Courses
Please note that not every course listed is offered each year and students should consult STU Self Service for current course offerings.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
FNAR-1001. Independent Study: Piano Private Lessons I
Students may register for a one-credit independent study focused on the practice of the piano. Half-an-hour lessons are held once a week for the length of the semester, earning one credit. Repertoire (beginner, intermediate or advanced) is specifically tailored for each student, and decided in consultation with the instructor. Prerequisites: FNAR 1023 Introduction to Music Theory and Performance and FNAR 1041 Ear Training and Sight Singing II.
FNAR-1011. Special Projects
Students with a creative or scholarly interest in a particular area of Fine Arts may pursue a 1 credit-hour Special Projects course, renewable each semester. Such course may be focused on music history, performance, analysis, or composition; or art history, sculpture practice, or art criticism. Permission of the instructor is required.
FNAR-1021. Guitar Performance 1
This course explores classical guitar technique and interpretation across a wide range of styles, with an emphasis on 20th and 21st century repertoire and performance practices. The course is designed to improve student performance both within and beyond the classical tradition; to foster a deeper understanding and mastery of the technical, interpretive and pedagogical challenges underlying successful guitar performance; and to expand students' knowledge of the repertoire available to the contemporary guitarist. The course earns one credit per semester. A series of sequential courses follow this course and the prerequisite for each is the preceding course in the sequence.
FNAR-1023. Introduction to Music Theory and Performance
The course examines the basic elements of music (notation, intervals, keys, scales, chords, meter) from a practical, hands-on perspective and introduces music theory and performance. Assignments include recognizing notes and rhythms on the staff, singing, and playing instruments. Please note that previous music experience is welcome but not required for this course. Note: Students who take FNAR 1023 cannot receive credit for FNAR 1743.
FNAR-1031. Ear Training & Sight Singing I
Ear Training and Sight Singing I and II are one-semester introductory courses to music notation and performance. As music is sound, it is notated and read from notes on a page. Sight singing deals with how to translate notes into sound, and ear training, the reverse process, with how to write down the sounds that we hear. Singing in tune is an absolute requirement to pass this class; aural and/or sight singing activities occur in each and every meeting. Aural skills' development include dictation of intervals, chords, scales, rhythmic exercises, single line melodic exercises and two-part diatonic exercises. Sight singing activities include both group and individual performances of melodies and rhythms. There is limited practice time in class, so students are expected to extensively practice these components outside of class time. The class meets three hours a week, but the course earns only one credit per semester. This class is eligible to earn performance credits towards the Minor in Music. Please note: Whereas helpful, no previous musical experience is necessary; it is suggested to take FNAR 1031 simultaneously with FNAR 1023 - Music Theory and Performance.
FNAR-1041. Ear Training & Sight Singing II
Ear Training and Sight Singing II is the continuation of Ear Training & Sight Singing I, which is one of its prerequisites. In special situations, a student may be authorized to register for this course without having passed FNAR-1031, but only with the permission of the instructor. As FNAR-1031, FNAR-1041 meets three hours a week, but the course earns only one credit per semester. This class is eligible to earn performance credits towards the Minor in Music. Prerequisites: FNAR-1031 Ear Training and Sightsinging I and FNAR-1023 Music Theory and Performance.
FNAR-1051. STU Singers I
The St. Thomas Singers is a no-audition choir, open to students and the academic community at large. Rehearsals take place once a week; with at least two concert performances per year towards the end of each term. The course earns one credit per year. A course fee may be required for the purchase of scores and other performance expenses. No previous knowledge of music is necessary.
FNAR-1061. Voice Technique I
This course is an in-depth exploration of voice technique. During the course, students will do exercises to develop their breathing, phonation, resonance, and articulation skills. Students will also examine the physiology of the voice and expand their awareness of how the voice works, vocal problems, and vocal care and health. In addition, students will perform songs from popular music styles such as musical theatre, rock, pop, and gospel for a public audience. All levels welcome. Prerequisites: FNAR 1023 or FNAR 1743.
FNAR-1073. Exploring Musics of the World
Exploring Musics of the World is an interdisciplinary global survey of contemporary folk and traditional musics, specifically designed for entering (first-year) students who have no previous training in music. After exploring basic concepts, terms, and principles of design in music, this course examines samples of musics from diverse regions of the world, oftentimes borrowing critical perspectives from the humanities and social sciences. Emphasis is placed on attentive listening, responses to real-time lectures and performances, case studies, and formally written responses to secondary sources. The course hopes to instill intelligent listening habits and the ability to recognize and critique the structure and function of music in different cultures. This is not a music theory or music notation course; whereas helpful, no previous musical experience is necessary.
FNAR-1083. Voice Technique
This course is an in-depth exploration of voice technique. During the course, students will do exercises to develop their breathing, phonation, resonance, and articulation skills. Students will also examine the physiology of the voice and expand their awareness of how the voice works, vocal problems, and vocal care and health. In addition, students will perform songs from popular music styles such as musical theatre, rock, pop, and gospel for a public audience. All levels welcome. Prerequisites: FNAR 1023 or FNAR 1743 or permission of the Instructor.
FNAR-1101. Independent Study: Piano Private Lessons II
For a course description, see FNAR 1001. Prerequisites: FNAR-1001 Piano Private Lessons I or permission by the instructor.
FNAR-1111. Special Projects
For a course description, see FNAR 1011. Permission of the instructor is required.
FNAR-1113. Practical Introduction to Art Fundamentals
This course is a practical introduction to concepts, basic materials, processes and the vocabulary of art and design delivered through slide lectures, readings and assigned projects. The concepts introduced in this course are applicable to a wide range of art and design practices. There are special presentations including visiting artist presentations, film screenings and trips to art galleries.
FNAR-1121. Guitar Performance II
For a course description, see FNAR 1021. Pre-requisite: FNAR-1021 Guitar Performance I or permission by the instructor.
FNAR-1133. Special Topics: Intro to Musical Theatre
Introduction to Musical Theatre is a primer for students who are curious about performing, and would like the opportunity to grow their skills in a supportive environment. This course introduces students to the tools of musical theatre performance. It stresses their development as performers through individual and group exercises in physical and emotional awareness, basic music theory, movement, scene study, character creation and voice technique. The class will culminate in a studio performance. Students who have taken FNAR 2136 and/or FNAR 3136 are not permitted to take this course.
FNAR-1201. Independent Study: Piano Private Piano Lessons III
For a course description, see FNAR 1001. Prerequisites: FNAR-1101 Piano Private Lessons II or permission by the instructor.
FNAR-1203. Introduction to Choral Singing
This introductory class develops some aspects of choral singing, including vocal technique, the ability to blend the individual voice within the group, and rudiments of music notation and music theory. Each class starts with warm up exercises; the music is selected from different time periods and musical styles, and adapted to the skills of the group. Assignments include written homework, and learning music both by heart and from reading scores. Basic music theory is covered to meet the needs of the group, and constitute an important component of the final grade. The course concludes with a concert. Please note that previous music experience is welcome but not required for this course.
FNAR-1231. Dance Technique I
This course offers students fundamental training in jazz and contemporary dance. During the course, students will develop strength, flexibility, muscular control, endurance, and discipline; improve their technical proficiency in a variety of dance styles; learn dance terminology; cultivate their performance skills; and examine the contributions of significant choreographers from 1900 to the present. The course culminates in a public performance. The instructor will adapt exercises to the abilities of individual students. All levels welcome. Prerequisite: Instructor's consent
FNAR-1301. Independent Study: Piano Private Lessons IV
For a course description, see FNAR 1001. Prerequisites: FNAR-1201 Piano Private Lessons III or permission by the instructor.
FNAR-1303. The Guitar in Western Music
This course offers an overview of and a wide-ranging appreciation for the guitar within the broad tradition of Western music, exploring the guitar in its many forms and across many genres of musical expression. The course examines the history of the guitar (including its antecedent forms-the lute, vihuela and bandora, for example), its design evolution, the approaches to technique which the evolving instrument has engendered, its repertoire, and the composers and performers whose contributions to guitar music have been particularly notable. No previous guitar-playing ability is required, but at least a basic practical knowledge will be encouraged.
FNAR-1333. Drawing and Sketching 1
A practical course in the fundamentals of two-dimensional art practice with an emphasis on outdoor drawing and sketching. Students are introduced to a variety of drawing media including the use of pencil, charcoal, and ink. Landscape, figure and non-representational drawing practice are addressed. No prior experience is necessary. Prerequisite: FNAR 1113.
FNAR-1511. Ensemble Practice I/II
Ensemble Practice is offered by the Fine Arts Program for the purpose of educating students in the art of performance in a chamber music setting. The class earns one credit per semester. Prerequisites: Registering in this course requires permission of the instructor.
FNAR-1633. Drawing and Sketching II
A practical course in the fundamentals of two-dimensional art practice with an emphasis on outdoor drawing and sketching in various media. Pre-requisite: FNAR 1333, Drawing and Sketching I or FNAR 1113, Practical Introduction to Art Fundamentals.
FNAR-1733. Intro to Musical Theatre
Introduction to Musical Theatre is a primer for students who are curious about performing musical theatre and would like the opportunity to enhance their skills in a supportive environment. This course introduces students to the three core skills required of musical theatre performers: singing, acting, and dancing. The course stresses development through individual and group exercises in physical and emotional awareness, movement, scene study, character creation and voice technique. The class will culminate in a studio performance of standard pieces of the musical theatre repertoire. Co-requisite: FNAR 1743: Music Literacy for Actors and Dancers.
FNAR-1743. Musical Literacy for Actors and Dancers
Music Literacy for Actors and Dancers is a course for the performer who has not yet developed a connection between his or her musical experience and standard aspects of musical performance, with a special focus on the acquisition of fluency reading the notated score and the development of effective study and practice habits. Music materials used in class or assigned for homework will be spoken, clapped, sung, and played. Co-requisite: FNAR 1733 Intro to Musical Theatre. Note: Students who take FNAR 1743 cannot receive credit for FNAR 1023.
FNAR-2001. Piano Class I
Piano Master Class meets three hours a week to explore issues of piano technique and interpretation. Students are required to actively participate by regularly performing for the group and by developing and refining collaborative performance projects outside of class time. The course earns one credit per semester. A course fee may be required, and enrolment is limited to 18 participants. A series of sequential courses follow this course.
FNAR-2011. Special Projects
For a course description, see FNAR 1011. Permission of the instructor is required.
FNAR-2013. Understanding Music
This course is a selective chronological survey of Western Art Music. After exploring basic concepts, terms, and principles of design in music, this course examines the styles from the Middle Ages to the present, providing the tools for understanding and appreciating selected works of composers of all eras. Emphasis is placed on attentive listening, responses to realtime performances, analysis of representative works of the literature, and formally written responses to secondary sources. The course hopes to instill intelligent listening habits and the ability to recognize different forms and styles. Please note: this is not a music theory or music notation course; no previous musical experience is necessary.
FNAR-2021. Guitar Performance III
For a course description, see FNAR 1021. Pre-requisite: FNAR-1121 Guitar Performance II or permission by the instructor.
FNAR-2023. Music and Drama
FNAR 2023 Music and Drama surveys the intersection in representation and meaning between music and drama in a variety of genres and art forms, since the beginning of the XVII century until the present time. Areas of inquiry include song, opera, ballet, musical theatre, music for the theatre (incidental music), absolute music (concerti, chamber music), program music (symphonic poems), background music for film, TV, and background music for other multimedia delivery and interactive systems, including electronic gaming and the internet. Prerequisites: none.
FNAR-2043. Hot 100: Songwriting and Arranging
This course is a practical survey of the song as a genre, from John Dowland to Franz Schubert to The Beatles to Lady Ga - Ga to OneRepublic, with a particular focus on text setting, harmony, and arranging. Practical assignments include analysis, composition, and performance, both in group and individually. The final project comprises the composition, MIDI recording, and performance of an original song. Prerequisite: FNAR 1023, or permission by the instructor.
FNAR-2051. STU Singers II
The St. Thomas Singers is a no-audition choir, open to students and the academic community at large. Rehearsals take place once a week; with at least two concert performances per year towards the end of each term. The course earns one credit per year. A course fee may be required for the purchase of scores and other performance expenses. No previous knowledge of music is necessary.
FNAR-2053. Tonal Music: Harmony and Counterpoint I
Tonal Music I is a hands-on study of the grammar of tonal music, with a particular focus on harmony and counterpoint. Assignments include harmonic exercises in choral and keyboard styles, species counterpoint, and frequent analyses of works from the music literature. Students are required to sing and/or play their assignments in class. Prerequisites: FNAR 1023, FNAR 1743, or permission by the instructor.
FNAR-2061. Voice Technique II
This course is an in-depth exploration of voice technique. During the course, students will do exercises to develop their breathing, phonation, resonance, and articulation skills. Students will also examine the physiology of the voice and expand their awareness of how the voice works, vocal problems, and vocal care and health. In addition, students will perform songs from popular music styles such as musical theatre, rock, pop, and gospel for a public audience. Prerequisites: FNAR 1061.
FNAR-2063. Tonal Music: Harmony and Counterpoint II
Offered in the Spring, Music: Harmony and Counterpoint II is the continuation of Music: Harmony and Counterpoint I. These two courses, which should be taken back-to-back, comprise a year-long, hands-on study of the grammar of tonal music, with a particular focus on harmony and counterpoint. Assignments include exercises in four-voice harmony in choral and keyboard styles, exercises in two- and three-voice species counterpoint, the composition of original pieces for small chamber combinations, as well as frequent formal analyses of standard masterpieces from the literature. Students are required to sing and/or play their assignments in class. Prerequisite: FNAR 2053 with a grade of B or better, or permission by the instructor. Recommended co-requisite: FNAR 1041.
FNAR-2073. Pop Ballad (1970-2000): Songwriting And Arranging
This course is a practical exploration of the pop ballad as a song subgenre, from Paul Simon's Bridge Over Troubled Water (1970) to Marvin Hamlisch and Carole Bayer Sager's Nobody Does It Better (1978) to Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager's That's What Friends Are For (1987) to Elton John's Something About The Way You Look Tonight (1997) with a particular focus on text setting, harmony, and arranging/instrumentation. Practical assignments include frequent analyses, composition of structured exercises, and performances, both in group and individually. The final projects comprise a thorough analysis of a commercially successful pop ballad, plus the composition (lyrics and music), MIDI recording, and live performance of an original pop ballad. Prerequisite: FNAR 2053; co-requisite: FNAR 2063 or permission by the instructor. Enrolment is limited to 25 students.
FNAR-2083. Ancient Musics in the Modern World
In this course, the areas of South Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia, the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa will be studied. No other region of the world matches these areas in terms of size, population and cultural diversity. Culturally, this area of the world incorporates not just the nations of India and China, but also North and South Korea, Japan, Tibet and Mongolia, as well as Russia, including Siberia. The course will consider cultural differences that influence the music. The area is also the cradle of great religions and music with a spiritual dimension will be outlined. The music of each country is quite distinct in overall sound, timbre, character and process. Yet all share certain traits that bind them together, especially the attitudes toward tradition, preservation and change. Prerequisites: none.
FNAR-2101. Piano Class II
For a course description, see FNAR 2001. Prerequisites: FNAR-2001 Piano Class I or permission by the instructor.
FNAR-2111. Special Projects
For a course description, see FNAR 1011. Permission of the instructor is required.
FNAR-2113. Visual Art and Aesthetic Literacy
To better understand the impact of art on everyday life, this course investigates the nature and meaning of aesthetic experience. Students explore the history of mark making, philosophical approaches to art and beauty, and forms and uses of imagery from ancient to modern times. The language of art and the elements and principles of design are applied to critical analysis of art history iconography. Prerequisite: FNAR 1113.
FNAR-2121. Guitar Performance IV
For a course description, see FNAR 1021. Pre-requisite: FNAR-2021 Guitar Performance III or permission by the instructor.
FNAR-2123. Introduction to History of 20th Century 3-D Art and Architecture
This course is a survey ofsignificant developments in the history of 20th century (1876-1996) sculpture, architecture and three-dimensional design through a series of slide lectures and directed readings. Sculpture is presented as a distinct practice as well as in relationship to contemporary architecture and three-dimensional design. Manifesto, expository and narrative texts are represented with an emphasis on the writings of practicing sculptors, architects, and industrial designers. Prerequisite: FNAR 1113.
FNAR-2134. Musical Theatre I
In this course, students research, rehearse and perform a musical. To this end, students will learn how to prepare for a role; engage in a rehearsal process; implement acting, singing, and dancing techniques in performance; assist with technical elements; and demonstrate professionalism in their work. The course culminates in a fully-staged production of a musical for a public audience. Musical Theatre I is a year-ong course to be taken with Acting, Singing, Dancing I. First-year students welcome. Prerequisites: Instructor's consent. Co-requisites: FNAR 2153 (Acting, Singing, Dancing I).
FNAR-2136. Musical Theatre I
In this course, students research, rehearse and perform a musical. To this end, students will learn how to prepare for a role; engage in a rehearsal process; implement acting, singing, and dancing techniques in performance; assist with technical elements; and demonstrate professionalism in their work. The course culminates in a fully-staged production of a musical for a public audience. Musical Theatre I is a year-ong course to be taken with Acting, Singing, Dancing I. First-year students welcome. Prerequisites: Instructor's consent. Co-requisites: FNAR 2153 (Acting, Singing, Dancing I).
FNAR-2153. Acting, Singing, Dancing I
This course offers students intensive training in acting, singing, and dancing. Students will learn fundamental acting techniques and apply them to scenes and songs from the musical theatre repertoire. In addition, students will do practical exercises to develop their breathing, phonation, resonance, and articulation skills. Students will also hone their dancing abilities by taking jazz classes. Acting, Singing, Dancing I is a year-long course to be taken with Musical Theatre I. Prerequisites: None. Co-requisites: FNAR 2136 (Musical Theatre I).
FNAR-2173. Watercolour Painting
Watercolour painting on paper offers the opportunity to explore the rich history, contemporary relevance and practice of one of the most popular and dynamic painting traditions. Students will explore watercolour's history, contemporary practice and unique properties through lectures, studio exercises, in class critiques, visiting artists and by creating a portfolio of watercolour works. Prerequisite: Introduction to Art Fundamentals FNAR 1113.
FNAR-2183. Ideas in Art
This course focuses on some major ideas in art, art theory, and aesthetics since 1945. Students explore subject matter through lectures, readings, projects, excursions and written assignments relating practical applications with theoretical ideas. Subject matter will consider major visual artists and movements such as Abstract Expressionism, Pop, Minimalism and Conceptual art.
FNAR-2193. Concepts in Painting
This course investigates some of the concepts, issues and developments crucial to understanding painting and its place in the arts. Notions of form, illusion, beauty, representation and abstraction are explored through slide lectures, readings, writing and assigned studio projects. Prerequisite: FNAR 1113.
FNAR-2213. Music of the Church
This introductory course surveys the different styles and function of church music in the history of Christian music and worship, from the middle ages to the present. It provides the tools for understanding and appreciating liturgical music and its relationship to Western art music at large. Emphasis is placed on attentive listening, responses to real-time performances, analysis of representative works of the literature, and formally written responses to secondary sources. Please note: this is not a music theory or music notation course; no previous musical experience is necessary
FNAR-2231. Dance Technique II
This course offers students fundamental training in jazz and contemporary dance. During the course, students will develop strength, flexibility, muscular control, endurance, and discipline; improve their technical proficiency in a variety of dance styles; learn dance terminology; cultivate their performance skills; and examine the contributions of significant choreographers from 1900 to the present. The course culminates in a public performance. The instructor will adapt exercises to the abilities of individual students. All levels welcome. Prerequisite: Instructor's consent and FNAR 1231.
FNAR-2263. Images of Women in Art (WSGS)
This class is a survey of the imagery depicting women throughout history and prehistory in order to arrive at a determination of how art and society has defined the concept of woman. Prerequisite: FNAR 1113.
FNAR-2273. Figure Modeling I: Modeling and Casting
This course is an introduction to the concept of experimental molded sculpture. It is for students who want the freedom to experiment with various concepts of cast sculpture as an introduction to the specific focus of The Portrait Bust course. The class consists of a series of assigned individual projects that will introduce the student to the basic concepts, materials and processes involved in modeling, mold making and the casting of small-scale sculpture. Prerequisite: FNAR 1113.
FNAR-2283. Brancusi and the Essence of Things
This is a seminar study of legendary early modernist sculptor Constantin Brancusi. It will consist of a series of lectures and follow-up seminar discussions on Brancusi's work, from his early work under the influence of Rodin through various well-known series, including Bird in Space, The Kiss, and Endless Column and Brancusi's lasting influence on contemporary art. Prerequisite: FNAR 1113.
FNAR-2293. Earthworks: Sculpture and Geology
This course will introduce the influence of the geological sciences on the development of the late 19th and 20th century sculpture. It will provide students with an introduction to the important relationship between visual art and science. Prerequisite: FNAR 1113.
FNAR-2313. Introductory Painting
FNAR 2313 Introductory Painting offers an in-depth exploration of contemporary painting processes and practices using traditional and non-traditional materials, techniques, and concepts. Students will engage in a series of research and painting projects that will examine contemporary aspects of painting as a distinct discipline. Students will be expected to complete a portfolio of paintings suitable for in class critical analysis and public group exhibition. Prerequisite: Prerequisite: Introduction to Art Fundamentals FNAR 1113
FNAR-2333. History of Jazz
The course develops chronologically, moving from the roots of blues music in nineteenth century Spirituals through traditional West African musical and narrative forms in the twentieth century. Exploring the evolution of Jazz in America, it introduces its fundamental historical, theoretical, and critical elements, including a historical analysis of the most influential jazz composers and jazz performers. Please note: this is not a music theory or music notation course; no previous musical experience is necessary.
FNAR-2353. Modern Art & Its Precursors
What is modern art? What does modernity mean as a temporal distinction? With roots stretching back in time even as far as the inception of writing, why has modernity increasingly occupied all nations to some degree, fostering the art of today with its enduring resonance? To answer these questions, this course traces the culturally historical pathways that led to modern art. In combination with multi- media presentations, our readings of authoritative texts will situate modern art within art history and provide a vocabulary for building a critical understanding of the current cultural moment.
FNAR-2383. Special Projects
Students with a creative or scholarly interest in a particular area of Fine Arts may pursue a 3-credit hour independent Special Projects course. Such a course may be focused on music performance, composition, or theory; or photography, drawing, painting, or mixed media. Permission of the instructor is required.
FNAR-2393. Special Projects
Students with a creative or scholarly interest in a particular area of Fine Arts may pursue a 3-credit hour independent Special Projects course. Such a course may be focused on music performance, composition, or theory; or photography, drawing, painting, or mixed media. Permission of the instructor is required.
FNAR-2413. The Motorcycle and Art
Perhaps more than any other single object of industrial design, the motorcycle is a metaphor for the 20th century. Through a series of slide lectures, assigned readings, and partial film screenings, this seminar class will be an historical and critical survey of the motorcycle in art and as art. It will introduce students to a variety of art issues through industrial pop culture.
FNAR-2423. Metropia: Architectural Scale Model Proposal
This course will explore architectural proposals that are outside the probability of realization. Students will develop scale models in a variety of materials that explore the fanciful, the financially prohibitive and the technically unknown. The emphasis will be on planning, creating and presenting proposals for entirely hypothetical works. Prerequisite: FNAR 1113.
FNAR-2433. Stop-Motion Animation
This course introduces students to the art and expressive potential of stop-motion animation. Students will examine the production of narrative, documentary and experimental projects in a studio arts environment. Techniques such as pixilation animation, Claymation, and cut-out 2D animation will be used to create stop-motion animation. Prerequisites: FNAR 1113
FNAR-2443. Mixed Media & Fibre Arts
Mixed Media and Fibre Arts explores a variety of fibre, print making, paper and assemblage techniques in a creative studio experience. Consideration is given to both conventional and experimental concepts and the language of two and three-dimensional art. Students will also trace the exciting development of this field of art in 21rst century art making practices. Prerequisites: FNAR 1113
FNAR-2511. Ensemble Practice III/IV
Ensemble Practice is offered by the Fine Arts Program for the purpose of educating students in the art of performance in a chamber music setting. The class earns one credit per semester. Prerequisites: Registering in this course requires permission of the instructor.
FNAR-2703. Performance Foundations
Performance Foundations provides students with an academic and practical exploration of the fundamental theories, practices and elements of performance viewed through the lens of the mind, the body and the breath. Students will explore these fundamentals through the study and practical examination of current performance practices, analysis of text and the presentation of a performance.
FNAR-2763. Film Production
In this course, students will produce and direct a short film. To this end, students will explore the three stages of filmmaking: pre-production, production, and post-production. Topics will include script breakdowns, storyboards, shot lists, call sheets, staff and crew roles, and direction. In addition, students will learn theories and techniques of cinematography (camera and lighting), sound, and editing. The course culminates in a screening of their short films for a public audience. Prerequisite: Instructor's consent.
FNAR-2813. Music Practice I
This class, which can be taken sequentially for up to six semesters, is an in-depth exploration of chamber music. Students perform, arrange, and/or compose music, and develop an intimate analytical and stylistic knowledge of the repertoire. The music is selected from different time periods and musical styles, or composed and adapted to the skills of the individual students. Assignments include reading and rehearsing scores, creating ad-hoc arrangements to adapt the music to the available instruments, composing new pieces, and researching analytical and historical aspects of the music and composers studied. The course concludes with a public concert of chamber music. Prerequisites: FNAR-1023 OR FNAR-1743 or permission from the instructor.
FNAR-2823. Music Practice II
This class, which can be taken sequentially for up to six semesters, is an in-depth exploration of chamber music. Students perform, arrange, and/or compose music, and develop an intimate analytical and stylistic knowledge of the repertoire. The music is selected from different time periods and musical styles, or composed and adapted to the skills of the individual students. Assignments include reading and rehearsing scores, creating ad-hoc arrangements to adapt the music to the available instruments, composing new pieces, and researching analytical and historical aspects of the music and composers studied. The course concludes with a public concert of chamber music. Prerequisites: FNAR-1023 or FNAR-1743 or permission from the instructor.
FNAR-2963. Acting for Film and TV
This course teaches students the basics of acting for film and TV. Topics will include adjusting acting for shot size, hitting marks, matching eyelines, and maintaining continuity. Students will also practice the core concepts of scene study, including breaking a scene into beats, pursuing objectives, playing actions, and working to overcome obstacles. The course culminates in a screening of scenes for a public audience.
FNAR-2993. Encounter With Canadian Art History
This course offers an opportunity to discover, discuss and encounter first hand key works of Canadian art history. The core lectures establish the foundations to understand the history of Canadian visual art: its key artists, stylistic developments and themes. Students will also view firsthand and interact with outstanding art works from the collections of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery.
FNAR-3001. Piano Class III
For a course description, see FNAR 2001. Prerequisites: FNAR-2101 Piano Class II or permission by the instructor.
FNAR-3003. Independent Study: Painting
Students interested in advanced concepts of painting, both theoretical and practical, may register for a three-credit independent study. The course will focus on the contemporary practice of painting with a variety of assignments, written and practical, as well as gallery visits and video screenings. Meetings will be held weekly and will include critiques, discussions and presentations of student work. Prerequisites: FNAR 1633, 2183, 2193 & permission of the instructor.
FNAR-3011. Special Projects
For a course description, see FNAR 1011. Permission of the instructor is required.
FNAR-3013. Music and Meaning
Is music a language? Do musical works have meaning? Is there universality in the semantics of music? Are there universal ways to represent love, anger, or sadness? This course explores various types of music (folk, classical, film, TV) and helps the student develop a critical aural and analytical habit. Prerequisites: FNAR 1303 or any 2000-level course in music with a grade of B or better (possible courses include FNAR 1013, FNAR 2213, FNAR 2016, FNAR 2133, FNAR 2053,FNAR 2063, or any 3000-level course in music (possible courses include FNAR 3213, or permission by the instructor.
FNAR-3021. Guitar Performance V
For a course description, see FNAR 1021. Pre-requisite: FNAR-2121 Guitar Performance IV or permission by the instructor.
FNAR-3051. STU Singers III
The St. Thomas Singers is a no-audition choir, open to students and the academic community at large. Rehearsals take place once a week; with at least two concert performances per year towards the end of each term. The course earns one credit per year. A course fee may be required for the purchase of scores and other performance expenses. No previous knowledge of music is necessary.
FNAR-3053. Analysis and Composition I
Analysis and Composition I is the continuation of FNAR 2063-Music Harmony and Counterpoint II. The course, ideally taken back-to-back with FNAR 3063, is a hands-on study of the grammar of tonal music, with a particular focus on harmony, counterpoint, form, and free composition. Assignments include exercises in four-voice harmony in choral and keyboard styles, exercises in two- and three-voice species counterpoint, the composition of original pieces for small chamber combinations, as well as frequent formal analyses of standard masterpieces from the literature. Prerequisites: FNAR 1041 and FNAR 2063, both with a grade of B or better. Prerequisite: FNAR 2063, or permission by the instructor.
FNAR-3061. Voice Technique III
This course is an in-depth exploration of voice technique. During the course, students will do exercises to develop their breathing, phonation, resonance, and articulation skills. Students will also examine the physiology of the voice and expand their awareness of how the voice works, vocal problems, and vocal care and health. In addition, students will perform songs from popular music styles such as musical theatre, rock, pop, and gospel for a public audience. Prerequisites: FNAR 2061.
FNAR-3063. Analysis and Composition II
Analysis and Composition II is the continuation of FNAR 3053-Music Harmony and Counterpoint II, and it currently completes the theory sequence at St. Thomas. The course is a hands-on study of the grammar of tonal music, with a particular focus on harmony, counterpoint, form, and free composition. Assignments include exercises in four-voice harmony in choral and keyboard styles, exercises in two- and three-voice species counterpoint, the composition of original pieces for small chamber combinations, as well as frequent formal analyses of standard masterpieces from the literature. Prerequisite: FNAR 3053, or permission by the instructor.
FNAR-3073. 20th C. Composition Seminar I (1900 - 1950)
Composition Seminar I provides practical technical training in music composition. The course is ideally taken back-to-back with Composition Seminar II. Activities include the exploration of idiomatic writing for solo instrument and standard ensembles, the analysis of relevant works of the contemporary repertoire with a special focus on the first half of the 20th Century, and the composition and performance of original works. Prerequisites: FNAR 3063, or permission by the instructor.
FNAR-3083. 20th C. Composition Seminar II (1900 - 1950)
Analysis and Composition II is the continuation of FNAR 3073- Composition Seminar I, The course provides practical technical training in music composition. Activities include the exploration of idiomatic writing for solo instrument and standard ensembles, the analysis of relevant works of the contemporary repertoire with a special focus on the first half of the 20th Century, and the composition and performance of original works. Prerequisite: FNAR 3073, or permission by the instructor.
FNAR-3101. Piano Class IV
For a course description, see FNAR 2001. Prerequisites: FNAR-3001 Piano Class III or permission by the instructor.
FNAR-3111. Special Projects
For a course description, see FNAR 1011. Permission of the instructor is required.
FNAR-3113. Reading and Writing Art
This seminar class introduces art, architecture and design (primarily over the course of the last century and the beginning of this century) through a series of readings and associated seminar discussions. The emphasis is on the writings of artists and designers themselves. Manifesto, expository, narrative, interview and personal correspondence texts are discussed. Students write and submit their own exhibition reviews to recognized art journals. Prerequisite: FNAR 1113.
FNAR-3121. Guitar Performance VI
For a course description, see FNAR 1021. Pre-requisite: FNAR-3021 Guitar Performance V or permission by the instructor.
FNAR-3123. Critical Theory in Contemporary Visual Art
A seminar discussion class reviewing a selection from the critical theories that have informed the visual arts since 1945, including Modernism, Post-Modernism, Formalism, Structuralism and Post-Structuralism, Marxist and post-Marxist theory, Feminism, Gay studies, etc. in their application to Visual Arts. Students will gain a vocabulary necessary to the contemporary criticism of visual art. Prerequisite: FNAR 1113.
FNAR-3134. Musical Theatre II
In this course, students research, rehearse and perform a musical. To this end, students will learn how to prepare for a role; engage in a rehearsal process; implement acting, singing, and dancing techniques in performance; assist with technical elements; and demonstrate professionalism in their work. The course culminates in a fully-staged production of a musical for a public audience. Musical Theatre II is a year-long course to be taken with Acting, Singing, Dancing II. Prerequisites: Instructor's consent and FNAR 2134. Co-requisites: FNAR 3153 (Acting, Singing, Dancing II).
FNAR-3153. Acting, Singing, Dancing II
This course offers students intensive training in acting, singing, and dancing. Students will learn fundamental acting techniques and apply them to scenes and songs from the musical theatre repertoire. In addition, students will do practical exercises to develop their breathing, phonation, resonance, and articulation skills. Students will also hone their dancing abilities by taking jazz classes. Acting, Singing, Dancing II is a year-long course to be taken with Musical Theatre II. Prerequisites: FNAR 2153. Co-requisites: FNAR 3136 (Musical Theatre II).
FNAR-3201. Choral Conducting I
This introduction to choral conducting includes such topics as gesture and communication, beat patterns, metrical problems, score preparation and analysis, effective rehearsal techniques, developing good diction and choral tone, and the differences between choral and instrumental idioms. In addition the course will outline stylistic periods in choral music. Prerequisites: FNAR 2051, FNAR 2063.
FNAR-3211. Choral Conducting II
For a description, see FNAR 3201. Prerequisites: FNAR 2051, FNAR 2063.
FNAR-3213. Music History I: Baroque Through Romanticism
This course is designed as an introductory survey of the significant periods, styles, genres, composers, and musical works in Western tradition from the Baroque period to the end of the nineteenth century. Lectures and readings (in conjunction with audio and video materials) are directed at not only appreciation of the distinctive musical features of the works themselves but also at exploring the broader political, cultural, and social context of music and its composers, performers, and listeners. The listening component of the class will consist of listening to excerpts in class with use of listening guides to focus attention on the formal features, instrumentation, etc. of these musical works. Resources will be available for the students' further exploration of the music. An additional theme will be the social context in which we listen to and respond to music that has come down to us from various periods in the past and how they have shaped what we hear nowadays. Prerequisites: FNAR 1013, FNAR 1303, FNAR 2213, FNAR 2016, FNAR 2133, FNAR 2053 and FNAR 2063, or permission by the instructor.
FNAR-3231. Dance Technique III
This course offers students fundamental training in jazz and contemporary dance. During the course, students will develop strength, flexibility, muscular control, endurance, and discipline; improve their technical proficiency in a variety of dance styles; learn dance terminology; cultivate their performance skills; and examine the contributions of significant choreographers from 1900 to the present. The course culminates in a public performance. The instructor will adapt exercises to the abilities of individual students. All levels welcome. Prerequisite: Instructor's consent and FNAR 2231.
FNAR-3313. Figure Modeling II: the Portrait Bust
Artists have created portraits of people for thousands of years. In sculpture, a portrait of a person's face often includes the neck and part of the shoulders and chest. These works of sculpture are portrait busts. Students will model life-size three-dimensional portrait bustssin clay from a live model. Students are introduced to various forms of realism and abstraction. It is not necessary to have artistic talent to do well in this course. Prerequisites: FNAR 1113 and FNAR 2273.
FNAR-3323. Entropy and the New Monuments, the Writings of Robert Smithson
This course is a study of the writings of American artist Robert Smithson (1938-1973). Smithson provides students with an historical role model for the important link between visual art and critical writing. Smithson's art and writing had a profound impact on art and art theory for over thirty years and continues to do so today. His ideas took root in many forms: drawings, projects and proposals, sculpture, earthworks, films and critical writings. Prerequisite: FNAR 1113.
FNAR-3333. Special Topics: Art, Performance, and Sculpture
Performance art is art in an expanded field, explored here with objects and through movement in aid of an investigation of a relationship to space and the audience. The course will encourage students to combine elements. This involves using one's body and self in relation to an audience as a medium for expressive ideas. Characterized by disembodiment and contingency, this artform is ephemeral and exists only in the moment. This is art practice where the doing is central. Pre-Requisite FNAR 1113.
FNAR-3343. Creative Book Art
This course explores creative bookbinding. Building on strengths from creative writing, journalism, printmaking and photography, this course focuses on how to build books. Part One: Participants experiment and create their own content using resources such as a darkroom and printmaking equipment. Creative approaches include digitally created or manipulated images, photosensitized materials, silkscreen, and lino-cut prints. Part Two: Once participants have selected their method, they bind their content into a handmade book.
FNAR-3353. Art After Modern Art
Spanning the past five decades, the course examines current art and the critical theory driving it. Art is now driven by biennales and art fairs which have created primary methods for its dispersal. This has generated a scenario where power, capital, and controversy have all become aspects of art's consumption. Expensive art is being used for investment and stored in Freezones that are tax shelters for luxury goods. Finally, AI will have irreversible repercussions on the future of art. Pre-requisite: FNAR 1113 or permission of the instructor.
FNAR-3363. Art Curation and Criticism
What makes a group of artworks communicate with each other in ways which enhance their significance to us? This course is an introduction to art curation, its development, core issues, and current situation. Using work by artists sourced locally, students curate and install exhibitions for STU's Yellow Box Gallery, including designing an exhibition catalog and writing an introductory essay, producing a document that archives and situates the art in question. Prerequisite: FNAR 2353
FNAR-3383. Special Projects
Students with a creative or scholarly interest in a particular area of Fine Arts may pursue a 3-credit hour independent Special Projects course. Such a course may be focused on music performance, composition, or theory; or photography, drawing, painting, or mixed media. Permission of the instructor is required.
FNAR-3393. Special Projects
Students with a creative or scholarly interest in a particular area of Fine Arts may pursue a 3-credit hour independent Special Projects course. Such a course may be focused on music performance, composition, or theory; or photography, drawing, painting, or mixed media. Permission of the instructor is required.
FNAR-3406. Field Course in Art and Ecology (ENVS)
In association with our six field trip locations, participants create artwork informed by existing field based, social, or relational art practices; merging media such as drawing, performance, printmaking, music, dance, and sculpture with a place, to develop artwork. A transition from a classroom-based instruction into an ecological environment, it is a method of experiential learning. Using social dislocation engendered by pandemic isolation as an entry point for thinking through the parameters of art, we will venture into wild and semi-wild places to create art and consider how people relate to each other through art that has an ecological grounding.
FNAR-3511. Ensemble Practice V/VI
Ensemble Practice is offered by the Fine Arts Program for the purpose of educating students in the art of performance in a chamber music setting. The class earns one credit per semester. Prerequisites: Registering in this course requires permission of the instructor.
FNAR-3613. Music in Film and TV
This course will explore the ways in which music contributes to the overall audio visual message. Films will be analyzed with a special focus on the relationship between the narrative, image, and sound; film will be understood both as a text and as an interpretive argument, with a special focus on the role that music, and sound in general, play in these discursive/rhetorical functions. The ultimate goal of the course is to develop an understanding of the technical and aesthetic issues involved in music-image synchronization and a critical aural and analytical habit for the soundtrack of films.
FNAR-3703. Fundamentals of Theatre
This course provides students with the opportunity to develop holistic knowledge of a theatre production, encompassing the steps of creation, preparation, rehearsal and production through the lens of several genres: Physical Theatre, Musical Theatre, Immersive Theatre, Collective Creation, etc. Students are required to approach theatrical text as a producer and director to explore academic, social and organizational skills needed to bring text to life. (Maximum enrolment: 18)
FNAR-3713. Applied Music Pedagogy
This course will cover the practical aspects of teaching private and group music lessons from the beginner level to intermediate. The teaching of repertoire, technique, and musicianship will be examined, along with some exploration of basic psychology, studio/classroom management, and professional development. Assessment will be through written and practical assignments including peer-to-peer lesson observations, teaching demonstrations, personal narratives, and presentations of repertoire. This course is designed for students pursuing a concentration in music. Prerequisites: FNAR 2063 and FNAR 1051 or permission by the instructor.
FNAR-3723. Special Topics: Techno-Genesis Art and Technology
Through exploring electronic art and experimenting with microprocessors, students will learn to make artwork using light and movement. This course will provide instruction in writing simple computer code enabling operation of electronic components necessary to make time-based objects. In tracing the history of electricity's development and its evolution we will explore how humans evolve with our technology. We will trace the development of computer technology and look at philosophy that accounts for objects with agency. Prerequisite FNAR 1113.
FNAR-3813. Music Practice III
This class, which can be taken sequentially for up to six semesters, is an in-depth exploration of chamber music. Students perform, arrange, and/or compose music, and develop an intimate analytical and stylistic knowledge of the repertoire. The music is selected from different time periods and musical styles, or composed and adapted to the skills of the individual students. Assignments include reading and rehearsing scores, creating ad-hoc arrangements to adapt the music to the available instruments, composing new pieces, and researching analytical and historical aspects of the music and composers studied. The course concludes with a public concert of chamber music. Prerequisites: FNAR-1051 and FNAR-1023, or permission from the instructor.
FNAR-3823. Music Practice IV
This class, which can be taken sequentially for up to six semesters, is an in-depth exploration of chamber music. Students perform, arrange, and/or compose music, and develop an intimate analytical and stylistic knowledge of the repertoire. The music is selected from different time periods and musical styles, or composed and adapted to the skills of the individual students. Assignments include reading and rehearsing scores, creating ad-hoc arrangements to adapt the music to the available instruments, composing new pieces, and researching analytical and historical aspects of the music and composers studied. The course concludes with a public concert of chamber music. Prerequisites: FNAR-1051 and FNAR-1023, or permission from the instructor.
FNAR-4001. Piano Class V
For a course description, see FNAR 2001. Prerequisites: FNAR-3101 Piano Class IV or permission by the instructor.
FNAR-4011. Special Projects
For a course description, see FNAR 1011. Permission of the instructor is required.
FNAR-4013. Music History Research Seminar: Brahms
This course proposes an exploration of the life and music of Johannes Brahms (1833-1897). We will trace the composer's career from the 1850s, as a protégé of the Schumanns, into the end of the nineteenth century, investigating how his life and works relate to cultural, political, national, and religious landscapes in Europe. There will be an in-depth study of selected portions of his symphonic and chamber music repertoire, as well as an examination of the critical reception of these works, up to the present time. Students will develop an intimate analytical and stylistic knowledge of the repertoire, and produce an original piece of musicological research. Prerequisites: FNAR-2063, or permission of the instructor.
FNAR-4021. Guitar Performance VII
For a course description, see FNAR 1021. Pre-requisite: FNAR-3121 Guitar Performance VI or permission by the instructor.
FNAR-4051. STU Singers IV
The St. Thomas Singers is a no-audition choir, open to students and the academic community at large. Rehearsals take place once a week; with at least two concert performances per year towards the end of each term. The course earns one credit per year. A course fee may be required for the purchase of scores and other performance expenses. No previous knowledge of music is necessary.
FNAR-4101. Piano Class VI
For a course description, see FNAR 2001. Prerequisites: FNAR-4001 Piano Class V or permission by the instructor.
FNAR-4111. Special Projects
For a course description, see FNAR 1011. Permission of the instructor is required.
FNAR-4121. Guitar Performance VIII
For a course description, see FNAR 1021. Pre-requisite: FNAR-4021 Guitar Performance VII or permission by the instructor.
FNAR-4134. Musical Theatre III
In this course, students research, rehearse and perform a musical. To this end, students will learn how to prepare for a role; engage in a rehearsal process; implement acting, singing, and dancing techniques in performance; assist with technical elements; and demonstrate professionalism in their work. The course culminates in a fully-staged production of a musical for a public audience. Musical Theatre III is a year-long course to be taken with Acting, Singing, Dancing III. Prerequisites: Instructor's consent and FNAR 3134. Co-requisites: FNAR 4153 (Acting, Singing, Dancing III).
FNAR-4153. Acting, Singing, Dancing III
This course offers students intensive training in acting, singing, and dancing. Students will learn fundamental acting techniques and apply them to scenes and songs from the musical theatre repertoire. In addition, students will do practical exercises to develop their breathing, phonation, resonance, and articulation skills. Students will also hone their dancing abilities by taking jazz classes. Acting, Singing, Dancing III is a year-long course to be taken with Musical Theatre III. Prerequisites: FNAR 3153. Co-requisites: FNAR 4136 (Musical Theatre III).
FNAR-4383. Special Projects
Students with a creative or scholarly interest in a particular area of Fine Arts may pursue a 3-credit hour independent Special Projects course. Such a course may be focused on music performance, composition, or theory; or photography, drawing, painting, or mixed media. Permission of the instructor is required.
FNAR-4393. Special Projects
Students with a creative or scholarly interest in a particular area of Fine Arts may pursue a 3-credit hour independent Special Projects course. Such a course may be focused on music performance, composition, or theory; or photography, drawing, painting, or mixed media. Permission of the instructor is required.
FNAR-4511. Ensemble Practice VII/VIII
Ensemble Practice is offered by the Fine Arts Program for the purpose of educating students in the art of performance in a chamber music setting. The class earns one credit per semester. Prerequisites: Registering in this course requires permission of the instructor.
FNAR-4703. Sp.Top:Fund. of Theatre
Sp.Top:Fund. of Theatre
FNAR-4813. Music Practice V
This class, which can be taken sequentially for up to six semesters, is an in-depth exploration of chamber music. Students perform, arrange, and/or compose music, and develop an intimate analytical and stylistic knowledge of the repertoire. The music is selected from different time periods and musical styles, or composed and adapted to the skills of the individual students. Assignments include reading and rehearsing scores, creating ad-hoc arrangements to adapt the music to the available instruments, composing new pieces, and researching analytical and historical aspects of the music and composers studied. The course concludes with a public concert of chamber music. Prerequisites: FNAR-1051 and FNAR-1023, or permission from the instructor.
FNAR-4823. Music Practice VI
This class, which can be taken sequentially for up to six semesters, is an in-depth exploration of chamber music. Students perform, arrange, and/or compose music, and develop an intimate analytical and stylistic knowledge of the repertoire. The music is selected from different time periods and musical styles, or composed and adapted to the skills of the individual students. Assignments include reading and rehearsing scores, creating ad-hoc arrangements to adapt the music to the available instruments, composing new pieces, and researching analytical and historical aspects of the music and composers studied. The course concludes with a public concert of chamber music. Prerequisites: FNAR-1051 and FNAR-1023, or permission from the instructor.