Business Administration - John F. Kennedy University

College of
Undergraduate Studies
College of Undergraduate Studies Course Descriptions
arts & Consciousness [a&C] Courses
These courses are offered on the Berkeley campus.
a&C 4020 history of Contemporary art 3
Examination and discussion of art since 1980. Concepts and
philosophies which define the art of “now” are examined in depth.
Study of current trends and ideas and their impact on students’
artwork is emphasized. Slide lectures, assigned reading, and
independent research papers are required.
a&C 4022 art of the World 3
A survey of world art from the Paleolithic to Early Modern era.
Emphasis is placed on diverse cultural perspectives and compari sons
of various cultural approaches to art and its place in culture.
Comparisons of east Asian, Islamic, European, and tribal art will be
the central focus of the course. Slide lectures, assigned read ing, and
independent research papers are required.
a&C 4024 Modern art 3
This course explores European Modernism and its impact on world
culture and contemporary ideas of art and creativity. Ideas such as
automatism, expressionism, abstraction, and conceptual ism will be
examined as a way of contextualizing and clarifying the role of
contemporary art in society.
a&C 4307 Visual Communications a 3
An introduction to the skills and conceptual foundations of effective
visual communications. Using a combination of digital and
traditional art materials, the class will explore the technical tools and
philosophical assumptions regarding the nature of communication
through symbol, image, text, color, and compo sition. Through
weekly assignments and critiques, class members will develop skills
and insights needed for further exploration of the field. Basic
competence in appropriate digital media will be a central outcome
as will broadened awareness and ability in the use of cultural
signifiers and signs in visual art.
a&C 4308 Visual Communications B 3
Continuation of work in A&C 4307, this course emphasizes advanced
skills in digital image-making. Develops further ability to integrate
conceptual skills into development of powerful and effective visual
images. Expands digital skills to include website design and the use
of appropriate software for the creation of basic online venues for
visual communication. Individual projects and individual work with
the instructor strengthen the links between graphic work and
primary artistic interests and direction for each student. Students
develop improved technical ability and clearly marketable career
skills in design and digital art.
a&C 4338 introduction to Performance art,
improvisation, and Poetics 3
An introduction to the foundational modalities, practices, and
contexts of movement, improvisation, and poetics as solo and
ensemble explorations in performance. Using the body and voice as
the primary media of expression, the class will introduce students to
the basic forms and traditions of movement, improvisation, and
poetics as a gateway into personal and social transformation. The
class will provide ample structures and opportunities for creative
experimentation and self-discovery. We will strengthen the
mind-body connection and deepen intuitive impulses, exploring a
range of traditions in the per forming arts.
a&C 4510 Visual Culture a 3
An exploration of the relationship between art and culture,
specifically pertaining to the visual arts. Using examples from a
variety of societies, the notions of visuality and representation as
integral to the concept of culture will be discussed. of central
importance will be the presentation of the visual cultures devel oped
from the time of modernity to the present. Some of the issues
discussed will be the development of different technolo gies and their
impact on ethics, concepts of ownership authen ticity, representation,
and the making of societies of spectacle. First part of a two-quarter
sequence.
a&C 4520 Visual Culture B 3
The second part of the two-quarter visual culture requirement, this
course will combine studio work and the study of ethnogra phy.
Students will examine diverse cultures and select one in particular,
either contemporary or historical, from which to create original
artwork made with that culture’s cultural perspec tives and
philosophical perspectives. Students will work in any media of their
choice. Specific cultural requirements and formal expectations will
be carefully considered in discussion and evaluation of student
artwork.
a&C 4530 art, archetype, and Creative Process 3
An examination of individual identity within the context of history,
cultural philosophy, and creative process. Strong empha sis is placed
on the making of images and objects as tools for self-inquiry. Links
between creativity, spirituality, and the physical process of
object-making will be explored in depth. Relationships between
meaning, aesthetic intent, and psychological archetype will be
examined through class work and out-of-class assign ments. A variety
of creative modalities such as drawing, painting, sound, performance,
and language will be used. Intensive self-examination, studio
practice, and academic study will help students explore the universal
dimensions of their individual artwork.
a&C 4660 individual Mentorship 1–5
Individual studio practice with an approved mentor selected from a
network of working visual artists in the Bay Area is provided.
Students meet individually with mentors several times over the
course of the quarter to develop technical, conceptual, and
professional skills. A written assessment of the mentorship is
required.
a&C 4665 Mentorship extension 1–3
Students are permitted to continue working on an individual,
community, or group mentorship without incurring an incom plete.
a&C 4670 Media of Sacred arts 1–3
varying courses explore the relationship between creativity and
spiritual practice. Courses highlight the creation of art intended
specifically for sacred and transformative process. various courses
will focus on mask-making, music, movement, or mixed media in
the creation of sacred art. Courses address the use of sacred art from
diverse cultural settings. Students are engaged in studio assignments.
This course may be retaken for additional credit.
a&C 4675 group Studio Practice 1–3
Group studio practice involves any of a variety of courses that address
the formal, technical, and experiential aspects of art-making. varying
courses exploring the transpersonal aspects of drawing, painting,
52 College of Undergraduate Studies Courses JoHN F. KENNEDy UNIvERSITy