Department of Fine and Performing Arts

FPA 230. Introduction to Acting
Theories of acting, exercises in sense impression and pantomime, concern with actor as creative instrument, basic techniques of stage movement, and make-up. Required theatre practicum by participation in departmental theater production (assigned work in scenery, lighting, properties, sound, costuming, publicity, rehearsal and performance.) Required attendance at NY City theater event. Reports and performance final. 3 credits. FS

FPA 235. Music in Film and Video
An overview of the evolution and use of music in film before and after the introduction of the sound track. The role of music will be studied and discussed using selected examples of recorded films. Original compositions for films will be stressed, as well as innovative uses of existing scores. Required attendance at NY City film, music or museum event.
3 credits. N

FPA 240. Introduction to World Dance Forms
This course examines the confluence of factors that affected the development of dance forms in selected Western and non-Western societies through lecture, viewing, writing and discussion. Emphasis includes the dances of India, Japan, the Middle East, Ireland and the British Isles. Dance viewing at Iona College and in New York City. 3 credits. N

FPA 244. Introduction to Ballet
An introduction to the art of ballet. Course work includes study of ballet technique and history from classical to contemporary forms. Attendance at performances is required. 3 credits. N

FPA 245. Introduction to Choreography
This course introduces students to the investigation, study and practice of dance composition. Focus is placed on basic choreographic principles such as shape, space, time and structure. Emphasis on the development of individual movement vocabulary through improvisation as expressed in the performance of solo phrases, duets and group work. Further consideration is given to the ideas and choreography of influential choreographers. Student work, as well
as that of noted choreographers, is critiqued in classroom discussion and in written work. Classroom warm-up with an emphasis on fundamental principles of movement is given during each class. Required attendance at three NY City dance concerts and one on-campus. Final open studio showing of student dances is presented to an invited audience. 3 credits. N

FPA 246. Digital Photography and Image Manipulation
This course will introduce students to the process, methods and concepts of digital photography and the “virtual darkroom.” It is designed to develop the foundation for the visual literacy required to read, interpret and create the photographic images of the 21st century. Basic visual elements of design underlying all photography and applied photography are introduced. Students engage in the creative process of producing photographs with the digital
camera, learn to make “darkroom” adjustments on their images, and begin to explore the various techniques
of image manipulation. Students provide their own digital camera of 5.0 megapixels or greater. Visit to NYC museum required. 3 credits. FS, SU

FPA 250. Introduction to Modern Dance I
The principles and practice of modern dance. Focus on movement technique and expression, as well as the history and aesthetic beliefs of major contributors to the field. Attendance at performances is required. 3 credits. FS

FPA 257. Introduction to Dramatic Forms
Examination of theatrical writings from past to present as they attempt to communicate through live performance. Survey of changing theories and aesthetics of this art form, as well as critical responses. An attempt to evaluate theater’s role in American society today. Required theatre practicum and attendance at NY City theatre event. 3 credits. N

FPA 260. Introduction to Jazz Dance
Examination of the jazz dance idiom through movement, discussion, reading, writing and viewing. This course focuses on the development of jazz as a distinctly American art form, from its African roots to its ever-evolving present. Attendance at NY City performance is required. 3 credits. AY

FPA 275. Women in Dance
The course examines the contributions and innovations of women as choreographers, dancers, dance educators and dance critics. Focus is placed on how women have shaped the creation and profile of dance as an art form in the Western theater and what informs their artistic vision. Further consideration will be given to how society has evaluated, viewed, and at times directed the role of women in this discipline. Students attend two concerts; one in New York City and one at Iona College. Coursework involves lecture, discussion and viewing of dance works. 3 credits. N

FPA 298. Dance Outreach (Service Learning)
An exploration of creative approaches to integrating movement expression in the K-6 curriculum. Course work includes examination of basic movement principles and their applications in the classroom environment. Students will engage in on-site practical experiences. Service learning course. 3 credits. N

FPA 301. Ballet II
A continuation of Introduction to Ballet. Required attendance at NY City dance concert. Prerequisite: FPA 244. 3 credits. N

FPA 302. Introduction to Architecture
A survey of the basic principles of visual design as seen in architecture. Emphasis on creative thinking about space structure and style through the study of unique examples in the history of architecture. Questions about beauty and form relating to topics such as the cathedral, Bauhaus and the skyscraper. Studio work in drawing and learning to represent three-dimensional ideas graphically. 3 credits. N

FPA 304. Drawing and Painting II
A continuation of the principles and practice of drawing and painting begun in FAR 303 with emphasis on advanced techniques, new materials and personal expression. Required NY City museum/gallery visits. Prerequisite: FPA 203 or
permission of the department chair. 3 credits. N

FPA 305. Introduction to Acrylic Painting
The course is an introduction to acrylic painting, color relationships and the dynamics of pictorial space. Students will explore the technical and creative possibilities of acrylic painting on paper and canvas using the elements and principles of design and composition as guidelines. Actual studio experience, art appreciation, gallery study, individual and group critiques. Required NY City museum/gallery visits. Prerequisite: FPA 203 or permission of the department chair. 3 credits. N

FPA 310. Introduction to Watercolor
Discovering through study of theoretical and technical aspects and by practical application, the great potential of watercolor as a means of personal, cultural and artistic expression. Visit to NYC museum required. Prerequisite: FPA 203 or permission of the department chair. 3 credits. N

FPA 330. Jazz, Pop, Folk and Rock
The examination of each of these musical traditions and their interrelationships. 3 credits. N

FPA 331. Acting II
A continuation of Introduction to Acting. Script analysis and characterization; introduction to styles of acting and dialects; rehearsal and performance techniques. Required theater practicum by participation in departmental theater production (assigned work in scenery, lighting, properties, sound, costuming, publicity, rehearsal and performance.) Required attendance at NY City theater event. Performance mid-term and final. Prerequisite: FPA 230 or permission of department chair. 3 credits. N

FPA 340-343. Iona Dance Ensemble I, II, III, IV
This studio course focuses on reading, decoding, rehearsing, creating and performing original choreography. Students are not required to perform in the concert but are required to assist in the production. 3 credits. FS

FPA 351. Modern Dance II
Continuation of study and practice of modern dance with focus on contemporary contributions to the field. Prerequisite: FPA 250, or permission of the instructor: Attendance at NY City performances is required. 3 credits. N

FPA 391. Play Production: Theory and Application
An examination of the theory and practice of theatre and acting. Practical application includes participation in the Department of Performing Arts Theatre Productions. 3 credits. FS, SS, SU

FPA 430. Dance in a Cultural Context
The course examines the ideas and traditions that inform the choreography of contemporary dance artists. Students will attend four to seven dance concerts and performance events in New York City. This course involves lecture, readings, discussion and viewing. There is no movement practice. Required attendance at NY City dance concert. 3 credits. N

FPA 490, 491, 492, 497, 498, 499. Special Topics
These courses allow students to explore subjects not available in the regular fine arts curriculum. Offerings may include such courses as: Music and Religion, Religion and Art, Music and Technology, African Dance, African-Carribean Dance, Laban Movement Analysis, Figure Drawing and Painting, Museum Study, History of Art. 3 credits. N

FPA 493, 494, 495. Independent Study in Fine and Performing Arts
For intermediate to advanced students who wish to continue to explore a specific area of visual art, art history, museum study, music or dance under the guidance of a specific arts faculty member. Emphasis on depth of research and creative output, student motivation and self-discipline. By arrangement with participating faculty and approval of the department chair. Required NY City event/ museum attendance. 3 credits. N

FPA 496. Music in World Cultures
This course examines music in its socio-cultural context as a symbolic form of human expression. Music is viewed as a concept, a behavior, an art form as sound, drawing examples from diverse traditions outside of Western music. This course surveys the uses and functions of music in a wide range of cultures. Traditional and contemporary music are discussed. Required attendance at NY City music event. 3 credits. N

FPA 1130. Introduction to the Theater
An overview of the nature, purpose, and functions of theater, with focus on the historical differences and developments of the writing, acting, staging and audiences as a reflection of society’s influences. The study of theater spaces, theater personnel, and technical aspects of theater will be covered. Required attendance at NY City theater event. 3 credits. N

FPA 2000. Art Appreciation
An introduction to the general principles of design underlying the many and diverse forms of visual art. Issues of creativity, craftsmanship, expression, historical significance as seen in drawing, painting and sculpture from the prehistoric times to the contemporary scene in New York. Required NY City museum and gallery visits. 4 credits. N

FPA 2020. Music Appreciation
The technique of listening, including a study of the general principles underlying all musical form and the analysis and interpretation of these forms. Extended material covered in 19th century Western classical music through the 20th century. Directed at developing an ability to understand and enjoy music. Classroom use of recordings and live illustrations supplemented by required attendance at live performances. 4 credits. N

FPA 2135. Acting Workshop
Theories and exercises in basic acting techniques. Work with the body as a creative instrument; techniques of movement, make-up and overall performance. Preparation of scenes to evaluate progress. Required attendance at a NY City theatre event. 4 credits. N

FPA 2220. Dance Appreciation
An overview of the essential properties of dance through lecture, viewing, discussion, and the practice of movement. The course examines the context through which various traditions evolve, the approaches to dance construction/revision articulated by selected masters and the expressive commonality in diverse traditions and artists. Required attendance at NY City dance concerts. 4 credits. N

FPA 2491-4. Independent Study in Art, Music or Dance
An opportunity for advanced students to study a special area of interest on a one-to-one basis with a qualified faculty member. By special arrangement with instructor. 4 credits. N

FPA 3170. Modern Art Appreciation
An exploration of the development, practices and debates of modern, post-modern and contemporary thought and art of Western Europe and the United States. Slide lectures, required NY City museum/ gallery study, selected readings, research, discussion, film, videos and guest lectures. 4 credits. N

FPA 3200. Women and Art
This course is designed to disseminate much of the existing scholarship and to educate the student about the existence of a group of outstanding women artists. This course is useful to those enrolled in studio art, humanities and other women’s studies courses as it expands the student’s knowledge of the major issues concerning the historical position of women artists. Emphasis on 20th century women artists to give a better appreciation of the immense impact of women artists on the art world since the last half of the 19th century. The course is limited to the contributions of women artists in Western civilization. Slide lecture, readings, required NY City museum/gallery study, research, videos, films, guest lecturers. 4 credits. N

FPA 4970. Art and Photography
An introduction to the history and practice of photography with special emphasis on student selfexpression through digital camera techniques and basic image manipulation processes coupled with creative ideas and photographic concepts. Students will be guided through a “mastery list” of photo techniques and produce as a final project an original slide show combining images with music of their choice. Basic instruction in the use of the camera, imaging software, lighting, exposure principles, special techniques. Student provide their own digital camera (5 megapixel or greater). Required NY City museum visits. 4 credits. N

Course Offerings