Introduction to International Arts

Catalog description

The arts of the world can be simultaneously universal and unique. By conveying qualities of the human condition (mortality, love, lust, virtues, vices, etc.) the arts can be universal. However, the arts communicating these qualities can be as unique as the cultures that produced them. Consequently, the arts are representative of the commonality and diversity of the peoples of the world. AA 100 will use the arts to consider similarities and differences among cultures. The primary objective of this course is to develop an appreciation of the arts from a variety of cultures. The scope of this course will be open to all arts from all cultures excluding the United States of America. Given how large a field of study this represents, the course will concentrate on but will not be limited to visual arts, architecture, designed environments, theatre, and music. It will not include all arts from all countries but rather, case studies will be used to provide an in-depth examination of specific examples. Individual case studies will be selected based on qualities indicative of the culture of origin. Care will be given to selecting case studies representative of a wide variety of cultures and time periods. Effort will be made to include examples from the Americas, Asia, Africa, Oceania, South America, and Europe. AA 100 satisfies Penn State's General Education Arts (GA) and International Cultures (IL) requirements and serves as the foundation course for the International Arts Minor in the College of Arts & Architecture.