Presidential Advisory Committee of
Proposal 14-05
(Voting Units: Academic Senators)
Fine
Arts Department Degree Proposal
Sound
Design, B.A.
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:
- At
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.
- Other
Institutions
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
1701 Backstage Technology (r) An
overview of the basic techniques, theories, and terminology of technical
theatre. Focus on practical application of stagecraft and rigging for a
theatrical production, safety in technical theatre, physical theatre
structures, production processes, and theatre organization. Prerequisites: None.
Credits: 3.0 Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0)
Semesters Offered: Fall.
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
2800 Script Analysis (r) An examination of drama for the purpose of gaining various textual
methods of analysis for production: character analysis, thematic analysis,
functional analysis, and plot analysis. This class emphasizes learning
how to examine and understand a playscript for design production. Prerequisites: None.
Credits: 3.0 Lec-Rec-Lab: (0-3-0) Semesters
Offered: Fall.
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, 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:
- Theatres
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
- Shops,
Studios, Laboratories
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:
- Year 1: No new funds will be required to launch this program.
The basic resources have been put in place in a systemic manner throughout
the past several years. These include facilities in Walker and Rozsa
as well as faculty and staff positions in theatre and entertainment
technology. In order to provide majors with hands-on opportunities
to study various aspects of sound design, the increase in production
budgets will be met from Department funds, including gifts from alumni,
friends, and newly-developed corporate sponsors.
- Years 2 & 3: With the
anticipated success of the Sound Design major, the Department is planning
"internal" restructuring of faculty and staff, to be
accomplished through attrition. No requests for new faculty or staff
positions are planned during the first three years of this program.
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:
Progression Date Submitted for Review Date Approved
- Department/School 09.28.04 09.28.04
- Dean of
Sciences & Arts 10.04.04 10.11.04
- Provost 10.26.04
- University
Support Units
- University
Senate
- Academic
Affairs Off. Comm.
- Board of
Control
- Provost
Final Decision
- Vice
Provost for Instruction
- Campus
Implementation
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
Mary
Ann Beckwith - NWS
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.
Richard
Blanning
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.
Dr.
Debra Bruch
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.
Mary Carol Friedrich
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.
Michael
J. Irish
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.
Dr. Milton L. Olsson
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 ch