Presidential Advisory Committee of
Proposal
14-05
(Voting Units: Academic Senators)
1. Program
Description:
A Bachelor
of Arts degree in Sound Design is an interdisciplinary program that integrates
studies in music and theatre production with comprehensive coursework in
engineering technology and computer science. Throughout the entertainment industry,
current consumer expectations and technological advances are driving a need for
sound design artists who are educated not only in the fundamentals of music and
theatre, but also in specific areas of technology. Acoustics, electro-acoustics,
electronics, computer applications, mechanical operations, and other disciplines
are at the heart of modern audio production and this degree.
2.
Rationale:
The
entertainment industry has a specific need for sound designers who have solid
foundations in technology. The modern sound designer needs training in the
fundamentals and traditions of music and theatre, integrated with technological
skills gained from studies in engineering, computer science, and media
production.
Standards
for entry into careers in audio are continually increasing and the technical and
artistic expertise is rarely obtainable through apprenticeship/internship
opportunities without the addition of a strong undergraduate education. In many cases an undergraduate degree is
required for entry into apprenticeship and internship positions.
Currently,
there are few baccalaureate degree programs in sound design. It is the intent of the Fine Arts
Department of Michigan Technological University to integrate theatrical and
musical training with engineering technology and with computing to create a
comprehensive sound design program.
The student will receive a solid education in general sound arts
practices, aesthetics, and history as well as knowledge of fundamental
engineering technology underlying all aspects of the entertainment
industry. The graduate of this
program will have marketable skills for a broad range of sound design
professions that includes traditional theatre, concerts, and studios, but goes
far beyond.
3. Related
Programs:
Current
degrees
Technical
Theatre Minor
Music
Technology Minor
Theatre Arts
Minor
Art Minor
Music
Minor
Other
proposed degrees
Theatre and
Entertainment Technology, B.S.
Theatre and
Entertainment Technology, B.A.
Audio Production and Technology, B.S.
Across the Country:
Bachelor programs in Sound Design:
California Institute of the
Arts
In the Region:
There are no
Sound Design degrees in the region.
Similar
Degrees
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, School of Music B.F.A. in Performing Arts Technology with a concentration in either Music or Media Arts and a B.S. in Sound Engineering.
Benchmark
Institutions:
No
benchmark institutions have specific study in sound.
Two
institutions have degree programs that touch on this area.
Rensselaer
Polytechnic Institute currently
offers a degree in electronic media that is visually focused. We expect this will change, at least at
the graduate level, with the opening of their new Experimental Media and
Performing Arts center.
Carnegie
Mellon
offers a minor in Music Technology and no other sound specific
degrees.
4. Projected
Enrollment:
The Sound
Design program is planned to grow modestly. We are confident of an initial
enrollment of between three and five students in the major when this program is
launched, prospectively in Fall’05.
By 2009, total enrollment is expected to grow to twelve to fifteen in the
major, and we will graduate our first class.
5. Scheduling Plans:
This degree
will be administered as part of the regular course schedule, including
alternate-year cycling of certain courses.
The proposed teaching schedule is Attachment A.
6. Curriculum Design: Sound Design
Major, BA – 126 credits
Major
Requirements: 57 credits
Foundation
Courses: Take all 48 credits
FA
1701 Backstage Technology (new course)
3
FA
1702 Lighting and Sound Technology (new course)
3
FA
2500 Music Theory I
3
FA
2800 Script Analysis (new course)
3
FA
2821 Performance Design Principles (new course)
3
FA
3530 Music Theory II
3
FA
3560 Music History
3
FA
3810 Ancient Theatre History
3
FA
3821 Modern Theatre History (new course)
3
FA
3650 Production Management (new course)
3
FA
3700 Scenic Design
3
FA
3730 Sound Design
3
FA
4730 Advanced Sound Design (new course)
3
FA
3740 Recording
3
FA
4740 Transducer Theory (new course)
3
FA
4972 Final Project
3
Practicum:
Take all 9 credits
FA
2661 Mainstage: Runcrew
2
FA
2662 Mainstage: Sound Runcrew
3
FA
3662 Mainstage: Sound Management and Design
4
Computer
Science/Engineering/Math/Science/Technology Sequence: 27-28
credits
CET
1110 Introduction to CAD
2
Take
one of the following concentrations for 25-26 credits
Electrical
Engineering Technology: 26 credits
EET
1120 Circuits I1
4
EET
2120 Circuits II1
4
EET
2141 Digital Electronics and Microprocessor Fundamentals1
4
EET,
MET, MA, EE, MEEM, MAT, SAT, CET, CE, or CS elective
5-6
MAT
1155 or MA 10321
4-5
3
credit science class with a separate lab1
4
1These
courses fulfill the General Education Science/Mathematics
requirement.
Computer
Science: 25-26 Credits
CS
1121 (Intro. to CS I AND CS 1122 Intro to CS II) OR
(CS 1131 Comp Sci I)1
4-5
CS
1721 Object Oriented Programming1
1
CS
2141 Software Development using C++
3
CS
2321 Data Structures
3
CS
2311 Discrete Structures
3
MA
1032 Data, Functions, & Graphs Plus1&2
4
MA
1090 Functions, Change, and Chance1
3
3
credit science class with a separate lab1
4
1These
courses fulfill the General Education Science/Mathematics
requirement.
2MA
1032 requires proficiency in MA 0099.
Credit in MA 0099 does not count towards
graduation.
Free
Electives: 13-14 credits
General
Education Requirements: 28 credits – see course catalog
UN
1003 World Cultures Distribution
1
Modern
Language*—6 credits in one language
*UN 1002 is replaced with UN 1003 and 6 credits of modern language, which is required for this degree. Three of these modern language credits may be double listed to fill 3 credits of the distribution requirements.
Co-Curricular
Activities: 3 credits
7. New Course
Descriptions:
The proposed
new courses have been carefully designed to rely on present faculty and
facilities. Appropriate restructuring of positions has already taken place. Each of the theatre and entertainment technology faculty (hired
in 2000 and 2002) has been charged with developing courses for the minor in
technical theatre that was introduced in the 2000-01 academic year and to design
the degree proposals currently under consideration. These faculty and their courses serve as
a foundation for the proposed degrees.
Some
of the new courses are redesigned older courses (r), and several courses will be
offered in alternating years (a).
There may be a modest reduction in the total number of sections of Speech
to avoid faculty overloads.
FA 1702
Lighting and Sound Technology
An overview
of the basics of theatrical lighting, stage electrics, audio systems, and
techniques for theatrical production.
Focus on practical application of static and automated lighting for a
theatrical production, including instrumentation and control. Introduction to live sound
reinforcement, recording, and complex playback.
Prerequisites: None. Credits: 3.0 Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0) Semesters Offered: Spring.
FA 2821
Performance Design Principles (r)
An
introduction to the design principles of the live art and entertainment
industry, including design needs, production methods, equipment, and facilities
for various venues. Among the
applications to be surveyed are theatre, concerts, theme parks, museums, and
corporate events. Related
career opportunities will be explored. Prerequisites: None. Credits: 3.0 Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0) Semesters Offered: Spring.
FA 3650 Production Management
(a) Procedures
and skills of effective production management. Authoritative coordination of performers
and technicians during rehearsal and performance periods. Maintenance and use of
the production prompt book, notation, of ground plan and blocking; scene shifts;
cues for lighting, sound, special effects, and performers; opening and calling
the show; post-show wrap-up.
Practical experience in stage managing. Prerequisites: FA 1701, FA 1702 Credits: 3.0 Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0) Semesters Offered: Spring; Offered alternate years,
beginning with 2005-06 academic year.
FA 4730
Advanced Sound Design (a)
A study of
the musicality of noise and texts and their integration in theatrical sound
design, mixing, and mastering.
Emphasis is on student creativity and critical listening. This class develops further applications
of artistic concepts introduced in FA 3730. Prerequisite: FA 3730 Sound Design. Credits: 3.0 Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0) Semesters Offered: Fall; Offered alternate years, beginning
with 2006-07 academic year.
FA 4740
Transducer Theory (a)
In depth
study of Microphone and Loudspeaker design as it applies to usage in recording
and live sound reinforcement with an emphasis on interaction with the acoustical
environment. Prerequisite: FA 3730 Sound Design. Credits: 3.0 Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0) Semesters Offered: Fall; Offered alternate years, beginning
with 2005-06 academic year.
8. Library
& Other Learning Resources:
The J. Robert Van Pelt Library offers services and resources to meet the
informational and research needs of the University and to support members of the
University community in the development of skills to be information literate and
lifelong learners. Librarians offer
a range of services, including workshops, online tutorials, course-related
library seminars, and consultation services for students and
faculty.
Students will be directed to active and regular use of the university
library. This library has a broad
range of print resources available in areas such as theatre architecture,
costumes, scenery, stage lighting, and theatrical sound. There is also an extensive collection of
play script anthologies and other dramatic literature. There are resources, not specific to
theatre, that are relevant to research for students in this degree program. These include but are not limited to
books on general history and architecture as well as journals on topics such as
audio engineering.
The Fine Arts Department Conference Room offers a collection of classic and recent play scripts, as well as relevant theatre and audio journals. These include:
Theatre
Design and Technology: the USITT journal for design, production
and technology professionals in the performing arts and entertainment industry,
Stage Directions: a resource for the non-equity theatre
market, Pro Lights and Staging News,
Front of
House: live sound news, Lighting Dimensions, and Entertainment Design: on the art and technology of show
business.
Much
information is transitory in this area and current trends in design are
important to the student’s education. Online resources will be a necessary
research tool. The United States
Institute for Theatre Technology’s website, http://www.usitt.org/, is one such
resource.
9. Computing Access
Fee:
A computer access fee of $200.00 will be assessed with each semester’s
tuition. Individual courses may
require additional computer fees.
10. Faculty Resumes
:
See Attachment B
11. &
13. Available/Needed Equipment
& Space:
In addition
to facilities and equipment across the Michigan Tech campus that we encourage
students to look at and take part in while here at Michigan Tech, the spaces and
equipment dedicated to the needs of theatre include:
Proscenium
theatre
1100-seat
venue
State-of-the-art
facilities and equipment
McArdle
Theatre,
Black box
theatre
Flexible
seating up to 265
2004 ETC
lighting system
Calumet
Theatre
Historic
proscenium theatre
Hemp
rigging
Scene shops,
110 Rozsa, 206 Walker
Costume
shop, 204
Light lab,
210
Recording
studio, 214, 215 & 208 Rozsa
Sound
technology lab, 210
Computer
lab, 213 Rozsa
12. Program Costs:
14. Policies, Regulations, &
Rules:
The program
will be administered by the Fine Arts Department in accordance with standard
Michigan Tech policies governing baccalaureate degrees. The chair of the Department of Fine Arts
will appoint a faculty member to direct the Sound Design degree program.
During the
first two years in the program, a Sound Design major will be assigned to a
faculty advisor. In the third year,
the student will choose an area of emphasis and may choose another advisor with
expertise in the emphasis area.
Neither the Minor in Technical Theatre,
the Minor in Music Technology, nor the Minor in Theatre Arts is available to a
Sound Design major.
15. Accreditation
Requirements:
Accreditation
through organizations such as the National Association of Schools of Theatre
(NAST) or the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) is being explored
for relevance to the university and these programs.
16. Internal
Status of Proposal:
17. Planned
Implementation Date:
Fall
2005
Attachment
A
Fine
Arts Proposed Teaching Schedules
Richard
Blanning
Fall FA
2330 Art Appreciation FA
2821 Live Art and Entertainment Design Alternate
years beginning 2006-07 FA
3333 Sculpture Alternate
years beginning 2005-06 FA
4300 Advanced Sculpture |
Spring FA
2660 Mainstage Theatre: Acting Alternate
years beginning 2006-07 FA
3330 Art History I FA
3150 Life Drawing Alternate
years beginning 2005-06: FA
3340 Art History II FA
3300 3-D Design |
Debra
Bruch
Fall FA
2800 Script Analysis FA
2090 Speech UN
1001 Perspectives |
Spring UN
1002 World Cultures Alternate
years beginning 2006-07 FA
3780 Directing for Theatre FA
3821 Modern Theatre History Alternate
years beginning 2005-06: FA
2660 Mainstage Theatre: Acting FA
3810 Ancient Theatre History |
Mary Carol
Friedrich
Fall FA
1701 Backstage Technology FA
2661 Mainstage Theatre: Crew
3 Sections Alternate
years beginning 2006-07 FA
4750 Advanced Lighting Design Alternate
years beginning 2005-06 FA
3760 Costume Design |
Spring FA
1702 Stage Electrics and Sound Technology FA
2661 Mainstage Theatre: Crew
2 Sections Alternate
years beginning 2006-07 FA
3700 Scenic Design Alternate
years beginning 2005-06 FA
3750 Lighting Design |
Christopher
Plummer
Fall FA
2661 Mainstage Theatre: Crew
3 Sections FA
3730 Sound Design Alternate
years beginning 2006-07 FA
4730 Advanced Sound Design Alternate
years beginning 2005-06 FA
4740 Transducer Theory |
Spring FA
1702 Stage Electrics and Sound Technology FA
2661 Mainstage Theatre: Crew
2 Sections Alternate
years beginning 2006-07
FA
3740 Recording Alternate
years beginning 2005-06: FA
3650 Production Management FA
2660 Mainstage Theatre: Acting |
Suzanne
Stephens
Fall FA
3670 Acting Ensemble FA
2660 Mainstage Directing FA
2600 Technique of Acting |
Spring FA
3670 Acting Ensemble FA
2090 Speech
2 Sections |
Attachment
B
Michigan Tech Department of Fine Arts Faculty
All CVs
available upon request
Professor of Art
B.A., Art and English;
Professional
Activities:
Professor Beckwith teaches drawing and watermedia. She is a signature member of the National Watercolor Society, and is a signature member and a Nautilus Fellow of the International Society of Experimental Artists. She is a member of Allied Artists of America, American Watercolor Society, Transparent Watercolor Society of America, and the Society of Layerists in Multimedia. She has had numerous national exhibitions, conducts workshops around the country, and has published two books on watercolor.
Associate Professor of Theatre and Art
M.F.A., Playwriting, Acting, and Management;
City,
Professional
Activities:
Professor Blanning directs theatre productions and teaches theatre appreciation, art appreciation, art history, live art and entertainment design, three-dimensional design, and advanced sculpture courses. Many of his original plays have been produced, and he has professional experience in directing, theatre management, scenic art, stage carpentry, and acting. He is a member of the Association for Theatre in Higher Education. Professor Blanning has been on panels for and presented many papers on creativity and the arts.
Associate Professor of
Theatre
Ph.D.,
Theory & Criticism and Theatre History;
Professional
Activities:
Dr. Bruch is
a director, scenic designer, and actor.
She teaches directing, script analysis, theatre history, speech and World
Cultures courses. She has published
articles and book chapters on acting/directing methods and Australian
drama. Many of her original plays
have been published and produced.
Dr. Bruch is a member of the Association for Theatre in Higher Education
where she is the past chair and representative for the Religion and Theatre
Focus Group for ATHE. She has
chaired panels and presented papers on religious theatre and Australian theatre
and is the editor for The Journal of
Religion and Theatre.
Assistant Professor of
Theatre
M.F.A.,
Design and Technical Theatre,
Professional Activities:
Professor Friedrich teaches technical theatre, lighting design, costume design, and scene design. She designs in these areas and manages the costume shop. She has published articles on costuming research and techniques and has been a panel member and presented papers in the areas of color science and costume archaeology. She conducts workshops on color science for theatre design. She has worked professionally as a technical director, master electrician, and scene painter. Professor Friedrich is a member of the United States Institute for Theatre Technology and is affiliated with the Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival as an adjudicator and clinician.
Associate Professor of
Music
M.M.E., Jazz
Studies,
Professional
Activities:
Professor Irish teaches music theory and is the director of jazz studies. He has composed and arranged many jazz compositions that have been performed on campus and across the country. He has performed nationally and internationally at numerous jazz festivals and concerts. Professor Irish is a member of the International Association of Jazz Educators. His publications include compositions, instructional materials, and articles on guitarists and jazz. He was the recipient of the first National Band Association Award for Outstanding Achievement in Jazz Education.
Professor of
Music
D.M.A.,
Literature and Performance of Choral Music,
Professional Activities:
Dr. Olsson
chairs the Department of Fine Arts where he conducts the Concert Choir and the
Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra. His choirs have performed nationally and
internationally, and his choral compositions are available through National
Music Publishers (NMP). He is
affiliated with the American Choral Directors Association and the Michigan
School Vocal Music Association (MSVMA), and is a choral adjudicator and
clinician.
Assistant Professor of
Theatre
M.F.A.,
Sound Design, Univesity of
Professional
Activities:
Professor
Plummer is a sound designer, director, and recording engineer.
He
teaches
sound design, transducer theory, recording, production management and is
director of the recording studio. He has designed sound professionally in
Associate Professor of Fine
Arts
Ph.D.,
English/Contemporary American Drama,
Professional Activities:
Dr. Stephens
teaches theatre appreciation, improvisation, and acting. She directs mainstage productions and
The Troupe, Michigan Tech's improvisational comedy ensemble. She has taught workshops on creative
dramatics and has taken children’s shows on regional tours. Dr. Stephens is active in the Kennedy
Center/American College Theatre Festival.
She has acted professionally and is a Certified Kripalu Yoga
Instructor.
Attachment
C
Michigan Tech Department of Fine Arts Degree Overview
The graphic below represents how the four proposed degrees fit into
Michigan Tech’s current offerings.
The degrees have been designed to provide students specific choices in
aural and visual study relevant to their particular post graduation goals.
Degrees on the left have a strong engineering focus for students interested in
designing and building specific pieces of equipment. Degrees on the right focus on artistic
background and are for students interested in working as artists on
productions. Degrees in the middle
provide a balance of artistic and engineering background for students interested
in entering into consulting or other support positions not directly involved
with either designing and building equipment or producing productions but
needing experience in both areas.
Adopted by the PAC (formerly
Senate): 9 February 2005
Approved by President Mroz: 21 February
2005