
Women Artists Through History (5 credits/units)
Graphic Design History (5 credits/units)
Studio Concentration
Select a minimum of 15 credits/units from one of the following studio concentration areas: 315
Metal Arts
Metal Arts I (5 credits/units)
Metal Arts II (5 credits/units)
Metal Arts III (5 credits/units)
Photography
Photography I (5 credits/units)
Photography II (5 credits/units)
Photography III (5 credits/units)
Ceramics
Ceramics I (5 credits/units)
Ceramics II (5 credits/units)
Ceramics III (5 credits/units)
Drawing/Painting
Observational Drawing (5 credits/units)
Drawing for Comics (5 credits/units)
Printmaking I (5 credits/units)
Printmaking II (5 credits/units)
Printmaking III (5 credits/units)
The Human Figure I (5 credits/units)
The Human Figure II (5 credits/units)
Painting I (5 credits/units)
Painting II (5 credits/units)
Painting III (5 credits/units)
Watercolor I (5 credits/units)
Watercolor II (5 credits/units)
Watercolor III (5 credits/units)
Illustration
Drawing for Comics (5 credits/units)
Digital Painting & Illustration (5 credits/units)
Watercolor I (5 credits/units)
Electives2
Select an additional 2 (two) credits/units from the AA distribution list of General Electives
Total Credits/Units90
1

Cannot be an Art class.

2

 Must include a lab course.

3

Must not include those listed in the Foundations requirements.

Studio Concentrations

Metal Arts

ART 189Metal Arts I5
ART 190Metal Arts II5
ART 191Metal Arts III5

Photography

ART 123Photography I5
ART 124Photography II5
ART 125Photography III5

Ceramics

ART 180Ceramics I5
ART 181Ceramics II5
ART 182Ceramics III5

Drawing/Painting

ART 104Observational Drawing5
ART 105Drawing for Comics5
ART 120Printmaking I5
ART 121Printmaking II5
ART 122Printmaking III5
ART 203The Human Figure I5
ART 204The Human Figure II5
ART 257Painting I5
ART 258Painting II5
ART 259Painting III5
ART 260Watercolor I5
ART 261Watercolor II5
ART 262Watercolor III5

Illustration

ART 105Drawing for Comics5
ART 208Digital Painting & Illustration5
ART 260Watercolor I5

Program Outcomes

Program outcomes are overarching skills that are emphasized and reinforced throughout several courses in a specific program; they are measurable statements that define what students should know or be able to do by the end of a certificate or degree at Clark College. After successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • Identify and utilize the elements and principles of design in works of art.
  • Analyze works and ideas in the visual arts within appropriate historical, cultural, and stylistic contexts.
  • Demonstrate technical skill, care in handling of materials, awareness of process, and purposeful execution appropriate to discipline.
  • Use discipline appropriate vocabulary.
  • Synthesize design skills, contextual awareness, technique and craftsmanship to create innovative, coherent works.
  • Analyze and interpret quantitative information presented verbally, graphically, numerically, and/or symbolically. (GE)
  • Articulate well-considered ideas and written claims to an academic audience, using effective rhetorical techniques, properly credited evidence, and a command of Standard English. (GE)
  • Interpret the human experience, within appropriate global and historical contexts, through evaluation, analysis, creation, or performance. (GE)
  • Apply a method of scientific inquiry, valid to the natural sciences, to evaluate claims about the natural world. (GE)
  • Evaluate claims about the natural world using scientific methodology. (GE)
  • Evaluate, analyze, and explain events, behaviors, and institutions using perspectives and methods in the Social Sciences. (GE)
  • Analyze patterns of power, privilege, and inequity in the United States. (GE)
  • Obtain, evaluate, and ethically use information. (GE)
  • Demonstrate and clearly explain an effective strategy to solve a quantitative problem. (GE)
  • Demonstrate progress toward healthier behaviors. (GE)
  • Apply communication theory to demonstrate effective oral communication skills.(GE)

Program maps are a suggested academic plan and should not be used in the place of regular academic advising appointments. Your student entry method, placement, course availability, and program requirements are subject to change and transfer credit(s)/unit(s) may change your map/plan.
To view the current suggested map for your program please visit our website https://programmap.clark.edu/academics