Integrated Arts (IN)

Students will gain experience in the process of creating and presenting a community-based educational theatre piece for family audiences. Each practicum is individually tailored to meet student needs and expectations. Students will have an opportunity to work with a variety of theatre practitioners invested in the educational theatre process.

Students will gain knowledge and experience developing quality arts experiences for children through participation in a major integrated arts project based either at the University or in the community. Following this experience, students will have the opportunity to develop an integrated arts project within their own classrooms or organizations using visual arts, music, movement, and drama to bring the curriculum to life. Class dates and times will be individualized for each student in order to ensure maximum participation.

A supervised practicum experience in a candidate's school, employment setting or at one of several cooperating institutions or arts organizations in New Hampshire where additional experience in integrated arts can be gained and practiced. Commitment includes a negotiated number of hours per week and a series of journals, a portfolio, and meetings with the faculty supervisor.

The Institute is an opportunity for students to explore a given culture through travel and participation in a specified integrated arts project. Institutes vary from year to year in the country visited and the specific project undertaken. Past projects have involved performing at an arts festival in Wakefield, England, participating in a collaborative theatre project with Lithuanian and American youth, and performing throughout South Africa with a project based on writings from all over the world on peace and justice. Following the Institute, students will use the knowledge gained to design an integrated arts project for their classroom or organization. Repeatable up to 4 times.

Understanding the Imagination, Creativity and Innovation Continuum and its place in education and the work place, plays an increasingly important role in the success of learner and workers in our society. The ability to imagine or to conceive of something new, leading to the creation of new realities and possibilities that advance current practice in our classrooms, businesses and organizations in new and innovative ways is an essential skill set needed in the 21st century. Whether in a classroom of learners, a non-profit organization or the boardroom of a major corporation, imagination, creativity and innovation are an essential component of success, leading to increased engagement, ownership and vision in all that human beings touch. This course is an exploration of the important role imagination, creativity and innovation play in our everyday lives, seeking to demystify and honor the creative process, unlocking the power of possibility in each one of us.

An in-depth study of a particular topic, contemporary issue, or concern. Taught by a specialist within the field being studied or as an alternative methodology. A faculty member will coordinate a series of guest speakers who will meaningfully address the topic. Since topics vary, the course may be repeated with permission of the instructor. Falls, springs, and summers.

Curriculum that integrates across the disciplines assists students in developing habits of mind necessary for success in the 21st century and opens pathways towards becoming lifelong learners. Integration also creates communities of learners among students and the teachers working across disciplines. In this course participants engage with a variety of approaches in developing integrated arts curricula as well as effective assessment strategies. Integrating the arts will be explored from historical, theoretical and practical dimensions including issues of leadership and advocacy in promoting the arts as a core discipline.

Practicum-based course introduces students to the value and practical application of incorporating the arts into educational, cultural, recreational, and human service settings. In addition to classroom lecture and discussion, a series of workshops with professional artists and teachers will allow students to observe a variety of teaching methods and philosophies. Basic skills and materials will be developed and discussed in creative drama, puppetry, music, theatre, poetry, art, and movement.