Fine Arts

Faculty
Description
Major Requirements
Minor Requirements
     Fine Arts
     Art History
     Music
Program Policies
Course Descriptions

Faculty

Sharon Shafer, Professor of Music (Program Chair)
Rebecca Jeffrey Easby, Associate Professor of Art History

Return to top

Description

Art and music are an integral part of the liberal arts foundation offered by Trinity. The Fine Arts Program offers courses in the history of art, studio art, dance, and music, which are viewed as complementary disciplines. Course offerings provide electives for all Trinity students and serve as enrichment for those majoring in a number of other disciplines, such as communication, history, English, business administration, and international studies.

The Fine Arts Program offers minors in fine arts and art history in the College of Arts and Sciences. The minors in the Fine Arts Program provide unique programs of study in art history, studio art, music, and dance that enable students to explore their creativity. Through the study of works of art from various periods, students acquire historical consciousness as well as a basic understanding of the methods of visual analysis. Students take field trips to make use of the particularly rich artistic resources of Washington, D.C.

Hands-on experience in studio art forms an integral part of study in fine arts, and each semester an art exhibit, featuring student works, is presented along with student performances of music and dance. Music courses provide an historical framework for understanding diverse traditions as well as opportunities for student performances. Courses also incorporate live performances by drawing on the extensive concert offerings scheduled in Washington D.C.'s museums, galleries, churches, and concert halls.

Students who have already begun a major in fine arts or a minor in music prior to the 2006-2007 academic year will be able to complete their requirements in consultation with program faculty. Fine arts majors who entered the program prior to fall 2006 must complete FNAR 499, Senior Independent Study, culminating in a project that synthesizes their studies in art history, studio art, music, or dance.

Return to top

Major Requirements

Required Courses (39 credits)

BOTH of the following survey courses: 

FNAR 101 Survey: History of Art I 
FNAR 102 Survey: History of Art II 

ONE course chosen from the following: 

FNAR 205 Modern Art 
FNAR 305 Renaissance Art 
FNAR 307 Baroque Art in Europe 
FNAR 315 Twentieth Century Art 
FNAR 317 Contemporary Art 
HUM 350 The Medieval Moment
HUM 381 Victorian Studies

THREE additional studio art courses

ONE of the following music courses:
          FNAR 143  Creating Your Own Music
          FNAR 151  Voice Class

ONE of the following music courses:
          FNAR 145 Introduction to Music Literature
          FNAR 241 Experiencing Musical Art

ONE dance class (2-3 credits) 

ONE course in applied music (FNAM), studying voice or piano (1-2 credits)

THREE additional courses at the 200-level or above, selected in consultation with faculty (9 credits)

ONE course as a senior independent study:

FNAR 499  Senior Independent Study

Return to top

Minor Requirements

Fine Arts Minor (18 credits)

ONE of the following courses:

FNAR 101 Survey: History of Art I
FNAR 102 Survey: History of Art II

ONE course chosen from the following:

FNAR 205 Modern Art
FNAR 305 Renaissance Art
FNAR 307 Baroque Art in Europe
FNAR 315 Twentieth Century Art
FNAR 317 Contemporary Art
HUM 381 Victorian Studies

ONE studio art course

ONE course chosen from the following:

FNAR 143 Creating Your Own Music
FNAR 145 Introduction to Music Literature
FNAR 241 Experiencing Musical Art
FNAR 243 Blues, Jazz, Gospel, and Ragtime
FNAR 247 Women in Music History
FNAR 345 Classical and Romantic Music
FNAR 347 Contemporary Classical Music

ONE dance class (2-3 credits)

Additional FNAR or FNAM electives to complete a total of 18 credits

Art History Minor (18 credits)

BOTH of the following survey courses:

FNAR 101 Survey: History of Art I 
FNAR 102 Survey: History of Art II 

FOUR additional courses in art history

Music Minor (18 credits)

ONE of the following courses:

FNAR 141 The Fundamentals of Music Theory
FNAR 143 Creating Your Own Music
PHYS 103 Acoustics: The Science of Music

FOUR credits chosen from the following:

FNAR 151 Voice Class
FNAR 157 Orchestral Ensemble
FNAR 161 Introduction to Dance I
FNAR 167 Jazz Fusion Dance
FNAR 169 Ethnic Danc
FNAR 261 Modern Dance
FNAR 263 World Dance

TWO of the following courses:

FNAR 145 Introduction to Music Literature
FNAR 241 Experiencing Musical Art
FNAR 243 Blues, Jazz, Gospel, and Ragtime
FNAR 247 Women in Music History
FNAR 249 Music in World Cultures
FNAR 265 Dance for Drama and Stage
FNAR 267 Contemporary Dance and Composition
FNAR 345 Classical and Romantic Music
FNAR 347 Contemporary Classical Music

TWO credits in applied music (FNAM)

THREE additional credits chosen from any music offerings including applied music, dance classes, performing ensembles or elective courses.

Return to top

Program Policies

Advanced Placement:
Credit is granted for a score of 4 or 5 on the AP exam. Students should consult program faculty regarding AP credit.

CLEP Policy:
CLEP examinations do not fulfill requirements of the fine arts major or minors in fine arts, art history, and music.

Grades in Major and Minor Courses:
Students must receive a grade of "C' (2.0) or better in courses taken to fulfill major and minor requirements.

Pass/No Pass:
Courses fulfilling the major requirement may not be taken Pass/No Pass.  Please note that Applied Music (FNAM) may not be taken pass/no pass.  Grades in Applied Music are based on individual progress.

Senior Assessment:
Senior assessment is completed when the student obtains a grade of "C" or higher in the Senior Independent Study and successfully completes a final project.

TELL Policy:
Students applying for credit in experiential learning should consult with the program faculty before preparing a portfolio.

Transfer Credits:
Up to 12 hours of transfer credit will be accepted towards a major in fine arts, pending faculty review and approval. A minimum of 12 credits must be taken at Trinity in order to meet the requirements for the minor in fine arts, art history, or music.

Return to top

Course Descriptions

Art History Courses

FNAR 102 Survey: History of Art II
Surveys the development of painting, sculpture, and architecture from the Renaissance to the present. Formerly ART 102 Survey: History of Art II.
3 credits
General Education Curriculum: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
FLC Area II

FNAR 205 Modern Art
Examines the period from the beginning of the 19th century up until WWII and the tremendous changes that occurred in art during that time. Painting, sculpture, and architecture will be discussed both in relation to the aesthetics of the time as well as the role of society in the process of creation.
3 credits
General Education Curriculum: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
FLC Area II

FNAR 223 Cities, People, and Architecture
Explores the relationship between urban spaces and the people who live there. Urban planning and architectural history will be discussed in relation to concepts of aesthetics and functionality. Historical examples will be used, but the main focus will be modern cites and buildings. Formerly ART 213 Cities, People, and Architecture.
3 credits
FLC Area II

FNAR 225 History of Cinema
Examines the history of film and advances in cinematic technology from early silent films to the present day. Formerly ART 220 History of Cinema.
3 credits

FNAR 305 Renaissance Art
Discusses painting, sculpture, and architecture from the proto-Renaissance to the High Renaissance in Italy, concluding with 16th century Mannerism. Formerly ART 351 Renaissance Art.
3 credits

FNAR 307 Baroque Art in Europe
Studies the major monuments of painting, sculpture, and architecture from 1600 to 1750 in Italy, Spain, the Low Countries, France and Germany. Special emphasis is given to major masters such as Caravaggio, Bernini, Rubens, Rembrandt, Velazquez, and Poussin. Formerly ART 361 Baroque Art in Europe.
3 credits

FNAR 313 United States Art
Examines art in the United States from colonial times to the present, considering architecture, painting, and sculpture, as well as the qualities characteristic of the American tradition. Formerly ART 301 United States Art.
3 credits
General Education Curriculum: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
FLC Area II

FNAR 315 Twentieth Century Art
Surveys the movements in painting, sculpture, and architecture in the period from 1900-1945. Formerly ART 481 Twentieth Century Art.
3 credits

FNAR 317 Contemporary Art
Explores the major developments in art since 1945 with an emphasis on painting and sculpture. The nature of art and prominent ethical questions which arose during this period are also discussed. Formerly ART 381 Contemporary Art.
3 credits
FLC Seminar II

FNAR 321 Women Artists
Examines the history of women in the arts from the Middle Ages to the present day and the social conditions which influenced their art. Artists included are: A. Gentileschi, Mary Cassatt, Berthe Morisot, Georgia O'Keeffe, Judy Chicago and others.
3 credits

Studio Art Courses

Note: Students should be aware that the lab fee given for various studio courses does not cover all materials and supplies. Additional personal expenditure will be required to cover these items.

FNAR 131 Foundation Drawing I
Develops individual expression in drawing in the first semester. Dynamic aspects of line, planes, and space are explored and analyzed. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course each semester. Formerly ART 103 Foundation Drawing I.
3 credits

FNAR 135 The Studio Experience
Provides students with the opportunity to focus on the exploration of the compositional tools and techniques available to the fine artist. Students work in a variety of art forms, including color theory, signs and symbols, and design. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course each semester. Formerly ART 115 The Studio Experience.
3 credits

FNAR 235 Painting I
Emphasizes color, composition, and pictorial expression in painting, using either watercolors or oils. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly ART 204 Painting I.
3 credits

FNAR 236 Sculpture I
Explores the basic principles and practices of sculpture with an emphasis on human proportion and anatomy. Students begin to see and create three-dimensional forms while being exposed to the fundamental studio techniques of armature making, clay modeling, mold making, and casting. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly ART 206 Sculpture I.
3 credits

Music Courses

FNAR 143 Creating Your Own Music
Focuses on creative expression using graphic notation to analyze and compose music. Contemporary scores are used as models for students to explore their own musical ideas and learn techniques for contemporary notation methods. The course includes work with traditional instruments as well as alternative sound sources. No prior musical experience is necessary. Formerly MUS 102 Creating Your Own Music.
3 credits
General Education Curriculum: Applications Area
FLC Area II

FNAR 145 Introduction to Music Literature
Examines the styles and diversity of Western music from the Middle Ages into the 21st century. This course introduces the materials of music including melody, harmony, rhythm, form, and orchestration. Students explore the vast cultural resources of Washington, DC's concert halls, art galleries, churches, and cathedrals offering musical performances. Formerly MUS 151 Introduction to Music Literature.
3 credits
FLC Area II

FNAR 241 Experiencing Musical Art
Examines the way that music exists within cultures. The course explores musical elements such as melody, harmony, rhythm, and texture as they are experienced in rituals, religious and healing ceremonies, dancing, and performance in the United States and around the world. No prior experience in music is required for this course. Formerly MUS 201 Experiencing Musical Art.
3 credits
General Education Curriculum: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
FLC Area II

FNAR 243 Blues, Jazz, Gospel, and Ragtime
Traces the origin and development of styles and major forces that shaped American music from the late 19th century to the present. Topics include work songs and field "hollas," revival and camp meeting hymns, bebop and "cool" jazz, along with new rhythms, harmonies, and "blue" notes. This course requires attendance at live performances, written listening assignments and extensive oral presentations. Formerly MUS 226 Blues, Jazz, Gospel and Ragtime.
3 credits
General Education Curriculum: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
FLC Area II

FNAR 247 Women in Music History
Explores the history of women in music from the Middle Ages through the 20th century. The course includes reading in primary sources and study of recent research on women as performers, composers, publishers, producers, educators, and patronesses. Students explore both recorded and live performances of music by women. Formerly MUS 252 Women in Music History.
3 credits
General Education Curriculum: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
FLC Area II

FNAR 249 Music in World Cultures
Introduces the study of music from a global perspective. This course emphasizes the development of listening skills and the appreciation of the music of many different cultures and traditions in order to go beyond the limits of one's own experience. Students are required to do some field research in preparation for class assignments. Formerly MUS 291 Music in World Cultures.
3 credits
FLC Area II

FNAR 347 Contemporary Classical Music
Presents an interdisciplinary approach to the study of classical music styles using the context of cultural, social, artistic, and political changes affecting composers from the beginning of the twentieth century and continuing in the twenty-first century. The course explores revolution in music and other disciplines along with the challenges to tradition and convention. Students examine current trends in classical music styles and explore extensive examples of recorded music. Formerly MUS 303 Twentieth Century Music.
3 credits
FLC Seminar II

Dance Courses

FNAR 161 Introduction to Dance I
Introduces the basic principles of dance movement: body alignment, coordination, strength and flexibility, and basic forms of locomotion. Students learn the fundamentals of ballet, jazz and modern dance while creating exercises and dancing phrases. Formerly MUS 259 Introduction to Dance I.
2 credits

FNAR 163 Dance: Body and Mind
Introduces traditional dance technique in combination with cutting edge alternatives to the study of body movement. Students work on body-mind exercises that enable them to integrate principles of body coordination, explore creative visualization, and learn techniques related to classical and contemporary dance.
3 credits

FNAR 167 Jazz Fusion Dance
Introduces the origins of jazz dance as a great American innovation. Students explore Luigi-style, Fosse-style, and Twyla Tharp-style techniques as well as the work of modern/jazz choreographer Alvin Ailey and the way that traditional ballet is transformed into a new form.
2 credits

FNAR 169 Ethnic Dance
Introduces three origins of dance. Students explore the traditions and dance movements from Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East, including drum dances, salsa, bossanova, cha cha, and belly dance.
2 credits

FNAR 261 Modern Dance
Presents an overview of the various styles, techniques and choreographic ideas from modern dance history. Students experience codified movement from the earliest pioneers to the modern abstractionists, post modern artists, and the contemporary era. Formerly MUS 109 Modern Dance.
2 credits

FNAR 263 World Dance
Explores diversity in dance from its very origins to contemporary movements. Various cultural forms of dance are discussed via movement exploration, readings, visual aids, and guest lectures. Students experience dance on its many levels as a primal connection to life, as a fundamental means of communication, as an integral part of theater and drama, and as a recognized world art. Formerly MUS 110 World Dance.
2 credits

FNAR 265 Dance for Drama and Stage
Offers an exploration in performance.  Students learn to express themselves and communicate clearly through the concept and use of the stage.  Course topics include body language and the ways that thoughts, emotions, and intent are signaled by gesture and movement.  Students will learn about the many varied ways that communication takes place through body movement with applications related to dramatic techniques.
3 credits

FNAR 267 Contemporary Dance and Composition
Offers an exploration of current developments in dance.  Students work on choreographic concepts and trends along with the methods, materials, and techniques related to dance composition and artistic creation.
3 credits

FNAR 361 Ballet: Classical and Modern I
Combines classical ballet and modern dance techniques to create exercise and dancing phrases. Included are barre or floor warm-up and stretch, allegro and adagio, across the floor phrases, and cool-down. Students explore Graham, Cunningham, Hawkins, and Horton techniques of dance.
2 credits

FNAR 365 Western Dance History and Period Dance
Introduces the traditions of western dance from Greek dance to the court ballet of the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Baroque periods. Students explore the origins of ballet, the soul of classicism, the music composed specifically for early dance styles, and the lyrical movements that led to the foundation for ballet.
3 credits

General Fine Arts Courses

FNAR 498 Independent Study
Allows students to construct an independent course of study under the direction of a faculty member.
Formerly ART 498 Independent Study and MUS 322 Independent Study.
3 credits

FNAR 499 Senior Independent Study
Provides a capstone experience for senior fine arts majors. Students achieve synthesis by exploring individual research topics tailored to their particular interests in art history, studio art, music, or dance. Formerly FNA 499 Senior Independent Study.
3 credits

Applied Music Courses (FNAM)

Students may enroll for applied music lessons for one credit (private half-hour lessons once a week) or two credits (private hour lessons once a week); students may not take these courses for more than two credits each term. Lesson times are arranged directly with individual instructors.

Students who enroll for Applied Music for the first time at Trinity select the lowest course number listed for the instrument or voice.  Applied Music may not be taken pass/no pass.
Lab fees for 2007-8 are $175 per credit.

FNAM 110, 111 Piano (Applied Music)
Provides students with private lessons in piano. Weekly half-hour lessons carry one credit; weekly hour lessons carry two credits. Lesson times are arranged directly with individual instructors. Instruction is tailored to meet the needs and skills of the individual student.  Applied music courses may not be taken pass/no pass. Students are assessed and graded based on consistent progress and adherence to a schedule of individual practice times throughout the semester. Formerly MUA 113, 114 Piano.
1-2 credits

FNAM 200, 201 Voice (Applied Music)
Provides students with private lessons in voice. Weekly half-hour lessons carry one credit; weekly hour lessons carry two credits. Lesson times are arranged directly with individual instructors. Instruction is tailored to meet the needs and skills of the individual student.  Applied music courses may not be taken pass/no pass. Students are assessed and graded based on consistent progress and adherence to a schedule of individual practice times throughout the semester.
1-2 credits
 

FNAM 211, 212 Piano (Applied Music)
Provides students with private lessons in piano. Weekly half-hour lessons carry one credit; weekly hour lessons carry two credits. Lesson times are arranged directly with individual instructors. Instruction is tailored to meet the needs and skills of the individual student.  Applied music courses may not be taken pass/no pass. Students are assessed and graded based on consistent progress and adherence to a schedule of individual practice times throughout the semester.
1-2 credits

Enrollment Schedule

Return to top