Art
39 courses · Allan Hancock College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Summer 2026 · Fall 2026 · Winter 2027 · Spring 2027
ART 101 Art Appreciation
- Units
- 3
- Advisory
- READ 110, or ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ARTH 100
A study of the visual arts as an expression of thought and culture.
ART 102 Precolonial Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas
- Units
- 3
- Advisory
- ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU
This introductory survey course follows the development of the visual arts of Africa, the Pacific, and the Americas with an emphasis on the period before European contact. Art is discussed in its historical and cultural context. Contemporary methods of critical analysis are applied to the historiography and traditional methods of display of the visual cultures of these people.
ART 105 Art History of Mexico
- Units
- 3
- Advisory
- READ 110, or ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- N/A
A survey of the art of Mesoamerica, tracing the cultural development of the Valley of Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula from the earliest archaeological findings to the present time.
ART 106 Art of the 20th Century
- Units
- 3
- Advisory
- ARTH C1100 and ARTH C1200READ 110, or ENGL C1000
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
A survey of art of the 20th century including its roots in the 19th century. Topics include the investigation of appropriation from a global perspective, alternative art markets, and the impact of multiculturalism on content, subject matter, and the studio process. A variety of media are covered such as architecture, painting, sculpture, film, photography, and the digital arts.
ART 107 Introduction to Digital Art
- Units
- 3
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- A 250
An introduction to the fundamental concepts, practices and theories of digital art production. Topics include integration of traditional design, color, and compositional principles with contemporary digital tools.
ART 108 Design 1 on the Computer
- Units
- 3
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ARTS 100
This course is an introduction to the concepts, applications, and historical references related to two-dimensional art and composition, including the study of basic design principles and elements. Students will develop a visual vocabulary for creative expression through lectures, studio projects, problem-solving, and writing assignments. This course covers the same content as Art 110, but projects are executed digitally using the computer. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for GRPH 108.
ART 109 Art History: American Art
- Units
- 3
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- N/A
A comprehensive survey of the rich cultural diversity of American art from Colonial times to the present. Major artists and styles will be studied in the context of American culture.
ART 110 Design 1
- Units
- 3
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ARTS 100
An introduction to the visual elements and principles of design. This is a lecture/lab experience requiring specific materials.
ART 112 Design Color Theory
- Units
- 3
- Advisory
- ART 110, or GRPH 108, or ART 108
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ARTS 270
A study of color, what it is, how we see it and strategies for its application in the visual arts. Major historical and contemporary color theory principles will be applied through design strategies.
ART 113 Three Dimensional Design
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- ART 110, or ART 108, or GRPH 108, or
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ARTS 101
Introduction to the concepts, applications, and historical references related to three-dimensional design and spatial composition, including the study of the elements and organizing principles of design as they apply to three-dimensional space and form. Development of a visual vocabulary for creative expression through lecture presentations and use of appropriate materials for non-representational three-dimensional studio projects. Students will investigate a series of spatial design problems as they might apply to professional fields, including architecture, interior design, display, and sculpture.
ART 115 Introduction to Animation
- Units
- 3
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An introduction to animation production including classical character animation and other techniques. This course is not open to students who are enrolled in or have received credit for MMAC 115 or FILM 115.
ART 120 Drawing 1
- Units
- 3
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ARTS 110
An introduction to the elements, principles, materials and techniques of drawing. Emphasis is placed on the practical skills of observation and their expansion, along with drawing as a form of visual communication.
ART 121 Drawing 2
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- ART 120
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ARTS 205
Students in Art 121 will build on the fundamental technical drawing skills of Art 120 : Drawing 1, to develop more personalized approaches to drawing materials, strategies and subject matter. In addition to traditional drawing media, color media and techniques will be introduced and explored. Students will develop and visually communicate ideas using a variety of materials, formats, techniques and methodologies, through still life, figurative, landscape, narrative, abstract, expressive and imagined subjects. Projects will cover multiple historical and contemporary approaches to drawing. Creative expression, individual growth, development of personal style and content are emphasized.
ART 122 Life Drawing 1
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- ART 120
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ARTS 200
This course serves as an introduction to drawing the human figure from observation. Studio assignments investigate the human body, its mass, and its movements through the modeling of form, planar analysis, cross-contour, and gesture drawing techniques. Human anatomy and proportional accuracy are emphasized, while expressive and interpretive approaches are explored by means of compositional design, a variety of drawing media, and surveying historical and contemporary roles of figure drawing in the visual arts.
ART 123 Life Drawing 2
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- ART 122
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is a continued study in drawing the human form through direct observation. Students will further refine technical life drawing skills, as well as explore more detailed investigations into human anatomy, the human figure in space, and the human figure in motion. Students will expand their approaches, techniques and media to create a portfolio of figurative drawings that demonstrates increased technical skills, as well as explorations of color, style and content.
ART 124 Mixed Media 1
- Units
- 3
- Advisory
- ART 110, ART 151
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An exploration of a variety of traditional and distinctly unique 2-dimensional art media as they relate to drawing and painting mediums.
ART 133 Composition Studies: Figure 1
- Units
- 0.5
- Advisory
- ART 120 and ART 122
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
A beginning exploration of color, composition and style in artworks of the human figure. Students may choose to work in charcoal, pastels, acrylics, oils, watercolor, mixed media, or other appropriate media.
ART 134 Composition Studies: Figure 2
- Units
- 0.5
- Prerequisite
- ART 133
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- N/A
An intermediate exploration of color, composition and style in artworks of the human figure. Students may choose to work in charcoal, pastels, acrylics, oils, watercolor, mixed media, or other appropriate media.
ART 137 Life Drawing 3
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- ART 123
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is an advanced study in drawing the human form through direct observation. Technical and expressive drawing skills and approaches learned in Life Drawing 1 and 2 will be further developed and refined toward the development of a cohesive body of work. Life Drawing 3 students will produce a portfolio of advanced skill level drawings showing the development of personal style and content using the human figure as a subject.
ART 144 Mixed Media 2
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- ART 124
- Transfers to
- CSU
- C-ID
- none
An intermediate advanced level of mixed media focused on 2 and 3 dimensional art materials as they relate to composition and personal style.
ART 151 Painting 1
- Units
- 3
- Advisory
- ART 110, ART 120
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- ARTS 210
An introduction to the principles, elements, and practices of painting, including the exploration of painting materials, basic techniques, paint mixing, and approaches to color and composition.
ART 152 Painting 2
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- ART 151
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- N/A
An intermediate course in painting emphasizing further development of skills and exploration of styles.
ART 153 Painting 3
- Units
- 3
- Prerequisite
- ART 152
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- N/A
An advanced course in painting emphasizing the continued growth of technical skills and the development of a personal style.
ART 154 Composition Studies: Figure 3
- Units
- 0.5
- Prerequisite
- ART 134
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- N/A
An advanced exploration of color, composition and style in artworks of the human figure. Students may choose to work in charcoal, pastels, acrylics, oils, watercolor, mixed media, or other appropriate media.
ART 160 Ceramics 1
- Units
- 3
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Introduction to ceramics materials, concepts, and processes including basic design principles, creative development, various forming methods, glaze techniques, firing and ceramics terminology. The course covers aesthetics and creative development of clay objects examining historical, contemporary, and personal modes of expression across cultures.
ART 161 Ceramics 2
- Units
- 3
- Advisory
- ART 160
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
A continuation of Ceramics 1 materials, concepts and processes, including basic design principles, creative development, various forming methods, glaze techniques, firing and ceramics terminology. This course will explore low-fire clay and glaze processes, using the potter's wheel, extruder, making and using molds, graphic design with low-fire colored glazes. Student will further their own aesthetic and creative development of clay objects by examining historical, contemporary, and personal modes of expression across cultures. Because this is a lecture/lab course, students are expected to work 4 hours/week outside of class time.
ART 162 Ceramics 3
- Units
- 3
- Advisory
- ART 161
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
An introduction to low fire ceramic materials and techniques, including research into ceramic materials and experimental use of high fire glazes. Because this is a lecture/lab course, students are expected to work 4 hours/week outside of class time.
ART 163 Ceramics Workshop
- Units
- 3
- Advisory
- ART 162
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- N/A
A continuation of ART 162 with individualized assignments. Because this is a lecture/lab course, students are expected to work 4 hours/week outside of class time.
ART 164 Sculpture 1
- Units
- 3
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- N/A
Introduction to three-dimensional sculptural principles, techniques, and concepts utilizing a wide range of materials and practices. Various sculpture methods are practiced with attention to creative self-expression and historical context.
ART 165 Sculpture 2
- Units
- 3
- Advisory
- ART 164
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This is a lecture/lab course involving 2 hours of lecture and 4 hours of lab each week. It is an expanded exploration in sculpture techniques and materials.
ART 166 Raku and Alternative Firings
- Units
- 2
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course will introduce students to the Raku firing processes and other alternative glazing techniques to pottery and hand-building. Examples and methods including alternative electric kiln firings, Raku glazes, kilns, and firing; wheel-throwing and hand-building constructions; native materials and cone 10 clay preparation and use, and decorating processes will be covered.
ART 170 Survey of Asian Art
- Units
- 3
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course provides a select overview of art from India, Southeast Asia, China, Korea, and Japan from pre-history to modern times. Includes examination and analysis of ceramics, calligraphy/painting, printmaking, architecture and sculpture with reference to cross-cultural influences, religion, and philosophy in those countries.
ART 189 Independent Projects
- Units
- 1-3
- Transfers to
- CSU
Courses for students capable of independent work who demonstrate the need or desire for additional study beyond the regular curriculum. Enrollment allows students to pursue activities such as directed field experience, research, or development of skills and competencies under faculty advisement and supervision. Independent projects may be earned in most disciplines. Students wishing to enroll in Independent Projects should contact the appropriate instructor identified in the class schedule. If the project proposed is acceptable to that instructor, a contract will be developed. All contracts for these classes must be completed and submitted to the Records Office no later than the end of the second week of the semester. Students may enroll for any combination (unit value) of Independent Projects 189 and/or 389 for a total of four semesters in a specific discipline. Units are awarded depending upon satisfactory performance and the amount of time committed by the student to the course. Allowable units vary according to discipline, and are based on the following formula: 1 unit - 48 hours per semester 2 units - 96 hours per semester 3 units - 144 hours per semester
ART 199 Topics in Art
- Units
- 1-3
- Transfers to
- CSU
Provides an opportunity to explore particular aspects of the discipline which are not covered in detail in the existing program. See the current schedule of classes for topics being offered. Offerings identified as 199 are not offered on a regular cycle (not within a two year period).
ART 199U Special Topics in Art
- Units
- 2
- Advisory
- ART 113, ART 160
- Transfers to
- CSU
Provides an opportunity to explore particular aspects of the discipline which are not covered in detail in the existing program. See the current schedule of classes for topics being offered. Offerings identified as 199 are not offered on a regular cycle (not within a two-year period). Schedule Description: This class focuses on innovation, communication, cross-overs between arts and non-arts disciplines, and professional development opportunities.
ART 366 Working the Potter's Wheel
- Units
- 2
A lecture/lab course introducing students to using the potter's wheel as a tool for shaping clay. This course provides all necessary information for students new to the use of the potter's wheel. Students will need to purchase clay and tools for their own use.
ART 367 Advanced Potter's Wheel
- Units
- 2
- Advisory
- ART 366
- C-ID
- N/A
A lecture/lab course which expands upon the skills of Art 366, Working the Potter's Wheel. This course explores the vast array of contemporary ceramic practices based primarily on the use of the potter's wheel, while also further developing students' skills at forming clay on the wheel. Students will need to purchase clay and tools for their own use.
ART 368 Modifying Forms from the Wheel
- Units
- 2
- Advisory
- ART 367
- C-ID
- N/A
A lecture/lab course which expands upon the skills of Art 367, Advanced Potter's Wheel. This course focuses on the development of personal expression through use of the potter's wheel. Students will need to purchase clay and tools for their own use.
ART 399 Special Topics in Art
- Units
- 1-4
- Prerequisite
- Prerequisites, co-requisites or advisories will be included for each course developed under this curriculum shell, as is appropriate for the discipline described in the course title.
Provides an opportunity to explore particular aspects of the discipline which are not covered in detail in the existing program. See the current schedule of classes for topics being offered. Offerings identified as 399 are not offered on a regular cycle (not within a two-year period).