National Institute of Creative Arts and Industries
General Education
General Education courses are a distinctive feature of University of Auckland undergraduate study, taught by some of the University’s top lecturers and researchers. Their aim is to give you a well-rounded undergraduate education, and broaden the scope of your career options.
In your General Education classes, you will mix with students from across the University and be exposed to cross-disciplinary research. You will also be better prepared for the workforce, with a wide range of skills and knowledge to complement your specialist qualification.
All the NICAI undergraduate programmes require you to study two General Education courses. NICAI offers General Education courses in Architecture, Planning, Dance, Fine Arts, and Music within Schedule A - Music, Art and Contemporary Society. However NICAI students can choose courses from any of the eight schedules:
A) Music, Art and Contemporary Society
B) Humanities and Social Sciences
C) Business and Society
D) Life Sciences
E) Physical Sciences
F) Mathematical and Information Sciences
G) Communication
H) Languages
The following courses are offered by NICAI for General Education. They are available to all students at the University, including NICAI students (except for restrictions noted).
ARCHHTC 102G Modern Architecture and Urbanism
(15 points)
An introduction to modern architecture and urbanism, its history and future, using the built environment of Auckland as illustration. Awaken your enthusiasm for architecture as you develop a critical understanding of its design and production, with a focus on current practice.
Restriction: BAS students cannot take ARCHHTC 102G for General Education
DANCE 101G Introduction to Dance and Creative Processes
(15 points)
This is a course for everyone - all abilities, all ages, all backgrounds.
The course covers movement awareness, dance improvisation, choreography and creative and analytical writing. You will study approaches to dance as a practice, as well as the relationship of dance to other forms of artistic practice and to everyday life and culture.
Restriction: BDanceSt and BPerfArts - Dance Studies students cannot take DANCE 101G for General Education.
Read more information on this course
DANCE 200G Dance and Culture
(15 points)
This course explores the interrelationship between dance and the wider political and cultural movements around the world, and shows how dance can create and critique cultural and social traditions. Learn to perform and analyse dance forms such as tango, salsa, traditional Chinese dances, Dabkeh and Bharata Natyam.
Restriction: BDanceSt and BPerfArts - Dance Studies students cannot take DANCE 200G for General Education.
FINEARTS 210G Understanding Contemporary Visual Arts Practice
(15 points)
This course aims to broaden your understanding and appreciation of a wide range of issues relevant to the contemporary practice of art and design in New Zealand. Hear local practitioners’ perspectives on creative practice and gain insight into how they work and carry out research. As well as attending lectures, you will explore the local art world both in class and self-directed study time.
Restriction: BFA and BVA students cannot take FINEARTS 210G for General Education.
MUSIC 144G Turning-points in Western Music
(15 points)
This course traces the astonishing history of Western music and the significance of certain major discoveries, inventions and trends that completely changed its development. Enhance your appreciation of various musical genres and their offshoots, from classical to pop. The course is listening-based, with much use of live examples and recorded excerpts on CD, DVD and video.
Restriction: BMus and BPerfArts - Dance Studies students cannot take MUSIC 144G for General Education.
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MUSIC 149G New Zealand Music Studies
(15 points)
Come and learn about New Zealand music across a wide range of genres from World War II to the present day, with a focus on contemporary practice. Explore the work of New Zealand’s composers and musicians, and how they have responded artistically to their social, political and natural environments. No previous knowledge of music theory is required.
Restriction: BMus and BPerfArts – Dance Studies students cannot take MUSIC 149G for General Education.
