Major

The Interdisciplinary Arts major builds on strengths within the Creative Arts Collegium and is designed for students with varied interests and skills who would like to build bridges linking the arts. Students may explore traditional connections (set design, dramaturgy, musical production, illustration of original texts) or investigate more contemporary modes of integrating the arts such as multi-media installation, film and video production, digital and web-based arts, and performance art. A student who envisions both writing and producing a play, for example, may build a unique program comprised of courses in Creative Writing, Literature and Theatre.

Students majoring in Interdisciplinary Arts are expected to develop an understanding and appreciation of the creative process that is not confined to a single arts discipline.

In addition, students are expected to acquire:

  • primary skills in at least one arts discipline and secondary skills in at least one other arts discipline.
  • a creative approach to integrating the arts
  • problem solving skills in a multi-faceted arts environment

The Structure of the Major:

The Interdisciplinary Arts major includes 16 courses, a senior seminar, and a senior project. Students are encouraged to take a winter term or semester abroad. The major may be realized in two different ways, each subject to the approval of an arts mentor and the Interdisciplinary Arts discipline coordinator, as follows:

  • IA200 Interdisciplinary Arts
  • 9 approved courses from one arts discipline (Visual Arts, Creative Writing, Music or Theatre)
  • 5 courses in one or more of the other arts disciplines, at least two of which are 300 level or higher.

Or

  • A uniquely focused arts program, to include IA200 Interdisciplinary Arts and incorporating as many as three related courses from outside the arts.

There are many ways in which an Interdisciplinary Arts major may be realized, depending upon one's interests and goals. Students engaged in the IA major must work closely with their mentors to choose appropriate courses for their specific needs. The following description illustrates a general recommended sequence of courses.

First Years

Introductory courses in one or more arts disciplines (Creative Writing, Visual Arts, Theatre, Music). Students who want to incorporate writing into their programs may also wish to take an introductory Literature course. Those who wish to pursue digital and web-based arts may consider taking Introduction to Computer Science.

Sophomores

  • IA200 Interdisciplinary Arts
  • By the second semester begin to develop an individualized 16-course program under the guidance of an arts mentor.

Juniors

  • Refine a program that includes upper-level electives under the guidance of an arts mentor.
  • The IA Show - junior portfolio exhibition

Seniors

  • Submit a Senior Project that integrates two or more arts disciplines
  • Senior Seminar.

Senior Project committees must be comprised of three faculty members, at least two of representing different arts disciplines. Senior seminars may be in any arts discipline central to the student's focus.

A minor in Interdisciplinary Arts will include IA200 Interdisciplinary Arts plus any five courses from two or more arts disciplines, at least two of which are at the 300 level. These courses must not duplicate courses used by students to satisfy major requirements.

A major in Interdisciplinary Arts may not also major in the discipline which serves as the core of the IA major.