Sample Course Descriptions

(These are samples only. Course offerings are subject to change and not all courses are offered each term or each year. Be sure to check the online course catalog and the current class schedule for details about pre-requisites, terms offered, class fees, etc.).

Core Courses
Introduction to Arts Management Seminar
This course serves as an introduction for graduate students to the study of arts management. Upon completing this course a student will understand the interrelations of business environments and tools necessary to analyze the intricate business challenges of an arts manager. This course will also explore the individual aesthetic of the student.
28-6101, 1 credit

Marketing Principles II
This is a continuation of Marketing Principle, 28-6100.  Upon completion of the course, students should be able to 1) understand how marketing influences/directs business decisions; 2) develop ad/promotion strategies designed for specific results; 3) produce a marketing audit that reflects an assessment of the marketing environment and practices.  Also covers: 4) analyzing case studies to better implement business/professional goals; 5) utilize marketing data for application and apply marketing skills directly to business goals.
28-6118, 3 credits

Planning & Policy Making
Students will investigate strategic planning and policy making, the role of the chief executive officer and the board of directors in the commercial and not-for-profit sector. Case studies offer practical insight into successful planning and policy making for small and large companies in the arts, entertainment and media fields. [Students must have completed 37 credits in their program]
28-6120, 3 credits

Specialty Courses (for Media Management)
Business of the Film Industry
This course will study in an informative and entertaining way how the movie business works in today's ever-changing marketplace, concentrating equally on mainstream Hollywood films as well as smaller independent films made outside the studio system.  The two businesses co-exist, compete and sometimes crossover in their attempts for money, starts, distribution deals, move screen and audience approval.  The course will examine recent mega-mergers in the media world, the type of movies begin released, the factors that constitute whether a film is considered a success or failure, and what it takes to compete as a professional working in the very competitive movie industry.  Topics will include past events that have shaped today's film business climate, the various methods of film financing, the cost of film distribution, the state of independent film, the operation of movie theaters and the mysteries of Hollywood accounting.  Throughout the course, students will get an inside glimpse into the economic, political and power structures behind the scenes which help determine which movies get made, distributed and seen by the public.
28-4653, 3 credits

Business of Broadcasting
This course provides historical background of the television business, beginning with the initial launch of the industry in the 1940?s. Students examine the regulatory environment in which broadcasting operates materials (FTC); the operational structure of networks and stations; the development of cable and satellite broadcasting; and the programming policies and strategies of the present broadcasting industry. Class discussions allow students to explore how business practices, operations, and regulatory changes have resulted in today?s broadcasting business.
28-5610, 3 credits

Specialty Courses (for Music Business)
The Press, Consumers, and the Music Business:  Music as Cultural Practice
Students explore popular music and rock criticism through reading, writing and discussion.  Course focuses historical aspects of rock and its criticism.  Course explores the relationship between the press and the musical work's production, marketing and promotion.  Instruction focuses on expression of critical commentary and in a succinct style that is accessible to consumers.
28-5410, 3 credits

AEMM Record Company Marketing
The AEMMP Record Co. is a not-for-profit corporation whose purpose is to provide students with hands-on experience in the professional operation of a recording company. This course follows Decision-Making: Music Business, in which students discover commercially viable talent, negotiates related contracts, and produces a record. Also, students will develop and complete the marketing and merchandising plans to introduce the recorded music to the industry and to retail sale, develop publicity campaigns, utilize radio airplay and develop art work for the record jacket and related promotional materials.
28-5471, 3 credits

Specialty Courses (for Performing Arts Management)
Presenting Live Performances
Students learn the process of program planning, including theatrical, concert and dance programming, distinguishing between the producing and presenting elements. Focus on facilities selection, schedules and budget, booking, marketing, technical aspects of programming presentations, and evaluation techniques.
28-5830, 3 credits

Fundraising
Course provides comprehensive overview of basic fund raising techniques for nonprofit arts organizations. Strategies for raising funds from individuals, corporations, foundations, and government funding sources are reviewed and analyzed. Methodologies for developing a complete fund raising plan are studied using case studies. [Elective]
28-5315, 3 credits

Specialty Courses (for Visual Arts Management)
Decision Making: Visual Arts Management
Course explores the role of chief executive officers of museums and managers of fine arts galleries. Topics covered include the institutional and artistic mission; board and community liaison; museum, corporate and private art collections; acquisitions and facilities management.
28-5270, 3 credits

Specialty Courses (for Arts in Youth & Community Development)
Symposium/Practicum I
The student will participate in a practicum throughout their program. The symposium will provide planned reflection that will allow students to link theory with experience. Symposium sessions will also allow students to deepen their practice through exchange with each other and dialog with guest speakers. The first semester will focus integrating into organization and community.
28-6350, 1 credit