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Welcome 2021 with a resolution to discover a new artistic pursuit! And, satisfy a Core Arts and/or Global Understanding requirement at the same time! Have you ever wanted to learn the story behind a piece of music? Do you dream of trying out different dance forms, including Ballet, Modern, Bollywood, or African? Are you ready to explore the action behind or on the stage? Now is your opportunity!
Mason’s Schools of Dance, Music, and Theater invites all Mason students to check out open courses that fulfill Mason Core Arts and Global Understanding requirements. No previous experience is necessary. Spring 2021 courses are offered both in-person on Mason’s Fairfax campus and through distance learning.
FAVS 225 - DL3: The History of World Cinema*
3 credits, CRN 21545, distance learning
This course is a survey of the history of cinema. It explores the development of world cinema from its beginnings in the late nineteenth century to the 1990s. The course will enable students to comprehend the evolution of the history and language of cinema in order to connect the art of filmmaking with the "outside forces" (i.e., the economic institutions, key figures, historical events and social issues) that profoundly shape and influence it.
* satisfies Mason’s Core Arts requirement
DANC 101: Dance Appreciation*, 3 credits, CRN 15009 & 16209, distance learning
Introduces dance as universal human activity, expression of cultural identity, and art form. Survey of global dance includes folk, ceremonial and ritual, trance, court, classical, and theatrical.
DANC 118: World Dance: Middle Eastern* **
3 credits, CRN 16972 & 22869, in-person learning
Performance of a world dance form through presentation of fundamental techniques, music and culture. Area of concentration is Middle Eastern dance.
DANC 118: World Dance: World Dance: Bollywood * **
3 credits, CRN 19374 & 22895, in person learning
Performance of a world dance form through presentation of fundamental techniques, music and culture. Area of concentration is Bollywood dance.
DANC 118: World Dance: African* **
3 credits, CRN 16971, in-person learning
Performance of a world dance form through presentation of fundamental techniques, music and culture. Area of concentration is African dance.
DANC 125: Modern/Contemporary Dance I*
3 credits, CRN 22896, 22872, 22897, & 22873, in-person learning
Introduces fundamentals of modern dance technique. Emphasizes improving anatomical awareness and alignment, increasing strength and flexibility, and developing rhythmic sensitivity.
DANC 131: Beginning Jazz Technique- Hip Hop*
3 credits, CRN 22898 & 22874, in-person learning
Introduces fundamentals of technique, explores the musical and cultural influences of hip-hop, and its historical context. Emphasizes improving anatomical awareness and alignment, increasing strength and flexibility, and developing rhythmic sensitivity.
DANC 145: Ballet I*
3 credits, CRN 22875 & 22899, distance learning
Introduces fundamental elements of ballet technique and vocabulary. Stresses learning vocabulary and movement characteristics of this highly stylized art form. Emphasizes improving anatomical awareness and alignment, increasing strength and flexibility, and developing musicality.
DANCE 225: Modern/Contemporary Dance II*
3 credits, CRN 10383, distance learning
Further develops knowledge, skills, and appreciation of modern dance through continued exploration of techniques, aesthetics, and creativity. Continuing the development of anatomical awareness and alignment, technical clarity, and rhythmic sensitivity.
* satisfies Mason’s Core Arts requirement
** meets Mason’s Global Understanding requirements
MUSI 100: Fundamentals of Music*
3 credits, CRN 10006 & 10007, distance learning
Study of musical notation, interval, and triad construction, reading of treble and bass clefs, scale construction, rhythm, elementary sight singing and ear training, and application at keyboard.
MUSI 101: Introduction to Classical Music*
3 credits, CRN 11024, distance learning
Introduces art-music tradition of West. Techniques for expanding listening skills developed through study of musical elements, styles, and selected masterworks of musical literature.
MUSI 102: Popular Music in America*
3 credits, CRN 10008, distance learning
Investigates popular music styles and development in the United States with particular emphasis on the past 50 years. Lectures, recordings, and video enhance critical listening skills and examine stylistic and social contexts of popular music.
MUSI 103: Music of the World* **
3 credits, CRN 10009, distance learning
Study and comparison of musical structure and expression in several world cultures, with special attention to social context and function. Studies selected Asian, Middle Eastern, African, and American (Latin, Native, African) cultures.
MUSI 107: Jazz and Blues in America*
3 credits, CRN 24854, distance education
Historical, analytical, and aural survey of jazz from inception to present day. Looks at trends resulting from synthesis of jazz with other musical idioms.
* satisfies Mason’s Core Arts requirement
** meets Mason’s Global Understanding requirements
THR 101: Theatrical Medium*
3 credits, CRN 12146 & 23857, distance learning
Theater from the inside workings of production to informed and lively engagement with the art. Enhances an understanding of the nature of theater in society.
THR 210: Acting I*
3 credits, CRN 23755, 23756, 23757, & 23888, distance learning
Students practice contemporary acting techniques individually and in a group. Promotes and develops performance and practical communication skills. Attend theatrical productions, and respond to those experiences.
* satisfies Mason’s Core Arts requirement