Pepperdine Art and Art History Programs Brochure

he Art and Art History Programs at Pepperdine University are designed for students who want to combine the concentrated study of the visual arts with a well-rounded and rigorous liberal arts education. Our students study with internationally renowned scholars, artists, gallerists, and curators and benefit from the vibrant Los Angeles arts scene.

Pepperdine’s location is ideal in every sense of the word. Not only are dormitories perched on the hills overlooking the Pacific Ocean but, with the Los Angeles art world in our backyard, students have many opportunities to expand their understanding of the contemporary context for art.

The Art and Art History Programs enroll approximately 55 students majoring within the programs, allowing for faculty to provide focused and individual attention to every student. Our curriculum provides hands-on and high-impact training at all levels, providing a strong foundation for a variety of career paths in the arts. Through the rich relationship between the art and art history departments, students gain deep insights into art and culture—past, present, and future.

Art History The Art History Program at Pepperdine prepares students for the global, connected, and dynamic world of the 21st century.

Our art history curriculum includes courses on the arts of Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and more, spanning prehistoric through present periods.

Seminars and upperdivision courses deepen students’ research skills and methodological training in their areas of interest. By examining works of art from multiple perspectives, students develop an appreciation for diverse cultures and the vital role that art plays in human expression across time and space.

Study Abroad Pepperdine’s campuses in Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Switzerland, China, Argentina, and Washington, D.C., inspire students to become immersed in the arts, languages, and cultures of the world.

Service Learning As part of their course work, students work with children from local schools to present interactive lessons that foster an appreciation of art and archaeology. Others serve as peer mentors to lead study groups, support classroom activities, and contribute to a campus culture of academic and spiritual growth.

Art History Student Society The Art History Student Society is a student-run organization that promotes interaction with Los Angeles’ cultural resources. Students visit Southern California museums and galleries, participate in museum college nights, and organize a Career Night with a panel of professionals from a variety of fields in art history.

Career Development Our alumni work in museums, galleries, auction houses, education, research, conservation, preservation, publishing, and more. Art history majors are highly competitive for professional programs in law, business, and arts management.

Art The Art Program fosters fearless selfexpression and social engagement through artistic production, preparing students for immediate professional work or graduate studies. With our dedicated professors and an average class enrollment of 12, students are welcomed into a dynamic community where they can further cultivate their artistic identity.

The Art Program curriculum develops both technical ability and conceptual complexity through varied material experiences and interdisciplinary interactions. We offer an exciting variety of courses including digital arts, photography, painting, drawing, sculpture, installation, ceramics, and art and design fusions. Course work builds towards the development of a unique, explorative studio practice, which every student will create in their own studio space and exhibit in the Weisman Museum of Art during their senior year.

SACI Overseas Program The Art Program has had a close affiliation with Studio Art Centers International (SACI) in Florence, Italy, since 1995.

As stated on its website, “SACI is the oldest and most prestigious American art school in Florence.� Seaver students are able to take courses in etching, jewelry design, ceramics, fresco painting, conservation, and Renaissance art history, to name just a few, while living in Pepperdine’s Florence facility, Villa Di Loreto and Residenza Tagliaferri.

Graphic Design and Digital Arts Students can choose between a variety of digitally-based art and design courses at Pepperdine. Our digital arts emphasis in the art major allows students to explore artistic production through programs like Photoshop and Illustrator, as well as utilizing video and digital photography. Our graphic design classes give students the technical training and creative foundation for immediate work in the field.

Scholarships Pepperdine University and the Art Program offer scholarships based on both need and merit and art-specific funding is awarded on top of Pepperdine financial aid for art majors. The Payson Endowed Scholarship, to name just one, provides over $17,000 per year to an outstanding art student.

The Frederick R. Weisman Museum The Weisman is an on-campus museum that offers exhibitions of historic and contemporary art by internationally recognized artists and also offers students a chance to gain firsthand experience in museum work.

Digital Arts Studio This Mac lab is only used by the art and design classes. It has 17 new computers and a large-format printer for the students to use.

Senior Art Studios Every senior and, space permitting, every junior art major gets their own studio space for the entire year where they can work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, creating artwork.

Metal Shop With several welders, torches, and cutting tools this shop gives students the opportunity to learn how to utilize metal as an art material.

Wood Shop The Art Program wood shop is spacious and well-equipped.

Whether students are making stretcher bars or sculptural forms, this shop has the right tool for the job.

Applying Students admitted to Seaver College at Pepperdine University may declare an art or art history major without specifically applying to either program. For students who intend to be art majors it is strongly recommended that a portfolio and supplemental materials are submitted to our Slideroom Application as it allows for scholarship consideration and special admittance recommendations.

Website seaver.pepperdine.edu/finearts

Contact

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310.506.4111 fineartsrecruit@pepperdine.edu

PEPPERDINE UNIVERSITY Fine Arts Recruitment Office, MB 301 24255 Pacific Coast Highway Malibu, CA 90263-4462