The requirement in the Arts centers upon knowing through aesthetic values and judgments that develop from the interplay of expressive activity and the interpretation of such activity through the lenses of theory and history. For this reason, it is essential that students experience first-hand engagement in creative artistic endeavors and the opportunity to reflect upon the creative process and its products using theory and history.

Students must earn four semester hours of credit in one or more courses designated as fulfilling the Arts Requirement. Coursework used to fulfill this requirement must include at least one hour in making art (applied) and at least three hours in the study of art through theory and history. Students may also fulfill both parts of the requirement by taking two studio courses (levels I and II) in any medium.

Historical/Theoretical Courses fulfilling the Arts Requirement emphasize these student outcomes:

• Both expressive activity and the interpretation of that activity from theoretic and historical perspectives.
• First-hand engagement with creative artistic endeavors.
• Opportunities to reflect upon the creative process and its product using theory and history.

Applied Courses fulfilling the Arts Requirement emphasize these student outcomes:

• Developing artistic skills and techniques.
• Experiencing art as an active participant.
• Enhancing personal creativity.
• Developing confidence in one's own ideas.
• Understanding, appreciating and recognizing the discipline necessary to successfully produce art forms.