Canisius College - Undergraduate Catalog

Full-Time Faculty: Martha Dunkelman, Chair; Jane Cary, Elaine D. Gallagher, Michael F. Tunney, S.J.

The Fine Arts Department provides opportunities for students to obtain a solid knowledge of the visual and performing arts. The department’s offerings include a major and a minor in Art History, a minor in Music, and a series of courses in Studio Art. These programs enable students to explore the arts for their own personal development and to receive training in the theory and practice of the three areas involved.

Art History Program

Martha Dunkelman, Director.

Canisius College offers a major and a minor in Art History. The program includes a wide range of courses in the history of art from antiquity to the present. Courses are offered in the history of painting, sculpture, and architecture, and in the history of film and film analysis. Majors, minors, and non-majors all acquire an understanding and appreciation of the cultural heritage of their own and other civilizations both past and present. In a world where ethnic and cultural clashes are commonplace, respect for the artistic heritage of all civilizations is essential.

Art History courses approach the study of art as a visual language. At all levels, students in these courses learn to decipher and interpret the vocabulary and syntax of a broad range of artistic styles within a cultural, historical, and global context. At the same time, they explore the relationship between function, form, and content in the visual arts of each culture. Students in all Art History courses are introduced to a variety of critical methods in art historical analysis, such as formal analysis, iconography, connoisseurship, feminism, marxism, and deconstruction.

All courses are designed for majors, minors, and non-majors, except FAH 460 and FAH 499 which are open to majors and minors only.

Electronic imaging technology is a major component of the art history major at Canisius. Students in art history courses learn from the most recent interactive multimedia technology as part of their art history training. Courses are conducted with interactive multimedia as well as slides, in classrooms that are equipped with access to CD-ROMs and the Internet.

Museum internships are available to all junior and senior art history majors and minors. Students gain necessary hands-on experience in the researching, cataloging, and management of art collections in the Buffalo area. Students interested in careers in art history immediately upon graduation, as well as those contemplating graduate school, benefit strongly from the specialized training that these internships provide. In preparation for museum internships, students may take a Museum Studies course that introduces the student to museum research, curatorship, and administration.

Majors in Art History graduate with a truly liberal, humanistic education that prepares them for work in any profession where critical thinking, analysis, research, and writing skills are essential, and where cultural understanding and sensitivity are prerequisites. Art History courses also benefit students who plan to work in any field that deals with foreign cultures.

A number of professional options are open to the art history student, especially with graduate training. Students interested in specific careers as art historians may go on to become academic faculty, museum curators, archaeologists, or art conservators, or they may pursue careers in historical preservation, library science, interior design, art journalism, arts management, and many other fields..

Admission

Prospective majors and minors should see the Art History program director.

Art History Curriculum:

1. ENG 101, ENG 102, PHI 101, RST 101 (4 courses)² (12)

2. Area Studies: Two courses from each of these areas: I, II, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII¹ (14 courses) (42)

3. Major course requirements: (12 courses)²

FAH 101 Introduction to Art History I (3)

FAH 102 Introduction to Art History II (3)

Ancient and/or medieval art: two courses (6)

Renaissance and/or Baroque art: two courses (6)

19th and/or 20th century art: two courses (6)

Art History electives: four courses (12)

4. Electives: Students are encouraged to take electives in related areas, such as studio art, music, history, religion, philosophy, and literature (10 courses) (30)

Total (40 courses) (120)

Note: Many art-related professions (especially art conservation and interior design) require specific undergraduate preparation in addition to a major in Art History. To accommodate individual goals, students must choose electives carefully in consultation with the Art History program director. Students should note that, although there is no departmental language requirement, a reading knowledge of either French or German (through the intermediate level) is necessary to complete many graduate programs.

Art History Minor:

FAH 101 Introduction to Art History I (3)

FAH 102 Introduction to Art History II (3)

Ancient and/or medieval art: one course (3)

Renaissance and/or Baroque art: one course (3)

19th and/or 20th century art: one course (3)

Art History elective: one course (3)

Total (6 courses) (18)

Music Program

Jane Cary, Director.

Courses in Music introduce students to the literature of music as well as its theory, and are designed for students with diverse levels of musical background. Music appreciation courses cover a wide range of musical styles and give students the basic materials of music and an introduction to the lives, works, and historical settings of the significant composers of the past and present. Through lectures, videos, listening to music examples in class, and attendance at concerts, the courses provide students with the basic musical vocabulary and listening skills needed to analyze and intellectually critique music of different cultures and to develop a clear understanding and appreciation of music of different periods. Music theory courses stress creative and analytical skills. In keeping with the most recent technology in music, theory classes and independent study in composition are taught in the new state-of-the-art midi-lab using Macintosh computers and Roland keyboards, as well as the software programs Finale and Practica Musica.

For students interested in the performance of music, the department offers music ensembles for academic credit. Private instruction can also be taken for credit in voice, piano, guitar, strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion. Students interested in exploring music to a greater extent can choose music as a minor. The goal of the music program is to give students background and knowledge for expanding their appreciation of music as a listener and/or performer, thus enriching their lives.

Music Minor:

FAM 119 Masterpieces of Music (3)

FAM 120 Nineteenth Century Music (3)

FAM 122 Twentieth Century Music (3)

FAM 230 Fundamentals of Music³ (3)

Music elective: two of the following courses: FAD 110, FAM 121, FAM 123, FAM 130, FAM 181 (total 3 credits), (6)

FAM 182 (total 3 credits), FAM 184 (total 3 credits),

FAM 240, FAM 125/225 (total 3 credits)

Total (6 courses) (18)

Studio Art Program

Michael F. Tunney, S.J., Director.

The Studio Art courses introduce students to the aesthetic dimension of human experience through the appreciation and practice of two- and three-dimensional artmaking. The program promotes the individual’s visual sensibilities through hands-on experiences with a variety of materials and techniques. The goal is to sharpen their perceptual and analytical skills through creative formal exercises. Each course will leave students with a greater appreciation for their visual talents and a deeper understanding of themselves as human beings.

COURSES: 2001 - 2003

FAD/FAH 110 Commonwealth of the Arts 3

A study of the relationships among the various arts (music, painting, sculpture, architecture, literature) and how the arts help define and communicate the spirit of their times. (AS III)

Art History

FAH 101 Introduction to Art History I 3

Introduction to formal and cultural analysis of the major works of art of Antiquity and the Middle Ages. Covers prehistoric through Gothic art. (AS III, ICD)

FAH 102 Introduction to Art History II 3

Introduction to formal and cultural analysis of the major works of Western art from the Renaissance through the twentieth century. (AS III, ICD)

FAH 103 Survey of Pre-Columbian and Native American Art 3

Formal and cultural analysis of the arts of Native American Indian peoples, Pre-Colombian cultures of Central and South America, and indigenous peoples of the Pacific Islands. (AS III). 2001-2002 only

FAH 107 Introduction to Non-Western Art 3

Introduction to the art of Africa, India, Japan, and China. Examines works from various time periods, geographic areas, religious orientations and historical circumstances. 2002-2003 only

FAH 109 History of Architecture 3

Formal and cultural analysis of major monuments of global architecture from antiquity to the present. (AS III)

FAH 210 (CLS 210) Ancient Egyptian and Near Eastern Art 3

Introduction to formal and cultural analysis and interpretation of the painting, sculpture, and architecture of ancient Egypt and the ancient Near East. (AS III, ICD) 2001-2002 only

FAH 213 (CLS 213) Ancient Art:Greece and Rome 3

Formal and cultural analysis of the painting, sculpture, and architecture of Greece and Rome. (AS III, ICD) 2002-2003 only

FAH 224 Medieval Art 3

Visual analysis, cultural analysis, and interpretation of the major works of Early Christian, Byzantine, Islamic, Carolingian, Ottonian, Romanesque, and Gothic periods. (AS III, ICD)

FAH 245 Renaissance Art 3

Formal, cultural, and iconographic analysis of painting, sculpture, architecture, and art theory in Europe from the fourteenth through the sixteenth centuries. (AS III, ICD) 2002-2003 only

FAH 248 Baroque and Rococo Art 3

Formal, cultural, and iconographic analysis of painting, sculpture, and architecture during the 17th and 18th centuries in France, Italy, England, Spain, and the Netherlands. (AS-III, ICD) 2002-2003 only

FAH 259 (WST 259) Women and Art 3

Select women artists in western culture, and the analysis of issues involving the relationships among gender, representation, and art in western culture. (AS III) 2001-2002 only

FAH 261 Impressionism in Context 3

Formal and cultural analysis of major works from Western Europe and the United States, from early 19th century through Post-Impressionism. (AS III, ICD) 2001-2002 only

FAH 262 Modern Art 3

Formal and cultural analysis of major works from Western Europe and the United States, from late 19th century through 1940. (AS III) 2002-2003 only

FAH 263 19th and 20th Century Sculpture 3

The development and maturation of the sculpture genre in modern western civilization, spanning the monuments of the early 19th century to the avant garde and contemporary phenomena of the 20th century. (AS III) 2001-2002 only

FAH 265 Contemporary Art 3

Formal and cultural analysis of major works from the United States and Western Europe, from 1940 to the present. (AS III) 2002-2003 only

FAH 271 Art in Buffalo 3

Examination of the artistic and historical resources in the Greater Buffalo region, including prominent examples of architecture, museum collections, and artists in Western New York. Lecture and field trip format.

FAH 352 Museum Studies 3

Research, curatorial, and administrative aspects of museum management. Includes researching works of art, cataloging a collection, exhibits, budgets, long-range planning.

FAH 375 (COM 375) Film Classics 3

See COM 375.

FAH 460 Museum Internship 3

Research, curatorial, and administrative internship at selected Buffalo area art galleries.

Prerequisite: junior and senior majors or permission of program director.

FAH 479 (COM 479) International Cinema 3

See COM 479.

FAH 499 Independent Study in Art History 3

For an Art History major wishing to pursue an in-depth study of a topic in Art History.

Prerequisite: junior and senior majors; permission of program director.

MUSIC

FAM 115 Fundamentals of Music 3

Basic elements of music as perceived and notated, and the styles and forms of music derived from them. Practical theory applications including ear training, keyboard playing, and composition are taught using software programs "Finale" and "Practica Musica". (AS III)

FAM 117 Canisius and the BPO Experience 3

Classes meet at both Canisius College and Kleinhans Music Hall as students study music on state, behind the scenes, and in literature with Canisius College faculty, BPO conductors, soloists and managers. (AS III)

FAM 119 Masterpieces of Music 3

A survey of Western art music from medieval Gregorian chant to 20th Century electronic music, including study of musical elements, historical background, musical style, and masterworks of various periods. (AS III) (ICD)

FAM 120 19th Century Music 3

Great composers of the Romantic period, including their life, selected works, musical style, and influence. (AS III)

FAM 121 Music of the Classical Period 3

In-depth study of the lives, musical forms, style, and influence of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven. (AS III)

FAM 122 Twentieth Century Music 3

Impressionism in music which ushers in the twentieth century. European music 1910-1945. American music. New music since 1945. (AS III)

FAM 123 World Music 3

Survey course, including folk, traditional, and art musics of Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, North and South America. Classes include listening and videos, with the study of instruments, dances, songs, and rhythms of these cultures. (AS III) (ICD)

FAM 125 Music Performance 1

Half-hour private lessons, designed for the beginner, are offered in piano, voice, classical guitar, woodwinds, brass, strings and percussion.

FAM 126 Beginning Piano Class 1

Class instruction in the basic keyboard skills of note reading and transposition, chord progressions, scales, harmonization and improvisation.

FAM 130 America’s Music 3

Music made or continuously used by Americans from beginnings to present. Sacred congregational music, vernacular music, African-American music, and cultivated traditions. Historical and sociological development of folk, jazz, and popular music as uniquely American. (AS III)

FAM 171 Chorale 0

A mixed-voice singing group that sings repertoire in both the classical and popular styles. (Same as FAM 181 except for "0" credit)

FAM 172 Jazz Ensemble 0

An 18-piece jazz ensemble that plays a wide range of music from Count Basie to Maynard Ferguson and everything in between. (Same as FAM 182 except for "0" credit)

Prerequisite: Audition and signature of instructor

FAM 174 Chamber Orchestra 0

Orchestral organization that performs a wide range of orchestral literature from the Baroque period through the 20th century. Concert programs provide students with wide experiences in the orchestral arts. (Same as FAM 184 except for "0" credit)

FAM 175 Concert Band 0

Campus-wide instrumental ensemble performing a wide variety of standard concert band literature. Performances include a formal concert each semester. (Same as FAM 185 except for "0" credit.)

FAM 181 Chorale 1

A mixed-voice singing group that sings repertoire in both the classical and popular styles. (Same as FAM 171 except for "1" credit)

FAM 182 Jazz Ensemble 1

An 18-piece jazz ensemble that plays a wide range of music from Count Basie to Maynard Ferguson and everything in between. (Same as FAM 172 except for "1" credit)

Prerequisite: Audition or permission of instructor

FAM 184 Chamber Orchestra 1

FAM 185 Concert Band 1

Campus-wide instrumental ensemble performing a wide variety of standard concert band literature. Performances include a formal concert each semester. (Same as FAM 175 except for "1" credit.)

FAM 218 Music of the Baroque Period 3

A study of Western art music of the Baroque period (1600-1750) beginning with the early operatic music of Monteverdi and concluding with the mature masterpieces of Bach and Handel.

FAM 225 Music Performance 2

Hour-length private lessons, designed for the experienced musician, are offered in piano, voice, classical guitar, woodwinds, brass, strings, and percussion.

FAM 240 Fundamentals of Four-Part Writing 3

Four-part composing, particularly tonal music associated with Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven. Practical theory applications including ear training, keyboard playing, and composition are taught using software programs "Finale" and "Practica Musica".

Prerequisite: FAM 115 or permission of instructor.

FAM 499 Independent Study in Music 3

For students wishing to pursue an in-depth study of a specific topic in music.

Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

STUDIO ART

FAS 110 Two-Dimensional Foundations 3

Introduction to the formal and material fundamentals of an art studio. Exercises follow a progression through the traditional elements of line, value, composition, and color theory. (AS III)

FAS 111 Studio Drawing I 3

Investigation of the formal, material, and historical fundamentals of drawing. Exercises with dry and wet media progress through two- and three-dimensional renderings of still life, architecture, landscape, portraits, the human figure, and abstraction. (AS III)

FAS 112 Studio Painting I 3

Investigation of the formal, material, and historical fundamentals of painting. Exercises in watercolor and acrylic paint progress through monochromatic and full palette treatments of still life, architecture, landscape, portraits, the human figure, and abstraction. (AS III)

FAS 113 Studio Design I 3

Investigation of the formal and material fundamentals of design. Assignments will involve students in practical solutions to design situations involving typography, copy, and imagery. Manual and computer exercises. (AS III)

FAS 114 Introduction to Still Photography 3

Basic techniques of photography explored through the use of 35mm cameras and film. Emphasis on the development of black-and-white film and the visualization process of taking pictures.

Prerequisite: 35mm camera with manual controls.

FAS 115 3D Foundations/Introduction to Sculpture I 3

Assignments increase student perception of the three-dimensional world and methods of affecting their interpretation. Assignments highlight 3-D composition, object as process, object as texture, object as presentation, object as event, object as ordinary material. (AS III)

FAS 117 Sculpture I 3

Emphasis on traditional techniques. Assignments cover specific materials (plaster, wood, styrofoam, metal, paper) and particular techniques (armature construction, wood working, riveting, mold making, paper mache). (AS III)

Prerequisite: Rudimentary understanding of design; portfolio review by instructor.

FAS 119 Clay Studio 3
Course stresses the basic processes of clay modeling and mold making in plaster. Beginning with hand-built sculptural form, students progress to realistic clay modeling that will be completed by making a mold and casting in plaster. No prerequisites.

FAS 216 (COM 226) Intermediate Photography 3

In-depth study of advanced methods of photography including the use and development of color positive and negative film and the application of artificial light in the studio and field.

Prerequisite: FAS 114 or portfolio review with instructor; 35mm camera with manual controls.

FAS 499 Independent Study in Studio Art 3

For students wishing an in-depth study of a specific area of studio art.

Prerequisite: Three previous studio art courses; permission of instructor and studio art program director. Limit 2 students per instructor.

1 Area III is automatically fulfilled because this program is in the Art and Literature area.

2 Dual majors are required to take two Art History electives rather than four, with a total of ten courses rather than twelve courses, for the Art History major.

3 If the student has sufficient theory background (as demonstrated by a placement test), one of the Music electives may be substituted for FAM 230.