The College of Arts and Humanities (COAH) is charged with the responsibility of providing instruction not only to students majoring in traditional arts and humanities disciplines, but also for providing general education components of all University of West Georgia undergraduate programs.
COAH teaches its students to think, write, and create, empowering them with adaptability, cultural literacy and sensitivity, along with the critical thinking skills necessary to contribute to their communities in meaningful ways.
The mission of the College of Arts and Humanities is to support student efforts to complete degrees valuing both the liberal arts and professional preparation. COAH is dedicated to building on existing strengths in teaching cultural literacy, critical thinking, problem solving, and creative expression. COAH is committed to the use of writing to ground multi- and interdisciplinary inquiry and recognizes the transformative power of a liberal arts education. We empower faculty, staff, students, and alumni to engage responsibly and creatively with the complex environment of the 21st century, relying on the rich knowledge and skills gained from the study of the humanities and the arts.
All students majoring in disciplines in the College of Arts and Humanities must satisfy the requirements for Discipline Specific Writing (DSW) in order to graduate.
DSW requirements vary from department to department: students should consult the catalog and department DSW website for requirements specific to their major.
A DSW certificate option is available for students who wish to gain additional experience in writing as well as to demonstrate a commitment to developing exemplary communication skills A student may elect to double the basic DSW requirements, passing 12 hours of writing-intensive courses. These additional courses need not be in the student’s major, unless the department specifies otherwise. Students who elect this option (apply online on the Registrar’s webpage) and earn a grade of C or above in each of their writing-intensive classes will receive:
For more information about Interdisciplinary Studies opportunities see the University College section of this catalog.
Department of Art
Humanities 322 •678-839-6521
http://www.westga.edu/art
Professors:
D Collins, E. Crean, C McGuire, C. Samples (Associate Dean of Special Projects), D. Santini, K. Shunn (Chair)
Associate Professors:
M. Schoon, J. Swift
Assistant Professors:
N. Carnes, J. Morris, B. Perry, N. Rees
Senior Lecturers:
E. Dixon, R. Lamfers, S. Smith (Gallery Director)
Lecturer:
P. Kirk
Instructors:
T. Hays, E. Lundin, S. Mason, L. Wolfe
UWG’s Department of Art focuses on the individual student and their personal growth as a professional. The department is committed to excellence in education and making UWG the best place to work, learn and succeed. Our departmental goal is to prepare young professionals to be outstanding individuals in their field upon graduation and to successfully enter the highly competitive world of employment, both in and out of the Arts, and Graduate Studies.
BA in Art:
The BA in Art degree provides students with opportunities to explore areas within the visual arts without necessarily specializing in any one discipline. As a liberal arts degree, this option is appropriate for students who wish to explore creative processes, develop and hone both creative and critical thinking skillsets, while developing abilities applicable to any number of employment opportunities. The degree is usually identified as appropriate for students who wish to pursue a professional career or graduate studies that may or may not be within the Arts. The Department of Art offers three BA in Art options: BA in Art (Art History), BA in Art (Pre-Medical Illustration), which includes a minor in Biology, and a BA in Art (Studio Art).
Art History Emphasis:
Focuses on various cultures of the past and present and challenges students to relate themselves to a larger world. Art History students are required to write about art critically and to conduct research, and their initiation into the practice takes place in these courses.
Medical Illustration:
Focus on preparing students for application into competitive graduate programs within Medical or Science Illustration with a specific minor in Biology.
Studio Emphasis:
Focuses on various arts’ studio disciplines and practices and is appropriate for individuals who wish to enhance their creative and artistic abilities. Students can individualize their own approach; by exposure to all artistic media, focusing on two or more mediums or by taking a 2D or 3D approach, or even working in a multi-disciplinary nature. This degree encourages broad-based, open-ended inquiry into the arts and is customizable to the interests of individual students.
BFA with a specific Concentration:
The BFA within a specific concentration is appropriate for students who have a strong desire to focus on a single area or medium within the visual arts and who are specifically focused on coursework, providing in-depth exploration within said specific discipline. All Programs are designed to provide students with increased opportunities for complexity and knowledge within their field as they progress. The degree is usually identified as appropriate for students who wish to pursue a professional career or graduate studies in the Arts. The Department of Art offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Art with concentrations in the following programs: Ceramics, Graphic Design, Painting, Printmaking, Photography, Sculpture and Art Education.
The University is an accredited associate member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.
Learning Outcomes
The Department of Art’s objectives are for students to develop sound skills and knowledge and become young professionals by demonstrating the following: BA in Art learning outcomes
- Develop broad knowledge on the history of art and design.
- Demonstrates a broad understanding of the technical skill within the studio arts.
- Develop thorough knowledge of the fundamentals of visual arts and design.
- Demonstrates a broad understanding of content and conceptual development within aspects of creating art.
BFA in Art learning outcomes
- Develop broad knowledge on the history of art and design.
- Develop thorough knowledge of the fundamentals of art and design.
- Demonstrates in-depth technical focus and proficiency within an area of concentration.
- Demonstrates in-depth research and content development within an area of concentration.
- Demonstrates preparedness for a professional career in the arts.
Bachelor of Art
Bachelor of Fine Arts
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Art, Art Ceramics, B.F.A.
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Art, Art Education, B.F.A.
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Art, Art Graphic Design, B.F.A.
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Art, Art Painting, B.F.A.
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Art, Photography, B.F.A.
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Art, Printmaking, B.F.A.
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Art, Sculpture, B.F.A.
Minor
Department of English and Philosophy
English
TLC 2255 • 678-839-6512
www.westga.edu/english
Professors:
L. Crafton, C. Davidson, M. Doyle (Director of Education Abroad), P. Erben (Director of Graduate Studies), G. Fraser, R. Harrison, R. Hendricks, A. Insenga, M. Mitchell, D. Newton (Associate VPAA), M. Pearson (Chair), A. Umminger
Associate Professors:
S. Boyd (Interim Chief Diversity Officer), D. Bremyer, K. Casper, M. Franks (Associate Chair), L. Haught, J. Masters, L. Miller, E. Mock
Senior Lecturers:
K Chaple, B. Chambless, A. Ellison, M. Jordan, M. McFarland, S. Morin, C. Shelnutt
Lecturers:
B. Adams, L. Beasley, J. Black, A. Dycus, S. Finck, J. Hawk (Academic Writing Professional), J. Kesler, J. Loicano, R. McRae (Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning), P. Murphy, J. Sewell
Instructors:
R. Barker, B. Drummond, J. Harte, J. Hendrix, M. Jackson, A. Payne, T. Payne, A. Shoemake, J. Steed
English majors receive advanced training in various modes of writing and rhetoric, professional text editing, literary analysis, cultural and historical studies, and critical thinking. English majors are trained to be sophisticated reader, writers, and editors of texts, and they are equipped to be adaptable for work in many career fields. Recent graduates in English have been admitted into law school and graduate schools in English, Professional / Technical Writing, and Education. English majors secure jobs in a variety of fields, including all areas of business (such as marketing and communications), computer-related fields, editing and publishing, public and private education, library sciences, and creative writing. Instead of teaching you vocational skills, the major in English prepares you for the real world where the demand is for individuals who can read and write effectively, learn and adapt to changing situations quickly, and work creatively and intelligently on their own.
Learning Outcomes
English majors will be able to:
- Identify and assess the traditions, conventions, and contexts associated with the study of the English language and its literatures
- Apply critical thinking skills to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information and ideas from diverse oral, written, and/or visual sources
- Conduct research, develop organizational strategies, and compose professional documents using the academic conventions of English studies as a discipline
The Department of English and Philosophy also supports the following interdisciplinary minors
- Africana Studies: This interdisciplinary minor combines the study, research, interpretation, and the dissemination of knowledge concerning the African presence in Africa, the Americas, and other parts of the world from the birth of human civilization to the present.
- Classical Studies: In this interdisciplinary minor, students engage critically with such timeless topics as beauty and esthetics, the ideal relationship of the citizen and the state, the roles of men and women in society, freedom and slavery, the nature of war and peace, the purpose of literature, and the role of religion in public and private life through the study of the literature, languages, history, art, philosophy and political thought of the Greeks and Romans.
- Gender and Sexuality Studies: This interdisciplinary minor provides an academic forum for the examination of gender and sexuality in contemporary and historical global cultures.
For more information, see the University College section of the catalog.
Philosophy
TLC 2255 • 678-839-4848
https://www.westga.edu/philosophy/
Professors:
J. Donohoe (Dean, Honors College), R. Lane
Associate Professors:
J. Garner, R. Kellison (Director of Philosophy Program), W. Riker
Lecturer:
A. Feldman
The B.A. program in Philosophy offers courses that enable students to develop skills in critical thinking, reasoning, and judging; to understand the role of premises and inference in ordinary discourse as well as in philosophical argumentation; to recognize and define different world views; and to comprehend the history of Western philosophy in particular. As a cornerstone of the liberal arts education, this discipline is pertinent to virtually all other undergraduate fields of study. A minor in Philosophy is also available. The Philosophy major is designed for those students who want a solid grounding in the discipline and can serve as preparation for those who are interested in advancing into graduate studies in Philosophy or related fields. The Religion track is designed for those interested in theology and religious studies. It is suitable for those students wishing to go on to graduate school in those disciplines. The Law and Justice track is designed for students interested in law or the problems of justice. This track will prepare students for the entrance exams and performance standards of law school.
Learning Outcomes
Every graduate of the Philosophy Program should be able to:
- Discuss the views of at least three major historical figures of philosophy
- Critically analyze and explain a philosophical issue in written communications
- Incorporate and defend a philosophical position in oral communications
Bachelor of Art
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English, B.A.
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English, B.A. (Accelerated Bachelors to Masters (ABM) in English Education Track)
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English, B.A. (Accelerated Bachelors to Masters (ABM) Track)
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English, B.A. (Secondary Education Track)
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Philosophy, B.A.
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Philosophy, Law, Justice, and Society Track, B.A.
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Philosophy, Religion Track, B.A.
Embedded Certificates
Minor
Department of History
TLC 3200 • 678-839-6508
http://www.westga.edu/history
Professors:
K. Bohannon, M. de Nie, H. Goodson, C. Lipp (Graduate Coordinator), E. MacKinnon, A. McCleary, K. Pacholl, T. Schroer (Chair), C. Vasconcellos, D. Williams, N. Williams
Associate Professors:
S. Chalifoux, M. McCullers, L. Rivers, G. Van Valen
Assistant Professors:
A. Genell
Senior Lecturer:
M. Hild
Lecturers:
K. Adams (Public History Center Manager), T. Leslie, T. Pitts, S. Pollard, R. Primuth
History majors should complete their history course core requirements before taking history courses numbered 3000 or above. They should meet each term with their major field advisors for consultation regarding their programs.
Learning Outcomes
Students who earn the Bachelor of Arts degree in History will be able:
- Demonstrate content knowledge of history
- Analyze primary and secondary sources for their historical content and interpretations
- Demonstrate ability to research according to historical methods
- Demonstrate writing skills that reflect persuasive historical arguments based on evidence and proper citation
The History Department believes that these learning outcomes will contribute to a student’s ability to think historically, which includes: understanding the people of the past; understanding the perspectives of historical actors and to view those historical actors from a critical, scholarly perspective; recognizing that people, events, ideas, and cultures have influenced later people events, ideas, and cultures; recognizing that history involves both change and continuity over time; and explaining connections between particular people, events, ideas, or texts and their historical contexts.
The Department of History also supports the following Interdisciplinary Minors:
- Asian Studies: This interdisciplinary minor combines the study, research, interpretation, and the dissemination of knowledge concerning the African presence in Africa, the Americas, and other parts of the world from the birth of human civilization to the present.
- Classical Studies: In this interdisciplinary minor, students engage critically with such timeless topics as beauty and esthetics, the ideal relationship of the citizen and the state, the roles of men and women in society, freedom and slavery, the nature of war and peace, the purpose of literature, and the role of religion in public and private life through the study of the literature, languages, history, art, philosophy and political thought of the Greeks and Romans.
For more information, see the University College section of the catalog.
Bachelor of Art
Embedded Certificates
Minor
Department of International Languages and Cultures
Cobb 107 • 678-839-6515
http://www.westga.edu/forlang/
Professors:
J. Blair, J. Farmer (Director of Ombuds Services), R. Kilpatrick (Chair), D. Overfield (Assoc VPAA and Executive Director of ORSP), F. Tweraser
Associate Professors:
L. Anderson, L. Connell, E. Dahms, Y. Fuentes, A. Koczkas, J. Zamostny, A. Zapata-Calle
Lecturer:
K. Dollinger, L. Hill
Instructors:
C. Ezekiel
Learning Outcomes/Expected Results for all programs:
- Students will demonstrate listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills at the advanced level of the target language consistent with national standards for foreign language education.
- Students will demonstrate skills necessary to analyze cultures and practices of the tar-get areas.
- Students will demonstrate the capacity to present research in the target language on topics relevant to the study of foreign languages and cultures.
For Learning Outcomes on specific concentrations please see http://www.westga.edu/forlang/.
Please note: Students may retake a foreign language course for credit at the 1000 or 2000 level only if they have not completed a course with a higher number for credit.
The Department of International Languages and Cultures supports the following Interdisciplinary Minors:
- Africana Studies: This interdisciplinary minor combines the study, research, interpretation, and the dissemination of knowledge concerning the African presence in Africa, the Americas, and other parts of the world from the birth of human civilization to the present.
- Gender and Sexuality: This interdisciplinary minor provides an academic forum for the examination of gender and sexuality in contemporary and historical global cultures.
- Latin American Studies: In this interdisciplinary minor, students have the opportunity to study languages and cultures of Latin America through coursework in the following disciplines: History, Political Science, Spanish, French, Music, XIDS, Geography, and Psychology.
For more information, see the University College section of the catalog.
Bachelor of Art
Minor
Department of Music
Humanities 105 • 678-839-6516
http://www.westga.edu/music
Professors:
J. Bleuel, C. Gingerich, K. Hibbard, E Kramer, D. McCord (Interim Chair)
Associate Professors:
J. Byrd, D. Neely, C. Self
Assistant Professors:
B. Geyer, K. Graffius
Lecturer:
E. Hunt
Instructor:
M. Breckling
The Department of Music at West Georgia is dedicated to developing educators who are equally well trained as musicians and teachers, and to developing performers, composers, and scholars who contribute performances, works, and ideas of integrity. Bachelor of Music degrees are offered with majors in Music Education, Composition, Performance, Performance with an Emphasis in Jazz Studies, and Performance with an Emphasis in Piano Pedagogy. The program of study in music education leads to Georgia State Teacher Certification. Students who pursue a major in another field of study may qualify to pursue a Minor in Music. All instruction is delivered by distinguished artist-teacher faculty with extensive credentials and professional experience. The University of West Georgia is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music.
Faculty and Facilities
Cultural events are presented in the Kathy Cashen Recital hall, which houses a two-manual, 16-rank Reuter pipe organ and a 9-ft. Steinway concert grand piano, and in the Townsend Center for the Performing Arts, which boasts a mainstage hall of 455 seats and the Richard Dangle “black-box” Theater. Gracing the mainstage of the Townsend Center are twin Bösendorfer Imperial grand pianos, making West Georgia one of only a few institutions in the nation to have two such instruments on the same stage. In addition to Kathy Cashen Recital Hall, the Humanities Building houses a state-of-the-art music technology lab, a well-equipped keyboard lab, a large percussion studio, multi-media classrooms, faculty studios, and numerous practice rooms. UWG is the first public university in the nation to be designated a Kawai EPIC Institution. In addition to the pianos mentioned above, our Excellent Performance Instrument Collection includes Kawai pianos in all classrooms, studios, practice rooms, and rehearsal rooms, an additional Steinway concert grand, and five Shigeru Kawai grand pianos of various sizes, including a designated rehearsal instrument reserved for Piano principals.
Opportunities in Music
Students at West Georgia, whether music majors, minors, or non-music majors, participate in a wide range of music activities for university credit. Music majors and minors follow a prescribed program of study, while non-music majors may select from a wide variety of offerings.
Many students perform in University ensembles, which include the Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, Opera Workshop, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Chamber Winds, Jazz Ensemble, Marching Band, Basketball Band, Keyboard Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, Woodwind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, and various small chamber groups.
Private study is available in piano, organ, voice, and guitar, as well as in wind, brass, and percussion instruments. These private lessons are required of all music majors and minors (Principal Applied). Music majors who desire to study a second instrument may enroll in MUSC 4610: Secondary Applied .
Students also enroll in music courses offered in the Core Curriculum, including Music Appreciation; Jazz, Rock, and Popular Music; and Survey of World Music. To determine which courses can most suitably meet your needs, contact the Chair of the Department of Music.
Entrance Auditions and Placement Examinations
All incoming freshmen and transfer students planning to major in music must audition before the music faculty on their principal performing instrument or voice. A scholarship audition may serve as a student’s admission audition. Students wishing to pursue a concentration in Composition must be approved through submission of a portfolio of at least two original compositions, totaling at least five minutes in length, including digital audio recordings such as smartphone or MIDI. Submission of scores is strongly encouraged.
Credit by examination for any course in the Music Theory or Keyboard Skills sequence must be validated by the course’s faculty and processed through the Music Office and the Office of the Registrar.
Transfer Student Admission
The music major entering the Department of Music by transfer must submit an official transcript of all previous college work to the University’s Office of Admissions. The applicant should be prepared to validate achievements in the area of applied music, music theory, ear training and sight singing, keyboard proficiency, and the history and literature of music. Plans for the removal of any deficiency must be initiated during the first registration period.
Transfer students must pass the level-change examination in order to register for upper-division principal-applied study (MUSC 4600: Principal Applied ). For transfer students who have completed 2 years of applied study, the level-change examination may take place during the entrance audition. Otherwise it will occur during the applied jury examination in the semester when the student is ready for advancement from the lower-division to the upper-division level of study. Specific requirements regarding applied lessons are listed on the department website at: (http://www.westga.edu/music). For additional information about the performance standards for applied-music study, please see the faculty coordinator(s) in your area or the Chair of the Department of Music.
Music Scholarships
Music scholarship awards are available to qualified students as determined by a scholarship audition. Numerous students are served annually by these awards to music-major, music-minor, and non-music-major students. All awards are valid pending admission to and approval of funding by the University.
The Music Scholarship Committee considers many criteria before recommending a candidate for a scholarship award. These criteria include the candidate’s anticipated contribution to departmental ensembles, the needs within the department, the financial need of the candidate, and the amount of award money available. For continuing students, additional considerations include their actual contributions to the department through solo performances and ensemble participation, improvement and growth in applied study, and academic standing.
Learning Outcomes
The learning outcomes for each of the degree programs in Music can be found at the Website https://www.westga.edu/academics/coah/music/music-degree-programs.php.
Bachelor of Music
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Composition, Principal-Applied Area: Keyboard, String, Or Guitar, B.M.
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Composition, Principal-Applied Area: Voice, B.M.
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Composition, Principal-Applied Area: Woodwind, Brass, Or Percussion, B.M.
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Music Education, Option: Keyboard, String, & Guitar, B.M.
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Music Education, Option: Voice, B.M.
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Music Education, Option: Woodwind, Brass, & Percussion, B.M.
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Performance, Emphasis in Jazz Studies, B.M.
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Performance, Emphasis in Piano Pedagogy, B.M.
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Performance, Keyboard Option, B.M.
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Performance, Option: String & Guitar, B.M.
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Performance, Option: Voice, B.M.
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Performance, Option: Woodwind, Brass, & Percussion, B.M.
Minor
Department of Theatre
Martha Munro Building • 678-839-4700
https://www.westga.edu/theatre
Professors:
A. Cuomo, R. Elman (Chair), P. Gagnon (Dean, College of Arts and Humanities), A. Yeong-Marcello
Associate Professor:
B. Darvas (Assistant Chair)
Assistant Professor:
J. Kitt
Lecturer:
J. Monaghan
Instructors:
C. Fuchs
Mission Statement: The UWG Theatre Department educates, inspires, and transforms the lives of students, faculty, and audience members through storytelling, artistic expression, and collaboration, which create the live theatre experience.
Vision Statement: The UWG Theatre Department will graduate students who are engaged with the world around them and who use their skills in theatre to make that world a better place.
Goals:
Prepare students for the current theatre/film job market and/or continued study in advanced training programs.
Foster relationships with Atlanta area theatre production companies to assist students in acquiring internships and regular employment.
Present work that addresses issues important to contemporary society, including plays or musicals from theatre history, and that reflect the diversity of our student population.
Contribute to the intellectual and cultural life of the university and Carrollton communities through core curriculum courses and performances.
Offer an engaging, rigorous, and current theatre curriculum that is philosophically sound and meets the needs of our students.
Maintain accreditation through the National Association of Schools of Theatre, which improves educational practices and maintains high professional standards in theatre education for Theatre Programs throughout United States.
Instill and nurture professional standards and personal accountability in Theatre students.
Values:
The value of Achievement is evident in our commitment to the artistic growth and advancement of our students through conference presentations and internship opportunities.
The value of Caring is evident in our creation of personal relationships with theatre students and a personal investment in their success as artists.
The value of Collaboration is apparent in the very nature of our art form. We collaborate with student artists to create theatre.
The value of Inclusiveness is evident in our casting of shows with the selection of diverse material that celebrates our student population.
The value of Innovation is evident in our pursuit of new technologies, methodologies, and standards to mirror the fast-paced entertainment industry.
The value of Integrity is evident in our commitment to transitioning the work of our student artists in the classroom to the work they do on-stage.
The value of Sustainability is evident in our obligation to maintain an ecological balance by recycling materials, and using equipment that saves energy.
The value of Wisdom is evident in two very specific ways: 1) our pursuit and commitment to teaching students a broad knowledge of how art, more specifically theatre, not only fits into the world, but also how it can change it; and 2) in our commitment to help theatre practioners-in-training to transition from University to the entertainment industry.
Bachelor of Art
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Embedded Certificates
Minor