Program Codes:
THE.AFA
Associate in Fine Arts Degree
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The Associate in Fine Arts (A.F.A.) offers the first two years of concentrated study in studio courses for students planning to transfer to a visual arts, theatre, or music baccalaureate program. As a fine arts major, the student may choose to concentrate in either theater, art or music.
Below are required courses and recommended course groupings and sequences for program completion. Courses may have prerequisites and corequisite requirements. Check course descriptions for details.
An investigation of the on-stage and backstage elements of contemporary theatre, film and television. Emphasis on the collaboration of performers, writers, directors, designers and technicians and the role of the audience. Attendance at professional and college productions is required.
Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing documented essays. Extensive reading materials serve as structural models and as the bases for discussion and for the writing of essays involving response, analysis, and synthesis.
RDG-011 may be taken as a co-requisite if not previously completed with a grade of "C" or better.
A study of the development of twentieth century theatre art from Realism to New Theatre eclectic styles. The background and evolution of Realism, Expressionism, Theatre of the Absurd and current theatre movements are explored. Required of theatre majors, open to all students. Attendance at performances required.
Introduction to the theory and practice of public address; the study of representative public addresses and the preparation and delivery of short speeches.
The development of clear, logical and effective speech communication is the goal of this basic discussion and debate course. The focus will be on reasoned decision making with the context of a free society. Topics will draw upon social values, personal responsibility and/or ethical behavior. Speech presentations will include large group discussions, panel discussions and debates that emphasize the ability to work in a team environment.
Select one of the following History sequences:
HIS-121 and HIS-122 OR HIS-131 and HIS-132 OR HIS-221 and HIS-222
Recommended Sequence - HIS-131 and HIS-132
Basic techniques of theatrical communication. Pantomime and improvisational exercises for perception and self-awareness. Use of the voice and body to interpret emotion and project characterization. Practical application through learning to approach the performing of scenes. Attendance at performances required.
A grade of “C” or better in ENG-121
Select one of the following History sequences:
HIS-121 and HIS-122 OR HIS-131 and HIS-132 OR HIS-221 and HIS-222
Recommended Sequence - HIS-131 and HIS-132
Choose one 3-credit Mathematics or Science course designated in the course descriptions as General Education MST (GE MST).
Further development of the basic techniques of theatrical communication. Learning to externalize through stage movement. Scene study to utilize clues in the script to fulfill the author's or director's intent. Study of the director-actor-audience relationship. Practical application through rehearsal and performance of one-act plays. Attendance at performances required.
A theatre course in the basic physical elements of theatre stagecraft with particular emphasis on set construction. Practical application of theoretical knowledge in the theatre shop and college productions. Required of Theatre majors. Attendance at professional and college productions is required.
Choose courses designated in the course descriptions as General Education Humanities (GE HUM).
Recommended - ENG-234 - Introduction to Shakespeare
Choose two modern language courses in sequence from either: CHN, FRE, GER, HIN, ITA or SPA. For students who completed at least two years of high school study in one modern language, their level of language will be determined by a placement test (excluding SPA-242).
This course defines computers and computer applications and their use in business, industry and government. Students completing this course will be computer fluent. Students will understand the capabilities and limitations of computers and know how to use them. In addition, students will understand computers and their ethical, legal and societal implications. Topics include the history of computers, hardware devices, software programs, terminology, privacy of information, ethical behavior and the influence of computers on people and society. Hands-on experience includes: using a Windows operating system, a word processor, designing and implementing spreadsheets and producing presentations. This course is recommended for anyone who will be involved with computers and the use of computer application software.
Choose two modern language courses in sequence from either: CHN, FRE, GER, HIN, ITA or SPA. For students who completed at least two years of high school study in one modern language, their level of language will be determined by a placement test (excluding SPA-242)..
A study of theatre as an art form with an emphasis on production practices in the Golden Ages of theatre: Greek, Roman, Medieval, Renaissance and Restoration. Representative plays, theatres, acting, staging and design styles are explored. Required of theatre majors, open to all students. Attendance at performances required.
Choose courses designated in the course descriptions as General Education Social Science (GE SS).
Choose courses designated in the course descriptions as General Education Diversity (GE DIV).
A theatre course in the elements of play production including design concepts, two dimensional working drawings and scale model building and lighting techniques. Practical application of theoretical knowledge in the theatre shop and college productions. Required of Theatre majors. Attendance at professional and college productions is required.
Contact Name: Annie Hogan, department chair
Contact Phone: 732.906.2589
Contact Email: ahogan@middlesexcc.edu
Department Web:https://www.middlesexcc.edu/vpma/
Fine arts will provide a strong foundation in the creative field of choice as well as a well-rounded education with a generous range of liberal arts courses required by baccalaureate fine arts programs. Students create a body of work or enhance skills in a chosen field in ways that will assist them in being accepted into a competitive fine arts program at a four-year institution.
Algebra I is a prerequisite for all majors. Algebra I competency may be verified with a passing score on the College’s placement test or completion of the appropriate course.
Once students complete developmental coursework (if needed), the degree can be completed in two years of full-time study. They can shorten the amount of time by taking courses in the summer and winter sessions.