Department of Visual and Performing Arts
Department Chair: Leslie Sabina, Ph.D.
Faculty
J. Clingenpeel, M.F.A.
A. Mormile, M.F.A
L. Peterson, M.M.
L. Sabina, Ph.D.
B. Stevens, D.M.A.
The Department of Visual and Performing Arts offers majors and minors in each of three areas: music, theater, and visual arts. The visual and performing arts are necessary elements in a liberal arts education. Whether we are creators or appreciators, the arts engage us in a dialogue of perception, imagination and reflection involving the entire range of human experience.
The arts give meaning to our lives, amplify our emotions and ideas, offer us a cross-cultural community, and allow us to bring deeper awareness and unique perceptions to any career.
Music (MU)
MU-101 CONCERT BAND (1 Credit)
Performance and study of original and transcribed literature for the concert band. Emphasis on ensemble and sectional rehearsals sight-reading and public performances. Audition may be required. May be repeated for credit.
MU-102 CONCERT CHOIR (1 Credit)
A group of mixed voices which studies and performs major choral works in addition to standard sacred secular music. More advanced students will be selected by audition to participate in the Chamber Singers.
MU-103 JAZZ BAND (1 Credit)
Performance and study of works arranged for standard jazz band instrumentation. Emphasis on ensemble and sectional rehearsals, basic jazz improvisation techniques and public performances. Audition may be required. May be repeated for credit.
MU-104 SMALL ENSEMBLE (1 Credit)
Performance and study of works arranged for various chamber ensembles (such as brass quintet, woodwind quintet, etc.). Public performances required. Audition may be required. May be repeated for credit.
MU-105 APPLIED MUSIC (1 Credit)
Private instruction in voice, piano, percussion and various other instruments. Previous experience in the performance area is required. Audition may be required. May be repeated for credit.
MU-105A APPLIED MUSIC I (332) (1 Credit)
MU-105B APPLIED MUSIC II (332) (1 Credit)
MU-105C APPLIED MUSIC III (332) (1 Credit)
MU-111 UNDERSTANDING MUSIC (3 Credits)
The chief aim of this course is to help the student learn how to critically listen to music. Areas of study include: elements of music, important musical genres, major composers and 20th century music. Although this course emphasizes "art" music of western civilization, experiences with other types of music are also provided(e.g., jazz, folk, film music, etc.)
MU-121 MUSIC THEORY I (3 Credits)
A course designed to provide a workable knowledge of the principles involved in 4-part harmonization. Experiences are provided in reading and writing music, and creative activities. A basic understanding of musical rudiments is desirable, but not a prerequisite.
MU-122 MUSIC THEORY II (3 Credits)
Continuation of MU 121. Areas of study include: non-diatonic harmony, 20th-century theoretical/compositional principles (e.g., serialism, set-theory, etc.) and non-traditional music notational systems.
Prerequisite(s): Take MU-121
MU-123 JAZZ THEORY (3 Credits)
MU-211 MUSIC HIST I:MUS. BEGINNINGS (3 Credits)
This course is designed to help the student discover the origins of Western music. This history of music will be traced from Ancient Greece and Rome, through Gregorian chant and culminating in the Baroque period (1750). Emphasis is placed on the contributions of leading composers and on the general style characteristics of the music.
MU-212 MUSIC HISTORY II:THE COMMON PRACTICE PERIOD AND BEYOND (3 Credits)
A survey of music from the Baroque through the Romantic periods. Emphasis is placed on the leading composers and on the general stylistic characteristics of the music. The chief aim of this course is to help students learn about the styles and composers of the "Common Practice Period:" the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods in music, culminating in the advent of music in the Modern Period. Emphasis is placed on the leading composers of each period and the general style characteristics of the music. Through lectures, reading, listening and discussion, students will gain insight into the compositional ideas of each period, as well as the historical events that affected the arts.
MU-213 MODERNISM AND POST-MODERNISM (3 Credits)
The chief aim of this course is to help students learn about the styles and composers of the 20th century and beyond. Through lectures, reading, listening and discussion, students will gain insight into the compositional ideas that created the chaos and controversy of Modern and Post-Modern music, and explore the historical events that affected the arts.
MU-221 COMPOSITION (3 Credits)
An introduction to the creative processes of composition. Techniques relevant to both traditional and contemporary compositional forms will be discussed and practiced. Performances of student compositions will be encouraged.
MU-231 JAZZ IMPROVISATION (3 Credits)
A laboratory course is designed to acquaint the instrumentalist with the art of jazz improvisation. In-class student performance will be developed and encouraged and classic recorded jazz solos will be studied and analyzed.
MU-232 ADV. JAZZ IMPROVISATION (3 Credits)
MU-233 ELEM. CONDUCTING (3 Credits)
The techniques of conducting both with and without baton. Techniques include metrical patterns, fermatas, cut offs, cues, entrances, tempi, moods, etc. Students will conduct both live and recorded performances. (Formerly MU 300).
MU-300 MUSIC THEORY I (3 Credits)
MU-301 MUSIC THEORY II (3 Credits)
MU-313 HISTORY OF JAZZ (3 Credits)
A survey of jazz from its earliest origins to the present. Emphasis is placed on the leading performers and their contribution to the development of the art form.
MU-314 HISTORY OF MUSICAL THEATER (3 Credits)
An overview of the American musical theater productions from the mid-nineteenth century to the present, with a concentration on the musical content of a number of individual musicals through recordings and videos.
MU-315 WORLD MUSIC (3 Credits)
A survey of music of other cultures through the concept of ethnomusicology. Music of Africa, Asia, the Near East, the Pacific and Latin America will be emphasized. Additionally, Native American and other non-traditional western music will be studied.
MU-316 HISTORY OF ROCK & ROLL (3 Credits)
This course will be a historical overview of popular music primarily from the second half of the 20th century to the present. The course examines rock and roll in all of its forms, starting with the precursors of rock and roll and ending with current trends in the popular music scene. Changes in music production and distribution, evolutions of instrumentation and style and the advent of electronics and technology will be addressed.
MU-321 JAZZ ARRANGING (3 Credits)
Examination of melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic considerations in modern jazz band arranging. Students create original arrangements for a variety of instrumentations, from small groups to big band. Student performance of student arrangements is encouraged. Prerequisite: MU 122. 3 credits. Fall.
Prerequisite(s): TAKE MU-122
MU-330 ELEMENTARY CONDUCTING (3 Credits)
MU-332 APPLIED MUSIC CLASS (1 Credit)
MU-350 MUSIC ED. IN ELEM.SCHOOLS I (3 Credits)
MU-399 SPECIAL TOPICS IN MUSIC (3 Credits)
A study of a specific topic in music, such as genre (opera, chamber music, etc.), composer or theoretical/compositional technique (counterpoint, arranging, etc.) as warranted by student demand. May be repeated for credit.
MU-399B SP TOP: PIANO LITERATURE (3 Credits)
A study of a specific topic in music, such as genre (opera, chamber music, etc.), composer or theoretical/compositional technique (counterpoint, arranging, etc.) as warranted by student demand. May be repeated for credit.
MU-399F SP TOP: PRODUCTION & SOUND DESIGN (3 Credits)
A study of a specific topic in music, such as genre (opera, chamber music, etc.), composer or theoretical/compositional technique (counterpoint, arranging, etc.) as warranted by student demand. May be repeated for credit.
MU-399G SP TOPIC: INSTRUMENTS OF THE WORLD (3 Credits)
A study of a specific topic in music, such as genre (opera, chamber music, etc.), composer or theoretical/compositional technique (counterpoint, arranging, etc.) as warranted by student demand. May be repeated for credit.
MU-399J SP TP: MUSIC FOR MEDIA AUDIO PRODUCTION (3 Credits)
A study of a specific topic in music, such as genre (opera, chamber music, etc.), composer or theoretical/compositional technique (counterpoint, arranging, etc.) as warranted by student demand. May be repeated for credit.
MU-399K SP TOP:STRING/PIANO CHAMBER (3 Credits)
A study of a specific topic in music, such as genre (opera, chamber music, etc.), composer or theoretical/compositional technique (counterpoint, arranging, etc.) as warranted by student demand. May be repeated for credit.
MU-399L SP TOP:MUSIC THEATER PRODUTION & PERFORMANCE (3 Credits)
A study of a specific topic in music, such as genre (opera, chamber music, etc.), composer or theoretical/compositional technique (counterpoint, arranging, etc.) as warranted by student demand. May be repeated for credit.
MU-431 MIDI & AUDIO APPLICATIONS (3 Credits)
A course dealing with music and sound production using MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) and audio hardware within the concept of a Macintosh-based digital audio workstation (DAW). Students will learn to record, edit, process, mix, and distribute music and sound. MIDI and audio theory will be discussed and students will work with a wide range of software such as sequencers, editors, audio plug-ins, and software instruments.
MU-499 SENIOR MUSIC PROJECT (3 Credits)
Independent study or creative endeavor in some area of music under the supervision of music faculty. If the project warrants, public performance (i.e., recital) will be required. Faculty approval.
Theatre (THTR)
THTR-101 INTRODUCTION TO THEATER (3 Credits)
This survey course traces the development of theater production and performance through scripts and audiovisual documentation. The perspective is global and includes theater from Asia, Africa and Latin America as well as Europe and the U.S. Various styles of acting and directing are discussed, as is the development of various methods of staging and stage technology. The "who, how, what, when and why" of theater.
THTR-130 STAGECRAFT & THEATER TECH. (3 Credits)
This course is a lab in basic theater technology--set building, painting and finishing; lighting, sound, effects, prop making and maintenance, and costume. Emphasis is on participation and completion of lab assignments developing and implementing sets, props, and lighting for SBU Theater productions.
THTR-201 ACTING IN CHARACTER (3 Credits)
This is a lab course in creating characters for stage and other media in the body, mind and voice using exercises, monologues and some limited scene work from a variety of plays and other media. Emphasis is on increasing the individual student actor's awareness and reactions to the emotional elements of character in monologues and two-person scenes. Memorization and rehearsal outside class are required.
THTR-211 HIST OF AMERICAN THEATER (3 Credits)
A survey of American theater performance and playwriting from early colonial works to the present, emphasizing the developments in the 20th and 21st centuries, including video and film versions of theater texts, and, when possible, trips to see area productions.
THTR-212 EUROPEAN THEATER HISTORY (3 Credits)
This course is designed to survey the texts and theatrical production of European theater from the Renaissance to the present, with emphasis on post 19th century production developments and texts. We'll read play texts, watch several videos and filmed versions of plays, and discuss the history and nature of various genres of European theater, and its influences in a theatrical rather than literary context.
THTR-230 THEATRICAL DESIGN (3 Credits)
This course is designed to teach the elements and history of set, lighting, costume and sound design and to afford students the opportunity to develop and design in a simulated or actual production setting. Using the skills and concepts from THTR 130, the student will learn to collaborate with the director in designing effective and creative elements that support the production concept, the actors and the text.
THTR-299 SBU THEATER PRODUCTION (1 Credit)
Credit for student work in faculty-directed SBU Theater season productions, either in tech and on-stage performance. Student must successfully audition or interview for SBU Theater production at the beginning of the semester and complete all required rehearsal/run assignments and shop hours. May be required for credit.
THTR-301 ACTING IN ENSEMBLE (3 Credits)
This is a lab course in creating characters for stage and other media using ensemble exercises and scene work for multiple actors from a variety of plays and other media. Emphasis is on increasing the student actor's awareness and reactions to the emotional give and take and changing relationships within scenes involving more than two actors. Memorization and rehearsal outside class are required.
THTR-333 ACTING FOR THE CAMERA (3 Credits)
This is a lab course in developing the specific skills needed to create character for the camera. Emphasis is on in-class scene and monologue work, and exercises designed to work specifically for the camera. Memorization and rehearsal outside class are required.
THTR-334 ACTING STYLES & MOVEMENT (3 Credits)
A lab course designed to help the student actor develop the techniques used in creating character for various genres of theater--farce, Restoration and 18th century, high comedy, Shakespeare, et. al. Emphasis on period movement, use of props, gesture, and integration of character with text. Memorization and rehearsal outside class are required.
THTR-335 VOICE & DICTION FOR ACTORS (3 Credits)
A foundation lab course in developing safe and effective techniques for voice production in character. Emphasis on healthy projection, clean articulation, control of regional dialects, and finding the emotional voice in the text through sonic exploration, Memorization and rehearsal outside class are required, as is the practice of vocal exercises.
THTR-379 SPECIAL TOPICS IN THEATER (3 Credits)
This course is designed to provide the theater major the opportunity to explore aspects of theatrical production and scholarship of special interest to the student, through research, rehearsal, and written documentation. The course may also take the form of physical exploration of valid movement, design or acting concepts or techniques not covered in established theater courses; but of benefit to the student's overall educational goals and objectives.
THTR-379A SP TOP: THEATER MAKEUP/HAIR (3 Credits)
THTR-379C SP TOP: IMPROV FOR THEATER (3 Credits)
This course is designed to provide the theater major the opportunity to explore aspects of theatrical production and scholarship of special interest to the student, through research, rehearsal, and written documentation. The course may also take the form of physical exploration of valid movement, design or acting concepts or techniques not covered in established theater courses; but of benefit to the student's overall educational goals and objectives.
THTR-379D SP TOP:MAKING MASKS FOR THEATER (3 Credits)
This course is designed to provide the theater major the opportunity to explore aspects of theatrical production and scholarship of special interest to the student, through research, rehearsal, and written documentation. The course may also take the form of physical exploration of valid movement, design or acting concepts or techniques not covered in established theater courses; but of benefit to the student's overall educational goals and objectives.
THTR-401 DIRECTING (3 Credits)
A course in the basics of directing for the stage including dramaturgical research and text preparation, character analysis, developing a ground plan, dealing with set and light design, blocking, auditioning, and rehearsing. In-class scene work allows students to direct each other and develop skills collectively. Outside rehearsal may be required.
THTR-412 SHAKESPEARE IN PERFORMANCE (3 Credits)
This course is designed to explore the techniques and historical approaches to performing and producing Shakespeare's plays on stage and in the cinema. The goal is to help the student understand a phenomenological, practical and aesthetic differences between reading a Shakespeare play and doing one. Acting and design elements are discussed and demonstrated through in class viewings of filmed and live performances, and possible field trips to view Shakespeare productions. Can be taken as Honors course.
THTR-413 SHAKESPEARE IN PERFORM-HONORS (3 Credits)
This course is designed to explore the techniques and historical approaches to performing and producing Shakespeare's plays on stage and in the cinema. The goal is to help the student understand a phenomenological, practical and aesthetic differences between reading a Shakespeare play and doing one. Acting and design elements are discussed and demonstrated through in class viewings of filmed and live performances, and possible field trips to view Shakespeare productions.
Restrictions: RG.HON
THTR-499 THEATER CAPSTONE COURSE (3 Credits)
This course is designed to provide the senior theater major the opportunity to demonstrate proficiency in aspects of theatrical production and scholarship through research, rehearsal, written documentation, and performance/ presentation. The course culminates in a public production presentation with evaluation by the theater faculty. The course encompasses the full breadth of undergraduate education in theater and consists of scheduled meetings with professors, extensive research and rehearsal times, extensive written support documentation of research, conceptualization and process, and the final presentation/performance itself. Students should consider this course the most rigorous in the undergraduate theater curriculum and work accordingly. Majors only. Final Fall or Spring.
Restrictions: RG.THTR
Visual Arts (VA)
VA-101 ART & ITS APPRECIATION (3 Credits)
This introductory course is designed to give the student a working understanding of the meaning of art and its influence and application in our lives. Thorough attention will be given to the problems of artistic expression, content and form in two- or three-dimensional works of art. By examining the role of the artist we study arts implications, influences, visual language and interpretation by contemporary society. Periodically, original works of art from the St. Bonaventure University art collection will be used to develop the student's critical awareness of individual discernment when engaged with the visual arts and images.
VA-110 GRAPHIC DESIGN I (3 Credits)
This introductory course is designed to build foundational skills in Graphic Design with an emphasis on Adobe Illustrator, color, imagery, typography, composition and layout. Software such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe InDesign will also be discussed and available. Throughout this course students will develop an uderstanding of the basic terminology used in the design field while studying and producing logo designs, poster layouts,label design, and digital art.
VA-111 DRAWING I (3 Credits)
This course is designed as an introduction to the creative process and its function for expression through the visual arts. All drawing media will be treated as a means of developing powers of observation, technical skills and understanding of the formal aspects of line, space, form, perspective, value, design and composition. Image surveys and group critiques will be included to further the student's understanding of the visual language of art (Formerly FA-465). There is an additional course fee, commensurate with the materials provided for student production.
VA-121 PAINTING I (3 Credits)
This course offers an introductory experience, both theoretical and pragmatic, into the nature and varied purposes of painting. Mediums explored will include acrylic on canvas and watercolor and mixed-media on paper. The emphasis will be on discovering the properties and expressive components of composition, value, color and content. The formal elements of art as visual language will be approached through objective and non-objective means. Preparatory and conceptual studies in drawing media will be included. There is an additional course fee, commensurate with the materials provided for student production.
VA-131 SCULPTURE I (3 Credits)
This studio-oriented course will introduce students to the theories and processes of sculpture. The course will emphasize three-dimensional design theory, terminology, principles, and techniques. Class participants, therefore, will learn to recognize the sources of design, apply the elements and principles of design, research the potential of various design media, critique designs using design terminology, and analyze design choices in problem solving. There is an additional course fee, commensurate with the materials provided for student production.
VA-141 CERAMICS I, HANDBUILDING (3 Credits)
This course will introduce students to various handbuilding methods; pinching, coiling, soft slab and hard slab, as well as different surface enhancements. Students will also learn about glazing and firing ceramics into a finished product.
VA-141B ADV. CERAMICS III (3 Credits)
VA-161 TWO-DIMENSIONAL DESIGN (3 Credits)
Design means to plan, to organize. The design student plans the arrangement of elements to form a visual pattern. Through a series of visual problems developed by the student and instructor, the student will be required to depict creative visual specific solutions using the design process. The student's creativity will be enhanced through his/her originality, imagination and ability to resolve visual problems with unusual solutions.
VA-162 THREE-DIMENSIONAL DESIGN (3 Credits)
This is an introductory course concerning the conception and production of three-dimensional art. Students will be given design problems to solve with readily available materials and basic techniques. Students will explore the aesthetic and practical considerations of working in the round.
VA-181 BLACK & WHITE PHOTOGRAHIC IMAGES (3 Credits)
This introductory course engages and investigates the aesthetic qualities of the black and white photographic image including design, composition, positive/negative space, tonal elements, line, and texture. The course addresses issues of content and subject matter through a survey of several master photographers that will involve student research. Students will also explore aesthetic principles by shooting several rolls of black and white film documenting the particularity of their own lives at St. Bonaventure University and aspects of the neighboring communities.
VA-210 GRAPHIC DESIGN II (3 Credits)
This course will continue to build upon the foundational skills learned in Graphic Design I. Students will continue to utilize Adobe Illustrator in combination with Adobe Photoshop to build their portfolio. The entire Adobe Suite will also be discussed and available. Throughout this course students will develop a better understanding of the design field through a variety of projects. This course will culminate in an exhibition of products designed by students and produced by a variety of online companies.
Prerequisite(s): Take VA-110
VA-211 DRAWING II (3 Credits)
This course is designed as a continuation of Drawing I. Students will further develop their technical skills and understanding of the drawing medium. Color will be introduced to the student with emphasis on life and figure drawing. Image surveys and group critiques are an integral part of this course. There is an additional course fee, commensurate with the materials provided for student production.
Prerequisite(s): Take VA-111
VA-221 PAINTING II: INTERMEDIATE (3 Credits)
This course offers theoretical and pragmatic explorations in painting on an intermediate level allowing students to choose acrylic paints or to engage in a special focus on the use of oil paint. Advanced representational and expressive investigations into selected content such as still life, portrait, figure, landscape, and abstraction will be engaged. A variety of mediums, techniques and methods will be covered including blending, glazing, and dry brush. There is an additional course fee, commensurate with the materials provided for student production.
Prerequisite(s): Take VA-121
VA-231 SCULPTURE II (3 Credits)
Building on the principles established in VA 131, this course will concentrate on the sculptural method of assemblage, using many different materials. The class will exam the art of professional sculptors working in this method. Students will make presentations on the work of these sculptors as well as creating sculptures inspired by them. There is an additional course fee, commensurate with the materials provided for student production.
Prerequisite(s): Take VA-131
VA-341 MODERN ART & THEORY (3 Credits)
Modern art can be confounding precisely because it challenges traditional artistic practices and aesthetic categories. Nevertheless, the immense surge of creative energy unleashed by the innovative techniques and radical aims of the avant-garde are still not exhausted. In this course we examine the development of modern art from its emergence in the 19th century to its dominance in the 20th century. Emphasis will be placed on key artists and movements from the first half of the 20th century responsible for the most distinctive features and claims of the avant-garde. We will also attend to the theoretical implications of these claims for understanding the meaning(s) of artistic modernism.
VA-351 THE FIGURE IN ART (3 Credits)
This course focuses on the figure as a source of inspiration and investigation into the human form. Students will work weekly directly from a live model supplemented through slide lectures and visits to the galleries of The Quick Arts Center. Students will undertake a progressive and integrated study in both wet and dry media that will embrace work with gesture, contour, mass, value, proportion and composition. Paraphrase sketchbook studies after master artists will assist the student in an awareness of major figurative works throughout the history of art. No Prerequisite, but portfolio review by instructor is advised. There is an additional course fee, commensurate with the materials provided for student production.
VA-352 IMAGES OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI (3 Credits)
Franciscan iconography is examined within the context of artistic developments over time, and Franciscan documents that address the curious phenomenon surrounding the representational images of Francis of Assisi. Comparisons of diverse images of Francis will be the focus of our inquiry that reveals a visual history often based in Franciscan literature, yet uniquely aligned with the discipline of secular painting of the time. Post-Reformation images of Francis of Assisi are examined chronologically for content and context as they relate to the continued growth of the Franciscan Order. Iconographical elements of images of Francis that reflect the Franciscan lifestyle are compared and contrasted with images of the secular world of the same time periods, as secular iconography aggressively exerts its influence and tradition upon Franciscan themes and patronage.
VA-361 INDEPENDENT STUDY (3 Credits)
Research in selected topics in art. Designed to allow the student to probe areas of specific interest which lie beyond the coverage normally found in regular course offerings. Faculty approval required.
VA-361B IND ST:ART IN MARKETING (3 Credits)
Research in selected topics in art. Designed to allow the student to probe areas of specific interest which lie beyond the coverage normally found in regular course offerings. Faculty approval required.
VA-361C IND ST:DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY (3 Credits)
Research in selected topics in art. Designed to allow the student to probe areas of specific interest which lie beyond the coverage normally found in regular course offerings. Faculty approval required.
VA-361D IND ST:ARCHITECTURE DESIGN (3 Credits)
Research in selected topics in art. Designed to allow the student to probe areas of specific interest which lie beyond the coverage normally found in regular course offerings. Faculty approval required.
VA-399 SPECIAL TOPICS IN ART (3 Credits)
This course offers students the opportunity for advanced study in either a discipline currently offered at SBU (e.g. drawing, painting, sculpture, art history, etc.) or in an area not currently covered by existing art courses (e.g., mixed media, performance art, video, etc.) in preparation for graduate studies or the workplace. In the former instance, this course may be taken only after the student has met the core requirements of a particular discipline.
VA-399L SP TOP:INTRO TO GRAPHIC DESIGN (3 Credits)
This course offers students the opportunity for advanced study in either a discipline currently offered at SBU (e.g. drawing, painting, sculpture, art history, etc.) or in an area not currently covered by existing art courses (e.g., mixed media, performance art, video, etc.) in preparation for graduate studies or the workplace. In the former instance, this course may be taken only after the student has met the core requirements of a particular discipline.
VA-399M SP TOP:INTRO TO CERAMICS (3 Credits)
This course offers students the opportunity for advanced study in either a discipline currently offered at SBU (e.g. drawing, painting, sculpture, art history, etc.) or in an area not currently covered by existing art courses (e.g., mixed media, performance art, video, etc.) in preparation for graduate studies or the workplace. In the former instance, this course may be taken only after the student has met the core requirements of a particular discipline.
VA-399N SP TOP: AGE OF SHAKESPEARE (3 Credits)
This course offers students the opportunity for advanced study in either a discipline currently offered at SBU (e.g. drawing, painting, sculpture, art history, etc.) or in an area not currently covered by existing art courses (e.g., mixed media, performance art, video, etc.) in preparation for graduate studies or the workplace. In the former instance, this course may be taken only after the student has met the core requirements of a particular discipline.
VA-399O SP TOP: DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY (3 Credits)
VA-399P SP TOP:MIXED MEDIA & DESIGN (3 Credits)
VA-399Q SPECIAL TOPIC:THE CONSPIRACY OF COLOR (3 Credits)
VA-399R SP TOP:NATURE IN ART:PAINTING, DRAWING, SCULPTURE (3 Credits)
Using a variety of mediums such as clay, paint, and natural materials, students will explore and study nature through the art works they create. Both contemporary and historical artworks influenced by the natural environment, botany, weather, geology, fossils, growth, decay, the life within those spaces, and the artists that created them will be presented and discussed throughout the course. Classes will be held both in the classroom and outdoors when the weather permits.
VA-399S SP TOP: INTO TO OIL PAINTING (3 Credits)
This course offers students the opportunity for advanced study in either a discipline currently offered at SBU (e.g. drawing, painting, sculpture, art history, etc.) or in an area not currently covered by existing art courses (e.g., mixed media, performance art, video, etc.) in preparation for graduate studies or the workplace. In the former instance, this course may be taken only after the student has met the core requirements of a particular discipline.
VA-402 CAPSTONE PROJECT (3 Credits)
This is an independent project in art history designed by the student in conjunction with a faculty mentor who approves and guides it. The capstone project is intended to provide majors the opportunity to develop a topic of special interest within art history during their senior year. In particular, it will enable students to deepen their grasp of the techniques, methods, and materials pertinent to their respective concentrations within the major. The projects may vary widely from researching and writing a thesis to curating a gallery exhibit. The result of the project will be publicly presented and evaluated by a faculty committee. The course is required for the art history major.
VA-411 SENIOR SEMINAR/EXHIBITION (3 Credits)
This course will guide students through the steps in preparation of their senior exhibit. The students will also create documentation of their artwork; portfolios, artist statements, papers and resumes. Art contracts and the business of art are also studied.
Art History (ARTH)
ARTH-101 SURVEY OF WESTERN ART I (3 Credits)
This course introduces the material cultures of early western civilizations and peoples, covering developments in painting, sculpture, and architecture from prehistory through the Middle Ages. Art and architecture from, e.g., the Stone Age, Near East, Egypt, Aegean, Greece, and Rome, will be presented, as well as from the early Christian, Byzantine, Islamic, Medieval, and Gothic traditions. Lectures and discussions will focus upon the way that art reflects culture, and is informed by social, political, and religious influences.
ARTH-102 SURVEY OF WESTERN ART II (3 Credits)
This course examines artistic expression in Western civilization, beginning with the Renaissance and ending with the Modern period, while being attentive to the role of the artist in the history of art. Lectures and discussions will present major works and artists, and will also focus upon the way that art reflects culture, and is informed by social, political, religious, economic, and geographical influences.
ARTH-103 SURVEY OF NON-WESTERN ART (3 Credits)
This course is an introduction to art from around the world, which covers the history of three geographic regions that have historically been categorized as "Art of the Non-Western Traditions"- Africa, Pre-Columbian/Indigenous Arts of Meso- and North America, and the Art of the South Pacific/Oceania. The emphasis of the course is to develop an awareness, understanding, and appreciation of various art forms from cultures scattered around the world that have existed for thousands of years, representing multiple distinct lines of development.
ARTH-321 AESTHETICS (3 Credits)
The course provides an introduction to the problems of aesthetics and the philosophy of art as treated by traditional and contemporary authors. Although topics vary, they typically include inquiries into; the concept of beauty, the nature and value of art, the aesthetic experience, and the evaluation and criticism of works of art.
ARTH-322 CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN ART (3 Credits)
This course examines developments in art, beginning in the 20th century, and exploring the formation of Modern and Post-Modern art movements, including the avant-garde art and current art media.
ARTH-323 WOMEN ARTISTS: THEN & NOW (3 Credits)
This course examines the lives, careers, and achievements of women artists and the related cultural environment from the Middle Ages to contemporary times in Europe and America, the feminist movement beginning in the 1970's and specifically feminist issues in art that are becoming widespread in the artistic culture. The creative powers of women as consumers, producers, critics, supporters, objects, and subjects of "art" will be considered. To understand the work and the careers of women artists, one must be concerned with the art objects themselves, with the artists' lives and experiences, and with the social and political conditions in which their art has been produced, consumed, and evaluated.
ARTH-333 INTRO TO ISLAMIC ART & ARCHITECTURE (3 Credits)
This course is an introduction to the arts and architecture of the Islamic World from the rise of Islam in the seventh century to the twentieth century. We will examine the three principle vehicles for artistic expression in the Islamic world, namely, architecture, the arts of the book (calligraphy, illustration, illumination, and bookbinding), and the arts of the object(ceramics,metalwork, glass, woodwork, textiles and ivory).
ARTH-380 MUSEUM STUDIES: PROSEMINAR (3 Credits)
The course is an introduction to the modern museum presented in three parts: (1) a general introduction to museums; (2) a practical survey of how museums function (regarding exhibitions; collections; management; museum-law; finance, etc.); and (3) a review of some important topics currently under debate in the museum world and beyond. The course is conceived as a weekly proseminar, with lecturers speaking on a rotating(weekly) basis about their areas of expertise, in accord with the subject matter and assigned readings established on the syllabus.