Spring 2026 Course Search

Piano Lab: Piano Improv for Beginners — MIN2361.01

Instructor: Chris Rose
Days & Time: TU 4:10pm-6:00pm
Credits: 2

Instructor will provide musical prompts such as chordal patterns, melodic fragments, and rhythms as a basis for evocative and expressive improvisation. While we will learn some music theory terminology, the class will de-emphasize sheet music in order to focus on navigating the keyboard itself. All experience levels are welcome.

Visual Arts Lecture Seminar — VA4218.01

Instructor: Vanessa Lyon
Days & Time: TU 4:10pm-6:00pm
Credits: 2

This discussion-animated, readings-based seminar provides art historical, cultural, and critical contexts for the Visual Arts Lecture Series (VALS). In addition to our ongoing interrogation of the public lecture as such, students present their own work (in any field) and analyze the technical and stylistic aspects of structuring an effective and engaging ‘talk.’ The course provides unique opportunities for interaction with visiting artists, curators, critics, and historians.

Readings in Sound — MSR2214.01

Instructor: Cristian Amigo
Days & Time: TU 4:10pm-6:00pm
Credits: 2

This seminar course investigates the cultural, philosophical, and aesthetic dimensions of sound through critical readings, listening exercises, and discussions. Drawing from fields such as sound studies, media theory, musicology, literature, and art, Readings in Sound challenges students to consider how sound shapes experience, knowledge, identity, and space.

Tickling the Clock — MSR4375.01

Instructor: Nicholas Brooke
Days & Time: TU 4:10pm-6:00pm
Credits: 2

An advanced course in sonic contraptions, for students who have already completed significant work in sound, visual design, or project management.  Starting with Collins’ Hardware Hacking, we’ll review soldering, circuit bending (i.e. “tickling the clock”), and associated topics, such as no-input mixing and basic circuit tinkering. We will look at alternative methods of physical sound creation through programming languages and mechanical paradigms such as solenoids and sensors.

Queer French (in English) — FRE2109.02

Instructor: Stephen Shapiro
Days & Time: MO,TH 1:40pm-3:30pm
Credits: 2

In this course, we will examine French culture’s engagement with questions of sexuality and gender, with a focus on authors, artists, theorists, and others who have questioned ideas of normative sexuality from the Middle Ages through the 21st century. Authors and texts to be studied may include Marie de France, Gabrielle d’Estrées et l'une de ses soeurs, Montaigne, l’Abbé de Choisy, Charles Perrault (La Belle au bois dormant), le Chevalier d’Eon, Virginie Despentes, Paul Preciado, Wendy Delorme, Abdellah Taïa, Edouard Louis, Bambi (Sebastian Lifshitz), and Parole de King (Chriss Lag).