Art Therapy Core Courses

Psychology of Art  Art as a fundamental human activity on an individual and societal level. Studies theories of creativity and issues of cultural and social diversity as applicable to art therapy

Art Therapy Seminar   Study of the art of clients with different disabilities and psychopathologies. Investigation into methods of inducing visual expression with different clients will be emphasized. The current DSM will be used in conjunction with defining client disabilities and pathologies

Expressive Arts for Change   Experiential studio course exploring the expressive arts process in depth through multiple arts media and techniques. Use the expressive arts as a tool for social change and personal transformation to contribute to positive change.

Art Therapy Fundamentals   Survey of the origins, history, and theoretical objectives and trends in art therapy. Ethical, legal issues, and standards of good practice will be covered.

The Development of Creative Functioning   Study of the creative individual; research findings on creativity; techniques for promoting creativity thinking and problem-solving in educational, clinical, and business environments.

Art Therapy Techniques   Theoretical approaches and techniques used in art therapy. Students learn to develop and apply art therapy assessments.

Multi Modal Art Therapy   An exploration of Multi Modal healing techniques and their application in Art Therapy, Drama, Music, Poetry and Play therapy will be studied scholastically and experientially. Professionals in the field as well as varied techniques will be introduced

Research in Art Therapy Research into specific areas and elective topics in art therapy (graduate only)  

Art Therapy Practicum  Supervised art therapy practicum over at least two academic terms with a minimum of two placements (graduate only)

Electives  

Possible electives include Psychology (undergraduate only),Counseling (graduate only). and Studio Arts:

Ecopsychology Art and Meditation  Ecopsychology is an emerging field that studies the relationship between people and nature. It has far-reaching implications in sustainability, politics, and the arts on a personal and group level. Through art and meditation a deep understanding of the principles and practices of ecopsychology will be explored

Ceramics General course in clay, including throwing, hand-building, and glaze calculations. 

Drawing  Concepts and skills of drawing as the primary tool of the artist. Emphasis on education of vision, composition, expression, and an exploration of materials

Fibers Loom Weaving - Interlocking fibers via loom mechanisms; includes experience with fabric structures, fiber characteristics and the effective use of color.   Off-Loom Fibers - Primary structures through a variety of manipulation techniques; may include primitive forms of weaving, felting, basketry and dyeing

Painting Individual concepts and creative skills in the use of oils, watercolors, and/or mixed  media. Discussions and critiques supplement studio experience

Photography Studio course designed to acquaint the student with the fine art of photography, basic camera handling, and basic black-and-white darkroom techniques

Sculpture Introduction to sculpture using multiple processes to explore technical and conceptual aspects of sculpture production.

Printmaking Introduction to printmaking as a fine art media.  Etching (spring semester), Woodcut (fall semester).