ART THEORY AND PRACTICE

Welcome to the Department of Art Theory & Practice (AT&P) at the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Northwestern University. The department has both an undergraduate program, offering a baccalaureate degree, and a graduate program, offering a Masters of Fine Arts degree.

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undergraduate

degree requirements | courses | seminars and special topics courses | departmental honors | studio hours | how to enroll

director of undergraduate studies: Pamela Bannos

Our department believes in the inherent unity between the practice and theory of art. Beyond the development of skills and training in techniques, the study of art involves gaining both an understanding of visual thinking and an awareness of the histories, issues and concepts that bear on the direction and role of the visual arts in our culture today.

Most of our courses are designed to serve all students regardless of their major area of study. AT&P enrolls about 80 undergraduate art majors, while approximately 1,000 non-majors take our classes every year. Our undergraduate courses cover both traditional approaches and newer media and alternative strategies. Painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture and photography form the core of the undergraduate curriculum, giving students the opportunity to develop a solid foundation in the field's traditions and established media. The department also looks forward to experimental approaches and future developments in visual art making. We incorporate digital technology, video and conceptual art practice into our curriculum, thus blending newer trends with established practices. Also integral to our program are seminars in art theory, as well as critique classes in which enrolled students present new work for prolonged, in-depth analysis by the class. By the senior year, each department major is encouraged to elaborate his or her own self-motivated, individual studio practice in which artworks are produced independently of classroom assignments.

AT&P is also affiliated with the Animate Arts Program, and encourages undergraduates to pursue study across the visual and performing arts with particular emphasis on the links between the visual arts and other disciplines such as theater, film, music and computer science.

how to get into an at&p class
We realize how difficult it is for students to get into our undergraduate classes, but we encourage you to try. Every quarter, although our classes start off full, students drop out and we end the quarter under-enrolled. Here's what you do: 1. enter your name and email address on the waiting list in person, 3-400 Kresge 2. go to the first class (no matter how long the wait list) 3. if you don't get in at the first class meeting, go to the second class If you have any questions, contact Maura Costa, department assistant

undergraduate studios
To insure safety and security, undergraduate work areas in Kresge Hall are available only to students enrolled in AT&P courses. Rooms are locked when not in use; see technician for access (technician location posted at Kresge 3-350).

technician 
Michael Rea
3-356 Kresge Hall
847.491.4679
m-rea@northwestern.edu

hours
Mon 9 – 10
Tue 9 – 10
Wed 9 – 10
Thu 9 – 10
Fri 9 - 4
Sat 11- 6
Sun 12- 6

departmental honors

Upon graduating, a student with a high academic record may be cited for honors in his or her major. The College requires substantial evidence that a student nominated for such a distinction be among the department's most accomplished. Students who believe they may qualify should discuss the possibilities of independent study with their advisor toward the end of their junior year. The intended study must be described in writing and submitted for the approval of the Honors Committee during the beginning of the senior year. Any full-time AT&P faculty member may direct an honors project; this faculty member must be consulted before the submission of the proposal. Recommendation for senior honors is based on the successful completion of 399 Independent Study in winter quarter and 380 Studio Critique in spring quarter, during which the student completes a studio project and related essay which are approved by the Honors Committee.