BFA REGISTRATION PACKET Semesters: 2nd through 8th SPRING 2012 [2/20/2012 – 6/1/2012] Los Angeles Campus   Welcome to the Spring 2012 BFA Registration process.  This Registration Packet will indicate the Semester’s “Choice Courses” for the Spring 2012 term.     Read ALL the information throughout the packet and find the course selections available for the  specific semester and program in which YOU will be enrolled for Spring 2012 semester.      Familiarize yourself with the packet, as it contains the information necessary for making course  selections.     Visit the AMDA website at www.amda.edu to download your registration form.     Select the “Registration Form” specific to the program and semester level in which YOU  will be enrolled for Spring 2012 semester.  Once completed, email the form to  [email protected]. [see steps on page 2]     Retain a copy for your records.      

SUBMIT YOUR REGISTRATION FORM BY:   Wednesday, January 11th          This Registration process is applicable to BFA students only.  Certificate students will automatically be registered in their Spring 2012 classes.   

    Please follow the simple ‘step by step’ process on the following page.   Please direct all questions to AMDA’s Education Dept.   Thank you.       

 

STEP by STEP Registration Process:      Step 1:  

  Step 2:     Step 3:  

  Step 4:  

Visit the AMDA Website @ www.amda.edu    Place cursor over Student Life.   Click on Student Resources.    or go directly to (http://www.amda.edu/student‐life/student‐resources/   Scroll to the BFA Spring 2012 Registration section.   Click on the "LA Campus: BFA Spring 2012 Registration Information Packet" to review   the information.    Scroll to the LA Campus BFA Spring 2012 Registration section located under   the Forms & Documents section.   Click on the semester you WILL BE in Spring 2012 (Example: if you are currently in second semester,  then your selection for Spring 2012 is Third Semester).   Click on your program to automatically direct you to the applicable registration form.  On the Registration Form, ENTER information in the fields highlighted in blue, click on appropriate  boxes for class selection. Use the ‘tab’ button to maneuver from one field to the other.    Enter your name in the signature field.    Enter the date in the date field.    SAVE your form to your desktop [public computer] or appropriate folder [private computer] 

  Step 5:     Step 6:     Step 7:  

  Go to your email account, generate a new email, address the email to:        [email protected]  Subject Line:  Last Name SP2012 Registration (example: JonesSP2012Registration)  Attach your saved form [see step 4] and SEND.     Students need to submit only ONE Registration form: duplicates will not be processed.   

  SUBMIT by the DEADLINE: Wednesday, January 11th    Note: Students who do not submit registration forms will be automatically registered in the prescribed semester  classes for the assigned program.  For any questions, please contact the Education Department.     Registration is first‐come, first‐served; based on the order in which forms are received. When the maximum  amount of students have registered for a course (or if a course results in cancellation), students will be registered  in an alternate course.    Students need to be certain they know how many credits they want/need/plan for each semester by reading the  BFA FAQ information enclosed in this packet.     Add/Drop Forms are available on the AMDA website at www.amda.edu and will be available at Reception for pick  up.  Add/Drop forms are used for those students who anticipate modifying their course registration based on  transfer credit.  Forms must be submitted to an Education Department staff member during the Add/Drop period  [first week of school, deadline of Friday, February 24th].  2 Education Department 12.28.11

 

Spring 2012 BFA Choice Courses by Semester (See following pages for descriptions and pre-requisites) Courses are subject to change, AMDA will make every attempt to notify students if/when there’s a change in course offerings.

SP’12

Semester

Theatre Roots

Creative Exploration

English

Sci/ Tech

Choose 1: Theatre History: Inception

2nd

History of the American Musical

n/a

n/a

n/a

MT & PA-MT

PA-ACT

Dance Th & PA-DTh

Performance Choices

Performance Choices

Performance Choices

MT only Choose 1: Ballet Tap Jazz

Acting &

Choose 1: Acting Techniques n/a

American Theatre 21st Century

3rd

n/a

n/a

Creative Writing (Will be assigned)

Choose 1: History of the Independent Cinema

4th

n/a

LA Detective Films & Fiction

n/a

n/a

Choose 1: Film Survey: Great Perform

Choose 1: Jazz Modern

Stage Combat 3

Choose 1: Tap Hip Hop

Improv: Intro to Long Form

Choose 1: Kinetic Anatomy Scenic Design

Arch Psychology for Storyteller

Choose 1: Ballet Tap Jazz

PA-MT only Choose 1: Ensemb Sing Act Character Motion

MT Fundamentals with Singing Technique

Choose 1: Ensemb Sing Act Adv Combat: SPT Film Survey: Art of the Motion Picture

Choose 1: Jazz Modern Choose 1: Tap Hip Hop Choose 1: Ensemb Sing Act Musicianship I

5th

5z

alumni

Choose 1: Theatre History: Emergence History of Contemporary American Musical

n/a

n/a

TV/ Screenwriting

Choose 1: Theatre History: Emergence History Contemporary American Musical

Choose 1: Playwriting/ Screenwriting

n/a

English Composition (Will be assigned)

Early Avant-Garde

Choose 1: Kinetic Anatomy Scenic Design

Choose 2: Ballet Tap Jazz

Choose 2: Ballet Tap Jazz n/a

n/a

Character in Motion Alexander Technique

Choose 1: American Evolution

6th

Choose 1: Ballet Tap Jazz

Choose 1: Monologues

n/a

Great Playwrights: Ibsen, Strindberg, Chekov

Choose 2: Stage Combat 1 VPS:IPA/Intro to Dialects

n/a

Choose 1: Adv Combat: SPT VPS:IPA/Intro to Dialects Adv Improv: The Slam Experience

Choose 2: Ballet Jazz Modern Choose 1: Tap Hip Hop

n/a

Choose 2: Ballet Jazz Modern Choose 1: Tap Hip Hop

Improvisation 1

3 Education Department 12.28.11

Spring 2012 BFA Choice Courses by Semester

-

Continued

(See following pages for descriptions and pre-requisites)

Courses are subject to change, AMDA will make every attempt to notify students if/when there’s a change in course offerings.

SP’12

Semester

Theatre Roots

Choose 1: History of the Independent Cinema

6z

alumni

Creative Exploration

n/a

LA Detective Films & Fiction

English

Creative Writing (Will be assigned)

Sci/ Tech

MT & PA-MT

Acting &

PA-ACT

Dance Th & PA-DTh

Performance Choices

Performance Choices

Performance Choices

Choose 1: Ballet Tap Jazz

Choose 1: Alexander Tech

Choose 1: Alexander Tech n/a

Arch Psychology for Storyteller

Monologues

Choose 1: Adv Combat: SPT

Choose 2: Stage Combat 1

VPS:IPA/Intro to Dialects

VPS:IPA/Intro to Dialects

Adv Improv: The Slam Experience

Improvisation 1 Choose 1: Ballet Tap Jazz

7th

n/a

Entrepreneurship (Will be Assigned)

n/a

n/a

Monologues

Choose 2: Stage Combat 2 Dialects: Directed Studies German/Irish

Choose 2: Adv Combat: SPT Dialects: Directed Studies German/Irish Adv Improv: The Slam Experience

Improvisation 2 Choose 1:: American Evolution

7z

alumni

Early Avant-Garde

Entrepreneurship (Will be Assigned)

Choose 1: Playwriting/ Screenwriting

n/a

n/a

LA Detective Films & Fiction

Stage Combat 3 n/a

Arch Psychology for Storyteller

8z

alumni

Dialects: Directed Studies German/Irish Improv: Intro to Long Form

**Entrepreneurship Choose 1:: American Evolution

Choose 1: Ballet Tap Jazz

PA-MT only Choose 1:

n/a

Choose 1: History of the Independent Cinema

Early Avant-Garde

LA Detective Films & Fiction

Great Playwrights: Ibsen, Strindberg, Chekov

Arch Psychology for Storyteller

Choose 1: Mus Th1 with Singing Tech OR Acting 2 Choose 1: Improvisation 1 Stage Combat 1 VPS 2

Dialects: Directed Studies German/Irish

n/a

Adv Improv: The Slam Experience

Choose 1: History of the Independent Cinema

8th

Choose 4: Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Hip Hop, Core Technique

Choose 1: Adv Combat: SPT

TV/ Screenwriting

Great Playwrights: Ibsen, Strindberg, Chekov

n/a

Choose 1: Adv Combat: SPT Dialects: Directed Studies German/Irish Adv Improv: The Slam Experience

Choose 1: Ballet Jazz Modern Tap Hip Hop Core Techniques

Choose 1: Adv Combat: SPT

n/a

n/a

n/a

Dialects: Directed Studies German/Irish

n/a

Adv Improv: The Slam Experience

**Entrepreneurship

**Students who have been approved to accelerate into 8th semester must register for the required Entrepreneurship class, usually scheduled in 7th semester. See notation on the registration form. Students will need to select the course for either a Performance Immersion 1.5 credits OR Critical Studies 3.0 credits dependent on the category they need to fulfill.

4 Education Department 12.28.11

Spring 2012 “Choice Course” Descriptions Students will be apprised of required textbooks upon receiving their course syllabi.   Students will need to be prepared to purchase plays, scripts and/or copies of scenes as deemed by a course’s curriculum.

Critical Studies “Choice Courses” THEATRE ROOTS Category: 1. TR108: Theatre History: Inception Provides an artistic, intellectual, historical, sociopolitical and overall cultural context for major playwrights and theatrical traditions. Significant dramatists are studied and numerous works from Egyptian Ritual of 2500 B.C.E. to the Spanish Golden Age of 1640 C.E. are read, discussed, and analyzed; the cultural framework of each period is examined. Film and video clips display performance traditions as well as theatre architecture, makeup, costuming and performance styles. Oral presentations and attendance at play performances often supplement the coursework. 3.0 credits

2. TR109: Theatre History: Emergence Students will trace the development of contemporary Western theatre by examining dramatic texts from 19th Century Realism to the present. Emphasis is placed on the influence of Ibsen, Chekhov, and Strindberg. Compare conventions of each period, acting styles, and analyze the role of politics, economics, and philosophy in developing theatre. 3.0 credits

3. TR110 :Theatre History: American Evolution Examine the expansion of drama and the development of theatre after World War II to the present day including The American Musical, American Tragedy, The American Dream, American Realism, The Group Theatre, Repertory Theatres, Activism and the Changing Audience. 3.0 credits

4. TR206: Great Playwrights, Ibsen, Strindberg, Chekov An in-depth exploration of three key playwrights (Henrik Ibsen, August Strindberg and Anton Chekhov) whose groundbreaking plays in the late 19th-century led to the birth of modern drama. Works will be examined in the context of the period's sweeping innovations in politics, technology, philosophy, art and literature. 3.0 credits

5. TR211: History of the American Musical This course is a select, yet comprehensive study of American Musical Theatre covering the time period 1875-1943 which includes the dawning of the Golden Age of Musical Theatre. 3.0 credits

6. TR215: History of Contemporary American Musical To give students a thorough understanding of the modern history of musical theatre, specifically from 1943-present. 3.0 credits 7.

TR219: Early Avant-Garde Theatre A focus on European Avant-Garde works in Theatre. The course begins with Symbolists, then covers the Post-WWI movements (Futurism, Dadaism, Surrealism and Expressionism), followed by Brecht/Epic Theatre, Artaud and Theatre of Cruelty; ending with Theatre of the Absurd and Beckett. 3.0 credits

8. TR220: American Theatre in the 21st Century Focusing on drama written since 2000, this course will explore the role that live theatre plays in contemporary American culture. Theatre as an art form is thriving based on the talents and creativity of American playwrights and artists, but theatre as a business remains a tenuous and undervalued pursuit by the American public at large. This course will examine the structure of the theatre industry, as well as how the contemporary American theatre is an indispensable asset in helping our country sustain its vigorous public culture. 3.0 credits 

CREATIVE EXPLORATION Category: 1. CE204: History of Independent Cinema An exploration of the independent film movement in America from 1970-2000. Monumental independent film will be discussed and critiqued in terms of esthetics, styles and shooting strategies. Cultural and historical events that coincide with each selected film will be examined. 3.0 credits 2.

3.

CE215: LA Detective Films & Fiction Discover the tradition of detective fiction as it evolves in novels and films set in Los Angeles from the 1930’s through the 1990’s. With a review of Los Angeles history, crime stories and film noir, the course’s literary journey combines classics with contemporary fiction and film to depict the specific metamorphosis of the solitary detective figure in Los Angeles and the many facets of the genre itself. 3.0 credits CE216: Archetypal Psychology for the Storyteller This course explores Jungian Archetypes and how they function in storytelling (theater, film, literature, etc). Provides understanding for the use of archetypes to illuminate personality. Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell’s theories will be applied to mythology and modern narratives, as well as Freudian percepts relating to the development of societies. 3.0 credits

ENGLISH Category: 1.

EN301: Playwriting/Screenwriting (Prerequisite: English Composition for the Actor) This course is designed to explore the fundamentals of Playwriting and Screenwriting while allowing students to develop their skills in creating compelling characters, dialogue and plot. Students will learn basic elements of dramatic structure and recognize parallels and differences between the two art forms of playwriting and screenwriting. 3.0 credits  

2.

EN302: TV/Screenwriting (Prerequisite: English Composition for the Actor) Writing for Television and Film explores the fundamentals and techniques used in writing for the large and small screen. Both genres are deeply structural in nature and mastery of their formats will open a world of creative understanding and opportunity. Through a series of classroom discussions, readings, writing exercises and viewing assignments, students will develop a detailed knowledge of structure, story and character development. Assignments may include pitching of an original episode for an existing series, creating a spec script and/or a scene for a film screenplay. 3.0 credits 5 Education Department 12.28.11

Spring 2012 “Choice Course” Descriptions Continued

SCI/TECH Category: 1. SCI201: Kinetic Anatomy Delve into the fundamental mechanics of human skeletal and muscular anatomy. Basic concepts of exercise physiology and leverage are also explored. Lessons are complimented by a movement lab in which students gain greater sense of physical coordination and awareness. Practical applications will result in the refinement of characterization skills and performance physicality. 3.0 credits

2. SCI213: Scenic Design Individual visual and dexterous skills are refined and crafted to enhance one’s ability in communicating theatrical design ideas. Expand your visual library, discern "good" design from "bad", learn how to formulate a critique, and how to receive one. Text analysis, metaphor and acquired skills are some of the tools students will use to express designs. 3.0 credits

Performance Immersion “Choice Course” ACTING

AC121 Acting II (Prerequisite: Acting 1 or Acting Fundamentals) Students will grow as performers by physically incorporating truthfulness, economy, specificity and spontaneity into their scene work. Risk taking and maintaining simplicity and appropriateness in acting choices is emphasized. Continued application of acting techniques will contribute to an expanded performance skill set. Repertoire will focus on selections from 20th-century American drama. 3.5 credits AC125 Acting Techniques (Prerequisite: Acting I or Acting Fundamentals) This course is designed to create a supportive, committed, professional and creative environment in which students strive to master acting techniques. Building on the work from Acting I or Acting Fundamentals, students refine techniques for portraying human behavior through believable characterization. In addition, students engage in sensory work, trust and improvisation exercises, and other methods of freeing the imagination. 2.0 credits

AC335 Monologues (Prerequisite: Acting III) Build a “repertoire” of audition material by honing varied and contrasting monologues; texts may range from classical to contemporary, comedic to tragic. 1.0 credit DN106 Alexander Technique A practice for more than 100 years, and beloved by performing artists of all disciplines, the Alexander Technique is a practical educational method that teaches awareness and prevention of unnecessary and harmful muscular tension in the body. The technique promotes ease and efficiency of movement, enhanced balance and coordination, improved vocal and respiratory functioning, and a more reliable sensory perception. 1.0 credit DN270 Character in Motion An in-depth look at character development and storytelling through movement, music and physical expression. This course is designed to provide the actor for a wide range of physical challenges and broadened career opportunities. 1.5 credits MT338 Ensemble Singing for the Actor Actors will expand their ability to create effective characters through performances enhanced with musical elements. Working as an ensemble, students will explore vocal expression, musicality and singing harmony, movement and staging. 1.5 credits

IMPROVISATION AC122 Improvisation I: Foundations Students will have the opportunity to develop and master basic improvisational skills. Improvisation will be used to enhance and strengthen focus, imagination, listening on stage and the use of physical choices. Learning to trust oneself and one’s partner while supporting other performers on stage are additional components to this course.1.5 credits

AC123 Improvisation II: Technique (Prerequisite: Improvisation I) Improvisational skills continue further development with emphasis on kinesthetic and sensory awareness. Advanced exercises in concentration, problem-solving, moment-to-moment interaction and spontaneity are highlighted. Special emphasis is placed on character development. Students will portray a myriad of well-rounded characters, exploring strong storylines. AC223 Improvisation: Intro to Long Form (Prerequisites: Improvisation I) This course introduces students to a range of improvisation games and techniques, associated with Long Form Improv. Non-verbal, verbal, and sensory improvisation scene work will be explored. The student is taught to play honestly within a visceral environment and to interact spontaneously, considering the needs and responses of fellow actors. 1.5 credits AC301 Advanced Improvisation: The Slam Experience (Prerequisites: Improvisation II or Intro to Long Form)

Building upon techniques in prerequisite Improv courses, a variety of games will be explored and ultimately selected for use in constructing an “Improv Slam”. Improvisers are now challenged to solidify their techniques in order to entertain an audience who will actively provide ideas and suggestions within the performance. 1.5 credits

6 Education Department 12.28.11

Spring 2012 “Choice Course” Descriptions Continued FILM SURVEY FL280 Film Survey: Great Performances (Prerequisite: FL180 Hist. of the Entertainment Business) Building on the

historical overview provided by FL180, this course offers a comprehensive study of the greatest film careers of the 20th and 21st Centuries. Through feature films, documentaries and televised interviews with film stars; students will explore the lives of film’s greatest personalities. The careers of Billy Wilder, Frank Capra, Stanley Kramer, Alfred Hitchcock, Bette Davis, Jack Lemmon, James Dean, Marilyn Monroe and Orson Welles, along with many others, are explored. 1.5 credits

FL380 Film Survey: The Art of the Motion Picture (Prerequisite: FL180 Hist. of the Entertainment Business) Building on the foundation provided in FL180, students will explore the history, progression and styles of movies with an emphasis on direction, writing and cinematography. In this final Film Survey course, students will examine the artistry behind filmmaking. Courses do not need to be taken sequentially. 1.5 credits MUSICAL THEATRE MT125 Musical Theatre Fundamentals An introductory course exploring fundamental skills necessary for the preparation and effective performance of musical theatre songs. The use of AMDA’s "The Approach to a Song" will help students overcome fears leading to creative, alive, immediate, active and truthful musical theatre performances. 2.0 credits

MT130 Musical Theatre 1: Techniques This course introduces students to "The Approach to a Song". This foundation for students' musical theatre study at AMDA is a practical, step-by-step method integrating acting and singing techniques for effective musical theatre performances. The repertoire for the course includes music from 1975 to present day. 3.5 credits MT132 Musicianship I This course is designed to help students understand and translate musical values from the page to the stage. Based on demonstrated musical skills, students are placed in the appropriate performance level. Students are trained in notation, keys and musical terminology. Advanced students examine harmony, musical structure, melody shapes and relationships of words to music. 1.0 credit MT232 Singing Technique The production of a free sound without constriction is the central goal of this course. Careful attention is given to assessing the individual needs of each student, establishing vocal range; and reinforcing breath management. In addition to singing pure vowels, attention will be given to focus, placement and resonance, diction and clear tone, correct posture, and the release of physical constrictions. A healthy voice will be built through consistent vocal habits that translate to all styles of singing. 1.0 credit STAGE COMBAT SC100 Stage Combat I: Unarmed Students are introduced to the concentrated study unarmed stage combat techniques. Students develop an awareness of body, movement and partnering. Students will learn safe and effective techniques for creating and executing a choreographed unarmed fight scene. 1.5 credits

SC180 Stage Combat II: Single Sword (Prerequisite: Stage Combat I) An introduction to the art of single swordplay through the mechanics and techniques of footwork and choreography, including the history and development of the Western European Rapier. Through continued study of basic principles of stage combat, students will execute a dramatic moment of illusionary violence with the sword. 1.5 credits SC280 Stage Combat III: Broadsword, Rapier & Dagger (Prerequisites: Stage Combat I and II) Advanced stage combat techniques are developed through the study and use of Broadsword and the Rapier and Dagger. Students will apply all previously studied principles of stage combat and execute choreographed fights incorporating scenes from dramatic literature. 1.5 credits

SC381 Advanced Stage Combat: SPT (Prerequisites: Stage Combat III) In this advanced course, students interested in national recognition for their stage combat training will be taught by certified teachers and adjudicated by a nationally recognized Fight Master with the Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD). This national recognition for their stage combat training is possible through the Skills Proficiency testing process offered by the SAFD and hosted by AMDA. 1.5 credits VOICE, PRODUCTION & SPEECH VP141 Voice, Production & Speech II (Prerequisite: VPSI)Students are introduced to diphthongs, triphthongs and the 13-vowel scale. Simple and combined consonants, and the use of rhythm in verse are explored. This course will emphasize Standard American Pronunciation (SAP) dialect for use with classic texts. Work continues on healthy productive vocalization and speech.

VP300 VPS: IPA/Intro to Dialects (Prerequisite: VPS III) Students are introduced to the International Phonetic Alphabet as it pertains to understanding and performing a dialect. Received Pronunciation or "High British" will be the primary dialect. Cockney and/or other dialects may also be explored (General American Pronunciation is considered a dialect). Coursework will also include the reinforcement of voice production, warm-ups, and a comprehensive vocal technique. 1.5 credits

VP400 *Dialects: Directed Studies: 7th/8th semester: German and Irish (Prerequisites: VPS IPA/Intro to Dialects)

Students delve into advanced and specified dialect work designed to increase the actor’s casting potential. Coursework includes advanced use of IPA symbols in addition to the reinforcement of voice production, warm-ups, and a comprehensive vocal technique. While the intended focus will be German and Irish, the dialects explored in class are subject to prior dialect success, student abilities and teacher assignment. If time and skill permits, students may also be given the opportunity to explore one American dialect. 1.5 credits *Course may be taken in multiple semesters. Students’ area of focus will vary with each subsequent semester. Courses are subject to change, AMDA will make every attempt to notify students if/when there’s a change in course offerings.

7 Education Department 12.28.11

BFA CREDITS: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS  

How many credits do I need to graduate?   Students need a total of 120 credits to graduate. 90 credits must be in the Performance Immersion category.   30 credits must be in the Critical Studies category.  These 30 credits are divided into the following requirements:    9 English credits, 9 Creative Exploration credits, 9 Theatre Roots credits, and 3 Sci/Tech credits.    

How many credits should I take each semester?   12‐15 credits each semester constitutes “full‐time” status (and full‐time tuition fees). However, successfully acquiring a  minimum of 15 credits each semester is necessary to complete the degree program in the traditional eight semesters.  Each semester AMDA designs a “section schedule” that will provide students all the necessary and intended courses for  their particular program.    

Can I take more than 15 credits in a semester? Can I take less?   Yes. Taking more than 15 credits will usually mean additional “per credit” tuition fees.  Students may take less than a 15  credit semester, however curriculum completion may be delayed.  Students must see the Bursar to confirm any  necessary adjusted tuition fees.  NOTE: Certain semesters, AMDA may provide for a particular course load that is above  15 credits.  At those times, there is no additional charge to a student taking the advised credit load.    

Students may take as few as 12 credits in a semester while maintaining “full‐time” status. If a student takes less than 12  credits and is identified as “part‐time”, any state/local/institutional or other financial assistance being received may be  affected.  Also, a smaller credit load may affect the student’s anticipated graduation date.    

Students may register for the BFA Play, BFA Musical, Songbook or Dance Workshop [3.0 credits] when they have been  cast in one of the performance opportunities.  Adding the performance opportunity for credit is completed by submitting  an “Add/Drop Form”, thereby officially registering for those credits. Adding credits will allow a student to earn additional  “performance immersion” credit towards their BFA degree.  Students who add credits over and above their full time  credit load of 15.0 [or the prescribed semester total] will incur additional tuition charges.  Students may substitute  performance opportunity credits for other “non‐core” courses or, may be able to defer certain classes that are not  required during that particular semester. [This option will require a credit counseling session with an Education Dept staff  member].    All students are responsible for knowing their credit load each semester and ascertaining whether it will provide  for program completion within their anticipated time frame.   

What is the Add/Drop/Withdrawal class policy?  Students may submit the Add/Drop/Withdrawal Form to drop or add a course within the first 5 school days of the  semester. Students must complete and submit the form whenever adding/dropping or withdrawing from a class. A  completed form must be on record in the Education Dept. before the student’s official semester registration can be  adjusted and finalized.     All original course fees and requirements will be applied to the student until an Add/Drop form has been fully processed.  This form will also allow the student to indicate their understanding of how the Add/Drop action affects their semester  credit load.     NOTE: Dance & Musicianship LEVELS may not be changed through an Add/Drop.   Only INSTRUCTORS may initiate these level changes through departmental procedure.    NOTE: “Core” and required courses may not be dropped at will.    Counseling and approval from a member of the Education Department is required. 

  8 Education Department 12.28.11

   

BFA CREDITS: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Continued   Add/Drop/Withdrawal class policy    Week 1 Course Add/Drop Policy: Students may add/drop courses within the first FIVE DAYS of the  semester.    

Week 2‐5 Course Withdrawal Policy: Students who withdraw from class during the SECOND to the FIFTH week,  will have a “W” (Withdrawal) recorded; semester credits will remain unchanged.                               AFTER Week 5 Course Withdrawal: Students who withdraw from class after the FIFTH week will have a “W/F”  (Withdrawal/Fail) recorded & GPA is affected.  

CHARGES/FEES MAY BE INCURRED WHEN ADDING OR DROPPING COURSES. PLEASE CHECK WITH BURSAR AND/OR FINANCIAL AID  STAFF and be sure the Bursar’s Office initialed your form.  

  What about Transfer Credits and graduating “early”?  Transfer Credits  Students with credits from other institutions may submit official transcripts for credit review and application to their  AMDA program.  Only credits pertaining to AMDA’s Critical Studies categories can be applied.  Credits may not be  applied to AMDA’s Performance Immersion courses.  Up to 30 credits total from other institutions may be applied.  (NOTE: students who have graduated from the AMDA Conservatory Program and are then admitted into the BFA  program will be awarded 60 Performance Immersion credits for their Conservatory courses).    

Transfer Credits as they relate to Performance Immersion Requirements  Students with applied Transfer Credits will most likely need/want to substitute Performance Immersion credits for  the Critical Studies course(s) they’ve already fulfilled.  Option 1: Students may choose to take AMDA’s outlined Critical Studies courses for Performance Immersion  credit; however, the assigned credit amount is different when applied as Performance Immersion. Students will be  responsible for notifying the Education Department of their intent/need to take a Critical Studies course for  Performance Immersion credit and assuring their semester credit load is accurately reflected.   Option 2: AMDA will do its best to offer the student as many alternative Performance Immersion  course/credit opportunities as possible.  Please know that availability of courses (and the ability for a desired course  to fit into a required schedule) cannot be guaranteed.  Additional course offerings may include evening and/or  weekend commitments.     Please see the Education Department for advisement.    

Accelerated Enrollment   Students who have earned credits beyond their semester year/level (15 or more credits through transfer or taking  additional credit loads) may be eligible to expedite their program, allowing for completion in less than the “standard”  amount of semesters.  AMDA refers to this as “Accelerated Enrollment”.  Upon review of a student’s total  accumulated credits, overall GPA and skill level, standing in the AMDA community, financial status as it pertains to  AMDA’s Bursar Office, and other criteria deemed appropriate by AMDA, a student may be approved to “Accelerate”,  thereby skipping their 6th and/or 7th semester classification.  Application Procedure: Within a student’s 5th semester they may apply for a credit evaluation review to determine  their eligibility for accelerated enrollment. Credit counseling and advisement from an Education Department staff  member is required.  Once approved, the student’s following semester will reflect the approved “new” classification  by registering the student in the appropriate 7th or 8th semester classes.    

 

 

How do I start planning my credits for next semester?  Prior to the conclusion of the current semester, students will be provided a Registration Packet to view their next  semester’s course offerings and an opportunity to pre‐select a “choice” for certain courses (i.e.: Ballet, Tap, Jazz,  Theatre Roots, etc…).  Course selections are not guaranteed and course offerings may change without prior notice.

9 Education Department 12.28.11