CORE 150 - Expression and the Arts

CR: 3
Prerequisite: CORE 110. An interdisciplinary course that helps students develop creative and critical capacities through the study and practice of the arts. Students will learn the techniques of making art in one discipline while folding in perspectives from a variety of artists and artworks. In addition to making and presenting art, students will study methods of art theory and criticism, focusing on how art communicates diverse values. Students will also meet with Fellows from the Virginia Center for Creative Arts to understand how a variety of artists think about art and culture. The overarching theme for CORE 150 will change from year to year, and each section’s content will be determined by the instructor(s). Topic for Fall 2018: “Nikolais, a Kinetic Bridge to Arts and Technology.” Alwin Nikolais (1910-1993) was a creative genius whose wide-ranging contributions went far beyond the field of dance. He explored 3-D art, electronic music, and lighting. Nikolais’ groundbreaking work laid the foundations for world-renowned performance companies, such as Pilobolus, Cirque du Soleil, Mummenschanz, Momix, and for art installations globally. Topics include readings, discussions, videos, moving, and creating (making a music sound score with a moog synthesizer, looping, fabric and theater props, costumes, mask making, choreographing short motion studies, and more). No prior dance or music experience is necessary. V.6a, V.6b