0801. Philadelphia Arts & Culture (4 s.h.) Core: AR.

(Formerly: GE-ARTS 1018.)

What and where is the real Philadelphia? How can we get past the clichés to better understand and experience the city`s historic and legendary sense of itself? For more than three centuries, Philadelphia`s unique identity has been defined and redefined by a prodigious and prolific creative community: painters, sculptors, writers, performers, architects, planners, thinkers, and more. We`ll explore Philadelphia`s evolving sense of itself through a broad range of examples of creative works from the 17th through the 20th centuries. And through this prism of expression, and the institutions that present and protect it, we`ll develop a deep understanding of Philadelphia as one of the nation`s most creative cities.

Note: This General Education `Arts` pilot course fulfills the Core Arts (AR) requirement. This course is offered by the American Studies department.

0803. The Art of Sacred Space (3 s.h.) Core: AR.

(Formerly: GE-ARTS 1013.)

Where do people go to communicate with the divine? Explore with us where and how people of the many different cultures of the Greco-Roman world communicated with their gods. Why are graves and groves considered sacred space? When is a painting or sculpture considered sacred? Whom do the gods allow to enter a sacred building? Can a song be a prayer or a curse? How can dance sway the gods? Why do gods love processions and the smell of burning animals? The journey through sacred space in Greco-Roman antiquity will engage your senses and your intellect, and will reveal a mindset both ancient and new.

Note: This General Education `Arts` pilot course fulfills the Core Arts (AR) requirement. This course is offered by the following departments: Art History, Greek & Roman Classics, Religion.

0804. Bending the Bard: Adapting Shakespeare for the Stage and Screen (4 s.h.) Core: AR.

(Formerly: GE-ARTS 1017.)

What is it about the Bard of Stratford-on-Avon? From the concert hall to the stage and silver screen, no other author’s works have inspired more adaptations than those of William Shakespeare. In this new century, as the “cult of originality” continues to grow at an exponential rate and celebrity is sought as an end in itself (see Hilton, Paris), why have the works of a man whose very identity is shrouded in mystery remained so popular? This course will explore Macbeth, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Romeo and Juliet, and their adaptation by composers and choreographers. Students will then get a chance to “bend the Bard” on their own!

Note: This General Education `Arts` pilot course fulfills the Core Arts (AR) requirement. This course is offered by the following departments: English, Music Studies.

0805. The Dramatic Imagination: The Performing Arts in Society (3 s.h.) Core: AR.

(Formerly: GE-ARTS 1011.)

Theatre, dance, opera--our imaginations give us the natural ability to accept the make-believe worlds they create on stage. While it is the imagination that ultimately allows us to enjoy the performing arts, imagination also plays a role in creating these worlds. Take advantage of our rich local arts community as you experience live performances in Philadelphia! We will use our imaginative capacities to deepen our own experience, while learning about the value of the arts, the controversies surrounding them, and differences in people’s perceptions of the performing arts as compared to other forms of entertainment.

Note: This General Education `Arts` pilot course fulfills the Core Arts (AR) requirement. This course is offered by the Theater department.

0806. The Jazz Century in America (4 s.h.) Core: AR.

(Formerly: GE-ARTS 1016.)

What is jazz? Students will explore its roots and reinventions in Ragtime, Hot Jazz, Blues, Swing, Bebop, Free Jazz, Rhythm & Blues, and Hip Hop throughout the 20th century in America. We’ll experience its manifestations across media, screening dance films, listening to music, viewing visual art works, and reading poetry. Then we’ll move into the studio to experience first-hand its rhythms, moods, dynamics, creative expression and improvisation. A key theme will be how the individual and the collective nurture each other in jazz. Intellectually, we’ll examine the historical and social backdrop and analyze the essential components of jazz.

Note: This General Education `Arts` pilot course fulfills the Core Arts (AR) requirement. This course is offered by the Dance department.

0807. The Creative Spirit: A Multidisciplinary View (3 s.h.) Core: AR.

(Formerly: GE-ARTS 1012.)

Man is the animal who creates, but why and how? Whether we are making art or making dinner, creativity ultimately makes a difference in our lives and the lives of others. In this course we will view creativity through the lens of the arts and explore the broader manifestations of the creative spirit in a variety of related fields and disciplines. Students will learn the fundamental concepts of creativity and engage with artists, performers and working professionals exploring the central role creativity plays in their work. Explore your creativity in weekly hands-on group sessions augmented by periodic field visits to see performances, concerts, galleries, etc. Be creative, follow your bliss and develop a passion for life-long learning!

Note: This General Education `Arts` pilot course fulfills the Core Arts (AR) requirement. This course is offered by the Theater department.

0808. The Visual Experience: Arts of the Western World (4 s.h.) Core: AR.

(Formerly: GE-ARTS 1014.)

Philadelphia has extraordinary resources in the arts. This course will give you direct exposure to the visual arts, and help you understand their relationship with music, dance, theater, and the other artistic expressions that also form our heritage. Through visits to museums and performances, guest speakers, lectures, films and discussions, you will be introduced to the great monuments and the major movements that place the visual arts of the western world in a broad cultural framework. You will learn about the concepts that connect the progression of ideas in artistic communication and expression from the ancient world to modern times.

Note: This General Education `Arts` pilot course fulfills the Core Arts (AR) requirement. This course is offered by the Art History department.

0809. World Musics & Cultures (3 s.h.) Core: AR.

(Formerly: GE-ARTS 1015.)

Have you ever wondered why musical compositions from different parts of the world sound so dissimilar? Why does Japanese music employ silence as a structural element and Chinese melodies use only five notes? Discover how an artist’s creative imagination is molded by the cultural values of the society at large. Listen to guest musicians demonstrate different styles of playing and attend a live concert. Examine folk, art and popular music from around the world and discuss the wonderful and strange sounds that are produced.

Note: This General Education `Arts` pilot course fulfills the Core Arts (AR) requirement. This course is offered by the Music Studies department.

0909. Honors World Musics (3 s.h.) Core: AR.

(Formerly: GE-ARTS 1911 (H065).)

Have you ever wondered why musical compositions from different parts of the world sound so dissimilar? Why does Japanese music employ silence as a structural element and Chinese melodies use only five notes? Discover how an artist’s creative imagination is molded by the cultural values of the society at large. Listen to guest musicians demonstrate different styles of playing and attend a live concert. Examine folk, art and popular music from around the world and discuss the wonderful and strange sounds that are produced. (This is an Honors course.)

Note: This General Education `Arts` pilot course fulfills the Core Arts (AR) requirement. This course is offered by the Music Studies department.
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