Fine Arts Course Descriptions

Art

*GER Approved Course

*Art 101: Drawing I – 3 credit hours

A fundamental course that stresses the development of visual awareness and sensitivity to various drawing materials. Basic principles of perspective, proportion, and value are introduced.

*Art 111: Design I – 3 credit hours

A foundation course with specific emphasis on design principles and elements relative to a basic understanding of visual composition.

*Art 160: Basic Photography I – 3 credit hours

A basic course designed to explore the photographic medium.  This interdisciplinary course will research developments in photography as it impacts communications, advertising/mass media, historical events, contemporary approaches, personal expression, and technological advances. Prerequisite: Computer competency and digital camera with aperture capability.

*Art 171, 172, 173, 174, 175: International Film, Movies, Ethics – 1 credit hour

This course involves watching a variety of international films with the expectation that experiencing them will broaden the student’s understanding of reality and of her/his potential. Also involved is each student creating a visual story document that could be an animation or digital film with a content demand that is self-referential and self-exploratory.

*Art 180: Art Appreciation – 3 credit hours

For students interested in an understanding and appreciation of the visual arts in contemporary life and culture. The formal and expressive qualities of major art forms are examined through audio-visual aids, lectures, and presentations in an effort to provide deeper understanding of cross-cultural and international issues. NOT OPEN TO ART MAJORS.

*Art 181: Media Fundamentals – 3 credit hours

A hands-on course for the non-art major investigating various artistic media and styles across historical and contemporary art practices, including experiences in drawing, painting, sculpture, and other art processes. Provides an understanding of the place of art in life through actual participation, instructor-led demonstrations, group work, field trips, and in-class studio time to develop finished artworks. NOT OPEN TO ART MAJORS.

*Art 202: Drawing II – 3 credit hours

A course designed to acquaint the student with a variety of drawing media and techniques. An emphasis is placed on the principles of value and composition. Prerequisite: Art 101, 111, or instructor permission.

Art 210: Graphic Design I – 3 credit hours

An introduction to basic graphic design principles. The fundamentals of layout, typography, and graphic communication theory are explored with an emphasis on practical applications. Prerequisite: Art 202, 211, or permission of instructor.

Art 211: Design II – 3 credit hours

Studio exploration and experiences in the elements of design with emphasis on color theory. Experimentation with interactions of colors in visual organizations.

*Art 212: Calligraphy – 3 credit hours

A study of the various letter forms, uses, and techniques.

*Art 225: Three-Dimensional Design – 3 credit hours

An introduction to design as it relates to three-dimensional space. Basic sculptural concepts and processes are addressed. Prerequisite: Art 101, 111, or permission of instructor.

*Art 240: Ceramics I – 3 credit hours

An introduction to technical and creative ceramic processes. Basic construction techniques, hand-building, and wheel throwing are taught. Functional and sculptural approaches as well as several glazing and firing systems will be emphasized.

Art 260: Advanced Photography – 3 credit hours

Investigation and experimentation in the major areas of expression in photography: portraiture, illustration, and techniques for architectural, scientific, journalistic, and creative photography. Prerequisite: Art 160 or advanced status (with portfolio).

*Art 280: History of Art I – 3 credit hours

Survey of art from pre-history to the Renaissance. Lectures and discussion.

*Art 281: History of Art II – 3 credit hours

Survey of art from the Renaissance to the modern world. Lectures and discussion.

Art 303: Drawing III (Anatomy/Figure Drawing) – 3 credit hours

This advanced-level drawing course will consist primarily of work with the human figure and related skeletal structure. Basic human proportion and anatomy, foreshortening, and creative approaches to the human figure will be included. Prerequisite: Art 202 or permission of instructor.

Art 316: Graphic Design II – 3 credit hours

A study and application of the tools and processes used in preparing a design for publication. Emphasis is placed on development of layout skill and software coordination. Prerequisite: Art 210.

Art 318: History of Graphic Design – 3 credit hours

This course explores the origins and the evolution of graphic design, from ancient civilizations to contemporary approaches and emerging technologies. Movements, styles, designs, and designers influencing the ongoing growth of the discipline will be investigated. Prerequisite: Art 180 or permission of instructor.

Art 331: Painting – 3 credit hours

A fundamental course in painting designed to introduce the student to the basic techniques and processes of oil painting, with emphasis on creative expression and compositional design. Prerequisites: Art 202, 211; or permission of instructor.

Art 335: Watercolor – 3 credit hours

A fundamental course in watercolor painting designed to introduce students to the varied materials, tools, and methods of watercolor painting with special attention to its unique characteristics as a painting medium. Prerequisites: Art 202, 211; or instructor permission.

*Art 340: Ceramics II – 3 credit hours

A continuation of Art 240. Builds on the skill and experience gained in hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques. More in-depth study of surface decoration, glazing, and characteristics of glaze materials. Prerequisite: Art 240.

Art 350: Printmaking I – 3 credit hours

Basic techniques employed in intaglio and relief printing. Experimentation with linoleum block, collagraph, woodcut, and embossing. Prerequisites: Art 101 and 111.

Art 351: Printmaking II – 3 credit hours

A course in the basic procedures and processes of silkscreen printing. Prerequisites: Art 101 and 111.

*Art 370: School Art Methods – 3 credit hours

An introduction to the elements and principles of art as they pertain to an integrated classroom that meets the Academic Expectations and Standards outlined in the Kentucky Program of Studies. Includes overview of art education as well as the competing philosophies throughout its history. Students will also construct and implement lessons in a holistic approach to art education in their area of study: elementary, secondary, or special education.

Art 380: Renaissance Art – 3 credit hours

The principal artistic developments in European art during the 15th and 16th centuries. Prerequisite: Art 180, 281, or permission of instructor.

*Art 382: History and Art of Cinema – 3 credit hours

A course designed for students seeking greater understanding of the medium, history, and appreciation of the motion picture or film. American and foreign films are presented in this cross-cultural and international experience. Prerequisite: Art 180 or 280 or 281; or permission of instructor.

*Art 384: The Art of Impressionism – 3 credit hours

A course that examines the development of impressionistic painting and its impact on the modern art period. The course covers the contributing factors of the Barbizon school of plein aire paintings, the introduction of the Japanese print, and European art and related movements. Prerequisite: Art 180 or permission of instructor.

*Art 386: History of Religious Imagery in Western Art – 3 credit hours

The course is an examination of the origins and migration of religious icons and imagery found in Western European art. Major themes, motifs, and symbols will be identified and researched in an attempt to discern their meaning, development, and points of origin. Prerequisites: Art 280 and 281; or permission of instructor.

Art 399: Independent Study – 1-4 credit hours

This course designates a field of study that is not part of the regular curriculum. It is generally offered based on student interests and needs. Prerequisite: Submission and approval of  “Application for Admission to Independent Study.”

Art 402: Special Problems in Drawing – 3 credit hours

Independent drawing problems designed to meet the needs and directions of the advanced drawing student. Subject matter may include representational, abstract, or non-objective imagery. Prerequisite: Art 303 and/or permission of the instructor.

Art 414: Graphic Design III – 3 credit hours

An emphasis is placed on development of student portfolios through various advanced projects and practical applications. Prerequisite: Art 316.

Art 418: Special Problems in Graphic Design – 3 credit hours

A course designed for advanced students to explore designated areas and problems in graphics. Prerequisite: Art 414.

*Art 419: Digital Animation – 3 credit hours

This course teaches students how to create cell animations, animation movies, and shorts. Traditional frame-by-frame animation techniques are employed as well as digital effects to create visual and audio-syncopated animations. This course primarily utilizes software such as Macromedia Flash®.

Art 431: Advanced Painting – 3 credit hours

A course for the advanced painting student designed to develop technical command of the medium and individual expression. Prerequisite: Art 331 or permission of instructor.

Art 432: Special Problems in Painting – 3 credit hours

Courses for advanced students who have completed all of the previous painting classes and wish to pursue the area further. Prerequisite: Art 431 or permission of the instructor.

Art 440: Ceramics III – 3 credit hours

An in-depth experience in pottery construction and design. Preparation and application of glazes, kiln construction, and exploration of various firing techniques are integral parts of this course. Prerequisite: Art 340.

Art 448: Special Problems in Advanced Ceramics I – 3 credit hours

Tailored to meet the individual needs and direction of each student. Greater emphasis is placed on aesthetics and innovative solutions to designated problems. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

Art 449: Special Problems in Advanced Ceramics II – 3 credit hours

Tailored to meet the individual needs and direction of each student. Greater emphasis is placed on aesthetics and innovative solutions to designated problems. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

Art 454: Special Problems in Printmaking I – 3 credit hours

Course designed for the advanced printmaking student to permit investigations into additional processes of silkscreen printing processes and imagery. Prerequisites: Art 351 and permission of the instructor.

Art 455: Special Problems in Printmaking II – 3 credit hours

Course designed for the advanced printmaking student to permit investigations into additional processes of silkscreen printing processes and imagery. Prerequisite: Art 351 or permission of the instructor.

*Art 480: American Art – 3 credit hours

A survey of contemporary American art from 1940 to the current day. Prerequisites: Art 180, 281, or permission of instructor.

*Art 481: Modern Art – 3 credit hours

A survey course that studies the origins of modern art in the 19th century and the major art movements of the 20th century. Painting, sculpture, and architecture of Western Europe and the Americas will be emphasized. Prerequisite: Art 281 or permission of instructor.

Art 495: Internship – 6 credit hours

A course designed to offer students the unique opportunity to receive training and valuable work experience in an art-related business prior to graduation. Requires 240 field hours.

Art 499: Professional Practices Seminar – 3 credit hours

Course’s intent is to introduce art majors to skills and practices that are required for entering the art world as a practicing professional and/or preparation for continuing with graduate study. Students take Art 499(a) concurrently. Prerequisite: Senior art student.

Art 499(a): Senior Exhibition and Portfolio – 0 credit hours

Students participate in a group Senior Exhibition during their final year in the program. Students are accountable for all aspects of the exhibition, including promotion, installation, signage, reception, and de-installation. A portfolio of their work must also be submitted for permanent records no later than the closing date of the exhibition and the following requirements must be met: installation images, image(s) of each work, CV, and brief biography. The Senior Exhibition and Portfolio are evaluated as pass/fail. Prerequisites: Senior art student; enrollment in Art 499.

Drama

*GER Approved Course

*Drm 120: Introduction to Acting – 3 credit hours

A course designed to introduce students to basic theoretical and practical techniques of movement, improvisation, and character study with practical application through performance of selected plays.

Drm 130: Theatre Practicum I – 1 credit hour

Practicum courses are designed to supplement academic studies with the opportunity to receive hands-on training and work experience on campus as well as in a professional performing arts facility (e.g., RiverPark Center). The course consists of planned and evaluated training experiences that integrate classroom theory with actual theatrical stage work. Prerequisite: Permission of Program Coordinator

*Drm 141: Theatre Appreciation – 3 credit hours

A course designed for the beginning student that introduces and develops an appreciation for theatrical trends, styles, and historical developments. The course also develops a basic skill for reading, viewing, and evaluating plays.

Drm 2?? Script Analysis – 3 credit hours

This course is will introduce students to the methods of analyzing written play scripts from various genres and styles. Students will learn about the technical and theoretical skills of script analysis including a better understanding of the importance of background, plot structure, character, and dialogue.

Drm 230 Theatre Practicum II – 1 credit hour
Practicum courses are designed to supplement academic studies with the opportunity to receive hands-on training and work experience on campus as well as in a professional performing arts facility (e.g., RiverPark Center). The course consists of planned and evaluated training experiences that integrate classroom theory with actual theatrical stage work. Prerequisite: Permission of Program Coordinator.

Drm 300 Advanced Acting – 3 credit hours

A course designed to build on theory and skills learned in the basic acting class and advanced study in character analysis/relationships with practical application through performances of selected play scenes. Prerequisite: Drm 120.

*Drm 321 Readers Theatre – 3 credit hours
Designed to introduce students to the basic tenets of performance studies through an investigation of Readers Theatre, its roots in the oral tradition, and its evolution into a modern discipline. This performance-based course serves as an upper-division elective for fulfillment of the Fine Arts GER. Students will participate in the creation, selection, adaptation, and staging of literature in performance. Prerequisite: Junior/senior status or permission of instructor.

Drm 330 Theatre Practicum III – 1 credit hour
Practicum courses are designed to supplement academic studies with the opportunity to receive hands-on training and work experience on campus as well as in a professional performing arts facility (e.g., RiverPark Center). The course consists of planned and evaluated training experiences that integrate classroom theory with actual theatrical stage work. Prerequisite: Permission of Program Coordinator.

*Drm 3## Musical Theatre – 3 credit hours
A course designed students to dive deeper into theatre via musical theatre. This course will cover basic musical theatre history, types of musical theatre, and musical adaptations. Students will develop an appreciation for the role musical theatre plays in popular culture. This course serves as an upper-division elective for fulfillment of the Fine Arts GER.

Drm 3## Theatre for Young Audiences – 3 credit hours
Students will gain insight into the histories, purposes, and processes of developing theatre for young audiences. The course will explore teaching drama to youth, devising and adapting stories, acting styles and techniques, production design and management, and developing educational materials for the production.

*Drm 4## History of Theatre – 3 credit hours
A survey of theatre history that explores the development, literature, and criticisms of drama from the Greeks to modern times. This course serves as an upper-division elective for fulfillment of the Fine Arts GER. Prerequisite: Junior/senior status or permission of instructor.

Drm 390/490 Special Topics in Theatre – 3 credit hours
Special topics courses are designed to provide an opportunity for students to explore specialized topics in theatre (e.g., American playwrights, literary criticism, festival production, theatre management, etc.). Topics will be selected by the Program Coordinator to meet student interests and needs and may also work in conjunction with production projects at the local professional performing arts center (e.g., RiverPark Center). Prerequisite: Permission of Program Coordinator.

Owensboro Community and Technical College Courses

The following courses may be taken at OCTC by Brescia students as part of their regular tuition (up to 18 credit hours) thanks to a consortium agreement between the two institutions.

THA 141 Costume Design and Makeup – 3 credit hours
The aim of this course is to provide an overall look at the technical side of stage costumes, with an emphasis on construction. It includes a unit on stage makeup. Lecture 2 hours and laboratory 5 hours.

THA 150 Fundamentals of Production – 3 credit hours
A comprehensive study of the basic organizational structure processes and techniques involved in theatre design, technology, and management, with particular reference to the RiverPark Center.

THA 250 Stage Electrics – 3 credit hours
A comprehensive study of stage lighting in principle and practice. It is a lecture/laboratory course concentrating on the fundamentals of circuits, instrumentation, and operation of stage lights. Prerequisite: THA 150 or permission.

THA 260 Stagecraft – 3 credit hours
Study of theory, principles, and techniques of stage construction. Assignments in laboratory and backstage during rehearsals and performance are essential hands-on experience for this course. Lecture 2 hours and laboratory 5 hours. Prerequisite: Tha 150 or permission.

Music

*GER Approved Course

*Mus 100 Music Appreciation – 3 credit hours
A study of music, its literature, its composers; an approach toward intelligent listening.

*Mus 110 Fundamentals of Music – 3 credit hours
An introduction to basic musical concepts. Designed for the general student.

Mus 111 Music Theory I – 4 credit hours
An introduction to the basic materials of music: notation, rhythm, scales, key signatures, intervals, transposition, triads, harmonic progression and analysis, melody writing, ear training, and sight-singing. Designed for the music minor and will be taken concurrently with Mus 110, but with advanced student work.

*MUS 150H The Arts and the Human Experience – 3 credit hours
This Honors College course is an exploratory study of the arts which includes music, visual art, dance, drama, and media arts encompassing the historical, philosophical, psychological, sociological and spiritual tenets of the disciplines. It will include an analysis of how the arts have impacted the human experience across time. Students will study and use old and new technologies that are used in producing and presenting forms of art. An overnight field trip will supplement lecture and discussion. This course fills a general education requirement (GER) in fine arts or an appreciation course requirement Open ONLY to Honors College students.

Mus 120–127 / Mus 220–227Applied Music—Guitar/Strings – 1 credit hour
Thirty-minute weekly private lessons in guitar or string instrument. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.

Mus 130–137 / Mus 230–237Applied Music—Piano/Organ – 1 credit hour
Thirty-minute weekly private lessons in keyboard. Prerequisite: Instructor.

Music 140–147 / Mus 240–247Applied Music—Voice – 1 credit hour
Thirty minute weekly private lessons in singing/voice. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.

Music 150–157 / Mus 250–257Applied Music—Winds – 1 credit hour
Thirty minute weekly private lessons in woodwind or brass instrument. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.

Music 160–167 / Mus 260–267Applied Music—Percussion – 1 credit hour
Thirty minute weekly private lessons in percussion instrument(s). Prerequisite: Instructor permission.

Mus 170-177/*Mus 170-177P – Choral Ensemble – 1 hour (performance) OR 3 credits (lecture/perf.)
The choral ensemble is dedicated to the study and performance of a variety of choral literature. Proper vocal production and musicianship is emphasized. The choir serves the University by singing for various functions including student liturgies. Membership is open to all students. Only the three-credit hour
option that includes both academic instruction and performance practice may be used to satisfy FINE ARTS GER.

Mus 180–187/*Mus 180–187P – Handbell Choir – 1 hour (performance) OR 3 credits (lecture/perf.)
Handbell Choir provides an instrumental performance opportunity for the student who may have had no previous ensemble experience. The Handbell Choir performs at functions on and off campus during the academic year. Performance course may be repeated up to eight (8) semesters with sequential numbering. Only the three-credit hour option that includes both academic instruction and performance practice may be used to satisfy FINE ARTS GER.

Mus 190–197/*Mus 190–197P – University Band – 1 hour (performance) OR 3 credits (lecture/perf.)
University Band provides an outlet for students who wish to continue performance on wind and percussion instruments; rhythm section instruments and strings are also encouraged. The band performs in the Christmas and Spring Concerts as well as other selected campus events as student schedules allow. Membership is open to all students. Only the three-credit hour option that includes both academic instruction and performance practice may be used to satisfy FINE ARTS GER.

Mus 201 History of Music I – 3 credit hours
An historical survey of music from ancient times to the present, covering genres, composers, and specific works. Designed for music minors and taken concurrently with Mus 100, with advanced student work.

Mus 204 Music for Classroom Teachers – 3 credit hours
This course helps prepare the classroom teacher to meet the needs of the music program in the elementary school. Prerequisite: Mus 110 is highly recommended.

Mus 211 Music Theory II – 3 credit hours
Continuation of Music Theory I with more advanced work in the study of the common practice harmony of the 17th and 18th centuries, four-part writing, cadences, non-harmonic times, harmonic progressions, and seventh chords. Prerequisite: Mus 111.

*Mus 300 Americana Music Triangle – 3 credit hours
The Americana Music Triangle is a region of the U.S. bounded by Memphis, Tenn.; Nashville, Tenn.; and New Orleans, La. Within this triangle lies a wide range of American music styles, including rock, jazz, and gospel. This course surveys those styles, along with Kentucky Bluegrass, recognized by the Triangle leadership as a valid offshoot. Students will study and listen to these styles, hearing live performances whenever possible. Other American music of different regions will also be included.

Mus 301 History of Music II – 3 credit hours
Continuation of History of Music I, focusing on the study of specific forms, instruments, composers, genres, and styles. Prerequisite: Mus 201.

*Mus 305 World Music – 3 credit hours
A study of folk music of many lands and cultures, including primarily China, the Middle East, India, Africa, Java, Japan, Polynesia, the Caribbean, Russia, the Americas (including Bluegrass), and touching on other musical traditions in our one big global village. Common themes to be compared and contrasted
in the above musical demography are communication, recreation, religious rites, expression, symbolic structures, ethnic identity, and many other uses of folk music in society. Prerequisite: Mus 100 or 204.

Mus 308 History of Church Music – 3 credit hours
A historical study of Christian worship practices, including music styles, forms, literature, and composers from ancient times to the present. Prerequisites: Mus 201

Mus 311 Music Theory III – 3 credit hours
Continuation of Music Theory II with more advanced work in the study of chromatic harmony, modulation, and non-tonal harmonic progressions in the Baroque, Classical, and the Romantic periods. Continued ear training and sight singing work. Prerequisite: Mus 211.

Mus 399 Independent Study – 1–4 credit hours
This course designates a field of study that is not part of the regular curriculum. It is generally offered based on student interests and needs. Prerequisite: Submission and approval of “Application for Admission to Independent Study.”

Speech

*GER Approved Course

*Sph 110: Public Speaking – 3 credit hours

A fundamental speech performance course designed to develop and enhance the student’s confidence and skills in speaking, listening, and performing in public.