Interdisciplinary Studies (Interdisciplinary Arts and Performance), MA

Program Overview

The MA in Interdisciplinary Studies (Interdisciplinary Arts and Performance) empowers students to explore the intersection of artistic disciplines, fostering a deep understanding of art concepts through collaboration and engagement with visual, sonic, and performance arts. Graduates are prepared for careers in various artistic fields, including arts administration, education, writing, and performance. The program offers an accelerated option and features individualized mentorship and a collaborative learning environment.

Program Outline

Interdisciplinary Studies (Interdisciplinary Arts and Performance), MA

Degree Overview:

The MA in Interdisciplinary Studies, with a concentration in Interdisciplinary Arts and Performance, empowers students to explore the intersection of multiple artistic disciplines. Students will:

• Expand their creative pathways: By integrating aesthetics across various artistic pursuits, including visual, audio, performance, game design, film, and digital arts.
• Shape their artistic identities: By engaging in collaborative investigations and advanced studies in various artistic disciplines.

Outline:

• Program Structure: The program consists of 30 credit hours, including a required capstone course.
• Course Schedule: The program offers a mix of core courses, concentration courses, electives, and a culminating experience.
• Modules:
• Required Core (9 credit hours):
• MAS 501 Methods for Interdisciplinary Inquiry
• MAS 502 Perspectives in Interdisciplinary Studies
• MAS 505 Theories of Change, Culture and Mind
• Concentration (6 credit hours):
• IAP 560 Composition: Process, Technique and Style
• IAP 570 Language, Culture and Performance
• Other Requirements (3 credit hours):
• IAP 598 Topic: Media Technologies and the Arts
• Electives (9 credit hours):
Students can choose from a variety of electives related to their interests and career goals.
• Culminating Experience (3 credit hours): The capstone course (MAS 585) allows students to showcase their learning and creative abilities.

Assessment:

Assessment methods may include:

• Critical analysis of theoretical and historical texts
• Creative projects and performances
• Participation in class discussions and critiques
• Final research paper or thesis

Teaching:

The program features:

• Faculty members who are active practitioners of interdisciplinary inquiry
• Individualized mentorship to guide students in defining their artistic practices
• Collaborative learning environment that fosters creativity and innovation

Careers:

Graduates are prepared for careers in:

• Arts administration
• Arts education (community college, K-12)
• Arts writing, scholarship, and criticism
• Composition and sound art
• Digital design
• Film and video editing
• Performance and theatre
• Recording arts
• Video and board game design
• Visual arts
• Doctoral studies in related fields

Other:

• The program offers an accelerated option for students who want to complete their bachelor's and master's degrees in five years.
• Students can submit a digital portfolio and participate in an interview as part of the application process.
• The program is located in the West Valley at the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences.