Statements

The Arts area of study encompasses a wide range of possible studies and concentrations in the arts, including the practice, performance and creation of the arts, a focus on historical studies, sociocultural studies and critical/theoretical studies in the arts and the integration of the arts in other professions. Students may choose to organize their degree program around disciplinary, interdisciplinary, problem-oriented, professional/vocational, or thematic approaches and should consider including learning about more than one artistic discipline in their degree plan.

A degree program in the arts should provide for the development of skills and understandings in the following areas:

•     The history of at least one form of creative expression.
•     The practice of at least one form of creative expression.
•     Artistic theory in at least one form of creative expression.
•     Artistic practice through a variety of social or cultural perspectives (i.e. gender-based, identity-based, location-based, etc.).                                                                
•     Research skills, including a basic understanding of how to use libraries and virtual libraries, archives, databases and other Internet resources related to arts-related disciplines.
•     The ability to describe, interpret and critique artistic expression and/or works.

Concentrations

Concentrations in the arts begin with foundational studies, which prepare the student for more advanced-level work. Advanced-level competency should be developed in those areas which are most relevant to the specific concentration design and to the specific organizing framework. In planning the concentration, consideration should be given both to depth and breadth. Primary mentors helping students design concentrations in the Arts should encourage each student to consult faculty and others who are knowledgeable about the arts in general, are knowledgeable about the Arts area of study and possess recognized virtuosity and/or substantial experience in the particular area of the student’s interest.

Concentrations in practice, performance and creation should lead to advanced work in:

•     The creation of artistic works or performances related to the concentration.
•     An understanding of the development of practice or methodology in the concentration.

Concentrations that focus on historical studies, sociocultural studies, or critical/theoretical studies should lead to an advanced understanding of:

•     The history of both the specified artistic form itself and the scholarship surrounding that form.
•     The current and past artistic theory associated with the specified artistic form.
•     The artistic practice of the specified form, as seen through a variety of social or cultural perspectives (i.e. gender based, identity based, location based, etc.).
•     Research skills, including a basic understanding of how to use libraries and virtual libraries, archives, databases and other Internet resources related to their disciplines.

Concentrations that focus on the integration of the arts in other professions (i.e. arts management, museum studies, educational studies in the arts, etc.) should lead to an advanced understanding of:

•     The practice of the specified professional discipline.
•     The history of both the specified professional discipline itself and the scholarship surrounding that discipline.
•     The current and past artistic theory associated with the specified professional discipline.
•     The practice of the specified discipline through a variety of social or cultural perspectives (i.e. gender-based, identity-based, location-based, etc.).                                                             
•     Research skills, including a basic understanding of how to use libraries and virtual libraries, archives, databases and other Internet resources related to their disciplines.
•     The ability to describe, interpret and critique artistic expression and/or works as they relate to the specified professional discipline.

Continuing Study

Students who wish to continue their studies on the graduate level should consult the entrance requirements and guidelines for professional degrees that have been developed by art schools, graduate programs and professional associations.