Monash University: University Handbooks: Undergraduate Handbook 2001: Subjects indexed by faculty
Previous page | Next page | Section contents | Title and contents

Bachelor of Performing Arts


General information

Course code: 1144 Coordinator: Associate Professor Peter Fitzpatrick
The Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA) degree is available on the Clayton campus for students who wish to prepare themselves for careers in the performing arts and related areas. The BPA allows students to undertake a major sequence of studies in a principal art form, as well as a minor sequence of studies in a different art form, or, with special approval, in a discipline taught by another school or faculty. Students may, if they wish, also complete a first-year sequence in another art form.
Major and minor sequences are available in drama, music and visual culture. A minor sequence in dance studies and visual culture is possible.
To qualify for the BPA, students must also complete sequences in interdisciplinary studies (involving participation in a multimedia performance project) and in the history, nature and analysis of the arts.
Students undertaking the BPA degree will complete a range of integrated, interdisciplinary courses in two or more of the following arts: (i) drama, (ii) music, (iii) dance studies, (iv) visual culture. The course provides a balance of practical, theoretical, critical and contextual studies. Students will be involved in cooperative productions working in two or more performing art forms, for example in music theatre or dance-drama productions and sound sculpture exhibitions. The BPA has a greater concentration on practical creative and performing art courses than is customary in the program for the Bachelor of Arts, and takes a broader approach across the arts than the more specialised music subjects leading to the Bachelor of Music degree.

Subjects offered

Performing art forms included in this degree are drama, music, dance studies and visual culture. Within the discipline of visual culture, students may choose subjects with an emphasis on film and television.
Students must undertake (i) a major sequence and not more than 64 points in drama; or, with approval, one of music or visual culture and (ii) a minor sequence in a different performing art form. Students who choose a major only and not a minor as well must elect to complete a first-year sequence in a second performing art form and are encouraged to complete a first-year sequence in a third performing art form. Students may not, however, undertake a major and a minor in the visual culture combination.
In exceptional circumstances, students may choose to take their minor sequence in a discipline taught by another Arts school or faculty. Students should contact the coordinator of the degree, Associate Professor P Fitzpatrick, for details and permission.

Previous page | Next page | Section contents | Title and contents