Arts · Languages · Humanities

This course introduces the elements and principles of design through a series of hands‑on, problem‑solving projects in two‑dimensional composition. Students explore visual organization, balance, contrast, rhythm, and spatial relationships while developing technical skills and creative strategies for effective design. Through guided exercises, critique, and experimentation with a variety of media, students build a strong foundation in compositional decision‑making and visual communication.

Engage in the study and practice of various representational drawing techniques using a range of media.

The course covers techniques, tools, and methodologies for ink and watercolor sketching and drawing, with a focus on landscapes and architectural subjects.

Students will learn to use pencil and ink sketches to explore composition, shape, form, texture, and value. The curriculum fosters proficiency in one-point, two-point, and aerial (atmospheric) perspective. Instruction emphasizes applying watercolor to render ink sketches and drawings, with a focus on realistic landscapes, street scenes, skies, and bodies of water.

 

Practice drawing from draped models with supplementary studies in human anatomy to enhance understanding of form and structure

Students acquire basic glass cutting, foiling, and soldering skills while creating stained glass art objects. The lead came method of stained class will be used as students assemble their own lead panel.

Students acquire glass cutting, foiling, and soldering skills while creating stained glass art objects. The lead came method of stained class will be used as students assemble their own lead panel.

This course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of camera operation, the science of light, composition, and picture taking. Concepts of digital photography are taught through active learning techniques.

This course provides an introduction to art history by examining art, architecture, and visual cultures from the ancient and medieval periods. Students will develop an understanding of artistic terminology. The curriculum addresses political, cultural, social, economic, and religious transformations as represented in visual art. The course emphasizes the role of art as a medium for communication, documentation, and inspiration, highlighting its function in reflecting and shaping cultural and historical developments.

This course provides an introduction to art history by examining art, architecture, and visual cultures from the 15th century to the present. Students will develop an understanding of artistic terminology. The curriculum addresses political, cultural, social, economic, and religious transformations as represented in visual art. The course emphasizes the role of art as a medium for communication, documentation, and inspiration, highlighting its function in reflecting and shaping cultural and historical developments.

This course introduces a range of techniques, materials, and approaches for acrylic painting. Topics include tool and material selection, composition, color theory and mixing, underpainting, washes, glazing, masking, and the depiction of light, shadow, and depth.

This course introduces a range of techniques, materials, and approaches for acrylic painting. Topics include tool and material selection, composition, color theory and mixing, underpainting, washes, glazing, masking, and the depiction of light, shadow, and depth.

This course provides an introduction to foundational techniques, styles, and methods in watercolor painting, emphasizing skill development and the production of finished works.

This course builds on the foundational techniques, styles, and methods in watercolor painting, emphasizing skill development and the production of finished works taught in ART 143.

This course provides an introduction to oil painting materials and techniques, emphasizing composition, structural elements, and various modes of expression.

This course builds on ART 147 by advancing students’ skills with oil painting materials and techniques, with continued emphasis on composition, structure, and expressive approaches. Students refine their technical abilities, expand their use of tools and mediums, and strengthen personal artistic direction through focused studio practice and critique.

This course introduces foundational techniques in modeling small-scale sculpture using terra cotta and stoneware clays, with an emphasis on the basic principles of three-dimensional design, including form, structure, and spatial composition

This course introduces advanced techniques for modeling small-scale sculptures using terra cotta or stoneware clays, while deepening the exploration of three-dimensional design principles

This course focuses on the application of overglaze painting techniques on the surfaces of china and tile blanks

An introduction to ceramics with multiple hand-building and forming techniques, slab building, sculpture, wheel throwing, high temperature firing, glaze application, and safety procedures.

Beginning Ceramics 2 focuses on advanced techniques in hand forming, sculpting, slab building, wheel work, glazing, and the design and execution of original 3-dimensional forms and functional pottery. 

Creation and implementation of diverse craft projects.

Building upon the foundation of ART 171, this course advances the creative design and practical execution of a variety of craft techniques.

This course introduces the fundamentals of jewelry making, including basic fabrication techniques using sheet and wire, as well as forming and soldering processes. An additional fee is required.

This course builds on the fundamentals of jewelry making taught in ART 173, including fabrication techniques using sheet and wire, as well as forming and soldering processes. An additional fee is required.

Students will discover, or rediscover, their love for art in this relaxed, supportive mixed media class. Students will explore various mediums to compose a work of art, including collage, ink, paper, acrylic paint, metal foil, and print making.

This course explores the fundamentals of identifying, selecting, cutting, shaping, and polishing minerals and gemstones.  

An additional fee is required.

This introductory course focuses on the identification, selection, cutting, shaping, and polishing of minerals and gemstones. A materials fee is required.

This course introduces software applications used to improve the appearance of digital images with an emphasis on nondestructive editing techniques. Fundamental photography concepts of exposure, composition, color and tones are integrated with the technical skills required to manipulate images.  

An introductory course in Photoshop focusing on both technical and creative aspects of raster image creation, editing, and compositing, with an emphasis on applying core design principles and visual concepts.

This course examines intermediate and advanced camera techniques, diverse photographic styles, lighting methods, compositional strategies, digital photography, and digital photo editing processes.

This course builds upon foundational acrylic painting skills by exploring a wide range of techniques, materials, and artistic approaches. Topics include tool and material usage, composition, color theory and mixing, underpainting, washes, glazing, masking, and the effective use of light, shadow, and depth.

This course delves deeper into advanced acrylic painting techniques, materials, and creative approaches. Students will further develop their skills in composition, color theory and mixing, underpainting, washes, glazing, masking, and the use of light, shadow, and texture to create depth and visual impact.
 

This course focuses on advanced watercolor techniques, styles, and methods, emphasizing skill development and the creation of polished, professional-quality artwork.

This course explores advanced watercolor painting techniques, styles, and methods, with a focus on refining artistic skills and producing polished, professional-quality artwork.

Building upon ART 148, the course advances the study of oil painting materials and techniques, with emphasis on composition, structure, and expressive methods.

Building upon ART 247, the course advances the study of oil painting materials and techniques, with emphasis on composition, structure, and expressive methods.

This course builds on the concepts and skills acquired in ART 161 and ART 162. The course is designed to focus on independent studio study of hand-forming, wheel throwing, advanced glazing, decorative techniques, and high temperature firing.

Building on concepts and skills from ART 161, ART 162, and ART 261, this course further explores wheel work, glazing, decorative processes, and differences in clay bodies through an independent study style that allows students to continue to develop their creative styles.

This course builds upon skills developed in Beginning Jewelry. Topics include jewelry fabrication with sheet and wire, forming and soldering, sand casting, metal and wood inlays, overlays, and the marriage of metals. An additional fee is required.

This course introduces advanced jewelry fabrication techniques such as chain making and box construction while strengthening students’ personal expression in design. Projects, demonstrations, and critique support the development of both technical skill and creative direction. 

An additional materials fee applies.

This introductory course develops foundational skills in American Sign Language with emphasis on its use within the Deaf community. Students learn core vocabulary, grammatical structure, and conversational strategies through dialogues, narratives, and interactive practice. Cultural perspectives and community norms are integrated to support meaningful, context‑appropriate communication. 

Concurrent enrollment in ASL 101L is required.
 

This course builds upon ASL 101 by further developing students’ skills in American Sign Language and deepening their understanding of its use within the Deaf community. Emphasis is placed on expanding vocabulary, strengthening grammatical structure, and improving conversational fluency through dialogues, narratives, and interactive practice. Cultural perspectives and community norms are integrated throughout the course to support effective, context‑appropriate communication and continued growth in both expressive and receptive ASL skills.

Concurrent enrollment in ASL 102L is required.
 

This course provides an introductory study of various ballroom (smooth), Latin (rhythm), swing, and social dances. Students will learn foundational techniques and a range of dance steps within each style. Ballroom dances covered may include Waltz, Foxtrot, and Tango. Rhythm dances may include Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba, Paso Doble, Jive, and East Coast Swing. Social dances may include Salsa, Nightclub 2-step, West Coast Swing, Argentine Tango, Merengue, Bachata, Jitterbug, Lindy Hop, and Country Western 2-step. 

This course expands on DAN 131. It includes a study of various ballroom (smooth), Latin (rhythm), swing, and social dances. Students will learn foundational techniques and a range of dance steps within each style. Ballroom dances covered may include Waltz, Foxtrot, and Tango. Rhythm dances may include Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba, Paso Doble, Jive, and East Coast Swing. Social dances may include Salsa, Nightclub 2-step, West Coast Swing, Argentine Tango, Merengue, Bachata, Jitterbug, Lindy Hop, and Country Western 2-step. 

This course is designed for students aiming to improve their reading skills, strengthen their academic strategies and achieve greater success in college. The curriculum emphasizes the development of core reading skills, such as word analysis, vocabulary acquisition, information literacy, and reading strategies necessary for comprehension at both literal and interpretive levels. Completion of this course satisfies the reading proficiency requirement.

Develop skills in reading and composing sentences, paragraphs, and brief essays, with a focus on the stages of the writing process. The course also covers fundamental grammar and punctuation rules as they apply to writing. Lab sessions will support students through each step of the writing process and provide targeted practice in grammar and writing techniques.

This course is designed to develop clear, effective academic writing while enhancing students’ critical reading skills. By engaging in formal essays, informal writing, and revision-based assignments, students are guided to construct well-supported arguments, analyze complex texts, and refine their writing processes. The curriculum emphasizes drafting, incorporating feedback from peers and instructors, and continually improving clarity, organization, and style.

This course extends the foundational skills acquired in ENG 101 by further developing students’ competencies in academic research, critical reading, analytical reasoning, and effective written communication. Participants engage with complex texts, enhance research and inquiry techniques, and produce refined academic writing through multiple revised drafts over the semester.

This course offers supplemental instructional support to students enrolled in ENG 101 and other writing-intensive courses. It develops proficiency in narrative, analytical, argumentative, and source-based writing, and provides targeted instruction in grammar, punctuation, and style to enhance written communication.

Offers individualized instructional support for students enrolled in ENG 102 and other advanced writing courses. The course focuses on the development of skills and processes essential for producing effective argumentative and source-based writing, analysis, as well as addressing issues related to grammar, punctuation, and stylistic refinement.

Focuses on the development and application of advanced critical reading strategies necessary for the comprehension and analysis of college-level texts.

This course will focus on publishing Gila Community College’s yearbook. The course will focus on gathering and processing news. Includes instruction in news writing and editing, photojournalism, layout and graphic design, and professional standards and ethics. Students collaborate and manage projects, applying conceptual and design principles to produce a yearbook.

This course is designed to assist students in writing their personal history. It explores best practices, theories, methodologies, and issues surrounding personal history writing. There is no better time than today to start writing your personal history. 

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of selected works of world literature spanning from antiquity through the Renaissance period. Emphasis is placed on the historical, cultural, and philosophical contexts that shaped these texts, as well as on the development of literary forms and themes across diverse civilizations. Throughout the semester, students are expected to produce a written analysis and reflection, including multiple revised drafts, demonstrating engagement with the readings and the application of critical literary analysis skills.

This course provides a critical examination of selected works of world literature from the Renaissance through the modern era. Emphasis is placed on the historical, cultural, and intellectual contexts that inform these texts. Over the duration of the semester, students are required to produce a minimum of 2,500 words of written work, including revised drafts, demonstrating engagement with literary analysis and interpretation.

This course offers a critical study of selected literary works from the Middle Ages through the Restoration and the Eighteenth Century. It introduces students to a broad spectrum of cultural traditions, worldviews, and belief systems as reflected in the literature of these historical periods. Throughout the semester, students are required to produce a minimum of 2,500 words of written analysis, including revised drafts, demonstrating engagement with the texts and the development of interpretive and critical thinking skills.

This course offers a critical examination of selected literary works from the Romantic Period to the contemporary era. Through the study of diverse texts, students engage with a wide range of cultural contexts, perspectives, and belief systems that have shaped literary expression across these historical periods. Over the course of the semester, students are required to produce a minimum of 2,500 words of written work, including revised drafts, demonstrating their ability to analyze, interpret, and respond to literature in a scholarly manner.

This course introduces students to the principles of storytelling. Through short writing exercises, assignments, and discussions, participants develop skills in narrative construction. Topics include plot, point of view, setting, description, conflict, characterization, dialogue, tension, revision, and submission strategies.

This course offers a critical examination of selected literary texts from the origins of Native American storytelling through the period of the American Civil War. Through close reading and analysis, students will explore the development of American literature in relation to the historical, cultural, and ideological contexts of the Americas. Emphasis will be placed on understanding how literature reflects and shapes the evolving identity of the nation. Over the course of the semester, students are required to produce a minimum of 2,500 words through a combination of formal and informal writing assignments, including multiple revisions.

This course provides a critical study of representative works of American literature from the post-Civil War era to the contemporary period. Through close reading and analysis, students will explore the evolution of American literary expression in relation to the historical, cultural, and ideological developments of the United States. Emphasis is placed on understanding literature as both a reflection of and a response to the nation's changing identity. Over the course of the semester, students are expected to produce a minimum of 2,500 words through a combination of formal and informal writing assignments, including multiple revisions.

This course is designed to assist students in writing a personal history. It is an interdisciplinary academic writing course exploring best practices, theories, methodologies, and issues surrounding personal history writing. There is no better time than today to start writing your personal history. 

This course enhances students’ understanding and enjoyment of music by exploring a wide range of musical styles, genres, historical periods, world traditions, and fundamental musical elements. Students develop listening skills through attendance at live performances, analysis of concert recordings, and participation in guided discussions that deepen their appreciation of music across cultures and contexts.

This course offers students the opportunity to rehearse and perform as part of an instrumental ensemble. Emphasis is placed on developing ensemble skills, including tone, balance, rhythm, and musical interpretation. Students study appropriate repertoire and participate in scheduled rehearsals and performances, which may include concerts outside of class time.

This course is a continuation of MUS 125. It offers students the opportunity to rehearse and perform as part of an instrumental ensemble. Emphasis is placed on developing ensemble skills, including tone, balance, rhythm, and musical interpretation. Students study appropriate repertoire and participate in scheduled rehearsals and performances, which may include concerts outside of class time.

This course is a continuation of MUS 126. It offers students the opportunity to rehearse and perform as part of an instrumental ensemble. Emphasis is placed on developing ensemble skills, including tone, balance, rhythm, and musical interpretation. Students study appropriate repertoire and participate in scheduled rehearsals and performances, which may include concerts outside of class time.

This course is a continuation of MUS 225. It offers students the opportunity to rehearse and perform as part of an instrumental ensemble. Emphasis is placed on developing ensemble skills, including tone, balance, rhythm, and musical interpretation. Students study appropriate repertoire and participate in scheduled rehearsals and performances, which may include concerts outside of class time.

This course introduces students to the basics of the Spanish language. The course focuses on building beginning skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing while helping students develop practical vocabulary and an understanding of essential grammar. Through a variety of class activities and cultural materials, students gain confidence using Spanish in everyday situations and become familiar with key aspects of life in the Spanish‑speaking world.

This course continues the content of SPA 101 introducing students to the basics of the Spanish language. The course focuses on building beginning skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing while helping students develop practical vocabulary and an understanding of essential grammar. Through a variety of class activities and cultural materials, students gain confidence using Spanish in everyday situations and become familiar with key aspects of life in the Spanish‑speaking world.

SPA 201 builds on the skills developed in the introductory sequence and helps students strengthen their ability to communicate in Spanish. The course expands proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing through more detailed vocabulary, increasingly complex grammar, and a wider range of cultural materials. Students practice expressing ideas in past and future time frames, engage in conversational activities, and read short texts to deepen comprehension. Cultural topics from the Spanish‑speaking world are integrated throughout to support meaningful language use and greater cultural awareness.

Intermediate Spanish II builds on the skills developed in SPA 201 and helps students strengthen their ability to communicate in Spanish. The course expands proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing through more detailed vocabulary, increasingly complex grammar, and a wider range of cultural materials. Students practice expressing ideas in past and future time frames, engage in conversational activities, and read short texts to deepen comprehension. Cultural topics from the Spanish‑speaking world are integrated throughout to support meaningful language use and greater cultural awareness.
 

The course is designed to enhance students' spontaneity and communication skills through engagement with foundational acting techniques. Participants cultivate keen observation, increased awareness of body language, refined timing, and expanded imaginative capacity. The course introduces the fundamentals of stage presentation through a sequence of theatre exercises.

By engaging with foundational acting techniques, students enhance spontaneity and communication skills. They develop keen observation, heightened body language awareness, improved timing, and expanded imagination. A progressive series of theatre exercises introduces the essential principles of stage presentation. This course builds on Creative Theatre I.

This course examines how films convey stories through narrative structure, character development, and thematic elements. Instruction incorporates film analysis, still photographs, and film clips. Guest lectures are occasionally delivered by industry professionals. Films pertinent to course topics are screened at a local theatre or in the classroom. The curriculum emphasizes the analysis and appreciation of cinematic techniques, including mise en scène, camera work, editing, lighting, and sound design.

This course offers an overview of live theatre, examining its historical, cultural, and spiritual foundations. It explores the relationship between theatre and diverse cultures throughout history, as well as the contributions of significant individual artists. The course introduces key elements of the production process, including playwriting, acting, directing, design, and criticism. Students will survey various periods, styles, and genres of theatre through play reading, discussion, film analysis, and live theatre critique. 

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the history, aesthetics, and cultural impact of cinema from its inception in the late nineteenth century to the present. Participants will examine the development of film as both an artistic medium and a global industry, focusing on significant movements, technological advancements, and influential figures. Through screenings, readings, demonstrations, and guided discussions, students will analyze films across diverse genres, styles, and national traditions to understand how cinema reflects and shapes society.

Storytelling has been a fundamental means of preserving culture and history throughout human civilization. Stories form the foundation of both ancient and modern theater and journalism. The course introduces students to a range of narrative styles, forms, and genres, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the historical significance of storytelling and its role in communicating and preserving histories, cultures, and contemporary events.

The course enables students to collaborate with peers in creating an authentic theatre environment. Participants engage in all aspects of performance production and acquire a range of experiences essential for staging. The course emphasizes commitment and teamwork.

This course is a continuation of THC 120. The course enables students to collaborate with peers in creating an authentic theatre environment. Participants engage in all aspects of performance production and acquire a range of experiences essential for staging. The course emphasizes commitment and teamwork.

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of screenwriting and script development for film, television, stage, and digital media. Through a combination of lectures, workshops, and writing exercises, students will explore the structure, style, and techniques of effective storytelling across a range of formats, including screenplays, stage plays, storyboards, and commercial audio/video scripts.

Emphasis is placed on understanding story structure, character development, dialogue, pacing, and visual storytelling. Students will learn standard industry formatting for various types of scripts, gain insight into the creative process from concept to final draft, and develop their own short scripts and story ideas. The course also introduces the fundamentals of script production, including collaboration with directors and producers, script breakdowns, and preparing scripts for shooting or live performance.

By engaging in peer reviews and practical writing assignments, students will build confidence in their creative voice while learning how to communicate stories effectively for different audiences and media platforms.
 

This course provides a practical introduction to the art and craft of filmmaking, guiding students through each stage of short-film production, from initial concept development to festival submission. It is intended for beginners seeking a comprehensive understanding of the filmmaking process and practical experience in both production and performance roles.

The course begins with pre-production, covering the fundamentals of storytelling, screenplay structure, budgeting, scheduling, casting, and location scouting. In the production phase, students collaborate on a set to develop skills in camera operation, lighting design, sound recording, and directing actors. The post-production segment addresses editing techniques, sound design, visual effects (VFX), color correction, and the preparation of completed films for festival submission and distribution.

Throughout the course, students will work in teams to produce an original short film, gaining experience in creative collaboration and problem-solving while developing a foundational understanding of the filmmaking workflow.
 

This course introduces the technical and creative foundations of stagecraft and practical effects for film, television, and theatre. Students gain hands‑on experience with prop building, set dressing, costume and makeup effects, and on‑set practical effects.

Instruction covers fabrication methods, scenic painting, distressing techniques, and atmospheric or mechanical effects, emphasizing safe and effective production practices. 

Through collaborative projects, students design and create practical effects for short scenes or demonstrations, developing problem‑solving skills applicable to a range of production environments and budgets.
 

This course fosters an understanding of the design process and its role in theatre production and other live performance events. Emphasis is placed on developing conceptual thinking, creativity, problem-solving skills for specific spaces, and collaborative design practices. Additionally, the course prepares students to present and discuss their work in accordance with professional standards.

This advanced, project-based course functions as the capstone experience for students in film studies and production. Building upon foundational coursework in screenwriting, stagecraft, and film production, the course requires students to collaboratively conceive, plan, produce, and complete a feature-length film as a unified creative team. Participants will apply advanced storytelling, technical, and production management skills in an environment designed to replicate professional film-industry workflows.

The course emphasizes creative collaboration, problem-solving, and artistic leadership while upholding the rigor of professional filmmaking standards. By the conclusion of the semester, students will have engaged in the complete lifecycle of a feature film, including story development, pre-production, post-production, and final screening.