Performing Arts, B.A.

NOTE: THIS PROGRAM IS NO LONGER ACCEPTING NEW STUDENTS OR INTERNAL TRANSFERS

Bernhard Center
Telephone: (203) 576-4407

Curriculum and Program Requirements

The Music & Performing Arts Department of­fers the Bachelor of Arts degree in Perform­ing Arts with concentrations in Music and Theater. Bachelor of Arts candidates must complete the core curriculum and the appro­priate coursework in the major to graduate. The department chair may determine that proficiency is established and may waive requirements; however, 120 credits are re­quired to earn a Bachelor’s degree. Students study a combination of theater and music, and may wish to take relevant coursework drawn from our English and Mass Communi­cation programs, as well as the Trefz School of Business and other areas as appropriate. This liberal arts degree includes course­work in acting, technical theater, dramatic literature, movement, applied music (vocal or instrumental study, as appropriate), music theory and history, and relevant technologi­cal and entrepreneurial skills. Students must elect a concentration in theater or music. The program seeks to produce broadly educated graduates with substantial knowledge of, and skills in, one or more aspects of the perform­ing arts.

Music Concentration

The Music concentration within the Bachelor of Arts degree in Performing Arts is designed to allow interested students to engage in col­legiate music study in a liberal arts context, laying the foundation for graduate study or internships and entry-level jobs in the field.

Theater Concentration

The Theater concentration within the Bach­elor of Arts degree in Performing Arts is de­signed to allow interested students to study theater at the collegiate level in a liberal arts context, laying the foundation for graduate study or internships and entry-level jobs in the field.

Learning Outcomes

By completing the Bachelor of Arts degree in Performing Arts, Music concentration, stu­dents will:

• Develop a foundation in the theory and history of music.
• Further develop their skills as a singer or instrumentalist.
• Possess sufficient musical acumen to make meaningful contributions to musi­cal performances and ensembles.
• Gain an understanding of theater as an important part of human culture.
• Cultivate flexibility, versatility, and entre­preneurship, as appropriate to personal and career goals.
• Further their ability to work in, learn from, and teach groups composed of learners from diverse backgrounds and with mul­tiple skill levels.
• Be able to connect musical knowledge with the learning occurring in other areas, including the general education compo­nent of the undergraduate curriculum.

By completing the Bachelor of Arts degree in Performing Arts, Theater concentration, students will:

• Develop their theatrical skills, focusing on acting and/or technical theater.
• Acquire or deepen their understanding of theater as an important part of human culture.
• Participate meaningfully in at least one University mainstage theatrical produc­tion.
• Cultivate flexibility, versatility, and entre­preneurship, as appropriate to personal and career goals.
• Further their ability to work in, learn from, and teach groups composed of learners from diverse backgrounds and with mul­tiple skill levels.
• Be able to connect theatrical knowledge with the learning occurring in other areas, including the general education compo­nent of the undergraduate curriculum.