IHL Board approves two new degree programs at MUW

By Jill D. O’Bryant

Mississippi University for Women will offer two new degree programs next fall - a master of fine arts in physical theatre and a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies - which were approved by the IHL Board at its November meeting.

“MUW is constantly scanning the environment and reviewing programs to ensure that we are providing the best opportunities possible for our students and addressing the educational needs of the region,” said Dr. Sandra Jordan, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Before we launch any new programs, we take the time to conduct considerable research, initiate discussions with constituents, undertake an analysis of benefit and work with the curriculum and learning experts to produce the most meaningful and relevant program possible.

“It is a lengthy process, but ultimately it is a necessary process which ensures that all new programs possess the high standards associated with MUW. Naturally we are thrilled that these two new programs have received the approval of the IHL Board and we are ready to make them available to our students and the public.”

The MFA in physical theatre will be offered jointly with the Accademia dell’ Arte in Arezzo, Italy, home of commedia dell’arte.

Combining the study of movement/dance, Italian language, vocal study and music with the study of circus arts, the techniques of commedia dell’arte and contemporary mime/masks, the program will provide students with a high level of technical training for the actor as well as a study of the aesthetic, historical and social contexts of the commedia dell’arte.

“The MFA in Physical Theatre will provide our students with an opportunity to pursue a terminal degree in theatrical performance in conjunction with one of the most prestigious Theatre programs in the world,” Jordan said. “This unique collaborative program between MUW and an international institution, provides interested students with an unique opportunity to study European theatrical traditions at campuses in Arezzo, Brussels, Berlin, and Venice.

“It is an innovative program that takes advantage of the best in educational practices in U.S. higher education and the finest traditions of European theatre dating back to the 15th Century.”

Students will be required to audition for admission into the MFA program which includes seven modules. Module one (foundations) and module two (explorations of style) will be offered on the Arezzo campus. Module three (circus arts) will be offered in Brussels. Module four (commedia dell’Arte) and module five (the concrete imagination) will be in Arezzo. Module six (mime and the contemporary mask) will be conducted in Berlin, and module seven (performance autonomy) will be in Venice.

“The core of the MFA is based on techniques of commedia dell'arte,a traditional Italian form of performance, said William (Peppy) Biddy, chair of the Department of Music and Theatre. “While there are other schools which teach these techniques, our partner school, Accademia Dell'Arte is the only school offering this kind of work in the country of its origin.”

The program will culminate in the development of an original performance project by the student actors with required public productions in Venice and Arrezo.

Biddy said that several students have shown an interest in the new program.

“The professors here have shared their passion with me and I am grateful, but now I want to expand on my skills as a story teller by learning how to use my body in a well articulated,

specific and disciplined manner,” said Patricia Talavera, a senior theatre major from Marrero, La. “If I can do that and be in an entirely different atmosphere such as Arezzo, Italy, a country rich in personal relationships, different customs and a history older than that of the country I live in, I feel that I can become a better person myself and a better story teller.”

The purpose of the interdisciplinary studies major is to provide students with a coherent and rigorous but flexible course of study that will allow them to bring together two or more disciplines to meet a clearly-defined intellectual or professional goal.

“Some of the most exciting professional fields emerging today are created from the merging of disciplines,” Jordan said. “Interdisciplinary studies prepares students for a variety of options upon graduation. The BA or BS degree will appeal to high-performing students who have multiple areas of interest and strong skills across several disciplines. The degree is designed to allow individuals who have earned credit from a variety of locations to put those credits to work toward an academic degree.”

Students participating in this program will be required to propose a specific course of study to the Interdisciplinary Studies Committee for approval.

With the major exceptions of nursing and teacher education, almost all disciplines within the university are available to students for this degree.