Graduate Courses

Detailed exploration of the aesthetic, technical, and “psychological” skills and tools required for the production of a master recording by a performer/artist other than producer. Producers will learn how to nurture and develop a vision for each recording; establish a creative environment; collaborate with writers and performers; elicit the best performances by the creative and technical team they assemble; realize the best production possible with the tools available; and create a production to which the target audience (and beyond) wishes to continue to listen.

This course will explore the esthetic and technical skills and tools necessary for the production of artistically and commercially successful demonstration recordings of songs. Students will learn how to: establish an environment in which creativity can flourish; elicit the best performances by all involved in a recording; make the best recording possible with the tools available in a given work environment; nurture and develop a vision for each recording; create a recording to which the target audience (and beyond) wishes to continue to listen.

Educational Leaders work in public and private schools and universities, as well as in social agencies, unions, community organizations, policy organizations, and educational think tanks. Increasingly, educational advocates need to understand how to collaborate with others to achieve their goals through collective and/or community action. In this course, we examine how social movements and advocacy organizations have influenced policy and practice in educational institutions. How do these organizations mobilize to achieve their purpose? This course examines the strategies and tactics that successful advocates use to organize constituencies and achieve their purposes.

A critical listening study of acoustic music recordings that develops the student's ability to define and evaluate aesthetic elements of recorded music. Students explore recorded music attributes including dynamic range, stereo imaging, perceived room acoustics, the use of reverb and equalization, naturalness, and the listening perspectives.

This course analyzes the emergence and impact of race- and social-class-based affirmative action policies in the United States and around the world in the context of contemporary debates about equity and higher education. Case studies and guest speakers will be drawn from the United States, Brazil, India, China, France, and Israel.

Mental health counselors are in a unique position to utilize their knowledge and skills to advocate for clients that identify as Trans and Gender Expansive (TGE). This course will review both research and clinical frameworks that center the identities of TGE clients through a wellness and resilience approach. Students will also learn the history of healthcare in the United States for TGE clients, TGE terminology, and affirming clinical practices to best serve clients within these communities.

African-American music, including slave songs, gospel, blues, and jazz, has had a profound influence on virtually every form of the popular music of the past 100 years. Students explore that impact through a detailed tracing of the roots and evolution of country western, doowop, rock’n’roll, rhythm and blues, soul, funk, reggae, rap, hip hop, contemporary RandB, and other genres.

This course will introduce students to Afro-Caribbean dance with a focus on Haiti and The Bahamas while exploring its roots in West African dance and culture. Classroom activities will embody fundamental dance movements and explore the relationship to the country’s customs and traditions, inclusive of cultural games and songs. Basic African and Caribbean dance skills and movement vocabulary will be taught emphasizing coordination, polyrhythm and body awareness.

A mind body method for becoming aware of and changing movement habits. Focus is on recognizing and learning how to release excess tension and change those habits of movement that interfere with the free and centered use of the body. This leads to the development of a physical understanding of oneself through movements.

A mind body method for becoming aware of and changing movement habits. Focus is on recognizing and learning how to release excess tension and change those habits of movement that interfere with the free and centered use of the body. This leads to the development of a physical understanding of oneself through movements.

Explores real-time music using two new JAVA music technologies: JMSL and JYSN. JAVA Music Specification Language (JMSL) is a programming environment for experiments in music performance, algorithmic composition, and intelligent music design. JYSN is a software package with which the programmer/composer can build virtual musical instruments. JSYN delivers CD-quality stereo audio in real-time. Students will be programming extensively in JAVA and should be prepared to spend considerable time outside class developing their software.

This repertory ensemble performs varied literature from the traditional Big Band Era to modern jazz and commercial ensembles. Students are encouraged to compose and arrange for the ensemble. Specific focus on learning styles of music found within the performed literature, as well as improvisation as a major component to this ensemble. Enrollment by audition

A historical and critical investigation of the origin and development of musical comedy; European and native influence; important lyricists, composers, performers, directors. Changes in the modern musical theatre; analysis of current Broadway and off-Broadway productions includes required attendance at selected performances. All theatre expenses are the responsibility of the student.

Backgrounds of American theatre. Important writers, actors, directors, producers, and educators in the theatre and changes in dramatic forms and production from their beginnings in American colonial life to the present.

Integration of facts and principles derived from the fields of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics with implications for normal, physical activity, conditioning, and therapeutic exercise; research approach.

Analysis of abnormal motion and the procedures employed in its modification.

This lecture and laboratory course presents an in-depth examination of the therapeutic value of purposeful activity/occupation, with emphasis on activity analysis, synthesis, and gradation. The role of the teaching and learning process and its relevance to designing effective intervention is examined.

A comprehensive study of the anatomical, physiological, bases of speech production, and perception. The structures and mechanics of respiration, fountain, resonation, articulation, and speech perception are studied.

Introduction to the basic mechanical principles affecting the anatomical structure of the human body, including body alignment, placement, and dynamic posture, with laboratory applications for many movement practices. Students explore the musculoskeletal system through discussion and observation and embodiment of functional anatomy explorations. Students research and discuss common injuries and tools for self-care and injury prevention.

In this course, students examine dance as a social and cultural phenomenon through an anthropological lens and consider issues of race, gender, class, language, and social justice. Students explore cultures through comparative analysis and experiential learning through movement; are introduced to popular dance anthropologists; and study anthropological methods, such as fieldwork and ethnography, and their practical applications. By the end of the course, students are able to use culture to inform their own dance movement.