Arts Requirement

How to Read Course Descriptions

AMF

AMF 251. Foundations of Music Performance I. 3 Credits.

This is a performance-based class for non-music majors exploring the fundamental elements of music required to be a better musician and performer. This is the first semester of a two-semester sequence required for the Music Performance Minor.
Gen Ed Attribute: Arts Distributive Requirement.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

ARH

ARH 101. Survey of the Visual Arts. 3 Credits.

An introduction to painting, sculpture, architecture, and the decorative arts with emphasis on understanding the visual arts as universal human expression.
Gen Ed Attribute: Arts Distributive Requirement.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

ARH 103. Art History I: Paleolithic-Middle Ages. 3 Credits.

Survey of significant art and architectural monuments from prehistory through the Middle Ages.
Gen Ed Attribute: Arts Distributive Requirement.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

ARH 104. Art History II: Renaissance through Modern Day. 3 Credits.

Continuation of ARH 103. The Renaissance through the 20th century.
Gen Ed Attribute: Arts Distributive Requirement.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

ARH 210. Non-Western Art. 3 Credits.

Introduction to art produced outside the European tradition. Cultures include Africa, India, Asia, the Pacific Islands, and the Americas.
Gen Ed Attribute for Students Admitted Prior to Fall 2020: Arts Distributive Requirement, Writing Emphasis.
Gen Ed Attribute for Students Admitted Fall 2020 and After: Writing Emphasis.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

ARH 381. Art of the Ancient Near East, Egypt, and the Aegean. 3 Credits.

A survey of the art and architecture of the Near East, Egypt, and the Aegean from the end of the prehistoric period, ca. 3000 B.C., to the Iron Age, ca. 1000 B.C. Starting with the origins of civilization in Mesopotamia and Egypt, it traces the rise of cities and the development of complex art and architecture to the emergence of Minoan and Mycenaean cultures in Greece. Art and artifacts will be examined with a focus on the social, political, and religious contexts in which they were created.
Gen Ed Attribute for Students Admitted Prior to Fall 2020: Arts Distributive Requirement, Writing Emphasis.
Gen Ed Attribute for Students Admitted Fall 2020 and After: Writing Emphasis.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

ART

ART 106. Drawing I. 3 Credits.

An introduction to drawing and ideas of perception and interpretation. Students will work primarily from direct observation, using a variety of drawing media. Projects will explore the fundamentals of drawing, highlighting historical and contemporary concerns within the medium.
Gen Ed Attribute: Arts Distributive Requirement.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring & Summer.

ART 111. 2D Design. 3 Credits.

This course provides a foundation for investigating the elements and principles of design and visual organization. Through the hands-on analysis of visual problems, students learn concept development, visual language, and technical proficiency. Students acquire the knowledge to develop perceptual, critical thinking and communication skills as they relate to creative visual arts.
Gen Ed Attribute: Arts Distributive Requirement.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

ART 113. Digital Media. 3 Credits.

This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of visual perception, representation, and design that are shaped by today's digital culture. It explores the ways contemporary artists and designers create images; design with digital tools; and communicate, exchange, and express over a broad range of digital media. Emphasis will be placed on building a visual literacy by studying and producing images using a variety of analog and digital techniques. Current creative software will be taught and used on a variety of course assignments.
Gen Ed Attribute: Arts Distributive Requirement.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

ART 228. Digital Photography. 3 Credits.

An introduction to the photographic process using a digital platform. Photographic techniques, camera handling, exposure control, image manipulation, composition, and solving visual problems will be incorporated into exercises and projects. This course will also address the topic of sustainability through photography. Students are required to provide storage media and prints of their projects. A Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) format camera is used for this class. A personal DSLR is highly recommended but not required.
Gen Ed Attribute: Arts Distributive Requirement.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

ART 231. Ceramics: Handbuilding. 3 Credits.

This is an introductory course designed to give students a hands-on educational and artistic experience using the medium of clay. Students will learn to shape clay in a variety of ways including: pinch, coil, leather hard slab, soft slab. Students will also gain experience with various decorating, glazing, and firing techniques. Craftsmanship will be stressed and we will scrutinize nuances of the student's work.
Gen Ed Attribute: Arts Distributive Requirement.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring & Summer.

ART 232. Ceramics: Potter's Wheel. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to introduce students to the potter's wheel and develop their eye through critique. Over the course of the semester students will learn to shape clay on the potter's wheel, making a variety of functional pottery, and gain experience with various decorating, glazing, and firing techniques. Craftsmanship will be stressed and we will scrutinize nuances of the student's work.
Gen Ed Attribute: Arts Distributive Requirement.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

DAN

DAN 132. Modern Dance I. 3 Credits.

This course is an introduction to modern dance as a 20th century art form which makes use of the integration of "mind" and "body" into an expressive and communicative whole. The work in this class has many layers, including ongoing development of physical skills as well as explorations into improvisation, choreography and the historical contexts that have shaped modern dance.
Gen Ed Attribute: Arts Distributive Requirement.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

DAN 133. Jazz Dance 1. 3 Credits.

This course will bring students together in movement practice and expression through the investigation of various American Jazz dance forms. Students will focus on the technical elements that form the practice, as well as the musicality and rhythmic structure that is essential to the form. In these experiences students will search to find their own "voices" within the movement.
Gen Ed Attribute: Arts Distributive Requirement.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring & Summer.

DAN 134. Beginner's Ballet. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to teach fundamental ballet technique and vocabulary at the beginning level. The emphasis will be on using anatomically sound principles to promote efficient use of the body and develop kinesthetic awareness. The course also includes an over view of the history of ballet from its origins until present day.
Gen Ed Attribute: Arts Distributive Requirement.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

DAN 135. Tap Dancing I. 3 Credits.

The primary purpose of this course is to introduce the fundamentals of tap dance technique, form and function. Emphasis will be given to basic steps, building combinations, musicality, performance of movement, and understanding the historical background of tap dance as an art form.
Gen Ed Attribute: Arts Distributive Requirement.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

DAN 136. Introduction to Ballroom Dance. 3 Credits.

The purpose of this course is to teach students the basic steps of ballroom dance, smooth, rhythm and Latin dances. Emphasis will be placed on lead and follow techniques, proper footwork and positions, and how to recognize and dance to different types of music. While most of the techniques taught in this class are from the American style of ballroom dance, students will learn the historical context of the diverse cultures from where they originated and be able to contextualize their global significance. This course will also enable the student to participate in social occasions requiring ballroom dancing skills, such as weddings, formal social and business parties, as well as informal occasions.
Gen Ed Attribute: Arts Distributive Requirement.
Typically offered in Fall.

DAN 137. African Dance. 3 Credits.

Through readings, discussion, videos, movement, essays, and other intensive projects, this course will explore dance and music from West Africa and the African Diaspora.
Gen Ed Attribute: Arts Distributive Requirement.
Typically offered in Spring.

DAN 138. Hip Hop Dance I. 3 Credits.

The primary purpose of this course is to introduce the fundamentals of hip hop dance technique, form and function. Emphasis will be given to basic steps; building combinations, musicality, and understanding the cultural influences through a theoretical and historical investigation of hip hop dance styles as an art form.
Gen Ed Attribute: Arts Distributive Requirement.
Typically offered in Spring.

DAN 150. Athleticism and Artistry in Dance. 3 Credits.

This course will explore the vast field of dance. Students, as a group, will move through historical, traditional, and emerging dance forms investigating their artistic and athletic make-up. Students will have in-depth discussions based on their readings and film viewings in order to deepen their understanding of dance.
Gen Ed Attribute: Arts Distributive Requirement.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring & Summer.

DAN 210. The Dancer's Body. 3 Credits.

An exploration of the body systems, along with injury prevention and care, especially as it applies to the dancer. This course incorporates the physical practice of yoga, Pilates and other mind and body techniques as they apply to the preparation for the physical demands of dance technique.
Gen Ed Attribute: Arts Distributive Requirement.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

EGE

EGE 405. German Film: Expressionism to Contemporary German Film. 3 Credits.

An analysis of German films from Expressionism to the present. Students shall examine the films in terms of their political and social context and as works of art. Directors include Fritz Lang, Murnau, Wiene, Fassbinder, Herzog, Schlondorff, von Trotta, and Wenders. No knowledge of German required.
Gen Ed Attribute: Arts Distributive Requirement, Foreign Language Culture Cluster, Germany Culture Cluster, Writing Emphasis.
Typically offered in Fall.

EIT

EIT 360. Italian Cinema. 3 Credits.

A study of Italian cinema history and culture as seen through a selection of feature films. The primary aim of this course is to develop students' knowledge of the historical, cultural, and technical contexts in which Italian films and cultures have transformed within Italy and the rest of the world. Students will be introduced to themes and styles of Italian cinema from the rise of Fascism through the present.
Gen Ed Attribute: Arts Distributive Requirement, Foreign Language Culture Cluster, Italy (Italian) Culture Cluster, Speaking Emphasis.
Typically offered in Spring.

ESP

ESP 305. Spanish Cinema. 3 Credits.

This course will investigate the ways in which films participate in and create debates about the relationship between national identification, class, and gender. No knowledge of Spanish is required; taught in English.
Gen Ed Attribute: Arts Distributive Requirement, Foreign Language Culture Cluster, Spanish Culture Cluster.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring & Summer.

ESP 309. Latin America on Film (in English). 3 Credits.

This course explores contemporary Latin American film production in order to foster a better understanding of Latin American cultures and history while investigating complex power dynamics in Latin American societies. Films will be the points of departure to address critical issues such as history, culture, politics, economics, and religion; ethnic diversity, gender, class-based and racial conflicts; violence, dictatorship, and revolution; and the place of Latin America in an increasingly globalized world. No knowledge of Spanish is required.
Gen Ed Attribute: Arts Distributive Requirement, Diversity Requirement, Foreign Language Culture Cluster, Spanish Culture Cluster.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring & Summer.

FLM

FLM 200. Introduction to Film. 3 Credits.

A survey of the principal elements of film including photography, editing, sound, acting, and narrative.
Gen Ed Attribute: Arts Distributive Requirement, Writing Emphasis.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

GER

GER 405. A Survey of German Film. 3 Credits.

An analysis of German films from Expressionism to the present. Students shall examine the films in terms of their political and social context and as works of art. Directors include Fritz Lang, Murnau, Wiene, Fassbinder, Herzog, Schlondorff, von Trotta, and Wenders. Taught in conjunction with EGE 405.
Pre / Co requisites: GER 405 requires a prerequisite of any 300-level German course.
Gen Ed Attribute: Arts Distributive Requirement, Writing Emphasis.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall.

HON

HON 315. Community and the Arts. 3 Credits.

Investigation of the arts as agents of social change and influence. Significant historical and contemporary works from art, dance, music, and theatre will be identified for case analysis.
Gen Ed Attribute: Arts Distributive Requirement.
Typically offered in Fall.

MDA

MDA 240. Integrating the Arts within the Elementary Classroom. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to prepare the elementary classroom teacher (PK-4) to teach academic subjects more meaningfully through the art disciplines of creative movement, music, and visual art. The emphasis of this course is to study how the integration of the arts into the curriculum can provide children with essential problem solving skills that use both creative and critical thinking.
Gen Ed Attribute: Arts Distributive Requirement.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

MHL

MHL 121. Music in Culture and History. 3 Credits.

A course in appreciating music as an informed listener. Includes an introduction to the basic elements of musical style necessary for understanding music in its cultural and historical context, examination of the great European composers and their masterworks, and topics in popular music, jazz, and/or world music. Ability to read music is NOT expected.
Gen Ed Attribute: Arts Distributive Requirement.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

MHL 123. Music in Film. 3 Credits.

This course examines the role music plays in films. The first part of the course will focus on gaining a solid understanding of basic musical and cinematic elements. The second part of the course will examine a number of films and film scores in order to develop a historical understanding of cinema and music. This course will help you develop critical listening and viewing skills, and it also offers a film-music history survey and technological advances in cinema and sound.
Gen Ed Attribute: Arts Distributive Requirement.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

MHL 125. Perspectives in Jazz. 3 Credits.

Guided listening to improve understanding and enjoyment of jazz with emphasis on jazz heritages, chronological development, and sociological considerations, culminating in an analysis of the eclectic styles of the 1960s and 1970s. Not open to music majors.
Gen Ed Attribute: Arts Distributive Requirement, Diversity Requirement.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

MHL 180. Global Soundscapes: Music, History, and Society. 3 Credits.

This course examines musical practices and traditions from around the world and explores how music is interrelated with its historical, cultural and social contexts. It introduces students to academic disciplines that study music: music theory, music history, and ethnomusicology. We will gain a global perspective of music by learning about different musical styles and practices, and how cultures shape the creation, performance and consumption of music. The course will also investigate how certain groups of people and their music have been historically marginalized, and how structural inequalities have manifested in the education, performance, and dissemination of music. Students will particularly focus on groups who have been marginalized due to race, ethnicity, and/or immigrant status. By applying the theoretical framework of ethnomusicology, they will study the ways that music has functioned as a way to assert power and give voice to marginalized groups and suppressed issues.
Gen Ed Attribute: Arts Distributive Requirement, Diversity Requirement.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

MHL 210. Music History I. 3 Credits.

An introduction to musical style and listening techniques within a historical context: (1) an introduction to style periods, music listening skills, concepts of form, and style analysis in both Western and non-Western music; (2) historical survey of music beginning with the music of the early Church and continuing through the end of the 16th century. Ability to read and analyze music scores required.
Gen Ed Attribute: Arts Distributive Requirement.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

MHL 312. Women in Music. 3 Credits.

A survey of the role that women played in the history of music from the Middle Ages to the present. Open to nonmusic majors and music majors without prerequisites.
Gen Ed Attribute: Arts Distributive Requirement.
Typically offered in Spring.

MHL 325. History of Rock. 3 Credits.

This course traces the development of 1950s rock and roll from its rhythm and blues and country and western sources through the world music influences of the 1970s and beyond.
Gen Ed Attribute: Arts Distributive Requirement.
Typically offered in Spring.

MTC

MTC 110. Making Music. 3 Credits.

A study of basic elements of music for those without previous musical experience. For non-music majors only.
Gen Ed Attribute: Arts Distributive Requirement.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

SPA

SPA 322. Latin America on Film (in Spanish). 3 Credits.

This course consists of the analysis of several films about Latin America that address critical issues (history, politics, economy, religion, ethnic diversity, racial and gender discrimination) necessary to understand and appreciate Latin American culture.
Pre / Co requisites: SPA 322 requires a prerequisite of SPA 302 or SPA 303.
Gen Ed Attribute: Arts Distributive Requirement, Diversity Requirement.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Spring.

THA

THA 101. Spotlight on Theatre: Appreciating Live Performance. 3 Credits.

A survey of theatre as a humanity by exploring how theatre reflects and comments on its time and place. This course teaches the student what to listen for, and what to look for, when attending a live theatre performance.
Gen Ed Attribute: Arts Distributive Requirement.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring & Summer.

THA 103. Acting I. 3 Credits.

A course designed to introduce the basic skills and techniques needed by the developing actor to create successfully a character for performance on stage.
Gen Ed Attribute: Arts Distributive Requirement, Speaking Emphasis.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

THA 104. Stagecraft. 3 Credits.

This course combines exciting classroom instruction and discussion with "hands-on" supervised production assignments or equivalent shop time. The scope of this course is intended to cover the basic elements of technical theatre, including the physical space, lighting, basic sound systems and the scene shop. Labs included in this course are meant to serve as an introduction to the everyday procedures and systems incorporated in technical theatre, lighting technology, and scenic construction. The course requires participation and a general interest in the topic.
Gen Ed Attribute: Arts Distributive Requirement.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

THA 201. Introduction to Standardized Patient Performance. 3 Credits.

This course will prepare students for the effective portrayal of standardized patients, who will enact, in a consistent and measurable way, a patient/client in a medical or healthcare-related situation. Students will enact case studies throughout various disciplines, spanning: Sports Medicine, Nursing, Nutrition, Health, Social Work, and Speech-Language Pathology; collaborating with students in West Chester's various healthcare services programs.
Gen Ed Attribute: Arts Distributive Requirement.
Typically offered in Spring.