DISCUSSION 1 Due Thursday Respond to the following in a minimum of 175 words:  Often, when a person is shown a painting or sculpture, they can have an immediate reaction such as “I like it” or “I hate it!” But the real question is why do we feel the way we do? Studying the elements of visual art can help you make a more informed and interesting response. Also, knowing a little about the development of artistic style through the centuries helps you put your opinions in context.   Pick at least one of the elements of composition and explain why it is important when describing a work of art, and cite some examples of painting or sculpture that emphasize this element. DISCUSSION 2 Respond to the following in a minimum of 175 words:  Music and dance are similar because both are able to communicate ideas and emotions without the use of words. In the absence of a vocal part, musicians create sounds that evoke certain emotions. Composers and performers do this through different elements of music like melody, harmony, and rhythm.  Dancers can also communicate emotions, ideas, or even a story through their movements, and these movements are often tied to musical elements like rhythm. Imagine that you are composing a ballet. Pick an emotion that you want to show the audience. Describe how you would use certain elements of music to create the sounds of that emotion. How would you choreograph the dancers to align with your musical ideas?  DISCUSSION 3 Respond to the following in a minimum of 175 words:  Movies and stage plays, also known as cinema and theatre, are probably the most accessible of the performing arts. In both forms, a story is portrayed using similar methods or elements such as actors and actresses, costumes, sets, scripts, and lighting. Both film and theatre producers are able to bring a story to life using these elements, and their artistic choices can enhance the drama of the story. Think of one of your favorite movies and consider how different artistic choices were made in the film’s production. Which elements were most effective and why? Could your film be turned into a stage play? Why or why not? DISCUSSION 4 Respond to the following in a minimum of 175 words:  It is common these days to hear that the arts in the public schools are losing funding, or have been cut altogether. What was once a regular part of a well-rounded education, is now increasingly marginalized by those who say the arts serve no practical purpose.  Imagine that you heard that arts funding is about to be cut out of the school budget in your district. You feel strongly that the school district should keep the arts in the schools, and you are prepared to address the school board in defense of the arts. What would you say to persuade the board that the arts are necessary for a child’s education? How would such an education support the local community? .

1. DISCUSSION 1
Due Thursday
Respond to the following in a minimum of 175 words:
Often, when a person is shown a painting or sculpture, they can
have an immediate reaction such as “I like it” or “I hate it!” But
the real question is why do we feel the way we do? Studying the
elements of visual art can help you make a more informed and
interesting response. Also, knowing a little about the
development of artistic style through the centuries helps you put
your opinions in context.
Pick at least one of the elements of composition and explain
why it is important when describing a work of art, and cite some
examples of painting or sculpture that emphasize this element.
DISCUSSION 2
Respond to the following in a minimum of 175 words:
Music and dance are similar because both are able to
communicate ideas and emotions without the use of words. In
the absence of a vocal part, musicians create sounds that evoke
certain emotions. Composers and performers do this through
different elements of music like melody, harmony, and
rhythm. Dancers can also communicate emotions, ideas, or
even a story through their movements, and these movements are
often tied to musical elements like rhythm.
Imagine that you are composing a ballet. Pick an emotion that

2. you want to show the audience. Describe how you would use
certain elements of music to create the sounds of that
emotion. How would you choreograph the dancers to align with
your musical ideas?
DISCUSSION 3
Respond to the following in a minimum of 175 words:
Movies and stage plays, also known as cinema and theatre, are
probably the most accessible of the performing arts. In both
forms, a story is portrayed using similar methods or elements
such as actors and actresses, costumes, sets, scripts, and
lighting. Both film and theatre producers are able to bring a
story to life using these elements, and their artistic choices can
enhance the drama of the story.
Think of one of your favorite movies and consider how different
artistic choices were made in the film’s production. Which
elements were most effective and why? Could your film be
turned into a stage play? Why or why not?
DISCUSSION 4
Respond to the following in a minimum of 175 words:
It is common these days to hear that the arts in the public
schools are losing funding, or have been cut altogether. What
was once a regular part of a well-rounded education, is now
increasingly marginalized by those who say the arts serve no

3. practical purpose.
Imagine that you heard that arts funding is about to be cut out
of the school budget in your district. You feel strongly that the
school district should keep the arts in the schools, and you are
prepared to address the school board in defense of the
arts. What would you say to persuade the board that the arts are
necessary for a child’s education? How would such an education
support the local community?