Ohio University’s College of Fine Arts will create a new form of art when it merges its dance, theatre and film schools in fall 2013.
The College of Fine Arts has been talking about the possible reorganization of its curriculum since May 2010. By merging the three schools, the college hopes to develop a better organizational model that will promote better opportunities for growth and collaboration between faculty and students alike.
The reorganization will be a result of more than two years of research. Charles McWeeny, dean of the College of Fine Arts, took feedback from a student panel to assess student needs. He also sought faculty and staff input.
“Many of our students were already pursuing interdisciplinary work with their peers, and they were enthused that we were determined to facilitate it further,” McWeeny said in an university news release. “We are responding to a student desire that was evident by their participation. In fact, some even served on subcommittees regarding the reorganization. Our intention with merging the programs is to give students the rounded and strong educational background that they need to fully realize their promise. A student who wants to focus exclusively on one discipline will still have that option, but we are creating an even more welcoming space for those who want to work across disciplines.”
In addition to a curriculum change and merging schools, the college will also develop a Center for Arts Innovation and Studies. The center’s development will offer students better curriculum flexibility, degree and certification offerings, according to the news release.
“The Center will be a shared space that will facilitate work between members of the college, students or faculty, or between the College of Fine Arts and students and faculty outside of the college,” McWeeny said.
New endeavors at the center will include:
•Themes and clusters for interdisciplinary research and practice.
•Interdisciplinary research and productions.
•New certificate programs including Museum Studies, Arts Administration, Entrepreneurship, and an Artist Partnerships Program.
•College-wide interdisciplinary undergrad courses.
•Collaborative interdisciplinary opportunities with International Studies, technology, sciences and medicine.
jb351009@ohiou.edu
