VPA


VISUAL & PERFORMING ART COURSES

VPA 101 (3) - Introduction to Interdisciplinary Arts      
Introduction to Interdisciplinary Arts Introduction to the visual and performing arts: visual art, arts and technology, music, theatre, and dance. Attention is given to the aesthetic and formal issues of art-making alongside historical, cultural, political, and social issues. Discussions focus on race, class, gender, and sexuality in order to contextualize the historical and cultural significance of each artist and their work. Students experience creating art directed towards self and cultural expression. Taught through a variety of artistic mediums in dialogue with one another.     
            
VPA 180 (3) - Topics in the Arts     
Selected topics in the introduction to the visual and performing arts (dance, music, theatre, visual Arts); for example, a basic survey of the history of music, theatre, art and others.  May be repeated for credit as topics change for a total of six (6) units.

VPA 181 (3) - Studio Work in the Arts     
Introduction to studio experience in the visual and performing arts. Exploration of fundamental concepts of dance, music, theatre, and the visual arts through basic studio processes such as acting fundamentals, music fundamentals, drawing, basic movement, and dance.  May be repeated for credit as topics change for a total of six (6) units.

VPA 302 (3) - The Process of Art I     
The first of a two-semester sequence exploring the elements, forms, functions, and meaning of the visual and performing arts in their socio-cultural context. Examines how artistic forms interact with each other and with other cultural elements to contribute to the shaping of a society’s development. Case studies will utilize classical art traditions and traditional and folk art forms representing many different cultures from throughout the world. Students will be exposed to a comparative view of the various ways that cultures around the globe (including the United States) express the meaning and value of life. Prerequisites: Completion of twenty-one (21) lower-division units sequence in the arts and consent of instructor.      
               
VPA 311 (3) - Arts of World Cultures     
Explores contemporary world cultural practices ranging from indigenous expressions to new electronic forms in a global and multi-disciplinary context. Encompasses the arts from regional cultures throughout the world, including Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe examined through the multiple view-points of gender, race, class, and sexuality. Explores diverse cultural practices shaped by memories and aspirations as well as by personal collective, and mythic histories. These cultural practices offer transformative paradigms for social engagement and creativity. The exploration of global art theories and practices will assist students in developing their analytical, perceptual, and creative skills. This exploration, in turn, will encourage student to expand the power, clarity and range of their own voices and visions.     
            
VPA 320 (3) - Culture of India through Dance, Music, and Film     
Designed to give an insight into the understanding of the culture of India through the appreciation of dance, music, and film. The subcontinent of India is diverse with different languages, customs and traditions, dress, and values which is reflected in the different art forms present therein. The uniqueness of the various performing arts is shown in the subtle yet clear distinctiveness found in the music and dance forms of the north, south, east and west of India. The course is divided into several sections and will be taught with the help of videos, films, audio tapes, and also guest artists, who will perform lecture-demonstrations.     
            
VPA 321 (3) - Learning Through the Arts     
Seeks to develop the student both personally and professionally, recognizing the interrelationship between these two elements in art instruction. Three areas of focus include introducing arts experiences to children, integrating arts into classroom content, and providing a framework for the (elementary) student to experience the process of art. May not be taken for credit by students who have received credit for VPA 380D.     
            
VPA 380 (3) - Topics in the Arts
Selected topics in the visual and performing arts (dance, music, theatre, visual arts), for example, theories of the visual arts, urban aesthetics, African-American music, images of women in the arts, and others. May be repeated for credit as topics change for a total of six (6) units. Students should check the Class Schedule for listing of actual topics.     
            
VPA 381 (3) - Studio Work in the Arts     
Studio experience in the visual and performing arts. Exploration of basic concepts of dance, music, theatre, or the visual arts through various studio processes such as drawing, group instrumental lessons, dance movement, or acting. May be repeated for credit as topics change for a total of six (6) units.     
            
VPA 402 (3) - Multidisciplinary Collaborative Projects     
Students will be guided through a series of structural, problem-solving exercises designed to equip them to complete collaborative projects in the arts. The projects will be idea-or theme-centered and require a high level of cooperation from the involved students. The primary disciplines included in the project will be music, the visual arts, and theatre; may also include film, video, and movement. Special emphasis will be placed on the notion of “inclusion: and therefore materials can be drawn from traditional classical cultures, pop materials, electronic sounds and or images, text, and folk art forms. Prerequisites: VPA 302, 303 and consent of instructor.

VPA 403 (3) - Art in the Community     
Provides the student an opportunity to demonstrate his/her ability to integrate the principles, practices, and other experiences acquired in the program beyond individual coursework. Students will learn and apply field research techniques, theory, and appropriate methodologies as well as the operation of field equipment. Emphasis will be placed on the immediate communities of North County as an area of field activity. As a field research experience, the course is designed to enhance the student’s understanding of the ethnography of our communities and the role of the arts in the lives of the people. It also will encourage individual and collective creativity in the syntheses of the arts. Prerequisites: VPA 302, 303, and 402 and consent of instructor.  

VPA 425 (3) Capstone Workshop
Workshop/class designed for Visual & Performing Arts graduating seniors who will be working on their culminating projects. May not be taken for credit by students who have received credit for VPA380K.       
            
VPA 495A (1) 495B (2) 495C (3) - Internship     
Special projects in the arts that focus on work experience with arts organizations, schools, and other community institutions. May be repeated for a total of three (3) units. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor     
            
VPA 498A (1) 498B (2) 498C (3) - Special Projects in the Arts     
Special independent projects in the arts. May be in research or studio area. May be repeated for a total of six (6) units. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.