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: 

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

ONE course chosen from the following: 

FNAR 203 Classical Art 
FNAR 305 Renaissance Art 
FNAR 307 Baroque Art in Europe
FNAR 311 Nineteenth Century Art 
FNAR 315 Twentieth Century Art 
FNAR 317 Contemporary 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: 

FNAR 237 Theory and Practice of Photography I

TWO 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 credits) 

ONE course in applied music (FNAM), 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:

FNAR 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:

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
FNAR 153 Piano Class
PHYS 103 Acoustics: The Science of Music

FOUR credits chosen from the following:

FNAR 151 Voice Class
FNAR 157 Orchestral Ensemble
FNAR 159 Gospel Choir
FNAR 161 Introduction to Dance I
FNAR 162 Introduction to Dance II
FNAR 261 Modern Dance
FNAR 263 World Dance

TWO of the following courses:

FNAR 145 Introduction to Music Literature
FNAR 147 Music, Live!
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 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.

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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 (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.

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Course Descriptions

Art History Courses

FNAR 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. Formerly ART 101 Survey: History of Art I.
3 credits
FLC Area II
Core V

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
FLC Area II
Core V

FNAR 203 Classical Art
Examines the history of architecture, sculpture, and painting of the ancient world, from Crete and Mycenae through Greece and Rome. Formerly ART 231 Classical Art.
3 credits
FLC Area II
Core V

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 301 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. Formerly ART 302 Seminar in Egyptian Art.
3 credits
FLC Seminar II

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
Core V

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
Core V

FNAR 311 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. Formerly ART 471 Nineteenth Century Art.
3 credits
Core V

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
FLC Area II
Core V

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
Core V

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
Core V

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
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.

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 133 Foundation Design I
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. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly ART 105 Foundation Design 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 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. Formerly ART 115 The Studio Experience.
3 credits

FNAR 231 Foundation Drawing II
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. Formerly ART 203 Foundation Drawing II.
3 credits
Prerequisites: FNAR 131

FNAR 233 Foundation Design II
Studies 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. Formerly ART 205 Foundation Design II.
3 credits
Prerequisites: FNAR 133

FNAR 235 Painting I
Emphasizes color, composition, and pictorial expression in painting. No prerequisites but FNAR 131 Foundation Drawing I or FNAR 133 Foundation Design I is recommended. 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

FNAR 237 Theory and Practice of Photography I
Explores the principles of the photographic process, with particular emphasis on the image and the craftsmanship of fine printing. Students must provide their own 35mm camera. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly ART 208 Theory and Practice of Photography I.
3 credits

FNAR 239 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. Formerly ART 225 Introduction to Printmaking.
3 credits

FNAR 337 Theory and Practice of Photography II
Explores special darkroom techniques as a continuation of FNAR 237. Students must provide their own 35mm camera. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly ART 308 Theory and Practice of Photography II.
3 credits
Prerequisites: FNAR 237

Music Courses

FNAR 141 The Fundamentals of Music Theory
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. Formerly MUS 101 Fundamentals of Music.
3 credits
Core V

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
Core V

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
Core V

FNAR 147 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. Formerly MUS 189 Music, Live!
3 credits
Core V

FNAR 151 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. Formerly MUS 107 Voice Class.
2 credits

FNAR 153 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. Formerly MUS 113 Piano Class.
2 credits

FNAR 155 Violin Class
Offers step-by-step instruction for playing the violin. Students are introduced to basic techniques while working in small groups. The course includes development skills in playing by ear, note reading, fingering, and bowing techniques.
2 credits

FNAR 157 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. This course may be repeated, although it may not be retaken to replace a grade in a previous term. Formerly MUS 001, 002 Orchestral Ensemble.
1 credit
Prerequisites: Ability to play an instrument

FNAR 159 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. This course may be repeated, although it may not be retaken to replace a grade in a previous term. Formerly MUS 005, 006 Gospel Choir.
1 credit

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 162 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. Formerly MUS 262 Introduction to Dance II.
2 credits

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
FLC Area II
Core V

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
FLC Area II
Core V

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
FLC Area II
Core V

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
Core V

FNAR 257 Pep Band
Offers the opportunity to participate in rehearsals and performances of Trinity’s Pep Band that plays at a home basketball games and a variety of other events. 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 play in the Pep Band without enrolling for credit. This course may be repeated, although it may not be retaken to replace a grade in a previous term.
1 credit
Prerequisites: Ability to play an instrument

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 345 Classical and Romantic Music
Explores the development of musical style in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Students analyze representative works from genres such as opera, oratorio, Masses, symphonies, and chamber music within an historical context. The course emphasizes aural recognition of musical content, form, and style by listening to both recorded and live performances of selected works. Formerly MUS 302 Music History: Classical and Romantic.
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
Core V

General Fine Arts Courses

FNAR 491 Internship
Allows students to pursue an internship under the direction of a faculty member. Formerly ART 399 Internship and MUS 489 Internship.
3 credits

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 2003-04 are $175 per credit.

FNAM 100, 101 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. Applied music courses may not be taken pass/no pass. 
Formerly MUA 115, 116 Voice.
1-2 credits

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. Applied music courses may not be taken pass/no pass. 
Formerly MUA 113, 114 Piano.
1-2 credits

FNAM 120, 121 Guitar (Applied Music)
Provides students with private lessons in guitar. Weekly half-hour lessons carry one credit; weekly hour lessons carry two credits. Lesson times are arranged directly with individual instructors. Applied music courses may not be taken pass/no pass. 
Formerly MUA 121, 122 Guitar.
1-2 credits

FNAM 122, 123 Violin (Applied Music)
Provides students with private lessons in violin. Weekly half-hour lessons carry one credit; weekly hour lessons carry two credits. Lesson times are arranged directly with individual instructors. Applied music courses may not be taken pass/no pass. 
Formerly MUA 119, 120 Violin.
1-2 credits

FNAM 130, 131 Flute (Applied Music)
Provides students with private lessons in flute. Weekly half-hour lessons carry one credit; weekly hour lessons carry two credits. Lesson times are arranged directly with individual instructors. Applied music courses may not be taken pass/no pass. 
Formerly MUA 117, 118 Flute.
1-2 credits

FNAM 132, 133 Clarinet (Applied Music)
Provides students with private lessons in clarinet. Weekly half-hour lessons carry one credit; weekly hour lessons carry two credits. Lesson times are arranged directly with individual instructors. Applied music courses may not be taken pass/no pass. 
Formerly MUA 133, 134 Saxophone/Clarinet.
1-2 credits

FNAM 134, 135 Saxophone (Applied Music)
Provides students with private lessons in clarinet. Weekly half-hour lessons carry one credit; weekly hour lessons carry two credits. Lesson times are arranged directly with individual instructors. Applied music courses may not be taken pass/no pass. 
Formerly MUA 133, 134 Saxophone/Clarinet.
1-2 credits

Enrollment Schedule

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