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Arts For Children – Interdisciplinary Major BA or BS
147C Hartwell Hall
(585) 395-5279
Director and Associate Professor: Diane B. McGhee; Professors: Oh-Kon Cho, Jacqueline Davis; Associate Professors: William Hullfish, Juanita Suarez; Visiting Assistant Professor: Leslie Thompson.
The undergraduate Arts for Children Interdisciplinary Program is committed to student learning as well as advancement of teaching, scholarship, creative expression, and service related to the education of children in, through, and about the arts. The interdisciplinary major is recognized as unique to the SUNY system and prepares students for careers working with children in arts and education venues or as preparation for graduate school. The course of study interrelates the knowledge and skills of art, dance, music, and theatre, with an in-depth study of one of these arts. Philosophical and theoretical concepts of arts education are emphasized. Students learn strategies to nurture the creativity and artistic expression in youngsters and are trained to work with children in a variety of situations, such as elementary and preschools, arts institutions, and community centers in rural and urban environments. The Arts for Children faculty promotes an approach to arts education that fosters inquiry and understanding in aesthetic perception, valuing, creative endeavors, and the study of history and culture.
Arts for Children Interdisciplinary majors are required to complete a 48-credit program consisting of:
- Two interdisciplinary courses, IAC 280 Introduction to Related Arts for Children and IAC 491 Seminar in Arts for Children;
- A 21-credit core in one specialty area: art, dance, or theatre (a specialty in music is not an option at this time);
- A 21-credit block consisting of two courses in each of the other three arts and one approved elective.
Course requirements are specified under the section heading“Program of Study.”
It is highly recommended to combine the degree in Arts for Children with certification in Early Childhood or Childhood Education. Admission to the teacher certification program, offered through the Department of Education and Human Development, requires a separate application and admission usually prior to entering the junior year. Specific advisement is needed for both the Arts for Children major and the teacher certification program. Students should contact their major advisor and the Department of Education and Human Development as early as possible when planning their course of study. For further details regarding certification, consult the program listed under the Department of Education and Human Development.
Students interested in an in-depth study of art, dance, or theatre are advised to pursue a major, minor, or take additional courses (maximum of 54 credits) in that discipline. Students are encouraged to participate in study-abroad and internship programs to enhance their knowledge and abilities in arts education.
Acceptance into the Program
Students with an affinity for all arts and the ability to communicate proficiently in at least one art area are encouraged to fill out an “Intent to Major” form during the freshman or early sophomore year. Students indicate a specialty of art, dance, or theatre and are assigned an advisor. Formal acceptance into the Arts for Children Interdisciplinary major program is granted only after the student has successfully completed:
- four introductory arts courses, one in each art area;
- IAC 280 Introduction to Related Arts for Children; and
- additional requirements as noted under each specialty area.
Special Note :
Consult the appropriate section under the heading “Program of Study” to determine
the courses for the selected arts specialty. Course selection, including prerequisites
must be taken under advisement with an Arts for Children major advisor. Upon completion
of prerequisite requirements, a “Declaration of Academic Major” form may be filed
with the Arts for Children Program Office. A minimum grade of “C” must be attained
in all required courses.
Program of Study
Arts for Children majors must take two interdisciplinary core courses and follow the
sequence of courses listed under one of the art specialty areas. The specialty areas
are art, dance, and theatre. Please check important prerequisites and course descriptions
as listed under the respective departments.
All Majors
Interdisciplinary Courses For All Arts For Children Specialties
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