45 courses with the subject FA, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
FA 101Art History: Caves to Cathedrals (IL)
Introductory survey of art and architecture from Prehistory through the European Middle Ages, including Ancient Near Eastern, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Late Antique, and Medieval art. This course also serves as an introduction to the methods and practices of Art History as an academic discipline. Classroom study is complemented by visits to Glencairn Museum. 3 Credits Course or Lab Fee: No
Introductory survey of art and architecture from the Renaissance era to the Present, including Renaissance and Baroque Art, Modern movements such as Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, Cubism, Dada, Abstract Expressionism and Pop-Art, and current examples in an ever-expanding canon. 3 Credits Course or Lab Fee: No
Introductory survey of art and architecture of Asia, Africa, and the Americas, considering material as diverse as Shang dynasty bronzes and Song and Ming dynasty hand- and hanging-scrolls in China, early Buddhist art and architecture and later painted screens in Japan, Aztec, Mayan, and Incan art in Central and South America, bronzes from the Kingdom of Benin, and masks and sculpture from the various peoples of West Africa. 3 Credits Course or Lab Fee: No
This course surveys the art of Medieval Europe, focusing on the evolution of sacred imagery and how it shapes and reflects the beliefs and perceptions of the period. Also covered are revivals of medieval style in nineteenth-century Europe and nineteenth- and twentieth-century America. Students study medieval objects in the collection of the Glencairn Museum. 3 Credits Course or Lab Fee: No
Introduction to basic metalworking techniques in fine metals, including cutting and piercing, soldering, chain links, and bezel settings. Course or Lab Fee: Yes
Introduction to artistic ironwork concentrating on hand-forged, wrought iron using traditional techniques. Inspired by the magnificent examples in Glencairn and Bryn Athyn Cathedral. Course or Lab Fee: Yes
A four-day intensive summer workshop. Instruction in basic forging techniques and introduction to the metal work in Glencairn Museum and Bryn Athyn Cathedral. 1 Credit Course or Lab Fee: No 36 – TOP Updated 08/01/2025 *Not frequently offered.
A five-day intensive summer workshop. Instruction in basic stone carving techniques and introduction to the stonework in Glencairn Museum and Bryn Athyn Cathedral. 1 Credit Course or Lab Fee: No
Introduction to stained glass techniques, including cutting and cold-shaping of glass, panel design, painting on glass, copper foil and leading techniques. Projects include study of and response to examples in the Glencairn Museum and Bryn Athyn Cathedral. Course or Lab Fee: Yes
A four-day intensive summer workshop. Instruction in glass painting techniques and introduction to the stained glass in Glencairn Museum and Bryn Athyn Cathedral. 1 Credit Course or Lab Fee: No
Introduction to clay work including hand building, wheel throwing, slip casting, glazing, and firing processes. Also form function and representation. Course or Lab Fee: Yes
Introduction to basic techniques in drawing and painting. Oil painting project. Discussion of the development of the history of painting. Course or Lab Fee: Yes
Introduction to the Building Arts curriculum by focusing on fundamental design and drawing principles essential to all craft disciplines. Students learn to communicate ideas, design and execute projects through sketches, hand drawings and computer-generated drawings. Course or Lab Fee: Yes 37 – TOP Updated 08/01/2025 *Not frequently offered.
This course introduces students to the various building arts practiced at Bryn Athyn College – metal, glass, stone and wood. Students complete projects in all four disciplines learning the properties, techniques, and creatives possibilities of each. This introduction helps students choose a craft specialization for their major. (At present the two options are metal and glass.) Course or Lab Fee: Yes FA/Hist160 – Art, Culture and History. Examination of the art, culture, and history of a designated period and region. Special attention will be given to art as a form of religious and cultural expression. Serves as an intellectual foundation for Fine Arts/History 161: Study Abroad. Offered in conjunction with Glencairn Museum. 3 Credits Course or Lab Fee: No FA/Hist161 – Art, Culture, and History: Study Abroad.* Participation in an academic study abroad trip (2-3 weeks) focused on the period and region studied in Fine Art/History 160. Students are required to present research completed in Fine Arts/History 160 on site. Offered in conjunction with Glencairn Museum. 1 Credit Course or Lab Fee: No
None None Fine Arts/History 160 in preceding term Pass/Fail
FA 197Introduction to the New Christian Church through its Art and Architecture.*
As the course title suggests, this course provides an introduction to the beliefs of the New Christian Church, based on the Theological Writings of Emanuel Swedenborg (b. 1688 in Sweden, d. 1772 in England), through the study of works of art and architecture that were, themselves, designed or executed with “New Church” principles in mind. The course is object-oriented: each class will focus on a work of art or group of works and investigate beliefs or practices of the New Church that are manifest in its/their subject or symbolism, form, or use. Specific examples may include Jean-Jacques Gailliard’s Triptych of the Three-Fold Word, John Flaxman’s Deliver Us from Evil, Denis Duckworth’s The Pulpit: The Tedium of Perpetual Worship, the stained glass of Bryn Athyn Cathedral, and the chapels of Cairnwood, Glencairn, and Cairncrest, among others. Works of art from other religious denominations will also be studied to provide context and comparison. No prior experience with New Church beliefs or practices is necessary. New Church doctrines will be presented at an introductory level. 1 Credit Course or Lab Fee: No Math197 – Basics of Matrices.* We examine the most basic elements of matrices, including addition, subtraction, and multiplication; and solving linear systems through Gaussian elimination. 05 Credits Course or Lab Fee: No MGrk197 – Introduction to Modern Greek Language and Culture for Travelers.* An introduction to the fundamentals of modern Greek, with an emphasis on components useful for travelers. Includes learning to pronounce text written in modern Greek, to understand and use the most commonly encountered vocabulary, to communicate with phrases and sentences appropriate to different settings encountered during travel, to ask common questions, and respond to common questions with politeness and friendliness. Language introduction is accompanied by a consideration various contemporary Greek cultural characteristics and settings. 1 Credit Course or Lab Fee: No Nutr197 – Nutrition and Wellness in the Time of COVID-19.* The COVID-19 health crisis is creating a range of unique and individual impacts—from food access issues, income disruptions, emotional distress, and beyond. As we navigate these unprecedented times, many are wondering about the role of diet and nutrition during this pandemic. This course explores the link between 99 – TOP Updated 08/01/2025 *Not frequently offered.
None Pre-requisites: Any math course above Mathematics 102. None
FA 201Classical Art (IL)
Study of art and architecture from the Ancient Mediterranean, including work from Minoan and Mycenaean, Ancient Greek, Etruscan, and Roman cultures. Study of works in the collection of the Glencairn Museum. 3
Study of art and architecture from the Renaissance and Baroque eras of European history. Course content includes works by artists such as Cimabue and Giotto, Botticelli, Michelangelo and Leonardo, Bernini, Rembrandt, Rubens, Velazquez, and Poussin. 3 Credits Course or Lab Fee: No
FA 205Introduction to American Architectural History
An overview of architectural developments in the United States within the larger context of American ideals and historic events. Covers the progression of style and form. Introduces students to architectural concepts and terms. Special attention given to artists influenced by Swedenborg including Daniel Burnham, William Strickland, Harold T. Carswell, A. Page Brown, Theophilus Parsons Chandler, and Langford H. Warren. Students research and present a topic of their choice. 3 Credits Course or Lab Fee: No
FA 210Art of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries (IL)
Examination of the architecture, sculpture, and painting of the late eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth centuries in Europe, England, and America. Special attention given to artists influences by Swedenborg, including Flaxman, Blake, Powers, Page, Gaugin, Inness, Pyle, and Burnham. 3 Credits Course or Lab Fee: No 38 – TOP Updated 08/01/2025 *Not frequently offered.
This course surveys the art of Medieval Europe, focusing on the evolution of sacred imagery and how it shapes and reflects the beliefs and perceptions of the period. Also covered are revivals of medieval style in nineteenth-century Europe and nineteenth- and twentieth-century America. Students study medieval objects in the collection of the Glencairn Museum. 3 Credits Course or Lab Fee: No FA213, FA313 – Topics in 20th Century Architecture: Bryn Athyn’s National Historic Landmarks. Study of the conception of Bryn Athyn Cathedral, Glencairn, Cairnwood, and Cairncrest within the context of architectural developments at the turn of the twentieth century. The course uses resources in the Cathedral, John Pitcairn Archives, Glencairn, and the Raymond and Mildred Pitcairn archives, from which the students do original research on a topic of their choice. 3 Credits Course or Lab Fee: No
Further study in techniques used to shape, join, and color fine metals. Topics may include casting and fabrication techniques, enamel, hinges, the setting of cabochon and/or faceted stones. 3 Credits Course or Lab Fee: Yes
Focusing on architectural ironwork design and construction, this course refines the skills learned in Fine Arts 122. Includes opportunities for self-expression and creative thinking. Inspired by the magnificent examples in Glencairn and Bryn Athyn Cathedral. 3 Credits Course or Lab Fee: Yes
Focusing on architectural stained glass design and construction, this course refines the skills learned in FA 128. Includes opportunities for self-expression and creative thinking, repair and restoration of historic glass. Inspired by the magnificent examples in Glencairn and Bryn Athyn Cathedral. 3 Credits Course or Lab Fee: Yes
An introduction to two-dimensional computer aided drawing using AutoCAD and three-dimensional drawing using SketchUp. The course covers basic commands, file maintenance, creation of 2D drawings, isometric views and plotting. Student acquire the skills necessary to draw basic mechanical parts and architectural diagrams. 3 Credits Course or Lab Fee: No 39 – TOP Updated 08/01/2025 *Not frequently offered.
This course builds upon skills acquired in Fine Arts 141 Building Arts Foundation I and provides opportunities to practice design principles while further developing the hand skills essential to all craft disciplines. Students are presented with visual problems to solve that relate to various lecture topics. Students use preparatory drawings and models to communicate ideas then execute projects in a variety of materials. Students work independently and in groups to solve design challenges. Emphasis is placed on teamwork, accuracy, and craftsmanship. The collections and models in the Glencairn Museum support these endeavors. Course or Lab Fee: Yes
FA 251Integrating Art into a Child's Early Years.*
By reading about the developmental states of children, discussing the issues involved with elementary art education, looking at examples of children’s art, and actually doing projects, future teachers and caregivers will become confident in their ability to use art as one of their teaching methods. 1.5 Credits Course or Lab Fee: Yes
This course introduces students to the procedures of operating equipment commonly found within an architectural metals shop environment. Students will be introduced to various welding techniques, along with the safe use of equipment such as lathes and mills, both individually and within a group setting. Emphasis will be placed on safety and craftsmanship. 3 Credits Course or Lab Fee: Yes
This course covers the historical development of stained glass as both an art and architectural form. It focuses on studio practices and techniques and examines the contributions of prominent designers in the field. Close examination of specific pieces from the Glencairn Museum, Bryn Athyn Cathedral and other local venues give students direct access to medieval and twentieth-century examples. Students do original research and give a presentation on a topic of their own choice. 3 Credits Course or Lab Fee: No FA/Hist260 – Art, Culture and History. Examination of the art, culture, and history of a designated period and region. Special attention will be given to art as a form of religious and cultural expression. Serves as an intellectual foundation for Fine Arts/History 261: Study Abroad. Offered in conjunction with Glencairn Museum. 3 Credits Course or Lab Fee: No 40 – TOP Updated 08/01/2025 *Not frequently offered.
This course introduces students to the principles of stained glass design, using simple panels as examples. Topics covered include sizing, color selection, structural stability and pricing. Students design a series of stained glass panels based on hypothetical locations and client needs. Students present their designs for evaluation to a panel of reviewers. 3 Credits Course or Lab Fee: Yes
FA 282Art History: Art of the World's Religions (GCA)
This course focuses on imagery and narrative in the art of the five world religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Attention is given to the representation of sacred narratives, theories and practices of representing various persons and/or aspects of the Divine, the prohibition of and justification for sacred imagery, and differences between aniconic and iconic modes of representation. Students work with primary source material, including religious texts (selections from translations of the Vishnu Purana, Buddhacarita, Tanakh, New Testament, Qur’an, and Writings of Swedenborg) and works of art from the Glencairn Museum. 3 Credits Course or Lab Fee: No FA298, FA398, FA498 – Fine Art Internship. Requirements variable. Proposals should be submitted to the Department Chair. Art internships are open to students in sophomore year or above who have completed at least two art, dance, or music courses. May be repeated for credit. Credit variable Course or Lab Fee: No
An upper-level course taught by a visiting artisan. Students receive instruction from a professional working in the field of Building Arts. Topics vary depending on the instructor’s specialization. 3 Credits Course or Lab Fee: Yes 41 – TOP Updated 08/01/2025 *Not frequently offered.
FA141: Building Arts Foundation; FA155: Introduction to Craft Practice
FA 310Art of the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries (IL)
Examination of the architecture, sculpture, and painting of the late eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth centuries in Europe, England and America. Special attention given to artists influenced by Swedenborg, including Flaxman, Blake, Powers, Page, Gauguin, Inness, Pyle, and Burnham. 3 Credits Course or Lab Fee: No
This course introduces students to the processes employed in the design and presentation of projects in architectural / ferrous metals – iron and steel. Responding to various scenarios, including both replication and the opportunity for original work, students plan and design projects in metal. Student work includes conceptual drawings and initial cost estimates. Students produce a detailed proposal for a project including finished drawings, material and labor estimates, and timetables for completion. Emphasis is placed on design and presentation, rather than execution of actual projects in metal. 3 Credits Course or Lab Fee: No
FA 313Topics in Twentieth-Century Architecture: Bryn Athyn’s National Historic Landmarks
Study of the conception of Bryn Athyn Cathedral, Glencairn, Cairnwood, and Cairncrest within the context of architectural developments at the turn of the twentieth century. The course uses resources in the Cathedral, John Pitcairn Archives, Glencairn, and the Raymond and Mildred Pitcairn archives, from which the students do original research on a topic of their choice. 3 Credits Course or Lab Fee: No
This course introduces students to the various techniques traditionally used to join ferrous metal components. Students learn traditional metal joinery techniques, including collars, riveting, slit and drifts, pass-throughs and forge welding. Students are required to produce various forms of joinery and demonstrate the ability to design and construct a metal piece from conceptual drawing to finished product. Emphasis is placed on safety, design and craftmanship. 3 Credits Course or Lab Fee: Yes
This advanced Building Arts course teaches the uses of glass outside architectural applications. Course content includes structural composition and production of glass including float, colored and tempering processes. Further topics may include warm glass techniques and hot glass applications, along with modern techniques of decal and digital printing on glass. 3 Credits Course or Lab Fee: Yes 42 – TOP Updated 08/01/2025 *Not frequently offered.
In this Building Arts course, students learn the techniques and processes involved in the production of tools and hardware. Students learn how to produce various tools commonly used in metal arts such as hammers, tongs, chisels, punches and drifts. Students also learn how to produce various forms of hardware such as locks, hinges, handles and pulls. In addition, students learn elements of jig design and construction and the technique of heat treating. Students demonstrate proficiency by designing and producing a series of tools and hardware pieces using the techniques learned in the class. Emphasis is placed on safety, design and craftmanship.3 Credits Course or Lab Fee: Yes
FA 422Blacksmithing – Small Scale Design and Production.*
An upper-level course in the Building Arts program. Students produce small scale objects in ferrous metals of their own design. Students are responsible for all aspects of production, from initial concept and budgeting to execution of original designs. Students develop their portfolio of work with documentation of the processes throughout production. Students will present their projects for critique from the instructor and from external reviewers. 3 Credits Course or Lab Fee: Yes
FA 452Blacksmithing – Large Scale Design and Production.*
Students produce a large-scale object/project in ferrous metals of their own design. Students are responsible for all aspects of production, from initial concept and budgeting to execution of original designs. Students develop their portfolio of work with documentation of the processes throughout production. 3 Credits Course or Lab Fee: Yes
Capstone writing experience for the Fine Arts Interdisciplinary major. Includes a literature review, essay, and presentation on the student’s chosen topic. May be taken as an honors course. 1-3 Credits Course or Lab Fee: No
Capstone project for the Interdisciplinary major with Fine Arts. Includes a presentation on the student’s chosen topic if FA490 is not taken. Course or Lab Fee: Yes 43 – TOP Updated 08/01/2025 *Not frequently offered.
