Faculty

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

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Description

Art and music are an integral part of the liberal arts foundation offered by Trinity College. 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 a major in fine arts in the College of Arts and Sciences as well as minors in art history, music, and fine arts. The major provides a unique program of study in art history, studio art, and music that enables 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 towards the fine arts major, and each semester an art exhibit, featuring student works, is presented along with student performances of music. 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. Synthesis is achieved through completion of a series of courses in art history, studio art, and music, culminating in a senior independent study project.

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Major Requirements

Required Courses (42 credits)

BOTH of the following survey courses: 

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

ONE course chosen from the following: 

ART 231 Classical Art 
ART 351 Renaissance Art 
ART 361 Baroque Art in Europe 
ART 381 Contemporary Art 
ART 471 Nineteenth Century Art 
ART 481 Twentieth Century Art 
HUM 325 The Eternal City: Art and Music in Rome Through the Centuries 
HUM 350 The Medieval Moment
HUM 381 Victorian Studies

ONE studio art course in photography: 

ART 208 Theory and Practice of Photography I

TWO additional studio courses chosen from studio art or MTS courses

ONE of the following music courses:
          MUS 102  Creating Your Own Music
          MUS 107  Voice Class

ONE of the following music courses:
          MUS 151 Introduction to Music Literature
          MUS 201 Experiencing Musical Art

ONE dance class (2 credits) 

ONE course in applied music (MUA), studying voice or an instrument (1 credit)

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

ONE course as a senior independent study:

FNA 499  Senior Independent Study

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Minor Requirements

Fine Arts Minor (18 credits)

Minor Requirements: Fine Arts (18 credits)Students interested in a fine arts minor should consult with program faculty.

Art History Minor (18 credits)

BOTH of the following survey courses:

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

FOUR additional courses in art history

Music Minor (18 credits)

ONE of the following courses:

MUS 101 Fundamentals of Music
MUS 102 Creating Your Own Music
PHY 106 Acoustics: The Science of Music
MUS 113 Piano Class

FOUR credits chosen from the following:

MUS 001-002 Orchestral Ensemble
MUS 005-006 Gospel Choir
MUS 107 Voice Class
MUS 109 Modern Dance
MUS 110 World Dance
MUS 259 Introduction to Dance I
MUS 262 Introduction to Dance II

TWO of the following courses:

MUS 151 Introduction to Music Literature
MUS 189 Music, Live!
MUS 201 Experiencing Musical Art
MUS 226 Blues, Jazz, Gospel and Ragtime
MUS 252 Women in Music History
MUS 291 Music in World Cultures
MUS 303 Twentieth Century Music

TWO credits in applied music (MUA 113-434)

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

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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 are required to earn a grade of "C" (2.0) or better in all courses counted to fulfill requirements for the major and minor programs.

Pass/No Pass: Courses fulfilling the major requirement may not be taken Pass/No Pass.  Please note that Applied Music (MUA) 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.

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Course Descriptions

Art History Courses

ART 101 Survey: History of Art I
Examines the development of painting, sculpture, and architecture from prehistoric times to the end of the Middle Ages. It is recommended that the two survey courses (101 and 102) be taken before advanced courses and, if possible, in chronological order.
3 credits
FLC Area II
Core V

ART 102 Survey: History of Art II
Surveys the development of painting, sculpture, and architecture from the Renaissance to the present.
3 credits
FLC Area II
Core V

ART 213 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.
3 credits
FLC Area II

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

ART 231 Classical Art
Examines the history of architecture, sculpture, and painting of the ancient world, from Crete and Mycenae through Greece and Rome.
3 credits
FLC Area II
Core V

ART 301 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.
3 credits
FLC Area II
Core V

ART 302 Seminar in Egyptian Art
Examines the architecture, sculpture, painting, and decorative arts of Ancient Egypt and Nubia beginning with the Predynastic period. Artistic examples will be studied as a mirror of Egyptian culture and society. Topics covered will include Old Kingdom Pyramids and Tombs; Nefertiti and the role of women; the treasures of Tutankhamen, routines of daily life, mummification and burial rituals.
3 credits
FLC Seminar II

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

ART 361 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.
3 credits
Core V

ART 371 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
Core V

ART 381 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.
3 credits
Core V

ART 471 Nineteenth Century Art
Explores the history of European painting and sculpture from Neoclassicism through Impressionism with an attention to the effects of political, social, and economic change through the period.
3 credits

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

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.

ART 103, 203 Foundation Drawing I, II
Develops individual expression in drawing in the first semester. Dynamic aspects of line, planes, and space are explored and analyzed. The second semester emphasizes personal responses and expression in drawing through the exploration of contour, shape, weight and gesture. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course each semester.
3 credits

ART 105, 205 Foundation Design, I, II
Studies the principles of two-dimensional design in black and white in the first semester. The approach is a problem-solving one and is intended to help in the search for imaginative ideas and visual understanding. In the second semester, students study the fundamental theories and visual principles of color in two-dimensional art and design. Students use paint and color samples in practical applications of the formal and expressive aspects of color. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course.
3 credits

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

ART 204 Painting I
Emphasizes color, composition, and pictorial expression in painting. No prerequisites but ART 103 Basic Drawing or ART 105 Basic Design recommended. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course.
3 credits

ART 206 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.
3 credits

ART 208, 308 Theory and Practice of Photography I, II
Explores the principles of the photographic process, with particular emphasis on the image and the craftsmanship of fine printing. The second semester is devoted to the exploration of special darkroom techniques. Students must provide their own 35mm camera. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course.
3 credits

ART 225 Introduction to Printmaking
Introduces students to a variety of printmaking techniques such as etching, woodcut, and serigraphy. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course.
3 credits

Fine Arts Courses

FNA 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.
3 credits

Music Courses

MUS 001, 002 Orchestral Ensemble
Offers the opportunity to participate in rehearsals and performances of the Pan American Symphony Orchestra.  The ensemble performs at Trinity and in the Washington metropolitan area.  In addition to playing standard symphonic works, the orchestra specializes in works by Latin American composers.  Students may continue to enroll each semester and earn up to 8 credits.  They may also play in the orchestra without enrolling.  Requirements include an audition and a commitment to attend all rehearsals.
1 credit

MUS 005, 006  Gospel Choir
Offers the opportunity to learn a rich repertory of music and develop skills in Gospel singing.  Students participate in weekly rehearsals, special liturgies, and  performances scheduled on and off campus throughout the semester.  Requirements include a commitment to attend all rehearsals and participate in activities.  Students may continue to enroll each semester and earn up to 8 credits.  They may also sing in the ensemble without enrolling for credit.
1 credit

MUS 101 Fundamentals of Music
Introduces basic skills in music reading, notation, harmony, and applications to the piano keyboard.  This course includes experiential learning through classroom instruction, individualized work with computer software, written assignments, and classroom performance activities.
3 credits
Core V

MUS 102 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.
3 credits
Core V

MUS 107 Voice Class
Builds skills in vocal technique, including breath control, range, pitch accuracy, and quality.  The course includes work on folk, popular, and art songs from a variety of eras.
3 credits

MUS 109 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.
2 credits
Cross-listed as PEH 109

MUS 110 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.
2 credits 
Cross listed as PEH 110

MUS 113 Piano Class
Offers a step-by-step practical approach to learning how to play the keyboard.  Students are introduced to the basic concepts of music study at the piano in order to acquire skills in note-reading, rhythm, ensemble playing, harmonization, improvisation, playing by ear and performance of repertory pieces.
3 credits
Core V

MUS 151 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.
3 credits
FLC Area II
Core V

MUS 189 Music, Live!
Emphasizes the concert-going experience by focusing on concerts scheduled in the Washington metropolitan area.  Musical compositions presented at each concert are studied along with the social, political, and cultural background in which they were written.
3 credits
FLC, Area II
Core, V

MUS 201 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.
3 credits
FLC Area II
Core V

MUS 226 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.
3 credits
FLC Area II
Core V

MUS 252 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.
3 credits
FLC Area II
Core V

MUS 259 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.
2 credits
Cross-listed as PEH 259

MUS 262 Introduction to Dance II
Examines and analyzes the basic principles of dance movement including body alignment, coordination, strength and flexibility.  Members of the class will create dance phrases that draw on the fundamentals of ballet, jazz, and modern dance.
2 credits
Cross-listed as PEH 262

MUS 291 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.
3 credits
FLC Area II
Core V

MUS 303 Twentieth Century 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.
3 credits
FLC Seminar II
Core V

Applied Music (MUA)

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).  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 2002-03 are $175 per credit.

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