Faculty of Victorian College of Arts : Guide to courses 1. Course structure - Bachelor of Dance

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1. Course structure - Bachelor of Dance

1. Course structure - Bachelor of Dance

Bachelor of Dance (Honours)

TThe Bachelor of Dance (Honours) is a more advanced and specialised course of study requiring a higher standard of performance than the pass degree. It involves one year of additional study following the completion of the requirements for a pass degree. The Honours year will provide an opportunity for graduates of the School of Dance to extend their knowledge and dance experience by undertaking a specialised advanced program in a fourth year of study which may lead to formal postgraduate studies and/or to opportunities to enter the dance industry with enhanced knowledge and experience. A substantial part of the honours year program will involve practical studies undertaken as field experience or in the VCA's performance company. These studies will enhance the students career prospects and also ensure their adequate preparation for postgraduate studies in dance such as the Master of Dance (Performance), where the maintenance of strong dance technique is essential.

Course Objectives

The objectives of this course are to provide opportunities for students:

* to work within their chosen area in the dance industry;

* to devise and perform a dance demonstration program;

* to extend their range of knowledge and competency within their chosen area;

* to prepare for postgraduate studies in dance.

At the completion of the Bachelor of Dance (Honours), students should be able to:

* Exhibit extensive practical and theoretical knowledge of dance across its various aesthetic domains, including current professional dance practice, relevant skills in allied disciplines and current developments in the field; and

* Apply this knowledge through practical projects within industry and professional standard settings;

* Embody an informed respect for the principles, discipline and ethics of the practicing, professional artist, and

* Demonstrate interpretive abilities in performing new and existing performance scores;

* Participate effectively as a team member in projects with a shared focus;

* Confidently communicate, both orally and in writing, opinions, ideas and observations with regard to their dance practice and that of others, in group and individual teaching and learning situations;

* Respond with a flexible, imaginative and innovative approach to explore, investigate and resolve unfamiliar problems and challenges;

* Conceptualise, plan, organise and realise their own choreographed work within the time constraints and demands of the program;

* Independently research and investigate areas of theoretical and practical relevance from a wide range of sources;

* Critically and creatively engage with topics of cultural significance and effectively participate in or contribute to contemporary cultural discourses;

* Exhibit openness to new ideas and unconventional approaches, critiques and practices;

* Develop effective planning, management and self-promotional skills. he program is one year of full-time study.

A minimum of 7.5 hours of technique training each week in ballet and/or contemporary dance will be required while resident in the School of Dance.

Drama

Bachelor of Dramatic Art

The Bachelor of Dramatic Art is a three-year intensive actor training program.

The structure of the course provides intensive skills training, performance making projects, studio productions and wide variety of performance situations. The structure of the course: skills classes in the morning and rehearsals in the afternoon.

Course Objectives

The objectives of the course are

* To produce professional theatre practitioners including actors, directors, animateurs and actor-trainers

* To produce actors who can perform the classical and contemporary dramatic repertoire;

* To produce actors who can work with ease in a film and television industry;

* To produce practitioners who have a kinaesthetic and conceptual understanding of the relationship between form and content;

* To produce creative leaders who can generate, develop and perform new work;

* To foster a clear understanding of, and respect for the ethics of theatrical practice;

* To foster a spirit of enquiry towards the development of new work;

* To encourage collaborative practice between actors, directors, writers, production personnel and animateurs;

* To encourage students to develop an awareness of their relationship and responsibility to their cultural environment and society by providing opportunities for informed critical enquiry, social interaction and cultural exploration during their studies.

The School is committed to the development of the individual artist and, as such, does not subscribe to a single method of work.

At the completion of the course students should be able to:

* Exhibit extensive theoretical and practical knowledge of their discipline including relevant professional knowledge, skills, discipline and ethics as they relate to a practising visual/performing artist.

* Demonstrate capacities for artistic imagination, creativity, transformation and interpretation.

* Demonstrate practical skills in respect of critical analysis, problem solving, report writing, team work and oral and written communication.

* Demonstrate a flexible and innovative approach to the national and international challenges for the professional visual/performing artist in the 21st century.

* Work at various levels, both as an individual and as a team member, in a wide variety of visual/performing artistic environments.

* Contribute to a range of visual/performing arts environments as artistic collaborators and leaders.

* Demonstrate an open, independent and inquiring attitude towards contemporary cultural developments and new ideas.

* Critically and creatively engage with topics of cultural significance across communities.

* Understand and appreciate how the visual and performing arts connect with the broader society and contribute to its social and economic development.

* Understand their relationship with and responsibility to their cultural environment and society.

Film and Television

Bachelor of Film and Television

The course enables students to explore ideas and gain a broad understanding of the motion picture industry and the development of world cinema. It also encourages students to be innovative, to experiment, explore ideas and develop the expertise to express their ideas for an audience. The course also promotes independent learning with hands on production, which provides students with the opportunity to develop technical expertise through practical experience.

Course Objectives

On completion of this course the student should have acquired the following qualities and skills

* the ability to write direct and edit an innovative short motion picture program which encourages personal challenge in the realm of ideas

* be able to demonstrate skills in various technical aspects of motion picture program production to a high standard of professional excellence

* qualify for employment in the film, television and/or allied industries

* be able to demonstrate a sound understanding of the cultural context of International Cinema and the development of the Australian motion pictures industry within it

* international awareness and openness to the world, based on understanding and appreciation of social and cultural diversity and respect of individual human rights and dignity

On completion of the Bachelor of Film and Television, graduates should be able to:

* Exhibit extensive theoretical and practical knowledge of the film, television and/or allied industries, including relevant professional knowledge, skills, discipline and ethics as they relate to these industries.

* Demonstrate capacities for artistic imagination, creativity, transformation and interpretation.

* Demonstrate practical skills in respect of critical analysis, problem solving, report writing, team work and oral and written communication.

* Demonstrate a flexible and innovative approach to the national and international challenges for the professional filmmaker in the 21st century.

* Work at various levels, both as an individual and as a team member, in a wide variety of environments.

* Contribute effectively as collaborators and leaders.

* Demonstrate an open, independent and inquiring attitude towards contemporary cultural developments and new ideas.

* Critically and creatively engage with topics of cultural significance across communities.

* Understand and appreciate how filmmaking connects with the broader society and contributes to its social and economic development.

* Understand their relationship with and responsibility to their cultural environment and society.

Bachelor of Film and Television (Honours)

Course Objectives

On completion of the Bachelor of Film and Television (Honours) a student will have acquired the following qualities and skills:

* The ability to write, direct and edit an innovative, substantive short motion picture program which encourages personal challenge in the realm of ideas and is at a high professional standard, or specialise at an advanced level in one area of film craft such as cinematography, actor direction, sound or production management

* A developed understanding of the structure of the Australian Film, Television and/or allied industries

* A capacity to research and problem solve

* An ability to participate effectively in a collaborative team on a film/video production

On completion of the Bachelor of Film and Television (Honours), graduates should be able to:

* Exhibit strong theoretical and practical knowledge of the film, television and/or allied industries, including relevant professional knowledge, skills, discipline and ethics as they relate to these industries.

* Demonstrate capacities for artistic imagination, creativity, transformation and interpretation.

* Demonstrate advanced skills in respect of critical analysis, problem solving, report writing, team work and oral and written communication.

* Demonstrate a flexible and innovative approach to the national and international challenges for the professional filmmaker in the 21st century.

* Work at various levels, both as an individual and as a team member, in a wide variety of environments.

* Contribute at a high level as collaborators and leaders

* Demonstrate an open, independent and inquiring attitude towards contemporary cultural developments and new ideas.

* Critically and creatively engage with topics of cultural significance across communities.

* Understand and appreciate how filmmaking connects with the broader society and contributes to its social and economic development.

* Understand their relationship with and responsibility to their cultural environment and society.

Art

Bachelor of Fine Art

The Bachelor of Fine Art aims to produce professional practitioners in the contemporary visual arts.

Course Objectives

The objectives of this course are to:

* produce professional practitioners in the contemporary visual arts;

* enable students to learn the skills and techniques required for art production;

* encourage the simultaneous development of students' conceptual and technical abilities by providing a study program that is designed to relate to the practical and theoretical requirement of visual art disciplines;

* enhance students awareness of their relationship with and responsibility to their cultural environment and society by providing opportunities for informed critical enquiry, social interaction and cultural exploration during their studies;

* allow students, if they so desire, to move away from medium-dominated directions in their art activities;

* enable student learning in aspects of the history and theory of the visual arts and culture in order to build up their understanding and knowledge of the past and present;

* enable students to prepare themselves for postgraduate study;

* provide opportunities for students to work in a range of mediums of their choosing.

At the completion of the Bachelor of Fine Art students should be able

* Demonstrate capacities for artistic imagination, creativity, transformation and interpretation.

* Demonstrate practical skills in respect of critical analysis, problem solving, report writing, team work and oral and written communication.

* Demonstrate a flexible and innovative approach to the national and international challenges for the professional visual artist in the 21st century.

* Work at various levels, both as an individual and as a team member, in a wide variety of visual artistic environments.

* Demonstrate an open, independent and inquiring attitude towards contemporary cultural developments and new ideas.

* Understand their relationship with and responsibility to their cultural environment and society.

Bachelor of Fine Art (Honours)

The BFA (Honours) is a more advanced and specialised course of study requiring a higher standard of performance than the pass degree. It involves one year of additional study following the completion of the requirements for a pass degree.

Candidates undertake a studio project and research paper and choose a major stream from the relevant disciplines including: Ceramics, Drawing, Painting, Photography, Printmaking and Sculpture.

Course Objectives:

The objectives of this course are to:

* provide the opportunity for students of proven ability to undertake advanced work in the visual arts;

* develop a high level of studio practice and further develop analytical, critical and research skills;

* produce professional practitioners in the visual arts;

* develop the student's capacities, as a better informed, skilled and more articulate visual artist;

* promote critical reflection on the work produced and the artist's role in society;

* enable students to prepare themselves for research based postgraduate study.

At the completion of the course or subject students should be able to:

* Exhibit extensive theoretical and practical knowledge of their discipline including relevant professional knowledge, skills, discipline and ethics as they relate to a practising visual artist.

* Demonstrate a flexible and innovative approach to the national and international challenges for the professional visual artist in the 21st century.

* Demonstrate an open, independent and inquiring attitude towards contemporary cultural developments and new ideas.

* Critically and creatively engage with topics of cultural significance across communities.

* Understand and appreciate how the visual arts connect with the broader society and contribute to its social and economic development.

* Understand their relationship with and responsibility to their cultural environment and society.

Music

The Bachelor of Music Performance is a three-year, full-time degree course which provides specialist training for students who wish to prepare for careers as professional musicians. This course may be followed by a full-time fourth year for selected students to complete an Honours degree. Course Objectives

The objectives of this course are:

* to encourage the development of creative, vital musicians, sufficiently flexible to contribute to the changing needs of the artistic community;

* to develop practical music skills to the highest possible level, combined with a comprehension of music and the other arts in a variety of historical, social and cultural contexts;

* to provide a comprehensive study of current musical practices within a fundamentally aural approach to learning;

* to develop a realistic awareness of the demands of the music profession;

*to encourage interaction with the wider educational and artistic community. At the completion of the Bachelor of Music Performance students should be able to:

* Exhibit extensive theoretical and practical knowledge of their discipline including relevant professional knowledge, skills, discipline and ethics as they relate to the practising musician;

* Demonstrate an open and independent attitude towards contemporary cultural developments;

* Demonstrate a flexible and innovative approach to the challenges for the professional musician in the 21st century;

* Critically and creatively engage with topics of cultural significance across the broader community;

* Work at various levels, both individually and as a team member, in a wide variety of musical environments;

* Understand and appreciate how the arts connect with the broader society and culture;

* Demonstrate the ability to lead and take initiative in the learning process.

Bachelor of Music Performance (Honours)

The Honours program emphasises the development of individual student perspective. Through related units of study the Honours program provides advanced training in specialist, creative and communication skills which enable the graduating student to work in various professional and community contexts. The program is flexible in that it provides the student with a range of studies which form a bridge to a professional career as a practising musician. This flexibility is crucial in providing the student with the opportunity to make their own choice in determining future directions and ways of making music within the community. As part of the commitment to the School's activities, Honours students are obliged to take part in orchestral projects as determined by Head of Honours and Head of Orchestral Studies.

Course Objectives

The objectives of this course are:

* to further encourage the development of creative, vital musicians, sufficiently flexible to contribute to the changing needs of the artistic community

* to further develop practical music skills to the highest possible level, combined with a comprehension of music and the other arts in a variety of historical, social and cultural contexts

* to provide a comprehensive study of current musical practices within a fundamentally aural approach to learning

* to develop a realistic awareness of the demands of the music profession

* to encourage interaction with the wider educational and artistic community. At the completion of the Bachelor of Music Performance (Honours) students should be able to:

* Exhibit extensive theoretical and practical knowledge of their discipline including relevant professional knowledge, skills and understanding of ethics as they relate to the practising musician.

* Demonstrate an open and independent attitude towards contemporary cultural developments.

* Demonstrate a flexible and innovative approach to the challenges for the professional musician in the 21st century.

* Critically and creatively engage with topics of cultural significance across the broader community.

* Work at various levels, both individually and as a team member, in a wide variety of musical environments.

* Understand and appreciate how the arts connect with the broader society and culture.

Production

Bachelor of Production

The Production course is a vocationally orientated three year training program with a focus on stage management, design, technical theatre and theatre crafts for performance. The VCA provides students of the School of Production with the opportunity of participating in productions staged both on the campus (collaborations with other performance schools) and beyond the campus (collaborations with professional companies and other training institutions). Opportunities are also available for students to become involved in projects generated by the School of Film & Television.

The structure of the course is such that formal classes for first and second year students are combined with work on performances and projects. Progressively over the three years, students are required to take on more responsibility and demonstrate greater initiative in their own learning program. Peer teaching is an intrinsic part of the course. In third year formal classes are at a minimum and an individual program is negotiated which can include major stage management, design and technical theatre assignments and an industry secondment with a professional company or practitioner.

Course Objectives

The objectives of this course are to:

* To produce professional practitioners in the performing arts

* To develop simultaneously the students technical, research, conceptual and creative skills in production

* To develop students collaborative skills and the ability to adapt them to a wide range of structures

* To make students aware of their relationship and responsibility to their cultural and social environment

* To enable students to prepare themselves for post graduate studies

* To develop students awareness of the issues of time and resource management in the performing arts

* To develop the students ability to initiate and manage change

* To develop excellent communication skills

At the completion of the course students should be able to:

* Exhibit extensive theoretical and practical knowledge of their discipline including relevant professional knowledge, skills, discipline and ethics as they relate to a practising visual/performing artist.

* Demonstrate capacities for artistic imagination, creativity, transformation and interpretation.

* Demonstrate practical skills in respect of critical analysis, problem solving, report writing, team work and oral and written communication.

* Demonstrate a flexible and innovative approach to the national and international challenges for the professional visual/performing artist in the 21st century.

* Work at various levels, both as an individual and as a team member, in a wide variety of visual/performing artistic environments.

* Contribute to a range of visual/performing arts environments as artistic collaborators and leaders.

* Demonstrate an open, independent and inquiring attitude towards contemporary cultural developments and new ideas.

* Critically and creatively engage with topics of cultural significance across communities.

* Understand and appreciate how the visual and performing arts connect with the broader society and contribute to its social and economic development.

* Understand their relationship with and responsibility to their cultural environment and society.

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