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Visual Art Pathway
This pathway assumes:
- You will be a full-time student.
- You will start in the fall.
- You are ready to take 100- and 200-level classes.
If not, you can still complete the pathway! You will just need to make adjustments. Talk with your advisor to customize your plan.
VISUAL ART, ASSOCIATE IN ARTS & SCIENCES (AAS/DTA) (90 CREDITS)
Follow this recommended pathway to earn the AAS/DTA degree and prepare for a university major in visual art. Or you can customize your plan even more. Talk with your advisor about adapting it for your individual goals.
Scroll to the end for course suggestions.
Quarter 1
ART 112 Drawing I (5 credits)
| Description | Theory and practice of drawing in various mediums with a range of subject and of aesthetic approaches. Emphasis on studio work integrated with slides, lecture, discussion and out-of-class work. (Hp) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
or ART 115 2D Design (5 credits )
| Description | In this hands-on studio art course, students will gain the foundational knowledge and skills used in 2-dimensional art and design fields such as drawing, painting, printmaking, and visual communications. Topics include the creative process, 2-dimensional concepts, design elements and strategies, and composition. Students will focus on individual projects, working directly with a variety of basic tools, materials, and processes common to 2-dimensional design fields. Students will learn to use supportive critique strategies to discuss their own work and the work of their peers. (Hp) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
ENGL& 101 English Composition I (5 credits)
| Description | This course helps students become more effective writers in academic and professional settings. Students learn to enter ongoing academic conversations, analyze and use secondary sources to formulate, develop, revise, and communicate ideas in writing, and shape their message to different purposes, audiences, and media. (CC) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of ENGL 95 or placement in ENGL& 101. |
| Course Attributes |
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ENVS& 101 Introduction to Environmental Science (5 credits)
| Description | Introductory lab science course emphasizing a scientific approach toward understanding nature and real-world environmental problems. Includes an examination of how living systems are interconnected, the impact humans have on ecosystems, and societal issues that arise. An at-homelab kit is utilized to examine course concepts and practice the scientific process. Either ENVS& 100 or ENVS& 101 may be taken for credit, not both. (MSls) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Placement in ENGL& 101 |
| Course Attributes |
|
or ANTH& 215 Bioanthropology With Lab (5 credits )
| Description | An exploration of the evolution of the human species from a biological perspective, considering interrelationships of biology and culture, principles of genetics, primate behavior, primate and human fossils, early prehistoric cultures, and human variation/adaptation. Lab work included. Either ANTH& 205 or 215 may be taken for credit, not both. (MSls) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
or GEOL 140 Natural Disasters (5 credits )
| Description | Formerly GEOL 120. A study of the nature, causes, impacts, and methods of coping with natural disasters, including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, floods, tsunami, tornadoes, hurricanes, drought, blizzards, fires, and other topics. Lab work and field trips included. (MSgsl) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
Total credits this quarter: 15
Career exploration: Find your people! Attend area-of-study activities and connect with clubs related to your career goals.
Action item: Meet with your advisor to build your degree plan.
Action item: Have your transfer-in credits officially evaluated.
Quarter 2
ART 112 Drawing I (5 credits)
| Description | Theory and practice of drawing in various mediums with a range of subject and of aesthetic approaches. Emphasis on studio work integrated with slides, lecture, discussion and out-of-class work. (Hp) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
or ART 115 2D Design (5 credits )
| Description | In this hands-on studio art course, students will gain the foundational knowledge and skills used in 2-dimensional art and design fields such as drawing, painting, printmaking, and visual communications. Topics include the creative process, 2-dimensional concepts, design elements and strategies, and composition. Students will focus on individual projects, working directly with a variety of basic tools, materials, and processes common to 2-dimensional design fields. Students will learn to use supportive critique strategies to discuss their own work and the work of their peers. (Hp) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
CMST& 101 Introduction to Communication (5 credits)
| Description | Fundamental course in communication theory. Students will apply knowledge in variety of settings including interpersonal, public speaking, and small group communication. Recommended preparation: placement in ENGL& 101. (OC) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
or CMST& 210 Interpersonal Communication (5 credits )
| Description | Designed to introduce students to basic interpersonal communication theory. Emphasis on topics such as functions of communication, self-concept, perception, conversation skills, relationship development and maintenance, self-disclosure, assertiveness, and conflict management strategies. (OC) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Placement in ENGL& 101 |
| Course Attributes |
|
or CMST& 220 Public Speaking (5 credits )
| Description | Introduction to communication theory and public speaking emphasizing organization, audience analysis, oral styles, and use of visual aids. Includes presentation of various types of public speeches and analyses of contemporary speeches. Recommended preparation: placement in ENGL& 101. (OC) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
or CMST& 230 Small Group Communication (5 credits )
| Description | Introduces students to the theory and practice of small group communication. Course covers interpersonal relationships in groups, leadership, decision-making, problem solving, and presentations speaking in a variety of settings. Recommended preparation: placement in ENGL& 101. (OC) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
SOCIAL SCIENCE see suggested list below or click for complete list (5 credits)
Total credits this quarter: 15
Career exploration: Compare the different art majors and combined majors at universities you're interested in.
Career exploration: Start keeping a portfolio of your best work. Ask your art instructors for tips.
Career exploration: Participate in a WCC student art show.
Quarter 3
ART& 100 Art Appreciation (5 credits)
| Description | Approach to art appreciation designed to develop an understanding of visual art forms, and to develop the vocabulary necessary to discuss them. Content will focus on issues and concepts in contemporary art. Topics include the purpose and function of art, creative process, and visual and design elements that go into the making of art. (Hw) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Placement in ENGL& 101 |
| Course Attributes |
|
or ART 116 3D Design (5 credits )
| Description | In this hands-on studio art course, students will gain the foundational knowledge and skills used in 3-dimensional art and design fields such as sculpture, architecture, and crafts. Topics include the creative process, 3-dimensional concepts, design elements and strategies and composition. Students will work directly with a variety of traditional studio art tools, materials and processes which may include digital design and digitally guided tools. Students will use supportive critique strategies to discuss their own work and the work of their peers. (Hp) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
MATH& 107 Math In Society (5 credits)
| Description | Formerly MATH 125. Exploration of mathematical concepts with emphasis on observing closely, developing critical thinking, analyzing and synthesizing techniques, improving problem solving skills, and applying concepts to new situations. Core topics are probability and statistics. Additional topics may be chosen from a variety of math areas useful inour society. Graphing calculator required. (QSR,MS) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of MATH 088 or MATH 099 with a minimum grade of C. |
| Course Attributes |
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ART STUDIO see suggested list below (5 credits)
Total credits this quarter: 15
Career exploration: Look for a summer job or internship related to your career goals.
Action item: Check the GPA and other entry requirements for your future major. Are you on track?
Quarter 4
ART& 100 Art Appreciation (5 credits)
| Description | Approach to art appreciation designed to develop an understanding of visual art forms, and to develop the vocabulary necessary to discuss them. Content will focus on issues and concepts in contemporary art. Topics include the purpose and function of art, creative process, and visual and design elements that go into the making of art. (Hw) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Placement in ENGL& 101 |
| Course Attributes |
|
or ART 116 3D Design (5 credits )
| Description | In this hands-on studio art course, students will gain the foundational knowledge and skills used in 3-dimensional art and design fields such as sculpture, architecture, and crafts. Topics include the creative process, 3-dimensional concepts, design elements and strategies and composition. Students will work directly with a variety of traditional studio art tools, materials and processes which may include digital design and digitally guided tools. Students will use supportive critique strategies to discuss their own work and the work of their peers. (Hp) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
PHYSC 104 Finding Things Out: Energy (5 credits)
| Description | First of a three quarter set of courses using extensive hands-on and inquiry-based activities that allow students to develop a solid understanding of the nature of interactions and energy exchange. Students will develop critical thinking skills required to pursue scientific understanding of important ideas in physical systems. Not intended for students with prior physical science coursework. Preferred sequence is PHYSC 104, GEOL 104, and BIOL 104. Lab work included. (MSl) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
HUMANITIES click for list (5 credits)
Total credits this quarter: 15
Course note: Choose a humanities course in a subject other than art. Don't choose any other "performance" course (with a 'p' attribute).
Action item: Apply for next year's financial aid.
Action item: Meet with your advisor about applying to universities. Start your transfer applications.
Action item: Identify portfolio requirements for your transfer institutions. Document your artwork based on the criteria for the portfolio. Work with your art instructors to get professional-quality images of your work.
Action item: Communicate with an advisor at your transfer institutions. Ask if there is a portfolio review day that you can attend.
Quarter 5
ART 205 Western Art From 18th to Mid-20th Century (5 credits)
| Description | Historical developments in Western art from 18th century to the mid-20th century. Focus on European and American art. (Hwg) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Placement in ENGL& 101 |
| Course Attributes |
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ENGL 201 Advanced Composition (5 credits)
| Description | This course helps students become more effective communicators through the production of various forms and mediums of writing. Students develop effective rhetorical strategies through analysis of texts and contexts, as well as engaging in independent research as part of meaningful and ethical scholarship. (CC) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of ENGL& 101 with a minimum grade of C-. |
| Course Attributes |
|
or ENGL 202 Writing About Literature (5 credits )
| Description | This course helps students develop skills in reading and writing about literature. Students analyze literature based on elements of genres, including fiction, poetry, and/or drama, and develop essays using strategies of literary analysis. (CC) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of ENGL& 101 with a minimum grade of C-. |
| Course Attributes |
|
or ENGL& 235 Technical Writing (5 credits )
| Description | This course helps students develop effective methods of research, organization and presentation of findings typical of professional, technical, and scientific writing. Students develop problem-solving and researching skills, including data collection, the critical analysis of sources, documentation, and document design. (CC) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of ENGL& 101 with a minimum grade of C-. |
| Course Attributes |
|
ECON 100 Survey of Economic Principles (5 credits)
| Description | This is an introductory course for those not planning a major in Business, Accounting, or Economics. Fundamental concepts of economic analysis with application to contemporary problems, including consumer demand and supply decisions in market economies, national income, unemployment, inflation, money, and banking. (SS) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
or BUS& 101 Introduction to Business (5 credits )
| Description | Covers the role of business in modern economy and topics related to internal operations of a business and opportunities in business. Recommended preparation: placement into ENGL& 101. (SS) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
Total credits this quarter: 15
Action item: Apply to graduate by week 3 of this quarter.
Quarter 6
ASTR& 100 Survey of Astronomy (5 credits)
| Description | Introduction to astronomy includes background physics essentials; measuring properties of stars; star formation; stellar evolution; stellar explosions and remnants; normal and active galaxies and galactic evolution; big bang and evolution of the universe. (MS) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
or BIOL 104 Finding Things Out: Biology (5 credits )
| Description | Part of a three quarter set of courses using extensive hands-on and inquiry-based activities to help students understand a few central ideas in biology regarding the flow of energy and matter. Students will develop critical thinking skills required to pursue scientific understanding of important ideas in biological systems. Preferred sequence is PHYSC 104, GEOL 104, and BIOL 104. Lab work included. Recommended preparation: PHYSC 104 and GEOL 104. (MSl) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
or BIOL 159 Marine Biology (5 credits )
| Description | Studies basic biological principles applied to the marine environment. Topics include: organic molecules, the behavior of water, cellular functions, the diversity in structure, function and ecology of marine organisms, and human impact on the oceans. Lab work and local field trips included. (MS sl) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Placement in ENGL& 101 |
| Course Attributes |
|
or ENVS& 101 Introduction to Environmental Science (5 credits )
| Description | Introductory lab science course emphasizing a scientific approach toward understanding nature and real-world environmental problems. Includes an examination of how living systems are interconnected, the impact humans have on ecosystems, and societal issues that arise. An at-homelab kit is utilized to examine course concepts and practice the scientific process. Either ENVS& 100 or ENVS& 101 may be taken for credit, not both. (MSls) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Placement in ENGL& 101 |
| Course Attributes |
|
or GEOL 100 Introduction to Earth Science (5 credits )
| Description | Introduction to geology, oceanography, and meteorology. Interaction of physical processes on earth with human affairs. Lab work included.(MSl) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
SOCIAL SCIENCE click for list (5 credits)
ART STUDIO see suggested list below (5 credits)
Total credits this quarter: 15
Career exploration: Look for an internship in the arts.
Action item: Attend the spring job fair.
Course Suggestions
Selected social science courses that meet the 'diversity' requirement
- ANTH& 210 Indigenous peoples of North America
- ANTH& 216 Indigenous peoples of the Northwest Coast
- HIST& 146, HIST& 147, HIST& 148 US history I, II, and III
- HIST& 214 Pacific Northwest history
- HIST& 219 Native American history
- HIST& 250 American military history
- PSYC& 220 Abnormal psychology
- SALI 201 Intro the the Salish Sea
- SOC& 101 Intro to sociology
- SOC 120 Marriage and family
- SOC& 201 Social problems
Art studio courses
- ART 118 Mixed media/collage
- ART 123 Water based media
- ART 130 Ceramics I
- ART 131 Beginning throwing
- ART 134 Art of color
- ART 160 Sculpture
- ART 175 Printmaking: relief and monotype
- ART 179 2D animation
- ART 185 Intro to visual communication
- ART 186 Intro to digital video
- ART 187 Computer art
- ART 200 Figure drawing
- ART 221 Painting
Selected humanities (non-ART) courses
- DANCE 121 Global perspectives on dance
- DRMA& 101 Intro to theatre
- MUSC& 105 Music appreciation
- MUSC 110 Intro to world music
- MUSC 115 Survey of American music
- MUSC 120 Survey of jazz history
- MUSC 125 Survey of popular music
- World language: ASL& 121, CHIN& 121, FREN& 121, GERM& 121, JAPN& 121 or SPAN&121