Visual Arts

Associate in Fine Arts Degree - A.F.A.

The Associate in Fine Arts degree in Visual Arts prepares students to transfer into the third year of a baccalaureate degree program or to work in their field of concentration. Students gain a broad knowledge through the core curriculum and complete their degree requirements through extensive experience in one of four concentrations, or through a tailored set of electives from these four areas.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES
  • Identify and explain the significant events in the history of art as well as contemporary practices;
  • Discuss and/or integrate different techniques and approaches to art making;
  • Analyze and evaluate artwork verbally and in writing;
  • Create a portfolio for education transfer, employment, or artistic venues.

Students learn in modern, well-equipped facilities. Most courses are offered through day or evening classes, and an Associate in Fine Arts degree may be pursued either full- or part-time.

Admission to the Visual Arts program requires a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Through the Art History concentration (VIS.HIS.AFA), students gain an understanding of the arts of both western and non-western societies, including so-called primitive cultures. Students study the history of painting, sculpture, architecture, printmaking, photography, and decorative arts not only in relation to aesthetics, but also in relation to and as an indicator of world history.

The Ceramics/Sculpture concentration (VIS.CER. AFA) provides students with both aesthetic understanding and broad-based knowledge of three-dimensional arts: design, ceramics, and sculpture. Students develop their creativity in and knowledge of a variety of three-dimensional media, technical processes, and traditions.

The Fine Arts concentration (VIS.FINE.AFA), with an emphasis on drawing, painting, and printmaking courses, develops students’ technical skills and personal expression, and provides a deeper knowledge and appreciation of art history.

For Photography concentration (PHOTO.AFA) requirements, refer to the Photography program.

DEGREE CURRICULUM
2023-2024 Academic Year
 earlier / Archive
VIS.HIS.AFA
VIS.CER.AFA
VIS.FINE.AFA
CIP 500101

The course sequence below represents a recommended example of how this degree program can be completed in two years, presuming a Fall Term start and satisfaction of all Developmental Studies (foundation courses) requirements and prerequisites. Actual approaches toward completion depend on each student's anticipated transfer institution, career objectives, or other individual circumstances.

Students are encouraged to meet regularly with an academic advisor or Success Coach to consider options, establish plans, and monitor progress.

Code Course (lecture/lab hours) Credits
To Do This Semester
FIRST SEMESTER
ART 102 Basic Drawing (1/4) 3

✔ Meet with your faculty advisor to complete an academic plan. Make sure you are aware of any course prerequisites you may need to take, and how long it will take to complete your degree.

✔ Use your online tools: Check your MercerMail daily, utilize features of Office 365, and get to know Student Planning.

✔ Take advantage of Learning Centers or Online Tutoring to support your studies and assignments.

ART 105 Two-Dimensional Design (1/4) 3
ART 106 Three-Dimensional Design (1/4) 3
ENG 101 English Composition I (3/0) 3
MAT  — Mathematics elective
  • MAT 120 or 125 recommended. Select in consultation with an academic advisor.



3
SECOND SEMESTER
ART 122 History of Art II (3/0) 3

✔ Transitioning to college can be challenging. Meet with your Success Coach for guidance and support.

✔ Apply for financial aid by May 1.

✔ Contact professors with questions and use their office hours to develop a connection.

✔ Apply for Continuing Student scholarships at www.mccc.edu/m-scholarships.

✔ Begin attending college transfer events and visit campuses. Be sure to visit the Transfer Services and Career Services offices to get to know how the transfer process works and to explore career options.

✔ Plan for how you will complete transfer applications while finishing your classes.

ENG 102 English Composition II (3/0) 3
  —    — Concentration elective 3
  —    — Concentration elective 3
  —    — Concentration elective













3
THIRD SEMESTER
ART 125 Topics in Contemporary Art (3/0) 3

✔ Keep in contact with each professor and your faculty advisor. Make sure you are on track to graduate.

✔ Complete your applications to desired transfer institutions.

✔ Develop team and leadership skills by getting involved in activities and clubs.

✔ Manage your stress! Take advantage of the MCCC pool, Fitness Center, free yoga and Zumba. Reach out for counseling or other support if you need it. Your Success Coach can connect you with resources.

  —    — Concentration elective 3
  —    — Concentration elective 3
  —    — Concentration elective 3
  —    — Concentration elective







3
FOURTH SEMESTER
ART 121 History of Art I (3/0) 3

✔ Apply for financial aid by May 1.

✔ Talk to your faculty advisor and the Transfer office for advice on how to successfully transition to a new school.

✔ Apply for Graduating Student scholarships at www.mccc.edu/m-scholarships.

CMN 112 Public Speaking (3/0) 3
  —    — Concentration elective 3
  —    — Concentration elective 3
  —    — Concentration elective

3
  60  

NOTE: Electives should be selected in consultation with an academic advisor in order to ensure maximum transfer of credits.

Code Course (lecture/lab hours) Credits
Art History CONCENTRATION electives
ARC 124 History and Theory of Modern Architecture (3/0) 3
HIS 101 History of Western Civilization to 1648 (3/0) 3
PHO 110 History of Photography (3/0) 3
ART 124 History of Non-Western Art (3/0) 3
HIS 102 History of Western Civilization Since 1648 (3/0) 3
  —    — World Language elective 3
  —    — Social Science general education elective 3
ART 126 African American Art History (3/0) 3
  —    — World Language elective 3
  —    — Science or Technology general education elective

3
Code Course (lecture/lab hours) Credits
Ceramics/Sculpture CONCENTRATION electives
ART 104 Life Drawing (1/4) 3
ART 130 Painting I (1/4) 3
ART 145 Beginning Ceramics: Handbuilding (1/4) 3
ART 141 Sculpture I (1/4) 3
ART 146 Beginning Ceramics: Wheel-Throwing (1/4) 3
DMA 144 Internet Tools and Techniques (1/4) 3
DMA 250 Digital Portfolio Seminar (1/4) 3
ART 241 Sculpture II (1/4) 3
  —    — Visual Arts elective
  • Select in consultation with an academic advisor.
3
  —    — Visual Arts elective
  • Select in consultation with an academic advisor.
3
Code Course (lecture/lab hours) Credits
Fine Arts CONCENTRATION electives
ART 104 Life Drawing (1/4) 3
ART 130 Painting I (1/4) 3
ART 141 Sculpture I (1/4) 3
ART 150 Printmaking I (1/4) 3
ART 230 Painting II (1/4) 3
DMA 144 Internet Tools and Techniques (1/4) 3
DMA 250 Digital Portfolio Seminar (1/4) 3
ART 145 Beginning Ceramics: Handbuilding (1/4)  
  OR 3
ART 146 Beginning Ceramics: Wheel-Throwing (1/4)  
ART 241 Sculpture II (1/4) 3
  —    — Visual Arts elective
  • Select in consultation with an academic advisor.
3