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Imagine a university that does more than just prepare you for a career—one that equips you to set the foundation for a full and meaningful life
A summary of each course to help with your selection.
Course ID
Course
SAMC 111
SAMC 111
Critical Issues in the Arts
Course Credits: 3
This foundational interdisciplinary course introduces the arts as a way of knowing, especially through some of the complex issues in the arts, such as: arts and interpretation, arts and technology, arts and justice, arts and gender, and arts and faith. Students will explore these issues through the engagement of representative works of both artists and scholars from varying viewpoints and historical periods. Students will be expected to participate fully in individual and collaborative research projects applying both developing skills and critical evaluation. The format of the course includes lectures supplemented by assigned readings for discussion and debate. The course will be delivered by an interdisciplinary teaching team. Students attend weekly lectures, and participate in one of three discussion groups.
SAMC 112
SAMC 112
Interdisciplinary History of Western Arts
Course Credits: 3
A foundational interdisciplinary introduction to key historical developments in Western artistic practice and concepts from ancient times to present. Students critically engage artistic materials (paintings, music, theatrical scripts, etc) and writings of the various style periods, developing their ability to meaningfully experience, interpret, and articulate different approaches to the arts in relation to the changing ideas of Western culture. Students are encouraged to think critically, charitably, and divergently, exploring and evaluating how the arts were understood and written about in different periods, and investigating the relationship of past artistic ideas to contemporary ideas and practices. The format of the course includes lectures, readings, discussion, and individual investigative assignments and research projects. The course is delivered by an interdisciplinary teaching team. Students attend weekly lectures, and participate in one of four discussion groups.
SAMC 301
SAMC 301
Arts Entrepreneurship
Course Credits: 3
This interdisciplinary course is designed for early and mid-career artists interested in developing practical skills for effective and influential arts entrepreneurship. Students will expand their leadership, collaboration, and business skills by learning from industry professionals and exploring various topics such as project management, arts fundraising and grant writing, financial management, and ethical arts practices.
NB: Preference will be given to students in a SAMC program.
SAMC 350
SAMC 350
Professional Practices
Course Credits: 3
An overview of professional practices in art and design, with a focus on developing the practical skills and materials necessary for sustainable and healthy art and design careers. Students will engage in professional writing, portfolio development, networking, and career planning.
SAMC 351
SAMC 351
Arts, Media & Culture Field Placement
Course Credits: 1
Designed for any student seeking arts leadership skills through experience-based learning. Students work with systems and strategies applying to self promotion and production, interdisciplinary and collaborative work, and arts organizations. Working under the direction of fine arts faculty, students focus on utilizing resources for development and implementation of special projects.
NB: Pass/Fail course
SAMC 352
SAMC 352
Arts, Media & Culture Field Placement
Course Credits: 2
Designed for any student seeking arts leadership skills through experience-based learning. Students work with systems and strategies applying to self promotion and production, interdisciplinary and collaborative work, and arts organizations. Working under the direction of fine arts faculty, students focus on utilizing resources for development and implementation of special projects.
NB: Pass/Fail course
SAMC 353
SAMC 353
Arts, Media & Culture Field Placement
Course Credits: 3
Designed for any student seeking arts leadership skills through experience-based learning. Students work with systems and strategies applying to self promotion and production, interdisciplinary and collaborative work, and arts organizations. Working under the direction of fine arts faculty, students focus on utilizing resources for development and implementation of special projects.
NB: Pass/Fail course
SAMC 370
SAMC 370
Aesthetics
Course Credits: 3
This course doesn't merely explore different questions about the nature, value, and meaning of beauty, artworks, and aesthetic experience; its primary goal is to assist students in developing lifestyles that embody the values, pleasures, and risks of moving through God's creation with deep aesthetic attention coupled to an expansive imagination
NB: Not offered every year. See Department of Philosophy chair.
SAMC 420
SAMC 420
Arts, Media & Culture Travel Study
Course Credits: 3
This multi-day study abroad trip gives students an immersive experience in culture and the fine arts. Students engage in experiential and embodied knowing by visiting galleries, performances, and cultural landmarks. Lectures and readings complement these experiences, helping students to deepen their biblically-informed understanding of the role of fine arts in society.
NB: Summer travel study course. This course is limited to students wishing to take this course for credit. No prior courses in art, theatre, or music are necessary.