Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. This course is an in-depth exploration of the African Worldview through a concentrated focus on the theory, philosophy and methodology of the Black Aesthetic. The Black Aesthetic is the way African/Black people view, interpret and create art throughout the African World. Therefore, several manifestations of the Black Aesthetic, such as spoken word, poetry, dance, visual art, religion/spirituality, language, fashion and music, are all covered. Opportunities are also given to students to create their own pieces of art including a visual art piece, a movement piece, poetry/spoken word and more. Meets the Ethnic Studies requirement. (Available for General Education, C1 Arts.) (ES) (WI)
Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. An introduction for the non-Art major to the relationships between art and mass culture. Illustrated lectures explore the development, techniques, and ideas underlying the contemporary visual environment, including the media arts of photography and advertising, as well as painting, sculpture and architecture. Art majors may not count this course in the major. (Available for General Education, C1 Arts.) (IC) (WI)
Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Study of the cultural, instrumental and musical aspects of predominant regional musical styles of Mexico from Pre-Cuauhtemoc to contemporary times. Meets the Ethnic Studies requirement. (Available for General Education, C1 Arts.) (ES) (WI)
Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Theory and practice in performing poetry. Analysis of the role of poetry and poetic language in the communicative life of the individual and society. Solo and group performances. Students who have taken COMS 304 will not receive credit for COMS 305. (Available for General Education, C1 Arts.) (WI)
Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Survey of the art of the cinema in order to establish a unique visual literature with its own critical standards. Feature films of various types and from diverse sources are screened. (Available for General Education, C1 Arts.) (WI)
Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Examination of story as it is expressed through screenwriting. Via lectures and readings, theoretical and practical models and techniques of screen storytelling are considered. Classic and contemporary films, television programs and digital media are screened, their narrative constructions analyzed and their thematic statements assessed. (Available for General Education, C1 Arts or E Lifelong Learning.) (WI)
Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. This class explores how ancient and medieval Jews expressed themselves in literature, art and architecture, law, music, philosophy and science. It also explores how distinctive Jewish genres, styles and creative processes are related to similar expressions in non-Jewish cultures. Regular written assignments are required. (Available for General Education, C1 Arts or C2 Humanities.) (IC) (WI)
Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Corequisite: KIN 380L. History, aesthetics, performance forms, musical forms, cultural and racial heritages, and contemporary directions of dance in education and art. Dance is examined as a performing art, ritual, social/recreational activity and subject for scholarly investigation and analysis. Students participate in dance techniques related to content presented in the classroom. (Available for General Education, C1 Arts.) (WI)
Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Survey of the development of Jazz, with emphasis on the influence of historical and socioeconomic factors. Includes stylistic analysis of Jazz and its musical elements in order to develop musical awareness. (Available for General Education, C1 Arts.) (WI)
Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Investigation of philosophical concepts and problems relating to and expressed through film and literature. Questions may include: What is the relation of author to text? Do films have authors? In what sense might fictional characters ‘exist’? How can we be affected by events or persons we know to be fictional? Students who have taken PHIL 313 will not receive credit for PHIL 314. (Available for General Education, C1 Arts or C2 Humanities.) (WI)
Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Not open to Theatre majors. Introduction to the theatre through the experience of attending performances, preparatory lectures and post-performance discussions and critiques. Critical writing assignments required. (Available for General Education, C1 Arts.) (WI)