Guidelines for Enrollment
FRESHMEN
Should enroll in Aesthetics, Comparative Arts Seminar, and additional 1-2 arts hours per semester, experiencing at least two different arts disciplines over the course of the year.
SOPHOMORES
Should enroll in Aesthetics, Comparative Arts Seminar, and additional 2-3 arts hours per semester, experiencing at least two different arts disciplines over the course of the year.
JUNIORS
Should enroll in Aesthetics, Comparative Arts Seminar, and additional 3-4 arts hours per semester, experiencing at least three different arts disciplines over the course of the year.
SENIORS
Should enroll in Aesthetics, Comparative Arts Seminar, and additional 3-4 arts hours per semester, experiencing at least three different arts disciplines over the course of the year.
POST-GRADUATES
Should enroll in Aesthetics, Comparative Arts Seminar, and additional 3-4 arts hours per semester, experiencing at least three different arts disciplines over the course of the year.
Comparative Arts Courses
Aesthetics
Aesthetics is the core class for comparative arts majors. The curriculum changes each year and focuses on the creative act through in-depth analysis of significant philosophies and works from all arts areas. Possible topics include: art theory, romanticism, modernism, and art for social change.
Text/Materials Needed:
To be determined by instructor. Texts will change yearly to accommodate the curriculum.
Creative Process
The Creative Process course examines the act of artistic creation across multiple arts disciplines. Students are actively engaged in creating individual and group projects while drawing on their artistic and academic instruction in other disciplines.
Annual Project
An annual project gives students an outlet to channel their own creative energies while receiving support and guidance from the Interlochen faculty. The self-directed projects allow students to cultivate their own skills and interests while synthesizing multiple arts and academic disciplines. All annual projects contain a written component along with a presentation, which could include a performance or demonstration given to students and faculty. Previous project examples include: writing and directing an original play; developing a series of interrelated poems and photographs; developing an original animation based on research into anime; composing original pieces based on the history of the saxophone; and creating an installation based on historical views of women in society.
Additional Projects
Additional Projects provide comparative arts students with multiple creative outlets throughout the year. Students develop production skills while working with the award-winning Interlochen Public Radio staff to create hour-long programs. Students also work together to create two salon events in which they draw on their artistic skills and interests to create presentations based on specific themes.
Additional Coursework by Arts Area
Comparative artists will take multiple arts courses each semester and are encouraged to participate in a wide variety of classes. There is also a possibility that students will be able to take an independent study with a specific focus of their own choosing. Students choose from a variety of classes which may include:
Creative Writing
- Elements of Poetry
- Elements of Fiction
- Playwriting
- Introduction to Screenwriting
- Ekphrastic Writing
- Literary Publication
- Writer in Residence Elective
Dance
- General Dance
Motion Picture Arts
- Story
- Introduction to Cinema
- Great Directors
Music
- Orchestra*
- Band*
- Music Foundations
- Choir
- Class Piano
- Class Guitar
- Chamber Music*
- Jazz History
- Jazz Combo*
- Other Ensembles*
Theatre
- Acting Foundations
- Elements of Production
- Fundamentals of Design
- Dance for Musical Theatre
- Song for Musical Theatre
- Song and Dance Lab
- Acting Technique*
Visual Arts
- Visual Literacy
- Color Theory
- 20th Century Art History
- Renaissance Art History
- Curatorial Practices
- The Structure of Drawing
- Painting Techniques
- Introduction to Photography
- Fiber Properties and Structure
- Metalsmithing Techniques
- Sculptural Forms
*Prerequisites or audition required