Special course descriptions
Fall semester 2013
ENG 261 Studies in English Lit: Scottish Literature - Courage, Shame & Glory 3 hours
Land of mountain and flood, kings and rebels, Calvinism and Celtic legend – Scotland
has a literary tradition of its own, British but not (fie na!) English. If you have
sung "Auld Lang Syne," read Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, or seen either Braveheart or
Trainspottin, you are already somewhat familiar with Scottish literature. In this
course we will read across time, from poetry by the ancient Scots Makars to late twentieth
century novels and short stories. Authors and poets include Sir Walter Scott, Robert
Burns, James Hogg, Margaret Oliphant, Robert Louis Stevenson, Muriel Spark, Norman
MacCaig, and Margot Livesey.
Options to fulfill new fine arts general education requirement
one course required
Fall offerings
ART 135: Intro to Visual Art (3 hours) New Course
This course provides a basic introduction to visual art for students majoring in
other disciplines. Course content will include: art media; basic design principles;
development of illusionary space; sculpture; and, masterpieces of Western art. Class
presentations will include the study of visual art examples, gallery visits, creative
engagement projects, and video presentations. MWF/9-9:50 am
ART 204: Drawing (3 hours)
A series of problems designed to develop confidence in drawing while examining a
number of ways of implying space in a two-dimensional surface. Theory is supported
by work in the studio and extended through traditional and contemporary visual references.
Students are encouraged to develop a personal approach through the use of a sketchbook.
MWF/8-9:50 am
ART 217: Ceramics I (3 hours)
Introduction to work in clay including hand building techniques, use of the potter's
wheel, decorating and glazing methods, kilns and firing processes. Practical experience
through participation in all phases of ceramic production. Survey of traditional and
contemporary approaches to clay focused on promoting individual student response to
the medium. MWF/2-3:50 pm
MUS 135: Intro to Music (3 hours) New Course!!
This course examines music from a variety of perspectives – as a listener, performer,
and learning of music fundamentals. First, exploring music literature from pop, folk,
classical, jazz, blues and world music, students develop basic skills as a listener,
learning ear-training techniques. Second, as a performer, with an introduction to
basic guitar chords and strummed accompaniments, percussion instruments and simple
piano skills; and, third, as an introduction to music fundamentals, stressing note
reading, rhythm, recognizing and understanding major and minor scales, intervals,
triads and seventh chords. MWF/9-9:50 am
MUS 136: World Music (3 hours) New Course!!
Explore various world cultures through the lens of their specific musical practices
and customs. Students will discover the fundamentals of music in a global perspective and explore
how music functions in several specific cultures and societies: practically, socially,
theologically, ideologically and/or politically. Hands-on music-making, observation
and multimedia experiences will complement lectures and discussions to create a holistic
understanding of music’s varying cultural roles. MWF/10-10:50 am
THE 136: Theatre for Social Change (3 hours) New Course!!
Learn to use theatre techniques to promote justice and peacebuilding, help communities
work through challenging topics, and have a great time developing as an artist at
the same time. This course examines theoretical, practical, ethical, and aesthetic
elements of theatre created to promote social justice. Students will research and
practice performance methodologies that promote civic dialogue. The course includes
the collaborative creation of an original piece of theatre by the class. No previous
theatre experience is required, but a willingness to actively participate is essential.
TR/2-3:45 pm
THE 257: Oral Interpretation (3 hours)
Through readings, exercises, workshops, and presentations, this class will develop
your speaking voice to more powerfully, creatively, and expressively present public
readings of prose fiction, drama, poetry, and personal narratives. You will develop
understanding of others’ aesthetic literature and the ability to share this insight
with listeners. MWF/3-3:50 pm
Spring offerings
ART 136: Exploring Visual Art (3 hours) NEW COURSE!!
Explore different topics in the visual arts, focusing on a particular style, theme,
medium, or approach to visual art. Sample topics include: American Art, Abstract
Expressionism, Art of Non-Western Cultures, or Art as a Transformative Experience.
MWF/11-11:50
ART 207: Design II (3 hours)
Study and practice of the fundamental principles of design applied to three-dimensional
art and crafts. Introduction to and practical experience in a variety of traditional
three-dimensional media including clay, wood, metal, and glass. Projects include functional
wood sculpture, small metal casting, ceramic sculpture, and kiln-formed glass. MWF/2-3:50
pm
ART 214: Watercolor (3 hours)
Specific compositional problems exploring the possibilities of design and expression
in watercolor technique. Use of the figure, still-life and landscape as initial references.
MWF/8-9:50 am
MUS 136: World Music (3 hours) New Course!!
Explore various world cultures through the lens of their specific musical practices
and customs. Students will discover the fundamentals of music in a global perspective and explore
how music functions in several specific cultures and societies: practically, socially,
theologically, ideologically and/or politically. Hands-on music-making, observation
and multimedia experiences will complement lectures and discussions to create a holistic
understanding of music’s varying cultural roles. MWF/9-9:50 am
THE 135 Introduction to Theatre (3 hours) New Course!!
Students interested in watching, reading, analyzing, creating, and writing about
theatre will enjoy this introductory course. In addition to learning about theatre
as an art, a business and an expression of culture, students will work in small groups
to create short performance pieces. MWF/10-10:50 am
Take advantage of the Bluffton University semester-long Peace and Conflict Resolution program in Northern Ireland, a program with academic, experiential and service components. This 15-week residential program seeks to increase visiting student's understanding of the complexities of the troubles in Northern Ireland so they can use the knowledge gained to analyze and increase understanding of conflict in their own and other societies.
more info on the Northern Ireland program
Catalog description of the Northern Ireland program