Professors Fox, Kagan; Associate Professors Dubroff, Szabo, von Rueden; Assistant Professors Kleinlein, Morgan.
Chair: Helena K.W. von Reuden
MUSIC
MUSIC 101. (3) EXPERIENCING MUSIC. The aim of this lecture course is to develop listening skills, musical understanding, and knowledge of historical and contemporary music practices. It examines music in its historical and cultural contexts through readings, lectures, demonstrations, audio-visual materials, listening guides, concert attendance, and creative assignments. No special musical knowledge or ability is required. The course is open to all students. Prerequisite: none.
MUSIC 103. (3) UNDERSTANDING MUSIC THROUGH FILM. How do musical sounds come together to create certain effects, emotions, moods, and meanings? This course addresses this question by studying the sounds, history, and composition of music for film. Students investigate how music contributes to the experience of film, how film music is made, and how composers and filmmakers have historically taken different approaches to film scores and soundtracks. Along the way, students learn the fundamentals of music theory, composition, and production by creating original film music. No special musical knowledge or ability is required. Prerequisite: none.
MUSIC 121. (3) FUNDAMENTALS OF MUSIC THEORY. This course introduces students to the fundamentals of music notation and music theory. Students learn how to read treble and bass clefs, construct scales, identify key signatures and intervals, and write chord progressions. The course includes applied skills such as basic keyboarding, composition, and aural skills development. This is the first course in the music minor, but is open to all interested students. Prerequisite: none.
MUSIC 211. (3) INTRODUCTION TO CLASSICAL MUSIC. Classical Music explores western art music by highlighting significant musical works from different stylistic periods; focus is given to the musical features of each piece, as well as issues of performance practice, genre, and aesthetic values affecting compositional decisions. This lecture course emphasizes the development of listening skills, aural analysis, reading, and writing about music. Prerequisite: none.
MUSIC 212. (3) HISTORY OF POPULAR MUSIC IN THE U.S. This course surveys the history, culture, and sounds of popular music in the United States from the 19th century to the present day. Through lectures, discussions, listening assignments, and writing, students link the development of popular music genres to significant historical trends and events, cultural and political movements, advances in technology, and music industry practices. Students also examine how the sound of popular music reflects and shapes aspects of social identity such as class, race, gender, and sexuality. Prerequisite: none.
MUSIC 216. (3) MUSIC OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY. This lecture course provides an intensive study of the art music of the past century. Significant composers and the musical, historical, philosophical, and social contexts of their works are explored; attendance at several concerts is required. Prerequisite: none.
MUSIC 217. (3) AMERICAN MUSIC. This lecture course is a survey of the music of the North American colonies and the United States from the 17th century to the present. The course seeks to establish the continuity of American music with the Western European tradition while exploring the diversity of influences from other world cultures. The continuing interactions of classical, folk, and popular music, which give American music its uniqueness, are fully examined. Concert attendance is expected. Prerequisite: none.
MUSIC 218. (3) JAZZ HISTORY. This lecture course is an examination of jazz as both a musical and a sociological phenomenon. The course focuses on the musical developments that resulted in the creation of jazz, the major jazz styles from New Orleans origins to the present day, the musicians who perform jazz, and the influence the art of jazz has had on other areas of music. Attendance at a local jazz concert is required. Prerequisite: none.
MUSIC 221. (3) MUSIC THEORY I. This lecture class is designed to refine music reading, writing, and analytical skills. Classwork regularly involves critical listening and exercises in diatonic harmony and composition. Other topics include notation, basic counterpoint, basic musical forms, and score study. Prerequisite: Music 121, or permission of the instructor.
MUSIC 245 – 246. (3-3) PIANO I & II. These are practice-based classes that teach basic keyboard skills, an essential tool for the student musician. With a focus on technique, theory fundamentals, and repertoire in varied styles, beginning and intermediate piano students will gain an understanding of the keyboard, prepare scales and exercises, play solo and duet repertoire, sight read, and perform. The class will include lecture and keyboard sessions. 245/246 offered concurrently each spring. Prerequisite for 245: Music 121, or permission of the instructor. Prerequisite for 246: Music 245 or permission of the instructor.
MUSIC 312. (3) POPULAR MUSIC AND RACE IN THE U.S. What role has race played in the formation of musical genres like country, soul, rock, and rap? Are “black music” and “white music” meaningful categories? How does the music of Latin American, Asian American, and mixed-race artists complicate “black and white” racial narratives in the U.S.? How have popular musicians addressed racism in the U.S.? How do musical preferences inform our racial identities, and how do racial identities inform our musical preferences? Can music transcend race? This course will address these questions (and more) through listening to, reading about, and reflecting upon historic and contemporary U.S. American popular music. Prerequisite: none, but Music 212 is recommended.
MUSIC 321. (3) MUSIC THEORY II. This lecture class is an advanced continuation of Music 221. Topics include chromatic harmony, modes, the analysis of larger musical forms, and more advanced score study. Prerequisite: Music 221, or permission of the instructor.
MUSIC 335. (3) CONDUCTING. This course explores the techniques of instrumental and choral conducting, repertoire, and leadership skills in a rehearsal setting. Students learn the history of conducting, basic physical and musical gestures, skills in score reading and musical interpretation, and leadership and rehearsal practices. Students conduct live musicians and execute musical performances in project-based assignments. Prerequisite: Music 121 or permission from the instructor. Concurrent or past enrollment in Music 245, 246, or 221 encouraged but not required. Offered on sufficient demand.
MUSIC 341. (3) SONGWRITING. A workshop in the craft of writing songs. Classes are a mix of student composition readings, critiques, and analysis of songs from the classical, popular, and traditional repertories. Students complete three original songs and an analysis paper by the end of the semester. Prerequisite: Music 221 or demonstration of comparable experience.
MUSIC 342. (3) ELECTRONIC MUSIC. An introduction to the history, production, and performance of electronic music. The course surveys the history of electronic music aesthetics, compositional techniques, technologies, genres, and cultures, primarily in the U.S. and Western Europe. Concurrently, students learn how to record sound and use digital audio workstations in order to make original electronic music productions, as well as how to DJ electronic music and perform collaboratively in a live setting. Prerequisite: none.
MUSIC 360. (3) TOPICS IN MUSIC. This course explores a specific aspect of music with an emphasis on a topic in theory, history, or performance. The course concentrates on a performance area (e.g., Choral Conducting), a genre (e.g., The Symphony), or a topic interwoven with the discipline (e.g., Music and Social Change). The course examines its topic through reports, discussion, practice, as well as through papers and/or performances, depending on the topic. Prerequisite: Any music course or permission of the instructor.
MUSIC 391. (3) MUSIC AS SOCIAL BEHAVIOR. Music-making provides illustrative examples of the social behaviors of music-makers, music leaders, and human groups. Through its effects on the human mind and body, music is a powerful communication tool playing a significant role in social cohesion, identity, and culture. In this interdisciplinary course, students will explore why music matters to humans through critical analysis and discussion of texts from the fields of ethnomusicology, anthropology, neurobiology, cultural studies, psychology, leadership studies, conducting, and politics, and religion. No prior musical knowledge is necessary for this course. Course work will include daily seminar-style discussions, reading, writing, student presentations, and experiential activities pertaining to music.
MUSIC 498. (1) PRE-THESIS STUDY. Students must take this course the semester before taking Music 499 (Senior Thesis) to craft the thesis project proposal and to strengthen the skills required for the thesis. The student chooses and works with the thesis advisor to develop a plan for the upcoming semester that includes the wording of the thesis proposal and efforts sufficient to convince the advisor that he is prepared to undertake the thesis project.
MUSIC 499. (3) SENIOR THESIS. This course involves the student in a project designed specifically to reflect his interest in the arts. In consultation with the faculty of the Fine Arts Department, and under the guidance of the appropriate member of that department, the project is undertaken in the student’s senior year, and must include appropriate documentation. Prerequisites: Music 498 and senior status.
PERFORMANCE STUDIES IN MUSIC
Music performance study courses are listed below. All performance courses have the following in common: They are offered every semester; the classroom experience culminates in public performance(s); attendance is a necessary part of fulfilling the course requirements; students study the material for performance in the context of its period(s) and its critical reception, with attention to the terms and special considerations necessary for its appreciation; each student writes a paper upon an aspect of performance or the material used in performance, or takes a performance examination upon the same; grading is based on attendance and class participation, quality and effort in performance, and the paper or performance exam; in each course 1 hour of academic credit can be earned.
MUSIC 250, 251, 252, 253, 350, 351, 352, 353. (1) THEORY AND PRACTICE OF CHORAL MUSIC. A sequence of courses involving a thorough study and analysis, leading to performances, of masterworks from the great Western choral tradition. Integral to the course is the study of basic music theory, terminology, sight-singing, and vocal techniques, as well as application of foreign languages, history, and other arts as they relate to the specific literature of the semester. Because of the special nature of this course, it is possible to register for it late without penalty through the second full week of the semester. Special rules apply to courses in Performance Studies (see above).
MUSIC 254, 255, 256, 257, 354, 355, 356, 357. (1) THEORY AND PRACTICE OF INSTRUMENTAL ENSEMBLE MUSIC. The work of this performance class will culminate in the public performance of ensemble music in various venues. Also integral to the course is the study of basic music theory, terminology, sight-reading, solo techniques, and ensemble playing. Because of the special nature of this course, it is possible to register for it late without penalty through the second full week of the semester. Special rules apply to courses in Performance Studies (see above).
MUSIC 270, 271, 272, 273, 370, 371, 372, 373. (1) PRIVATE APPLIED LESSONS. Private instrumental or vocal lessons are practice-based classes that teach musical technique, theory, and repertoire in varied styles. Students prepare scales and exercises, play solo repertoire, sight read, and perform. Students meet weekly for half-hour private lessons with an instructor, and are responsible for practicing their instrument regularly. Students will perform a selection of repertoire in a recital or performance exam format at the end of the semester. Individual instructors will assign repertoire appropriate to each student’s individual needs. Students will be evaluated based on their mastery of assigned repertoire and associated assignments. There is an additional fee for students enrolled in private applied lessons. Prerequisite for 270: none. Prerequisite for other course numbers: the previous course number in the sequence. Special rules apply to courses in Performance Studies (see above).
THEATRE
THEATRE 101. (3) INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE. This is a general survey lecture course which aims to familiarize students with the history and practice of western theatre. Plays are studied chronologically from the Greeks to contemporary playwrights. Geographical coverage includes theatre of the world from Asia to South America. Students also participate in handson theatrical activities, ranging from playwriting to staging scenes. No previous theatrical experience is expected. Prerequisite: none. Offered: each semester.
THEATRE 201. (3) ASIAN THEATRE. This lecture course introduces students to the rich traditional theatre of various Asian countries, including India, China, and Japan. Historical and cultural analysis provides the context for detailed study of dramatic theory and scripts in translation. Students also are exposed to the different performance techniques through practical workshop sessions and video presentations. Students participate in hands-on theatrical activities, ranging from playwriting to staging scenes. No previous theatrical experience is expected. Prerequisite: none. Offered: spring semester of even-numbered years.
THEATRE 210. (3) AMERICA AND THE MUSICAL. This course examines both the broad sweep of and key events in American history as portrayed in a cherished American art form: the musical. Beginning with the Declaration of Independence (as chronicled in “1776”) ranging all the way to the difficulties of modern-day urban living (“Rent”) there is a musical for almost every significant event or decade in American history. Examining a musical (through watching a recorded performance or a live performance if/when available) serves as a springboard for presentations and discussions on the period in history reflected in the piece.
THEATRE 220. (3) ACTING. This studio course introduces students to acting, including basic proficiency in movement and vocal techniques. Students develop an approach to character and an understanding of theatre through extensive play-reading, scene work, and in-depth script analysis. The course also hones memorization, oral proficiency, and presentation skills. Prerequisite: none. Offered: each semester.
THEATRE 230. (3) THE NOH TRAINING PROJECT. This course will develop the fundamental skills of performing noh theatre. Japan’s 650-year old theatre form employs aspects of performance including acting, singing (utai), dancing (shimai), and playing musical instruments. Students will have daily group and individual lessons under the guidance of Theatre Nohgaku performers.Theatre Nohgaku is the premier performance troupe that specializes in performing noh in Japanese and English and features a global membership. The Noh Training Project is the educational branch of Theatre Nohgaku with over a 30-year history. Weekly viewings of noh videos, reading of noh plays and group discussions will complement students’ formal training. Writing tasks will include response papers and analysis of plays read. Prerequisite: None. Offered: May Term
THEATRE 260. (3) TOPICS IN THEATRE THEORY AND LITERATURE. This lecture course explores a specific aspect of theatre with an emphasis on theory or history. The course may concentrate on a particular playwright (e.g., Shakespeare), a genre (e.g., the Comedy), or a topic interwoven with the discipline (e.g., Political Theatre). The course may examine its subjects through in-class reports, discussion, and exercises, as well as through papers and performances. Offered: each fall.
THEATRE 261. (3) TOPICS IN THEATRE PRACTICE. This studio course explores a specific aspect of theatre with an emphasis on performance or craft. The course may concentrate on a particular playwright (e.g., Shakespeare), a genre (e.g., the Comedy), or a topic interwoven with the discipline (e.g., Political Theatre). The course may examine its subjects through in-class reports, discussion, and exercises, as well as through papers and performances. Offered: each fall.
THEATRE 321. (3) DIRECTING. This studio course immerses students in the comprehensive approach to theatre required of the director. Through extensive readings, script analysis, character-delineation techniques, organizational exercises, time-management drills, and communication-strengthening approaches, students develop the skills necessary to mount a production. The semester culminates in the presentation of a one-act play festival which is open to the public. Prerequisite: Theatre 101 or Theatre 220. The course is normally offered every spring semester.
THEATRE 401. (3) THEATRE DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY. This studio course focuses on the history and evolution of design and technology from the Renaissance to the present. Students work in conjunction with the department’s theatre productions to create a working knowledge in such areas as set and light design and stage craft. Each student also devises his own set designs for prominent plays from the history of theatre. Prerequisite: Theatre 101 or consent of the instructor. Offered: spring semester of odd numbered years.
THEATRE 498. (1) PRE-THESIS STUDY. Each Theatre major must take this course the semester before taking Theatre 499 (Senior Thesis) to craft the thesis project proposal and to strengthen the skills required for the thesis. The student chooses and works with the thesis advisor to develop a plan for the upcoming semester that includes the wording of the thesis proposal and efforts sufficient to convince the advisor that he is prepared to undertake the thesis project.
THEATRE 499. (3) SENIOR THESIS. This course involves the student in a project designed specifically to reflect his interest in the arts. In consultation with the faculty of the Fine Arts Department, and under the guidance of the appropriate member of that department, the project is undertaken in the student’s senior year, and must include appropriate documentation. Prerequisites: Theatre 498 and senior status.
PERFORMANCE STUDIES IN THEATRE
Theatre performance study courses can be identified by their numbers, which fall between 250 and 253 and between 350 and 353. All performance courses have the following in common: They are offered every semester; the classroom experience culminates in public performance(s); attendance is a necessary part of fulfilling the course requirements; students study the material for performance in the context of its period(s) and its critical reception, with attention to the terms and special considerations necessary for its appreciation; each student submits written work upon an aspect of performance or the material used in performance; grading is based on attendance and class participation, quality and effort in performance, and the written work; in each course 1 hour of academic credit can be earned.
THEATRE 250, 251, 252, 253, 350, 351, 352, 353. (1) THEATRE PRODUCTION. This course provides intensely close script analysis leading towards the staging of a fully realized play, open to the public. Students may be involved in any of several aspects of production, such as acting, directing, stage managing, designing, or dramaturgy. Because of the special nature of this course, it is possible to register for it late without penalty through the fourth full week of the semester. Special rules apply to courses in Performance Studies (see above).
VISUAL ARTS
VISUAL ARTS 200. (3) ART IN THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD. An introduction to visual art that covers various media used in studio art practices, develops skills in description and analysis of such works, and engages broader issues such as gallery and museum practices, and cultural heritage and patrimony. The course is open to all students and is a requirement of the Visual Arts Major. Offered: fall semester. Prerequisite: none.
VISUAL ARTS 201. (3) HISTORY OF WESTERN ART I: ANCIENT TO MEDIEVAL. This introductory lecture course surveys the artistic traditions of ancient and medieval Europe framed against the art and architecture of ancient Near East and Egypt. Students examine representative works in their historical contexts and consider the ways art andarchitecture function as carriers of cultural meaning. Prerequisite: none. Offered: fall semester.
VISUAL ARTS 202. (3) HISTORY OF WESTERN ART II: RENAISSANCE TO MODERN. This introductory lecture course surveys painting, sculpture, and architecture in Europe and America from the early Italian Renaissance to the middle of the twentieth-century. Students examine representative works in their historical contexts and consider the ways art and architecture function as carriers of cultural meaning. Prerequisite: none. Offered: spring semester.
VISUAL ARTS 204. (3) GREEK AND ROMAN ART AND ARCHITECTURE. An introductory survey to the art and architecture of ancient Greece and Rome. The course concentrates on Greece from the Geometric through Hellenistic periods and on Rome from the Late Republic to the Late Empire including the period of the early Christian church under the patronage of the Emperor Constantine. Prerequisite: none.
VISUAL ARTS 205. (3) MEDIEVAL ART AND ARCHITECTURE. This lecture course focuses on the architecture, sculpture, painting, and decorative arts produced in Europe between the fourth century and the early fourteenth century. Emphasis is on the construction, composition, and iconography of the monuments so that students develop skills in visual analysis and interpretation. Prerequisite: none.
VISUAL ARTS 208. (3) WESTERN ART OF THE 19TH AND 20TH CENTURIES. This lecture course focuses on the painting, sculpture, and architecture of Europe and North America in the modern age, presented in the context of contemporaneous historical events. Prerequisite: none.
VISUAL ARTS 210. (3) AMERICAN PHOTOGRAPHY. This lecture course examines American photographic representation from mid-19th-century experimental processes to the current digital age. The study of the role of photography in the United States is used to explore themes in the arts, social and political history, popular culture, and personal expression. Readings, discussion, portfolio viewings, oral and written reports, and visits to photographic exhibitions compose the course of study. Prerequisite: none.
VISUAL ARTS 220. (3) COLOR AND TWO-DIMENSIONAL DESIGN. This is a studio course which introduces and explores the use of color theory and the visual elements of line, shape, value, texture, and space in the visual arts and design. Drawing skills are not emphasized, though they would not be a disadvantage. Projects and problem solving include both fine arts assignments and graphic design applications. Students enrolling in this course will be charged an additional fee to cover the cost of materials. Prerequisite: none.
VISUAL ARTS 221. (3) DRAWING I. This is a studio course, concerned with the development of basic rendering (such as linear perspective and contour drawing) in accordance with the concepts of art. Students enrolling in this course will be charged an additional fee to cover the cost of materials. Prerequisite: none. Offered: each semester. VISUAL ARTS 222. (3) PAINTING I. This introductory-level studio course stresses technical skills and includes color theory and instruction in both direct and indirect painting techniques. Students create several paintings during the semester. There is a lab fee to cover the cost of materials. Prerequisite: none.
VISUAL ARTS 223. (3) PHOTOGRAPHY I. This is a studio course, with projects and readings that explore both the history and aesthetics of photography as a fine art. Along with instruction in using a 35mm film camera and processing and printing photographs, this course deals with the sharpening of visual perception and emphasizes the creative use of photographic technique. Students enrolling in this course will be charged an additional fee to cover the cost of materials. Prerequisite: none. Offered: each semester.
VISUAL ARTS 228. (3) SEEING WITH A CAMERA. In this studio arts course, students will work with smart phone cameras and image editing applications. Projects are designed to strengthening creative thinking and visual communication skills. Through visual study, lectures, and discussions, students will be introduced to a variety of photographic genres with attention also given to the role of social media and image making. Students will develop strategies for image analysis, and learn vocabulary for discussing images in the context of group critiques, written essays, and oral reports. Prerequisite: none.
VISUAL ARTS 321. (3) DRAWING II. This is a studio course that focuses upon identifying style, improving visual memory, working on a large scale, and using varied drawing materials. Students enrolling in this course will be charged an additional fee to cover the cost of materials. Prerequisite: Visual Arts 221. Offered: spring semester alternating with Visual Arts 325.
VISUAL ARTS 322. (3) PAINTING II. This intermediate-level studio course is an expansion upon Painting I, with assignments that look for more mastery of basic painting skills to further image sophistication and complexity. There is a lab fee to cover the cost of materials. Prerequisite: Visual Arts 222.
VISUAL ARTS 323. (3) PHOTOGRAPHY II. This studio course explores photography as a visual language. Projects help students to develop their capacity for creative thinking and communication. Topics include montage, digital imaging, photographic mixed media, fiber-base printing, and print-toning. Students create a self-directed project and develop a portfolio of images. Students enrolling in this course will be charged an additional fee to cover the cost of materials. Prerequisite: Visual Arts 223, or permission of the instructor. Offered: spring semester.
VISUAL ARTS 324. (3) DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY. This studio course explores the aesthetic, conceptual and technical aspects of digital image making. Students develop proficiency using a digital camera and working with image editing software. Digital photographic techniques such as workflow, digital darkroom, image manipulation, and digital printmaking are addressed. Students work with color and learn basic color theory as it relates to photographic imagery. Students enrolling in this course are charged an additional fee to cover the cost of materials. Prerequisite: Visual Arts 223, or permission of the instructor. Offered: fall semester.
VISUAL ARTS 360. (3) TOPICS IN ART HISTORY. This lecture course focuses on a specific topic in visual art, either of a specific period or style or discipline (e.g., Renaissance Art or early Christian Art, architecture, or decorative arts). The course emphasizes analysis and interpretation through written reports, observation, and discussion. Appropriate field trips may be undertaken. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Offered: in rotation with Visual Arts 361.
VISUAL ARTS 361. (3) TOPICS IN STUDIO ART. This studio course focuses on a specific studio discipline (documentary photography or digital art). The course emphasizes analysis and interpretation through examination of practices and portfolio development. Observation, discussion, and reports are also a part of the class. Appropriate field trips may be undertaken. Students enrolling in this course will be charged an additional fee to cover the cost of materials. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. Offered: in rotation with Visual Arts 360.
VISUAL ARTS 423. (3) PHOTOGRAPHY III. In this advanced level studio course, students will refine their technical and creative skills as they complete projects and assemble portfolios of images. Students are encouraged to work more autonomously while developing their own approaches to the medium and investigating related issues in contemporary photography. Students enrolling in this course will be charged an additional fee to cover the cost of materials. Prerequisite: VISU 323 or VISU 324 and permission of the instructor. Offered: on sufficient demand.
VISUAL ARTS 498. (1) PRE-THESIS STUDY. Each Visual Arts major must take this course the semester before taking Visual Arts 499 (Senior Thesis) to craft the thesis project proposal and to strengthen the skills required for the thesis. The student chooses and works with the thesis advisor to develop a plan for the upcoming semester that includes the wording of the thesis proposal and efforts sufficient to convince the advisor that he is prepared to undertake the thesis project. Prerequisite: one course from among VISU 321, 322, 323, 324, or 361.
VISUAL ARTS 499. (3) SENIOR THESIS. This course involves the student in a project designed specifically to reflect his interest in the arts. In consultation with the faculty of the Fine Arts Department, and under the guidance of the appropriate member of that department, the project is undertaken in the student’s senior year, and must include appropriate documentation. Prerequisites: Visual Arts 498 and senior status.
updated 8/8/23