Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Design and Technology - Lighting Design

at Kent State University USA

The Master of Fine Arts degree in Theatre Design and Technology is a terminal degree designed for those who are interested in achieving the artistry and skills necessary to qualify as practicing professionals in the entertainment industry and/or professional theatre educators. The program is a three-year course of study with a flexible curriculum for students to explore areas of special interest.

The Theatre Design and Technology major comprises the following concentrations:

• The Lighting Design concentration balances instruction and experience in lighting design with instruction and experience in lighting technology. Studies include digital rendering, CAD, lighting technology and automated lighting. Students research and study all of aspects of theatrical lighting, including the design process from concept to execution, communication skills, integration of technology into design, documentation of the work and critical evaluation of the work.

Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Acquire creative and technical ability to develop the design of a production from concept to finished product.
• Acquire advanced abilities in the unification of all design elements used in professional production.
• Understand analytical or academically oriented theatre studies in areas related to and supportive of the work in the major field such as history, theory, dramatic literature and performance studies.
• Understand information resources associated with theatrical design and production.
• Produce full working drawings for mounted productions.
• Analyze text, music and dance and the ways that historical, critical and theoretical content inform playwriting, acting, directing and design.
• Communicate ideas clearly and effectively to the theatre community, production teams and the public.
• Know the history of their area of specialization and have the ability to integrate that history into production design.
• Know current technology, tools and methods in their area of specialization and have the ability to integrate technology into production design.
• Know health and safety practices associated with theatre production.
• Communicate and navigate effectively within the field of professional theatrical production design.
• Demonstrate an understanding of professional ethics and practice.

The Bachelor of Arts degree in French provides opportunity for students to study the language, literature and culture of France and Francophone countries. Students gain a respectable measure of competence in reading, writing and oral/aural skills in the French language. To help gain proficiency, students can attend a weekly French coffee hour. A conversation course sometimes involves speaking to people in France live via teleconferencing.

Students can take upper-division French courses abroad, either through Kent's own year-long program with the University of Bordeaux or with any accredited study abroad program offered by another university. Such programs may be for one semester, one academic year, or one summer. They most benefit students who have already acquired a strong command of the language here before leaving, however.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Perform tasks at intermediate high and advanced low levels of proficiency as described by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Proficiency Guidelines. Proficiency, in ACTFL terms, is understood to describe a range of qualities rather than an absolute norm and will vary according to task type, language function, topic, skill (listening, speaking, reading, writing) and so forth.
• Contribute to most informal and some formal conversations with sufficient accuracy, clarity and precision to convey their intended message without misrepresentation or confusion.
• Read a wide variety of and complex texts written for native speakers of French and not edited or adapted for non-native speakers.
• Write cohesive summaries, narratives and descriptions of a factual nature in French.
• Demonstrate a knowledge of French history and culture and understand the diverse nature of culture throughout the ages.
• Discuss cultural differences, distinguishing between fact, opinion and stereotypes.
• Communicate effectively and sensitively with diverse ethic and cultural groups.
• View concepts, issues, events and themes from the perspectives of diverse ethnic and cultural groups.
• Esteem diversity.
• Maintain an ongoing assessment of their own cultural values and behaviors.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Mechatronics Engineering Technology integrates mechanical, electrical, computer and controls. Mechatronics engineering technology revolves around the design, construction and operation of automated systems, robots and intelligent products, which result from the integration of software and hardware.

Using automated systems is becoming more popular for operating equipment/machinery in a host of situations, including on assembly and manufacturing lines, on automobiles and aircraft and in electrical power generations to reduce labor costs, increase precision and accuracy and provide quality and safety for workers.

Graduates from the mechatronics engineering technology program manage and support the design, operation and analysis of mechanical and electrical devices connected with automated systems, robots and computer-integrated manufacturing. They can work in any company that develops, designs or manufactures and markets these devices. Opportunities exist in manufacturing sales as well as research.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Select and apply a knowledge of mathematics, science, engineering and technology to engineering technology problems that require the application of principles and applied procedures or methodologies.
• Design systems, components or processes for broadly defined engineering technology problems.
• Select and apply the knowledge, techniques, skills, and modern tools of the discipline to broadly defined engineering technology activities.

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Physics prepares students for such varied fields as secondary education, patent law, science journalism or interdisciplinary science careers. The core requirements permit a large number of elective courses, which allow students to complete a minor or second major in preparation for an interdisciplinary career. This program is well suited for those with a strong interest not only in science but also in a non-science field. Students completing the program may choose to continue their physics studies on a graduate level.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Demonstrate the technical and cognitive skills important in a good physicist, including the following:
  • Think critically and analytically.
  • Define a problem and how to solve problems.
  • Understand advanced mathematics (e.g., calculus and differential equations) and computer skills.
  • Use, design and even build lab equipment.
• Demonstrate the traits important in a good scientist, namely, hard working, creative, meticulous, persistence, tenacious and self confidence.
• Communicate results of their work to peers, to their instructors or supervisors, to various target groups within the physics community and to people outside the discipline.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Mechatronics Engineering Technology integrates mechanical, electrical, computer and controls. Mechatronics engineering technology revolves around the design, construction and operation of automated systems, robots and intelligent products, which result from the integration of software and hardware.

Using automated systems is becoming more popular for operating equipment/machinery in a host of situations, including on assembly and manufacturing lines, on automobiles and aircraft and in electrical power generations to reduce labor costs, increase precision and accuracy and provide quality and safety for workers.

Graduates from the mechatronics engineering technology program manage and support the design, operation and analysis of mechanical and electrical devices connected with automated systems, robots and computer-integrated manufacturing. They can work in any company that develops, designs or manufactures and markets these devices. Opportunities exist in manufacturing sales as well as research.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Select and apply a knowledge of mathematics, science, engineering and technology to engineering technology problems that require the application of principles and applied procedures or methodologies.
• Design systems, components or processes for broadly defined engineering technology problems.
• Select and apply the knowledge, techniques, skills, and modern tools of the discipline to broadly defined engineering technology activities.

The Master of Science degree in Architecture and Environmental Design is a research-intensive program with one-year full residency requirement. The curriculum includes research methods, theories of architecture, thesis research, thesis and directed and free electives. The program is best suites for individuals interested in pursuing a specialization in the built environment.

The Bachelor of Science in Education degree in Integrated Social Studies prepares prospective teachers to be purposeful, deliberative and reflective practitioners, who teach students to contribute to the deepening of democracy, and promote the common good. The program is designed to develop pre-service teachers who learn from practice; engage in collaborative inquiry and partnerships to promote student learning and continued professional growth, create equitable classrooms, plan/organize meaningful lessons and assessments; and view themselves as curriculum developers who recognize that social studies content and curriculum are more than information in textbooks and standardized curriculum guides.

The Integrated Social Studies major comprises the following concentrations which prepares students to build on and integrate their content knowledge as part of developing participatory, democratic citizens:

• Economics
• Geography
• History
• Political Science
• Sociology

Graduates are prepared to teach social studies in grades 7-12 and are recommended for Ohio licensure upon completion of all state requirements.

Students are required to complete Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification (BCII) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) background checks.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Plan and teach lessons rooted in inquiry-based questions as outlined by the College, Career and Civic (C3) Framework as endorsed by the National Council for the Social Studies.
• Plan for and teach in ways that promote active student engagement, value multiple perspectives and encourage listening across difference.
• Develop equitable classrooms steeped in social justice that promote freedom and democracy for all learners.

The Master of Education degree in Special Education provides students with advanced understanding of contemporary research and practice issues in special education. Students in the program are typically interested in pursuing enhanced professional competence, career advancement, leadership roles, advocacy and systems change; or they may be wanting to prepare for doctoral-level study. Students do not need to have an undergraduate degree in special education (or in education) to be successful in the master's degree; however, should be motivated to develop a deeper understanding of the field of special education.

The M.Ed. degree program does not prepare students for teacher licensure; however, some of the coursework required for the degree may count toward licensure. Students interested in both licensure and a M.Ed. degree will need to apply and be fully admitted into both the master's degree and the non-degree graduate licensure preparation program.

The Special Education major comprises the following concentrations:

• The Moderate/Intensive Educational Needs concentration focuses on students with moderate to intensive educational needs who most often require modifications to the general academic curriculum and/or other extensive special education supports.

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Geology prepares graduates  for employment in a wide variety of careers where an understanding of the natural sciences is useful or critical for success. Geology can be a strong background for advanced study or career development in areas such as business, city management, regional development, planning, law, journalism and science writing. The curriculum includes courses concerning minerals, rocks, fossils and field mapping, among others. These courses are supplemented by courses such as introductory chemistry, biology and mathematics.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Understand and communicate to others the nature of scientific investigation and evidence.
• Understand and communicate to the others the complex interrelationships of the biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and the lithosphere through geologic time.
• Understand Earth materials and interpret geologic and environmental processes.
• Synthesize geologic information to understand and solve geologic and environmental problems.
• Demonstrate critical thinking skills and be able to work as a geologist in the field and in the laboratory.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Botany focuses on the scientific study of plants, and the understanding of how plants provide aesthetic beauty, as well as materials for the basic needs, including food, shelter and oxygen. Botanical research has diverse applications in modern horticulture, agriculture, soil science and forestry, in addition to pharmacology and biotechnology.

Many students continue their education in graduate or professional programs. Those opting to enter directly into the workforce find jobs in fields related to the economic importance of plants, including agriculturally-based and related professions, environmental consulting or in federal, state or local agencies. The Department of Biological Sciences offers several mechanisms to help students prepare for their future careers.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Understand fundamental biological principles.
• Acquire fundamental skills necessary for laboratory and field investigations.
• Conduct proper experimental design, analyze biological data and communicate research results.
• Know and appreciate the role that biology plays in societal issues, such as those related to the environment, biodiversity, ethics, human health and disease.