College Catalog: 2012-2013

The Contemporary Arts major is an interdisciplinary contract major that allows students to design their own major to reflect their particular interests and career goals.  Working in consultation with a faculty advisor, students select courses from the offerings across the School of Contemporary Arts and across the whole college.  For example, a student interested in pursuing a career in arts management may elect to take courses from the fine arts programs of Music, Theater, and Visual Arts, combined with courses from the Communication Arts program, as well as courses from the Anisfield School of Business.  Or, a student interested in photojournalism may combine Visual Arts courses in photography with journalism and writing courses offered in the Communication Arts program.

This major requires self-motivation and serious planning, but it can be especially rewarding for the student who has specific goals that cannot be met in a regular major at the college, or who wishes to have the flexibility to take a wider array of courses than would be possible in a regular major.  After an initial consultation with the Convener of the major, each student will develop the major with a faculty advisor who is most knowledgeable in the area of the student’s interest.

Contemporary Arts Contract Major post titles include: Arts Management, Arts in Community, Business Communication, Advertising, Environmental Journalism, Photojournalism, Art and Design, Film Business.

This major leads to a B.A. degree.  It requires a minimum of 48 credits, at least 16 of which must be upper level, (300/400), in addition to the School of Contemporary Arts Core.

As a first year student entering the College you may declare the Contemporary Arts major in provisional status.  Upon the completion of 32 credits, you may declare the major in permanent status through the following process.

1. Complete the major proposal form, explaining your academic interests and career goals and giving your major a title.
2. Create a “wish list” of courses you think you would like to take.
3. Schedule an appointment and meet with the convener of the major to discuss these and to review the requirements of the major.
4. Complete the change of major form with the convener.

As a transfer student you should follow the same process, but should plan to meet with the convener before your orientation on campus in order to select appropriate courses for your first semester.

Note:  You may not declare the Contemporary Arts Contract Major if you have completed more than 96 credits.

Advisement:  Once you have declared the major, you will be assigned to work with a faculty advisor to develop a course sequencing plan that will serve to guide your course selection.  You are expected to meet with your faculty advisor at least once in every semester.  Your course sequencing plan will remain flexible until you apply for graduation.  At least half of the credits applied to your major must be earned from courses taken in the School of Contemporary Arts.

1. Transfer students who have 48 or more credits accepted at the time of transfer are waived from the courses marked with a (W) below.  Waivers only apply to General Education Requirements NOT School Core or Major Requirements.
2. Double counting between General Education, School Core, and Major may be possible.  Check with your advisor to see if any apply.
3. Writing Intensive Requirement: Three writing intensive courses in the general education curriculum are required: First Year Seminar, Critical Reading and Writing (formerly College English), and READINGS IN THE HUMANITIES.

Note: A 2.0 GPA in the major is required for graduation.

General Education Requirements
Four Year Plan
Graduation Requirements
School of Contemporary Arts Website
Faculty Profiles