Courses Courses

Sound Art & New Media

Course No. HC 311  Credits: 3.0

A course on how visual artists (and some composers) use sound in their works. Works discussed in class will include “stand alone” works of sound art, musique concrete, sound sculptures, installation works (using sound as a main component), radio art, film, and internet-based works. Students will be expected to identify differing qualities of sound, and there will be regular listening and reading assignments for each class. Students will also be given written assignments, and will have to compose a work of sound art or sound sculpture as a final project. 3 credits.

Avant Garde Film

Course No. HC 325  Credits: 3.0

Film, the quintessential art form of the 20th century, added time and relativity to the artist's palette. This course examines the abstract and non-narrative tradition: films that focus on manipulation of form, motion, and the collage-like collision of images in time (montage). Topics include early Soviet formalists, Dadaist and Surrealist films of the 1920's and 1930's, and American underground films of the 1960's and 1970's. Students keep a journal of their impressions of each film shown. Course fee required. 3 credits.

Japanese Expressions

Course No. HC 328  Credits: 3.0

This course is an introduction to the culture of Japan as it is revealed in the Japanese literary and religious tradition and in modern literary and cinematic expression. Readings will include selections from early Japanese myth and poetry, the diary and early novel forms, and the literary and aesthetic response to influence from China. Appropriate attention will be paid to Noh drama and haiku poetry, writings in the samurai tradition, a modern novel and a Japanese film. The purpose of this course is not to survey the whole of the Japanese experience, but rather to read and view representative examples of Japanese expression with understanding and delight. 3 credits.

Issues in the Humanities and Cultural Studies

Course No. HC 348  Credits: 3.0

This special topics course explores critical issues in the humanities and cultural studies. Each section will focus on distinct topics and disciplines, such as literary studies, film studies, Black studies, Latinx studies, disability studies, queer studies, digital humanities, and cross-disciplinary studies in the humanities. Course activities will includ readings and discussion, the analysis and interpretation of texts, presentations, and research assignments. 3 credits.

Literature of the Americas

Course No. HC 388  Credits: 3.0

This course will survey the concurrent but separate developments of the literary traditions of North and South America. Taking Columbus’ arrival on Hispaniola as our point of anchor, we will work backward to the Pre-Columbian original narrative forms, and forward through the written records of the complex colonial contexts of the literary art in both Americas. We will also trace the divergent results of the influences of European literature, following in each case the developments of such directions as we can identify in the prose and poetry of the colonial and postcolonial periods of each America. Reading widely and also closely, we will consider how best to trace the parallel emergence of these national literatures, seeking in a juxtaposed study what common literary and extra-literary antecedents and shaping forces the texts in both traditions may reveal. We will also inquire into the nature of the distinctions that must be made between these traditions, and into the impact the differences between these literatures may have on the understanding of what we mean by the phrase “American literature". 3 credits.

Children's Literature

Course No. HC 390  Credits: 3.0

Many adults feel they are familiar with the classic children’s books covered in this course, but actually know only sanitized versions, most produced for the movie screen. This class will examine the original texts of several well-known titles as literature and the fascinating and sometimes disturbing stories behind them. Critical reading, thought, research and writing on these texts will be among the key skills covered. Students will read extensively and discuss what they have read in class, create and deliver peer-evaluated presentations, and write a semester research paper related to the topics of the course. They will view several related films during the semester as well. 3 credits.

Picture Book Illustration

Course No. ILL 220-320-420  Credits: 3.0

This course will explore the creation of a picture book through historical context, the evolution of children’s book illustration, and the methodology of creating art for a picture book. Picture books continue to expand in modern markets through digital applications as well as book art, a sculptural narrative object. Students will gain knowledge of the publishing industry and the process of submitting a body of work. Students will be expected to create a personal illustrative narrative by means of gathering reference and creating consistent and well developed characters that exist in a story. This course is strongly recommended for elective students interested in picture books and visual narratives. Open to all sophomores, juniors, and seniors. 3 credits.

Layout Rendering Techniques

Course No. ILL 260  Credits: 3.0

This course is concerned with introducing students to techniques and materials used by professional illustrators. The emphasis will be on developing critical observation skills along with enhancing technical and rendering abilities to a professional level. Also, purpose and application of techniques for layout presentation, as well as refining finished art for reproduction. Emphasis will be on drawing, painting and other tactile techniques, as well as digital rendering techniques for the preparation of finished art for the final application of artwork created. 3 credits.