- This introduction to art history includes the study of painting, sculpture, architecture and other media by surveying the Paleolithic period through the Late Gothic period using a global approach. This exploration of art and architecture in terms of history, social context, meaning and style will promote a general understanding of the development of art and style in different cultures and the effects of cultural exchange on the arts. Discussions of techniques, media, composition, and figure representation will provide an understanding of key concepts in the arts.
- Using a global approach, this introduction to art history includes the study of painting, sculpture, architecture and other media by surveying the Renaissance through the start of the twentieth century. The exploration of techniques, media, composition, and figure representation will provide an understanding of key concepts in the arts with additional focus on the historical and social context, which developed the meaning and changing styles in different cultures as well as the effects of cultural exchange through the arts.
- This introduction to Modern and Contemporary art history includes the study of painting, sculpture, architecture and other media by surveying the development and evolution of artistic styles using a global approach. Emphasis will be placed on groundbreaking artistic movements in context to their historical framework. Students will learn the importance of innovative practices, techniques and new avenues of exploration, by understanding the socio-political and cultural events that influenced artists to create groundbreaking works, which have led the way to Contemporary Art.
- This survey course traces the history of graphic design from the origins of graphic imagery and writing systems to contemporary graphic deign. Emphasis will be placed on the development of visual communication and typography, impact of the Industrial Revolution on design, the Modernist era's effect on visual communication, impact of the desktop publishing revolution and the development of contemporary techniques of information design.
- This survey examines the art and architecture of Latin America from the pre-Columbian era to the present. The course begins with an analysis of pre-Hispanic iconography, styles, traditions, and techniques in Meso, Central, South America, and the Caribbean. The art of colonial Latin America will be explored to understand the cultural complexity that characterized Spanish colonialism. The development of Modern art in Latin America, following independence and nation building in the 19th century, will be discussed as a series of responses to the influence of international movements and ideas. The course culminates in the exploration of Contemporary Latin American and Latina/o art, including Chicana/o art. Museum visit required.
- This survey examines African artifacts, arts, and architecture from Prehistory to the present by introducing several cultures and regions and the production of art objects in each. Both Pre- and Post-Colonial Africa will be considered to understand influences on indigenous African art, as well as the influence of African art forms on "Western" art. Emphasis is placed on distinguishing and analyzing the functions and forms of art Objects produced by diverse African cultures created in relation to socio-political frameworks. Attention will also be given to "traditional concepts" of art history and so-called “primitive” art. This will promote a basic understanding of the development of African visual traditions.
- This course investigates the history and development of Asian Art, including East Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, from the Neolithic period to the nineteenth century. We will study significant artworks, including paintings, sculpture, and architecture, in relation to the socio-historical contexts in which they were created. We also will explore distinctive artistic styles, forms, and aesthetics of Asian art along with themes, beliefs, and diverse cultural characteristics associated with them.
- Through a combination of reading and writing, this course exposes students to the basics of fiction, poetry, and playwriting from the perspective of the practitioner, rather than the perspective of the critic. The class will read literature in three genres, focusing on the craft of how the pieces are structured, and how they achieve their impact on the reader. No prior knowledge of these genres is required. Through a combination of reflection, imitation, writing exercises, and writing assignments, students will produce craft analyses, their own creative works, and reflections on their own creative process.
- This course focuses on writing treatments and scripts for the screen and video. Students learn the basics of visualizing narratives in 3-act structure; how to identify fiction and non-fiction genres; how to create character and story; how to research and write treatments and outlines; how to write single-column screenplays for narratives and two-column scripts for documentary scripts; and how to give and receive critiques on script work. Throughout, students will develop the basic skills necessary to write and revise scripts for upper-level VAT production classes and beyond.
- A listening approach for the understanding of Western music. Students will explore musical examples across various genres with particular attention paid to styles, form, and compositional techniques as related to music history. Credit can be granted for MUS 102 or MUS 103 but not both.
- MUS103 is an introduction to the music of European tradition and its relation to and influence on contemporary culture through a variety of listening experiences. The course will emphasize the place of music in society as well as influences by and on other cultures. Selected musical works, most dating from the 16th century through the present, are the subject of exploration. Credit will be granted for MUS102 or MUS103 but not both.
- This introductory survey explores the musical and social histories of jazz from its American origins to its global present. Its focus encompasses jazz's development in the United States, its impact around the world, and the contributions of musicians who have shaped its creative and cultural significance. Requiring no prior knowledge of music, students will develop the analytical listening skills required to identify both the music's defining stylistic features and its leading figures. In addition to the music itself this course will examine the meanings jazz has acquired in its diverse geographical, social and historical contexts. Credit will be granted for MUS109 or MUS104 but not both.
- This introductory survey course explores the worlda??s music cultures with emphases on traditional and popular music styles. Ranging from local ritual musical practices to global commercial hip hop, this course considers the worlda??s music in relation to broad historical, cultural, and social contexts. Requiring no prior knowledge of music, students will become familiar with basic principles of musical organization as well as the culturally specific ways in which people engage them. Through guided listening, assigned readings, critical writings, and focused discussion this course will cultivate an understanding of and appreciation for the worlda??s musical and cultural diversity by examining the important link between music and the society that produces it.
- MUS109 explores the music of Bebop and Hip-Hop, their social relevance, global influence and popularity, along with societal interpretation and criticism. From Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker to Mos Def, Tupac and Jay-Z and beyond, MUS109 demonstrates that while each of these genres of music is distinct, possessing its own conventions, performance practices, and formal qualities, they are also grounded in similar techniques and conceptual frameworks identified with African American musical traditions. Credit will be granted for only MUS109, or 122, or MUS104.
- MUS122 traces the creation and evolution of Hip-Hop Culture from the 1970s to the present. The transition of rap music from counter-culture, to sub-culture, to mainstream culture will be explored. Hip-Hop cultural elements including, but not limited to, graffiti, breakdancing (rockin’ and pop-lockin’), fashion, sexism/misogyny, racism, immigration, poverty, politics, urban planning, media, gender, and American foreign relations will inform the exploration of the world of Hip-Hop. Credit will be granted for MUS109 or MUS122 but not both.
- MUS 128 explores the historical, cultural, and social dimensions of Latin American popular musical cultures, helping students to understand the connections between indigenous peoples, colonization, racial hybridity, African diaspora and musical characteristics. Students will learn to identify common cultural, historical and musical traits, which will allow for a deeper understanding of different Latin musical genres, including, but not limited to Bachata, Bomba, Dembow, Reggaeton, Trap, Son, Salsa, Danzón, Cha-cha-cha, Guaracha, Son Jarocho, Ranchera, Huapango, Merengue, Cumbia, Danzón, Lando, Festejo, Cueca, Samba, Bossa Nova, Baião, Maracatu, Chacarera, & Milonga, along with rhythmic patterns, melodic characteristics, and the culture surrounding each genre (function, ethnic groups, religious elements, & dance).
- MUS129 is an exploration of the different roles of women have played in the creation and dissemination of music both in the present and the past. The course will focus on their influence by and on the traditions and cultures, among others, of Europe, the Americas, Africa, the Middle East and East Asia.
- MUS 132 explores the historical, cultural, and social dimensions of Brazilian music from pre-colonial times to the 21st century. By tracing historical and musical parallels with Cuba, Mexico, Argentina, Peru, Colombia & the Dominican Republic, this course offers a broader view on culture and society in Latin America. Utilizing scholarship from Brazilian musicologists, music, race, religion, cultural appropriation, globalization, African diaspora, exoticism, and biased historiography will be examined. Students will learn to identify Brazilian genres such as Choro, Lundu, Modinha, Samba, Samba Canção, Bossa Nova, MPB, Tropicália, Maracatu, Frevo and Ijexá, along with rhythmic patterns, melodic characteristics, and the culture surrounding each genre (function, ethnic groups, religious elements, & dance).
- The aim of this course is to develop effective skills in speech communication. The student examines how to generate topics and organized ideas, masters elements of audience psychology and practices techniques of speech presentation in a public forum. All elements of speech production and presentation are considered.
- This course is recommended for those whose native language is not English. It addresses fundamentals of speech communication, as does SPE 100, but provides special emphasis in vocabulary building, pronunciation, and enunciation. Classwork is implemented through the use of recordings, individual and group drills, interpersonal exercises, oral readings, and impromptu and prepared group discussions and speeches. Weekly speech tutoring is required. This course satisfies the equivalent for, and may be taken instead of, SPE 100. Credit is given for SPE 102 or SPE 100, but not for both classes.
- The collaborative nature of the theatrical event will be explored in readings, presentations, play attendance, papers and creative projects. Contributions of the playwright, actor, director, designer, architect, critic, producer and audience will be investigated through selected periods, genres, theatre spaces and styles of production. The student's potential roles and responsibilities in creating theatre will be emphasized.
