Mar 28, 2024  
Ohio University Graduate Catalog 2013-2015 
    
Ohio University Graduate Catalog 2013-2015 [Archived Catalog]

Interdisciplinary Arts Ph.D.


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs of Study by Academic Unit

Program Overview: The School of Interdisciplinary Arts is a Ph.D. program that educates scholars who are grounded in specific disciplines and able to address the arts through the unique lens of interdisciplinarity. In the dynamic contemporary world, as the boundaries between the arts become increasingly permeable, scholars recognize the methodological importance of multidisciplinary scholarship to facilitate our critical understanding of the arts. The School plays a vital a role in the university by engaging undergraduates in the interdisciplinary study of the arts through general education courses. Interdisciplinary Arts is committed to promoting the arts in the university, the larger community and the region.

Interdisciplinary Arts is a consortium of scholars in the following areas: aesthetics and theory, African arts and literatures, art and architectural history, film, music, performance studies, and theater. Each faculty member poses a distinct perspective on the interrelationships, interdependencies and interactions among the arts, critical studies, and history. Interdisciplinary Arts students undertake a strong education in a primary and secondary discipline. The centerpiece of the program is a series of interdisciplinary, team-taught seminars. Faculty and students come together to investigate intensively a selected topic and/or period from multiple perspectives and disciplines. Students take courses from faculty across the College of Fine Arts, as well as in disciplines outside the fine arts. This training serves as preparation for a variety of professional careers, especially college and university teaching. The program prepares students for scholarly research, while also valuing creative activity in the arts. Funded by assistantships, Interdisciplinary Arts Ph.D. candidates receive valuable teaching experience at the undergraduate level.

Admissions Policy: The Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Arts is a full-time program of study (a minimum of four consecutive semesters.) Under special circumstances, and with prior approval, part-time study may be possible. Admission is for Fall Semester only for students receiving a stipend. Students completing a Masters degree from the Ohio University College of Fine Arts are encouraged to apply. Potential candidates must possess a Master’s degree from an accredited American or international university. The following materials also must be submitted:

  1. Admission application form from the Ohio University Graduate College.
  2. Three current letters of recommendation that address the candidate’s academic achievement and potential.
  3. A three-five page essay in which the applicant discusses reasons for selection of interdisciplinary work for a graduate degree and a statement of philosophical and practical expectations from such study.
  4. Intended primary and secondary areas of study.
  5. Official transcripts of all previous degree/certificate work.
  6. A sample research paper from the applicant’s previous work.
  7. Graduate Record Examination scores.
  8. English Proficiency Requirements
    Proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English is essential to your success at Ohio University. Non-native speakers of English must submit official results of one of two standardized tests: the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), as part of the application packet. Please see the Graduate Catalog for full details.
  9. International students must submit an affidavit of financial support as evidence of financial responsibility. (See the Graduate Catalog for details)
  10. All applicants must follow the Admission Policies and Procedures specified in the O.U. Graduate Catalog.
  11. A personal interview is recommended.

Application Deadline January 31: Priority consideration for graduate teaching assistantship. Later applications may be considered, depending on enrollment and availability of financial assistance. Admission is granted for fall semester only. Students will be notified within one month of the application deadline.

Financial Aid: The School of Interdisciplinary Arts offers highly competitive graduate teaching associate stipends, which include a tuition scholarship. Two maxi stipends are awarded annually. Notification of stipend/scholarship awards is approximately May 1.

The InterArts Excellence and Diversity Fellowships (application deadline: Jan. 31) are targeted to develop the excellence and increase the diversity of the School of Interdisciplinary Arts at Ohio University. The school aims to attract students of outstanding quality, to increase ethnic, racial and socio-economic diversity, to maximize the educational benefits of diversity, and to increase the number of professors who can and will use diversity as a resource for enriching the education of all students. These awards will be made to individuals who, in the judgment of the faculty, have demonstrated superior academic achievement, are committed to a career in teaching and research at the college and university level, show promise of future achievement as a scholar and teacher, and are well prepared to use diversity as a resource for enriching the education of all students. All citizens or nationals of the United States, regardless of national origin, religion, gender, age disability or sexual orientation will be eligible to apply. Applicants for the InterArts Excellence and Diversity Fellowship should submit an essay that address the following points, which will be considered positive factors for choosing successful candidates:

Evidence of superior academic achievement
Degree of promise of continuing achievement as a scholar and teacher
First-generation college student and income eligible
Membership in one or more of the groups that are underrepresented in the American professoriate
Commitment to serving the educational needs of the Appalachian region
Capacity to respond in pedagogically productive ways to the learning needs of students from diverse backgrounds
Sustained personal engagement with communities that are underrepresented in the academy and an ability to bring this asset to learning, teaching, and scholarship at the college and university level
Likelihood of using diversity of human experience as an educational resource in teaching and scholarship
The student receiving the InterArts Diversity Stipend will be required to engage in outreach activities to minority communities and to develop strategies to respond in pedagogically productive ways to the learning needs of students from diverse backgrounds.

Opportunities: The Ph.D. program has resulted in a high degree of success in placing graduates in a variety of professional settings.
University Teaching: Most graduates return to university teaching, developing interdisciplinary courses in addition to teaching in one of the arts. Ninety percent of the graduates have found full-time teaching positions in higher education.

University Administration: Many graduates of this program become administrators of fine arts/humanities programs or colleges.

Arts Administration/Education: Some graduates serve as directors of regional art centers, or curators of educational programs affiliated with museums.

Studio/Performance: Graduates who entered the program with MFA degrees often return to studio/performance careers.Program reviews consistently note the exceptional quality, versatility, and professional activity of the school’s alumni.

Over the past years, six Fulbright scholars, one Danforth Fellow, three Canada Council fellows, and nine NDEA fellows have earned the Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Arts. The school has been awarded “maturity status” by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, which has commended the coherence of the curriculum.

Program of Study:

  • Two Interdisciplinary Arts seminars (IART 8901).
  • Four seminars in primary area (any area from aesthetics/theory, African arts, film, music, performance studies, theater, and visual arts), three of which should be taken in Interdisciplinary Arts, and one of which should be taken from outside Interdisciplinary Arts. Seminars are to be chosen in consultation with the primary advisor.
  • Two seminars in secondary area (any area from aesthetics/theory, African arts, film, music, performance studies, theater, and visual arts), one of which should be taken in Interdisciplinary Arts, and one which should be taken from either inside or outside Interdisciplinary Arts. Seminars are to be chosen in consultation with the secondary advisor.
  • One seminar in Aesthetics (IART 7401, IART 7402 or IART 7403) One Critical Theory seminar (IART 7404)
  • One Transnational and Global Theories seminar (IART 7407)
  • Two research/pedagogy courses (IART 7001 and 7002)
  • One dissertation proposal course (IART 7002)

Sample program
 

YEAR #1
FALL
Interdisciplinary seminar
 Seminar primary area
Aesthetics seminar
Research course
Pedagogy course
 

SPRING
Seminar primary area
Transnational/Global or Critical Theory seminar
Seminar secondary area


 
YEAR #2
FALL
Interdisciplinary seminar
Seminar primary area
Seminar secondary area
 

SPRING
Seminar primary area
Transnational/Global or Critical Theory seminar
Elective
 
YEAR #3
FALL
Comprehensive examinations
Dissertation proposal course

SPRING
Dissertation research
 

Change Policy: Admission is only possible in the first year.

Transfer Policy: Admission is only possible in the first year.

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs of Study by Academic Unit