Daemen College : Academics & Research : Division of Arts & Sciences : Visual & Performing Arts : Mission Statement

Mission Statement

The mission of the Visual and Performing Arts Department is to prepare students through practice and theory for the professions of art, graphic design, illustration art education, art history, and the performing arts. The coursework offered by the Department compliments the Liberal Arts tradition and enhances its academic philosophy. Upon completion of degree requirements, our students are prepared to enter an ever changing society as creative, productive, and responsible citizens. Student Learning Objectives for the Department of Visual and Performing Arts Upon successful completion of Degree requirements in the Visual and Performing Arts Department the student will be able to: Demonstrate within their major and related fields a mastery of aesthetic terms, technical and media applications, and performance tools. Visually analyze works in the Visual Arts in a clear and concise manner through written assignments and group critiques. Identify major stylistic and historical art movements through a significant exposure to Art History. Complete the conceptual process of locating a problem, experimenting with a variety of solutions, and determining and supporting the most effective and communicative visual solution. Determine a set of educational goals, and form a plan for their attainment. Present their work to the public in a polished manner, both conceptually and technically. Apply the relevant tools to continue research in their field after graduation. Utilize effectively their technical and intellectual skills within their career as an artist, educator, performer, or designer. Students receiving a B.S. in Visual Arts Education will have completed all required classroom work necessary to pursue a Primary or Secondary teaching position, and entry into a Master’s Program.

Departmental Objectives for the Department of Visual and Performing Arts

1. The faculty of the VPA strives to create an environment of intellectual and creative freedom, with an emphasis on social and personal responsibility. The Department will:
   1. Convey to students the importance of a commitment and understanding of the visual arts as a means to achieve continued discovery and learning.
   2. Encourage each student to expand their artistic capacity to its full potential through meaningful studio and seminar experiences.
   3. Provide opportunities to encourage a meaningful critical analysis of works of art as a basis for intelligent understanding, evaluation, and appreciation of their own work, those of their peers, and historical examples.
   4. Provide opportunities for the development of professional attitudes, including self-discipline, integrity, initiative, and independence.
   5. Provide guidance to students in their choice of career paths and to foster development of technological skills necessary for a successful career within that area.
2. The Visual and Performing Arts Department encourages the students to develop necessary aesthetic and technical skills to function in an ever changing society. The Department will:
   1. Provide an atmosphere in the studio/classroom to encourage visual and aesthetic growth through demonstration, visual resources and hands on application to various techniques and methodologies.
   2. Provide and clarify an aesthetic vocabulary that can be applied to art historical analysis, studio critiques, and evaluation of performance media.
   3. Aid students in acquiring a continuing investigative process of technical and media tools that may be adapted to their chosen field after graduation.
3. The Visual and Performing Arts Department promotes critical thinking through interaction with other disciplines or venues outside of the department. The Department will:
   1. Provide opportunities for involvement in college wide groups and the Core Curriculum, students demonstrate other perspectives and how they relate to visual and performing arts majors.
   2. Instruct how the study of literature, history and philosophy will allow for the development and appreciation of the significance of art to other disciplines.
4. The Visual and Performing Arts Department encourages civic involvement through various community related programs. The Department will:
   1. Facilitate for the student their use of visual knowledge and technical abilities to enrich their community by participating in visual projects, like murals, design work, and volunteer programs.
   2. Give students the opportunity to play a part in local and global initiatives, and transfer their VPA experiences to volunteer opportunities, via fundraising, or community projects.
5. The Visual and Performing Arts Department offers course work necessary for employment in their major fields of study. The Department will:
   1. Offer necessary courses within the Art and Performance majors to support employment within the field.
   2. Provide majors and non-majors the opportunity to enhance their degree requirements through Departmental Minors (Theater, Graphic Design, Illustration, Painting, and Sculpture).
   3. Prepare students through coursework to pursue work at the graduate level in related fields.