Course Descriptions
Fine Arts/Visual Arts
Number sequencingnext to course name means the following: first digit designates the number of lecture hours for the course; the second digit designates the number of lab, clinic or practicum hours; and the third digit designates the credit hours for the course.
The following statement applies to courses marked (KJSA; Studio Fee):
Courses will be offered at Kimball-Jenkins School of Art (KJSA) on North Main Street in Concord. Students should expect to pay $75-120 for supplies and materials in addition to tuition and fees. Supplies and materials fees will be paid directly to KJCAS.
FA 101 Introduction to Drawing 2-4-4
Students in this course will gain the basic skills and insights necessary to create drawings that are both accurate and expressive. Explorations of line, value and form will engage the eye and the hand as well as the heart. Students will gain confidence in their own vision and their ability to draw what they see. (KJSA; Studio Fee)
FA 102 Introduction to the Visual Arts 3-0-3
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the languages, concepts, and practices of art through visual and art historical perspectives. Students will be engaged in discussion about the elements of art, such as content, composition, style, method and materials. Students will also be introduced to all of the visual art practices, including drawing and painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, conceptual and installation art, video art, earthworks, and performance art, as well as craft and graphic design.
FA 103 Two-Dimensional Design 2-3-3
This course is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in two-dimensional design and color theory. Students will learn the basic elements needed to form visual patterns and proceed to explore a variety of approaches relating to visual organization and pictorial composition. A section of the course will be dedicated to the fundamentals of color theory, its function and application. (KJSA; Studio Fee)
FA 104 Three-Dimensional Design 2-3-3
This is a foundation course introducing the student to the technical and conceptual elements for the organization and development of three-dimensional structures. Beginning projects will address the basic elements needed to explore a variety of approaches relating to form and space, then move to more complex issues involving the relationships between form and function. (KJSA; Studio Fee)
FA 105 Introduction to Music 3-0-3
This course offers a fundamental approach to perceptive listening based on a detailed study of several masterpieces representing different periods and forms. The pieces will be studied from aesthetic and historical perspectives.
FA 106 The History of Jazz, Blues and Rock and Roll 3-0-3
This course examines the history of three of America's great musical contributions to world culture-jazz, blues and rock & roll-via detailed study of several masterpieces in each genre. Students will explore the fundamental musical elements, the historical roots and the development of musical traditions of each style. Various listening and vocal music guides will facilitate the student's knowledge and awareness.
FA 111 Survey of Western Art History I 3-0-3
This course examines the history of western civilization through the study of objects created by people from various western cultures - from the cave paintings of the pre-historic era to the great cathedrals of Europe during the 12th and 13th centuries. Students will study the artifacts, architecture, painting and sculpture that inform understanding of a culture's way of life, beliefs, and priorities. In turn, students will gain a deeper understanding of today's culture and society. Students will also develop the basic skills and vocabulary necessary to critique a work of art. (KJSA)
FA 112 Survey of Western Art History II 3-0-3
This course examines the history of painting sculpture and architecture created by Western Europeans from the early 14th century through the 19th century (and beyond if time permits). These works of art will be studied as a way to understand the way of life, beliefs and priorities of these societies, as well as contemporary culture. Students will also continue to develop the basic skills and vocabulary necessary to critique a work of art. (KJCAS)
FA 115 History of Modern Art 3-0-3
This course is a comprehensive study of the artistic tendencies known as Modern Art that occurred between the French Revolution in 1789 and the outbreak of World War II in 1939. Postmodernism, Pluralism and Contemporary Art are introduced. Emphasis is placed on two-dimensional art, sculpture and architecture. Students explore the creative processes that were employed by international artists as they expressed their shared ideals. (KJSA)
FA 120 Introduction to Oil Painting 2-4-4
An introduction to the basic techniques of oil painting, concentrating on the principles of color and light. Using a variety of subject matter, students will explore the problems of pictorial composition, color theory, oil-related mediums and techniques. (KJCAS; Studio Fee)
FA 121 Introduction to Watercolor 2-4-4
This course introduces the student to the basic watercolor techniques and use of materials. It is a sequential program of study, applying the elements and principles of Two-Dimensional design to the watercolor discipline. Students will study still life, landscape, and the human form. Reference will be made to past and contemporary masters of the watercolor medium. (Prerequisite: FA 101 with a grade of “C” or higher) (KJSA; Studio Fee)
Special topics courses listed under FA 125 Introduction to the Traditional Arts
Courses under this heading allow students to work with established artists to develop skills using tools and methods used to create functional artwork throughout history.
FA 125A Woodworking in the Hand Tool Tradition 2-4-4
This course will focus on the skills and insights necessary to find beautifully functional spoons in the tree and to extract them by techniques traditional to the New England farm shed. Students must attend all of the first six classes, after which no more than two absences will be allowed without penalty. (KJSA; Studio Fee)
FA 130 Introduction to Photography 2-4-4
This basic photography course is designed to familiarize the student with the use and care of photographic equipment, a 35mm manual camera, as well as developing and darkroom printing techniques. The assignments are designed to cover a variety of shooting situations, and the expectation is that the student will apply the elements of composition to and demonstrate proficient technical ability with expressive content in the making of pictures. Students should expect to provide their own 35mm camera. (KJSA; Studio Fee)
FA 133 Introduction to Figural Sculpture 2-4-4
This course is an introduction to basic human figural sculpture, designed to develop the student's understanding of the anatomical structures of the human figure, gestural forms, constructive methods, and then applying this knowledge to create unique character and figural sculptures in traditional sculpting media, such as wire, wax, plaster, and clay. The emphasis in imagery will be: direct live model observations, translating 2-D sources into form, developing hand-eye coordination, technical discipline, and evolving a personal expressive use of materials, technique, and subject matter. All projects are designed to combine related technical, visual, and historical components. (FA 101 or FA 104 with a grade of “C” or higher)
FA 135 Introduction to Ceramics 2-4-4
This introduction to ceramics will focus on studio work leading to the completion of five projects. Students will learn the basics of handbuilding, the potter's wheel, kiln firing, glazing, and surface embellishment. Class time will be made up of instructor's demonstrations, group critiques, and individual studio work. Projects will stress the sculptural potential of clay with a visit into the aesthetic merit of functional vessel making. A research project, introducing students to the work of contemporary clay artists, will provide inspiration and direction. (KJSA; Studio Fee)
FA 140 Introduction to Modern Dance 1-4-3
This course is designed to guide students' knowledge and awareness of the performing art form that is Modern Dance through the study of the history of modern dance via assigned readings and viewings of videotaped performances by various modern dance companies and through the physical development of a basic movement vocabulary, elementary dance technique, improvisation exploration, and composition. Students must wear fitted sweat pants, running pants or shorts, and fitted T-shirts or a leotard with footless tights or other dance/exercise clothing during class sessions. This course will be taught at the Petit Papillon dance studio, which is a 10-15-minute drive from the NHTI campus. Students should plan their schedules to accommodate travel time.
FA 141 Ballet Fundamentals 0-3-1
This course is designed to guide students' knowledge and awareness of the performing art form that is Classical Ballet through the following process: the study of the history of Classical Ballet by assigned reading, viewings of videotaped performances by various professional ballet companies, and by attending a live performance (which may require special travel and separate ticket purchase); the physical execution of basic ballet technique. (Special attire - Women: leotard and tights or other dance/exercise clothing, ballet slippers; Men: fitted sweat pants, running pants or shorts and fitted t-shirt.) This course will be taught at the Petit Papillon Dance Studio, which is a 10-15 minute drive from the NHTI campus. Students should plan their schedules to accommodate travel time.
FA 150 Introduction to Guitar 3-0-3
This course offers a fundamental approach to learning the guitar for beginning students with varied levels of experience. Students will be involved with and exposed to performance situations, some practical applications of music theory as well as different playing styles and techniques. Students must provide their own instruments. Acoustic instruments only.
FA 201 Drawing II 2-4-4
This advanced drawing class builds upon the aesthetic, technical, and conceptual foundation established in FA 101 (Introduction to Drawing). This observational drawing course will develop greater technical facility with materials and explore methods for translating and interpreting one's environment onto a drawing. As conceptual options and skill with materials increase, drawing will become a stronger outlet for personal and creative expression. Students will expand their understanding and use of color and work more extensively from the human figure. The historical foundation of drawing will be explored, as well as contemporary and historical trends. (Prerequisite: FA 101) (KJSA; Studio Fee)
FA 210 Life Drawing 2-4-4
This advanced drawing class builds upon the aesthetic, technical, and conceptual foundation established in Introduction to Drawing (FA 101) with an emphasis on the human form. The student will aim to develop a knowledge of and a sensitivity to the structure, anatomy, and expressive qualities of the human form in a variety of ways including line, place, value, mass, and shape. Composition will be a consideration at all times. (Prerequisite: FA 101 with a grade of “C” or higher) (KJCAS; Studio Fee)
FA 220 Painting II 2-4-4
This course involves further development of skills and concepts covered in FA 120 (Introduction to Oil Painting) while emphasizing individual expression within the parameters of structured studio projects. This course is intended to advance the student's understanding of visual organization and design through the development of a personal painting vocabulary. (Prerequisite: FA 120) (KJSA; Studio Fee)
FA 230 Photography II 2-4-4
This course is designed to help the student who has basic black and white exposure and development skills to further her/his understanding of the principles and techniques of photography. Assignments will focus on both technical and aesthetic concerns. In-class critiques will provide feedback on students' work. Students should expect to provide their own 35mm camera and flash. (Prerequisite: FA 130 with a grade of “C” or higher) (KJSA; Studio Fee)
FA 235 Ceramics II 2-4-4
In this second level of ceramics, students will be asked to develop a body of artwork that reflects a growing understanding of building techniques and surface treatment. The development of personal direction and an individual artistic voice will be stressed. Projects will be concept driven, expecting students to be able to visually and verbally demonstrate the intent of the work. Focused time on the potter's wheel will open up a new creative tool, and begin a dialogue on design and function. Students will have the opportunity to explore how a variety of kilns operate and learn to create a glaze from raw materials. (Prerequisite: FA 135 with a grade of “C” or higher) (KJSA; Studio Fee)
Revised June 29, 2007