Fine Arts (Minor)
Overview
Our fine arts minors explore the history of art and music as well as their own personal creative processes to give themselves the opportunity to expand their knowledge and their ability to express themselves. The goal of our fine arts program is to help students discover a life-long passion for the arts.
Our program enhances students’ studies in other fields and helps them apply artistic knowledge to any position. Studying fine arts in Washington, D.C., furthermore, allows our students to explore a wide variety of museums, art galleries, concerts and the many other cultural opportunities that the city has to offer.
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Featured Courses
FNAR 145 Introduction to Music LiteratureExamines 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
General Education Requirement: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
FLC Area II
FNAR 241 Experiencing Musical ArtExamines 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: Applications Area
FLC Area II
FNAR 243 Blues, Jazz, Gospel, and RagtimeTraces 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: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
FLC Area II
FNAR 247 Women in Music HistoryExplores 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: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
FLC Area II
FNAR 305 Renaissance ArtDiscusses 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 317 Contemporary ArtExplores 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
General Education Requirements: Capstone Seminar
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Career Paths
- Archivist
- Art Appraiser
- Art Journalist
- Studio Artist
- Arts Administrator
- Exhibition Coordinator
- Assistant Curator
- Stage Designer
- Art Instructor
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Internships
Internships are possible at organizations such as the National Gallery of Art, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Corcoran Gallery of Art and the Smithsonian Institution.
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Faculty
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