SOTA 101
Introduction to the Arts
Spring 2015
MWF, 11:00am – 11:50 am, CFA 110
1
Instructor:
Dr. Julianne Lindberg
Email: jlindberg@unr.edu
Office: VSG 30, office E
Office Hour: W 1:00-‐2:00pm, or by appointment
Prerequisites:
Courses: No prior courses are required for SOTA 101
Course Description:
This course will introduce students to the four areas of art-‐making contained within the School
of the Arts (visual art, music, theater, and dance) and cover the basic aesthetic and structural
constructs within each discipline. Our class will be structured around the philosophical
questions prompted by art (What is “beauty”? How does art relate to ethics and morality?), the
uses of art in culture (How does art interact with constructions of personal and cultural
identity?), and the artistic practice and theories related to these four disciplines. Finally, we
will look closely at interdisciplinary collaborations, interrogating the blurred boundaries
between the arts. Students will develop the ability to write and speak critically about the art
they observe.
Objectives and Learning Outcomes:
This course satisfies Core Objective 7 of the Core Curriculum:
CO7: Artistic Composition, Interpretations, and Expression
Students will apply techniques of critical analysis to study and interpret works of art, dance,
music, and theater in the context of culture, society, and individual identity. Students may
cast their interpretation in the form of creative expression.
This course will also help develop the goals outlined in Core Objectives 5, 6, and 1:
CO5: History and Culture
Students will be able to describe the processes by which past and present societies have
been created and perpetuated through their history, ideas, and cultural products. Students
will engage both historical and contemporary cultural texts through critical reading, analysis,
and interpretation in the context of culture, society, and individual identity.
CO6: Cultures, Societies, and Individuals
Students will learn how to systematically analyze human social conditions (e.g., individuals,
groups, communities, and cultures). In particular, students will learn to observe, theorize,
model, experiment, and/or interpret as a means of inquiring into human social relations.
SOTA 101
Introduction to the Arts
Spring 2015
MWF, 11:00am – 11:50 am, CFA 110
2
CO1: Effective Composition and Communications
Students will be able to effectively compose written, oral, and multimedia texts for a variety
of scholarly, professional, and creative purposes.
The Student Learning Outcomes for this course (and their relationship to the Core Objectives), are
as follows:
• You will be able to critically analyze specific examples of art through actively engaged
viewing/listening (CO7)
• You will begin to evaluate the role of art in culture (CO5, CO6, CO7)
• You will begin to assess the role that institutions and arts organizations play in defining
notions of “fine art” (CO5, CO6, CO7)
• You will be able to discuss the ways in which art has helped shape (and in turn is shaped
by) individual and communal senses of self and other (CO5, CO6, CO7)
• You will develop your ability to write critically and effectively about the art your observe
(CO1, CO7)
Required Materials:
Computer and Internet access:
We will be using online resources for this course. You will need to access our course website
( under the “webcampus” link on mynevada.unr.edu), where you will be asked to enter your
UNR NetId and password. Here you will find the required readings for this class, in addition to
an electronic version of the syllabus, the discussion board, and other useful items. If you don’t
have access to a computer off of campus, the Knowledge Center has a number of computers you
can work on.
Reading:
All readings will be available through Webcampus, under “Readings/articles,” or will be handed
out in class.
Viewing/Listening:
Each week, we will look at and listen to examples of art in class. Occasionally, I will ask you to
view/listen to an example in preparation for class. In those instances, the examples will be
available on Webcampus.
Requirements/Grade Breakdown:
SOTA 101
Introduction to the Arts
Spring 2015
MWF, 11:00am – 11:50 am, CFA 110
3
Out of 1000 points, total:
1.
Discussion Posts (200 points total [20 points per post])
You are required to respond (online via the Webcampus discussion board) to 10
readings of your choice in the course of the semester (5 responses must be
posted by the Midterm: March 13
th
. The remaining 5 responses must be posted
by April 17
th
). These responses must be posted before we discuss the article in
class. You are free (and encouraged!) to respond to classmates’ postings as well, but
your required posts for each week should be original. Posts may be in a formal or
informal writing style, as you wish, but regardless they need to address some issue
or feature of the reading that you found thought-‐provoking, interesting, or
problematic. Postings should be at least one substantial paragraph in length. You
will receive credit for thoughtful postings that make a relevant point clearly. Credit
is in the form of a √ (satisfactory; 15 points), √+ (excellent; 20 points), or √-‐
(unsatisfactory; 0-‐10 points).
2.
Exams:
a. Midterm (150 points)—MARCH 13
TH
b. Final (150 points)—MAY 13
TH
The midterm and final exams will have a term identification component and a short
answer component. The exams will test how well you have understood the reading
assignments and the lecture/discussion material (including viewing/listening); the
essay portion of the exams will test your ability to think and write critically about
important issues raised in relation to the assignments. You will receive a study
guide prior to the exams.
3.
Writing Assignments:
a. Art Visitations (1-‐2 page response; see prompts on Webcampus) (50 points each)
i. Dance Performance
ii. Musical Performance
iii. Theatrical Performance
**Two of the Performing Arts Visitation responses are due by the
Midterm (March 13
th
)
**The Final Performing Arts Visitation response is due by the last day of
class (May 4
th
)
iv. Nevada Museum of Art
SOTA 101
Introduction to the Arts
Spring 2015
MWF, 11:00am – 11:50 am, CFA 110
4
For this assignment you are required to visit the Nevada Museum of Art,
and give an assessment of the museum, and at least three exhibits. Prompt
on Webcampus.
**DUE April 6
th
b. Final Paper (150 points, including abstract and outline)
Your paper will be a combination of research and analysis, based on a post
1950 artist/installment/collaboration of your choosing (excepting those we
cover in class). In the coming weeks you will receive a more detailed
description of this assignment. Your paper should be between 6 and 8 pages.
DUE: May 4
th
5.
In-‐Class Presentation (100 points)
You are required to give a short (10 minute) joint presentation towards the
end of the semester on an interdisciplinary collaboration (I will assign these).
More information will be provided in class. Weeks 14-15
6.
Participation (50 points)
I will occasionally require you to complete short in-‐class or take-‐home
assignments. In addition to this, your demeanor, attendance, punctuality, attitude,
and preparedness are all reflections of your participation.
Class Policies and Procedures:
Late assignments: Late papers will not be accepted unless you have a legitimate, documented
reason.
Attendance: Regular attendance is critical to your success in this class (remember, you can’t
participate if you aren’t in class!). I will take attendance daily.
Unacceptable Behavior:
•
Disruptive talking
•
Texting, reading the newspaper, etc.
•
Anything else that shows disrespect for your classmates and/or me.
Academic Honesty:
Plagarism is defined by the Office of Student Conduct as “submitting the language, ideas,
thoughts or work of another as one's own; or assisting in the act of plagiarism by allowing
one's work to be used in this fashion”.
SOTA 101
Introduction to the Arts
Spring 2015
MWF, 11:00am – 11:50 am, CFA 110
5
Don’t cheat. You will get caught, and the consequences are very serious, ranging from failure in
this class to expulsion from the university. For UNR’s Academic Dishonesty Procedures, see
http://www.unr.edu/student-‐conduct/policies/university-‐policies-‐and-‐guidelines/academic-‐
standards/policy
ADA Statement:
Individuals with disabilities are entitled to appropriate accommodations. Please contact me,
or the Disability Resource Center (Thompson Building, Suite 101; 784-‐6000), during the first
week of classes if you are in need of such accommodations.
*
*
*
The instructor of this course is committed to teaching equitably and inclusively, addressing the
academic needs, concerns, and interests of every student, regardless of age, gender, race/ethnicity,
religion, social class, sexual orientation, English language proficiency, or disability.
TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE (this outline is subject to change)
***Students are expected to read the assigned material before class meetings
WEEK 1: Introduction
January 21
st
: What is “art”? Is this art?
Introduction
January 23
rd
: Aesthetics; Arguments, Morality
Clowney, “Philosophers and Artists on Art”
(weblink with links to philosophers and artists, and an explanation of their aesthetic
viewpoints. Be prepared to discuss at least one philosopher and one artist).
WEEK 2: Art Structures
January 26
th
: Music
Reading: Small, “Prelude” from Musicking
January 28
th
: The Visual Arts
SOTA 101
Introduction to the Arts
Spring 2015
MWF, 11:00am – 11:50 am, CFA 110
6
Reading: Sayre, from A World of Art (pgs. xxvi-‐35)
January 30
th
: Theater and Dance
Reading: Leach, “Performance” from Theater Studies: The Basics
Kassing, “Tools For Capturing Dance from the Past,” from Dance History: An Introduction
WEEK 3: Highbrow/Lowbrow
February 2
rd
: The Hierarchization of the Arts
Reading: Shiner, “Preface” and “Introduction,” from The Invention of Art
Examples: Art vs. Craft
February 4
th:
The Imaginary Museum of Musical Works
Reading: Scruton, “Absolute Music” (Grove Music);
Marsalis/Walser, “The Neoclassical Agenda”
Examples: Beethoven, Bach, Brahms; Marsalis and Lincoln Center Jazz
February 6
th
: Dance, Theater, and Museum Culture
Reading: DiMaggio, “Dance: from Ancillary to Art” from Cultivating Differences: Symbolic
Boundaries and the Making of Inequality;
Shiner, “Shakespeare, Jonson, and the ‘Work’” in The Invention of Art
Examples: Ballet in the 20
th
century; Shakespeare
WEEK 4: Art and the “Degenerate”
February 9
th
: “Degenerate” Art in the Nazi Era
Reading: Barron, “Modern Art and Politics in Prewar Germany” from Degenerate Art: The
Fate of the avant-garde in Nazi Germany
Examples: The “Degenerate Art” Exhibition, 1937
February 11
th
: “Degenerate” Art, cont.
Reading: Taruskin, “Music’s Dangers, and the Case for Control” (in the NY Times, Dec.,
2001)
Examples: The “Degenerate Music” Exhibit, 1938; Brecht
SOTA 101
Introduction to the Arts
Spring 2015
MWF, 11:00am – 11:50 am, CFA 110
7
February 13
th
: Guiliani vs The Brooklyn Museum
Reading: Holman, “The Art of Controversy” (PBS NewsHour)
Examples: Chris Ofili, “The Holy Virgin Mary”
WEEK 5: “Degenerate Art” Cont.
February 16
th
: NO CLASSES (President’s Day)
February 18
th
: “Degenerate” Art, cont.
Reading: Taruskin, “Music’s Dangers, and the Case for Control” (in the NY Times, Dec.,
2001)
Examples: The “Degenerate Music” Exhibit, 1938; Brecht
February 19
th
: Guiliani vs The Brooklyn Museum
Reading: Holman, “The Art of Controversy” (PBS NewsHour)
Examples: Chris Ofili, “The Holy Virgin Mary”
WEEK 6: Art and Judgment: the Phenomenon of “Taste”; Art, Cultural Identity, and Diaspora
February 23
rd
: Music We Love/Music We Hate
Reading: Wilson, “Let’s Talk About Hate,” “Let’s Talk About Pop,” and “Let’s Talk About
Who’s Got Bad Taste,” from Let’s Talk About Love: a Journey to the End of Taste
Examples: Celine Dion, “My Heart Will Go On”; Elliot Smith, “Miss Misery”
February 25
th
: Broadway vs “Legit” Theater
Examples: Pygmalion (Shaw); My Fair Lady (Lerner and Loewe)
February 27
th
: Asian American Experience
SOTA 101
Introduction to the Arts
Spring 2015
MWF, 11:00am – 11:50 am, CFA 110
8
Reading: Lee, “Solo Performance” in A History of Asian American Theater
Examples: Dan Kwong, excerpts: “It’s Great 2B American,” “Station Wagons of Life,” “Once
We Wanted”
WEEK 7: Art, Cultural Identity, and Diaspora; Gender and Art
March 2
nd
: Borderlands
Reading: “A Conversation with Demián Flores” (Drawn to Language; USC: Fisher Museum
Guide)
Examples: Demián Flores and Lila Downs’s Pecados y Milagros
March 4
th
: African Diaspora in Dance
Gottschild, “Barefoot and Hot, Sneakered and Cool: Africanist Subtexts in Modern and
Postmodern Dance” from Digging the Africanist Presence in American Performance: Dance
and Other Contexts
Examples: Modern dancers (Graham, de Mille); Tap/Savion Glover
March 6
th
: The Male Dancer
Reading: Burt, “Gender Norms and Binary Ways of Thinking” from The Male Dancer: Bodies,
Spectacle, Sexualities
Examples: Nijinsky; Ballets Russes; Baryshnikov
WEEK 8: Gender and the Arts
March 9
th
: Gender Disparity in Classical Music
Reading: Ross, “Women, Gays, and Classical Music”
“Even the Score” (both from The New Yorker)
Examples: Rosters of the top orchestras in the U.S., etc.
March 11
th
: The 19
th
Century Stage
Reading: Senelick, “Boys and Girls Together: Subcultural Origins of Glamour Drag and Male
Impersonation on the 19
th
-‐century Stage”
SOTA 101
Introduction to the Arts
Spring 2015
MWF, 11:00am – 11:50 am, CFA 110
9
March 13
th
: MIDTERM EXAM!
(**1
st
Two PERFORMING ARTS VISITATION PAPERS DUE BY THIS DATE**)
WEEK 9:
SPRING BREAK!! (no classes)
WEEK 10: Art and the Brain; Art and Childhood
March 23
rd
: Music and the Brain
Reading: Sachs, “Music on the Brain” and “Brainworms, Sticky Music, and Catchy Tunes”
from Musicophilia
Examples: Interviews/examples from Sachs’s case studies
March 25
th
: Art and the Brain
Kandel, “What The Brain Can Tell Us About Art” (NY Times)
March 27
th
: The “Discovery” of Childhood
Reading: Ariès, “The Discovery of Childhood” from Centuries of Childhood
Examples: Medieval vs. Renaissance masters: Madonna and Child
WEEK 11: Art and Consumer Culture
March 30
th
: The Megamusical
Reading: Sternfeld, “Everything is Show Biz: The Megamusical and Broadway in the 21
st
Century” from The Megamusical
April 1
st
: The Performance-based Reality Show
Ewen, “The Marriage Between Art and Commerce,” from All Consuming Images
Examples: from So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing with the Stars, American Idol, etc.
April 3
rd
: TBA (tentative guest lecture)
SOTA 101
Introduction to the Arts
Spring 2015
MWF, 11:00am – 11:50 am, CFA 110
10
WEEK 12: Arts Organizations
April 6
th
: The Art Museum
**NEVADA MUSEUM OF ART VISITATION/PAPER DUE**
Reading: Zolberg, “’An Elite Experience for Everyone’: Art Museums, The Public, and
Cultural Literacy”
April 8
th
: Non-Profit Organizations
Reading: Cohen, Schaffer, Davidson, “Arts and Economic Prosperity: The Economic Impact
of Non-‐Profit Arts Organizations and Their Audiences”
April 10
th
: The NEA Four
WEEK 13: Art and the Postmodern; The “End of Art”: The Progress Model
April 13
th
: Postmodern Dance
Reading: Kassing, “New Directions in Postmodern Dance” from Dance History: An
Introduction
April 15
th
: What Next?
Reading: Danto, “The End of Art”
Tommasini, “Lessons in a Year of Crisis”
April 17
th
: Intro to Interdisciplinary Collaborations
Reading: Moran, “Defining Interdisciplinarity” from Interdisciplinarity
WEEK 14: Interdisciplinarity: PRESENTATIONS
April 20
th
: Presentations
April 22
nd
: Presentations
April 24
th
: NO CLASSES (Jazz Festival)
SOTA 101
Introduction to the Arts
Spring 2015
MWF, 11:00am – 11:50 am, CFA 110
11
WEEK 15: PRESENTATIONS
April 27
th
: Presentations
April 29
th
: Presentations/Art Salon
TBA
May 1
st
: Art Salon
TBA
WEEK 16
May 4
th
: Review/wrap-up
**FINAL PAPER DUE
(**FINAL PERFORMING ARTS VISITATION RESPONSE DUE BY THIS DATE**)
May 6
th
: Dead Day
May 13
th
: FINAL EXAM
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