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New Majors Expand Liberal Arts Offerings

Technical production majors receive training on theatre light and sound consoles.

The College of Arts and Sciences is offering several new majors this fall and has more ready to launch in fall 2013. This year’s additions include four bachelor of fine arts degrees in the Departments of Theatre and Art, the first B.F.A.’s offered in the College’s history.

Deborah Dooley ’75, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, sees these steps as a further demonstration of Nazareth’s commitment to the value of the liberal arts and sciences and their capacity to support professional preparation for students. “As effective critical thinkers and skilled problem-solvers, Nazareth graduates will have not only the content knowledge of their disciplines, but also the cognitive ability to analyze and synthesize information in new ways,” Dooley says. “They learn to become creators of knowledge, not merely to imitate what others know. The creativity of liberally educated people is a signature of a Nazareth College education.”

New Majors

Acting, B.F.A.

This pre-professional degree emphasizes the skills necessary for the working artist of the theatre. "It's an immersion experience that begins with classes in dance technique, acting, script analysis, behind-the-scenes lab work, and a freshman showcase, then progresses into courses like improvisation, stage dialects, stage combat, and camera performance," says Lindsay Reading Korth, M.F.A., professor and chair in theatre arts. Small studio classes emphasize individualized attention and faculty mentoring. Students learn the art of collaboration by interaction with fellow artists, peers, colleagues, teachers, and working professionals. For more, visit naz.edu/acting.

Asian Studies, B.A.

The interdisciplinary Asian studies program at Nazareth prepares students to meet the requirements of emerging global realities. Students benefit from course offerings across campus, targeted language training, and international experience. Majors in Asian studies choose one of two tracks: East Asia (primarily China and Japan) and South Asia (primarily India and Pakistan). For more, visit naz.edu/asian-studies.

Chinese (Mandarin), B.A.

The study of Chinese at Nazareth is an immersive experience that provides students with concentrated training in Mandarin, the standard modern Chinese language. In addition, students are exposed to the literature, history, culture, arts, and religions of China. The emphasis will be on preparing students for further study as translators, interpreters, and for corporate and government service, as well as preparing them for advanced study in the language and culture. For more, visit naz.edu/chinese.

Legal Studies, B.A.

Nazareth's major in legal studies introduces students to the judicial system, fundamental concepts of law, and major areas of legal practice. It also develops skill of analysis and communication, essential in all areas of professional work. Students are encouraged to connect their learning with career goals by choosing elective courses designed to complement diverse graduate study plans and professional aspirations. For more, visit naz.edu/legal-studies.

Musical Theatre, B.F.A.

This pre-professional degree in music, theatre, and dance emphasizes the essential integration of these elements and generates young artists who can sing, dance, and act with technical ease and facility. Students learn to work in ways that contribute positively to the art form, collaborating with fellow artists and fostering a lasting appreciation for, and life in, the performing arts. Students can begin auditioning for casting as early as their second semester, and guest artists from professional theatre regularly direct and teach in the program. For more, visit naz.edu/musical-theatre.

Technical Production (Scenic, Costume, Lighting), B.F.A.

This specific professional training degree provides the study of all the design areas. All faculty members work professionally in their fields; students are required as part of their curriculum to complete a professional internship prior to their senior year. "All of Nazareth's shops are hands-on," says Beth LaJoie, M.F.A., assistant professor of theatre arts/technical direction and lighting design. Students make patterns, do fitting, sewing, dyeing, and millinery; they practice drafting and carpentry, scenic painting, and props; and they learn to hang lights, use special effects, and run consoles. For more, visit naz.edu/technical-production.

Toxicology, B.S.

Toxicologists study the harmful effects of all types of chemicals on biological systems. Nazareth's program offers three tracks: cellular, organismal, and environmental, so students may customize the program to their career interests. "Despite an excellent occupational outlook for toxicologists, Nazareth is one of only a few schools in the nation to offer a bachelor's degree in toxicology," says Stephanie Zamule, Ph.D., assistant professor and director of the toxicology program. "The small class sizes and individualized attention from faculty make Nazareth a great place to study this exciting field." For more, visit naz.edu/toxicology.

Visual Communication Design, B.F.A.

This degree combines studies in studio art with courses in graphic design, illustration, advertising, and web design, providing students with essential competencies for the visual communication of ideas and a broad range of career possibilities. Students learn to develop visual responses to communication problems, as well as understand message hierarchies, marketing strategies, typography, aesthetics, composition, and the construction of meaningful images. They become creative problem-solvers and elegant image-makers. For more, visit naz.edu/visual-comm-design.

Other Approved Programs

Beginning in fall 2013, graduate students can receive an M.S. in higher education student affairs administration, the only trans-disciplinary program of its kind in the Rochester area that prepares students for professional positions in multiple administrative sub-fields in higher education. For more information on the College of Arts and Sciences, visit grad.naz.edu/hesaa.

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