College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences

Schools and Disciplinary Areas

School of Humanities

• English
• History
• International Languages and Cultures
• Philosophy

School of Social Sciences

• Anthropology
• Psychology
• Sociology

School of Visual and Performing Arts

• Art
• Music
• Theatre

School of Humanities

Robert Kilpatrick, Director

https://www.westga.edu/humanities

English Program

www.westga.edu/english

Professors:

K. Casper, C. Davidson, M. Doyle (Head of Graduate Studies M.A. program), P. Erben (Program Coordinator), G. Fraser, R. Harrison, A. Insenga, L. Miller, M. Mitchell, D. Newton (Senior Fellow for Student Success), A. Umminger

Associate Professors:

S. Boyd, M. Franks, L. Haught

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 readers, 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:

1. Identify and assess the traditions, conventions, and contexts associated with the study of the English language and its literatures 
2. Apply critical thinking skills to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information and ideas from diverse oral, written, and/or visual sources
3. Conduct research, develop organizational strategies, and compose professional documents using the academic conventions of English studies as a discipline

The English Program 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.
• Film Studies: The Film Studies Minor at the University of West Georgia is designed to educate and inspire students interested in film. The program complements the university’s already strong liberal arts tradition and consists of a series of interdisciplinary courses from programs including English, International Languages and Cultures, History, Mass Communications, Theatre, and Psychology. These courses are designed to provide students with a solid background in the history, technical analysis, aesthetics and cultural significance of film. As an interdisciplinary minor, the film program encourages students to explore further the rich and diverse aesthetic, philosophical, historical, and cultural expressions articulated in films.
• 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.

The English Program also coordinates the Embedded Certificate in Publishing and Editing.

The Certificate in Publishing and Editing prepares you for the literally hundreds of careers in writing and in working with other people’s writing in both academic and nonacademic workplaces.

History Program

https://www.westga.edu/academics/chass/humanities/history/index.php

Professors:

K. Bohannon, M. de Nie, C. Lipp, E. MacKinnon, K. Pacholl, T. Schroer (Chair, Department of General Education and Special Assistant to the Provost), G. Van Valen (Head of Graduate Studies M.A. program), C. Vasconcellos (Program Coordinator)

Associate Professors:

S. Chalifoux, M. Janzen (Director of the Center for Public History), L. Rivers

Senior Lecturer:

K. Adams (Center for Public History Manager and Assistant Director)

Instructor:

C. Powers

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:

1. Demonstrate content knowledge of history
2. Analyze primary and secondary sources for their historical content and interpretations
3. Demonstrate ability to research according to historical methods
4. Demonstrate writing skills that reflect persuasive historical arguments based on evidence and proper citation

History faculty believe 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 History Program 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. 

The History Program also supports the following Stand-alone certificate:

• Certificate in Latin American, Caribbean, and Latinx Studies: The Latin American, Caribbean, and Latinx Studies Certificate offers an interdisciplinary approach to learning about the diverse cultures, languages and histories of this geographic region. With increasing numbers of Georgians speaking a language other than English at home, the Latin American, Caribbean, and Latinx Studies Certificate develops the cultural and linguistic awareness students need to participate effectively in an increasingly multicultural and multilingual workplace.

For more information, see the University College section of the catalog.

International Languages and Cultures Program

https://www.westga.edu/ilc

Professors:

L. Connell (French Section Head), E. Dahms, J. Farmer (Director of Ombuds Services), Y. Fuentes (Program Coordinator), R. Kilpatrick (Director), F. Tweraser (German Section Head)

Associate Professors:

A. Koczkas, A. Zapata-Calle (Spanish Section Head) 

Assistant Professor:

A. Claussen

Lecturers:

K. Dollinger, C. Ezekiel (Teacher Education Co-Coordinator)

Instructor:

E. Solis (Teacher Education Co-Coordinator)

ILC Overview

The program in International Languages and Cultures prepares students to thrive in an increasingly multicultural and globally-connected world. We offer degrees and minors in French, German, and Spanish as well as a Stand-Alone Certificate in Global Languages and Cultures. ILC provides our students with a wealth of cultural opportunities:

• Study abroad programs in Austria, Costa Rica, and France
• Exchange partnerships with institutions in Chile, France, and Germany
• Co-curricular activities such as film festivals, campus cultural celebrations, and undergraduate research.
• Interaction with caring faculty who are passionate about languages and their areas of study.

Students who study languages and cultures become more engaged global citizens while developing valuable skills in intercultural communication and research.

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 the program website.

Please note: Students may retake a French, German, or Spanish course for credit at the 1000 or 2000 level only if they have not completed a course with a higher number for credit.

The Program in International Languages and Cultures offers the following stand-alone certificate:

Certificate in Global Languages and Cultures:

This stand-alone certificate offers students an opportunity to reflect on and build connections between their study of languages and cultures, other disciplines, and various professional and/or academic paths. Students must successfully complete the following: nine hours of FREN/GRMN/SPAN 1001-2002 (at least 2001 in French, German, or Spanish); a three-hour “Global Languages and Cultures” colloquium, and one approved three-hour upper-level (3000/4000-level) elective (the International Languages and Cultures program coordinator will approve and maintain an ongoing list; all FORL/FREN/GRMN/SPAN Upper-level courses are approved). This is a fifteen-hour certificate. FORL 3000 is the only required course. There is no GPA requirement for the certificate.

The Program in International Languages and Cultures also supports the following stand-alone certificate:

Certificate in Latin American, Caribbean, and Latinx Studies:

The Latin American, Caribbean, and Latinx Studies Certificate offers an interdisciplinary approach to learning about the diverse cultures, languages and histories of this geographic region. With increasing numbers of Georgians speaking a language other than English at home, the Latin American, Caribbean, and Latinx Studies Certificate develops the cultural and linguistic awareness students need to participate effectively in an increasingly multicultural and multilingual workplace.

The Program in International Languages and Cultures Program 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.
• Film Studies: The Film Studies Minor at the University of West Georgia is designed to educate and inspire students interested in film. The program complements the university’s already strong liberal arts tradition and consists of a series of interdisciplinary courses from programs including English, International Languages and Cultures, History, Mass Communications, Theatre, and Psychology. These courses are designed to provide students with a solid background in the history, technical analysis, aesthetics and cultural significance of film. As an interdisciplinary minor, the film program encourages students to explore further the rich and diverse aesthetic, philosophical, historical, and cultural expressions articulated in films.  
• 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.

Philosophy Program

Professor:https://www.westga.edu/academics/chass/humanities/philosophy/index.php

R. Lane

Associate Professors:

J. Garner (Program Coordinator), W. Riker

Assistant Professor:

A. Hajkova

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, Society, 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

Programs

Bachelor of Art

• •  English, B.A.
• •  English, B.A. (Accelerated Bachelors to Masters (ABM) in English Education Track)
• •  English, B.A. (Accelerated Bachelors to Masters (ABM) Track)
• •  English, B.A. (Secondary Education Track)
• •  Foreign Languages and Literatures, Certification Track (French or Spanish), B.A.
• •  Foreign Languages and Literatures, French Track, B.A.
• •  Foreign Languages and Literatures, German Track, B.A.
• •  Foreign Languages and Literatures, Spanish Track, B.A.
• •  History, B.A.
• •  History, Secondary Education Certification, B.A.
• •  Philosophy, B.A.
• •  Philosophy, Religion Track, B.A.

Embedded Certificates

• •  Embedded Certificate in DSW
• •  Embedded Certificate in Public History
• •  Embedded Certificate in Publishing and Editing

Stand Alone Certificates

• •  Certificate of Less than One Year in Ethics
• •  Certificate of Less than One Year in Global Languages and Cultures
• •  Certificate of Less than One Year in Latin American, Caribbean, and Latinx Studies

Minor

• •  Creative Writing Minor
• •  French Minor
• •  German Minor
• •  History Minor
• •  Literature Minor
• •  Philosophy Minor
• •  Religion Minor
• •  Spanish Minor

School of Social Sciences

Kathleen Skott-Myhre, Director

https://www.westga.edu/social-sciences

Anthropology Program

https://www.westga.edu/anthropology/

Professor:

M. Snipes 

Associate Professors:

N. Lawres (Director of the Antonio J. Waring, Jr. Laboratory and Program Coordinator), C. Maggiano (Co-Director of the Biological and Forensic Anthropology Laboratory)

Senior Lecturers:

E. Falconi, I. Maggiano (Co-Director of the Biological and Forensic Anthropology Laboratory)

Psychology Program

Melson 123 • 678-839-6510
https://www.westga.edu/psychology

Professors:

M.-C. Bertau, J. Dillon, T. Hart, N. Korobov, L. Osbeck, J Reber, C. Simmonds-Moore, K. Skott-Myhre (Director)

Associate Professors:

N. Gupta (Head of Graduate Studies, M.A. Program), J. Head (Head of Graduate Studies, Ph.D. Program), J. Roberts

Assistant Professors:

C. Bolar, J. Glazier (Program Coordinator, R. LaFleur, R. Traversa, T. Weiner

Instructors:

N. Cochran, C. Johanson

Sociology Program

https://www.westga.edu/sociology

Professors:

P. Kirk (Program Coordinator), E. McKendry-Smith (Head of Graduate Studies, M.A. Program), N. Noori, E Windsor

Associate Professors:

A. Kazeem, J. Weber (Director of Women’s Studies)

Assistant Professor:

C. Waters

Senior Lecturer:

V. Wood

Lecturer:

T. Parsons

Sociology is the scientific study of society and human behavior. Through the use of both research and theories, sociologists develop understandings of complex forms of human behavior. Students in the BS degree program in Sociology learn about the very fabric of social relations through courses in inequality, aging, gender, deviance, globalization, social psychology, race and ethnicity, the environment, the media, and more. The Sociology program seeks to provide students with mastery of basic academic subject matter along with the learning skills necessary for enrichment and continued success in academic and workplace environments. Upon graduation students are prepared for advanced graduate and professional school education and for entrance into the job market in business, government, non-profit organizations, and social services work. Internships are available to provide onsite, practical experience. Students are encouraged to pursue independent research, collaborate with professors on their research, and present their work at conferences such as the Georgia Sociological Association and the Southeastern Undergraduate Sociology Symposium. Students who qualify are also invited to join the national sociology honor society, Alpha Kappa Delta. The B.S. Degree in Sociology is available both face-to-face and online.

Undergraduate Certificates in Sociology

Several certificates of specialization are available to Sociology majors and minors. Non-Sociology majors who complete a certificate program will earn a minor in sociology.

Each certificate requires 15 hours in specific courses. SOCI 1101  is required of all the certificates. Courses taken to receive a certificate also count toward the sociology major and toward additional certificates. The certificate programs and the courses that can be taken to fulfill the requirements are listed below.

Programs

Bachelor of Science

• •  Anthropology, B.S.
• •  Psychology, B.S.
• •  Social and Behavioral Health, B.S.
• •  Sociology, B.S.

Embedded Certificates

• •  Embedded Certificate in Cultural Heritage Management
• •  Embedded Certificate in Forensic Science
• •  Embedded Certificate in Global and Comparative Studies
• •  Embedded Certificate in Health and Society
• •  Embedded Certificate in Social Diversity
• •  Embedded Certificate in Social Science Research Skills
• •  Embedded Certificate in Social Services

Minor

• •  Anthropology Minor
• •  Psychology Minor
• •  Sociology Minor

School of Visual and Performing Arts

Kevin Shunn, Director

https://www.westga.edu/visual-performing-arts

Art Program

https://www.westga.edu/art

Professors:

D Collins, C McGuire, C. Samples (Interim Dean), M. Schoon (Program Coordinator), K. Shunn (Director)

Associate Professors:

J. Morris, N. Rees, J. Swift

Assistant Professor:

D. Nguyen, B. Perry

Senior Lecturers:

E. Dixon, P. Kirk, R. Lamfers, S. Smith 

Instructors:

J. Copelan, J. Horne, C. Lollis, E. Lundin, L. Wolfe

Art at UWG’s focuses on the individual student and their personal path and growth as an upcoming professional. We are committed to excellence in education and in making UWG the most relevant place to obtain advanced studies in the making and study of Art. We strive to provide our students with high impact practices and professional opportunities throughout their studies and continuing on after graduation, to further assist our graduates to be both competitive and productive professionals. Our areas of study are engrained in tradition while also being progressive and exploratory in an effort to facilitate students as they learn, examine and explore both a depth of focus and a breath of potential within our field. We believe that this is critical as students work to develop their own individual language and professional practice.

In general, the practice of Art in it very own nature cultivates a sense of belonging and connectedness through the development of professional relationships and bonds among students, faculty, staff, alumni, and our general communities wherein diversity, equity, and inclusion are promoted and valued.  Our primary goal remains, to prepare young professionals to be outstanding individuals in their field upon graduation and to successfully enter the highly competitive world of employment, as professionals who are prepared to meet the challenges ahead of them.

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. UWG Art offers three BA in Art options: BA in Art (Art History), BA in Art (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 tracks 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. UWG Art offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Art with concentrations in the following: Ceramics, Graphic Design, Painting, Printmaking, Photography, Sculpture and Art Education.

The University is an accredited Full member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.

Learning Outcomes

Art Faculty objectives are for students to develop sound skills and knowledge and become young professionals by demonstrating the following:

BA in Art learning outcomes

• Develop familiarity with the works and intentions of major artists/designers and past and present movements within art for both Western and non-Western worlds.
• Demonstrate a broad understanding of the technical skills, perceptual development, and understanding of the fundamental elements of art/design, sufficient to achieve basic visual communication and expression within two or more studio areas.
• Demonstrate a developed visual sensitivity and at least the rudimentary ability to discern the quality of works of art and studio projects.
• Demonstrate a broad understanding and the ability to make workable connections between concept and media/medium within various aspects of creating artworks.

BFA in Art learning outcomes

• Demonstrate an understanding of the elements and vocabulary of art/design and the interaction of these elements in historical, cultural, and stylistic contexts, through the critical analysis and evaluation of both Western and non- Western worlds of art.
• Demonstrate functional competencies and abilities to work with the fundamental elements of art and design Foundations.
• Demonstrate working knowledge and professional competences within an Individual’s body of work, which demonstrates at minimum, technical mastery, the capability to produce work and the ability to solve professional problems independently, while demonstrating a coherent set of artistic goals equal to entry-level professional achievements within the major area of specialization.
• Demonstrate working knowledge and professional competence through the development of an individual’s body of work(s), which communicate art/design ideas, concepts, and major requirements related to specialized professional practices which stands as evidence of the Individual’s ability to form and defend value judgments about art and design, and if applicable also demonstrates the ability to work collaboratively as appropriate to an area(s) of specialization.
• Demonstrates preparedness for a professional career in the arts.

Application to the BFA in Art and the BA in Art History Degrees

Students seeking the BFA in Art (Art Education, Ceramics, Graphic Design, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture) or the BA in Art History must submit an application / portfolio for a faculty review. For most applicants this review takes place in the second semester of the sophomore year, or during the semester following the completion of ART 3301, ART 3601 or ART 3602, ART 3802, ART 3801, and ART 3901. All transfer students that have completed 45 or more credit hours must complete one semester in residence before they are eligible to submit an application to BA Art History or any BFA degree program. The BFA and the BA in Art History application / portfolio evaluations focus on an applicant’s potential for success within a particular program or professional field. Applicants are expected to show skills and knowledge applied to artistic, design or scholarly problems. Applicant’s work should demonstrate their ability, originality, and commitment, which altogether exhibit the applicant’s potential to function as a professional artist, designer or scholar. All applicants are observed by faculty during the semesters prior to the BFA/BA Art History application on their ability to conduct themselves as future professional artists/designers and scholars. It is imperative for an applicant’s application and review to meet or exceed departmental standards to be successful in the BFA/BA in Art History application process. For full application description, requirements, and dates, please see the program website.

Internships for BFA in Art

Internships are available at local businesses and industries. Internships must be educationally relevant to one’s area of study and must be approved by both the area advisor and the chair of the department.

Mid Program Review

All BA and BFA in Art candidates must enroll and successfully complete ART 4078. (See program website for specific requirements for ART 4078). Art Faculty will review juniors based on their portfolio, writings, presentation and transcript progress. Candidates will be assessed on the level of knowledge and skill base gained to date. Successful candidates will be allowed to enroll into their respective capstone courses (ART 4298 or ART 4998). Course may be repeated up to two additional times. Unsuccessful review on the third attempt may result in a candidate being placed on probation or removed from their degree program.  ART 4078 must be taken during a semester where the student is enrolled in 12 credit hours.

Capstone Sequence for BA & BFA in Art

After successfully completing ART 4078 and at the start of a candidate’s final two semesters, BA and BFA in Art candidates will need to enroll in ART 4998 - Senior Capstone Experience I and ART 4999 - Senior Capstone Experience II. (ART 4998 is the prerequisite for ART 4999 and these courses cannot be taken simultaneously).

Candidates should discuss their approach and goals for the Senior Capstone with their advisor and formulate their Capstone Committee. Candidates will need to start developing a plan to assist in making the Capstone sequence a success.

Candidates should prepare a preliminary schedule of courses they wish to take prior to meeting with their advisors.

During the advising appointment, the advisor and student should continue discussing the program requirements and review the student’s course selection. Any other individual or special concerns should also be discussed. For complete information, please see the program website.

GPA and Grade Requirements for all Art Majors

Art students are required to maintain a 2.5 overall GPA and a 3.0 Art GPA. A grade of C or better will fulfill Art requirements. No Art major may receive a D or lower in an Art course and have it fulfill the course requirement in any Art degree program.

Music Program

https://www.westga.edu/music

Professors:

E Kramer (Head of Graduate Studies, M.M. program), J. Byrd (Program Coordinator), C.Self (Program Coordinator)

Associate Professor:

D. Neely

Assistant Professors:

S. Elias, K. Graffius, M. Rhoden

Senior Lecturer:

E. Hunt

The Music Program at the University of West Georgia is recognized as a model for student success in performance, music education, and composition, a center for excellence in teaching and performance, and for accomplishment in research and creative achievement.  The Bachelor of Music degree is offered with concentrations in Music Education, Composition, Performance, and Performance with an Emphasis in Piano Pedagogy. The program of study in music education leads to Teacher Certification in the state of Georgia.  Stand alone certificates in Jazz Studies and Musical Theatre are available to students of all majors.  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

Concerts, recitals, and other music-related events are presented in a variety of venues both on campus and in the Carrollton community, including 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.  As a Kawai EPIC institution, UWG has Kawai pianos in all classrooms, studios, practice rooms, and rehearsal rooms.  Beginning in January 2024, the newly-renovated Humanities Building will feature state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, including an 18-station keyboard lab, a large percussion studio, multi-media classrooms, multiple music libraries for instrumental and choral music holdings, an instrument repair room, a recording booth, and Wenger soundproof practice rooms and faculty studios. 

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, Mixed Chamber 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). 

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 Music Program Coordinator.

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.  Submission of scores is required.

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 department office and the Office of the Registrar.

Transfer Student Admission

The music major entering the Music Program 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.

Specific requirements regarding applied lessons are listed on the program website at: (http://www.westga.edu/music). For additional information about the performance standards for applied-music study, please see the Music Program Coordinator.

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 Program’s faculty considers many criteria before recommending a candidate for a scholarship award. These criteria include the candidate’s anticipated contribution to program ensembles, the needs within the program, the financial need of the candidate, and the amount of award money available. For continuing students, additional considerations include their actual contributions to the program 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 on the program website.

Theatre Program

Performance Space: Townsend Center for the Performing Arts
https://www.westga.edu/theatre

Professors:

A. Cuomo, R. Elman (Program Coordinator), P. Gagnon 

Assistant Professor:

E. McClure-Frank

Senior Lecturer:

J. Monaghan

Statement of Purpose: The UWG Theatre Program 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 Program 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:

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 practitioners-in-training to transition from University to the entertainment industry.

Interdisciplinary Certificate in Musical Theatre

The Interdisciplinary Certificate in Musical Theatre provides students of musical theatre the opportunity to take courses in the three facets of the discipline: Theatre, Music, and Dance. Students must audition to be admitted into the certificate program. This is a 17 credit hour interdisciplinary (Music, Theatre, Dance), stand-alone certificate in musical theatre.

Arts Management Certificate

The Arts Management Certificate provides students the opportunity to take courses in the “business” part of show business. This is a 15-credit hour stand-alone certificate that spans courses in the arts, humanities, and business sectors.

Programs

Bachelor of Art

• •  Art, B.A.
• •  Theatre, B.A.

Bachelor of Fine Arts

• •  Art, Art Education, B.F.A.
• •  Art, B.F.A.
• •  Theatre with Concentrations in Acting, Design/Technology, and Generalist, B.F.A.

Bachelor of Music

• •  Composition, Principal-Applied Area: Keyboard, String, Or Guitar, B.M.
• •  Composition, Principal-Applied Area: Voice, B.M.
• •  Composition, Principal-Applied Area: Woodwind, Brass, Or Percussion, B.M.
• •  Music Education, Option: Keyboard, String, & Guitar, B.M.
• •  Music Education, Option: Voice, B.M.
• •  Music Education, Option: Woodwind, Brass, & Percussion, B.M.
• •  Performance, Emphasis in Piano Pedagogy, B.M.
• •  Performance, Keyboard Option, B.M.
• •  Performance, Option: String & Guitar, B.M.
• •  Performance, Option: Voice, B.M.
• •  Performance, Option: Woodwind, Brass, & Percussion, B.M.

Stand Alone Certificates

• •  Certificate of Less than One Year in Arts Management
• •  Certificate of Less than One Year in Jazz Studies
• •  Certificate of Less than One Year in Musical Theatre

Minor

• •  Art History Minor
• •  Art Minor
• •  Music Minor
• •  Theatre Minor