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Institutional Research & Assessment

Southern Utah University
Theatre Arts & Dance Department
Academic Outcomes Assessment Plan
Academic Year 2000-2001

Expanded Statement of Institutional Purpose:

Mission Statement:

Provide a nurturing educational environment that is rich in academic exposure an solid in practical application of theatrical and dance techniques. Foundations in a variety of idioms, theatrical disciplines, and technologies are combined with a wide range of production opportunities and the personalized mentorship of both our faculty and staff. Central to our focus as a department is superior teaching; our classroom encompasses the studio, the stage, and the technical laboratory.

Goals

Provide our students with meaningful experiences that promote an understanding of the potentials of both theatre arts and dance as mediums of expression and as collaborative art forms. We afford students the opportunity for creative thinking, problem solving, and exploration in an environment that values artistic integrity, understands failure as well as success, respects viewpoints of others, and encourages artistic truth. Our standard of quality is enhanced by our strong professional link with both the internationally recognized Utah Shakespearean Festival and Burch Mann's American Folk Ballet. The extensive season of the Department of Theatre Arts and Dance serves not only as a training lab for our students, but also enhances the cultural and aesthetic experiences of our campus and is a major cultural resource for the southwest region of the state.

Intended Outcomes/Objectives

1. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the societal role of theatre and dance both past and present and will be able to articulate a vision for its role in the future.

2. Seniors will demonstrate their knowledge and mastery of their particular discipline (i.e. acting, directing, stagecraft, design, choreography, dance performance, etc.)

3. Students will recognize and be satisfied with the learning opportunities afforded them by the department.

4. Students will know the options for and be prepared for post-baccalaureate opportunities.

Assessment Criteria and Procedures

1a) Students will complete the departmental class offerings in History and Thesis with a satisfactory grade of C or higher.

2a) All theatre major seniors will be required to complete a mentored special project demonstrating competency in their discipline.

2b) All dance students will have to meet competency levels before being allowed to advance in their dance course work.

3a) 80% of graduating seniors will agree with the statement, "The quality, availability, and diversity of course offerings and production opportunities were appropriate."

4a) 80% of graduating seniors will indicate that they have been accepted to graduate or professional programs, or an entry-level career position.

4b) 80% of graduating seniors will agree with the statement, "I feel that my program has well prepared me for post-baccalaureate plans."

4c) Five years after graduation, 80% of graduates will agree with the statement, "My education at SUU prepared me well for my current and future plans."

Implementation

1a) All theatre majors will enroll in TA 3710, TA 3720, and TA 3950. All dance majors will enroll in DANC 3500 and TA 3950. While enrolled in these course they will meet with Professor and/or advisor on a biweekly basis to monitor progress.

1b) Senior thesis oral presentations will be made to department chair and other available faculty.

2a) Time will be allotted at the annual fall faculty and staff retreat to discuss special project options for each of the senior theatre students. Assignments will then be made through subsequent consultations between the student and his advisor. (In the case of a student with a performing discipline, if a major role has not been earned through the auditioning process, then the student and advisor will make a proposal to the faculty for an independent project.)

2b) Juries will be held annually for all dance students by the dance faculty to determine each student's level of skill and competency.

3a) Survey administered to all graduating seniors by department chair at time of graduation application review.

4a) Survey administered to all graduating seniors during last week of classes of the student's final semester.

4b) Survey administered to all graduating seniors during last week of classes of the student's final semester.

4c) Survey coordinated and conducted by Alumni Association or University Assessment Committee.

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Last Update: Friday, June 06, 2003