Fine Arts
Faculty
Dr. Rebecca Jeffrey Easby, Associate Professor of Art History (program chair)
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 are interested in completing an individualized major in Fine Arts and Art History should consult the program chair.
[catalog-courses]
Minor Requirements
Fine Arts Minor (18 credits)
ONE of the following courses:
FNAR 101 Survey: History of Art IExamines 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
General Education: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
FLC Area II
Core Area II: Understanding Self and Society
FNAR 102 Survey: History of Art IISurveys 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: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
FLC Area II
Core Area II: Understanding Self and Society
ONE course chosen from the following:
FNAR 223 HON:Cities, People, and ArchitectureExplores 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 311 Nineteenth Century ArtExplores the painting, sculpture and architecture in Europe from the end of the 18th Century through the 1880s. Movements such as Romanticism and Impressionism are among those covered. Formerly ART 471 Nineteenth Century Art.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
General Education: Knowledge and Inquiry
FNAR 313 United States ArtExamines 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: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
FLC Area II
FNAR 315 Twentieth Century ArtSurveys the movements in painting, sculpture, and architecture in the period from 1900-1945. Formerly ART 481 Twentieth Century Art.
3 credits
General Education: Knowledge and Inquiry
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
FNAR 321 Women ArtistsExamines 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
General Education Capstone Seminar
ONE studio art course
ONE course chosen from the following:
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
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 IExamines 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
General Education: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
FLC Area II
Core Area II: Understanding Self and Society
FNAR 102 Survey: History of Art IISurveys 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: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
FLC Area II
Core Area II: Understanding Self and Society
FOUR additional courses in art history
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 Minor Courses: Students must receive a grade of “C’ (2.0) or better in courses taken to fulfill 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.
Course Descriptions
Art History Courses
FNAR 101 Survey: History of Art IExamines 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
General Education: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
FLC Area II
Core Area II: Understanding Self and Society
FNAR 102 Survey: History of Art IISurveys 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: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
FLC Area II
Core Area II: Understanding Self and Society
FNAR 103 African American Art IAfrican American Art I is a survey course that will begin in pre-colonial slave trade West Africa, considering the visual culture and creativity of the peoples who would, through an unjust forced labor system, become the first African Americans. Topics and movements will include, but are not limited to: Slavery and the Antebellum South, Life after Emancipation, The Harlem Renaissance and The Jim Crow Era. This course will explore questions of representation and inclusion, and will investigate the many historical, cultural, social and political factors that have influenced African American creativity and art making from approximately 1492 to 1945.
FNAR 104 African American Art IIAfrican American Art II is a survey course that will continue a chronological examination of the visual culture and creativity of African American artists, beginning with The Civil Rights Movement, The Black Power Movement, Modernism, Post-modernism, and Contemporary art movements. This course will explore questions of representation and inclusion, and will investigate the many historical, cultural, social and political factors that have influenced African American creativity and art making from approximately 1945 to 2015.
FNAR 223 HON:Cities, People, and ArchitectureExplores 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 CinemaExamines 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 250 Art in RealityExplores the tool needed to build and sustain a successful business in the arts. As an artist, whether you decide to be an independent freelancer, or do your work as a side-hustle, you need to understand the principles of operating your dealings as a professional, including such topics as marketing, promotion, logistics, copyright, contracts, basic accounting, taxes, and other fundamental practices for professionals. Your work may be your passion, but passion does not pay the bills. This course will focus on the practical considerations necessary to succeed in an artistic career.
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 307 Baroque Art in EuropeStudies 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 311 Nineteenth Century ArtExplores the painting, sculpture and architecture in Europe from the end of the 18th Century through the 1880s. Movements such as Romanticism and Impressionism are among those covered. Formerly ART 471 Nineteenth Century Art.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
General Education: Knowledge and Inquiry
FNAR 313 United States ArtExamines 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: Knowledge and Inquiry Area
FLC Area II
FNAR 315 Twentieth Century ArtSurveys the movements in painting, sculpture, and architecture in the period from 1900-1945. Formerly ART 481 Twentieth Century Art.
3 credits
General Education: Knowledge and Inquiry
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
FNAR 321 Women ArtistsExamines 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
General Education Capstone Seminar
Studio Art Courses
FNAR 131 Foundation Drawing IDevelops 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 235 PaintingEmphasizes 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 IExplores 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 Digital Photography IExplores the creation of digital photographs, use of software and the computer manipulation of images. Students must provide their own digital camera to course specifications. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Formerly ART 208 and FNAR 237 Theory and Practice of Photography I.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
FNAR 250 Art in RealityExplores the tool needed to build and sustain a successful business in the arts. As an artist, whether you decide to be an independent freelancer, or do your work as a side-hustle, you need to understand the principles of operating your dealings as a professional, including such topics as marketing, promotion, logistics, copyright, contracts, basic accounting, taxes, and other fundamental practices for professionals. Your work may be your passion, but passion does not pay the bills. This course will focus on the practical considerations necessary to succeed in an artistic career.
FNAR 337 Digital Photography IIMore advanced exploration of the creation of digital photographs, use of software and the computer manipulation of images. Students must provide their own digital camera to course specifications. There is an additional laboratory fee for this course. Pre-requisite FNAR 237 or permission of instructor.
Music 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
Dance Courses
FNAR 161 Introduction to Dance IIntroduces 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 & MindIntroduces 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 DanceIntroduces 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 DanceIntroduces 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 DancePresents 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 DanceExplores 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 StageOffers 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 CompositionOffers 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 & Modern IThis course combines classical ballet and modern dance techniques to create exercise and dance phrases. Included are barre or floor warm-up and stretch, allegro and adagio, across-the-floor phrases,and coll-down. Students explore Graham, Cunningham, Hawkins, and Horton techniques of dance.
FNAR 365 Western Dance History and Period DanceIntroduces 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 491 InternshipAllows 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 StudyAllows 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 StudyProvides 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 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 116 Voice.
2 credits
FNAM 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 114 Piano.
2 credits
FNAM 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.
2 credits
FNAM 211 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. Formerl