Whether you are curious about studying the arts, need to fulfill Areas of Knowledge General Education requirements, or looking to further your education, these carefully selected courses are sure to transform and inspire you. Most of the courses listed below are open to all students and do not require prerequisites or previous experience.
Summer Courses
ART H 204: Impressionism and Post-Impressionism (Art History and Visual Culture)
Artists in the later 19th century created a radical style that came to be known as Impressionism. Post-Impressionism responded to the earlier style, with bolder colors and less naturalism. Meets I&S, VLPA Requirements Credits: 5
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ART H 212: Chinese Art and Visual Culture
Highlights of Chinese visual arts from Neolithic to present. Studies jade, bronze, lacquer, silk, Buddhist sculpture, ceramics, calligraphy, painting, architecture, film, installation arts. Meets I&S, VLPA Requirements Credits: 5
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ART H 270: Art/Identity/Politics: Issues of Representation in Contemporary Art
This class explores the representation of women and race in Western culture, LGBTQ+ arts, African American art and artists, contemporary American Indian arts, and The Culture Wars. Meets VLPA Requirement Credits: 5
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ART H 309: Vanguard Painting: Cézanne, Picasso, Mondrian (Topics in Art History)
It is exciting to see how Cézanne’s elimination of traditional perspective and even the notion of light shining in the imaginary space of painting emboldened Pablo Picasso and Piet Mondrian to push… Meets VLPA Requirement Credits: 5
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ART H 311: Arts of Imperial China
Painting was important in 4th–17th century China. Topics include political forces, regional geography, social structure, gender, traditional philosophies, and religious/spiritual influences. Meets I&S, VLPA Requirements Credits: 5
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DESIGN 166: Design Foundations
Learn the basics of two- and three-dimensional design including composition, organization, problem solving, and much more. A rare opportunity to take this class during summer quarter. Meets VLPA Requirement Credits: 5
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DXARTS 200: Digital Art and New Media: History, Theory, and Practice
Explores creative, theoretical, & historical perspectives of New Media Art. Students cultivate their own artistic vision through video lectures, online discussions and creative assignments. Meets VLPA Requirement Credits: 5
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Jacob Lawrence Gallery Practicum: Curating Contemporary Art : ART 496A or ART History 498A
This practicum offers students professional experience learning and working in a major Seattle Gallery. Credits: 5
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MUSIC 161: American Musical Theater
Explore some of the greatest works of American Musical Theater in this course examining history and development of the form. Meets VLPA Requirement Credits: 5
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MUSIC 325: Music in Cinema
Dig into the role of music and sound design in cinematic storytelling in this survey of film soundtracks from the past one hundred years. Meets VLPA Requirement Credits: 5
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Music 390: Expressions of Social Justice in Choral Music
Explore the power of music to effect social change in this course taught by a noted UW choral composer specializing in works on socially relevant topics. Meets VLPA Requirement Credits: 3
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ART H 273: History and Theory of Photography
Is it possible to imagine a world without photography? It informs and impacts so much of our lives today. Learn its history from the early 19th century to digital imagery. Meets I&S, VLPA Requirements Credits: 5
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ART H 400A: Topic: Art and Seattle: Jacob Lawrence
Learn about Seattle's own Jacob Lawrence. One of the most influential artists of the 20th century. Meets VLPA Requirement Credits: 5
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ARTS 180: The Power of the Arts
Employers value the experiential learning received by those with visual and performing arts degrees. Even if you don't choose an arts major, engagement in the arts is important for everyone. Meets VLPA Requirement Credits: 2
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DANCE 232 : Butoh Practice: Dance for Healing & Transformation
Learn about the history and evolution of Butoh, the expressionist dance and underground art born in Japan after WW3. Meets VLPA Requirement Credits: 1
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DANCE 490 (A): Dancing Migrations: Tracing Mexico's Points of Access & Departure
Learn the ways in which dance has adapted and transformed on account of migration and cross-cultural exchanges through a Mexican perspective. Meets VLPA Requirement Credits: 3
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DRAMA 180: Collaboration and Inclusion
Explore different styles of working with people. Students will learn to shape an effective environment for communication and collaboration for creation, problem solving and/or discovery. Meets VLPA Requirement Credits: 5
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DRAMA 215: Visual Thinking
How are images constructed to work with and against the way we see? This course is for anyone interested in expanding creativity - scientists, writers, visual artists, and theater makers. Meets VLPA Requirement Credits: 5
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DRAMA 261: Acting Tools for Professional Presentation
Through physical, vocal, mental and emotional warmups, students will identify their own personal values and approaches to being a professional communicator in any communication setting. Meets VLPA Requirement Credits: 5
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DRAMA 270: Ten Plays that Changed the World
Introduction to a variety of socially and politically impactful plays that have shaped and changed the world, explore theatre and representations of race and methodologies of social change. Meets VLPA Requirement Credits: 5
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DXARTS 490A: Photogrammetric Modeling
Photogrammetry is the process of making digital 3D models from 2D images. Credits: 5
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DXARTS 490B: Post-Internet Art
Examines historical and recent examples of Internet Art, as well as the emergence of Post-Internet aesthetics. Credits: 3
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MUSEN 100B: Gospel Choir
Sing and experience the sacred music of the African American tradition in this digital choral ensemble open to all UW students. Meets VLPA Requirement Credits: 1
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MUSIC 200: Music, Child, and Family
Take a deep dive into the profound effects of musical experiences in the home on children’s cultural, social, and intellectual development from infancy through middle childhood. Meets VLPA Requirement Credits: 3
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MUSIC 390A: Roots and Routes of Rap
Explore the profound societal impacts of rap music in African-American culture and beyond through readings, discussions, and active workshops on writing lyrics, creating beats, and more. Meets VLPA Requirement Credits: 3
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