Feb 14, 2025  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Fine and Performing Arts Department


Chairperson: Rachel Day

Faculty: Katheryn Bilbo, Karen Britt, Debra Brown, Paul Hindemith, Sammy Holloman, Patrick Immel, Stephanie Jorandby, Eunjin Kim, Joe Kreizinger, Thomas LaPann, Maria Pimenova, Armin Mühsam, Anthony Olson, William Richardson, Sarah Sipling, Kathryn Strickland, William Sutton, Joseph Tomasso, Veronica Watkins, Adam Zrust

Statement of Mission

The Northwest Missouri State University Department of Fine and Performing Arts provides an engaging and immersive environment for the preparation of professional artists, educators, scholars, and entrepreneurs who become leaders in art, music, and theatre for a dynamic and diverse world culture. As an essential member of the College of Arts & Sciences, the collaborative and multidisciplinary Department of Fine and Performing Arts is at the core of the institution, providing hands-on, closely-mentored, profession-based experiences.

Degree Programs

The Department of Fine and Performing Arts offers twelve majors, five minors, and one area of endorsement.

Preamble

The Department of Fine and Performing Arts is comprised of the disciplines of Art, Music, and Theatre. While these disciplines share many common objectives and values, the programs of study require different policies for study in the various majors. For that reason the policies, descriptions, requirements, and offerings are presented by discipline so that all materials related to Art are together, followed by all materials related to Music, followed by all materials related to Theatre.

Art / 13

Statement of Purpose for Art

The five degree programs of study in the Art and Design Program provide students with the skills needed to accomplish the tasks of their professions, refine their critical thinking skills, and improve their ability to interpret and engage confidently with the world around them.

Study in these programs offers students the opportunity to learn to communicate ideas effectively, to develop analytical skills, to synthesize ideas, to evaluate implications of present actions against historical perspective, and to develop discriminating aesthetic judgments.

The Art and Design program has among its objectives: (a) to cultivate a vibrant environment conducive to individual and collaborative learning and creative production, (b) to provide students with a foundation in art history and contemporary criticism that promotes an understanding of the human condition throughout history, (c) to prepare students for careers in the visual arts and design, including the teaching of art and design, (d) to equip students with the technical skills necessary for creative production that is innovative in concept, form and material and (e) to prepare students for advanced study in art and design.

In addition to the academic programs, the Exhibitions Program and the Visiting Artists Series broaden the learning experiences of all students. The exhibitions are shown in the Gallery of the Olive DeLuce Fine Arts Building and are drawn from national, as well as, regional sources. The Visiting Artist Series brings outstanding artists and art historians to the program where they conduct workshops, give demonstrations, hold discussions, and give multimedia presentations and lectures that are open to the public.

Degree Programs in Art

The Bachelor of Fine Arts with a Comprehensive Major in Art is a degree emphasizing professional preparation within the studio areas. This major allows students to complete more than half of their total degree requirements in art and to experience various studio areas while focusing on their specializations.

Specializations are selected from ceramics, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, or fibers and involve advanced study in both a class format and through individualized instruction.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design provides introductory and advanced study in graphic design, digital media, digital photography, drawing, painting, and the opportunity to select from these areas for additional advanced work. The student may also take electives outside the art program in such fields as marketing and mass media.

The Bachelor of Science in Education, Elementary/Secondary Program with a Comprehensive Major in Art Education is designed to prepare students to teach art at all levels, kindergarten through grade twelve, and to supervise and lead art programs in the elementary school. For this degree, students complete nearly half of their total degree requirements in art and gain broad experience within the studio areas. This major meets all Missouri teacher certification standards in art and certifies grade program completers to teach K-12 art.

The Bachelor of Arts with a Comprehensive Major in Art is a program that is distinctive for its flexibility and combines the major requirements, which constitute almost one-half of the total degree requirements, with a rich and varied selection of general studies.

The Bachelor of Science with a Comprehensive Major in Digital Media and a concentration in Visual Imaging (VI) is a program that will allow students to develop cross-disciplinary knowledge and skills in areas that integrate visual aesthetic understanding and communication with technological knowledge. Students in the Visual Imaging concentration of the major will understand the fundamental concepts of design, comprehend how visual compositions convey content and meaning, and create computer-generated images and animations for digital output.

The Minor in Art (24 hours) provides students majoring in any other department with opportunities to pursue studio and/or art history courses.

Program Policies for Art

Attendance at exhibitions and presentations in the Visiting Artists Series is required of all students pursuing one of the majors in the art program.

All work produced in fulfillment of course requirements is considered the property of the Department of Fine and Performing Arts for exhibition purposes until the student’s graduation or withdrawal from the University.

Advanced Placement (AP), Dual Enrollment Transfer Credit and Credit by Examination

The Department of Fine and Performing Arts does not accept International Baccalaureate credit for any of its Art degree majors or minors. Credit by examination through the program is not available for any courses in Art. The program accepts Drawing, 2D Design, and Three Dimensional Design as options for Advanced Placement credit (minimum score of 3).

Advanced Standing Requirement: Art Majors

Purpose: Advanced Standing is an assessment process through which students majoring in art (including transfer students) may be approved by faculty to pursue upper level (300 and above) courses. The assessment includes assigned readings, preparation of brief written papers, a portfolio review, and a verbal critique with faculty. See specific requirements below.

1. Expectations: To pass Advanced Standing, students will demonstrate certain proficiencies typically gained from art classes. (A) Understand the use of elements and principles of design for use in formal critique and for use in improving their own artwork. (B) Understand the conceptual purposes behind the work in core art classes. (C) Demonstrate commitment to expanding knowledge for advanced study in art.

2. Timeframe: Advanced Standing Reviews will be held in both the fall and spring semesters of each school year. Students beginning the second semester of their second year and/or beginning their last art core courses must apply for Art Advanced Standing. Transfer art majors seeking to enroll in advanced art courses must meet the same requirements as students who started their careers at Northwest.

3. Requirements: (A) Grade of at least a C in ART 13120 - Drawing , ART 13191 - 2D Design , and ART 13192 - Three-Dimensional Design . Must have completed ART 13161 - Ceramics  or ART 13150 - Jewelry and Metalsmithing . Must have a grade point of at least 2.00 in the overall art core classes, with no more than 6-9 hours left to complete in the art core. (B) Must have completed or at least be enrolled in the last required Northwest Core course listed for Advanced Standing with a grade point of at least 2.00. (C) Demonstrate readiness for advanced art courses by satisfactorily responding to written and verbal questions as informed by the knowledge gained from coursework and the current art reading list. (D) B.F.A. Studio majors must have completed ART 13109 - Survey of Art I: Prehistory through Medieval Art  and ART 13111 - Survey of Art II: Renaissance to the Present . (E) Must present an exhibit of work from various art courses that demonstrates to the art faculty the student’s readiness to pursue advanced art courses. (F) Must have attended no fewer than 70% of visiting artist lectures and exhibition openings. (G) No art major may be enrolled in and pursue advanced art courses (numbered 300 and above) with the exception of ART 13321 - Advanced Drawing , ART 13333 - Printmaking , ART 13395 - Design With Fibers , and ART 13302 - Wheel Throwing and Functional Form  until Advanced Standing has been granted. Art minors must complete the appropriate art core sequence prior to being enrolled in and pursuing advanced art courses.

Advanced Standing Requirement: Digital Media Majors

No digital media major (including transfer students) with a visual imaging concentration (VI) may be enrolled in and pursue advanced program courses (numbered 300 and above, with the exception of ART 13321 - Advanced Drawing , ART 13333 - Printmaking , and ART 13395 - Design With Fibers ) until Digital Media Advanced Standing has been granted.

Students seeking a major in Digital Media with a Visual Imaging concentration are expected to demonstrate a capacity to integrate from the Digital Media-Visual Imaging Advanced Standing Core courses: principles of an acquired formal language, processes of seeing, and perception of content. Through visual, written, and verbal evidence: students must show understandings of conceptual purposes behind directed work in the Digital Media-Visual Imaging core courses and sufficient commitment to expand knowledge in order to successfully pursue advanced study.

To achieve Advanced Standing as a Digital Media major, a student (1) must have no grade lower than a C in the Digital Media-Visual Imaging Advanced Standing Core courses; (2) must have completed The Northwest Core required classes listed for Digital Media-Visual Imaging Advanced Standing with a GPA of at least 2.00; and (3) must have attended no fewer than 70% of visiting artist lectures.

Students who have completed the requirements outlined above must apply for Digital Media-Visual Imaging Advanced Standing. Transfer Digital Media majors seeking to enroll in advanced program courses must meet the same requirements as students who started their career at Northwest.

Senior Review

Purpose: Senior Review is an assessment process through which students majoring in art may be approved by faculty to prepare a senior exhibition. The assessment includes assigned readings, preparation of brief written papers, a portfolio review of artwork selected by the student from their advanced classes and independent studio practice, and a verbal critique with faculty.

Expectations: To pass Senior Review, students will demonstrate an ability to synthesize ideas and effectively communicate them in their artwork as evidence of their readiness to prepare a successful senior exhibition.

Timeframe: Senior Reviews will be held both in the fall and spring semesters of each year. In the semester before their graduation semester (second last semester), students must apply for Senior Review.

Requirements: (A) Grade of at least a C in upper-level art courses. (B) Maintain an attendance record of 70% or more of visiting artist lectures after the date Advanced Standing has been granted.

Senior Exhibition

All art majors (Art Studio, Graphic Design, Art Education) are required to present an exhibition of their work that is acceptable to the art faculty. Candidates for the B.F.A. degree can satisfy this requirement only through the completion of ART 13403 - Senior Exhibition . Senior exhibitions are held during the fall and spring semesters only.

The B.S.Ed. Senior Exhibition should display the talents of the student in various media. The exhibition should demonstrate that the student is skilled in many different methods and media as used in his or her classes at Northwest. A theme for the exhibition, while desirable, is not necessary for the B.S.Ed. student. All other criteria listed in the requirements for the senior exhibition apply for the B.S.Ed. student.

Music / 19

Accreditation of Music Degrees

Since 1969, Northwest Missouri State University has been a member of the National Association of Schools of Music. Both the B.M.E. and the B.A. degree are accredited by NASM. This accreditation insures that our programs are of the highest quality and that the curriculum faculty and facilities conform to national standards of excellence.

Statement of Purpose for Music

The Music Program, as part of the Department of Fine & Performing Arts, serves the University in three basic areas: general music education foundation for all students, individual professional preparation for selected fields, and cultural enrichment for both campus and community. Study in these programs provides majors with the skills needed to become highly successful in their chosen professions. The Music Program is especially committed to excellence in public school music; in addition to an inclusive major in music, comprehensive programs are also available in vocal music education and instrumental music education. These programs provide instruction in private study, music theory/literature and methodology applicable to teaching at the elementary and secondary levels.

Objectives

The music curriculum has been designed to assist all participating students in maximizing their potential. Toward this end, the primary objectives of the undergraduate programs are (1) to further performance ability in at least one musical medium, (2) to provide future teachers with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to become successful as professional educators in instrumental and/or vocal music, and (3) to provide students with a wide range of educational/musical experiences which will encourage continued personal and professional growth.

Degree Programs in Music

The Bachelor of Arts with a Comprehensive Major in Music is designed to provide the student with a broad liberal arts education, as well as, specialized work in an applied area of voice, keyboard or a particular instrument.

The Bachelor of Arts may be taken as a stand-alone major or with an emphasis in: Audio Production, Business, or Wellness. Emphasis areas require specific coursework in that particular field of study.

The Bachelor of Music in Education, Elementary/Secondary Program, with a comprehensive major in either Instrumental Music Education or Vocal Music Education, prepares students to teach instrumental or vocal music at all levels, K-12. These major programs meet all Missouri teacher certification standards in instrumental music K-12 or in vocal music K-12 according to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

A Minor in Music is also available to students who major in another academic discipline.

Test-Out Policy for Music

Credit by examination through the program is available for the following courses: MUS 19171  (Aural Skills I), MUS 19172  (Aural Skills II), MUS 19173  (Music Theory I), MUS 19174  (Music Theory II), MUS 19271  (Aural Skills III), and MUS 19272  (Aural Skills IV).

For policies and procedures see the “Departmental Test-Out ” section of this catalog. Advanced Placement (AP) credit is available for MUS 19173  (Music Theory I) and MUS 19201  (Enjoyment of Music) with a score of “3” on the appropriate test.

Upper-Level Standing in Applied Study for Music

The Upper-Level Qualifying Examination in applied study may be attempted after a minimum of four semester hours of study (not including dual credit) in the lower level (courses numbered below 300) of applied instruction. If approved for upper-level standing by the appropriate faculty committee, the student must then enroll in upper-level applied study. Transfer students wishing to enroll in applied study at the upper level must meet the same requirements as students who began studies at Northwest. Transfer students will be tested for upper-level standing during the first week of their initial semester.

Program Policies for Music

Applied Jury Exam: All students enrolled in applied music are required to participate in the applied jury exam each semester of applied study except for the semester in which their senior recital is presented. These examinations are administered by the music faculty. The exception to this is enrollment in Secondary Applied Study.

Concert/Recital Attendance: All music majors and minors are required to attend concerts and recitals as specified by the music faculty at the beginning of each fall and spring semester and must enroll in Music Recital Attendance. Non-music majors and minors may be required to attend concerts and/or recitals as directed by course instructors.

Ensemble Participation: Majors in the B.M.E. program are required to satisfactorily participate in Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Symphony, Concert Band, or University Chorale according to their major applied area (and/or area of added endorsement) each fall and spring semester of full-time enrollment, except for the semester of student teaching. Majors in the B.A. degree and minors are required to satisfactorily participate in either Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Symphony, Concert Band, or University Chorale according to their major applied area each fall or spring semester of full-time enrollment.

Students may enroll in ensemble courses for activity OR academic credit in order to fulfill this requirement. NOTE: Courses taken for activity credit do not count toward GPA.

Performance Audition: For all levels of applied study, students must have the permission of the instructor and/or faculty within the area of study. If a student has not been heard by the faculty at scholarship auditions, they should perform a simple audition for faculty members before the drop/add period closes to determine acceptance to applied study.

Entrance Examination for Music Theory (Optional):The purpose of an entrance exam for music theory is to support students who come to Northwest with prior music theory knowledge but no prior college credits in music theory. Students in this circumstance may request an entrance exam from a theory professor before the semester begins or, at the latest, before the drop/add period closes for that semester. All other students will start the music theory sequence from the beginning.

Placement Examination in Theory and Aural Skills for Transfer Students (Optional): Students coming to Northwest from another institution with music theory and/or aural skills credits that do not transfer directly, may elect to take a placement exam. Generally, credits from other institutions will transfer in, but if there is doubt as to the placement between the credits from the two institutions, the students should request an exam from a theory professor before the semester begins to assure accurate placement in the correct level of music theory and/or aural skills.

Entrance Examination In Keyboard (Optional): All students may request a placement test if they intend to study a keyboard instrument or their degree requires study in keyboard. If a student who has prior study in piano, organ, or harpsichord and they wish to either 1) begin at Northwest in applied lessons as opposed to class piano, or 2) wish to start at a higher level of piano than Class Piano I, they should request an Entrance Exam in Keyboard from a piano professor. All students requiring keyboard lessons for their degree but have no keyboard background should enroll in Class Piano I.

Senior Recital: All majors, regardless of degree, are required to present a senior recital to the satisfaction of the music faculty. Such a recital will be presented only upon the approval of the student’s senior recital hearing committee. The student must be enrolled in MUS 19499  (Senior Recital and Seminar) and in applied music with the student’s major instructor during the semester of the recital. The senior recital may not be attempted sooner than the third semester of the upper level of applied study.

Students must adhere to departmental standards/policies concerning scheduling, format, additional performers, and printed materials relative to the Senior Recital. These standards/policies are specified in the music student handbook, which may be obtained in the office of the Department of Fine and Performing Arts.

Student Recital: Each music major, regardless of degree program, is required to perform in his/her major applied area in a student recital each semester of applied study, with the exception of the initial semester of such applied study. Other students enrolled in applied music may also be required by the applied instructor to perform in a student recital.

Theatre / 43

Statement of Purpose for Theatre

Supporting Northwest’s vision and mission, the Theatre program has a threefold purpose: (1) to serve the educational needs of the students of Northwest by providing programs of study that will prepare its majors for careers in theatre, and will provide all students with an appreciation for and understanding of the art; (2) to provide quality cultural performances and experiences for the University and surrounding communities; and (3) to make a significant contribution to the advancement of knowledge in these fields. The theatre program seeks to accomplish this by: (a) attracting students who have the potential to become competent professionals, (b) preparing students in program majors for successful employment in those fields or for advanced study in graduate programs, (c) providing all students with authentic professionbased experiences that are essential to their success in school and in the world, and (d) maintaining a relationship with alumni and supporting their continual development as professionals and citizens.

Students in the Theatre program are provided with both a solid theoretical understanding of the field and numerous opportunities for hands-on experience. Student organizations within the theatre program provide additional experiential learning opportunities. Whether majoring in a theatre field (Performance, Technical/Design or Comprehensive), or seeking teacher certification in theatre, students in the program learn from their instructors and classroom experiences, learn by doing, learn from one another, and learn from professionals in their fields.

Majors and non-majors alike are eligible and encouraged to participate in performance or technical positions in mainstage and laboratory series productions and theatre student organizations.

The theatre program also serves as a center for cultural activity and enrichment for the University and surrounding communities. Public performances of plays and musicals from all major periods and of all major styles are produced throughout the academic year. The high caliber of these performances instills an appreciation for the performance process and the aesthetics of production arts.

Degree Programs in Theatre

The Bachelor of Science in Theatre (60 hours) provides students with a solid foundation in all major areas of theatre study while allowing concentration in a specific production area. Specialization options, available in performance and technical/design areas, prepare the student to enter the professional field or to pursue advanced study and training.

The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre (30 hours), which requires a minor, provides students with practical and theoretical knowledge in all areas of theatre study in preparation for advanced training, graduate work, or direct entry into the field.

The Bachelor of Science in Education in Speech/Theatre (55 hours) prepares students to teach and direct speech and theatre in secondary schools. This major, when completed under the B.S.Ed. Secondary Education Program, meets State of Missouri teacher certification standards for grades 9-12.

The Bachelor of Science in Education in Speech/Theatre (38 hours) requires a minor. This major, when completed under the B.S.Ed. Secondary Education Program, meets State of Missouri teacher certification standards for grades 9-12.

The minor in Theatre (24 hours) provides students majoring in other departments with a general knowledge of all major areas of theatre, and gives them the opportunity to apply that knowledge in production environments.

A minor in Speech/Theatre Education (32 hours) is available to students majoring in another area. This minor, when completed under the B.S.Ed. Secondary Education Program, meets State of Missouri teacher certification standards for grades 9-12.

The department also offers an endorsement in Speech/Theatre for students seeking Missouri Middle School (grades 5-9) certification. The middle school program is advised through the School of Education.

Program Policies for Theatre

Senior Project Requirement

Students must create a faculty-approved public performance or exhibition of materials in the student’s area of emphasis in theatre during the senior year. Prior to beginning the project, students complete a proposal and receive project approval from the theatre faculty. Students may choose to enroll in THEA 43499  if academic credit for their required project is desired.

Speech/Theatre Education Directing Requirement

All candidates for the B.S.Ed. degree with a secondary speech/theatre education major must direct a theatrical presentation that is approved by department faculty. Opportunities for meeting this requirement will be discussed with the academic advisor. THEA 43373  Directing must be successfully completed, with a grade of C or better, prior to attempting this requirement. An application to direct a lab series play must be approved the academic year prior to the directing year.

Advanced Standing Requirement

Students majoring in theatre must complete University Seminar (1 hour), English Composition (6 hours), Oral Communication (3 hours), and Mathematics (3-4 hours) by the end of their sophomore year. A student must present a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 for the courses listed above. No departmental major may be enrolled in and pursue advanced departmental courses (numbered 300 or above) until these courses and the major specific advanced standing requirements are met.

Students seeking exemption or who are not granted advanced standing in theatre may appeal by submitting a written petition to the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences through the Chair of the Department of Fine and Performing Arts.

Theatre and Speech/Theatre Education Majors Advanced Standing

Students seeking a major or minor in theatre or speech/theatre education must demonstrate depth of knowledge in theatre core courses and commitment to expand that knowledge in order to successfully pursue advanced study.

No theatre major or speech/theatre education major may be enrolled in and pursue advanced theatre courses (Theatre courses numbered 43-300 and above) until theatre advanced standing has been granted. Minors must complete the theatre core sequence with a grade of C or better in all core courses prior to being enrolled in and pursuing advanced theatre courses.

To achieve theatre advanced standing, theatre majors and speech/theatre education majors 1) must complete and have no grade lower than C in any theatre core course, and 2) must demonstrate readiness for advanced theatre courses by satisfactorily responding to written and/or oral questions related to the theatre core courses, current theatre reading lists, and their curricular and co-curricular progress, 3) must present a resume and professional portfolio or prepared monologues for faculty review. Majors may apply for theatre advanced standing during the semester they are completing the theatre core. Note that education majors need not complete #3.

Programs

    MajorsMinorsExtended CertificationsCore RequirementsArea of Endorsement