Proposal for a Course of Study

Each student in the Integrative Arts program must complete a proposal outlining why they have chosen to self-design an Integrative Arts degree and their major goals for the program. These goals might be:

  • Aesthetic: Where do you see yourself headed as an artist, and what experiences (coursework, internships, independent studies, extra-curricular activities) will help you to achieve your goal?
  • Career-Related: In what profession do you hope to be employed once you graduate? What skills can you acquire to increase your chances of success? It would be appropriate to mention coursework, internships, independent studies, and extracurricular activities here.
  • Academic: Are you headed for a particular graduate degree or program? What coursework, etcetera will prepare you for the application process?

Some proposals may contain elements of all three of the above categories.

Students commonly compose the proposal for a course of study (working with an adviser) during their fifth semester, or if part-time, after completing 60 credits.

Generalized Goals and Objectives

Given the flexibility of the Integrative Arts degree and the uniqueness of each student's coursework and academic plan, only generalized goals and objectives can be determined.

These might include:

Goal One:

The students will develop an in-depth understanding of both theory and practice in their major art form or forms.

Student Learning Objectives:

  • The student will identify historical trends in the art form(s).
  • The student will respond appropriately to questions about history and practice in the art form(s).
  • The student will identify major artists in the form(s) and define their contributions.

Goal Two:

The students will acquire real-world skills related to their primary art form or forms.

Student Learning Objectives:

  • The student will (ideally) identify and complete an appropriate internship relates to his/her career goals.
  • The student will contact and interview practitioners in their art form or career field to gain knowledge about norms and practices.
  • The student will undertake a complex arts-related project in their fields of study.

Goal Three:

The students will develop an in-depth understanding of the market, challenges, and opportunities for a career in the arts.

Student Learning Objectives:

  • The student will identify numerous career paths open to him/her, including traditional and non-traditional career paths.
  • The student will appropriately identify market forces that will influence their ability to succeed in a chosen art form or career path.

Goal Four:

The students will create a complex artistic product combining art forms.

Student Learning Objectives:

  • The student will create a detailed description of their proposed project and its relationship to contemporary art and/or current practices in their career field.
  • The student will appropriately plan and budget both the time and resources needed for the completion of this project.
  • The student, where appropriate, will arrange for space, publicity, and other details related to the presentation of the project.
  • The student will present the final project.

Goal Five:

The students will develop strong communication skills linked to their career and artistic goals.

Student Learning Objectives:

  • The student will demonstrate the ability to create a grant application 'statement of purpose.'
  • The student will deliver with clarity an oral explanation of their artistic products, both as regards the media and used and the aesthetic choices made.
  • The student will be proficient in the use of digital resources, such as email, PowerPoint, and webspace.
  • The student will use appropriate language and criteria to review another's artistic product.