UA College of Fine Arts School of Art School of Dance School of Media Arts* School of Music School of Theatre Arts* * new merger into School of Theatre, Film & Television

Degrees Offered, Undergraduate Liberal arts BA degree Professional training degrees (BFA, BM) Approximately 1500 majors

Degrees Offered, Graduate Introductory graduate degree (MA, MM) Terminal degrees (MFA, PhD, DMA) Approximately 350 graduate students

Accreditation National Association of Schools of Art and Design National Association of Schools of Dance National Association of Schools of Music National Association of Schools of Theatre

Fundamental knowledge & skills Practice, history, theory of various areas of specialization Development of an “artistic voice” Understanding of relationship between ideas, structure, & expression Technical ability at professional level Self-critique Ability to critique and learn from others

Assessing the arts “Painting is easy for those that do not know how, but very difficult for those that do!” - Edgar Degas

Assessing the arts: individual assessment Most effective by individuals with years of study and practice in an art form The more advanced the student, the more assessment of technique recedes in favor of artistic attributes Assessment should include a range of techniques in various combinations

Assessment mechanisms Auditions  Used extensively in the performing arts for admission, retention, and admission to upper-division  CFA “holistic admissions” process; assessment begins prior to admission  Sample admissions criteria from School of Dance audition/interview

Assessment mechanisms Portfolio and document reviews  An organized collection of student work  Most effective for assessing student growth, especially when comparing work from at least two points in time End-of-semester/year portfolio reviews for all professional degree students e-portfolios

Assessment mechanisms Examinations  Traditional exams in combination formats for academic courses in history & theory  Specialized exams, such as the Music Education Advisory Review test Sight singing exercise, error detection test, and a two-minute speech

Assessment mechanisms Juries, hearings and competitions  Typically required for advancement to a higher level of study In School of Music, juries provide students with opportunity to demonstrate to the area faculty their progress on a specific instrument

Assessment mechanisms Studio or technique lessons and classes  Individual or group  School of Art’s “First-Year Experience” core curriculum: 8 conceptually themed 8-week courses with topics such as space, gaze, surface, propaganda, the body Ability to assess understanding of common vocabulary and concepts

Assessment mechanisms Rehearsals  Sites of close individual mentoring by faculty (faculty work alongside students as directors, conductors, designers, etc. on events for the public)  Assessment of process, not simply product

Assessment mechanisms Public exhibitions, screenings, recitals or performances  Typically BFA/BM students required to offer public performance/exhibition each semester – use of evaluation rubrics  Capstone projects – School of Media Arts “I Dream in Widescreen”  Theatre Arts annual Showcase of Talent; assessment by industry professionals

Assessment mechanisms Career development courses, student teaching, and internship evaluations  Numerous internship arrangements with professional arts organizations  Teacher certification programs in Art, Music and Theatre Arts

The role of self-reflection and critique Specific feedback combined with open-ended questioning techniques Students themselves as a source of feedback Self-motivation, discipline and creative problem-solving