INTERNET AND BLENDED FINE ARTS COURSES

The Bryan Campus Fine Arts Division embraces the opportunity to expand the classroom walls of higher learning via distance education courses.  As such, the internet and blended courses take students beyond the traditional 2 X 4 formula of classroom instruction (two referring to the front and back covers of the text and four referring to the boundaries established within the walls of the traditional classroom environment).  Via internet and blended courses students will actively engage in cutting edge on-line communication environments that provide building blocks for both academic and professional growth while equally matching the academic rigor of the traditional classroom curriculum.  

The blended course design combines face-to-face interaction, on-line writing components, and on-line communication features (discussion board, chat, and mail).  These courses offer approximately a 50/50 split between in-class and on-line course time.  Currently, Public Speaking (Spch 1315) is offered in the blended course format and Music Appreciation (Musi 1306) is projected to be offered in the Fall of 2003.

Among the many benefits of on-line internet courses are the flexibility they provide for students schedules, lessening geographic constraints of those not living in close proximity to institutions of higher learning, the ability to maintain full-time employment while continuing educational goals, etc.  A portion of the internet fine arts courses are offered in totally on-line formats while others are on-line with some mandatory sessions (hybrid). Currently offered as internet courses are Introduction to Speech (Spch 1311), Art Appreciation (Arts 1301) and Art History II (Arts 1304).  Interpersonal Communication (Spch 1318) is projected to be offered in the Fall of 2003.

The offerings of internet and blended courses will be continually expanding in the Bryan Campus Fine Arts Division.  This expansion is based on our mission and vision of maximizing academic opportunities for the students we serve via distance learning opportunities.