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Catalogue 2010–2011
Undergraduate Communication
Catalogue 2010–2011 and the Arts
Information in this bulletin is accurate as of July
1, 2010, unless otherwise specified. The College
reserves the right to change any provision and
requirement in this catalogue at any time within
the student’s term of residence. The College
specifically reserves the right to change its tuition
rates and other financial charges. The College
also reserves the right to rearrange its courses
and class hours, to drop courses for which
registration falls below the required minimum
enrollment, and to change teaching assignments.
Telephone: 617-824-8600
Fax: 617-824-8609
President Jacqueline Liebergott
Email: admission@emerson.edu
Web: emerson.edu
College Mission Statement
Emerson College educates students to assume
positions of leadership in communication and the
arts and to advance scholarship and creative work
that brings innovation, depth, and diversity to
these disciplines.
2 Emerson College
Table of Contents
2 College Mission Statement
6 Academic Calendar
8 History of the College
9 Honorary Degrees and Awards
11 Undergraduate Programs: Schools and Departments, Majors, Concentrations, and Minors
12 Undergraduate Admission
13 First-Year Admission
14 International Admission
14 Transfer Admission
15 Performing Arts Requirements
16 Admission to the Honors Program
19 Student Life
19 Student Resources
24 Residential Living
28 Student Activities
29 Fraternities and Sororities
41 Honorary Societies
41 Athletics and Recreation
43 Financial Assistance
43 College Costs and Student Expense Budgets
44 Restricted Scholarships
50 Financial Policies
50 Tuition and Fees
55 Academic Regulations
55 Baccalaureate Degree Requirements
56 Fields of Study
57 Academic Policies
62 Grading Policies
63 Academic Standards
64 Academic Distinction
64 Academic Resources
64 Iwasaki Library
65 Media Services Center
66 Computer Facilities
66 Academic Advising
66 Writing and Academic Resource Center
67 Disability Services
67 Alumni Relations
68 Special Academic Options
68 Institutional Affiliations
69 International Study and External Programs
Emerson College 3
69 Kasteel Well, The Netherlands
71 Los Angeles Center
73 Washington Program
73 Prague Summer Film Program
74 Taiwan Exchange Program
75 Department of Professional Studies and Special Programs
76 General Education Curriculum
77 General Education Requirements
82 School of the Arts
82 Mission
84 Department of Performing Arts
85 Programs
90 Course Descriptions
90 Dance
92 Music
94 Performing Arts
95 Theatre
108 Department of Visual and Media Arts
108 Programs
113 Course Descriptions
130 Department of Writing, Literature and Publishing
130 Programs
134 Course Descriptions
134 Literature
138 Publishing
140 Writing
142 World Languages
143 School of Communication
143 Mission
144 Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
144 Programs
147 Course Descriptions
147 Communication Disorders
149 Health Communication
150 Mathematics
150 Psychology
152 Science
156 Department of Communication Studies
157 Programs
161 Course Descriptions
161 Communication
166 Ethics, Philosophy, and Religion
167 Sociology
4 Emerson College
169 Department of Journalism
169 Programs
172 Course Descriptions
172 Journalism
177 History
178 Political Science
180 Department of Marketing Communication
180 Programs
182 Course Descriptions
182 Marketing Communication
185 Business
186 Economics
187 Institute for Liberal Arts and Interdisciplinary Studies
188 Honors Program
190 Service Learning and Community Action
190 Individually Designed Interdisciplinary Majors
192 Interdisciplinary Courses
201 Educator Preparation and Licensure Programs
202 Course Descriptions
204 Faculty Emeriti
206 Full-Time Faculty
215 Part-Time Faculty
223 Administrative Staff
231 Board of Trustees
232 Board of Overseers
233 Policy Statements
233 Accreditation
233 Nondiscrimination
234 FERPA Right to Privacy
237 Disability Policy
240 Index
248 Campus Map
Emerson College 5
2010–2011 Academic Calendar
Fall 2010
August 28 New Undergraduate international student move-in and orientation
August 29 International student parent orientation
August 30, 31 New Undergraduate residence hall move-in
August 31 Parent orientation
September 1 New Graduate international student move-in and orientation; Faculty
Institute; Undergraduate orientation continues
September 3 Last date to withdraw from Fall 2010 with a full refund; last day to
register for Fall 2010 internship
September 5, 6 Residence halls open for returning students
September 6 Labor Day (no classes held)
September 7 First day of classes
September 20 Last day to register for Fall 2010
($50 late fee assessed after this date)
October 11 Columbus Day observed (no classes held)
October 22–24 Family Weekend
October 22 First 7-week session ends
October 25 Second 7-week session begins
November 11 Veteran’s Day observed (no classes held)
November 23 Classes end at 9:45 pm for Thanksgiving break
November 24 Residence halls close at 12:00 noon
November 24–28 Thanksgiving vacation (no classes held)
November 28 Residence halls open at 12:00 noon
November 29 Classes resume at 8:00 am
December 4 (Saturday) Makeup day**
December 13 Last day of regular instruction
December 14–17 Final examinations
December 17 Last day of Fall 2010 semester
December 18 Residence halls close at 12:00 noon
December 21 Fall 2010 grades due online by 12:00 noon Eastern Time
Spring 2011
January 13 Residence hall move-in for new students; orientation for new
Undergraduate students begins; new Graduate orientation
and registration
January 14 Last date to withdraw from Spring 2011 with a full refund
January 16, 17 Residence halls open for returning students at 12:00 noon on 1/16
January 17 Martin Luther King Jr. Day observed (no classes held)
January 18 Classes begin at 8:00 am
February 21 Presidents’ Day observed (no classes held)
6 Emerson College
February 22 (Tuesday) Monday class schedule observed
March 4 First 7-week session ends; classes end at 9:45 pm
March 5 Residence halls close at 12:00 noon
March 5–13 Spring break (no classes held)
March 13 Residence halls open at 12:00 noon
March 14 Classes resume at 8:00 am; second 7-week session begins
April 18 Patriot’s Day observed (no classes held)
April 20 (Wednesday) Monday class schedule observed
April 27 Last day of regular instruction
April 28, 29 Reading/Makeup day**
April 30 Final exam conflict day**
May 2–5 Final examinations
May 10 Spring 2011 grades due online by 8:00 pm
May 9–20 May Intersession
May 16 Commencement (no classes held)
May 18 Residence halls close at 12:00 noon for students who graduated
on May 16, 2011
Summer 2011
May 24 Full Summer and Summer Session I courses begin; May Intersession
grades due by 5:00 pm
May 30 Memorial Day observed (no classes held)
July 1 Summer Session I courses end at 9:45 pm
July 4 Independence Day observed (no classes held)
July 5 Summer Session II courses begin; Full Summer courses continue
July 6 Summer Session I grades due online by 12:00 noon Eastern Time
August 12 Full Summer and Summer Session II courses end at 9:45 pm
August 18 Grades for Full Summer and Summer Session II due
online by 12:00 noon Eastern Time
** Additional Saturdays may be used for makeup days at the College’s discretion. To make a classroom
reservation for an individual class on a makeup day or for final exam conflict day, please email registrar@
emerson.edu. If the College closes due to inclement weather, the College may use a Saturday to make up the
day, and will notify the Emerson community in that event.
Emerson College 7
The College
History of the College Throughout its history, Emerson College has shown
the capacity to respond to and meet the needs of
Founded in 1880 by Charles Wesley Emerson, education in communication and the arts. Emerson
noted preacher, orator, and teacher, Emerson has was the first college in New England to establish
grown into a comprehensive college enrolling an educational FM radio station (WERS in 1949),
nearly 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students one of the first colleges in the nation to establish a
from 48 states and several dozen countries. The program in children’s theater (1919), and one of the
original concentration on oratory has evolved into first colleges in the nation to offer undergraduate
specialization in the fields of communication studies; programs in broadcasting (1937). Among its
marketing communication; communication sciences other pioneering achievements, Emerson offered
and disorders; journalism; performing arts; visual and professional-level training in speech pathology
media arts; and writing, literature and publishing. and audiology (1935); established a closed circuit
television broadcast facility, WERS-TV (1955); and
Since Emerson’s founding, the elements of human created a Bachelor of Fine Arts in film (1972).
communication—the spoken word, the written
word, the gesture—have changed in both form and Emerson today continues this tradition of innovation
substance, and the media through which they flow in communication and the arts. For example, in 1980
have changed and multiplied. Radio, motion pictures, the College initiated a comprehensive graduate-level
television, and the sciences of speech pathology and program in professional writing and publishing—the
audiology have all evolved during the past century. first such program in the nation specifically designed
to meet the expressed needs of the publishing
industry. The College is organized into two schools
8 Emerson College
and an institute—a School of the Arts, a School of The following is a partial list of recent recipients of
Communication, and an Institute for Liberal Arts and honorary degrees and awards through the College.
Interdisciplinary Studies.
Honorary Degree Recipients
Concurrent with programmatic evolutions and
academic reorganizations, Emerson has continued to Alan Alda
upgrade the technology and the facilities necessary Edmund N. Ansin
to support the curriculum. Emerson’s radio and Joseph R. Biden
television stations both offer webcasts in addition Ian Bowles
to traditional broadcasts, and the state-of-the-art Tom Brokaw
Tufte Performance and Production Center opened in Art Buchwald
the fall of 2003. Since then, Emerson has opened Carol Burnett
two new residence halls and a campus center. In the Michael E. Capuano
spring of 2010, the College opened the multi-use Christopher B. Cerf
Paramount Center, which includes a 596–seat live Peggy Charren
performance theater, performance development Ted Cutler
facilities, the Bright Family Screening Room, and Jean Picker Firstenberg
a residence hall that will house 262 students Miloš Forman
beginning in the fall of 2010. Tom Freston
Fred Friendly
Emerson’s expansion into Boston’s cultural district David Gergen
has brought it within a few city blocks of the site Rebecca Newberger Goldstein
where the College was first located in 1880. This Henry Hampton
return to the College’s roots has been accompanied Doug A. Herzog
by a renewal of its commitment to foster innovation Leo J. Hindery Jr.
and excellence in communication and the arts. Gwen Ifill
Emerson College is fully accredited by the New Shoo Iwasaki
England Association of Schools and College, Inc. and Gish Jen
is a member of the Council of Graduate Schools. James Earl Jones
John Kerry
Honorary Degrees and Awards Stanley Kunitz
Sherry Lansing
Emerson College awards the following honorary Norman Lear
degrees: Doctor of Laws, Doctor of Humane Letters, Denis Leary
Doctor of Literature, and Master of Arts. In addition John Lewis
to honorary degrees awarded through the College, Thomas Lux
the Musical Theatre Society confers the annual Peter G. Meade
Leonidas A. Nickole Award of Distinction to an Mayor Thomas Menino
individual or individuals who have distinguished Sue Miller
themselves as a role model in the field of American Patricial Edenfield Mitchell
musical theater. Walter Mosley
Rod Parker
Phi Alpha Tau, the oldest communication arts Thomas Payzant
honorary fraternity in the country, presents the Dith Prahn
Joseph E. Connor Award to any individual or Hal Prince
individuals who have distinguished themselves in the
field of communication.
Emerson College 9
Fernando M. Reimers James Lapine
Walter V. Robinson Carol Lawrence
Isabel Sanford Lotte Lenya
Andrew Sarris Patti LuPone
Gerald Schoenfeld Joe Masteroff
Terry S. Semel Donna McKechnie
Rod Serling David Merrick
Robert F.X. Sillerman Brian Stokes Mitchell
Robert A. Silverman Jerry Mitchell
Lesley Stahl Robert Morse
Robert Steele Donna Murphy
Evan Thomas Leonidas A. Nickole
Donald Thurston Janis Paige
Kathleen Turner Bernadette Peters
Liv Ullmann Harold Prince
Blair Underwood Ann Reinking
John Updike Stephen Schwartz
Charles V. Willie Stephen Sondheim
Henry Winkler Susan Stroman
Charles Strouse
Leonidas A. Nickole Julie Taymor
Award of Distinction Ben Vereen
(presented by the Musical Theatre Society)
Phi Alpha Tau
Beatrice Arthur Joseph E. Connor Award
Christine Baranski
Ann Baxter Yul Brynner
Michael Bennett Walter Cronkite
Jerry Bock Hugh Downs
Ray Bolger Arthur Fiedler
Carol Channing Robert Frost
Martin Charnin David Hartman
Victoria Clark Elia Kazan
Betty Comden Thomas Leahy
Barbara Cook Dennis Lehane
Ken Davenport Keith Lockhart
Fred Ebb Jack Lemmon
Scott Ellis Edward R. Murrow
Peter Gennaro Carl Reiner
Jack Gilford Robert Sarnoff
Adolph Green John Williams
Sheldon Harnick
Shirley Jones
John Kander
Michael John LaChiusa
10 Emerson College
Undergraduate Programs
Emerson College 11
Undergraduate Admission
12 Undergraduate Admission
information sessions follow a similar schedule and • The
Common Application, Emerson Application
are led by an admission counselor. The schedule of Supplement, and application fee ($65).
available tour dates and times can be found online • Common
Application Secondary School Report (with
at emerson.edu/visit. Campus maps are available school counselor evaluation).
to students who are unable to participate at a time • Official
secondary school transcript indicating
when tours are scheduled. the date, or anticipated date of graduation, or
documentation of a high school equivalency
Interviews examination (GED). An official FINAL transcript with
date of graduation is required prior to matriculation.
The Admission Office does not conduct personal Home-schooled students are required to verify
interviews; however, if you would like to meet secondary school completion by submitting an
with an admission counselor in an informal, non- official credential issued by a school district, state
evaluative setting, you are welcome to stop by agency, or a GED.
the Admission Visitor Center (10 Boylston Place) • One
Teacher Evaluation from a teacher of an
anytime during business hours, Monday through academic subject, i.e., English, mathematics, social
Friday. science, science, or foreign language.
• Common Application Midyear Report (with first
Fall Open House for Seniors marking period grades).
• Official SAT or ACT test results.
Two open house programs for high school seniors
• Candidates for Performing Arts can only apply
and their parents are conducted on campus in the for September Admission and must complete the
fall, one each in October and November. Specific additional performing arts requirements found
program information is posted on our website online at stagedoor.emerson.edu (consisting of a
in August. theatrical résumé and, depending upon the major, an
audition, portfolio/interview, or an essay). Please see
Transfer Student Open House Performing Arts Requirements for Admission section.
• Applicants for the Film program must complete one of
An open house program specifically for transfer the following two requirements: 1. Register online at
students is conducted on campus each February. emerson.slideroom.com and upload a video sample
Program information is posted on our website (under five minutes, 20Mb) and a statement/résumé
in December. describing their role in its production or 2. Mail a
5–10 page script (with name and address) to the
First-Year Admission Office of Undergraduate Admission.
Undergraduate Admission 13
Early Action • Official
results of the Test of English as a Foreign
Language (TOEFL) or International English Language
Students for whom Emerson is a first choice are Testing System (IELTS), if English is not your primary
invited to apply for Early Action. Early Action is non- language. Note: A minimum IELTS score of 7 or
binding and students who complete an application Internet-based TOEFL score of 80 (213 on the
by the Early Action deadline of November 1 will be computer-based or 555 on the paper-based test) is
sent notification on December 15. Students admitted required.
through Early Action are encouraged to submit an • Certification
of Finances demonstrating the
enrollment deposit as soon as possible, but are not necessary funds available to meet financial
required to do so until May 1. obligations (see International Application
Supplement).
Regular Admission Deadlines
In order to enter the United States to study,
First-year candidates for September Admission international students who are not U.S. citizens or
must submit their applications and all supporting permanent residents of the United States need F-1
credentials by January 5 (notification by April Student Visas. To obtain the visa, students must
1). First-year candidates for January Admission present a valid Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20) to
must submit their applications and all supporting a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The I-20 is issued by
credentials by November 1 (notification by December Emerson College only to international students who
15). Students who complete their application after are offered admission, have paid their enrollment
the deadline will be considered on a case-by-case deposit, and have submitted satisfactory evidence of
basis. financial support (Certification of Finances).
Emerson welcomes applications from international Emerson welcomes applications for transfer
students and U.S. citizens overseas. Successful admission from students with prior coursework
candidates should present superior school records at two- and four-year institutions. Admission is
along with successful results on standardized tests competitive and based on academic performance,
or national examinations. International students personal goals, extracurricular or community
applying for first-year admission must submit the activities, and/or employment experience. Successful
Common Application and Emerson Application transfer students typically maintain a 3.0 grade
Supplement, application fee (US$65), and supporting point average in previous college work, however,
credentials (described above) by the appropriate individual circumstances as described by the
deadline for September or January Admission. candidate in the application will be considered.
Emerson requires transfer students to complete one
In addition, international applicants must submit: full year, a minimum of 20 credits in their major, and
the final semester at the College.
• The
Common Application International Supplement
to the Secondary School Report. Candidates for transfer admission must submit the
• Official
secondary school records, certificates, and following material by the appropriate deadline for
national examinations (which, if not in English, must September or January Admission:
be accompanied by an English translation).
• SAT
or ACT test results (if four or more years of • The
Common Application for Transfer Students,
education were completed in English). Emerson Transfer Application Supplement, and
application fee ($65).
14 Undergraduate Admission
• Official
transcripts from all colleges/universities International Supplement to the Secondary School
attended as well as an official final secondary school Report as well as additional documentation, such as
transcript indicating the date of graduation (or GED). a TOEFL score, Certification of Finances, or English
• One
Instructor Evaluation from a college teacher translation of academic credentials. Please refer to
who has taught you in an academic subject. the International Admission section above.
Additional recommendations may be sent from other
professors or supervisors at your place of work/ Transfer Application Deadlines
internship.
• Official
SAT or ACT test results (not required of The deadline for September Admission is March 15
candidates having an associate’s degree, the (notification by May 15). The deadline for January
equivalent of two full-time years of college [60–64 Admission is November 1 (notification date by
credits], or who have been away from high school December 15). Transfer applications completed
three or more years). after the deadlines will be reviewed on a rolling
• Candidates
who have been out of school for one or space-available basis. Transfer applications to the
more years must submit a work résumé Department of Performing Arts must be submitted
• Candidates
for the Performing Arts can only apply in time to complete the additional performing arts
for September Admission. The Department accepts requirements found online at stagedoor.emerson.edu,
transfer applications for all programs except when those additional requirements are date-specific
Acting BFA and Musical Theatre BFA, and students (an audition or portfolio/interview).
must complete the additional performing arts
requirements found online at stagedoor.emerson. Transfer Credit
edu. Please see Performing Arts Requirements for
Admission section. Transfer credit is granted for comparable coursework
Note: Transfer students who are admitted to the BA from accredited two- and four-year institutions that
programs in Theatre Education: Acting and Theatre was completed in the last 10 years and received a
Studies: Acting will be required to enroll in a six- grade of C or better. A maximum of 80 credits (no
week Summer Intensive Acting Training Sequence more than 64 credits from a junior or community
prior to the beginning of the fall semester. college) may be transferred to Emerson. Shortly
• Applicants
for the Film program must complete one following an offer of admission, students will be able
of the following two requirements: 1. Register online to view a transfer credit evaluation online, which
at emerson.slideroom.com and upload a video indicates the number of transferable credits, class
sample (under five minutes, 20Mb) and a statement/ standing, and the degree requirements satisfied as
résumé describing their role in its production or 2. of the admission date. This online evaluation will
Mail a 5–10 page script (with name and address) to be updated as final grades, additional transcripts,
the Office of Undergraduate Admission. and departmental equivalencies are received. The
Registrar’s Office may require additional information
Optional Application Materials to evaluate specific transfer credit, such as course
descriptions, syllabi, or proof that a nonstandard
Candidates for programs offered by the Departments grade is equivalent to a C or better.
of Journalism and Writing, Literature and Publishing
may submit a graded writing sample, independent Performing Arts
writing, or newspaper article in addition to the Requirements for Admission
required admission essay.
Candidates for the Performing Arts can only apply
International students applying to transfer admission for September Admission and must complete the
are required to submit the Common Application additional performing arts requirements found online
Undergraduate Admission 15
at stagedoor.emerson.edu (consisting of a theatrical Admission to the
résumé and, depending upon your major, an audition,
portfolio/interview, or an essay).
Honors Program
The Emerson College Honors Program is a four-year
Students may preview these major-specific interdisciplinary approach to education, offering
requirements online but to access and complete individual mentoring and advising, special lectures,
them on StageDoor, they will need an Emerson- collaborative research projects, and faculty-directed
issued ID—which will be sent by Undergraduate independent study. Admission is very selective
Admission only after their Common Application and limited to first-year candidates applying for
and Emerson Application Supplement has been September Admission. More information about the
processed. Please refer to stagedoor.emerson.edu for program and application process is available online
more information. at emerson.edu/honors-program.
16 Undergraduate Admission
British General Certificate of Education, Readmission from a
Advanced Level
Leave of Absence
Course credit will be awarded for grades A, B, or Students may take a leave of absence from the
C with the exception of the English exam, which College for a period of up to two years. During
requires a score of A or B for credit. The amount of this two-year period, students are eligible for
credit will be determined on a case-by-case basis. readmission to the College through the Academic
Advising Center. Students planning to return to the
International Baccalaureate College must contact the Academic Advising Center
(617-824-7876) by the established deadline for the
Credit is awarded for higher-level examinations semester under consideration and return a Request
with scores of 4, 5, 6, or 7, with the exception of for Readmission Form. There is no guarantee of
Language A/English, for which a score of 6 or 7 is readmission and formal approval for readmission is
required. Credit is granted for standard-level exams required. If granted readmission, students will fall
with a score of 7. under the same academic and social standing as
when they left. Once readmitted, students will be
College Level Examination Program contacted by a staff member from the Academic
(CLEP) Advising Center in order to register for classes.
Official CLEP examination scores of 50 or better may Students who wish to return to the College more
receive 4 credits per exam, with the exception of than two years after their last semester of enrollment
the second foreign language level, which requires a must submit a new application to the Office of
higher score. Undergraduate Admission and be subject to current
admission standards. Credit for Emerson work
Emerson recognizes the academic value of other previously completed is subject to course approval,
national educational systems and may consider and the student would follow the catalogue in effect
certain examination results, certificates, and for the term in which he or she is readmitted.
coursework for advanced standing credit, such as
the Abitur, Swiss Maturite, European Baccalaureate, Students with Disabilities
and Canadian CEGEP 13th year. (Refer to the
International Educational Credentials found in the Emerson is committed to providing equal access
International Supplement to the Application for to its academic, social, cultural, and recreational
Admission.) programs and activities for all qualified students
with disabilities. While upholding this commitment,
Deferred Admission we maintain the high standards of achievement
that are essential to the integrity of the College’s
Students who wish to postpone (defer) their programs and services. In advancing these dual
enrollment must submit a request in writing to aims, we ensure that College policies, practices, and
the Office of Undergraduate Admission and pay procedures conform to federal and state statutes
a nonrefundable $500 enrollment deposit (which and regulations. Our philosophy is that students are
will be applied toward the first semester charges). independent and self-determined, and that students
Students who undertake academic work in the with disabilities—just like all students—have
interim may be required to re-apply or re-activate control over their lives here at Emerson.
their application by submitting official transcripts They are ultimately responsible for making their
for review. own decisions.
Undergraduate Admission 17
For information and details pertaining to
documentation and accommodations, contact the
Associate Director for Disability Services at 617-824-
8592 or dso@emerson.edu, or see emerson.edu/
disability-services for details.
Change of Major
Students select a major at the time they apply
for admission to Emerson College by designating
their preference on their application for admission.
Students who were undecided about their major at
the time they applied for admission are encouraged
to declare a major before entering their junior year
at Emerson (that is, before earning more than 64
credits toward graduation). Students who want to
change their declared major or specialization must
complete a Change of Major Form available at the
Academic Advising Center. All major or specialization
changes require the permission of the department
chair of the desired major.
• Admission
to majors within the Visual and Media
Arts Department is highly competitive. Students may
not change their major within or into this program
before enrolling in the College. Once enrolled, some
majors (i.e., Film, Writing for Film and Television)
have restrictions for entry and students may not
be able to transfer into them. For more information
about what matriculated students need to transfer
into the Department of Visual and Media Arts or
to change their specialization within Visual and
Media Arts, contact the Academic Advising Center at
advising@emerson.edu or 617-824-7876.
• The
Department of Performing Arts prohibits the
internal transfer of students into the performance-
based programs: Acting BFA, Musical Theatre BFA,
and BA programs in Theatre Education: Acting and
Theatre Studies: Acting.
18 Undergraduate Admission
Student Life
Emerson provides a broad range of student and the many activities available in greater Boston,
development programs and services to complement including symphony orchestras, professional theaters,
the academic programs of the College. Open museums, ballets, parks, historical landmarks, and
communication between and among students, professional sports teams. Emerson is within walking
faculty, and administrators is continuously distance of shopping, entertainment, restaurants,
cultivated and students are urged to seek support and most cultural events. Buses and rail lines provide
and guidance from all members of the College easy access to travel in and around Boston. Winter
community. sports areas are only a couple of hours away, and
summer beaches are even closer.
Students are encouraged to become involved
immediately in the wide variety of personal and Student Resources
professional learning experiences available through
the College’s many co-curricular and extracurricular The Office of the Dean of Students oversees the
programs. In addition to on-campus opportunities, Division of Student Affairs, which is responsible for
many students work and intern off-campus in assisting students with all aspects of adjustment to
production companies, advertising firms, social college life, and is committed to fostering a campus
service organizations, local and state government, climate that encourages individual development,
and broadcasting stations. Many Emerson graduates community responsibility, and an appreciation for
find a place on the career ladder as a result of diversity.
these opportunities.
The Student Affairs staff is involved in the
Social life at the College invariably includes development and implementation of many activities
participation in the numerous co-curricular and and services, including New Student Orientation,
extracurricular student organizations on the campus, student organization consultation, educational
Student Life 19
programming, and student leadership training. Alcohol and Other Drug Policy
Support services are available to assist students
with problems or unanticipated crises, to plan Emerson College is determined to establish and
activities, and to listen to student suggestions and maintain living and learning environments that are
complaints. Individual counseling is also available to free from the negative effects of alcohol and other
help students with academic, career, and personal drug (AOD) abuse. Focusing on responsible decision-
concerns. making, the College offers a variety of health and
wellness programs to increase education and
The work of the Division of Student Affairs is awareness about AODs with the goal of reducing
guided by the belief that intellectual and personal problems associated with them.
development are inseparable, and that a healthy
campus community is essential to the growth of the While the College encourages responsible decision-
whole student. Student Affairs advances Emerson making regarding the use of legal drugs (alcohol,
College’s mission by providing a wide range of pharmaceuticals, etc.), it does not condone their
purposeful out-of-classroom experiences and abuse, underage drinking, or the use of any illegal
services that encourage student learning and foster drugs. The College will identify resources and provide
a sense of community. Students are challenged to assistance for students who have or who develop
think critically and support community standards problems with AODs.
within an environment where the principles of
freedom of expression, civility, diversity, fairness, and Students are expected to observe and comply with all
caring are valued and affirmed. The Office of the College regulations regarding AODs and will be held
Dean of Students is located in the Campus Center at accountable for violations. Sanctions may build up to
150 Boylston Street. and include suspension or dismissal from on-campus
housing and/or the College.
Code of Conduct
A complete copy of the Emerson College Alcohol and
All students at Emerson College have certain rights Other Drug Policy, including specific regulations, can
and responsibilities by virtue of their status in, and be obtained from the Office of the Dean of Students
relationship to, the wider society of which Emerson or found online at emerson.edu/student-life.
is a part. In addition, there are particular rights and
responsibilities that are derived from membership
New Student Orientation
in the Emerson College community. These rights
and responsibilities, as well as the Student Code of Orientation is the time set aside during a student’s
Conduct, appear in significant detail in the Student first few days at Emerson to welcome first-year
Handbook and on the web at emerson.edu/student- and transfer students to the campus community.
life. Academic possibilities are explored through
meetings with advisors and peer orientation leaders,
The Code of Conduct applies to any person admitted, and various social and administrative activities
registered, enrolled, or attending in any course or are planned to assist new students in acclimating
program at Emerson College, whether on a part-time to their new environment. During Orientation,
or full-time basis. Students found responsible for students are introduced to many of the co-curricular
violations of the College’s rules and regulations will and extracurricular activities that complement
be held accountable for their actions. the College’s academic programs. New Student
Orientation is coordinated by the Office of Student
Life, located at 150 Boylston Street, and can be
reached at 617-824-8638. The website is emerson.
edu/orientation.
20 Student Life
Campus Center preparation, interview preparation, and mock
interviews; online job and internship listings; and
The Campus Center serves as a “home base” for internship fairs.
off-campus students and is a gathering place for all
students. Lockers, lounges, and dining are available; For more information, visit emerson.edu/career-
and the Center is used as a central place to study, services or stop by the office on the sixth floor of
socialize, or rest between classes. The services and 216 Tremont Street.
programs in the Center are designed to bring the
students, faculty, and staff together in order to Counseling Center
increase communication and build a sense
of community. The Counseling Center is an excellent place for
Emerson students to begin looking for help with
Housed in the Center are an information desk, diner, personal concerns, family problems, or other
lounge areas, meeting and conference rooms, SGA, psychological issues. The Counseling Center serves
student organization offices and mailboxes, piano as a resource to assist students in developing to their
rooms, the Offices of the Dean of Students; Student potential. To achieve this goal, a variety of services
Life; Student Activities; Multicultural Affairs; Off- are provided. These include: short-term counseling
Campus Student Services; and Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and psychotherapy; support and therapy groups;
Transgender, and Queer/Questioning Student Life. crisis intervention; psychiatric consultation for
The Campus Center is located at 150 Boylston Street students in ongoing psychotherapy in the Counseling
and can be reached at 617-824-8680. For more Center; and referral to outside agencies, private
information on the services offered, please visit the psychotherapists, and psychiatrists.
website at emerson.edu/student-activities.
The Center employs a short-term counseling model
Career Services that typically affords students 6–10 visits per
academic year. If an assessment indicates that a
In addition to the outstanding preparation students student’s therapeutic needs are beyond the scope
receive in the classroom and through participation of what the Center is able to offer (e.g., required
in co-curricular activities, Career Services provides expertise or frequency of therapeutic contact
the programs, resources, and services students indicated), the student will be provided assistance
need to help them reach their professional goals. in securing alternative off-campus therapeutic
Career Services advisors help guide students along resources.
their career paths, no matter what stage they are
at. From their first day at Emerson until long after Counseling Center services are confidential. The
they graduate, students are encouraged to take staff considers issues of student privacy to be of
advantage of all that Career Services has to offer. utmost importance. No information is released to
anyone, inside or outside of the College, without
Career Services provides: individual assistance the student’s knowledge or consent, within the
with self-assessment, career exploration, career guidelines of professional ethics and legal principles.
decision-making, internship/job searching, and more;
an extensive resource library of communication- Students are seen by appointment, 9:00 am to 5:00
and arts-related career exploration and trade pm, Monday through Friday. Appointments may be
publications; a variety of career-related workshops, made either by calling 617-824-8595 or by coming
programs, and events; networking and mentoring to the Counseling Center during office hours. In case
opportunities with alumni and other industry of emergency when the Center is closed, phone
professionals; assistance with internship and the Center for recorded information about
job search preparation, resume and cover letter emergency assistance.
Student Life 21
Health and Wellness Department of Public Health regarding the risk of
meningitis, including the vaccine verification/waiver
The Emerson College Center for Health and Wellness form, is sent with the health forms. Students unable
strives to meet the immediate health needs of to receive the meningitis vaccine prior to arrival on
both resident and off-campus students, and campus may order and receive it at the Center for an
provides general medical care, GYN services, health additional fee. Detailed information on ordering the
counseling and education, nutrition counseling, vaccine will be sent with the Orientation mailings.
routine lab work, and referrals to other health The Health Center is located at 216 Tremont Street
specialists when appropriate. Confidentiality within and can be reached by phone at 617-824-8666 or
the guidelines of professional ethics and legal by email at health_center@emerson.edu; its website
principles is guaranteed to all students using the is emerson.edu/health-center.
Health Center. The staff consists of trained and
licensed professionals, including nurse practitioners, Health Insurance
a nutritionist, a physician assistant, a health educator,
and a consulting general medicine physician. The Massachusetts law requires all students enrolled
Center also provides wellness education outreach in a college at least ¾ time to be covered by a
programming and has developed an active peer qualifying health insurance plan. The plan must meet
health education organization, H.O.P.E. (Healthy established minimum benefit guidelines as defined
Options in Peer Education). H.O.P.E. sponsors and by state law.
provides health and wellness programming relevant
to college-age students. Coverage under a health benefit plan is
comparable if:
The Health Center is open for appointments Monday
through Friday during the academic year and is 1. The health benefit plan provides to the
closed on weekends, holidays, and college breaks. student throughout the school year reasonably
Emerson College is situated in an area within two comprehensive coverage of health services, including
miles of five major hospital emergency rooms. When preventive and primary care, emergency services,
the Center is closed students should seek urgent surgical services, hospitalization benefits, ambulatory
and emergency care at the nearest Emergency patient services, and mental health services.
Center. Public Safety can assist resident students
with transportation for urgent medical problems 2. The services covered under the health benefit plan
when the Center is closed. When possible, non- are reasonably accessible to the student in the area
urgent care should wait until the Center reopens to where the student attends school.
avoid unnecessary medical bills. Dental service is not
available, but a listing of local dentists and dental Annually, students must choose the group health
schools that provide services to students is available insurance plan offered through Emerson College or
on the CHW website at emerson.edu/health-center. demonstrate that they have comparable qualifying
coverage, provided by an insurance carrier based
All students are required to submit a medical in the United States. During the academic year,
history form. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts students enrolled solely under the College-sponsored
also mandates the following immunizations be program are required to first seek medical care at
completed prior to college entrance: measles, mumps, the Center for non-emergency medical conditions.
rubella (two doses each or two MMR’s), tetanus The Student Financial Services office mails a copy of
(booster within 10 years), hepatitis B (three doses), the College-sponsored plan to all qualified students
and the meningococcal vaccine (one dose) within the annually. The brochure outlines the insurance
last five years. Information from the Massachusetts requirements, criteria, and process for requesting
22 Student Life
a waiver of insurance. The brochure can also be is available to discuss academic, cultural, personal,
accessed at the Health Center website: and social concerns. All students are encouraged to
emerson.edu/health-center. meet with the Director. The Office of Multicultural
Student Affairs is located in the Campus Center at
International Student Affairs 150 Boylston Street. The Director can be reached
at 617-824-8637; the website is found at emerson.
International students are provided support edu/student-life.
and relevant information through the Office of
International Student Affairs. The staff is available Cultural Center
to process immigration forms; provide advice
regarding I-20s, IAP 66/DS-2019 forms, and practical The Cultural Center was established to enhance
training; and discuss issues related to academics the educational, cultural, and social needs of
and adjustment to the United States. The Director the campus community. The Center is available
works with the Emerson International student for all students, faculty, and staff, and is host
organization and plans orientation, informational to a number of programs throughout the year.
meetings, and social programs for international The offices of the cultural-based student
students. The Office of International Student Affairs is organizations, a kitchenette, and a lounge area
located at 216 Tremont Street and can be reached at are housed in the Center. The Center is located
617-824-7858; its website is found at emerson.edu/ in the Campus Center at 150 Boylston Street
student-life. and can be reached at 617-824-8642.
Optional practical training (OPT) is a type of work More than half of the undergraduate student
authorization benefit available to most F-1 students. population lives off campus. Off-campus or
OPT is available for a total of 12 months during or commuting students live at home with family
after completion of studies. Students may choose to members, in apartments by themselves, or with
do some, all, or none of the optional training before roommates. The Office of Off-Campus Student
graduation, but most students choose to take their Services (OCSS) supports and serves this population
12 months of OPT after graduation. Students are by providing a variety of resources and programs.
eligible to apply for post-completion OPT no earlier OCSS coordinates the discounted MBTA pass
than 90 days prior to the last day of the graduating program, provides information relative to off-campus
semester and no later than 14 days prior to the living, maintains a vacancy listings database, and
last day of the graduating semester. Students are assists students with roommate matching. Emerson
encouraged to plan ahead and apply early to avoid students can access apartment listings on the web
any delay or problem in the application process. at emerson.edu/ocss. Students may also visit the
Tackboard on the College’s web portal to post and
Multicultural Student Affairs view requests for roommates, apartment searches,
home furnishings, and subletting. The Off-Campus
The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs cultivates Network (OCN), a student organization, partners
involvement opportunities for African, Hispanic, with the Assistant Director of OCSS to provide
Asian, Native American, and multiracial students to a seasonal newsletter and a series of events for
maximize chances for their successful academic and socializing and support. The Office of Off-Campus
social transition, integration, and retention at the Student Services is located at 150 Boylston Street
College. The Director of Multicultural Student Affairs and can be reached at 617-824-7863; its website is
emerson.edu/ocss.
Student Life 23
Residential Living Office of Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors attending one
of Emerson’s semester-long external programs are
Housing and Residence Life
required to live in the College’s Boston campus
Emerson residence halls offer students the housing during the other semester of that given
opportunity to live in the city of Boston and develop academic year.
responsibility and independence through active
participation in their living community. All Emerson Please note: The College may not be able to provide
students may apply for on-campus residence hall on-campus housing for all students beyond their
accommodations, but on-campus housing is limited. fourth semester in college (which includes semesters
attended at previous colleges). In addition, students
Freshmen entering college for the first time are who do not meet the residency requirement will be
required to live on campus for their first four considered for housing on a space-available basis.
semesters at Emerson, and for their fifth and sixth
semesters pending the availability of housing. When Entered as Entered in Required Residency
considering transfer students for housing, their Freshman Fall 2008 Four semesters
year of graduation from high school is taken into Freshman Spring 2009 Three semesters
consideration to determine the number of years Freshman Fall 2009 Six semesters*
they will be required to live in on-campus housing or after
at Emerson. Transfer students who graduated from Transfer Fall 2009 Six semesters
high school fewer than two years from their date Student (including attendance
of enrollment at Emerson are required to live on at previous colleges)*
campus for their first year at Emerson, and for their Transfer Spring 2010 Five semesters
second year pending the availability of housing. Student (including attendance
Transfer students who graduated from high school at previous colleges)*
two or more but fewer than three years from their Transfer Fall 2010 Transfer students who
date of enrollment at Emerson are required to live on Student or after graduated from high
campus for their first year at Emerson pending the school fewer than two
availability of housing. years from their date
of enrollment at
Please note: Transfer students admitted for January Emerson are required to
entry will be offered on-campus housing depending live on campus for
on availability. If a transfer student is not afforded their first year at
on-campus housing, and assuming the transfer Emerson, and for their
student’s standing for the next (fall) semester second year, pending
would otherwise place him/her under the residency the availability of
requirement, he/she will be allowed, but not housing.
required to participate in the room selection process
for the next (fall) semester. *May be excused from on-campus housing following
fourth residency semester if selected through special
Housing contracts extend through the full academic lottery process.
year (fall and spring semesters), and students living
on campus in the fall semester are obligated to Note to transfer students: Prior to Fall 2010,
remain in on-campus housing for the fall and spring residency requirement guidelines for transfer
semesters. In addition, all resident students are students were based upon number of college
required to purchase one of the College-sponsored semesters completed. Effective for transfer students
meal plans.
24 Student Life
who enter Emerson College in Fall 2010 and • The
student is married, in a registered domestic
thereafter, residency requirement guidelines will be partnership that is recognized by the state of
based upon the date of high school graduation. Massachusetts, and/or is a parent with whom one or
more dependent children reside.
Exemptions to the residency requirement may be • The
student has completed six semesters of college
granted by the Office of Housing and Residence Life coursework if he or she entered as a freshman in Fall
(OHRL). Students seeking an exception must submit 2009 or thereafter.
a Request for Exemption to Residency Requirement • The student has completed four semesters of college
Form along with supporting documentation. coursework if he or she entered as a freshman in
Students are expected to pay room and board fees Fall 2008.
in full by published payment deadlines unless they • The
student has completed three semesters of
have received a residency requirement exemption college coursework if he or she entered as a
from the Office of Housing and Residence Life. If a freshman in Spring 2009.
student’s request for exemption from the residency • The student is a transfer student who graduated
requirement is granted after payment is made, he from high school three or more years prior to his or
or she will be issued a refund. A separate Request her date of enrollment at Emerson.
for Exemption to Residency Requirement Form is • The
student is 21 years of age or older prior to
required for each year an exception is being sought. September 1 of the academic year in question.
For consideration, the form must be received by • The
student has served in the military as verified by a
OHRL no later than June 1 for new and current discharge certificate.
students scheduled to be in housing for the fall
semester, and no later than December 1 for new During the spring semester of each academic year,
students admitted for the spring semester. Students the College administers a housing selection process
returning from a LOA are subject to the residency for the following academic year. Students will be
exemption deadline dates for the semester they automatically assigned housing selection numbers
are scheduled to return. Exemptions are typically based on their residency requirement as defined in
granted when: the above chart. All other students wishing to live
in on-campus housing will be able to submit an
• The
student lives at home with a parent or legal application for consideration pending availability.
guardian. If the student changes residence, it is his
or her responsibility to promptly notify the Office of Please note: Failure to settle Emerson College
Housing and Residence Life. accounts in full, obtain required vaccinations, or
• The
student is able to demonstrate a financial abide by the Code of Conduct can result in the loss
hardship that would otherwise prevent him or her of student housing. Students who are not able to
from attending Emerson. fulfill the residency requirement due to their own
• The
student has a disability that precludes living in actions, including failure to comply with College
a residence hall. Documentation of the student’s policies, may also be dismissed from the College.
disability is required from a qualified professional
who has direct knowledge of the student and his Professional staff serve as residence directors and
or her condition, e.g., a physician, psychiatrist, or upper-class students serve as resident assistants.
psychologist. This documentation must meet the The primary goal of the residence hall staff is to
guidelines described in the Disability Services Office assist students in cultivating and maintaining a
statement of policies and procedures (found on community environment conducive to learning and
the Disability Services website at emerson.edu/ personal development.
disability-services).
Student Life 25
Our residence halls are conveniently located near listed here involves a commitment to fellow students
all of the College’s academic and administrative living within the cluster. They are assigned on a
buildings. The locations of our residence halls are: space-available basis.
26 Student Life
Green residential area located in Piano Row, a LEED important College resources (from peer tutoring to
(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)- library services) and have increased contact with
certified facility. the Student Affairs staff. During the fall semester,
you will take a 1-credit non-tuition bearing course
Local Action devoted to college transitions and held on the floor
where you live. Special activities focus on community
Local Action offers an open and welcoming space in building, success in college, and involvement in the
which to build friendships, develop leadership skills, Boston and campus communities.
and deepen awareness of local and global issues.
Through a variety of service activities, students in the Wellness
Local Action Community explore the city of Boston,
make positive changes in the community, and Residents of this community learn about options
connect these experiences to their academic learning that can benefit mind, body, and soul such as
and to leadership development. Students will have meditation, exercise, and nutrition. Programs provide
the chance to participate in fieldwork, documentary a fun way to experiment with wellness concepts
exercises, and skills workshops, in addition to and ideas that may not be familiar to you, and to
service activities throughout the year culminating discover how healthy choices contribute to success
in Emerson Action Week, an annual College-wide and contentment in college and beyond. Students
celebration of service and community. selecting this community commit to leading a
lifestyle free of alcohol, nicotine, and other drugs;
Performing Cultures work with a team of other students to provide fun
activities or workshops on wellness issues; and
The Performing Cultures Learning Community attend regularly scheduled meetings/programs.
offers students an opportunity to explore the
ways diverse cultures and communities express Writers’ Block
themselves through performance and performative
representation in the company of others who share Although some see writing as a solitary art, members
their interest. Community members examine the of the Writers’ Block are a close community
distinctions between and interactions among various of new and experienced writers who strive for
modes of creative expression across a wide spectrum writing excellence in coursework, workshops, and
of cultural contexts, investigating cultural, ritual, community events. Writers come together in an
dance, theater, sketch comedy, literary performance, informal setting to share ideas about writing, to
political and religious ceremonies, and performance experience the vibrant literary landscape in Boston,
in everyday life with special attention to issues of and to practice their craft. The Writers’ Block
cultural identity and difference. produces a yearly publication, The Writers’ Block
Literary Anthology (created entirely by students)
STAR—Students Taking Active Roles (First-year and hosts writing-related events and fundraisers
students only) to showcase their talent. Students who choose this
learning community reside in the Writers’ Block
The STAR community is designed for new students residential area and participate in informal writing
who wish to live in a smaller setting composed workshops in the residence hall.
of fellow first-year students, while being a part
of the larger Emerson campus. Living on a “first- Spiritual Life
year student only” floor, you can develop lasting
relationships with others experiencing college The Center for Spiritual Life exists to promote both
for the first time. You can become familiar with a sense of community among persons of different
Student Life 27
faiths, and educational and spiritual growth on an Cultural
individual basis for interested students, faculty, and
staff. Members of the clergy and lay ministry from Amigos
several denominations are available through this Cultural Center, 150 Boylston Street; 617-824-8642
office. The Center for Spiritual Life is located at 120
Boylston Street and can be reached at 617-824- Amigos (“friends”) is Emerson’s cultural organization
8036; its website is found at emerson.edu/student- that is dedicated to bringing Latin culture to
life. campus. Amigos is a multicultural group that
welcomes anyone who has an interest in the
Student Activities variety of cultures that Amigos stands for. Through
continuous programming throughout the school
Co-curricular and extracurricular activities, year, Amigos brings a variety of speakers, performers,
including student clubs and organizations, are an food, and activities that embody the many Latin
important part of life at Emerson. Emerson clubs and Hispanic nations and cultures. Amigos also
and organizations provide students with valuable networks and collaborates with other Boston-based
opportunities to gain practical experience in Latin organizations as well as other student-run
production and performance outside the classroom. organizations. One of the annual events that Amigos
Students get involved in management, leadership, takes part in is a Latino conference that is sponsored
and interpersonal relationships that encourage them by BILAN (Boston Intercollegiate Latin American
to develop both personally and professionally. Network). If you are interested in getting involved,
Amigos has many leadership opportunities that
In addition, there are various planned activities members may get involved with throughout the year.
at Emerson designed to assist students in their
overall development. Social events give all Emerson Asian Students for Intercultural Awareness
students a chance to get to know one another; (ASIA)
cultural events serve to teach students about Cultural Center, 150 Boylston Street; 617-824-8642
people different from themselves; recreational sport
programs help students gain confidence in physical Emerson’s Asian Students for Intercultural Awareness
activities; and educational seminars expose students (ASIA) was officially recognized as of Spring
to a variety of issues and concerns both inside and 1993. This organization was founded to provide
outside of their major fields of study or immediate awareness of the vast cultures present within the
areas of interest. Asian community. ASIA is dedicated to becoming
an active member in the varied social events of
Recognized Student Organizations the Emerson community. ASIA also sponsors social
and educational events and the end-of-the-year
Organizations are categorized by Cultural, Greek, Leadership Banquet.
Performance, Political, Service and Social Advocacy,
Print and Publishing, Professional Affiliated Chapters, ASL Emerson
Programming and Special Events, Spiritual and ASL Emerson is an organization that was created to
Religious, Student Governance and Councils, and learn about and promote the awareness of deafness
Visual and Media Arts. For a full listing of currently and sign language as a form of communication.
active student organizations on campus, please This is done through regular performances and
visit emerson.edu/student-life, or contact the Office workshops that incorporate music, poetry, dance,
of Student Life. All recognized student clubs and and the performing arts with sign language.
organizations may be contacted through their Membership is open to all students, regardless of
organization’s assigned mailbox located in the major or related experience.
Campus Center at 150 Boylston Street.
28 Student Life
EAGLE (Emerson Alliance for Gays, Lesbians, and Speak Up!
Everyone) Cultural Center, 150 Boylston Street; 617-824-8642
Campus Center, 150 Boylston Street
Recognized in the fall of 2007, the purpose of Speak
EAGLE was established to promote visibility and Up! is to promote racial awareness on campus
acceptance of queer culture throughout the campus through activities, projects, and dialogue.
and community. Membership is open to any student
who is interested in aiding others with a personal Greek
acceptance of homosexuality. The group sponsors
social, academic, and awareness functions for the Greek Organization Recognition Policy
community on issues relevant to queer culture. The responsibility of reviewing and accepting new
Greek organizations is one of the three main reasons
Emerson International (EI) that Greek Council exists. A new organization
International Student Affairs Office, 216 Tremont wishing to become a member must meet with
Street; 617-824-7858 Greek Council and state its intent. The statement
must include a purpose, a constitution, affiliations,
EI, the College’s international student organization, prospective members, identity of founders, and
works with the Director of International Student provide advisor information. The group must also
Affairs to provide support for Emerson’s international meet with the Student Life Greek Advisor, and
population as well as increase cultural awareness at that point the group will be advised of the
within the College community. Made up of students mandatory criteria. (See Student Organization and
of diverse backgrounds and interests, EI provides Advisor Resource Guide for more information.) The
social and educational programs while serving as a probation period will last one semester in length,
resource for projects identified by the International and conclude with a vote of the general body of
Student Affairs Office. Greek Council and recommendation to the Associate
Dean of Students or her/his designee. The Greek
Emerson’s Black Organization with Natural Council will recognize the probationary period the
Interests (EBONI) semester immediately following acceptance of a
Cultural Center, 150 Boylston Street; 617-824-8642 group’s application. The following organizations are
currently active:
Named Organization of the Year for 2007–2008,
EBONI is an organization dedicated to the political Alpha Epsilon Phi
and cultural reawakening of students of African Alpha Epsilon Phi is a national sorority founded in
descent within the Emerson community. Students 1909 to promote esteem and sorority fidelity. AEPhi
organize and sponsor such programs as Harambee, Beta Alpha Chapter is composed of a diverse group
Kwanzaa, networking events, cultural retreats, Black of women brought together by their common values
History Month, and the end-of-the-year Leadership of honesty, philanthropy, scholarship, leadership,
Banquet. They also maintain a resource library, and tradition, pride, fun, sisterhood, and growth. As a
hold seminars and conferences designed to further social sorority, AEPhi organizes sister and Emerson
the involvement and increase the influence of events, as well as devotes time to local and national
students of African descent at Emerson. philanthropies. The sisters of the Beta Alpha Chapter
at Emerson are especially dedicated to the fight
against breast cancer—raising thousands to help the
cause. As a national sorority, AEPhi works with other
local chapters and participates in AEPhi’s annual
National Convention. Alpha Epsilon Phi provides a
lifetime bond of friendship and sisterhood.
Student Life 29
Alpha Pi Theta Zeta Phi Eta
Alpha Pi Theta is a local social fraternity with Zeta Phi Eta, established at Emerson College in
goals of brotherhood, love, and trust. The brothers 1908, is a National Professional Coed Fraternity in
have carried on that tradition through their spirit, the communication arts and sciences. Founded at
enthusiasm, and dedication to the College. The Northwestern University in 1893, Zeta Phi Eta is
brotherhood is actively concerned with the welfare the oldest national group of its kind. Since that time,
of the fraternity and of the College. Theta sponsors Zeta has bonded together individuals committed
various social events on campus. to high standards in the communication arts and
sciences, while providing opportunities for sharing
Kappa Gamma Chi professional interests through worthwhile activities.
A professional sorority founded at Emerson in 1902, The sisters and brothers of Zeta Phi Eta are strongly
Kappa is committed to serving the College and involved with the campus community, in addition to
local community. The Sisterhood fosters the ideal working with many outside organizations such as
of nurturing professional, strong, and independent the AIDS Action Committee and the American Cancer
women. The Sisters expect and demand the highest Society. In 1995, Zeta received national recognition
and best standards for every active member. Named through the Campus Chapter Achievement Award.
Organization of the Year for 1999–2000, Kappa
feels this responsibility has been potent in making Performance
the society count as a valuable asset to the school.
Acappellics Anonymous
Phi Alpha Tau Recognized in the spring of 2009, the purpose
Founded in 1902, Phi Alpha Tau is the nation’s of this organization is to provide alternative
oldest professional communicative arts fraternity. performances for and foster greater musical
Originally created to foster debate, Tau has evolved appreciation among the Emerson community and
with Emerson over the past 100 years to include all to provide its members with an outlet for artistic
areas of the communicative arts. The Fraternity gives expression and growth. This organization combines
the Joseph E. Connor Award to outstanding leaders elements of both music and scripted performance.
in the communicative arts and hosts the Public
Conversation. Chocolate Cake City
This group serves as a creative outlet for writers,
Sigma Alpha Epsilon actors, film, and production students as a means
Sigma Alpha Epsilon national fraternity was to unite all Emerson College majors to produce a
colonized as local chapter Phi Alpha on April 22, comedy show. The aim is to explore the many forms
1999 after a 13-year formation period. Sigma Alpha of comedy and thus create a varied, original, and
Epsilon brings a 143-year tradition of serving its most importantly, funny show.
member schools and communities through various
social and charitable endeavors. Emerson Comedy Workshop (ECW)
Founded by Denis Leary and Eddie Brill in 1976,
Sigma Pi Theta ECW’s purpose is to explore any and all types of
Sigma Pi Theta has emerged as a support group comedy. ECW performs two shows of live/video
for women. We are dedicated to stimulating unity, sketch comedy per semester along with performing
growth, support, and awareness among the women at special events and in the all-troupe shows.
of Emerson College. We encourage the growth Membership is open to all full-time undergraduate
of the individual, the sorority, and the Emerson students after completing the audition process and
College community via workshops and activities held being selected to be an actor, writer, or videographer.
throughout the year.
30 Student Life
Emerson Dance Company (EDC) and spring musical as well as a staged readings
Named Organization of the Year for 2008–2009, and concerts. In addition, MTS provides workshops,
the Emerson Dance Company (EDC) is a student- master classes, and social events throughout the year.
run organization whose sole purpose is to
foster dance as an art form. All Emerson College Noteworthy
students, regardless of dance experience, are The purpose of this organization, created in the fall
welcome to become involved with the organization. of 2002, is to promote creativity, education of music,
The company works with all forms of dance and diversity with regards to the a cappella scene at
and movement. Styles include jazz, tap, ballet, Emerson and in the Boston Community. The group
contemporary, modern, lyrical, hip-hop, and more. provides entertainment for a variety of on- and off-
Each semester, EDC produces a showcase featuring campus events.
new works by student choreographers.
Rareworks Theater
Jimmy’s Traveling Allstars Named Organization of the Year for 2004–2005.
A technically oriented comedy group founded in the The purpose of the this organization is to support
spring of 1999, Jimmy’s Traveling All Stars seeks to seven to eight theatrical productions per year, fully
promote comedy through use of both live and taped produced, directed, managed, and otherwise staged
sketch performances, with a preference toward video. solely by students of Emerson College, including
musical theater, straight plays, student-written pieces,
Kidding Around and experimental theater. The mission is to provide
Kidding Around is Emerson’s theatre group that professional theatrical opportunities to the Emerson
performs and provides unique theatre experiences community by producing new, provocative, and “rare
exclusively for children. It performs on campus and works.”
at local schools and after-school programs where
it creates an “interactive” theater environment Shakespeare Society
with children of all ages. Emerson students The mission of this group is to provide an
are encouraged to become directors, designers, opportunity for Emerson students of all majors and
producers, actors, writers, and media persons. levels to read, discuss, explore, and perform the
works of William Shakespeare, and related material,
Mercutio through weekly discussion groups and production
This is Emerson’s only dramatic theatre troupe that work; and to promote the knowledge of and interest
explores all facets of producing, teaching, and in Shakespearean literature and theater in the
performing theatre. We open our membership doors greater community through educational outreach,
to anyone interested in stage managing, producing, workshops, and public performances.
directing, and teaching.
Swolen Monkey Showcase
Musical Theatre Society (MTS) This tight-knit group performs written and
Campus Center, 150 Boylston Street improvised material throughout the year. A small
group of comedians work together to perform
The Musical Theatre Society of Emerson College multiple improve shows, as well as an epic play,
exists to provide and support the production of sketch show, and/or extravaganza at the end of
musical theatre for entertainment, education, every semester. Auditions are held every year or so
and cultural enrichment of the Emerson College for students interested in all of it (performers, writers,
community. The goal of the organization is to make and winners).
available to all Emerson students the opportunity
to realize and develop their talents through the
performing arts. MTS currently puts on both a fall
Student Life 31
The Girlie Project particularly in the areas of social justice and equal
Recognized in the spring of 2005, the purpose of opportunity, community-based economics, ecological
The Girlie Project is to promote female performers, wisdom, tolerance, diversity, nonviolence, and
writers, and directors in the world of comedy. feminism.
Membership is open to both women and men of all
majors to create monologues, sketches, films, dances, Healthy Options Peer Educators (H.O.P.E.)
and more in a non-competitive environment. Recognized in the fall of 2006, H.O.P.E. is a volunteer
group of undergraduate students who are dedicated
“This Is Pathetic” to educating their peers about health and wellness
“This Is Pathetic” theatrically explores the personal, issues important to college students. H.O.P.E. is
uncomfortable, disturbed, and sometimes affiliated with the national organization Bacchus and
inappropriate aspects of life. By placing these life Gamma. H.O.P.E. meets weekly for group trainings.
events in an experimental comic atmosphere, it is H.O.P.E. students are extensively trained on issues
easier to understand just what we never want to. such as sexual health, alcohol and other drugs,
Open auditions are held annually. eating disorders, and stress. The group develops and
delivers educational programs and skits to Emerson
Political, Service, and Social Advocacy students as a way of empowering them to make
healthy choices! H.O.P.E. also plans special weekend
Communication Politics and Law Association events for Emerson students, such as mocktails and
(CPLA) movie nights, the Holiday Pajamboree, Hot Wings
The mission of CPLA is to awaken students’ passion and Trivia, and Spa Night.
for communication, politics, and law and to turn
their political interest into political action. Imagine Students Reaching Out
Imagine Students Reaching Out focuses on involving
Earth Emerson Emerson students with local community service
Earth Emerson works to promote environmental projects. The idea is that while helping others,
awareness and stewardship and to better the members develop leadership skills, have fun, and
campus, community, and global environments enrich the lives of others.
through student action. Annual activities include
cause fundraisers, benefit concerts, recycling, hiking, Print and Publishing
community clean-ups, and campus greening projects.
The Berkeley Beacon
Emerson College Democrats Campus Center, 150 Boylston Street
The Emerson College Democrats is an organization
dedicated to promoting Democratic Party politics, Created in 1947 and issued every week during the
educating the Emerson College student body, academic year, The Berkeley Beacon is a college
and creating and maintaining a lively political newspaper, which is student produced. All staff
atmosphere to promote Democratic awareness. positions are open to students.
32 Student Life
Emerson Review Latent Image
Campus Center, 150 Boylston Street The purpose of Latent Image is to promote
discussion and criticism of the artistic and technical
This award-winning literary magazine is edited by medium of film. The organization produces a film
undergraduates and issued biannually. It includes journal, and hosts an Oscar party and a student film
short stories, poetry, articles, and reviews by students, festival.
as well as works solicited from graduate students,
faculty, and guest authors. Stork Magazine
Recognized in the spring of 2005, Stork is a biannual
em magazine fiction journal dedicated to demystifying the
Recognized in the fall of 2007, em magazine is publishing process and improving student writing.
Emerson’s only lifestyle magazine dedicated to Stork is founded on the idea of communication
providing the student body with interesting and between editor and writer and provides an outlet for
informative articles written by and for Emerson budding writers to take their work to the next level.
students. We cover everything from looks and
relationships to features, fitness, entertainment, and The Emersonian
Emerson news. Currently online and in print. Campus Center, 150 Boylston Street
Student Life 33
with students about their work. The club will host Communication Sciences and Disorders Journal
panels of professionals to speak about their specific Club (CSDJC)
job and give students advice on how to start their Recognized in the spring of 2009, the purpose of the
own career in publishing. In addition to this, the CSDJC is to serve as a forum for students to engage
executive members will hold informational meetings in discussion about research related to the variety
to teach members publishing vocabulary, give them of majors that Emerson College offers; to provide
resources on the publishing world, and generally opportunities for students to present research
keep them aware of the current events of the findings to others in a controlled and supportive
business. environment; and essential to its organizational
purpose, the CSDJC will strive to create a relaxed,
Professional Affiliated Chapters collegial, social environment for scholarly discussion
in such a way as to differentiate it from similar
American Marketing Association (AMA) academic pursuits conducted in undergraduate and
Emerson College’s Collegiate Chapter of the graduate courses at Emerson College.
American Marketing Association, known as American
Marketing Association at Emerson College, is an Emerson College Model United Nations
international organization for undergraduate (ECMUN)
and graduate students who wish to be involved Recognized in the fall of 2009, Emerson College
in the marketing field. The main objectives of Model United Nations empowers students to take
our chapter are: to enhance student education an active interest in learning about the world while
through a variety of marketing workshops, speaker teaching advocacy and diplomacy in the context
series, and seminars; to assist in the development of international affairs. Members participate in
of members’ professional skills; and to provide committee session simulations modeled after the
members with opportunities to interact with other diplomatic process of the United Nations and
collegiate chapters in the Boston area and to provide cooperate with each other to develop resolutions
networking opportunities to our members. for real-world issues. ECMUN seeks to hone the
skills of informational analysis, critical thinking,
Audio Engineering Society (AES) and communication, as well as emphasize the
Recognized in the spring of 2009, the purposes importance of respect and collaboration.
and objectives of the Audio Engineering Society,
Inc., Emerson College student section shall be: the Emerson Communication (EmComm)
diffusion and increase of educational and scientific Campus Center, 150 Boylston Street
knowledge in audio engineering, and the promotion
and advancement of this science and its allied arts EmComm is a student-operated and faculty-advised
in both theoretical and practical applications; the marketing communication agency dedicated to
stimulation of interest in audio engineering; the providing students with hands-on experience in
encouragement of the interchange and intercourse the areas of advertising, public relations, promotion,
of ideas among its members; and the promotion and graphic design, and computer graphics. EmComm
maintenance of high professional standards among services are available to on- and off-campus
its members in this section. To this end it shall be organizations.
the purpose of the section to hold meetings for the
reading or discussion of papers, publications, and Emerson Forensics
communications, and for such other educational This program will be designed to teach advocacy
activities as shall properly fulfill the objectives and skills so that students are empowered to be the
purposes of the Audio Engineering Society. architects of their own futures. In debate, the
preparation and delivery of argumentation provides
34 Student Life
students with the opportunity to think critically, Public Relations Student Society of America
develop their academic research skills, improve their (PRSSA)
communication abilities, solve problems creatively, PRSSA is a professional organization dedicated to
and increase their self-confidence. The Public Address furthering students in the field of public relations
events of competitive forensics also reinforce the through scholarships, networking with practitioners
skills of information gathering and analysis, writing throughout the country, understanding of current
and delivery. The interpretive events, Prose, Poetry, theories and procedures, and hands-on programs
Drama, and Duo-acting allow students to create with Emerson College clients, while furthering an
artistic programs around current events, the cutting understanding of current theories and practices
edge of theatre and literature, and to bring to their to better prepare students for one of the fastest
audience a new and unique understanding of the growing businesses.
connection between literature, social consciousness,
interpreter and audience. All events allow for the Radio Television Digital News Association
team members to practice together, research (RTDNA)
together, to travel and compete with each other, and Campus Center, 150 Boylston Street
with students from other school. Forensics is one
of the few activities that truly integrates academics, Named Organization of the Year for 2002–2003,
cultural diversity, social commentary, advocacy, and the Radio Television Digital News Association is an
fun! international organization dedicated to improving
communication between students and professionals.
National Broadcasting Society (NBS) RTDNA has experts critique students’ work, sponsors
Campus Center, 150 Boylston Street student-run workshops, and organizes professional
networking opportunities for students. The Emerson
Outstanding broadcasting students are eligible for chapter also runs WEBN, which has been named
this national honorary broadcasting society. The the AP Station of the Year six times. Its award-
Emerson chapter produces its own TV and radio winning television newscasts, sport programs, and
programs and serves the media needs of the specials run on Winthrop Cable and Tyngsborough
Emerson community. Community TV. The staff annually covers the Oscars,
MLB Spring Training, the Emmys, and political
National Student Speech, Language, and events such as the Iowa Caucuses and Presidential
Hearing Association (NSSLHA) Inauguration. The organization also gives students
All Emerson students have the opportunity to the opportunity to gain experience in broadcasting
become members of this national organization. across multiple media, including its award-winning
The Emerson chapter provides the opportunity website, webn.tv.
for students to take part in professional activities
on a local, regional, and national level. Named Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ)
Organization of the Year for 2000–2001, NSSHLA Named Organization of the Year for 2001–2002,
encourages professional interests among Emerson this student chapter of the prestigious national
students in the study of normal and disordered professional organization was created in 1983.
human communication behavior. NSSLHA provides Students who are committed to a career in
aid and assistance within the College as well as to journalism are encouraged to participate. SPJ
local organizations in the areas of speech, hearing, activities include professional programs, service
language, and behavior disorders. activities, and social events.
Student Life 35
Programming and Special Events between Christians in the community. It also offers
occasional services, community service projects, and
Campus Activities Board helps connect Emersonians to local churches.
The Emerson College Campus Activities Board
(CAB) is a student-run organization that works Hillel
collaboratively with students, organizations, faculty, Emerson College Hillel is dedicated to creating a
and staff in developing and implementing campus- pluralistic, welcoming, and inclusive environment
wide programming. Housed under the Office of where students are encouraged to grow
Student Activities, the CAB aims to streamline the intellectually, spiritually, and socially. In past years,
programming initiatives of the campus community. our programming has reflected this mission with
The CAB works in conjunction with other students, events including: celebrating Chanukah with a “Bar
faculty, staff, and organizations on Welcome Week; Mitzvah-style” bash, hosting a “Chocolate Seder,”
leadership and professional development; and attending a local performance of Joseph and the
cultural, social, and theme months programming, in Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and creating and
an effort to produce successful events that maximize leading a Yom Hashoah service to commemorate
on attendance, resources, funding, and space. those who perished in the Holocaust and other
world genocides. Emerson Hillel also helps students
Emerson Recognition and Achievement Awards foster a sense of Jewish identity through textual
A long-standing Emerson tradition, the Emerson studies, cultural discussions, and participation in
Recognition and Achievement (ERA) Awards guest lecture events and off-campus activities. Our
celebrate student and campus leadership and mission is to enhance the lives of Jewish students
recognize the infinite achievements of Emerson so that they may enrich the Jewish people and the
College community. The night aims to pass the world. There is a unique role for you at Emerson
reigns of leadership from one leader to the next. College Hillel.
Through a college-wide nominations process,
additional “Specialized Awards” are given out to Newman Club
recognize those groups and individuals who have The Newman Club provides opportunities for
demonstrated particular excellence during the course Catholic students to develop their faith and to work
of the academic year. All Emersonians—students, in sponsoring social, educational, spiritual, and
faculty, staff, and administrators—are welcome service-oriented events. Students come together for
to participate in the ERA Awards, regardless of debate, prayer, and fun!
their affiliation with undergraduate student clubs
and organizations. This event offers an excellent Student Governance and Council
opportunity for networking and making connections
among all members of our community. The ERA Student Government Association (SGA)
Awards offers all attendees a chance to learn Campus Center, Lower Level 1 (LL1); 617-824-8686
more about what the collective community has
accomplished over the course of the academic year. The Student Government Association was formed
to “establish an effective student government,
Spiritual and Religious represent student interests, establish and facilitate
all student organizations, act as a liaison between
Emerson Goodnews Fellowship (EGNF) the student body, the administration, and the Board
Emerson Goodnews Fellowship is an ecumenical of Trustees, and promote and protect the rights of
group, formed from many different church the students…” In coordination with the Office
denominations, that meets for Bible study prayer and of the Dean of Students, the SGA allocates and
fellowship. EGNF seeks to build more community monitors funds to student organizations and plans
36 Student Life
and executes student activities and programs for the Freshman Class (2014) to be elected in early
campus. It also actively states the needs and December
protects the rights of the student body. Elections Freshman Class Council meets weekly to develop
are held every spring to fill positions for the next a class constitution, plan programs, learn about
academic year. Any full-time enrolled undergraduate getting involved at Emerson, and prepare for
student who meets the candidate criteria is leadership positions. Students interested in running
encouraged to run. for a class office their first year will find participation
in and successful completion of the Freshman Class
SGA Executive Joint Session Council certification program beneficial as they foray
The Executive Council is one of two student into collegiate leadership positions. All first-year
legislative bodies, and is comprised of the four students are invited to get involved. The Freshman
executive officers of SGA, the four class presidents, Class Council certification program is facilitated by
all elected departmental senators and appointed the Associate Dean of Students.
commissioner positions. The Council oversees the
activities of all student organizations funded through Sophomore Class (2013)
the SGA and works closely with the administration Responsibilities of the Sophomore class officers
on issues concerning campus/student life. In serving include: class meetings, newsletters, and programs.
as a liaison between the students and College
faculty and administration, it is responsible for Junior Class (2012)
decisions dealing with the allocation of student Responsibilities of the Junior class officers include:
funds, formation of ad hoc committees, initiating and assisting with the selection of Who’s Who Among
carrying out legislation, and dealing with student College and Universities representatives, marshalling
interests and concerns. at Commencement, newsletters, class meetings, and
programs.
SGA Student Senate
The second branch of the SGA is composed of one Senior Class (2011)
senator from each class and one senator from each Responsibilities of the Senior class officers include:
major department. The Student Senate works with assisting with Commencement planning and related
the SGA Executive Council on all issues concerning activities, Senior Week activities, newsletters, class
campus student life. The Senate also works to meetings, and programs.
promote issues that effect student involvement as
citizens of the College community. The Senate meets All-College Assembly
regularly and all students are welcome to attend. The Assembly is an All-College meeting open to
the entire Student Government Association, which
Class Governments consists of all full-time, matriculated undergraduate
Each year, classes elect officers to represent them students. It is an initiating, legislating, and vetoing
in student government matters and facilitate co- body. Each member has one vote. Active student
curricular and social events. Elections for sophomore, participation is essential to meeting the changing
junior, and senior class officers are held in the late needs of Emerson students. Meetings are called as
spring for the following academic year, and freshman deemed necessary by the SGA President.
class elections are held toward the end of the fall
semester. The four class presidents serve on the SGA Financial Advisory Board (FAB)
Executive Council. The Financial Advisory Board consists of the Treasurer
of SGA (Chair), one student from each class, the SGA
Advisor, and Dean of Students or his/her designee.
The Board meets with and reviews all student
organizations requesting student funds. Based on
Student Life 37
this review, the FAB makes recommendations for the at biannual Alumni Board meetings and creates
annual budget, which is presented to the Student networking, social, and volunteer opportunities to
Senate and Executive Council for approval. The SGA foster connections between students and the Alumni
Treasurer and Associate Dean of Students must sign Association.
all student activity financial transactions.
Student-Athlete Advisory Council
Greek Council The Student-Athlete Advisory Council aims to
Campus Center, 150 Boylston Street increase athletic awareness and better the
communication among the student-athletes,
Greek Council is the official governing body of Athletics Department, administration, faculty, and
Emerson College that recognizes all Greek Letter student body. SAAC commits itself to service
organizations. It is composed of delegates from opportunities on campus and in the greater
all recognized fraternities and sororities. They community. The SAAC is an NCAA-mandated
collectively work to govern all Greek organizations, representative body of the student-athlete
promote Greek Life on campus, and work on projects population on campus. This council is charged
to serve the College and the surrounding Boston with representing the needs of their teams and the
community. student-athletes in general, to the administration.
The SAAC should be a proactive group of student-
Residence Hall Councils athletes who are willing and eager to come up with,
The Hall Council is the student governing body of plan, and implement activities and materials that will
each residence hall. Hall councils are involved with benefit all student-athletes and the image of varsity
providing social and educational activities for their sports at Emerson.
respective residence communities. Activities have
included talent shows, cultural events, field trips, Visual and Media Arts
faculty/staff hall visits and presentations, discussion
groups, and movies. Captured Emotion
Recognized in the fall of 2009, Captured Emotion
Residence Hall Association (RHA) is a student-run organization dedicated completely
The Residence Hall Association represents, and is to the documentary and nonfiction work. Captured
composed of, members of the four hall councils. RHA Emotion provides the experience of pre-production
works in conjunction with the individual hall councils and research, production, post-production. Each
to sponsor campus-wide programs and work toward semester, Captured Emotion commences with a
the improvement of the residential environment. pitch session, driven by the students, in which each
These activities have included day trips to New York member prepares an idea for a production relevant
City, weekend trips to Washington, D.C., outdoor to the field of documentary and nonfiction work.
adventure excursions, and educational speakers. RHA The organization seeks to give out experience, while
participates in NACURH, the National Association of requiring quality as an end product.
College and University Residence Halls. All residential
students are invited to attend and participate in RHA Emerson Independent Video (EIV)
meetings. Voting members are selected from the Campus Center, 150 Boylston Street; 617-824-8693
elected representatives from the four hall councils.
Named Organization of the Year for 2006–2007,
Student Alumni Association Emerson Independent Video (EIV) is a student-
The Student Alumni Association is an Emerson run organization serving the Emerson community.
organization dedicated to linking students with The organization models its operations on that
alumni. The group represents the student body of a television station. Its goal is to provide an
38 Student Life
opportunity for students to apply or learn skills in Emerson College Game Developers Association
all phases of television production in a professional Recognized in the spring of 2007, the “Emerson
atmosphere. Whether you are interested in marketing, GameDev” aims to teach students all aspects of
directing, producing, or writing, the organization has interactive game development through hands-on
a place for you. EIV has programs of all types in all experience, completing software projects designed
stages of development. It also produces five live-to- by fellow students, and exploring all of its aspects,
tape 30-minute news broadcasts weekly, as well as particularly concept, art, design and distribution.
international news broadcasts twice weekly. Over
the years, EIV has won numerous national college Emerson Experimental Art
broadcasting awards as well as having programming Formerly known as Emersive, recognized in the
air on cable and national outlets. EIV also produces Spring of 2005, its mission is to advance the study of
the EVVY Awards, Emerson’s equivalent to the Emmy new media by providing opportunities for application
Awards, where distinguished industry professionals beyond the classroom experience.
give awards honoring Emerson’s best student work.
The EVVY Award ceremony is a major event in the EVVY Awards
Emerson community. Campus Center, 150 Boylston Street
The Emerson Channel The EVVY Awards is like no other college production
The Emerson Channel is a leading college television in the country. Modeled after professional shows
network that functions as both a content distributor such as the Emmys and Oscars, The EVVY Awards
and producer. As the only major media outlet on has become the largest multi-camera, live switch
campus, The Emerson Channel is Emerson College’s event any school has to offer. This award-winning
premier outlet for students’ film, video, and other show has become nationally recognized with a first
creative works. The organization is completely place award at the National Association of College
student-run and is maintained by a staff of Broadcasters Awards and has received two national
more than 100 students involved in production, Telly Awards. Throughout the year, student work
broadcast operation, promotion, and programming. can be submitted in a wide variety of categories,
In addition to being a crucial media outlet, The creating a very competitive environment right here
Emerson Channel is dedicated to training students on campus. These submissions are then sent out
in a professional environment in preparation for to local and national professional judges in their
graduation into a dynamic television workforce. The respective fields to ensure a fair and experienced
Emerson Channel airs original productions and judging process. Notable past judges have included
programming acquired from Emerson students, Rachel Dratch of Saturday Night Live; Wendey
staff, and faculty as well as student production Stanzler, a director from Grey’s Anatomy; and Matt
organizations such as Emerson Independent Video Cheese, editor of Finding Neverland. Previous
(EIV), National Broadcasting Society (NBS), and onstage appearances have included Sean Hayes
Frames Per Second (FPS). The Emerson Channel of Will & Grace; Rich DiPirro, creator of Deal or
also produces live and taped event coverage, often No Deal; Denis Leary; Gregory Hines; Matt Lauer;
as co-productions with Emerson Productions; EIV; and John Cusack. The EVVY Awards is not only an
or The EVVY Awards, which is one of the largest award show, it is also a student-run organization
college television productions in the world shot that provides an adequate learning experience for
annually each May in the Cutler Majestic Theatre in hundreds of Emerson students. Throughout the year,
downtown Boston. students can be reassured that they will be taught,
by using hands-on experience, how to succeed in the
professional world. No matter what age, or major,
the EVVY Awards will have something for you.
Student Life 39
Fashion Society Warlords
Recognized in the spring of 2007, the Fashion The youngest film group on campus, Warlords:
Society seeks to represent the creative ideals of all Action Film Club is dedicated to producing and
aspects of the fashion industry. It aims to provide promoting action films/digital movies, as well as all
an outlet for students who are passionate about the sub-action genres. This includes, but is not limited
fashion industry and the professional opportunities to, sci-fi , thriller, horror, fantasy, comic book/graphic
in this field. The group provides resources for the novels, and much more. Ideas are brainstormed
undergraduate community of Emerson as they amongst Warlords members at general meetings and
develop their personal and professional styles. weekend screenings.
40 Student Life
Women in Motion Varsity Program
Women in Motion is a student-run, production-
oriented organization dedicated to providing an Athletics at Emerson offers a wide variety of sports
opportunity for students interested in filmmaking to in which today’s student-athlete can participate.
further their education through workshops, guest Student-athletes can display their skills in 14 varsity
speakers, and most importantly, the experience sports. The Lions field varsity teams in:
found in a collaborative and creative working
environment. The organization is open to both men Men Women
and women while the foundation of the organization Baseball Basketball
is to support women in leadership roles at the Basketball Cross Country
student and professional level of filmmaking. Cross Country Lacrosse
Lacrosse Soccer
Honorary Societies Soccer Softball
Tennis Tennis
The Gold Key Honor Society. The Gold Key Honor Volleyball Volleyball
Society is Emerson’s official academic honor society.
To qualify, a student must be either a junior or senior, Emerson College is a Division III member of the
with no fewer than 48 credits earned at Emerson National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the
College. Inductees into Gold Key are those juniors Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC), and the
at the top 5 percent of their class, and seniors at Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC). The
the top 10 percent of their class (including seniors Athletic Department is located at 150 Boylston Street,
inducted in their junior year). Lower Level 2, and can be reached at 617-824-8690
or at emerson.edu/athletics.
Lambda Pi Eta. A national honor society for
students who have achieved academic distinction Please note: Students on academic probation
in communication. Open to juniors and seniors in are not allowed to practice, travel, or
the Department of Communication Studies; eligible compete with varsity athletic teams.
students must have achieved a 3.8 or higher and
have earned 60 or more credits. Club Program
For an expanded description of student clubs and The Club Program offers students the opportunity
organizations, consult the Student Handbook or visit to compete intercollegiately at a less time-intensive
emerson.edu/student-life. and more student-run level than at the varsity
level, but with more structure than an intramural
Athletics and Recreation sport. The Department provides support for each
club program (which may include coaching,
The Department of Athletics coordinates the financial, transportation, etc.). The Club Programs in
College’s varsity, club, intramural, and recreational 2009–2010 were ice hockey and Quidditch.
sports programs and operates the Emerson College
Fitness Center. Athletics at Emerson is an opportunity Intramural Program
for student-athletes to bring out their best through
competition and to learn valuable lessons on and Having fun, exercising, and competing at a friendly
off the field that will stay with them throughout level is the successful formula that defines the
their lives. Lessons about teamwork, self-discipline, Emerson Intramural Sports Program. The intramural
dependability, and dedication help shape a well- program allows students the flexibility to choose to
rounded individual. participate in sports as their time and interest permit.
Student Life 41
The Brown-Plofker Gym, opened in September 2006,
allows greater opportunity for indoor varsity, club,
and intramural sports.
Fitness Center
The Emerson College Fitness Center (ECFC) offers
exercise and wellness programs designed to meet
specific interests and goals including proper diet and
nutrition, stress management, sports conditioning,
and general physical fitness. At no cost to the
Emerson community, the ECFC provides state-of-the-
art strength training, cardiovascular and free weight
equipment, and a studio where a daily schedule of
aerobic, dance, yoga, and conditioning classes are
offered. The Fitness Center is located in the Lower
Level of the Little Building (80 Boylston Street) and
can be reached at 617-824-8692.
42 Student Life
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance 43
All of the expenses listed above are used to renewed receipt of the scholarship until their
determine the student’s college budget; they are not graduation, based on academic performance and
the billed costs for the College. When the Office of continued financial need.
Student Financial Services reviews an application to
determine a student’s financial eligibility, this entire Ed Ansin Diversity Scholarship. The
college budget is used as a base, rather than merely scholarship was established in 2007 and supports
the amount of the tuition and room/board bill. undergraduate students from economically
disadvantaged backgrounds, first-generation college
For more and detailed information on costs, financial students, or students from racial and ethnic groups
assistance, and financing options, contact the Office that are underrepresented at Emerson. Preference
of Student Financial Services at 120 Boylston Street, will be give to members of the Boston chapter of the
Boston, MA 02116-4624 or visit its website at Boys and Girls Clubs or its successor organization.
emerson.edu/finaid. The scholarship is renewable providing the student
maintains full-time enrollment and is in good
Restricted Scholarships academic standing.
Emerson College has a number of restricted Eckardt and Barbara Horowitz Beck
scholarships and awards that are available to Scholarships. Established by a gift from E. Chris
students who meet the eligibility requirements Beck ’68, H’94 and Barbara H. Beck ’69. Awarded on
set forth by the respective donor. The Office of the basis of excellence in communication to students
Student Financial Services makes all awards. If the with freshman, sophomore, or junior standing who
award is designated for a student(s) in a particular demonstrate financial need.
department, that department is consulted. Due to
the balance of individual endowment funds, not all Beth Hodgson Berkowitz Scholarship.
scholarships are awarded annually. Established in 1998 and awarded on the basis of
financial need to a student who has maintained at
The scholarships listed below are funds conferred least a B grade average.
to Emerson College by private donors. These
scholarships are disbursed through the Office Bill Bordy Scholarship. Established by a gift from
of Student Financial Services. To be considered, Bill Bordy ’58, and awarded on the basis of financial
students must complete a financial aid file with the need and academic achievement. One scholarship
Office of Student Financial Services unless otherwise will be given to a student in each of the following
noted. These scholarships are awarded to a student programs: Performing Arts, Visual and Media Arts, or
for one semester and they are not renewable unless Journalism; and Writing, Literature and Publishing.
otherwise noted. Funding for these scholarships is
not guaranteed each year. Awards are dependent Ruth and Bernard Bork Scholarship. Awarded
on funding levels. These scholarships are only for on the basis of financial need to a student majoring
full-time students and are only available for courses in Communication Disorders.
taken during the fall and/or spring semesters.
Mark Bortman Scholarship. Awarded to a
Alumni Association Scholarship. The Alumni student with financial need who has demonstrated
Association Scholarship awards a minimum of superior academic achievement in his/her freshman
$2,500 annually to a deserving student. At present, and sophomore years. The Bortman scholarship
the scholarship rotates between an undergraduate is credited for two consecutive years at the junior
and a graduate student. Recipients qualify for and senior level. (This is an exception to the non-
renewable clause listed above.)
44 Financial Assistance
Jeanne Marie Brodeur Memorial Scholarship. Hamilton D. Comstock Scholarship Fund.
Established in 2009 by a bequest from Jeanne Established by the National Alumni Board of Directors
Brodeur ’72 and supplemented with gifts from her in honor of Hamilton Duffy Comstock ’67, G’69.
friends, the scholarship will be awarded on the Supplemented by a gift from the estate of Jane
basis of financial need. Jeanne, a recipient of a full Comstock. Awarded to the child, grandchild, or sibling
scholarship to Emerson, was a longtime member of an Emerson graduate who demonstrates excellence
of the Alumni Association Board of Directors and in scholarship, strong leadership potential, and
employed by the College as vice president for participation in alumni affairs.
Institutional Advancement.
S. James Coppersmith Broadcasting
Harry and Doris Brudnoy Scholarship. Scholarship. Established in 1997 by friends and
Established in 2005 by a bequest from David associates. Awarded to a student entering his/her
Brudnoy in tribute to the memory of his parents. As junior year concentrating in Broadcast Journalism.
an honorary brother of Phi Alpha Tau, David Brudnoy The award is based on high academic achievement
gave freely of himself as a friend and mentor. The and financial need.
scholarship will be awarded to an active brother
of Phi Alpha Tau who is a full-time student with Peter V. Corea Scholarship. For nearly four
financial need. decades, the late Peter Corea devoted himself to
developing Emersonians’ abilities for self-expression,
Mary Burrill Scholarship. Established in 2002 social interaction, and community participation. This
in honor of playwright and educator Mary “Mamie” scholarship was established by his son, William, and
Burrill, 1904, the earliest known Emerson graduate widow, Alicia, and was first awarded in 2007 to
of color. Awarded to a deserving AHANA (African, a full-time undergraduate student on the basis of
Hispanic, Asian, and Native American) student or financial need and academic achievement.
students in the incoming freshman class.
Kenneth C. Crannell Sr. Scholarship in Speech
Darren Cecil Scholarship. Established in 1986 Communication and Public Leadership.
in honor of Darren Cecil ’86. Awarded to an Established by family and friends in 2005 in honor of
undergraduate with a disability who shows financial Emeritus Professor Ken Crannell. Dr. Crannell received
need and demonstrates a high level of academic his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Emerson and
performance. inspired Emerson students for more than 45 years. The
scholarship will be awarded to a full-time first-year or
Lyell B. Clay Memorial Scholarship. Established transfer student with financial need whose high school
by Whitney Clay Diller ’79 as a tribute to her father. background and program of study at the college
Awarded to a full-time undergraduate student in the indicate an interest in oral communication and a
School of Communication who has financial need career in public life.
and is in good academic standing. Preference is
given to students from West Virginia. Wilma Tyson Cremer Scholarship. Established
in honor of Wilma Tyson Cremer ’39 by her husband.
Chet Collier Fair and Balanced Journalism The scholarship is awarded to a student who excels
Scholarship. Established in 2003 in honor of Chet in oratory or oral interpretation.
Collier ’50, the scholarship will be awarded to an
undergraduate journalism student who demonstrates John Diamantakiou Scholarship. Established
an understanding of fair and balanced journalism. in memory of John Diamantakiou ’91 by his family
and friends. The scholarship is awarded to a student
in Political Communication who participates in the
Washington Program.
Financial Assistance 45
Lois Dow Scholarship Fund. Established by Amy Beth Gallagher ’88 Scholarship.
bequest of Lois Dow Wilkins ’29. Awarded to Established in Amy’s memory by family and friends.
students who demonstrate financial need with an Awarded annually to a student (or students) from
outstanding interest in the study of Performing Arts Clinton, Essex, Franklin, or St. Lawrence counties of
and Visual and Media Arts. northern New York. Student(s) must demonstrate
academic achievement and financial need.
Emerson College Comedy Scholarship. The Preference should be given to students interested in
scholarship was established in 2006 with funds a career in mass communications. If no one in the
from an event celebrating 30 years of Emerson above counties is eligible, the scholarship can be
comedy. The fund will be supplemented annually awarded to a student from as far south as Albany,
with proceeds from the Emerson Comedy night of New York.
the Boston Comedy Festival. The scholarship will
be granted as tuition to a rising senior who has Elinore A. Greene Scholarship. Established in
demonstrated leadership and talent in the writing, 2009 by a bequest from Elinore A. Ziff Greene ’49,
performance, or direction of comedy. the scholarship is awarded annually for deserving
students in good standing. Preference will be given
Nicole duFresne Scholarship. Established as a to nontraditional students returning to their studies
tribute to the memory of Nicole duFresne ’99. The in Performing Arts.
scholarship will be awarded to a socially conscious
female with financial need who is studying acting Olive Palmer Hansen Scholarship. Established
and/or playwriting and demonstrates a passion in 1956 by a bequest from Olive Palmer Hansen, the
for learning. scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic
standing and need.
Polly Epstein Scholarship. Established in her
memory by her husband and children in 1996. The William Randolph Hearst Scholarship.
award is granted to a student based on financial Established in 1987. Awarded to AHANA students
need and academic achievement. (African, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American) on
the basis of financial need.
Celia Segal Foster Scholarship. Established
in her honor by her children and grandchildren, Laura C. Hodgkinson Scholarship. Established
the scholarship has been awarded since 2007 to by bequest from Ms. Hodgkinson and awarded on
a student in Performing Arts based on academic the basis of financial need.
performance and financial need.
Sophie Horowitz Scholarship. The scholarship
Tom and Kathy Freston Diversity Scholarship. was established by friends and family of Sophie
First awarded for the academic year 2008–2009, Horowitz, the mother of Evelyn Horowitz Malinowitz
the scholarship is for undergraduate students ’67, and is awarded to a woman over 40 who is
from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, studying for her first college degree.
first-generation college students, or students
from racial and ethnic groups underrepresented V.C. Jessman Scholarship. Established by bequest
at Emerson. Preference will be given to African in 1968. Awarded on the basis of high academic
American students but is not limited to this group. performance and financial need.
The scholarship is renewable provided the recipient
maintains full-time enrollment and good Elizabeth Keppie Scholarship. Established by
academic standing. Elizabeth Keppie, 1908. Awarded to a student with
high academic performance and financial need.
46 Financial Assistance
Helen Hughes Lane Scholarship. Established Phyllis Adams McCullough Scholarship.
in 2001 by bequest of Helen Hughes Lane ’39. The Established by a gift from Phyllis Adams McCullough
award is granted to an undergraduate or graduate ’35. Awarded to a student studying Performing Arts
student in Journalism. who demonstrates financial need.
Agnes Lindsay Trust Scholarship. Awarded to Joy McKinley Scholarship. Established in 1983.
needy students from rural communities (fewer than Awarded to a Communication Disorders student
5,000 residents) in New England. Funded since 1994 who demonstrates financial need.
by the Agnes Lindsay Trust.
Gertrude Morrison Scholarship. Established
Arch MacDonald Scholarship. Established by under the will of Gertrude Morrison ’15, H’62.
TV stations WNEV, WCVB, WBZ, and WLVI in honor Awarded to a talented and worthy student.
of Arch MacDonald, Boston’s first TV news anchor.
Awarded to a student in Broadcast Journalism who Zarie A. Noorjanian Scholarship. Established
demonstrates academic achievement, financial need, by Zarie Noorjanian ’30. Awarded to a student in
and potential success as a professional. Visual and Media Arts or Journalism on the basis of
financial need and high academic standing.
Polcari-Mady Scholarship. Established by trustee
Lucie Salhany in honor of her parents, the scholarship Sadie A. O’Connell Scholarship. Established by
is for a full-time female undergraduate student a gift from Zarie Noorjanian ’30 in honor of Sadie
at Emerson College who is majoring in broadcast A. O’Connell ’21. Awarded to a student in Writing,
communication. The award is based on financial need Literature and Publishing on the basis of financial
and a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. The scholarship need and high academic standing.
may be renewed through senior year as long as the
recipient’s major is unchanged, her status remains Julian Olansky Scholarship. The scholarship,
full-time, financial need continues, and the cumulative established in 2007 by MetroRadio System, will be
GPA remains at a minimum of 2.5. (Originally known awarded to a student with financial need who has a
as the Hal and Tille Mady Scholarship.) strong interest in photo or video journalism.
Financial Assistance 47
RKO General, Inc. Minority Scholarship. first preference to students who have advocated
Awarded to students of color from the for or demonstrated advocacy an affinity for LGBT
Commonwealth of Massachusetts who (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender) causes.
are concentrating in one or more areas of
communication to the public (radio/television, film, Isabel Sanford Award. Established by a gift
or print/broadcast journalism) who demonstrate high from Isabel Sanford H’85. Awarded to an African-
academic achievement and financial need. American student entering his/her senior year and
studying performance or writing for the theater,
Ellen Reich Memorial Scholarship. Established television, or film.
in 1981 by family and friends of Ellen Reich ’75, the
award is granted on the basis of financial need and Saval Scholarship. Established by Maurice
academic standing. Saval H’76. Awarded to sophomores, juniors, and
seniors who demonstrate outstanding potential
Bertha Reynolds Scholarship. Funded by Mr. in their academic performance as well as special
and Mrs. Joseph C. Reynolds. The award is based on accomplishments in terms of community service,
academic achievement and financial need. talent and/or leadership in the communication field.
Financial need also considered.
Riendeau Memorial Scholarship. Established
in memory of Leonard Riendeau ’64 by family and Barry Savenor ’88 Scholarship in Visual and
friends. The award is for a junior or senior in Theatre Media Arts. The scholarship, established by the
Education who maintains a minimum grade point Savenor family in Barry’s memory, will be awarded
average of 3.2 and demonstrates financial need. to a full-time undergraduate student with financial
need who is a VMA major and has demonstrated an
Charles Rosen & David Panzer Scholarship. interest in photography.
Established by Charles Rosen ’68, the scholarship
is for students with a minor in business or Rena Shapiro Scholarship. Established by friends
who participate in the Emerson Experience in and family in 1988. Awarded to a Theatre Education
Entrepreneurship. Preference is given to students student who demonstrates financial need and who
from economically disadvantaged backgrounds intends to pursue a career in teaching children.
who advocate for LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and
Transgender) causes. Tom Shovan Scholarship Fund. Established in
1994 by friends, family, and associates in memory
Harry S. Ross Scholarship. Established by a of Tom Shovan. Awarded to undergraduate students
gift from Zarie Noorjanian ’30 in honor of former majoring in Media Arts (with a preference for
Emerson College President Harry Seymour Ross. Broadcasting) who show tremendous promise and
Awarded to a student in the Department of financial need.
Communications based on high academic standing
and financial need. Toba Berman Smokler Scholarship. Established
by a gift from Toba B. Smokler ’38. Awarded
Saga/Marriott Scholarship. Established in 1987. annually to a student from the Midwest
Awarded on the basis of academic achievement and who demonstrates academic excellence and
financial need. financial need.
48 Financial Assistance
Torie (Victoria) Snelgrove Memorial John C. Zacharis Forensics Award. Established
Scholarship. Established in memory of Torie by a gift from the family of Dr. John C. Zacharis
Snelgrove ’06 by her family and friends. Awarded ’58, G’59, the 10th president of Emerson College.
annually to a full-time undergraduate student in Awarded to a full-time incoming freshman who
Broadcast Journalism. demonstrates promise in the area of forensics and,
based on satisfactory academic performance, is
Joseph Spencer Scholarship. Established by renewed in the sophomore year.
the classmates and friends of Joseph Spencer ’76.
Awarded to a junior or senior concentrating in Visual John C. Zacharis Scholarship. Established by
and Media Arts or Journalism. gifts from alumni, faculty, students, colleagues, and
family of Dr. John C. Zacharis ’58, G’59, the 10th
Sperry Music Scholarship. Established by bequest president of Emerson College. Awarded to a full-time
from Winifred Sperry, the scholarship is awarded to undergraduate or transfer student who has made a
a Longy School of Music student who is studying the great impact on the Emerson College community.
pipe organ and is jointly enrolled at Emerson College.
Financial Assistance 49
Financial Policies
50 Financial Policies
It is the policy of Emerson College to provide Deferred Payment Plans
educational programs, room and board, and social
opportunities for students at a cost reflecting Student accounts are payable to the College prior to
economic efficiency that is compatible with high the beginning of each semester, as billed. Students
quality. Every effort will be made to make charges wishing to pay their accounts in monthly installments
clear and well known. Students are responsible for may do so by participating in the TuitionPay Payment
knowing and understanding charges and fees and Plan offered by Sallie Mae. All deferred payment
for meeting financial obligations on time. Additional plan arrangements must be made directly between
information pertaining to student accounts including the student and the outside financial institution.
tuition and explanation of fees can be accessed on Arrangements must be completed prior to the
our website at emerson.edu/billing. payment deadline.
Financial Policies 51
• During
the third week—60% refund of tuition students. There are several meal plans from which
• During
the fourth week—40% refund of tuition to choose. Information on them is available from the
• During
the fifth week—20% refund of tuition Office of Housing and Residence Life.
• After
the fifth week—No refund is made
All continuing students who request College housing
Prorated room and board credit adjustments are must pay a room deposit, which is applied to the first
made to students who file a written withdrawal or term’s bill. This deposit is nonrefundable.
leave of absence prior to the end of the fifth week of
a given term. See Student Handbook and Planner for Fees and Other Costs
additional details on room and board refund policy.
Refunds usually will be processed within 30 days. Application Fee
Fees are nonrefundable after the first day of classes.
Sixty-five dollars must accompany an
No tuition refund is made when withdrawal of a application for admission. This fee is not refundable.
student is required by College authorities, or when
a student withdraws from a course with a WP or WF Admission Deposit
grade.
Five hundred dollars is payable at the time of the
Withdrawal and Leave of student’s confirmation of admission to the College.
Absences for Students Receiving This deposit is nonrefundable.
Title IV Federal Assistance
Student Government Association Fee
All students are eligible to receive full credit of their
tuition and fees, excluding nonrefundable deposits, A Student Government Association fee is charged
if they withdraw before the first day of classes. to each student to cover class dues, student
Students receiving federal financial aid funds who government activities, athletic association dues, and
withdraw on or after the first day of classes will publication of the College newspaper.
have their aid adjusted using the percentage
determined by the Federal Return of Title IV Funds Orientation Fee
calculation. Adjustments will be made based on
the number of days a student attends, up to the 60 This is a one-time charge to all newly entering
percent point of the semester. Tuition charges on students.
the student’s account will be adjusted by the same
percentage used to adjust aid. On-campus housing Commencement Fee
and meal charges will be adjusted based on the
College’s published institutional policies. Other This mandatory one-time fee is assessed to the
institutional fees charged to the student’s account student’s account upon completion of a set number
are not refundable. of credits toward graduation. Undergraduates are
assessed the fee upon completion of 90 credits
Room and Board toward graduation, not at the time of graduation. All
students are responsible for this fee whether or not
One-half of the academic year’s room and board they participate in Commencement; the fee covers
charge is billed for the fall term and one-half is expenses such as rental of commencement venue
billed for the spring term. Selection of a meal plan and the commencement reception.
is mandatory for all students living in Emerson
residence halls; it also is available to off-campus
52 Financial Policies
Health Fee The automatically assessed student health insurance
premium may be waived by providing proof of
This fee is mandatory and nonrefundable and is enrollment in comparable coverage by another
billed per semester. It will not be prorated for part- qualified health insurance program. Coverage under
time matriculating students. The health fee enables a health benefit plan is comparable if:
students to access the College’s Counseling Center
and the Center for Health and Wellness during the 1. The health benefit plan provides to the
fall and spring terms. student throughout the school year reasonably
comprehensive coverage of health services, including
preventive and primary care, emergency services,
Center for Health and Wellness
surgical services, hospitalization benefits, ambulatory
and Health Insurance
patient services, and mental health services.
Health Forms: All students enrolled for 9 credits or
more are required to submit a health form—this 2. The services covered under the health benefit plan
includes medical history, tuberculosis-screening are reasonably accessible to the student in the area
questionnaire, and immunization verification form. where the student attends school.
In addition, Massachusetts state law mandates that
all college students must have certain immunizations This waiver must be completed online at eCommon.
valid and current as a condition of enrollment. emerson.edu by the end of the second week of
Students must provide evidence of vaccination/ classes each year for the student to be exempt
immunity or submit documentation that they meet from the Emerson College insurance program. The
the standards for medical or religious exemption insurance waiver process is separate from the health
within 30 days of the first day of classes. Failure to forms mentioned above.
do so will jeopardize a student’s enrollment and
on-campus residency. The health form documents are The student health insurance policy is designed to
sent to confirmed students by the Admission Office. offer protection against unexpected and potentially
Forms are due by September 30 for students entering heavy expenses for accidents or illnesses. A copy of
in the fall semester and February 15 for students the Health Service Program and Health Insurance
entering in the spring semester. Plan is mailed annually to all students from the
Student Administrative Services Office. Please refer to
Health Insurance: The state law requires this document for specific coverage benefits.
undergraduate students enrolled at least ¾
time (9 credits or more) to be covered by a During the academic year, students enrolled in the
qualified health insurance program. The College student insurance program are required to first
automatically provides a health insurance policy seek an evaluation at the Center for Health and
for all matriculating students. In addition to this Wellness prior to receiving non-emergency medical
automatic health insurance policy, the College offers care. Authorization for specialty care is required for
two special insurance options—a special policy for medical problems.
students graduating in December, and a summer-
only policy for students who need specific coverage Insurance Regulations for
for summer months. Please contact the Office of Students Who Experience
Accounts Management for more information on the Loss of Coverage Midyear
special insurance policies.
Massachusetts state law requires all students
participating in at least 75 percent of the full-time
credit level (9 or more credits) to be continuously
enrolled in a qualifying health insurance plan.
Financial Policies 53
Students who waive the College-sponsored Medical Tuition
insurance program at the beginning of the year
and subsequently lose their alternative coverage
Insurance Plan
are obligated to seek immediate enrollment in Elective insurance is available from the Dewar Tuition
either the College-sponsored plan or a qualifying Refund Plan to enhance the existing refund policy
alternate insurance plan. In either case, students of the College. This insurance provides coverage for
are responsible for notifying the Office of Accounts medical withdrawals not covered by the College
Management to make arrangements for enrolling policy due to date of the withdrawal or the nature
in the College-sponsored insurance plan or of the charges. (The College policy does not provide
updating their insurance waiver card with the for refund of fees or 100 percent refund of room
pertinent information regarding their new qualifying and board charges.) This plan would provide
alternative plan. 100 percent protection in the case of a medical
withdrawal. (Psychological withdrawals pay up to
International Students 60 percent of the outstanding cost.) Applications
must be submitted prior to the first day of classes.
Massachusetts regulation does not consider coverage The premium is 1 percent of the total charges for
by insurance carriers outside of the United States the academic year. More information is available at
and coverage by foreign national health services tuitionrefundplan.com.
programs as comparable under a qualifying student
health insurance program. To be eligible to waive the Other Charges
insurance, the policy must meet the above definition
of “comparable,” be underwritten by a U.S.-based Miscellaneous fees, such as those on the following
insurance carrier, and be accessible to the student list, will be billed as appropriate. Changes to this list
the entire academic year while he or she is at are at the College’s discretion.
Emerson in Boston, or one of its external programs.
The benefit coverage must be comparable to that Late Registration $50
required by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Audit Fee (per credit) $25
Exceptions to the regulations are:
Collections Policy
1. Students whose health coverage is sponsored
through their country’s embassy. Outstanding balances not covered by financial aid
2. Students whose health coverage is mandated and or an approved deferred payment plan will result in
provided through a scholarship or special program. the monthly assessment of a finance charge on the
unpaid balance. Students with unpaid balances at
These exceptions allowing a waiver assume that the the end of the second week of classes face possible
student’s insurance coverage is comparable to that financial withdrawal and referral to an outside
required by the state regulations. This regulation collection agency. Students referred to an outside
will require that the vast majority of international collection agency will be responsible for all collection
students be enrolled in the Emerson College- costs and interest charges.
sponsored insurance.
Note: All delinquent accounts are subject to credit
bureau reporting.
54 Financial Policies
Academic Regulations
Academic Regulations 55
2. Transfer students must complete a minimum of subsequent catalogue (picking and choosing among
five full courses in their major at Emerson College, elements of various catalogues is not permitted).
regardless of the number of credits transferred into However, students who take more than seven years
the students’ major. A “full course” is defined as to complete their degree requirements must fulfill
a 4-credit course or two 2-credit courses. Transfer the requirements in effect at the time they graduate
courses must bear a minimum of 2.67 credits or rather than the requirements in effect when they
more to fulfill a course requirement. Only the number matriculated.
of credits transferred will count toward the 128
credits needed for graduation. Fields of Study
3. Students must satisfactorily complete a minimum Majors. A major allows the student to gain in-depth
of 48 credits at Emerson College. knowledge of one of the fields of communication or
the performing arts. The schools specify the major
4. Students must complete their final 16 credits at courses, which constitute the student’s college work.
Emerson College. A major that leads to a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor
of Science degree may consist of 36 to 52 credit
5. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure hours. A major that results in a Bachelor of Fine
that all degree requirements are met as specified Arts degree may consist of 56 to 72 credit hours.
in this catalogue. Failure to be aware of a provision Students should consult the appropriate program
does not excuse a student from adhering to policy. section of this catalogue for complete information on
While each student has an academic advisor, that specific major requirements.
person only provides advice, and it is up to the
student to make decisions with respect to his or Double Major. Students may elect to have a
her program using that advice, this catalogue, the double major by fulfilling all the requirements for a
degree audit, and advising materials distributed by major in two different departments. Students who
the Academic Advising Center. All academic and have a major in the Department of Visual and Media
financial requirements must be met before a degree Arts may not double major. Students may not use the
candidate may participate in the College’s annual same course to fulfill a requirement in both majors.
Commencement exercises held each May. Students who successfully complete two majors only
earn one degree.
6. Prior to their final semester, students are
required to complete an application to graduate Minor Programs. Minors give students the
and a senior credit evaluation. Upon completion opportunity to explore an area outside their major
of all requirements for graduation, as outlined in fields of study. Students may not use the same
Item 1 above, students will be graduated by the course to fulfill a requirement in both the major
College. Students who wish to extend their program and the minor. A minor consists of 16–20 credits
of study beyond their degree requirements must of related coursework, which have been approved
file a petition with the Office of Academic Affairs. by the department in which the minor is offered.
An approved petition must be presented to the Students may count either 4 or 8 credits from the
Registrar’s Office prior to registration. Financial aid General Education Curriculum toward the minor,
recipients are strongly encouraged to consult with depending on departmental guidelines.
their financial aid advisor prior to registration.
Internship Credits. The College encourages
Students must fulfill the degree requirements in qualified students to participate in internships to
effect at the time they matriculate (enroll for their gain practical experience and develop professional
first course), or any complete set of requirements contacts. Four- or 8-credit internships are available
adopted by the institution and published in a to juniors and seniors (students with at least 64
56 Academic Regulations
credits) who have a minimum 2.7 GPA. A 4-credit
• The Department of Performing Arts prohibits the
internship requires 16 hours a week over a 12-week internal transfer of students into the performance-
period and an 8-credit internship requires 32 hours a based programs: Acting, Musical Theatre, and Theatre
week over a 12-week period. No more than 8 credits Studies.
of internship, with the exception of student teaching,
and no more than 12 credits of any combination of Academic Advisors. All students are assigned
internship, directed project, and directed study may an academic advisor who holds conferences with
be applied to the total graduation requirements. students during registration periods and meets on an
Students must participate in the mandatory informal basis whenever students seek advice about
Internship Workshop, offered through the curriculum, course selection, or other academic
Career Services (see Student Life section), concerns. Students who want to change their faculty
the semester before the internship. See the advisor for any reason must file a request at the
appropriate departmental requirements for further Academic Advising Center. Students may not register
specifications, including course prerequisites, and for courses until they have been counseled by their
the Academic Calendar for registration deadlines. advisor, although the student bears the ultimate
Students seeking a credit-bearing internship in Los responsibility for selecting his or her courses.
Angeles must be enrolled in the Emerson College Los
Angeles Program and are not required to attend the Registration for Enrolled Students.
Internship Workshop offered through Career Services, Matriculated students have priority for course
but must attend the L.A. Program Orientation. selection according to the number of cumulative
credits earned and class standing at the time of
Academic Policies registration. Online registration for the spring
semester is held at the end of November; for the
Declaring a Major. Students select a major at the fall semester, online registration is held in April. The
time they apply for admission to Emerson College Student Financial Services Office must financially
by designating their preference on their application clear students in order to register. Registration dates
for admission. Students who were undecided about are listed on the Academic Calendar. Registration
their major at the time they applied for admission information is emailed to all currently enrolled
are encouraged to declare a major before entering students approximately three weeks prior to
their junior year at Emerson (that is, before earning registration. Course schedule information can be
more than 64 credits toward graduation). Students found on eCommon. Students are responsible for
who want to change their declared major or following the registration instructions, which are
specialization must complete a Change of Major posted online at eCommon.emerson.edu. Students
Form available at the Academic Advising Center. who do not register by the deadlines listed on
All major or specialization changes require the the Academic Calendar and in the registration
permission of the department chair of the information are assessed a $50 late registration fee.
desired major. Students who fail to make financial arrangements for
payment with the Student Financial Services Office
• Any
student wishing to transfer into the Visual prior to the set payment deadline may have their
and Media Arts Department or change his or registration canceled.
her specialization within VMA must submit an
application by the designated deadline. For further Prerequisites. A prerequisite course may be
information regarding deadlines, the application required prior to taking an advanced course. Waiver
process, and GPA requirements, contact the of a prerequisite course is not routine and may be
Academic Advising Center at 617-824-7876. obtained only from the department chair. Credit will
Academic Regulations 57
not be given for a prerequisite course that is taken per-credit rate. Because a student’s enrollment status
after the advanced course has been completed affects financial aid awards, the student should
satisfactorily. consult the Financial Assistance Office to determine
how a change in enrollment status would affect
Course Number Guide eligibility for financial aid.
Freshman-level courses 100/200 numbers Credit Overload. Students desiring to take more
Sophomore-level courses 100/200 numbers than 16 tuition credits during a semester must
Junior-level courses 300/400 numbers have a cumulative average of 2.7 or higher to be
Senior-level courses, 300/400 numbers academically cleared to overload. Students may not
not open to take more than 4 overload credits. First-semester
freshmen students may not overload, with the exception of
Combined senior and 500 numbers voice, dance, and non-tuition courses. Overload
graduate students courses are billed on a per-credit basis and require
Graduate-level courses 600 numbers financial clearance from the Office of Student
open to graduate Accounts prior to registration.
students only
Directed Studies and Directed Projects.
Auditing a Course. Students who wish to attend In a directed study or project, students work closely
a class without working for, or expecting to receive, with a faculty supervisor in designing and carrying
formal credit may register to audit the course. out a project for credit. Directed studies or projects
Students who audit a course may not participate may not duplicate existing courses. Directed study
in class, do not take examinations, and do not or directed project proposals must be approved by
submit papers. Students may only audit lecture-type the supervising faculty member and the department
courses; students may not audit acting, dance, and chair prior to the end of the examination period of
production courses and voice lessons. Students the preceding semester. Directed studies are open
must gain permission to audit a course from the only to juniors and seniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
course instructor and may not register to audit a A student may not count more than 12 credits of
course until the first day of classes in order to give any combination of directed study, directed project,
priority to students needing to take a course for and internship courses toward the total graduation
credit. Students may not attend any course without requirements. See the appropriate departmental
registering for either credit or audit. Students may requirements for further specifications and the
not change an audit class to credit after the second Academic Calendar for submission and registration
week of classes. Consult the Financial Policies deadlines.
section of this catalogue regarding the cost of
auditing a course. Practica. Practica provide students with the
opportunity to gain theoretical and practical
Course Load. Undergraduates carrying 12–16 experience in a specialized area. Practica are
credits are classified as full-time during the fall and designed by the faculty and vary on an annual basis.
spring semesters. During the summer sessions a full- For further information about a practicum, students
time load is 8 credits. To graduate in eight semesters, should consult their advisor.
a student must average 16 credits per term. Students
who are registered for 12 through 16 credits during Non-Tuition Credits. The College offers a number
the fall and spring semesters must pay full tuition; of 1-credit, pass/fail non-tuition activities for
undergraduates who are registered for fewer than matriculated undergraduate students. The non-
12 credits during the fall and spring semesters are tuition activities may be repeated for credit but only
considered part-time students and are billed at a
58 Academic Regulations
4 non-tuition credits may be applied toward the Office and, if applicable, the Financial Assistance
128-credit minimum required for graduation. Non- Office. Such approved petitions are assessed a $50
tuition credits may not fulfill any major, minor, or late registration fee. Dropping a course after the
general education requirement. 10th day of classes, resulting in refund issues, is
not permitted except through a petition approved
Courses at Other Institutions. During a through the Dean of Students Office.
degree program at Emerson College, students may
take courses at nonaffiliated institutions up to a Withdrawing from a Course. Students may
maximum of 64 transfer credits. These courses withdraw from a course after the 10th day of
must be taken at a regionally accredited college or classes and before the last two weeks of classes
university. Coursework taken at a foreign institution (or before the last five days of a summer session
will require special clearance. course). Students who wish to withdraw from a
course must obtain a Course Withdrawal Form at
Approval of coursework for transfer, particularly the Student Service Center. The course instructor
within the major, is not automatic, and the student must sign the form and check one of two grades: WP
must submit a Request for Transfer of Credits to (Withdrawn Pass) or WF (Withdrawn Fail), neither of
Emerson College Form, approved by the Registrar, which impact the student’s GPA. It is the student’s
before registering at another institution. Students responsibility to return the signed form to the
must submit their intended course information Student Service Center before the start of the last
through the form on eCommon. Students must two weeks of classes. No refund is given to students
achieve a minimum grade of C in each course who withdraw from a course.
requested for transfer. Once a student has earned 64
credits, all additional transfer work must be done at Repeating a Course. Students who fail a course
a four-year, baccalaureate-degree granting institution. may repeat the course in an attempt to receive a
It is the student’s responsibility to have an official passing grade. Both courses, and the grades received,
transcript of courses taken mailed directly from the are part of the student’s permanent record and
other institution to the Emerson College Registrar’s affect the student’s cumulative grade point average.
Office. Quarter hours and trimester hours
will be reduced to semester hour credits. Standards of Classroom Behavior. The primary
Courses taken at other institutions that are three responsibility for managing the classroom rests with
(3) semester hours can meet a general education or the faculty. Students who engage in any prohibited
major requirement at Emerson College. However, the or unlawful acts that result in disruption of a class
course will not be awarded the 4-credit equivalent. may be directed by the faculty member to leave the
(Also see Undergraduate Degree Time Limit.) class for the remainder of the class period. Longer
suspensions from a class or dismissal on disciplinary
Dropping and Adding Courses. All drop/add grounds must be preceded by a disciplinary hearing.
activity takes place online during the first week
of classes by logging onto eCommon. After the Attendance. Students are expected to attend
fifth day of the semester, students may only drop classes regularly and promptly and are responsible
courses online at eCommon. Adding courses requires for all coursework done while they are absent.
written permission from the instructor and must be Individual instructors determine the number of times
processed in person at the Student Service Center. a student may be absent or tardy before a grade is
After the 10th day of classes, no course can be lowered. In classes where attendance is required,
added except by an approved petition, and no course students are responsible for notifying the instructor
can be added that increases a student’s billing in advance of unavoidable absences. Students
charges except through a petition that requires must adhere to individual instructors’ attendance
the approval of the Student Financial Services
Academic Regulations 59
policies. Attending an out-of-class activity or event Emerson College instructors will attempt to
for another course may not be used as an excuse accommodate students’ requests for religious
to disregard a given class’s attendance policy. A accommodations, but will only grant reasonable
faculty member may not require a student to attend requests that do not unduly interrupt or interfere
specified out-of-class activities that conflict with the with the College’s policies, or with a course’s
student’s schedule for another class. requirements or curriculum. Students’ absences for
religious observance are counted toward the total
The College’s Center for Health and Wellness (CHW) number of absences that a professor permits under
does not provide students with notes excusing them his or her uniform attendance policy.
from missing class or academic obligations. When
indicated as a part of clinical management, the CHW Absence Because of Jury Duty. Any U.S. citizen
may recommend alteration of academic requirements, 18 years or older who resides in Massachusetts for
deferment of responsibilities, non-participation in 50 percent or more of the calendar year is eligible
certain activities, and other appropriate to be called for jury duty. However, you should keep
measures for “health reasons.” With the written in mind that the laws have been modified both to
authorization of the student, the Center shorten the length of jury duty and to allow you to
may verify the nature and extent of the illness. schedule your duty at a convenient time. For more
information, students may visit mass.gov/courts/
Prolonged Absence. When a student anticipates jury. Faculty will provide a reasonable substitute or
or experiences a prolonged absence compensatory opportunities for any required work
due to accident or illness, the student should missed so long as it doesn’t create an unreasonable
immediately notify the Dean of Students and each of burden upon the College.
his/her instructors. Under these circumstances, the
student is advised to work with each professor to Withdrawal/Leave of Absence from the
either obtain a course withdrawal, or if she or he is College. All students considering withdrawing or
in good standing within a given course seek a time taking a leave of absence from Emerson must report
limited incomplete, or, depending on the situation, to the Dean of Students Office to complete the
arrange a leave of absence for the semester in appropriate paperwork. A student who subsequently
question. chooses to return to the College returns at the same
academic standing at which she/he left. Students
Absence for Religious Observance. who have either withdrawn or taken a leave of
Massachusetts state law (M.G.L. 151C, § 2B) absence are not eligible to participate in varsity or
provides that “any student who is unable, because intramural athletics, student clubs and organizations,
of religious beliefs, to attend classes or to participate or any other College-sponsored activity or program.
in any examination, study, or work requirement on Resident students who withdraw or take a leave
a particular day shall be excused from any such are required to vacate College housing immediately.
requirement. The student will receive an opportunity A leave of absence is good for a period of two
to make up the examination, study, or work years from the date of the leave. During this two-
requirement which may have been missed because year period, students are eligible for readmission
of such absence on any particular day provided, to the College through the Academic Advising
however, that such makeup examination or work Center. Students planning to return to the College
does not create an unreasonable burden upon the must contact the Academic Advising Center by
College. No fees of any kind shall be charged by the established deadline for the semester under
the institution for making available this opportunity consideration and return a Request for Readmission
to the student. No adverse or prejudicial effects Form. Students who wish to return to the College
shall result to any student who takes advantage of more than two years after their last semester of
these provisions.” enrollment must submit a new application to the
60 Academic Regulations
Office of Undergraduate Admission and be subject Senior Per-Credit Petition. Students in their last
to current admission standards. Please note that semester at Emerson College, needing at least 12
students are considered to be on leave from the but fewer than 16 credits to complete their degree
College based on the date of their last enrollment requirements, may petition the Registrar to pay the
whether or not they complete the appropriate per-credit rate in effect. The Senior Per-Credit Petition
paperwork. can be obtained at the Student Service Center or
downloaded from the Registrar’s website. Directions
Class Standing. The Registrar determines each for completion and processing are on the form.
student’s class standing. Freshmen have completed
fewer than 32 credits, sophomores from 32 to 63 The completed petition must be filed with the
credits, juniors from 64 to 95 credits, and seniors 96 Registrar on or before the end of the course
or more credits. Credits completed do not include withdrawal period for the semester requested. Once
outstanding incomplete grades. the petition is evaluated to ensure that the student
will meet the credit graduation requirement and to
Credit Evaluation for Graduation. Every student determine the effect the per-credit payment may
must file a Graduation Application at the Student have on any financial aid awarded, the student
Service Center. Students are required to schedule a will be notified. Senior Per-Credit Petitions will not
senior credit evaluation before their last semester of be considered retroactively. Questions concerning
attendance to ensure that they will be academically this policy should be directed to the Registrar at
cleared for graduation. Senior credit evaluations will registrar@emerson.edu.
be done at the Student Service Center. It is the sole
responsibility of the student to ensure that all degree Undergraduate Degree Time Limit. All
requirements as specified in this catalogue are met. requirements for a degree must be met within
Failure to be aware of a provision does not excuse seven years of the student’s date of matriculation
a student from adhering to it. All students will be at Emerson College. Because courses may become
billed a Commencement Fee at the time of billing obsolete when they have been taken over a
for the start of their last year of attendance, and period of time that exceeds the normal four-year
must pay this fee regardless of whether or not they period, School Deans reserve the right to delete
participate in the Commencement exercises. courses from a student’s program of study when
such courses are deemed to be obsolete for the
Participation in May Commencement for current curriculum. Transfer credit for courses taken
Prospective September Graduates. between five and 10 years prior to a student’s
Students planning to complete their degree matriculation at Emerson College is awarded on a
requirements as of September may participate case-by-case basis by approval of the Registrar and
in the College’s May Commencement ceremony the appropriate School Dean. Transfer credit is not
provided the following requirements are met: 1. The granted for courses taken more than 10 years before
student must apply to graduate by the last day of the student’s matriculation at Emerson. An appeal
the spring semester. 2. The student must register to the Academic Petitions Committee for waiver of
and pay for the final coursework by the last day of any of the foregoing policies may be made by filing
classes in the spring semester. 3. The student must a petition in the Office of Academic Affairs. (Also see
request Commencement tickets online by the last Courses at Other Institutions.)
day of classes in the spring semester. Participation
is allowed with the understanding that September ECnet User ID and Password. Students are
graduates do not receive a diploma until degree issued an Emerson College network (ECnet) account,
completion. Please see the Academic Calendar for which contains an email account (ECmail). All official
specific dates and deadlines. College email is sent to ECmail addresses. Students
Academic Regulations 61
using a non-ECmail address should use the ECmail withdrawal. Effective Fall
forwarding feature to ensure that they receive all 2003, this grade does not affect
official College emails. the grade point average.
62 Academic Regulations
U A U (Unsatisfactory) grade Academic Transcripts. A certified official transcript
indicates unsatisfactory of a student’s academic record may be ordered
performance in a non-credit course. online by logging on to eCommon. Transcripts are
normally processed within three days. Transcripts
AUD An AUD (Audit) grade will be released only for students who have no holds.
designates registration for a Under no circumstances will telephone or email
course as an auditor. requests be honored. Please consult the Registrar
website for additional information (emerson.edu/
NG A NG (No Grade) is used to registrar).
designate a course in progress
and when an instructor has not Academic Grievances. Students who wish to
submitted a final grade to the make a complaint or grievance regarding any
Registrar. College academic policy should file a petition with
the Academic Petitions Committee through the
YC A YC (Year Course) grade Office of Academic Affairs.
means that a grade will be
given for a course at the Grievances regarding a grade or other matters in
completion of the succeeding term. a course should be discussed first with the course
instructor. If the student remains dissatisfied, he/she
should advance the grievance to the departmental
Grade Changes. Grade changes will not be chair. If the chair is unable to mediate a resolution,
accepted or entered on a student’s permanent record the student should advance the grievance to the
after the end of the third week of the semester Dean of the appropriate school. If the grievance is
following the one in which the course was taken, not resolved after mediation at this level, the student
except for Incompletes as discussed above. Any should file a petition with the Academic Petitions
change must be proposed and justified by the course Committee in the Office of Academic Affairs.
instructor and approved by the instructor’s Dean.
No changes will be made to the student’s official Academic Standards
academic record after the student has officially
withdrawn or graduated from Emerson College. The College requires students to achieve a 2.0
cumulative average to earn a baccalaureate degree.
Grade Reports. All students may access their final This is a minimum requirement. Each School has the
grades and complete grade history online by logging prerogative to require a higher cumulative average
on to eCommon. in any major field of study.
Academic Regulations 63
2. Students must successfully complete 75 percent of Academic Distinction
attempted credits per semester. Grades or recorded
symbols of F, WF, WP, and I are not considered as Dean’s Honor List. Students achieving a 3.7
successfully completing a course. or higher grade point average for the preceding
semester will be placed on the Dean’s Honor List.
Students who do not meet the College’s standards A grade below C- automatically disqualifies a
for satisfactory academic progress for two student for the Dean’s Honor List for that semester,
consecutive semesters are subject to academic regardless of the grade point average.
suspension for not less than one year. Students who
have been academically suspended may appeal Honors Graduation. Honors graduation at Emerson
their suspension through the Office of the Associate College is based on a student’s entire Emerson
Vice President for Academic Affairs. After a year of undergraduate academic record. For a student to
suspension, the student may apply for re-admittance graduate with Latin Honors, the student must have
to the College. completed a minimum of 64 credits at Emerson
College, and at least 75 percent of his or her college-
Students on academic probation are not eligible level work done in letter-graded courses (not pass/fail
to compete in varsity athletics or run for Student courses).
Government Association office. They may be
prohibited from participating in extra- and Students who meet all the above criteria and are
co-curricular activities (e.g., WERS, EIV, theater in the top 30 percent of their graduating class will
productions, and forensics) by the chair of the receive Latin honors. Students in the top 5 percent
academic department in which they are majoring, will graduate Summa Cum Laude; students in the
and from serving in student affairs leadership next 10 percent will graduate Magna Cum Laude;
positions (e.g., resident assistants and orientation and students in the next 15 percent will graduate
leaders) by the Dean of Students. Cum Laude.
64 Academic Regulations
As a member of Fenway Libraries Online (FLO), the comedy. In addition to its collections, the archives
Library shares an online catalog with—and has provides workshops and resources to help students
access to the materials of—Emmanuel College, learn about and incorporate primary sources into
Lesley University, Massachusetts College of Art, their research. Details about the Archives’ services,
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Allied collections, policies, and procedures can be accessed
Health Sciences, Museum of Fine Arts and the through the Library website.
Museum School, New England Conservatory of
Music, Wentworth Institute of Technology, Wheelock Media Services Center
College, and the University of Massachusetts Boston.
The Library also belongs to the Fenway Library The Media Services Center (MSC), located on the
Consortium (FLC), which includes the members third floor of the Ansin Building at 180 Tremont
of FLO plus the Brookline Public Library, Hebrew Street, houses six individual computer/viewing suites,
College, Simmons College, and Suffolk University. two Final Cut Pro editing suites, and a video studio.
Students may use the resources at these libraries, The video studio can be used to produce video
borrow materials from them directly (with a valid ID recordings or as a space to hold a meeting that
card), or request that materials from these libraries incorporates video conferencing.
be delivered to the Iwasaki Library.
Staff members are available to work one-on-one
The Library’s website provides access to a range of with students who need assistance integrating
relevant electronic sources, research guides, and the media into their course assignments. Students can
catalog, which includes the holdings of Emerson make an appointment to use online tutorials on their
College and the FLO libraries. Through the website, own or work directly with staff members who will
students are able to research their topics and print assist them in working with software to complete
and email articles from Academic Search Premier, their assignments.
JSTOR, LexisNexis Academic, Proquest Central, and
many other online resources. Databases are available The MSC circulates video equipment for non-
off-campus with an ECnet account. Students can production classes, including digital camcorders,
request materials from other libraries by filling out digital still cameras, and digital and analog audio
the online interlibrary loan form. Reference librarians recorders. The MSC also circulates laptop computers,
are available to help with research in person as well data projectors, slide projectors, and overhead
as by phone, email, and chat. projectors.
The Library has a collection of approximately 10,000 The MSC provides, maintains, and delivers
DVDs, videotapes, films, CDs, and other media audiovisual equipment in many of the College’s
materials available at the Library’s Media Desk. classrooms and meeting spaces. Staff members are
The Library also has online access to a collection available to assist in the setup and operation of this
of 3,800 television documentaries and feature- equipment. The MSC provides technical assistance
length films from Films Media Group. Consult the for special events. Services include setting up and
Library’s website for the online catalog of the media operating data projection systems, facilitating
collection. teleconferencing, and providing amplification for
speakers. Consult the website, emerson.edu/media-
The College Archives, which is available to all services, or call 617-824-8676 for more information
students, houses materials on the history and about the Media Services Center.
development of the College (including photograph
and video collections), Emerson publications, and
special collections. These collections include
materials related to theater, television, radio, and
Academic Regulations 65
Computer Facilities emerson.edu/policy/. Violations of those policies are
considered to be unethical and can lead to College
The College’s computer facilities are available for use disciplinary action and/or criminal prosecution.
by Emerson College students, faculty, and staff. The
facilities consist of both teaching and open-access Academic Advising
labs, as well as kiosks that offer convenient web
access and printing. Workstations in the computer Academic advising is integral to Emerson’s mission
labs provide a variety of software applications to educate students for life and prepare them
such as email, Internet, word processing and office for careers in communication and performing
productivity, statistical analysis, web authoring, arts. The advising programs at the College are
image editing, desktop publishing, 3D animation, designed to recognize the individual needs of
and digital video. In addition, high-end applications, students. Through partnerships with faculty and
such as Autodesk Maya for 3D animation and professional staff, students are afforded unique
Apple’s Final Cut Studio for video editing, are opportunities for defining and achieving academic,
available in all open-access labs. Digital production career, and personal goals. Throughout the advising
labs contain workstations with multimedia process, students are provided access to the rich
production and digital video applications, including informational resources at Emerson and guided to
Avid Media Composer and Final Cut Studio. Emerson make informed and independent decisions. Advising
College has been designated a New Media Center serves as a primary means for integrating students
since 1995 by a consortium that includes Apple Inc., into the larger college community.
Adobe Systems, and Hewlett Packard, among others.
The New Media Center designation provides support The Academic Advising Center coordinates all
for the College’s digital production and multimedia aspects of the undergraduate academic advising
capabilities. More information about the computer process and supports academic advising provided by
labs is available at emerson.edu/labs/. the faculty. The professional academic advisors are
attentive to student needs and preferences, as well
Students receive an Emerson College network as personal goals and values. More information can
(ECnet) account, which contains an email account be found online at emerson.edu/advising-center or
and personal web space. An ECnet username and by contacting the Academic Advising Center at 617-
password are required to log on to computer lab 824-7876 or via email at advising@emerson.edu.
workstations and kiosks. Emerson’s campus is wired
for high-speed Internet connectivity at all locations, Writing and Academic Resource Center
including residence halls, labs, and offices. Residence
hall rooms have high-speed Internet connections for The Writing and Academic Resource Center
each student and wireless access to the College’s (WARC) provides academic support services to
network is provided in virtually all campus locations. all students and gives them the opportunity to
Emerson’s Help Desk offers assistance to all faculty, develop skills and abilities necessary for academic
staff, and students with computing problems; ECnet success and Independence at the college level. The
problems; and issues regarding connectivity to the WARC staff consists of three full-time Assistant
College’s computer network. More information Directors, a Center manager, and a team of well-
regarding the IT Help Desk and the computer labs is prepared graduate assistant writing tutors who
available at emerson.edu/helpdesk/. support writing across the curriculum, providing
individualized tutorials in all phases of the writing
Prior to using the College’s computer network, all process. The Center also offers private sessions
students should familiarize themselves with the on study strategies, including test preparation,
Electronic Information Policy Guidelines found at organization, and time management. Peer tutoring in
content areas is available upon request.
66 Academic Regulations
The WARC can provide academic counseling to of social, professional, and community service
students, especially those on academic probation opportunities. The Office enables students and young
and those transitioning to the College from other alumni to benefit from the experience of alumni
institutions. The staff of the Center monitors and others with extensive professional skills and
academic performance at mid-term and works, knowledge through events such as the New York
as needed, with students to design appropriate Connection, the Festival of Film and Video, Alumni
academic study plans. The staff collaborates with the Weekend, as well as several regional events. Alumni
faculty and offices of the College to address other Relations works closely with the Office of Career
student needs. For further information, read about Services to connect students with appropriate alumni
the WARC online at emerson.edu/writing-center/ or for networking. Alumni Relations is located at 120
call 617-824-7874. Boylston Street, Seventh Floor, Boston, MA 02116.
Contact the Alumni Relations Office at 617-824-
Disability Services 8535 or 1-800-255-4259 or visit emerson.edu/
alumni.
Emerson College is committed to providing
equal access to its academic, social, cultural, and Emerson College
recreational programs and activities for all qualified Alumni Association
students with disabilities. While upholding this
commitment, we maintain the high standards of The mission of the Alumni Association is to actively
achievement that are essential to the integrity of the involve alumni in promoting the reputation
College’s programs and services. In advancing these and influence of Emerson College as a leader
dual aims, we ensure that College policies, practices, in communication and the performing arts. The
and procedures conform to federal and state statutes Association encourages alumni to participate in
and regulations. Our philosophy is that students planning and guiding the College’s future, and to
are independent and self-determined, and that work to increase the resources available to make
students with disabilities—just like all students— Emerson’s programs a reality. The Office of Alumni
have control over their lives here at Emerson. They Relations supports the Alumni Association in its
are ultimately responsible for making their own work. Membership in the Emerson College Alumni
decisions. Association is open to anyone who has attended the
College for two or more years.
Emerson offers services through its Disability
Services Office to students with documented physical, The Alumni Association has established an endowed
medical, visual, hearing, learning, and psychiatric scholarship to support the education of future
disabilities. If you are a student with a disability Emerson alumni. The scholarship, based on financial
who is seeking accommodations or who has specific need and satisfactory grades, is awarded to an
questions about disability services at Emerson, undergraduate or graduate in alternate years.
contact the Disability Services Office by email at
dso.emerson.edu or telephone at 617-824-8592, or Student Alumni Association
see emerson.edu/disability-services. The Disability
Services Office is located at 216 Tremont Street, Fifth The Student Alumni Association encourages and
Floor, Boston, MA 02116. facilitates connections between current students
and alumni by working with the Office of Alumni
Alumni Relations Relations and other student organizations to provide
occasions for students to meet alumni from many
The Office of Alumni Relations and the Emerson different classes and career paths.
College Alumni Association work together to
maintain contact with alumni through a variety
Academic Regulations 67
Special Academic Options
In addition to the programs detailed in the preceding The Professional Arts Consortium
sections of the catalogue, Emerson offers a variety of (ProArts)
unique educational experiences to its students. The
faculty of the College encourages interested students In 1981, Emerson College joined a consortium
to take advantage of one or more of these enriching of colleges and schools that includes the Berklee
opportunities. College of Music, the Boston Conservatory, the
Boston Architectural Center, Massachusetts College
Institutional Affiliations of Art, and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts,
Boston. Students in the consortium schools are
Longy School of Music permitted to cross-register on a limited basis at the
participating schools. First-semester freshmen are
Emerson College offers the Bachelor of Music degree not eligible and students must be in good academic
through a special program with the Longy School standing with at least a 2.7 GPA. The Consortium
of Music in Cambridge. This degree is offered with sponsors various activities to foster student and
major programs in Composition, Organ, Piano, faculty exchange.
Strings, Voice, and Woodwinds and Brass. Students
must apply, audition, and be accepted at both the Cross-registration forms must be obtained at the
Longy School of Music and Emerson College. Formal Emerson College Student Service Center and require
acceptance by both institutions is required. Advising the approval of the registrar at both institutions.
for students interested in this program is coordinated Students will pay tuition at their home institution
through the Office of Academic Affairs. at the home institution’s tuition rate. Credit hours,
grades, and honor points are transferred. Students
may take a maximum of 28 ProArts credits as part
Qualified juniors and seniors may enroll for one To participate in the Washington Program, students
semester of study during the fall term only at must meet requirements determined by their
Emerson’s Washington Program. This residential individual departments and have a minimum
program offers students the opportunity to spend semester and cumulative grade point average
a fall semester in Washington, D.C., focused on of 2.75 at the time of application. Students may
the issues, processes, and decisions surrounding become ineligible if their average drops below 2.75
government, nonprofit organizations, and social at any time, or if they are on academic probation.
advocacy groups. Discussing public policy, writing They must also complete a Career Services Internship
business plans, developing webcasts, and initiating Workshop prior to the start of the semester. Students
media releases are among the various opportunities must consult with their academic advisors to ensure
awaiting the creative and ambitious Emerson that degree requirements will be met. Participants
student. may attend for one semester only, and admission
is not guaranteed. Please note: Due to the 8-credit
Eight internship credits at a site chosen for your limit on internship credits, any student who has
specific goals and interests anchor a semester completed an internship prior to participation in the
schedule that includes a full course load of 16 program will need special approval from the Office of
credits. Internships are available in the social Academic Affairs.
advocacy, government, political, and media and
technology arenas. The program is geared toward Applications must be submitted online the
students in the Communication Studies Department; semester prior to attendance via The Washington
however, juniors and seniors from other majors, Center website. More information may be found
including Journalism and Marketing, may also apply. online at emerson.edu/washington-dc-program
Students from majors other than Communication or by contacting the International Study and
Studies should meet with the Communication External Programs Office, 80 Boylston Street, First
Studies department chair before meeting with Floor, telephone 617-824-8567 or via email at
their own department chairs. All rules concerning washington@emerson.edu.
internships apply to this program, including the
minimum required grade point average of 2.7 and Prague Summer Film Program
junior standing.
This rewarding and unique summer program is
Emerson College has affiliated with The Washington offered in Prague, the capital city of the Czech
Center for Internships and Academic Seminars, an Republic. Students study on the campus of the
independent, nonprofit educational organization Academy of Performing Arts for Film and Television
located five blocks north of the White House and (FAMU), one of the top film schools on the European
one block north of Scott Circle. Mandatory student continent. Prague, one of the finest cities in Europe,
housing is located at The Washington Center’s new is rich in history, culture, and beauty, and its
housing facility at the north end of Capitol Hill in the attractions and landmarks are the classroom for
NoMA (North of Massachusetts Avenue) area. The students’ learning and experiences.
Department of Professional
Studies and Special Programs
Summer Session
The core of Emerson College’s mission is to challenge The General Education Curriculum forms the core
students to think and communicate with clarity, of liberal arts at Emerson and is designed with
substance, and insight. The requirement for all these goals firmly in mind. Liberal arts traditions are
Emerson students to ground themselves in the liberal located in each department, thereby providing the
arts is to ensure exposure to sufficient curricular broad intellectual platform upon which students’
breadth and an appropriate range of practical professional development occurs within their chosen
knowledge, as well as strong critical thinking, analytic major. In the School of Communication, students
writing, and verbal skills. Whether for the successful will find Sociology, Ethics, Philosophy and Religion
professional or involved citizen, life’s challenges are (Communication Studies), Economics (Marketing
to a great extent unpredictable and unique. This is all Communication), Psychology, Math, and Science
the more true in the world of the 21st century where (Communication Science and Disorders), and History
professionals may change careers more often than and Political Science (Journalism). In the School of the
their parents changed jobs, and where increasing Arts, students will find Literature (Writing, Literature
globalization confronts us with the exciting, but also and Publishing), Art History (Visual and Media Arts),
daunting, challenges of rapid economic and political and Music and Theatre History (Performing Arts).
change. Narrowly conceived recipes for facing these
challenges will not work. What is needed instead is a The courses an Emerson student takes in the
practical instinct born of broad exposure to the liberal General Education Curriculum are grouped in three
arts, grounded in communication skills, and tempered categories. Firstly, in the “Foundations” courses,
by an orientation toward applications of knowledge in students receive a solid grounding in writing and
the real world. speaking skills and in quantitative reasoning. The
emphasis is on speaking and writing critically about
important contemporary topics. Students will also
acquire the tools of symbolic reasoning that facilitate
Interim Dean Dan Tobin the mission of teaching students how to perceive, to
question, to structure, and to evolve with sensitivity
to ethical and emotional complexity.
Mission
Boston’s urban location provides opportunities for
The School of the Arts is a community of artists, social contrasts and diverse energies that students
professionals, and scholars committed to educating and faculty, communicators, and audiences can
and training students to bring personal vision, absorb and recreate in an atmosphere of support
commitment, sophistication, and courage to the and productivity.
practice of their crafts in media, theater, and
literature. The School looks for students who will Emerson College believes that a strong liberal arts
use their Emerson experience to produce work that education is fundamental to rigorous professional
explores the world as they see it with informed training. As the College continually enhances its
accuracy and emotional honesty. liberal arts core, students receive the strongest
possible grounding as thinkers as well as makers,
The School of the Arts is a mirror as well as a utilizing innovative curricular structures and new
beacon. It reflects the tensions and harmonies technologies to explore the various modes of
around us; it illuminates the ironies and the thought represented by the humanities as well as the
possibilities within us. An Emerson arts education social and pure sciences. New combinations of liberal
builds on reality to produce new realities, deriving arts offerings, not practical in more traditionally
direction and meaning out of the data of life. The structured institutions, are being continuously
School of the Arts shares with the rest of the College developed to prepare our students for a world in
which cross-pollination of ideas in combination with
Professors McCauley and Shea; Associate Professors The arts of live theater are central to the education
Bensussen (Chair), Colby, Donohue, Harkins, Jozwick, offered by a communication college. Students in
Krasner, LaFeber, and Wheeler; Assistant Professors the Department of Performing Arts are challenged
Adams, Hickler, Marin, Mathers, Pinkney, Polster, and to develop a deep understanding of self along with
Romanska; The Stephen Langley Chair in Theater a sense of ethical responsibility to the immediate
Management and Production Orchard; Distinguished community and society at large. Through productions,
Producing Director-in-Residence Ambush; Artists-in- internships, and extracurricular activities, students
Residence Broome-Silberman, Cheeseman, Hewlett, are encouraged to work in the community, exploring
Terrell, and Yannetti; Music Historian-in-Residence and developing their own roles as professional
King; Musical Director Goldberg. artists, industry leaders, and educators.
The Department of Performing Arts educates The faculty of the Department of Performing
students in the collaborative arts of theater Arts is committed to the following educational
within their historical and cultural contexts. Its objectives:
professionally active faculty guides students
in programs that offer both rigor and creative • Students
will develop an experiential understanding
challenge. Studio and production work are central of basic theater skills in the performance, design,
to all concentrations in the department and are technical, production, and educational aspects of art
integrated into the larger context of a liberal • Students
will learn how cultures affect the creative
education. The department also offers coursework process and how, in turn, the creative process
in music and dance in support of its Musical contributes to the evolution of cultures.
Theatre concentration and to enrich the liberal arts
curriculum of the College.
84 Performing Arts
• Students
will develop theoretical and historical Students may pursue BFA degrees with a
understanding of the theater and the conventional concentration in Acting, Theatre Design/Technology,
standards by which we respond to the art form Musical Theatre Performance, and Stage/Production
through scripts, knowledge of the physical theater Management. Each of these programs demands
and production techniques, and the aesthetics of the that students commit to structured, intensive work
major historical periods of drama. at the center of their Emerson education. Each has
• Students
will develop their individual potentials defined admission and retention standards. The
and interests as they prepare to enter the fields of concentrations in Acting and Musical Theatre may
performance, production, and theater education in be entered only through a required and competitive
both professional and applied theater and related audition process. The concentrations in Design/
fields [of film and television]. Technology and Stage/Production Management
require a portfolio review and personal interview as
Programs part of the admission process. The faculty believes
that students should not be encouraged to enter
The department offers the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and or allowed to complete BFA programs unless they
the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees. demonstrate the kind of work ethic, talent, and skills
development demanded by the profession. Review of
The undergraduate faculty of Performing Arts is student work and progress occurs annually.
committed to the following learning objectives for
the BFA in Acting program: The BA degree in Theatre Studies invites students to
develop an area of concentration in theater—they
1. Students will analyze a body of dramatic literature. may include performance work only if they have
2. Students will identify and accomplish stage successfully auditioned to do so. Although production
actions and character goals. and studio work remain central to the curriculum,
3. Students will demonstrate their ability to use their BA students have greater flexibility to tailor their
vocal instrument. programs by taking courses in other academic
4. Students will demonstrate an ability to include the departments, to add minors and majors available
physical in their work on stage. from a variety of disciplines across the College, and
5. Students will demonstrate an ability to collaborate to participate in activities such as internships, the
in the act of making theatre. L.A. Program, ProArts Consortium, and study abroad.
BA concentrations include Acting, Production/Stage
The undergraduate faculty of Performing Arts is Management, Design/Technology, Playwriting,
committed to the following learning objectives for Dramaturgy, and Directing. The five courses
the BFA in Musical Theatre program: comprising each student’s chosen concentration
must be approved by the student’s Performing
1. Students will analyze a body of music and/or Arts Advisor for submission to the chair, who then
dramatic literature. submits the educational plan to the Registrar.
2. Students will identify and accomplish stage
actions and character goals. The BA degree in Theatre Education requires specific
3. Students will demonstrate their ability to use their work beyond the Performing Arts core curriculum
singing voice. in theater education and in areas mandated by the
4. Students will demonstrate an ability to include the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as part of our
physical in their work on stage, including dancing. Department of Education Approved Program leading
5. Students will demonstrate an ability to collaborate to the Initial License as a Teacher of Theatre (all
in the act of making theatre. levels). At the same time, students in this program
6. Students will demonstrate skills in professional have between 9 and 12 free elective courses with
comportment. which to build an individualized program in ways
Performing Arts 85
similar to the students in Theatre Studies. As with TH 215 World Drama in Its Context I
Theatre Studies, students in Theatre Education who TH 216 World Drama in Its Context II
wish to identify Acting as a concentration must (4 credits) Advanced Drama Studies
successfully audition to do so. course*
20 credits Concentration
Degree Requirements for Bachelor of (chosen with advisor)
Fine Arts in Acting
Total Credits: 44
PA 101 Languages of the Stage
TH 141–148 Stagecraft Laboratories *Performing Arts courses that fulfill PA Core-Advanced
TH 149 Emerson Stage Production Drama Studies course requirement include: TH 304, TH
313, TH 315, TH 410, TH 411, TH 412, and TH 562. Other
Crew
courses include: IN 403, LI 371, LI 372, and LI 385.
TH 215 World Drama in Its Context I
TH 216 World Drama in Its Context II
BA Theatre Studies majors may take electives in
(4 credits) Advanced Drama
Performing Arts beyond the total credits noted above.
Studies course*
BA Theatre Studies majors with a concentration in
TH 123, 124, Acting Courses
Acting may take a 300- or 400-level class in each
130, 131, 221, 222
semester of their junior and senior years. In addition,
TH 325, 326, BFA Acting Studios
BA Theatre Studies majors may take the intensive
425, 426
16-credit course of study at the Los Angeles Center
in their senior year.
Total Credits: 72
86 Performing Arts
Design Technology 4 credits Related Electives
Theory and Practice (chosen with advisor)
(8 credits chosen from the following:
TH 243, 244, 247, 340, 346, 347, 350, Total Credits: 68
440, 470, 479, 540)
Design/Technology *Performing Arts courses that fulfill PA Core-Advanced
Concentration Drama Studies course requirement include: TH 304, TH
313, TH 315, TH 410, TH 411, TH 412, and TH 562. Other
(12 credits chosen from the following:
courses include: IN 403, LI 371, LI 372, and LI 385.
TH 242/342, 245/345, 248/348, 441
[441 may be repeated])
Degree Requirements for Bachelor of
(8 credits) Production Assignments
Fine Arts in Musical Theatre
Annual Portfolio Review
PA 101 Languages of the Stage
Total Credits: 68
TH 141–148 Stagecraft Laboratories
*Performing Arts courses that fulfill PA Core-Advanced
(4 credits)
Drama Studies course requirement include: TH 304, TH TH 149 Emerson Stage Production
313, TH 315, TH 410, TH 411, TH 412, and TH 562. Other Crew
courses include: IN 403, LI 371, LI 372, and LI 385. TH 215 World Drama in Its Context I
TH 216 World Drama in Its Context II
Degree Requirements for Bachelor MU 204 Music Analysis I
of Fine Arts in Stage and Production MU 205 Music Analysis II
Management TH 123, 124, Acting Courses
221, 222
PA 101 Languages of the Stage (6 credits) Dance (technique courses as
TH 142, 143, Stagecraft Laboratories approved)
144, 145 (6 credits) Applied Voice (as approved)
TH 149 Emerson Stage Production TH 327, 328, BFA Musical Theatre
Crew 427, 428 Studios
TH 121 Introduction to Acting I TH 329, 429 Musical Theatre Dance Rep
TH 215 World Drama in Its Context I (8 credits) (as approved)
TH 216 World Drama in Its Context II
(4 credits) Advanced Drama Studies Total Credits: 72
course*
TH 249 Emerson Stage Students are also required to complete 4 non-tuition
Production Team credits in Chorus/Musicianship.
TH 250 Design Essentials
TH 275 Introduction to Arts Students accepted into the BFA Program in Musical
Management Theatre must audition to continue in the program
TH 277 Stage Management I at the end of the second year. Since an intensive
TH 376 Production Management residency is essential to the success of the Studios,
TH 377 Stage Management II the BFA Musical Theatre students are not eligible
TH 381 Directing I to participate in the Los Angeles Program during
TH 477 Stage Management III the academic year. They may use elective credits to
8 credits Directed Study, Production participate in the summer program in Los Angeles.
Projects, Internship
Performing Arts 87
Degree Requirements for Bachelor of opportunity to study with European teachers in
Arts in Theatre Education the same curriculum that is offered in Boston. BFA
majors in Musical Theatre may attend the castle
PA 101 Languages of the Stage program only in the fall semester of their sophomore
TH 141–148 Stagecraft Laboratories year. Performing Arts students particularly interested
TH 149 Emerson Stage Production in professional experience in film and television may
Crew spend a semester of their senior year at the College’s
TH 215 World Drama in Its Context I Los Angeles Center. BA Theatre Studies and BA
TH 216 World Drama in Its Context II Theatre Studies: Acting students are eligible for the
(4 credits) Advanced Drama Los Angeles semester during the September–May
Studies course* academic year. BFA Acting students and BFA Musical
TH 121 Introduction to Acting I Theatre students are not eligible to participate in the
and Los Angeles Program during the academic year. They
TH 122 Introduction to Acting II may use elective credits to participate in the summer
Or program in Los Angeles.
TH 123 Acting I: Movement
(with permission) Internships
and
TH 124 Acting II: Voice and Performing Arts majors may enroll in a maximum of
Text (with permission) 8 credits of internship with Boston-area, Los Angeles,
TH 381 Directing I or national/international companies.
TH 460 Drama as Education I
TH 461 Drama as Education II Transfer Students
(4 credits) One PA Elective (chosen with
advisor) Due to the limited number of spaces available in
Performing Arts Performance Studio courses, students
Total Credits: 44 already matriculating at Emerson may not change
majors to the BFA Acting, BFA Musical Theatre, or BA
*Performing Arts courses that fulfill PA Core-Advanced Theatre Studies: Acting and BA Theatre Education:
Drama Studies course requirement include: TH 304, TH Acting programs.
313, TH 315, TH 410, TH 411, TH 412, and TH 562. Other
courses include: IN 403, LI 371, LI 372, and LI 385.
Auditing a Course
Students seeking initial licensure in Massachusetts
Students who wish to attend a course without
as teachers of theatre, all levels (PK–12) must also
working for, or expecting to receive, formal credit
complete the Educator Licensure requirements
may register to audit the course. Students who audit
(additional 12–20 credits).
a course may not participate in the class, do not take
examinations, and do not submit papers. Students
Policies may only audit lecture-type courses; students may
not audit performance (acting, dance, voice, etc.)
External Programs
or production (theatre design, technology, and
management) studio courses where experiential
Many Performing Arts majors make use of
learning is the primary methodology. Students must
Emerson’s European Center (at Kasteel Well, in
gain permission to audit a course from the course
The Netherlands) for a semester-abroad program
instructor and the department chair and may not
in the sophomore year. Acting students have the
88 Performing Arts
register to audit a course until the first day of classes to Performing Arts majors. Majors are exposed
in order to give priority to students needing to take to a wide range of performance and production
a course for credit. Enrollment may not exceed room opportunities, such as Mainstage productions in the
capacity. Cutler Majestic, Semel Theater, and Greene Theater
(in the Tufte Peformance and Production Center);
Production Opportunities staged readings and workshops led by advanced
students, faculty, or guest professional directors; and
The department’s major performance spaces include numerous other performance opportunities.
the newly renovated Paramount Center, which
houses a 596-seat art deco theater, a 125-seat Class Projects
black box theater, a state-of-the-art screening room,
a scene shop, rehearsal studios, practice rooms, Directing Projects, Mini-Musicals, Ensemble Projects,
and a residence hall; the Cutler Majestic Theatre, a Playwriting, and Solo Performance Festivals all
1,200-seat proscenium house located in the heart of may feature the work of students as directors,
Boston’s Theatre District; and the Tufte Performance dramaturges, designers, stage managers, and
and Production Center, which encompasses the performers.
Semel and Greene Theaters, a makeup studio, and
costume design labs. Workshop Projects
The Semel Theater is a 218-seat thrust and the Faculty, advanced students, and guest artist directors
Greene Theater is a 108-seat end-stage theater. provide further training work for student actors in
Emerson Stage, the department’s production unit, workshop productions.
presents many student-created events annually from
a variety of theatrical genres, which are directed Educator Licensure Programs
by faculty, professional guest artists, and students.
Through productions in the Paramount Center, the Students at Emerson who are interested in obtaining
Majestic, and the Tufte Center, students are exposed Initial Licensure in Massachusetts as a Teacher of
to a wide range of performance and production Theatre (all levels, pre-K through grade 12) should
opportunities. see the Educator Preparation and Licensure section
of this catalogue and consult with the department’s
During the academic year, 8 to 10 major productions Program Director of Educator Preparation as early
are fully mounted at the Paramount, Majestic, and as possible (or before the end of sophomore year)
the Tufte Center. Additional workshop projects offer regarding programs and requirements. Students
student actors, directors, dramaturges, designers, and transferring to Emerson College above the
choreographers the chance to create their own work. sophomore level should contact the Program Director
In April, the Emerson Playwrights Festival is mounted for program requirements and admission procedures.
through the generosity of Emerson alumnus Rod
Parker ’52. It includes workshop productions and The Theatre Education faculty offers their students
staged readings of new work written by students, review sessions for the Massachusetts Tests for
and directed by faculty and guest professionals. Educator Licensure (MTEL) once each semester.
Attendance at one of the review sessions prior to
Emerson Stage taking the exams is mandatory.
Emerson Stage, the production arm of the It is recommended that students take the
Department of Performing Arts, presents many events Communicational Literacy Skills (CLST) early in their
annually, from every major theatrical genre. Casting program and take the Theatre Subject Matter Test
for Emerson Stage productions is generally limited (SMT) near the end of their studies, but prior
to graduation.
Performing Arts 89
Students who have successfully completed all their Music Appreciation Minor
course and practicum requirements and who have
passed both parts of the MTEL will be considered This minor requires 16 credits of coursework selected
program completers and be licensure eligible. in consultation with the chair of the Department of
Performing Arts. Courses may be elected from the
The Initial License requires completion of a BA following:
degree in Theatre Education along with completion
of the Education Licensure Program. The student IN 303 Poetry and Song
teaching practicum must be fulfilled through MU 137 Listening to Music
Emerson. The Licensure Program consists of: TH 265 MU 139 History of Jazz
Foundations of Education, 4–12 credits of Student MU 201 History of Music: European
Teaching Practicum, and PS 202 Developmental MU 202 History of Music: American
Psychology. The last course may also be used MU 203 Perspectives in World Music
toward a student’s General Education Liberal Arts MU 233 History of Opera
distribution in Psychology. MU 204 Music Analysis I and II
and MU 205
The Initial License is valid for five years, after which MU 256 Deconstructing
time a student wishing to maintain licensure Twentieth-Century Art Music
must meet the additional qualifications for the MU 257 The Musical Premiere:
Standard License. Beauty and the Artist
TH 304 Development of
Educator Licensure Requirements the American Musical
This course of study is required for all students VM 452 Art of Noise
seeking licensure.
TH 265 Foundations of Education Students may use one course from the General
TH 465 Student Teaching Practicum Education requirements toward the minor in Music
PS 202 Developmental Psychology Appreciation.
90 Performing Arts
DA 231 DA 237
Dance Composition I: Improvisation Jazz Dance I
4 credits 2 credits
Course guides students in the discovery, An introduction to the American dance form
development, and exploration of their own of jazz, including blues and musical theater
movement and imagery. The stimuli for dances dance. Utilizing East Indian and African-Cuban
include personal experiences, abstract ideas, rhythms, this technique is based on exercises and
relationships, emotions, and a variety of real or movement developed by choreographer Jack Cole.
imagined materials. Prerequisite: permission of the Classes focus on the development of strength,
Dance Area Head. flexibility, isolation, and control through a series
of stretches, strengthening exercises, and center
DA 233 floor combinations. May be repeated for credit.
Ballet I Prerequisite: permission of the Dance Area Head.
2 credits
Course explores the fundamentals of ballet technique DA 271
for beginning students. Through the traditional class Dance Practicum
sequence, students become familiar with ballet terms 1 non-tuition credit
and technique. The class begins at the barre and Students doing substantive work in dance under the
progresses to center combinations, which emphasize supervision of a member of the faculty may enroll in
the development of musicality, flexibility, strength, Dance Practicum for credit during the term in which
and control. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: the work takes place. Projects, which span two terms,
permission of the Dance Area Head. may be used for credit in either of the terms. Only 4
non-tuition credits may be used toward graduation.
DA 234 Requires completion of a project contract and
Modern Dance I permission of the chair. May be repeated for credit.
2 credits
Course presents the fundamentals of the concert DA 333
dance form exemplified in the styles of Graham, Ballet II
Limon, and Cunningham for beginning students. It 2 credits
focuses on the development of technique, including Students at the intermediate level are encouraged
floor work, center, and traveling components. The to explore the technical and artistic aspects of
student explores a wide range of axial and spatial classical ballet. Each class begins with a series of
movement while developing flexibility, placement, exercises at the barre and continues into center floor
control, and a concept of dance as a performing art. combinations, which may include pirouettes, beats,
May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: permission and jumps. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite:
of the Dance Area Head. permission of the Dance Area Head.
DA 235 DA 335
Tap Dance I Tap Dance II
2 credits 2 credits
In this course, students explore the technique, style, Students at the intermediate level concentrate on
and rhythmic structure of tap dancing. Students will exploring more sophisticated levels of technique,
work toward expanding the movement vocabulary. style, and rhythmic structure of tap dancing. May be
May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: permission repeated for credit. Prerequisite: permission of the
of the Dance Area Head. Dance Area Head.
Performing Arts 91
DA 337 a dance curriculum, aesthetic principles of dance/
Jazz Dance II movement, and technical aspects of body mechanics.
2 credits A pre-practicum involving 40 hours of observing/
Training in American Jazz Dance integrates a number assisting area dance teachers is required. Students
of jazz styles, including Jack Cole, Fosse, and African- will learn to prepare lesson plans, which articulate
Cuban, which are performed today in the musical behavioral objectives and methods of evaluation.
theater and in concert. Students work to develop Students will be supervised teaching some of these
control, strength, and speed, with an emphasis on plans. Prerequisites: 3.0 GPA and permission of the
movement isolation and a clear jazz style. May be instructor and department chair are required prior
repeated for credit. Prerequisite: permission of the to the end of the examination period of the
Dance Area Head. preceding semester.
92 Performing Arts
Baroque, and Romantic periods up to and including Other topics include the structure of entire shows,
contemporary musical forms. Fulfills the Aesthetic detailed analysis of duets and other ensemble pieces,
Perspective of the General Education requirements. and an increased focus on recent Musical Theatre
(Semester varies) repertoire. Required for BFA Musical Theatre majors.
Prerequisite: MU 204. (Spring semester)
MU 202
History of Music: American MU 233
4 credits History of Opera: Passionate Music,
A survey of American music from the first American Dangerous Meanings
settlers to the present including the development of 4 credits
such forms as folk, regional, religious, ethnic, jazz, An introduction to the musical and aesthetic
musical theater, and various popular styles. Fulfills conventions of opera. Emphasis is placed on listening
the Aesthetic Perspective of the General Education to representative works and on an historical survey
requirements. (Semester varies) of opera from its birth to the present. Fulfills the
Aesthetic Perspective of the General Education
MU 203 requirements. (Semester varies)
Perspectives in World Music
4 credits MU 253
Course investigates music-making within a variety Applied Music: Voice
of cultures, including societies from Africa, the 0 credits
Caribbean, India, the Far East, and Native Americans. Studio course consists of ten 60-minute lessons
Musical experience is examined from both the sonic with a private instructor. Students may pursue
and social perspectives, including musical form, this course on a non-credit basis by payment of a
instruments, and style, as well as music’s role as a course fee. Available for BFA Musical Theatre majors
vehicle for defining and representing social values. only. Prerequisite: audition for placement by the
Fulfills the Aesthetic Perspective and the General Coordinator of Applied Music.
Education Global Diversity requirements.
MU 254
MU 204 Applied Music: Piano
Music Analysis I 0 credits
2 credits Studio course consists of ten 60-minute lessons
An introduction to the analysis of music, especially with a private instructor. Students may pursue this
as it appears in Musical Theatre. Topics include course on a non-credit basis by payment of a course
song structure, dance forms, and identification fee. Prerequisite: audition for placement by the
of the features in various genres and historical Coordinator of Applied Music.
styles. Required for BFA Musical Theatre majors.
Prerequisite: MU 301. (Fall semester) MU 256
Deconstructing Twentieth-Century
MU 205 Art Music
Music Analysis II 4 credits
2 credits Course will introduce Western art music of the 20th
A continuation of Music Analysis I, this course century to non-music majors. We will chronologically
will focus on the music and lyrics of songs and explore diverse styles and genres of music as
shows in the Musical Theatre repertoire. The focus composed by a panorama of vibrant musical
moves from basic terminology to a more detailed personalities in the 20th century. Our goal will be to
connection between analysis and performance. demystify some of the construction techniques and
resulting sounds that have currently expanded our
Performing Arts 93
definition of “e-music.” Included in our discovery will criticism of their fellow classmates. An objective
be discussions on the interplay of music, literature, of this course is to teach students to perform
and the visual arts as reactive and motivating forces musical theater literature with a strong emotional
on current 21st-century aesthetics. We will close the connection. Prerequisites: MU 253, MU 353, and
course by investigating current trends in art music. permission of instructor. (Fall semester)
Fulfills the Aesthetic Perspective of the General
Education requirements. (Semester varies) MU 303
Musical Theatre Repertoire II
MU 257 2 credits
The Musical Premiere: Beauty and A continuation of Musical Theatre Repertoire I.
the Artist The objective of this course is to accumulate a
4 credits wide range of audition material in book form that
Course will explore several noteworthy musical represents various musical theater composers.
premieres in modern European history beginning Prerequisites: MU 253, MU 353, and permission of
with the shocking debut of opera in 17th-century instructor. (Spring semester)
Italy to the shocking popular music premieres of
the 21st-century United States. We will examine the MU 353
preparation, actual performance of the work, and the Applied Music: Voice
often-revolutionary impact on the broader cultural 2 credits
milieu, as these new works help us to broaden and Advanced work in vocal technique and development
redefine our concept of beauty. Frequently composed of a repertoire, consisting of ten weekly 60-minute
by controversial figures in their day, our methodology lessons with a private instructor. Required for BFA
will include a recurrent assessment quantifying Musical Theatre majors. No more than 8 credits of
the effect of the “persona” on the outcome of the Applied Music: Voice may be counted toward credits
premiere. Fulfills the Aesthetic Perspective of the required for graduation. Prerequisite: audition for
General Education requirements. (Semester varies) placement by the Coordinator of Applied Music.
MU 301 MU 354
Chorus Applied Music: Piano
1 non-tuition credit 2 credits
Students participate in weekly rehearsals leading to For students for whom the study of piano is relevant
the public performance of choral works. Sightsinging, to their professional goals. Students have a weekly
melody, and harmony are the course objectives. Four 60-minute individual lesson. No more than 8 credits
semesters of Chorus are required for BFA Musical of Applied Music: Piano may be counted toward
Theatre majors. (Fall and spring semesters) credits required for graduation. Prerequisite: audition
for placement by the Coordinator of Applied Music.
MU 302
Musical Theatre Repertoire I Performing Arts Courses
2 credits
An intensive and highly focused course in learning PA 101
how to prepare for musical theater auditions. Languages of the Stage
Students will be assigned new repertoire from the 4 credits
world of musical theater and will perform from Course introduces students to the various means
memory during most classes. During the course, of expression available to the art of the stage. In
students will discuss and analyze the music chosen addition to an exploration of the techniques of
and will, with the faculty’s help, provide constructive the written script, students will be introduced to
94 Performing Arts
the visual forms of artistic communication, their Prerequisites: 3.0 GPA and permission of the
history, and the conventions of all theatrical forms. instructor and department chair are required prior
(Performing Arts students only) to the end of the examination period of the
preceding semester.
PA 271
Performing Arts Practicum PA 499
1 non-tuition credit Internship
Students doing substantive work in any area of 4 or 8 credits
theater under the supervision of a member of the Students work in professional theatrical or
faculty may enroll in Performing Arts Practicum for educational settings under the direct supervision of
credit during the term in which the work takes place. an approved full-time employee at the site and the
Projects, which span two terms, may be used for designated faculty internship coordinator assigned
credit in either of the terms. May be repeated. Only 4 by the Performing Arts Department. Professional
non-tuition credits may be used toward graduation. experiences on-site may have specific prerequisites,
Prerequisites: permission of the instructor and most of which pertain to completion of the
department chair. appropriate level theory and/or production course at
the College; students should obtain details from the
PA 371–372 internship coordinator. A 4-credit internship requires
Production Project 16 hours a week over a 12-week period and an
2 or 4 credits 8-credit internship requires 32 hours a week over a
Students with junior standing may define project 12-week period. Students must attend a department
work in acting, directing, design technology, stage orientation during the semester prior to undertaking
and production management, arts and business the internship, and should plan to attend pre-
management, musical theatre, theatre education, determined class meetings during the semester. No
dance, or dramaturgy. Prerequisite: permission of the more than 8 internship credits or 12 credits of any
instructor and department chair. combination of internship and directed study count
toward total graduation requirements. Pre-internship
PA 471–472 participation is required in Career Services’ Internship
Production Project Experience Workshop. Enrollment in Emerson’s
2 or 4 credits Los Angeles Program is required for Los Angeles
Students with senior standing may define project internships. Prerequisites: junior standing, GPA of 2.7
work in acting, directing, design technology, stage or above, and permission of instructor.
and production management, arts and business
management, musical theatre, theatre education, Theatre Courses
dance, or dramaturgy. Prerequisite: permission of the
instructor and department chair. TH 121
Introduction to Acting I
PA 498 4 credits
Directed Study in Performing Arts An introduction to the acting process designed for
2 or 4 credits the non-performance major. Group and individual
Students are provided the opportunity to explore exercise work develops a relaxed instrument
an area of specialization in the Performing Arts on able to respond freely, in the body and the voice,
an advanced level, culminating in a research paper to emotional and external stimuli. The course
on a topic not covered in the regular curriculum. moves from fundamental explorations through
improvisation to work on scripted material.
Performing Arts 95
TH 122 TH 131
Introduction to Acting II Improvisation II
4 credits 2 credits
Building on the work of TH 121, this course Course continues the study of improvisation begun
proceeds to careful study of acting craft through the in Improvisation I, developing skills from Johnstone,
vocabulary of intentions, actions, obstacles, subtext, Spolin, and others. Required for all students enrolled
and objectives. Prerequisite: TH 121. in the Actor Training Program. (Spring semester)
TH 123 TH 140
Acting I: Movement Rendering
4 credits 4 credits
An intensive exploration of movement and Course is structured to develop fundamental skills in
improvisation. A variety of improvisatory approaches observation, drawing, painting, and modeling, with
are employed to tap into individual creativity and an emphasis on the application of these skills to
to discover the power of group creation. Physical the theatrical design process. Students are expected
demands increase as the body is emphasized as the to provide appropriate materials as needed. This is
instrument of communication. The work includes the first course required of students in the Design/
exploration of space, energy, dynamics, rhythm, Technology concentration.
and sensory response. Actors learn to channel their
physical and emotional energy into dramatic action. TH 141–148
Prerequisite: by audition only. Stagecraft Laboratories
2 credits
TH 124 Course offers experience in standard technical craft
Acting II: Voice and Text practices for the theater. Students study fundamental
4 credits techniques in selected technical/craft areas including,
Course bases the actor’s work in the experience but not limited to, scenic construction and handling,
of voice and language. The goal is a free voice in scene painting, sculpture for the stage, costume and
a free body and the ability to express thought and properties construction, make-up prosthetics, masks,
emotion with openness and truth. The course guides electrics, and lighting. Students are expected to
the student through awareness of and release provide appropriate materials as needed. Students
from habitual tensions and into body alignment, may complete different Stagecraft units to a total
breathing, resonators, sound and movement, group of 8 credits. The Performing Arts core curriculum
interaction, and the exploration of individual and requires completion of two laboratory units, or
group creativity. Students will use both scripted and 4 credits.
improvised material as they discover the two to
three octaves of the speaking voice and its TH 141 Special Topics
connection with thoughts and words. Prerequisite: TH 142 Electrics
by audition only. TH 143 Properties Construction
TH 144 Costume Construction
TH 130 TH 145 Scenic Construction
Improvisation I TH 146 Scene Painting
2 credits TH 147 Crafts
Course introduces performance majors to TH 148 Masks
improvisation, developing listening skills,
spontaneous playing, and the art of presence.
Required for all students enrolled in the Actor
Training Program. (Fall semester)
96 Performing Arts
TH 149 TH 204
Emerson Stage Production Crew Theatre into Film
0 credits 4 credits
Performing Arts majors are assigned to crew one Course will explore the artistic languages of theater
Emerson Stage production project during their and film. Dramatic material written for the stage will
first year in the program. Successful completion be read and analyzed and the process of adaptation
of this crew assignment is required as part of the of that material will be explored. Texts include
Performing Arts curriculum. Students who fail to earn the works of such playwrights as Shakespeare,
a satisfactory grade in TH 149 during their first year Strindberg, Williams, and Albee. Film texts include
may not be eligible for work with Emerson Stage the work of directors such as Lumet, Cukor, Solberg,
until they do so through a new crew assignment. and Nichols. Fulfills the Aesthetic Perspective of the
General Education requirements.
TH 150
History of Fashion and Décor: Design TH 205
Research Dress Codes: American Clothes in the
4 credits Twentieth Century
Explores the development of styles of western 4 credits
architecture, furniture, and clothing as a Students will examine American clothes and fashion
demonstration of the human need to express the in the 20th century, with a primary focus on the
social, cultural, and psychological ideals of the visual elements of everyday dress. Six distinct
period in which it occurs. From the Greeks to the periods will be studied according to the silhouette
17th century, the period will be presented within and decorative details of each. Further, each
its historical-sociological context. The period visual fashion period will be studied within the context
elements will be examined according to shape, style, of its indirect influences (social, cultural, historical,
construction, function, and evolution of appearance. technological, economical). Particular focus will be
given to concepts of masculinity and feminity, and
TH 203 gender ambiguity; challenges to gendered clothes
Perspectives in World Theatre (such as trousers on women, long hair on men);
4 credits and anti-fashion (zoot suits, beatniks, hippies, punk,
Looks at theater and performance as an essential goth). Fulfills the Aesthetic Perspective of the General
component and expression of culture. This course Education requirements.
will survey material in select time periods and global
settings to demonstrate how the various elements of TH 215
theater work to reflect and shape culture on issues World Drama in Its Context I
such as nationality, ethnicity, race, religion, gender, 4 credits
sexuality, class and age. In order to do so, this course A survey of theater and drama from the Greeks
will examine the roles and practices of directors, through the Restoration, with a focus on the major
designers, dramaturges, and playwrights throughout periods of Western theater and dramatic literature:
the world from the classical to the postmodern the Greeks, Roman theater and drama, Medieval
period, and of varying theatrical styles. Readings theater, Elizabethan drama, and Italian Commedia
will include plays and historical material, as well as Dell’arte, Spanish Golden Age, French Neo-
dramatic theory and criticism. Students will attend Classicism, and Restoration. In addition, a survey of
lectures, participate in group work, view theatrical Eastern classical theater and drama with a particular
performances and videos, and talk to professionals emphasis on the Sanskrit theater, the Chinese drama
in the field. Fulfills the Aesthetic Perspective of the and the Peking Opera, and the classical theater of
General Education requirements.
Performing Arts 97
Japan, including Kabuki, No, and the puppet theater. This amalgam is the basis of work on a scripted
There will be selected readings of plays in their ensemble play, which will be performed at the end
historical context with particular attention paid to of the semester. Ensemble techniques that explore
theatrical styles of plays and production. the theater’s collaborative nature will be used.
(Fall semester) Prerequisite: TH 221. (Spring semester)
TH 216 TH 240
World Drama in Its Context II Drafting
4 credits 4 credits
A survey of theater and drama from the late 17th Through weekly projects, students learn graphic
century to the present. The major periods of world techniques in drafting for theatrical production. The
theater and drama, Romanticism, Modernism, and focus is on conventional symbolization, development
Post-Modernism will be studied with particular of ground plans, sections, elevations, orthographics,
emphasis on 20th-century theater and drama isometrics, and construction drawings. Students are
throughout the world, including Africa, Asia, and Latin expected to provide appropriate materials as needed.
America. Attention will be given to the work of both
women and men. Theatrical conventions, innovations, TH 242
and techniques developed in the Western and non- Lighting Design I
Western theaters will be explored. (Spring semester) 4 credits
Basic principles of stage lighting design are
TH 221 introduced, including the mechanics and optics
Acting III: Basic Scene Study and of lighting instruments, electrical theory and
Acting Craft practices, control systems, basic design concepts,
4 credits and color theory. Controllable qualities of light are
Intensive scene study class builds on TH 123 and investigated and demonstrated through the student’s
TH 124 (movement, improvisation, and voice) to participation on a lighting crew for a department
ensure a personal commitment in the way students production. Design techniques are developed
approach and experience scene work and acting through a complete lighting design project.
technique (Meisner, Michael Chekhov, etc.) from the Students are expected to provide appropriate
canon of various plays. We will emphasize the text, materials as needed.
context, subtext, and the given circumstances of each
play studied. Actors’ scene breakdown, intentions, TH 243
actions, obstacles, objectives, and moment-to- Sound Design
moment work will be some of the tools used to bring 4 credits
scenes from these plays to life. Prerequisite: TH 124. Course will introduce the basic principles of
(Fall semester) theatrical sound design and the practices and skills
required to develop a production’s sound design
TH 222 and supportive technical documentation. Students
Acting IV: Ensemble Acting and Performance will be introduced to script analysis, system layout,
4 credits effects development, source researching, and
In this course, we combine and deepen the creative organization. The combined hands-on presentations
work accomplished in TH 123 and TH 124. Along and class assignments will allow students to develop
with imagination, intelligence, and emotional a working knowledge of the sound designer’s
availability, they form the actor’s instrument and are responsibilities and skills. Students are expected to
put into service of a playwright’s scripted material. provide appropriate materials as needed.
(Semester varies)
98 Performing Arts
TH 244 TH 249
Costume Construction Emerson Stage Production Team
4 credits 0 credits
The course introduces the student to basic costume Course offers a semester-long experience in the
patterning and construction methods. The student will technical areas of theatrical production for BFA
not only study draping, drafting, and flat-patterning, Theatre Design and Technology majors. Each team
but will also learn terminology, equipment usage, will develop advanced skills in the major craft
and the skills necessary to the entire costuming areas by working on Emerson Stage productions in
process. Students are expected to provide appropriate selected areas for an entire semester. Students are
materials as needed. Prerequisite: Performing Arts expected to provide appropriate materials as needed.
majors only. (Semester varies) A, Set Construction; B, Scene Painting; C, Costume
Construction; D, Properties; E, Electrics/Sound.
TH 245
Scene Design I TH 250
4 credits Design Essentials
Students will be introduced to the fundamental 4 credits
principles of design. They will learn how proficiency Introduction to the theatrical design process and
in a core set of design skills can lead to effective personnel. Emphasis is placed on the interconnection
performance in a variety of theatrical and commercial between the various design areas and their function
production situations. Students are expected in the process of making theater. Students will
to provide appropriate materials as needed. explore script analysis from the designer’s point of
Prerequisite: Design/Technology majors only. view, review historic production styles and venues,
and experience current productions. This course
TH 247 will expose students to some of the basic skills and
Make-Up: Theatre processes employed by theatrical designers. Students
2 credits are expected to supply appropriate materials as
Course presents a comprehensive study of the art of needed and attend selected theatrical productions.
traditional make-up for the stage. Through the use of (Semester varies)
cosmetics and prosthetics, students learn to execute
corrective, character, and age make-up. Students are TH 265
expected to provide appropriate materials as needed. Foundations of Education
4 credits
TH 248 Course examines the bases of public education
Costume Design I and the teaching process from a theoretical and
4 credits methodological viewpoint. Multiple perspectives will
Students develop an understanding of the basic be employed to investigate these issues including,
principles of costume design used to create but not limited to, the philosophical, historical,
statements about a play and its characters. Lectures sociological, psychological, economic, and political.
and class discussions prepare students to confront Required course for initial licensure as a Teacher of
specific problems in design projects. Students are Theatre. Prerequisite: Theatre Education majors only.
expected to provide appropriate materials as needed. (Spring semester)
(Fall semester)
TH 275
Arts Management I
4 credits
An exploration of the theory and practice of
arts management, with particular focus on
Performing Arts 99
theater management. Extensive readings in directors, such as Robert Wilson, Richard Foreman,
arts management provide a foundation Anne Bogart, Tadeusz Kantor, Jerzy Grotowski, Peter
for further work in the field. (Spring semester) Brook, Julie Taymor, and Tadashi Suzuki, and groups
such as Open Theatre, Living Theatre, and Mabou
TH 277 Mines. May be repeated for credit if topics differ.
Stage Management I Prerequisite: junior standing. Fulfills the Aesthetic
4 credits Perspective of the General Education requirements.
The fundamentals of stage management (Spring semester)
explored through readings, discussion,
written exercises, and appropriate hands-on TH 325
experience. Prerequisite: Performing Arts majors only. BFA Acting Studio I
(Fall semester) 4 credits
Intensive discovery of acting technique that builds
TH 304 on the first two years of voice and movement/
Development of the American Musical improvisation work to ensure a personal commitment
4 credits in the way a student studies and experiences scene
The development of American musical theater from work through the vocabulary of intentions, actions,
the early minstrel shows to the works of Stephen obstacles, subtext, and objectives. This studio course
Sondheim is studied with a critical examination of integrates experiences in voice, movement, and
representative musicals. Slides and recordings of acting work through team teaching. Significant
Broadway productions will supplement the lectures. personal and group preparation is required outside
Prerequisite: junior standing. of class time. At least four additional hours per
(Semester varies) week are protected in the schedule of all students
to facilitate this important work. Prerequisite: BFA
TH 313 Acting majors only who have successfully completed
African-American Theatre and Culture a faculty review, audition, and TH 222. Co-requisite:
4 credits TH 326. Course may be repeated once for credit.
African-American drama and theater in Africa and
America are studied from their origins in African TH 326
ritual and in early 19th-century America to the BFA Acting Studio II
present. Lectures and discussions focus on traditional 4 credits
and modern drama and theater, as well as significant Continuation of the intensive studio training
periods of dramatic activity such as the Harlem work of TH 325 students in the BFA program in
Renaissance, the Federal Theatre Project, and the Acting. This studio course integrates experiences
Black Arts Movement, and on representative works in voice, movement, and acting work through
by major contemporary African and African-American team teaching. Significant personal and group
dramatists. Prerequisite: junior standing. Fulfills preparation is required outside of class time. At least
the General Education U.S. Diversity requirement. four additional hours per week are protected in the
(Semester varies) schedule of all students to facilitate this important
work. Prerequisite: BFA Acting majors only who have
TH 315 successfully completed a faculty review, audition,
Topics in Contemporary Theatre and TH 222. Co-requisite: TH 325. Course may be
4 credits repeated once for credit.
Various topics in the aesthetics of contemporary
theater with particular focus on the history, theory,
and criticism of selected contemporary performers and
TH 412 TH 425
Play Analysis BFA Acting Studio III
4 credits 4 credits
This course introduces students to the art and skill Continuation of the intensive studio training work of
of play analysis, with an eye toward production TH 325 and TH 326 for students in the BFA program
and cultural significance. Students learn building in Acting. Scene study problems move toward issues
blocks of dramatic structure and analyze how of style, including a range of aesthetic and acting
structure contributes to the understanding of a play. style issues. This studio course integrates experiences
They study plays, critical essays, and performances in voice, movement, stage combat (including
Professors Cooper, Shattuc, and Wacks (Chair); social, political, and cultural implications of the visual,
Associate Professors Andrade-Watkins, Archambault, media, and sound arts, so that they develop an
Cook, Fields, Freeman, Fry, Kingdon, Knight, Kotz appreciation of the principles that lead to reasoned
Cornejo, Krause Knight, Methot, Roberts-Breslin, and humane outcomes.
Sabal, Schaefer, Selig, Shaw, Sheldon, Shipps,
Stawarz, Todd, and Wang; Assistant Professors Banks, Programs
Belkina, Bosmajian, Gaucher, Gianvito, Gordon, Ildari,
Lake, Macak, and Ramey; The Jane and Terry Semel The Department of Visual and Media Arts offers
Chair in Screenwriting Cocks and Kernochan; The a curriculum designed to help students achieve
Lois and Henry Foster Chair in Contemporary Art the goals described above as well as to focus on
Theory and Practice Ketner; Distinguished Producer- preparing for careers in the visual media and sound
in-Residence Reisman; Director-in-Residence arts and/or graduate studies. The Department
Patton-Spruill; Executive Artist-in-Residence Bright; offers two tracks within its Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Artist-in-Residence Turano; Scholars-in-Residence Feil curriculum: Media Arts Production and Visual and
and Flynn. Media Studies, as well as a Bachelor of Fine Arts
(BFA) degree in Media Arts Production.
The Department of Visual and Media Arts educates
students to become informed, ethical, creative, and
disciplined scholars and practitioners while learning Degree Requirements for Bachelor of
to present ideas and tell stories. The department’s Arts in Media Arts
faculty encourages broad-based learning based on
a balance of theory and practice and is dedicated Production Track
to including the perspectives of many cultures and The undergraduate faculty of Visual and Media Arts
nations. Students gain an understanding of the is committed to the following learning objectives for
the BA in Media Arts Production program:
108 Visual and Media Arts
1. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the Required Courses
history, theory, and practice of media arts. VM 100 History of Media Arts I
2. Students will demonstrate technical proficiency in VM 101 History of Media Arts II
the production of media arts. VM 120 Foundations in Visual and
3. Students will create media arts with originality Media Arts Production
and aesthetic depth.
4. Students will demonstrate their ability to research II. Introduction to Disciplines
and analyze media arts. 16 Credits Minimum
5. Students will apply ethical principles in the At the Introduction to Disciplines level, students
production and analysis of media arts. explore one or more of the department’s main
discipline areas.
The following degree requirements pertain to the
Production Track of the Bachelor of Arts degree. Required Courses
Forty-four credits in Visual and Media Arts plus 8 VM 200 Media Criticism and Theory
credits in upper-level Liberal Arts are required for
a major under the BA degree. Students are also *At least one of the following:
encouraged to combine elements of study from VM 202 Critical Listening
diverse areas offered by the department in order VM 220 Writing the Short Subject
to broaden their knowledge and adaptability, and VM 221 Writing the Feature Film
to serve their artistic and intellectual interests as VM 222 Writing for Television
well as their career goals. Students should remain
in contact with the department and their academic *At least two of the following:
advisor for information pertaining to requirements VM 230 Introduction to Film Production
and course offerings. VM 231 Intermediate Film Production
VM 240 Introduction to Video Field
In addition to the major requirements, all students Production
are required to complete at least two courses at VM 241 Introduction to Studio
the 300 or 400 level from the following Liberal Arts Television Production
areas: VM 250 Introduction to Sound
HI History Principles and Audio
IN Interdisciplinary Studies Production
PH Ethics, Philosophy, or Religion VM 251 Audio Field Recording
PL Political Science VM 260 Introduction to Digital Media
PS Psychology Production
SC Science VM 261 Computer Animation
TH 304, 313, 315
VM 315 *Students intending to specialize in Radio or Sound
Design and Audio Post-Production must take
I. Media Arts Foundations VM 202. Students intending to specialize in Writing
12 Credits for Film and Television must take two courses from
The Media Arts Foundations offers the student VM 220, VM 221, and VM 222, and only one of the
a broad theoretical, historical, and practical courses numbered from VM 230 to VM 261.
introduction to the media arts.
VM 212 VM 215
History of Western Art III: Modern History of Non-Western Art II:
4 credits Africa, the Pacific, and the Americas
Examines the major styles, works, and artists of the 4 credits
first half of the 20th century, prior to the advent of Examines the artistic styles of Africa (including the
Abstract Expressionism. Examines a wide variety of Diaspora), Islam, Pacific cultures, and the Americas
European and American modern art, investigating (Mesoamerica, South, Central, and indigenous North
critical and public reactions. Among the movements America). Artworks are contextualized through their
studied are: Fauvism, Expressionism, Cubism, Dada, indigenous traditions, as well as a diversity of critical
Futurism, Surrealism, the Bauhaus, Constructivism, perspectives. Considers how respective philosophical
and De Stijl. Fulfills the Aesthetics Perspective of the and spiritual beliefs, and sociocultural and political
General Education requirements. (Semester varies) structures, inform the artworks. Fulfills the Aesthetics
Perspective and Global Diversity requirements.
VM 213 (Semester varies)
History of Western Art IV:
Post-World War II VM 218
4 credits The Artist and the Making of Meaning
Chronological study of Western contemporary 4 credits
art after World War II, starting with Abstract Introduction to semiotics and structuralism as they
Expressionism. Considers the major styles, works, apply to the relation between art and language.
and artists, investigating numerous forms of Offers the student a systematic approach to thinking
European and American contemporary art, and critically and creatively about art, particularly in
their attendant criticism, in a broad contextual the late 20th and early 21st century. Fulfills the
framework. Among the movements studied are: Aesthetics Perspective of the General Education
Pop Art, Minimalism, New Realism, Postmodernism, requirements. (Semester varies)
Conceptualism, Neo-Expressionism, Graffiti,
Photorealism, Earth Works, and Performance Art. VM 220
Fulfills the Aesthetics Perspective of the General Writing the Short Subject
Education requirements. (Semester varies) 4 credits
Study of the writing of the short subject within
the genres of fiction, nonfiction, and experimental
concepts and scripts (including animation). Scripts
VM 332 VM 338
Production Management Performance for Television
4 credits 4 credits
Introduces the budgeting and logistical organization Introduces performance as an expression
of film and television productions, reviewing the of personality and production. “On camera”
roles of Associate Producer, Production Unit Manager, assignments include public service announcements,
First Assistant, Second Assistant Location Manager, editorials, interviews, commercials, and other
and other members of the producer’s and director’s forms of studio presentation. Students also receive
teams. Prerequisites: VM 230 or VM 240 and junior instruction in basic studio operations. Prerequisite:
standing. VM 230 or VM 240 or VM 241 or VM 250.
(Semester varies)
VM 339
VM 335 Performance for Radio
Alternative Production Techniques for 4 credits
Filmmaking Combines effective performance and the training
4 credits of the critical ear, with emphasis on the structure
Intermediate-level 16mm production workshop and delivery of messages for auditory media.
in the use of unorthodox, non-computer-driven Students work in various formats, including narrative,
methods and processes for developing and interview, news, music, and creative copy for
producing motion pictures. Provides an overview of performance. Prerequisite: VM 250.
historic methods of formal exploration of the basic
materials of film as a projection medium, including VM 340
camera-less filmmaking, direct animation, and Spec
loop projections, as well as alternative mechanical 1 non-tuition credit
processes such as xerography, hand process, and Student screenwriting group offers weekly writing
alternative camera tools and techniques. Primary workshops for members and nonmembers, holds
emphasis is on creative invention and exploration. annual short script competition, and hosts guest
Prerequisites: VM 231 or VM 240 and junior speakers. Instructor awards credit after term-end
standing. (Semester varies) evaluation. May be repeated for up to 4 credits
for any combination of other 300-level non-tuition
credit course. Offered Pass/Fail and does not count
toward the Visual and Media Arts major. Prerequisite:
permission of instructor.
VM 376 VM 402
Editing for Film and Video Seminar in Media Arts Topics
4 credits 4 credits
Furthers understanding of and ability to work with Examines various topics in media arts in seminar
medium- to long-format post-production processes format, with emphasis on students’ oral and
through editing assignments in film and video, along written presentation of material. May be repeated
with critical examination of completed motion for credit if topics differ. Prerequisites: VM 200
pictures. Prerequisites: VM 230 or VM 240 or VM and senior standing.
241 and junior standing.
VM 403
VM 377 Studies in Digital Media and Culture
Documentary Production Workshop 4 credits
4 credits Examines the dramatic shift in meaning and
Develops skills necessary to produce documentary processes of contemporary communication by
productions in video or film. Covers production investigating the social, artistic, economic, and
processes from story development through all political implications of using digital ways of working.
the production phases. Practical considerations of Topics include the Internet and the web, cyberspace
production are balanced with theoretical debates on and censorship, games, digital film and video,
the legal and ethical responsibilities of those who multimedia and interactivity, virtual reality, person-
document others. Prerequisites: VM 230 or VM 240 machine interfaces, and globalization considerations.
and junior standing. (Spring semester) Prerequisites: VM 200 and junior standing.
VM 445 VM 463
Advanced Video Production Workshop Graphic Design for Digital Media
4 credits 4 credits
Explores the technical skills and the conceptual Explores the fundamentals and aesthetic
framework of production activities such as considerations of design composition (text, image,
camerawork, lighting, audio acquisition, and graphics, motion) and production for digital
production design. Exercises offer opportunities media. Students conduct studies of and complete
to put theory into practice, as well as refine exercises in design and layout for the screen;
and extend practical skills. Prerequisites: visual communication of ideas and concepts in a
VM 240 and junior standing. (Semester varies) non-textual context; screen elements for digital
media art, such as buttons, type, color, and virtual
VM 450 environments; file formats; and digital media
Advanced Sound Design considerations and information flow/sequencing and
4 credits design. Prerequisites: VM 260 and junior standing.
Advanced studies in audio post-production, with (Semester varies)
emphasis on expanding students’ conceptual
framework and refining creative audio post- VM 464
production skills in surround sound mixing and Programming for Digital Media
applications in film, video, and digital media. 4 credits
Prerequisites: VM 350 and junior standing. Instruction in intermediate- to advanced-level
(Semester varies) programming for digital media productions in their
respective authoring languages. Prerequisites:
VM 452 VM 260 and junior standing. (Semester varies)
Art of Noise
4 credits VM 465
Explores the concept of the “avant-garde” not Documentary Photography
as a fading modernist construct, but as a creative 4 credits
tool in contemporary sound art practice. Through Provides the foundation for an intense photographic
examination and modeling of both familiar and investigation of an issue—cultural, political,
obscure works, students cultivate novel strains in ideological, or personal. Develops greater
their creative voices. Investigates issues related to competence in negative making and black-and-white
process (indeterminacy, defamiliarization, stochastic printing, with emphasis on strongly informative
methods, and phase shift) as well as the social images. Assignments require the student to discover
aspects of outsider art, subversion, and provocation. narrative possibilities while creating strong individual
Prerequisites: VM 250 and junior standing. images. The course’s technical components are
(Semester varies)
VM 476 VM 492
Editing for Advanced Film and Video Projects Photo Practicum
4 credits 4 credits
Advanced-level 16mm film and video post- Designed to integrate, enrich, and solidify a
production workshop designed to assist in the student’s photographic skills building on past
editing and completion of students’ advanced-level productions. Emphasis is placed on developing
projects. Technical procedures as well as aesthetic a portfolio representative of a personal vision.
and conceptual issues endemic to post-production of Prerequisites: VM 365 and junior standing.
motion picture projects are examined with an eye to
their practical application to students’ work on their VM 497
projects. Prerequisites: VM 376 and junior standing. Directed Project
(Spring semester) 2 to 4 credits
Special learning opportunities designed for a
VM 490 student to work with a faculty member on a creative
BFA Production Workshop project not available through existing courses. The
8 credits (4 per semester) College cannot guarantee logistical support for
Provides the means for students to produce such projects, and equipment and facilities may
portfolio work. BFA students are required to take need to be procured at student’s expense. No
two consecutive semesters of the workshop, 4 more than 8 credits of any combination of directed
credits per semester. Work may be produced in projects (VM 497), directed studies (VM 498), and
teams, partnerships, or individually. Projects must be internship (VM 499) may be counted toward the
proposed in the semester preceding the semester major. Prerequisites: 3.0 GPA, junior standing, and
in which the work is to be produced (see section permission of instructor and department chair.
on BFA requirements above). Students may also
apply to serve as non-BFA participants for a single VM 498
semester and for 4 credits only, serving as crew Directed Study
members or staff on another student’s project. 2 to 4 credits
Prerequisites: Completion of one specialization-level Special learning opportunities designed for a student
production course, and approval by the faculty BFA to work with a faculty member on a scholarly
committee based on application. project not realizable through existing courses. No
more than 8 credits of any combination of directed
VM 491 projects (VM 497), directed studies (VM 498), and
BA Production Workshop internship (VM 499) may be counted toward the
4 credits major. Prerequisites: VM 200, junior standing, and
Provides opportunity for BA students to produce a 3.0 GPA. The supervising faculty member and the
portfolio work. Work may be in teams, partnerships, department chair must approve proposals prior to
or individually. Students must submit a formal the examination period of the preceding semester.
project proposal by the designated deadline the
preceding semester. Students seeking to serve as
crew members or staff on another student’s project
must also submit an application for admission to
the course instructor by the designated deadline.
VM 552
Advanced Studio Recording
4 credits
Explores the theoretical and technical applications
of multi-effects signal processing, advanced multi-
track mixing, and MIDI sequencing. Students apply
the semester’s evolving topics to the production
and development of one major creative project
integrating musical and sound art composition
elements of differing styles, lengths, and levels of
complexity. Prerequisite: VM 352. (Semester varies)
VM 555
Recording Industry as a Business
4 credits
Explores the ways sound entertainment and
information products are developed, produced,
and marketed. Examines market analysis principles
and legal requirements and structure, including
licensing agreements, contracts, and copyright; along
with the examination of revenue issues such as
royalties, record sales, product endorsements; and
cost-centered issues such as promotion, advertising,
and touring. Prerequisites: VM 101 and VM 120.
(Fall semester)
VM 578
Advanced Cinematography and Videography
4 credits
Advanced-level exploration of aesthetics, technology,
and craft of cinematography and videography.
Students gain a working knowledge of the
advanced level of cameras in the department, and
are expected to develop complex lighting and
shot designs. Emphasis is on aesthetic use of the
technical elements of motion picture acquisition.
Includes significant collaboration with other courses
in the curriculum including BFA and BA Production
Workshop. Prerequisite: VM 378. (Semester varies)
Professors Gonzalez, Henry, Medina, Painter, and experts in the field. It also offers courses in
Schwartz, Skoyles, Tobin, Trimbur, and Yarbrough literature, French, and Spanish, designed to produce
(Acting Chair); Associate Professors Aaron, Diercks, graduates whose specializations are enriched by a
Donoghue, Emblidge, Fast, Koundoura, Reiken, broad interdisciplinary understanding of the history
Seglin, Treadway, Walker, Walters, and Whynott; of their chosen genres and what it means to write
Assistant Professors Asim, Chang, Kamada, Marshall, and communicate today in a global community. The
McLarin, and Yoshikawa; Distinguished Writers-in- Department is also dedicated to providing courses in
Residence Flook, Livesey, and Mazur; Distinguished expository writing that develop basic skills in writing
Publisher-in-Residence Randolph; Publisher/Writer- and critical thinking for all students at the College.
in-Residence Beuttler; Publisher/Editor-in-Residence
Weaver; Publisher-in-Residence Lombardo; Electronic Programs
Publisher-in-Residence Rodzvilla; Writers-in-
Residence Brooks, Casson, Haines, Hoffman, Orem, The programs of the Department of Writing, Literature
and Papernick; Lecturers Himmer, Marko, Parfitt, and Publishing are designed to prepare students for
and Strauss. a wide range of professional careers and for personal
creative development and fulfillment; they also have
The Department of Writing, Literature and Publishing pre-professional value for those intending to pursue
is dedicated to developing the skills of students graduate education. Undergraduate students may
who are training to become poets, writers of fiction pursue the BA or the BFA degrees with a major in
and nonfiction, planning to enter the publishing WLP. Graduate students may pursue the MFA degree
industry, or preparing to go on to graduate level in Creative Writing or the MA degree in Publishing
study. To that end it offers courses and workshops and Writing.
in each of these areas taught by published authors
In addition to their workshops at the 200, 300, and The Emerson Review
400 level, BFA students interested in concentrating The Emerson Review is an annual undergraduate
in a specific genre take a substantial number of literary publication that features fiction, poetry,
literature and writing courses in that genre. Therefore, interviews, and photo essays. The Emerson Review
it is strongly advised that fiction students take staff is a dedicated and eclectic mix of students of
LI 308 The Art of Fiction, as well as a choice of LI all ages and majors who are devoted to putting
fiction-based courses selected from, but not limited together a publication of the highest quality.
to, those listed under the Fiction Minor. Nonfiction
students should take LI 303 The Art of Nonfiction, as Gangsters in Concrete
well as a choice of LI nonfiction-based courses such Gangsters in Concrete is produced annually by
as those offered under LI 487 Topics in Nonfiction. the undergraduates of Emerson College. GIC is
Poetry students should take LI 307 The Art of entirely student-run and features poetry, prose, and
Poetry, as well as a choice of poetry-based courses, photography by Emerson College undergraduates.
particularly those listed under the Poetry Minor.
Gauge
Policies Since 2001, Gauge has been pushing the limits of
the magazine format. Focused on innovative design
Class Enrollment Policy and content, the award-winning glossy features
photography, poetry, fiction, and nonfiction that are
Any student enrolled in a course in the Writing, important and impactful to the Emerson community.
Literature and Publishing Department who does not Theme and design of the magazine change each
attend class during the first four class hours, and semester.
who has not made prior arrangements with the
instructor, may be dropped from the class, and that Stork
place may be taken by another student. This action Recognized as co-curricular in 2010, Stork is an
takes place at the instructor’s discretion regardless annual fiction journal dedicated to demystifying the
of prior registration of the student for the course publishing process and improving student writing.
in question. Students dropped from a class for this Stork is founded on the idea of communication
reason will be re-admitted only with the approval of between editor and writer and provides an outlet for
the course instructor. budding writers to take their work to the next level.
Publishing Minor The student may also substitute topics courses such
as LI 421 when they explicitly focus on poetry. The
At least 16 credit hours in a sequence of publishing writing courses must be numbered 200 or above,
courses that includes four courses from the selected from the following:
following:
WR 212 Introduction to
PB 207 Introduction to Magazine Creative Writing (Poetry)
Writing WR 312 Intermediate Creative Writing
PB 302 Copyediting (Poetry)
PB 307 Intermediate Magazine WR 405 Advanced Seminar Workshop
Writing in Poetry
PB 380 Magazine Publishing
Overview Fiction Minor
PB 383 Book Publishing Overview
PB 395 Applications for Print At least 16 credits, including both literature and
Publishing writing courses, devoted to fiction. The literature
courses must be numbered 300 or above; the writing
WR 407 WR 490
Advanced Seminar Workshop in Fiction Senior Creative Thesis (All Genres)
4 credits 4 credits
Extensive fiction writing of short stories and/or Required of all BFA majors: During the final semester
novels coupled with in-class reading for criticism and of his/her senior year, each student produces an
the craft of fiction. May be repeated once for credit. extended literary work: several short stories, a group
Prerequisites: WR 311 and junior standing. of poems, a short novel, a nonfiction narrative, a
piece of investigative journalism, a play, or a film
WR 415 script. Each student works independently, but
Advanced Seminar Workshop in Nonfiction consults regularly with an advisor to evaluate and
4 credits revise the work-in-progress. The final manuscript
Advanced writing workshop in various nonfiction measures and represents the student’s abilities and
forms, such as memoir, travel writing, literary his/her commitment to a serious creative endeavor.
journalism, or other narrative nonfiction writing. At the time students write their BFA thesis, they shall
Students will already have completed at least one
nonfiction workshop, have a project in development,
LF 101
Elementary French I
4 credits
Stresses mastery of essential vocabulary and primary
grammatical structures through a situational
approach. Students perceive that language is
“living” and they discover by the third week of
Professor Kempler (Chair); Associate Professors department is dedicated to fostering among its
Bajaj, Bartlett, Edgar, Jagaroo, and Satake; Assistant students appreciation of and respect for the diversity
Professors Fusté-Herrmann, Grossman, McLaughlin- of human cultures along with the relevance of this
Volpe, Oswald, Parker, Vashlishan-Murray, and diversity to the department’s fields of study.
Volkman; Scientist-in-Residence Honea; Scholar-in-
Residence McBride; Faculty-in-Residence Morgan; Programs
Clinical Instructors Cayer-Meade, Connors, Glufling-
Tham, Lindsay, Lipschultz, Micucci, Rimshaw, and The purpose of the undergraduate degree program
Thau; Developmental Specialists Aron and Brown. in Communication Disorders is to provide students
with intensive academic preparation in the basic
The Department of Communication Sciences human communication processes. This preparation
and Disorders is committed to leadership and includes courses related to normal aspects of speech,
excellence in its education of Emerson students. language, and hearing; the anatomical structures
The department encompasses the baccalaureate, and scientific bases of speech production; American
master’s, and doctoral degree programs in Sign Language; and instruction in scientific principles
Communication Disorders; the master’s program and the variety of disorders of speech, language,
in Health Communication; as well as the academic and hearing. In addition, students will be guided
disciplines of Mathematics, Science, Psychology, to take appropriate courses in math, psychology,
and American Sign Language. Education in all and the sciences, which satisfy both the General
these disciplines is designed to emphasize logical Education requirements of the College and the
thinking, rational inquiry, ethical behavior, and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s
application of relevant technologies in the context standards. The undergraduate degree program is
of the highest standards of academic integrity. The designed to prepare students for eventual graduate
study in speech-language pathology, audiology, or
HC 400
Health Communication Campaigns
4 credits
“Just say No.” “This is your brain on drugs.” “Live
Strong.” “Race for the Cure.” Health campaigns
SC 390
Advanced Topics in Science
4 credits
Features special offerings in science focused on
theoretical perspectives, methodological approaches,
contemporary questions in human biology and
environmental science, and interdisciplinary issues
involving science and other fields. Material is
presented and discussed at an advanced level,
assuming students have some knowledge and
understanding of the scientific method. Course may
be repeated for credit if topics vary. Prerequisite:
junior standing. (Semester varies)
SC 498
Directed Study in Science
2 or 4 credits
Students select an area of special interest, prepare
a bibliography and program of study, and make
arrangements for regular meetings with the
instructor. Prerequisites: 3.0 GPA and permission of
instructor and department chair.
Professors Glenn and West (Chair); Associate in both contexts. The curriculum helps students
Professors Anderson, Baeten, Binkley, Hollingworth, develop the leadership skills needed to make
Muchnik, Payne, and Weiler; Assistant Professors a difference in contemporary society. Students
Gallant, Hosek, Srinivas, and Stark; Visiting Assistant also learn how Internet-based information and
Professor Cooke-Jackson; Scholars-in-Residence communication technologies impact communication
Edelstein and Torrence; Lecturers Buckley, Erickson, in varying contexts. Rooted in the humanities and
Huddy, Johnson, and Vietzke. social sciences and in the mastery of speaking
and writing skills, our major programs balance a
Excellence in communication contributes to success solid grounding in theory with practical training in
in all aspects of personal, professional, and civic life. specific professional skills. In addition to class work,
The Department of Communication Studies is home students may pursue internships that help develop
to majors that are designed for students who plan and apply their knowledge in the work environment.
to work in the public, private, or nonprofit sector Most courses take place at the Boston campus, but
as ethical, effective communication professionals. students can do coursework and internships in a
Students concentrate on the intersection among variety of locations, including Washington and Los
communication theory, research, and practice in Angeles.
a variety of environments, including management,
sales, political campaigns, government, human The Department of Communication Studies is
services, and corporate public affairs. Students committed to ensuring that all Emerson students
learn the value of communication in both the develop deliberative communication skills that reflect
profit and nonprofit arenas and are encouraged to the oral tradition of the College and prepare them
work toward a more thoughtful understanding of for leadership in a global environment. Students
the role of social advocacy and civic engagement learn to research points of view competently,
CC 323 CC 345
Discussion Facilitation: Conversations on Race Public Affairs Matrix: Media, Politics, and
1 non-tuition credit Advocacy
Training for participation in and co-facilitation of 4 credits
Campus Conversations on Race (CCOR). CC 323 A (0 Advanced study of interplay of media, politics, policy,
credits) involves training to lead workshops. CC 323 and advocacy. Through historical and contemporary
B (1 credit) involves leading workshops and may be case studies and research examine variety of
repeated once for a total of 2 credits. Recommended constituencies affecting politics and public policy and
prerequisite or co-requisite: CC 266. role the media play in political, public policy, and
advocacy debates. Propaganda definition and role
CC 330 in affecting public opinion. Relationship between
Management and Communication communicator, media, and key constituencies with
4 credits focus on ethical, effective use of public affairs.
Introduction to fundamental principles of Prerequisites: CC 200 and CC 263. (Semester varies)
management in profit, nonprofit, and government
settings. Special emphasis on humanistic and CC 357
systems approaches, communication skills and Leadership
theory, and national and global trends. Sample 4 credits
topics include planning, organizing, staffing, decision Theory and practice of effective ethical leadership in
making, and leading. Case method is applied. contemporary political and organizational settings;
Prerequisite: sophomore standing. theories for organizing and motivating people; cross-
cultural applications; and issues of diversity and
Professors Gup (Chair) and Paraschos; Associate of understanding of the world in which they live and
Professors Della-Giustina, Kolodzy, Lanson, and work and the curiosity to learn more about it.
Robins; Assistant Professors Brown, House, Leccese,
and Niwa; Journalists-in-Residence Riley and Struck; Students will learn by studying in the classroom and
Leader-in-Residence Simpson; and Historian-in- by working in the field. The faculty is dedicated to
Residence Verter. producing graduates who leave the college with
both an understanding of the role of journalism in
The Department of Journalism is committed to society and a professional portfolio demonstrating
educating journalists who can bring intelligence and their skills.
context to the complex issues facing our diverse
world. Its faculty members are dedicated to molding Those majoring in journalism will master their craft
ethical journalists capable of developing original with text, audio, video, and the web. Recognizing an
and significant stories. Our graduates will report, industry trend toward cooperation and teamwork
synthesize, analyze, write, and broadcast the news among print, broadcast, and online newsrooms,
in ways that increase public understanding and the department requires students to take an
awareness. integrated core curriculum. This exposes them to
ways in which all media are converging and new
Programs media are redefining the concepts and delivery of
news. In addition to teaching journalistic skills, the
The department has designed a curriculum that weds curriculum examines the historical development
theory and practice, criticism and application, and of contemporary mass media; the legal, ethical,
a liberal arts foundation with rigorous professional and cultural framework within which journalists
training. Its students will complete a broad-based operate; and the impact of new technologies on the
core of liberal arts courses to give them a foundation professional and business climate of news.
Journalism 169
The faculty of the undergraduate degree program in All Journalism majors must complete the following
Journalism is committed to the following learning four core courses:
objectives:
JR 101 Discovering Journalism
1. Students will understand and be able to apply First JR 102 Foundations of Journalism
Amendment principles, including freedom of speech JR 103 The Digital Journalist
and press, and the right to dissent, to monitor and JR 290 Journalism Law and Ethics
criticize power, and to assemble and petition for
redress of grievances. Students majoring in Print and Multimedia
2. Students will develop an understanding of the Journalism must also complete: JR 204 Print:
history and role of journalism in a democratic society. Covering the Day’s News, JR 304 Print: Beat
3. Students will understand and apply professional Reporting, JR 404 News Editing and Design, and
ethical principles in pursuit of truth, accuracy, and one of two culminating “capstone” courses, JR 590
fairness; and understand contemporary challenges to Online Publishing or JR 592 Public Affairs Reporting.
those journalistic principles. In addition, students must take a total of 12 credit
4. Students will be able to gather and analyze hours in departmental electives. At least four of these
information accurately, efficiently, and intelligently, hours must be in a craft- or skills-based elective, and
and to present it compellingly in an increasingly at least four must be in a conceptual or lecture-/
visual and technological world. discussion-based elective.
5. Students will be able to think critically and to
write about events and issues clearly, succinctly, and Print and Multimedia craft electives include: JR 205,
in context. JR 364, JR 408, JR 452, JR 460, JR 462, JR 497,
6. Students will be able to write, revise, produce, and JR 498, JR 499, JR 562, and JR 595.
craft a story effectively.
7. Students will develop a respect for diversity and Conceptual electives may include: JR 364, JR 485,
individuality so their reporting will reflect a society of JR 555, JR 570, JR 571, JR 574, and JR 585.
varied lifestyles and cultures.
Students majoring in Broadcast Journalism must also
Students pursuing a major in Journalism must complete: JR 205 Broadcast Journalism,
complete 44 credits in Journalism plus 8 additional JR 305 Radio Producing, JR 418 Television News
credits in U.S. Government and Politics, and Producing, JR 419 ENG/TV News Reporting, and one
Professional Voice and Speech or Argument and of three capstone courses, JR 590 Online Publishing,
Advocacy. JR 591 Broadcast Journalism Practicum, or JR 592
Public Affairs Reporting. In addition, students must
Degree Requirements for Bachelor of take 8 credit hours in departmental electives.
Science in Journalism
Broadcast Journalism electives may include:
All majors in the Department of Journalism are JR 304, JR 364, JR 408, JR 452, JR 460, JR 462,
required to take PL 225 U.S. Government and JR 485, JR 497, JR 498, JR 499, JR 555, JR 561,
Politics. Journalism students must also complete one JR 562, JR 570, JR 571, JR 574, JR 585, and JR 595.
additional oral communication course to the College-
wide requirement. Broadcast Journalism majors
are required to take CC 265 Professional Voice and
Speech. Print Journalism majors are required to take
CC 263 Argument and Advocacy.
170 Journalism
Suggested Sequence of Courses for Senior Year
Undergraduate Majors JR 590 Online Publishing
JR 591 Broadcast Journalism
Print and Multimedia Journalism Sequence Practicum
or
Freshman Year JR 592 Public Affairs Reporting
JR 101 Discovering Journalism One Journalism elective
JR 102 Foundations of Journalism
JR 103 The Digital Journalist Policies
Sophomore Year All incoming Journalism students will be tested
JR 204 Print: Covering the Day’s News during Orientation to ensure they have the
JR 290 Journalism Law and Ethics necessary foundational knowledge in grammar and
JR 304 Print: Beat Reporting government required for journalistic competence. If a
student scores below 65 percent on the test, he/she
Junior Year will be required to attend refresher workshops. He/
JR 404 News Editing and Design she must then retake and pass the test before being
JR 408 Interactive News able to register for JR 102.
(required for JR 590 capstone)
or Co-Curricular Activities
One Journalism elective
Students are encouraged to participate in campus
Senior Year and professional media through co-curricular
JR 590 Online Publishing activities and internships. Among those outlets
or available on the Emerson campus are the school
JR 592 Public Affairs Reporting newspaper, The Berkeley Beacon; and the news
Two Journalism electives programs of WECB (AM), WERS (FM), WEBN, and
Emerson Independent Video. Students educated in
Broadcast Journalism Sequence journalism have found careers in television and radio
news, newspapers, online news sites, magazines,
Freshman Year newsletters, nonprofit public relations, government
JR 101 Discovering Journalism public information, and corporate business
JR 102 Foundations of Journalism communication.
JR 103 The Digital Journalist
Minor Programs
Sophomore Year
JR 205 Broadcast Journalism The Department of Journalism offers students
JR 290 Journalism Law and Ethics majoring in other programs of the College the
JR 305 Radio Producing opportunity to pursue a minor in Journalism. A minor
requires a minimum of 16 credits and students may
Junior Year use up to 8 credits from the General Education
JR 418 TV News Producing requirements toward a minor.
JR 419 ENG/TV News Reporting
One Journalism elective Journalism Minor
Journalism 171
JR 103 The Digital Journalist JR 102
Foundations of Journalism
One of the following courses: 4 credits
JR 204 Print: Covering the Day’s News Appraise and apply the fundamentals of news
JR 205 Broadcast Journalism reporting and writing. Cover stories in the Greater
JR 290 Journalism Law and Ethics Boston community. Learn how to develop story
JR 485 Journalism Topics ideas, define the focus, and identify and evaluate
JR 570 Global Journalism sources. Examine and implement reporting strategies
JR 571 Newsroom Management for print, broadcast, and online news stories.
JR 574 The Press and Propaganda Incorporate journalistic standards and practices in all
JR 585 Journalism Topics newsgathering and news story presentation. Write
and organize basic news stories with skill, accuracy,
History Minor and clarity. Develop a disciplined use of form and
style in news writing. Co-requisite: JR 101.
HI 102 Western Civilization and
Culture JR 103
or The Digital Journalist
HI 200 Contemporary World History 4 credits
Three other History courses Use audio and visual media to tell news stories.
Examine modern media, analyze still and moving
Political Science Minor images, sound, and best web practices. Learn how
to use photography, videography, and audio to tell
PL 225 U.S. Government and Politics compelling stories. Develop and report multimedia
Three other Political stories in and around Boston. Discuss image and
Science courses sound manipulation and other ethical challenges in
the digital age. Prerequisites: JR 101 and JR 102.
Journalism Courses
JR 204
JR 101 Print: Covering the Day’s News
Discovering Journalism 4 credits
4 credits Develop skills needed to report and write basic
Understand how journalism has changed America print stories on deadline. Learn the fundamentals of
and the world. Consider the role of journalism as a writing for a print medium with significant critique of
public service in a democratic society. Read, view, story organization, leads, attribution, and style. Write
and listen to the finest and most influential stories. and report on a variety of events in the city and on
Chart the news in U.S. history, from the American the Emerson campus. Prerequisite: JR 103.
Revolution to today’s digital revolution. Analyze and
understand how print, broadcast, and online news JR 205
have evolved. Examine media from other parts of Broadcast Journalism
the world. Explore ethical issues confronting the 4 credits
contemporary journalist. Develop knowledge of the Develop and sharpen skills in writing for radio and
First Amendment principles. TV news. Begin basics of radio beat reporting and
develop interviewing skills for broadcast media.
Evaluate newscasts and learn to produce them.
Prerequisite: JR 102.
172 Journalism
JR 290 JR 347
Journalism Law and Ethics WEBN
4 credits 1 non-tuition credit
Examine the American legal system and its Participate in workshops and post-production
relationship to the press. Gain an understanding of critique and evaluation of reporter packages,
journalists’ rights and ethical responsibilities. Study newscasts, sportscasts, and special programs for
case law that sets legal limits for journalists. Examine WEBN, the weekly programming of the campus
ethical decision-making in gray areas. Understand chapter of the Radio-Television News Directors
basic structure and processes of federal and state Association. Credit is awarded at the end of the
courts. Prerequisite: JR 101. semester following an evaluation by the instructor.
May be repeated up to 4 credits. Course is offered
JR 304 Pass/Fail. Does not count toward Broadcast
Print: Beat Reporting Journalism major. Prerequisite: permission of
4 credits instructor.
Enhance and hone skills needed to develop news
in a specific geographic or subject “beat” area and JR 364
to report and write/produce those stories in forms Specialized Reporting
suitable for print and online news audiences. Explore 4 credits
the means of finding, developing, and reporting Develop background knowledge, understanding,
original “enterprise” stories, and of writing them and expertise in a specialized area of journalism.
using a variety of story structures. Should publish Topics vary from semester and year and may
stories via Journalism Students’ Online News Service, include computer-assisted reporting, sports
community newspapers, and The Berkeley Beacon. reporting, political reporting, investigative
Prerequisite: JR 204 or JR 205. reporting, environmental reporting, and business
reporting. May be repeated for credit if topics differ.
JR 305 Prerequisite: JR 204 or JR 205.
Radio Producing
4 credits JR 404
Produce, write, and anchor radio newscasts on News Editing and Design
deadline, building them, in part, on original 4 credits
reporting. Conduct in-depth analyses of writing, Develop and practice the craft of editing: refining
story selection, agenda setting, and the gate-keeping news copy and choosing how and where it will run
processes. Develop skills in formatting and timing, in a newspaper or on a website. Learn to edit stories
including sound for radio newscasts. Prerequisite: for content, structure, word usage, and story flow.
JR 205. Write headlines and design pages. Explore issues of
style, bias, stereotyping, fairness, and taste. Learn
JR 346 appropriate software needed to design pages.
The Berkeley Beacon Laboratory Prerequisite: JR 304.
1 non-tuition credit
Participate in workshops and post-production JR 408
critique and evaluation of specified reporting and Interactive News
editing assignments on the College newspaper, The 4 credits
Berkeley Beacon. Credit is awarded at the end of the Understand and learn reporting, writing, and
semester following an evaluation by the instructor. producing online news. Explore, evaluate, and
May be repeated up to 4 credits. Course is offered analyze “best practices” of online news publications,
Pass/Fail. Does not count toward the Print Journalism online technologies, and their use in digital
major. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
Journalism 173
storytelling and delivery of breaking news. Configure interviewing in-depth, improving observation, and
and maintain a blog to critique news sites. Learn to storytelling. Analyze and apply a variety of feature
work in a team or individual environment to produce writing approaches, from the personal essay to the
basic multimedia stories. Prerequisite: JR 204 or dramatic narrative. Prerequisite: JR 204 or JR 205.
JR 205. Required junior year for students taking the (Fall semester)
Online Publishing (JR 590) capstone.
(Spring semester) JR 462
Photojournalism
JR 418 4 credits
TV News Producing Explore photography as a journalistic storytelling
4 credits medium by learning how to communicate news
Experience deadline-driven television newsroom visually in a variety of situations. Develop skills such
operations by producing newscasts and rotating as shooting pictures on deadline, writing concise and
through newsroom jobs such as tape editor, writer, compelling cutlines, and editing for impact. Through
producer, anchor, reporter, and videographer. Write historical and contemporary examples, learn about
news scripts, edit video to tell a news story, organize the power of photojournalism to document, inform,
and produce a newscast, coordinate video elements entertain, persuade, and provoke emotion. Examine
for a newscast, and work together as a broadcast the ethical and legal challenges of photojournalism.
news team. Prerequisite: JR 305. Prerequisite: JR 204 or JR 205. (Semester varies)
JR 419 JR 482
ENG/TV News Reporting The Berkeley Beacon Management
4 credits 4 credits
Work in the field to research, shoot, write, and Available only to students appointed to top editorial
edit video news stories. Develop reporting and positions at The Berkeley Beacon newspaper. Does
interviewing skills, visual acuity, writing for the eye not apply to the Journalism major. Assignments
and ear, and general TV performance abilities. Learn include journal writing, critiques of the paper,
and utilize the technical aspects of ENG shooting and discussions of problems in management.
and editing. Prerequisites: JR 305 and Prerequisite: appointment to the position of editor or
JR 418. Can be taken concurrently with JR 418. managing editor.
JR 452 JR 485
Review and Editorial Writing Journalism Topics
4 credits 4 credits
Explore and understand the content and approach Develop background knowledge, understanding, and
of expository writing styles used in reviews and expertise in a specialized area of journalism. Topics
editorials. Write and publish a variety of reviews, vary from semester and year and explore various
editorials, and pieces of criticism. Prerequisite: aspects of journalism theory and practice. This is
JR 204 or JR 205. (Semester varies) reserved for courses being introduced on a one-time
or developmental basis. May be repeated for credit
JR 460 if topics differ. Prerequisites: junior standing and
Feature Writing courses vary with topic. (Semester varies)
4 credits
Research, organize, write, and market feature articles
for publication in newspapers and magazines.
Develop techniques for finding and focusing stories,
174 Journalism
JR 497 participate in the Internship Experience Workshop
Directed Project offered through Career Services prior to the start
2 or 4 credits of the internship, and should consult the Academic
Participate in special learning opportunities designed Calendar for registration deadlines. Students who
to work closely with a faculty member on a creative wish to participate in an internship in the Los
project not realizable through existing courses. The Angeles, California, area must be enrolled in the
College cannot guarantee logistical support for such Emerson Los Angeles Program.
projects, and equipment and facilities may need to
be procured at the student’s expense. Prerequisites: Senior standing is required for all 500-level
satisfactory completion of the first two skills courses courses.
in either the print or broadcast journalism sequence,
3.0 GPA, and permission of instructor and chair. JR 555
Reporting Issues of Diversity
JR 498 4 credits
Directed Study Develop knowledge and critical thinking skills to
2 or 4 credits function and thrive as a journalist in America’s
Participate in special learning opportunities designed culturally diverse society. Analyze media coverage of
to work closely with a faculty member on a scholarly a wide spectrum of underrepresented groups, and
project. Prerequisites: 3.0 GPA and permission of challenge personal and societal stereotypes. Learn
instructor and chair. from guest speakers, readings, and videos about
the realities of different groups as well the job of
JR 499 journalists trying to cover them. Fulfills the General
Internship Education U.S. Diversity requirement. Prerequisite:
4 or 8 credits JR 204 or JR 205. (Spring semester)
Students may only apply 4 internship credits toward
the Journalism major. Internships, typically at a radio JR 561
station, TV station, newspaper, magazine, or online TV News Magazine and Documentary
news site, must be journalistic in nature and must be 4 credits
cleared in advance by the department’s internship Take a behind-the-scenes look at TV news magazines
coordinator. Students are supervised by an approved and documentaries with a focus on research,
full-time employee of the organization at which they reporting, and production techniques. Explore how
work and by the internship coordinator. Students are to put together longer-form stories from the initial
required to keep a journal of their activities, to meet pitch to the final product. Examine the importance
with the internship coordinator and other interns at of character development and dramatic storytelling.
least three times a semester, and to complete other Understand effective management practices
tasks assigned by the department. Prerequisites: from controlling budgets to directing personnel.
junior or senior standing, a grade point average of Prerequisite: JR 419. (Semester varies)
2.7 or above, a recommendation from a journalism
instructor, and completion of JR 304 or JR 305. JR 562
A 4-credit internship requires 16 hours a week The Magazine
over a 12-week period and an 8-credit internship 4 credits
requires 32 hours a week over a 12-week period. Learn about the magazine as a journalistic form.
No more than 8 credits of internship and no more Originate, research, and write articles; and attempt
than 12 credits of any combination of internship, to market them to professional outlets. Critique the
directed project, and directed study may be applied magazine industry, from analyzing editorial decisions
to the total graduation requirements. Students must to understanding the importance of niche and
audience. Prerequisite: JR 460. (Semester varies)
Journalism 175
JR 570 JR 590
Global Journalism Online Publishing
4 credits 4 credits
Understand the mass media in other countries. What Create a series of multimedia stories for a personal
are they like? What are their differing philosophies? portfolio of online journalistic work. Learn advanced
How do their practices differ? Examine concepts tools for creating interactive stories to produce
of press freedom, media conglomeration and immersive journalistic stories. Use text, video,
globalization, and the use and impact of new media audio, and photos to produce journalistic stories
technologies. Go online to communicate with that are difficult to tell in print or broadcast alone.
other journalists around the world and to monitor Prerequisite: JR 408.
international news and issues. Fulfills the General
Education Global Diversity requirement. JR 591
(Semester varies) Broadcast Journalism Practicum
4 credits
JR 571 Refine and further develop ENG or producing skills at
Newsroom Management an advanced level with the goal of putting together a
4 credits professional portfolio by semester’s end. In addition
Two approaches may be offered. One focuses on to completing a body of work, students are expected
the range of issues faced by media managers. to engage in in-depth research and critical analysis.
Examine operations, personnel recruiting, training Prerequisite: JR 419.
and evaluation, newsroom skills development,
ratings, budget control, use of new technologies, and JR 592
planning. The other focuses more directly on women Public Affairs Reporting
and media management and involves conducting 4 credits
case studies and developing career strategies and Explore and tackle the challenges of depth
leader profiles. (Semester varies) reporting about issues of government and civic life.
Prepare print, online, or radio news reports related
JR 574 to Massachusetts state government and local
The Press and Propaganda municipal government for outlets throughout the
4 credits state, culminating in a portfolio of best work. Gain
Examine the history of propaganda and its some expertise in the workings of state and city
relationship to journalism. Look at propaganda government through readings, trips, and lectures.
during war, in political campaigns, and in coverage of Prerequisite: JR 404 or JR 419.
business and entertainment. (Semester varies)
JR 595
JR 585 Multimedia Journalism Practicum
Journalism Topics 4 credits
4 credits Learn to produce all facets of the Journalism
Develop background knowledge and expertise in Students’ Online News Service (JSONS). Use the city
a specialized area of journalism. Topics vary from and the College as a news laboratory to write news
semester and year and explore various aspects of in text form and produce audio and video news
journalism theory and practice. Course category is stories. Work as editors to process the news for
reserved for courses being introduced on a one-time the daily news site. Work individually and in teams,
or developmental basis. May be repeated for credit if utilizing state-of-the-art Internet-ready equipment to
topics differ. Prerequisites vary with topic. Designated produce journalism in a “newsroom without walls”
for seniors and graduate students only. environment. (Semester varies)
(Semester varies)
176 Journalism
History Courses and analyze the ways in which these movements
fostered a conservative response late in the
HI 102 century. Explore history in the context of the ideals
Western Civilization and Culture of democratic liberalism, the emerging power of
4 credits corporate capitalism, and the modern conservative
Study the rise of civilization from its beginnings political coalition. Study historical texts and a variety
in the Neolithic Revolution through the classical of cultural sources (literature, films, photographs,
empires, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and the songs, and museum exhibitions). Fulfills the Historical
hegemony of European and American civilization Perspective and the General Education U.S. Diversity
throughout the world. Explore in greater detail the requirements. (Semester varies)
influence of Judaism and Christianity in this process.
Fulfills the Historical Perspective of the General HI 204
Education requirements. (Semester varies) Islam in the World
4 credits
HI 200 Pursue an interdisciplinary study of the origins
Contemporary World History of Islam and the role of Mohammed, the global
4 credits expansion of the faith, the theology and thought of
Integrate the political, social, intellectual, literary, the Koran and Moslem traditions, and forms of art
and artistic aspects of the 20th-century landscape and architecture generated by the teachings of the
in examining such major themes as nationalism and prophet. Explore the impact of the renewal of Islam
the disintegration of empires; war and revolution; and its increasing role in the modern world. Fulfills
anti-colonial movements in Asia, Africa, and Latin the Historical Perspective and the General Education
America; and the efforts to construct a new world Global Diversity requirements. (Semester varies)
order. Fulfills the Historical Perspective of the General
Education requirements. (Semester varies) HI 205
History of England
HI 201 4 credits
Non-Western World History Study the history of England from the Norman
4 credits Conquest through the 20th century. Focus on
Examine history in a variety of non-Western contexts. understanding the personalities of the rulers, the
The content will vary based upon the non-Western rise of parliamentary government, the interaction
context selected for the semester. Students will focus of England and other European nations, and the
upon historical events and the impact of these events rise and decline of the British Empire. Included are
for civilization in Asian, African, or Middle Eastern discussions of how Shakespeare and Hollywood have
contexts. Fulfills the Historical Perspective and the depicted and often distorted English history. Fulfills
General Education Global Diversity requirements. the Historical Perspective of the General Education
(Semester varies) requirements. (Semester varies)
HI 203 HI 208
Social Movements in the U.S. The World Since 1914
4 credits 4 credits
Examine political movements of industrial and Explore and develop an understanding of modern
agricultural workers, the unemployed, and the poor history by focusing on an examination of the Russian
to gain power and economic rights since the Great Revolution, Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, the origins
Depression. Chronicle movements that shaped the and events of World War II, the Cold War, and the
policies of the New Deal and the Great Society, Vietnam War. Fulfills the Historical Perspective of the
General Education requirements. (Semester varies)
Journalism 177
HI 211 HI 498
African-American History Directed Study in History
4 credits 2 or 4 credits
Survey sub-Saharan history of the pre-colonial era, Conduct individual projects planned in collaboration
and the history of African Americans from the slave with the instructor to meet students’ specific
trade through the Civil War to the present. Fulfills interests within history. Prerequisites: 3.0 GPA and
the Historical Perspective of the General Education permission of instructor and department chair.
requirements. (Semester varies)
Political Science Courses
HI 220
Russian and Soviet History PL 225
4 credits U.S. Government and Politics
Survey Russian history from the 9th century to the 4 credits
present. Emphasis is placed on the growth and Develop knowledge and understanding about the
development of Muscovite and Imperial Russia; American political system including national, state,
the revolution of revolutionary thought and action; and local government. Examine constitutional
the nature of Russian communism; the significance foundations, citizenship, civil liberties, public opinion,
of the Bolshevik Revolution; and the growth, political parties, the electoral system, and the
collapse, and aftermath of the Soviet state. Fulfills legislative process as well as the judicial history of
the Historical Perspective of the General Education these issues. Fulfills the Historical Perspective of the
requirements. Offered at Kasteel Well only. General Education requirements. (Semester varies)
(Semester varies)
PL 231
HI 223 Personality, Power, and Politics
Renaissance and Reformation Thought 4 credits
4 credits Study historical personalities (such as Napoleon,
Explore the creativity of the Renaissance and Bismarck, Lenin, Hitler, Gandhi, Mao, Mandela, and
Reformation through the new ideas of the great Gorbachev) whose political ideas have contributed
thinkers of the period, including the Italian to the contemporary debate concerning the origins
Humanists Petrarch and Machiavelli, and the of the modern world. Learn about leadership
Protestant Reformers Luther and Calvin. Fulfills concepts, models, and techniques, as they apply
the Historical Perspective of the General Education to the formation of mass political movements.
requirements. Offered at Kasteel Well only. Examine films, journalistic accounts, and historical
(Semester varies) commentary for an interdisciplinary approach to
the study of political issues and events. Fulfills the
HI 235 Social and Psychological Perspective of the General
History of the United States Education requirements. (Semester varies)
4 credits
Study the history of the United States from its PL 240
colonial beginnings to the present, focusing on the Communication, Politics, and Law
Civil War and its consequences. Fulfills the Historical 4 credits
Perspective of the General Education requirements. Develop an interdisciplinary understanding of the
(Semester varies) political–legal communication field with emphasis
on the U.S. Constitution and the legal system as well
as constructing and communicating political-legal
arguments. Fulfills the Historical Perspective of the
General Education requirements. (Semester varies)
178 Journalism
PL 300 PL 334
Campaigns and Elections Development of the U.S. Welfare State
4 credits 4 credits
Use theoretical and empirical analysis to learn about Examine how Americans have cared for themselves
the ways Americans elect their leaders. Examine and others in times of need. Take a long view,
several themes such as electoral systems, political starting with the Puritans, at the debate in America
parties, primary and general elections, the role of as to the proper way to deal with epidemics, poverty,
money, and the role of the media as they relate to old age, infirmity, and unemployment. Explore
the American system of campaigns and elections. causation, focusing heavily not simply on what has
Fulfills Social and Psychological Perspective of the existed, but more importantly, why. Develop and
General Education requirements. (Semester varies) use analytical tools needed to understand American
social policy and the welfare state. Fulfills Historical
PL 328 Perspective and the General Education U.S. Diversity
Political Thought requirements. (Semester varies)
4 credits
Analyze the evolution of political theory from early PL 498
Greece to the present. Study the formation of the Directed Study in Political Science
Western political tradition and the relationship of 2 or 4 credits
political theory to the development of absolutism, Conduct individual projects planned in collaboration
constitutional monarchy, liberal democracy, and with the instructor to meet students’ specific
socialism. Understand the issues of idealism and interests within political science. Prerequisites:
realism in political thought, individual rights versus 3.0 GPA and permission of instructor and
the needs of the collective, and the relation of these department chair.
considerations to the emergence of totalitarian
political ideologies. Fulfills Ethics and Values
Perspective of the General Education requirements.
(Semester varies)
PL 332
Civil Rights
4 credits
Review and develop an understanding of the United
States Constitution, congressional legislation, and
Supreme Court cases affecting and controlling
minority rights from 1776 to the present. Fulfills the
Historical Perspective and the General Education U.S.
Diversity requirements. (Semester varies)
PL 333
The First Amendment
4 credits
Study in depth the U.S. Constitution and federal
laws as they relate to communication. Develop an
understanding of the First Amendment, the Federal
Communication Commission, and political speech.
Fulfills the Historical Perspective of the General
Education requirements. (Semester varies)
Journalism 179
School of Communication
Department of Marketing Communication
Associate Professors Vogel and Youn; Assistant students undertake internships that help them
Professors Lieb, Morimoto, and Raheem; Executives- develop and apply their knowledge in the working
in-Residence Anderson, Baehr, Quintal, Rowean, and world. Most courses take place at the Boston
Waters; Interim Chair Hurwitz. campus, but students can also do coursework and
internships in global locations such as Los Angeles,
Course offerings in the Department of Marketing The Netherlands, and Taiwan.
Communication prepare students for careers in the
integrated fields of marketing, advertising, public The Department of Marketing Communication
relations, brand communications, sales, promotions, is committed to providing professional-level
and e-commerce. The major is grounded in a core experiences for its students by supporting
of courses in integrated marketing communication, participation in EmComm, a faculty-supervised and
consumer behavior, and campaign planning student-run integrated marketing communication
and implementation. The goal is to prepare firm that works with clients in the greater Boston
professional communicators who are creative, community; PRSSA, the student chapter of the
strategic, and ethical—who understand the power National Public Relations Society of America; and
of communication to influence attitudes and AMACC, the student chapter of the American
behaviors, and who are able to design and manage Marketing Association.
strategic campaigns for diverse profit and nonprofit
organizations and clients. Programs
Rooted in applied communication studies, the social The Marketing Communication: Advertising and
sciences, and business administration, our program Public Relations program prepares students for
balances solid grounding in theory with practical careers and advanced study in the distinct yet
training in professional skills. Along with classwork, related fields of marketing communication in
MK 259 MK 309
Principles of Advertising Copywriting
4 credits 4 credits
Approaches advertising as any paid form of non- Focuses on developing and understanding the concept
personal presentation and promotion of ideas, of copywriting used in marketing communication
goods, or services by an identified sponsor. Examines strategies. Skills advance through the development of
advertising strategy, including how to set advertising copy and copywriting portfolio samples. Prerequisites:
objectives, establish an advertising budget, MK 257 and MK 259.
MK 404 MK 499
Campaign Planning Internship in Marketing Communication
4 credits 4 or 8 credits
Provides a unique and challenging opportunity Fieldwork in marketing communication. A 4-credit
to develop and execute integrated marketing internship requires 16 hours a week for 12 weeks;
communication strategies for an existing client, an 8-credit internship requires 32 hours a week for
organization, and/or brand. The spring semester 12 weeks. No more than 8 internship credits or 12
course is designed around the American Advertising credits of any combination of internship and directed
Federation’s annual competition. Prerequisite: MK 401. study count toward total graduation requirements.
Pre-internship participation is required in Career
MK 444 Services’ Internship Experience Workshop. Enrollment
Entertainment Marketing in Emerson’s Los Angeles Program is required for Los
4 credits Angeles internships. Prerequisites: junior standing,
Examines marketing communication strategies used GPA of 2.7 or above, and permission of instructor.
to solve problems or pursue opportunities in the
arts and entertainment industries. Students develop Business Courses
a marketing communication plan for an existing
arts or entertainment organization. Sponsor of this MB 200
course, Ms. Irma Mann, may review student works. Principles of Business
Prerequisite: MK 401. (Semester varies) 4 credits
Students analyze information related to business
MK 471 trends, strategies, opportunities, and operations
Topics in Marketing Communication and critically assess alternatives. Through lecture,
4 credits discussion, case videos, and in-class assignments,
Special topics offer opportunities to examine cutting- students consider external and internal factors
edge issues in integrated marketing communication, driving contemporary business decisions.
advertising, public relations, and/or business. May Topics include: pricing, supply and demand, the
be repeated for credit if topics differ. Prerequisites: management of people, processes, resources, and
MK 257, MK 259, and junior standing. Additional organization; the globalization of business; the use
prerequisites vary by topic. (Semester varies) of information system to support business efforts;
and basic concepts from marketing, sales, business
ethics, law, accounting, and finance.
• Provide students with extensive exposure to a • To introduce students to the interdisciplinary study of
multitude of cultural, ethical, and disciplinary literature and cultural theory, while addressing issues
perspectives, and to foster their ability to critically of power, social action, and cultural diversity in
assess the values and assumptions underlying those various multicultural contexts and developing strong
perspectives writing skills
• Integrate the study of the Liberal Arts with students’ • To introduce students to the arts, humanities,
educational experience by providing choice and and behavioral and social sciences from an
flexibility in determining the appropriate match interdisciplinary perspective, with an emphasis on
between students’ Liberal Arts studies and their critical thought, modes of inquiry, and research
major programs methods, as well as consideration of the ethics of
acquiring and producing knowledge
The Institute courses have the following student
learning objectives: • To facilitate the completion of a capstone project
that integrates students’ theoretical and practical
1. Students will demonstrate critical thinking, writing, skills. This project prepares students for leadership in
and speaking skills. fields of advanced study and professional disciplines
2. Students will apply ethics to liberal arts and in a global environment
interdisciplinary topics.
3. Students will demonstrate an understanding of • To engage in critical thinking and to promote
global and multicultural perspectives. leadership through community service projects
4. Students will apply appropriate theories to the
issues of the course. The Honors Program has the following student
learning objectives:
IN 225 IN 308
Media for Social Change Invisible Cities
4 credits 4 credits
Students will use this course to hone their specialties Studio-oriented course brings artists into a practical
as artists and communicators to collectively build workshop, tutorial, and critique environment. From
a new voice using combined skills to contribute to the flaneur of Paris in the late 19th century through
specific social change objectives. The goal of the European and American Conceptual Art interventions
course will be to engage students in studying specific of the 1960–70s to contemporary Boston, a
social issues and conducting research to design trajectory of theory and practice utilizes the city
effective media projects for social good. Students will as subject, material, workspace, and presentation
learn how to identify and address health problems forum. Workshops by visiting artists focus on
and social issues in tangible ways through projects interventions into the city. Read and discuss selected
that might include finding specific audiences with texts on contemporary art and urban theory. Tutorials
whom students will attempt to communicate specific introduce digital imaging and remote file sharing.
behavioral, informational or attitudinal messages. Group projects will entail collecting, editing, and
presenting images, sound files, and text. The city will
IN 303 be used as a workspace and presentation forum for
Poetry and Song public projects.
4 credits
Integrates two of the most often combined areas IN 311
of expression: words and music. Brings together Identity and Modern Life
perspectives of poetry and musical composition 4 credits
to introduce ways in which these two disciplines Drawing from a variety of philosophical and social
combine in theory, history, and practice of classroom thinkers, this course considers how it is that we
exercises. Course ends with a concert or “musical shape a sense of personal identity, or a sense of
evening” presentation of songs written by students. self, as we make our way through modern life. On
Course open to anyone who writes, or aspires to the basis of comparative readings of key theoretical
write songs and/or poetry. MU 152, MU 252, and authors (Freud, Foucault, Nietzsche, Marx), career,
WP 212 are highly recommended as prerequisites. sexuality, marriage, religion, and lifestyle are
considered as activities through which personal
Associate Professor Bartlett, Institutional Coordinator Academic programs within the Department of
of Educator Preparation and Title II Coordinator; Communication Sciences and Disorders and the
Director of Clinical Education Thau, Educator Department of Performing Arts offer Massachusetts
Preparation Program Director of Communication Department of Elementary and Secondary Education-
Sciences and Disorders; Associate Professor Colby, approved programs leading to educator licensure.
Educator Preparation Program Director of Performing Through undergraduate study in the Department of
Arts. Performing Arts, a student may qualify for an Initial
License as a Teacher of Theatre (all levels, pre-K
Regulations in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts through grade 12). Professional licensure may
governing educator preparation and licensure be earned through master’s degree programs at
specify a two-tiered process. Those with appropriate Emerson (see the current Graduate Catalogue for
undergraduate degrees ordinarily receive an Initial details).
License (valid for five years). The Professional License
ordinarily requires an appropriate master’s degree Students in Communication Sciences and Disorders
or the completion of a Performance Assessment who seek initial licensure as a Specialist Teacher
Program and other requirements established by in Speech, Language, and Hearing Disorders (all
the Board of Education. The Professional License is levels, pre-K through grade 12) must complete a
renewable every five years upon completion of the master’s degree in Communication Disorders in
appropriate professional development. Students a Massachusetts Department of Elementary and
seeking initial licensure are also required to pass the Secondary Education-Approved program. The
two-part Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure Professional License requires the completion of the
(MTEL). These tests include the Communication post-master’s degree Clinical Fellowship (see the
and Literacy Skills Test (CLST) and a Subject Matter Graduate Catalogue for details).
Test (SMT).
TH 461
Drama as Education II
4 credits
In this course, students delve more deeply into the
philosophy and practice of teaching through drama
and theater. Forty hours of pre-practicum work with
students from grades pre-K through 12 is required.
Prerequisite: TH 460. Course is required for Theatre
Education majors seeking initial licensure as a
Teacher of Theatre. (Spring semester)
TH 465
Student Teaching Practicum
4–12 credits
An 8- to 14-week practicum providing supervised
student teaching activities at either the elementary,
middle, or high school level. Students practice
teaching in a school system, which permits them
to interact with students and teachers in their
area of concentration. Working closely with the
on-site cooperating practitioner, students develop
instructional units and must be engaged in 300
hours of teaching. The practicum is open only to
students who have completed their education
program sequence. Requirements and prerequisites
may be obtained from the Theatre Education
Program Director. (Fall or Spring semester)
Joan C. Brigham, Professor Emerita, Visual and Gerald W. Kroeger, Professor Emeritus, Mass
Media Arts (1971–2002); AB, Pomona College; AM, Communication (1958–1981); BS, Mankato State
Harvard University. College; MS, Ohio Wesleyan University; PhD, Florida
State University.
Richard Chapin, President Emeritus; Professor
Emeritus, Social Sciences (1967–1975); SB, MBA, Frances LaShoto, Professor Emerita,
Harvard University; LLD (Hon.), Emerson College. Communication Studies (1947–1956; 1962–1992);
BA, MA, Emerson College.
John Coffee, Professor Emeritus, History (1970–
2005); BA, Yale University; MDiv, Harvard University. Charlotte Holt Lindgren, Professor Emerita,
Writing, Literature and Publishing (1960–1988); AB,
Kenneth C. Crannell, Professor Emeritus, AM, PhD, Boston University; AM, (Hon.), Emerson
Communication (1957–1999); BA, MA, Emerson College.
College; PhD, Northwestern University.
Walter Littlefield, Professor Emeritus,
Thomas Dahill Jr., Professor Emeritus, Humanities Communication (1964–2002); BA, MA, Michigan
and Social Sciences (1961–1993); BS, Tufts College; State University.
Diploma, Fifth Year Certificate, The School of the
Museum of Fine Arts; FAAR, American Academy in David Luterman, Professor Emeritus,
Rome; AM (Hon.), Emerson College. Communication Sciences and Disorders (1960–
2000); BA, Brooklyn College; MS, DEd, Pennsylvania
Anthony DeLuca, Professor Emeritus, History State University.
(1981–2007); BA, Boston College; MA, PhD,
Stanford University. Albert Malatesta, Professor Emeritus, Humanities
and Social Sciences (1970–1971; 1973–1997); BS,
Irma B. DiRusso, Professor Emerita, Communication EdM, DEd, Boston University.
Disorders (1959–1982); BLI, MS in Speech, Emerson
College. David L. Maxwell, Professor Emeritus,
Communication Sciences and Disorders (1966–
Robert L. Hilliard, Professor Emeritus, Visual and 2010); BS, MS, PhD, Southern Illinois University.
Media Arts (1985–2008); AB, University of Delaware;
AM, MFA, Case Western Reserve University; PhD, Harry W. Morgan, Professor Emeritus, Performing
Columbia University. Arts (1960–2005); BS in Sp., MS in Sp., Emerson
College.
Charles Klim, Professor Emeritus, Communication
Disorders (1959–1992); BA, MA, Emerson College; Leonidas A. Nickole, Professor Emeritus,
PhD, University of Pittsburgh. Performing Arts (1953–2001); AB, AM, Emerson
College; MA, Columbia University.
Mary Ellen Adams, Assistant Professor, Performing Miranda Banks, Assistant Professor, Visual and
Arts (1969); BS, Valparaiso University; MS in Sp., Media Arts (2008); BA, Stanford University; MA, PhD,
Emerson College. University of California, Los Angeles.
John D. Anderson, Associate Professor, Anya Belkina, Assistant Professor, Visual and
Communication Studies (1989); BA, MA, Baylor Media Arts (2007); BFA, Rhode Island School of
University; PhD, The University of Texas at Austin. Design; MFA, University of California, San Diego.
(Pre-Tenure leave for Fall 2010)
William Anderson, Executive-in-Residence,
Marketing Communication (2003); MBA, The Melia Bensussen, Chair and Associate Professor,
Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. Performing Arts (2000); BA, Brown University.
Amy Ansell, Professor, Communication Studies Sam Binkley, Associate Professor, Communication
(2010); BA, University of Michigan; MA, MPhil, PhD, Studies (2003); BA, Empire State College; MA, City
Cambridge University. University of New York; MA, PhD, New School
University. (Sabbatical leave for Spring 2011)
Pierre Archambault, Associate Professor, Visual
and Media Arts (2002); BFA, Tufts University; MFA, Harlan Bosmajian, Assistant Professor, Visual
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. and Media Arts (2009); BA, Western Washington
University; MA, New York University.
Jabari Asim, Associate Professor, Writing, Literature
and Publishing (2010). Kevin Bright, Executive Artist-in-Residence, Visual
and Media Arts (2006); BA, Emerson College.
Karl Baehr, Executive-in-Residence, Marketing
Communication (2004); BA, Stephen F. Austin State Bernard Brooks, Writer-in-Residence, Writing,
University; MA, University of New Mexico; PhD, Literature and Publishing (2006); BA, Harvard
Regent University. University; MFA, University of Iowa.
Deirdre Conlon, Scholar-in-Residence, Institute for David Emblidge, Associate Professor, Writing,
Liberal Arts and Interdisciplinary Studies (2007); BA, Literature and Publishing (2003); BA, St. Lawrence
Trinity College, Dublin; MA, City University of New University; MA, University of Virginia; PhD, University
York; MPhil, Graduate Center, City University of New of Minnesota.
York.
Heather Erickson, Lecturer, Communication
Martie Cook, Associate Professor, Visual and Media Studies (2005); BA, University of Nebraska, Lincoln;
Arts (2002); BS, MFA, Emerson College. MFA, Suffolk University.
Angela Cook-Jackson, Visiting Assistant Professor, Robin Riley Fast, Associate Professor, Writing,
Communication Studies (2009); BA, Cedarville Literature and Publishing (1989); BA, University
University; MS, University of Dayton; MPH, PhD, of California, Berkeley; MA, Hunter College; PhD,
University of Kentucky. University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.
Maria Flook, Distinguished Writer-in-Residence, Eric Gordon, Associate Professor, Visual and Media
Writing, Literature and Publishing (2001); BA, Roger Arts (2004); BA, University of California, Santa Cruz;
Williams College; MFA, University of Iowa. PhD, University of Southern California.
John Craig Freeman, Associate Professor, Visual Ted Gup, Chair and Professor, Journalism (2009);
and Media Arts (2002); BA, University of California, BA, Brandeis University; JD, Case Western Reserve
San Diego; MFA, University of Colorado, Boulder. University School of Law.
Donald Fry, Associate Professor, Visual and Media Lise Haines, Writer-in-Residence, Writing, Literature
Arts (1986); BA, MA, Bowling Green State University; and Publishing (2002); BA, Syracuse University; MFA,
PhD, The Ohio State University. Bennington College.
Donald Hurwitz, Interim Chair, Marketing Tom Kingdon, Associate Professor, Visual and
Communication (2010); BA, Sarah Lawrence College; Media Arts (1994); MA, University of Birmingham,
PhD, University of Illinois. England.
Hassan Ildari, Assistant Professor, Visual and Brooke Knight, Associate Professor, Visual and
Media Arts (2009); BFA, University of Bridgeport; Media Arts (2002); BA, Davidson College; MFA,
MFA, American Film Institute. California Institute of the Arts.
Vinoth Jagaroo, Associate Professor, Cher Knight, Associate Professor, Visual and Media
Communication Sciences and Disorders (2003); BA, Arts (2002); BA, Rutgers University; MA, New York
MA, University of Natal, South Africa; PhD, Boston University; MA, City University of New York; PhD,
University. Temple University. (Sabbatical leave for Fall 2010)
Patrick Johnson, Lecturer, Communication Studies Janet Kolodzy, Associate Professor, Journalism
(2007); BS, MA, Northwest Missouri State University. (1999); BSJ, MSJ, Northwestern University.
(Sabbatical leave for Spring 2011)
Timothy Jozwick, Associate Professor, Performing
Arts (1985); BA, St. Vincent College; MFA, Carnegie Cristina Kotz Cornejo, Associate Professor, Visual
Mellon University. and Media Arts (2001); BA, University of Southern
California; MA, Antioch College; MFA, New York
Roy Kamada, Assistant Professor, Writing, University.
Literature and Publishing (2006); BA, University of
Oregon; MFA, University of Virginia; PhD, University Maria Koundoura, Associate Professor, Writing,
of California, Davis. Literature and Publishing (1993); BA, MA, University
of Melbourne; PhD, Stanford University.
Gian Lombardo, Publisher-in-Residence, Writing, Maurice Methot, Associate Professor, Visual and
Literature and Publishing (2001); BA, Trinity College; Media Arts (2000); MA, Brown University.
MA, Boston University.
Alisa Morgan, Faculty-in-Residence,
James Macak, Assistant Professor, Visual and Communication Sciences and Disorders (2009); BS,
Media Arts (2006); BA, University of Akron; MFA, University of Massachusetts Amherst; MS, University
Yale School of Drama. of Wisconsin, Madison; PhD, University of Kansas.
Bethany Nelson, Theatre Educator-in-Residence, Scott Pinkney, Assistant Professor, Performing Arts
Performing Arts (2010); BS, Emerson College; MEd, (2004); BFA, Boston University.
Harvard University.
Joshua Polster, Assistant Professor, Performing Arts
Paul Niwa, Assistant Professor, Journalism (2001); (2007); BS, MA, Ohio University; PhD, University of
BA, University of California, Riverside; MS, Columbia Washington.
University.
Douglas Quintal, Executive-in-Residence,
Robert Orchard, Stephen Langley Chair in Theatre Marketing Communication (2000); BA, Bates
Management and Production, Performing Arts College; MA, Emerson College.
(2009); BA, Middlebury College; MFA, Yale University.
Nejem Raheem, Assistant Professor, Marketing
William Orem, Writer-in-Residence, Writing, Communication (2009); BA, Bennington College; MA,
Literature and Publishing (2007); BA, Hampshire PhD, University of New Mexico.
College; MFA, PhD, Indiana University.
Kathryn Ramey, Associate Professor, Visual and
Wyatt Oswald, Assistant Professor, Communication Media Arts (2004); BA, Evergreen State College;
Sciences and Disorders (2006); BA, Dartmouth MFA, PhD, Temple University.
College; MS, PhD, University of Washington.
Ladette Randolph, Director and Editor-in-Chief
Pamela Painter, Professor, Writing, Literature and of Ploughshares and Distinguished Publisher-in-
Publishing (1987); BA, Pennsylvania State University; Residence (2009); BA, MA, PhD, University of
MA, University of Illinois. Nebraska, Lincoln.
Murray M. Schwartz, Professor, Writing, Literature Tulasi Srinivas, Assistant Professor, Communication
and Publishing (1997); BA, University of Rochester; Studies (2007); BA, Bangalore University; MA,
MA, PhD, University of California, Berkeley. University of Southern California; PhD, Boston
University. (Pre-Tenure leave for Fall 2010)
Jeffrey Seglin, Associate Professor, Writing,
Literature and Publishing (1999); BA, Bethany Jean Stawarz, Associate Professor, Visual and
College; MTS, Harvard University. Media Arts (1999); BS, Boston University; MFA,
Goddard College.
Michael E. Selig, Associate Professor, Visual and
Media Arts (1986); BS, MA, University of Texas; PhD, Tracy Strauss, Lecturer, Writing, Literature and
Northwestern University. Publishing (2006); BA, State University of New York,
Geneseo; MFA, Boston University.
Robert Todd, Associate Professor, Visual and Media Jerald Walker, Associate Professor, Writing,
Arts (2000); BA, Tufts University; BFA, School of the Literature and Publishing (2010); BA, MFA, PhD,
Museum of Fine Arts; MFA, Tufts University. University of Iowa.
David Abel, Part-Time Faculty, Journalism (2007); Thomas Bicki, Part-Time Faculty, Communication
BA, University of Michigan; MS, Northwestern Sciences and Disorders (2003); BS, University of
University. Rhode Island; MS, PhD, Iowa State University.
David Akiba, Part-Time Faculty, Visual and Media Gaynor Blandford, Part-Time Faculty, Writing,
Arts (1993); BA, University of Massachusetts Literature and Publishing (1989); BA, University of
Amherst; MFA, Rhode Island School of Design. York, England; MA, Purdue University; PhD, Tufts
University.
Jane Akiba, Part-Time Faculty, Visual and Media
Arts (1999); BS, Boston University. Brynna Bloomfield, Part-Time Faculty, Performing
Arts (2003); BFA, School of Visual Arts, New York;
William Anderson, Part-Time Faculty, Visual and MFA, Brandeis University.
Media Arts (2008); BA, University of California, Los
Angeles. Jonathan Boroshok, Part-Time Faculty, Marketing
Communication (2002); AA, Union County College;
Joe Antoun, Part-Time Faculty, Performing Arts BS, Emerson College; MBA, Northeastern University.
(2001); BS, The Pennsylvania State University; MA,
Emerson College. Barry Brodsky, Part-Time Faculty, Writing,
Literature and Publishing (1998); BA, University of
Morgan Baker, Part-Time Faculty, Writing, Massachusetts Boston; MFA, Brandeis University.
Literature and Publishing (1985); BA, Vassar College;
MA, Emerson College. Leslie Brokaw, Part-Time Faculty, Writing,
Literature and Publishing (2000); BA, Wesleyan
John Barnard, Part-Time Faculty, Writing, Literature University.
and Publishing (2004); BA, Yale University; MA,
Johns Hopkins University. Gail Burton, Part-Time Faculty, Performing Arts
(2005); BA, Harvard College.
Gina Beck, Part-Time Faculty, Performing Arts
(2000); BM, University of Saskatchewan; MM, James Byrne, Part-Time Faculty, Writing, Literature
Boston Conservatory. and Publishing (2006); BA, MA, PhD, University
College, Cork.
Derek Beckwith, Part-Time Faculty, Marketing
Communication (2004); BA, University of Delia Cabe, Part-Time Faculty, Journalism (2005);
Massachusetts Lowell. BA, MS, Boston University.
Steven Beeber, Part-Time Faculty, Institute for Marc Cantor, Part-Time Faculty, Journalism (2008);
Liberal Arts and Interdisciplinary Studies (2008); BA, BA, Clark University; JD, Suffolk University School
MFA, University of Massachusetts Amherst. of Law.
Michael Bent, Part-Time Faculty, Writing, Literature Christina Carlson, Part-Time Faculty, Writing,
and Publishing (1988); BS, Emerson College. Literature and Publishing (2005); AB, Harvard
University; MA, Stanford University.
Nicole Cerra, Part-Time Faculty, Performing Arts Shannon Derby, Part-Time Faculty, Writing,
(2000); BFA, Emerson College. Literature and Publishing (2005); BA, George
Washington University; MFA, Emerson College.
Frederic Chartier, Part-Time Faculty, Marketing
Communication (2003); BBA, MBA, The University of Johnny Diaz, Part-Time Faculty, Journalism (2008);
Texas at Austin. BA, Florida International University.
Mark Chesak, Part-Time Faculty of Visual and David Doms, Part-Time Faculty, Visual and Media
Media Arts (2008); BA, University of Massachusetts Arts (2000); BM, Boston University.
Amherst.
Kimberly Dong, Part-Time Faculty, Communication
Andrew Clarke, Part-Time Faculty, Performing Sciences and Disorders (2005); BS, University of
Arts (2003); BA, Marlboro College; MFA, Brandeis California, Berkeley; MS, Tufts University.
University.
William Dreyfus, Part-Time Faculty, Visual and
Robert Clinkscale, Part-Time Faculty, Journalism Media Arts (2008); BA, Pennsylvania State University.
(1982); BA, Leland Powers School.
Bridget Driscoll-Tendler, Part-Time Faculty,
James Conley, Part-Time Faculty, Communication Journalism (2008); BA, University of Massachusetts
Studies (2004); BS, University of Southern Maine. Amherst; MA, Emerson College.
Leslie Cormier, Part-Time Faculty, Visual and Media Robert Dulgarian, Part-Time Faculty, Institute for
Arts (2002); MCRP, Rutgers University; MA, PhD, Liberal Arts and Interdisciplinary Studies (2000); AB,
Brown University. Harvard University; MA, Stanford University.
Brian Cronin, Part-Time Faculty, Writing, Judith Dunaway, Part-Time Faculty, Visual
Literature and Publishing (2002); BA, University of and Media Arts (2008); BS, Hunter College; MA,
Massachusetts Amherst; MA, San Francisco State Wesleyan University; PhD, State University of New
University; PhD, Tufts University. York, Stony Brook.
Owen Curtin, Part-Time Faculty, Visual and Media Jean Dunoyer, Part-Time Faculty, Visual and
Arts (2002); BA, Emerson College. Media Arts (2007); BS, Massachusetts Institute of
Technology.
Eric Michael Dale, Part-Time Faculty,
Communication Studies (2007); BM, University of Gary Durham, Part-Time Faculty, Performing Arts
Central Arkansas; MA, Southwestern Seminary; MTS, (1998); BM, University of Delaware.
Harvard University; PhD, Boston University.
Robb Eason, Part-Time Faculty, Communication
Henry Dane, Part-Time Faculty, Visual and Media Studies (2007); BA, University of New Hampshire.
Arts (2005); BFA, Massachusetts College of Art.
Karen English, Part-Time Faculty, Writing, Literature Helena Gourko, Part-Time Faculty, Communication
and Publishing (2000); BA, Barat College; MA, Tufts Studies (2004); BA, MA, Belorussian University; PhD,
University. Boston University.
James Finn, Part-Time Faculty, Visual and Media Michelle Graham, Part-Time Faculty, Writing,
Arts (2008); BA, University of Arizona; MFA, Literature and Publishing (2001); BA, The University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. of Texas at Austin; MFA, Middlebury College.
Catherine Flanagan, Part-Time Faculty, Marketing Gary Gramigna, Part-Time Faculty, Communication
Communication (2008); AB, Emmanuel College; MS, Sciences and Disorders (1997); AA, Keystone Junior
Simmons College. College; BEd, Indiana University of Pennsylvania; MS,
University of Arizona.
Fred Francis, Part-Time Faculty, Writing, Literature
and Publishing (2006); BA, The University of Texas Craig Grant, Part-Time Faculty, Marketing
at Dallas. Communication (2005).
Rebecca Frank, Part-Time Faculty, Writing, Wende Grass, Part-Time Faculty, Communication
Literature and Publishing (2002); BA, Vassar College; Sciences and Disorders (1997); BS, Saint Andrews;
MFA, Emerson College. MS, Western Maryland College.
Klaus Gensheimer, Part-Time Faculty, Marketing Laurel Greenberg, Part-Time Faculty, Visual and
Communication (2006); BA, University of Illinois; MS, Media Arts (2006); BA, Brown University.
Northwestern University.
Steven Grossman, Part-Time Faculty, Visual and
David Gerzof, Part-Time Faculty, Marketing Media Arts, 1996, BA, MA, Boston University; MFA,
Communication (2003); BA, Boston University; MA, University of Southern California.
Emerson College.
Melissa Gruntkosky, Part-Time Faculty, Writing,
Richard Gilman, Part-Time Faculty, Performing Arts Literature and Publishing (2006); BFA, Emerson
(1995); BA, University of Maryland; MFA, University College; Certificate, Massachusetts College of Art.
of South Carolina.
Pierre Hurel, Part-Time Faculty, Writing, Literature Daniel Kiamie, Part-Time Faculty, Communication
and Publishing (1997); BA, Berklee College of Music. Sciences and Disorders (2000); BA, University of
Massachusetts Amherst; MA, Northeastern University.
Robert Knight, Part-Time Faculty, Visual and Media Brendan Lynch, Part-Time Faculty, Journalism
Arts (2006); BA, Yale University; MFA, Massachusetts (2008); BA, University of Massachusetts Amherst;
College of Art. MA, Emerson College.
Brian Knoth, Part-Time Faculty, Visual and Christopher Mahoney, Part-Time Faculty,
Media Arts (2004); BA, State University of New Journalism (2008); BS, Emerson College.
York, Geneseo; MA, Emerson College; MA, Brown
University. Shawn Mahoney, Part-Time Faculty, Performing
Arts (2007).
David Kociemba, Part-Time Faculty, Visual and
Media Arts (2000); MS, Boston University. Irene Mahoney-Paige, Part-Time Faculty,
Journalism (2008); BS, Emerson College.
Joseph Kolbe, Part-Time Faculty, Visual and Media
Arts (2007); BFA, School of the Museum of Fine Arts. Barry Marshall, Part-Time Faculty, Performing Arts
(1999); BA, University of Massachusetts Boston.
Michael Kreutz, Part-Time Faculty, Performing Arts
(2002); BM, Indiana University. Shane Martin, Part-Time Faculty, Communication
Studies (2004); BS, Fitchburg State College; MS,
John Krivit, Part-Time Faculty, Visual and Media Suffolk University.
Arts (2006); BA, University of Michigan; MEd, Argosy
University. Travis Maruska, Part-Time Faculty, Visual and
Media Arts (2007); BFA, University of North Dakota;
Daniela Kukrechtova, Part-Time Faculty, Writing, MFA, Chapman University.
Literature and Publishing (2007); BA, Masaryk
University. James McCormack, Part-Time Faculty, Writing,
Literature and Publishing (2006); BA, University of
Sean Lanigan, Part-Time Faculty, Writing, Literature Massachusetts Boston.
and Publishing (2006); BA, Bowdoin College; MFA,
Emerson College. Brian McNamee, Part-Time Faculty, Visual and
Media Arts (2008); BS, Old Dominion University.
Dennis Lanson, Part-Time Faculty, Visual and
Media Arts (1999); BA, Haverford College; MFA, Thomas McNeely, Part-Time Faculty, Writing,
Columbia University. Literature and Publishing (1995); BA, The University
of Texas at Austin; MFA, Emerson College.
Sabrina Learman, Part-Time Faculty, Performing
Arts (2008); BM, Eastman School of Music; MM, Brian McNeil, Part-Time Faculty, Visual and
New England Conservatory. Media Arts (1997); BA, York University; BFA, MFA,
Concordia University.
Lester Lee, Part-Time Faculty, Journalism (2007);
BA, Antioch College; MA, Johns Hopkins University; Roberto Mighty, Part-Time Faculty, Visual and
MA, Harvard University. Media Arts (2007); BA, Boston University.
John Newton, Part-Time Faculty, Marketing Mara Radulovic, Part-Time Faculty, Performing Arts
Communication (2004); BA, University of (2008); BFA, Belgrade Academy of Dramatic Arts;
Massachusetts Amherst. MFA, Brandeis University.
Matthew Noferi, Part-Time Faculty, Visual and Camilo Ramirez, Part-Time Faculty, Visual and
Media Arts (2008); BA, Providence College; MFA, Media Arts (2006); AA, International Fine Arts
Boston University. College; AA, Miami Dade Community College; BFA,
Florida International University; MFA, Massachusetts
Linda O’Brien, Part-Time Faculty, Performing Arts College of Art.
(2005); BA, University of California, Santa Barbara;
MFA, Brandeis University. David Richwine, Part-Time Faculty, Journalism
(2005); BA, Northeastern University; MS,
Columbia University.
Mehmet Sanlikol, Part-Time Faculty, Performing Emily Ullman, Part-Time Faculty, Communication
Arts (2007); BM, Berklee College of Music; MM, Studies (2008); BA, University of Massachusetts
DMA, New England Conservatory. Amherst; MA, Eastern Michigan University.
Henry Santoro, Part-Time Faculty, Visual and Mark van Bork, Part-Time Faculty, Visual and
Media Arts (2000); AA, Northeast College of Media Arts (2003); BM, Berklee College of Music.
Communications.
Karla Vallance, Part-Time Faculty, Journalism
Rebecca Saraceno, Part-Time Faculty, Writing, (2007); BA, Michigan State University.
Literature and Publishing (2006); BA, San Diego
State University; MA, Emerson College. Elisabeth Vanzura, Executive-in-Residence,
Marketing Communication (2009); BS, Kettering
Peter Seronick, Part-Time Faculty, Marketing University; MBA, Harvard University.
Communication (2008); AA, Dean College; BS,
Emerson College. Spiro Veloudos, Part-Time Faculty, Performing Arts
(2004); BFA, Emerson College.
Peter Jay Shippy, Part-Time Faculty, Writing,
Literature and Publishing (1991); BFA, Emerson Nancy Vincent, Part-Time Faculty, Communication
College; MFA, University of Iowa. Sciences and Disorders (1993); BS, Gallaudet
University; MS, Western Maryland.
Sara Brookshire, BSSp; Associate Director Jessica Adams, MA; Assistant Director
Catherine Catalucci, BA; Assistant Director Michael Blanchard, BA; Head Coach, Lacrosse
Christopher Erbland, Operations Manager Roger Crosley, MS; NCAA Compliance Coordinator
Ian Flynn, BFA; Administrative Assistant William Gould Jr., MS; Head Coach, Women’s
Christopher Grant, BA; Assistant Director Basketball
Department of Visual
and Media Arts
Anna Feder, MFA; Program Coordinator
Sean Fisher, MA; Administrative Assistant
Karen Keating, Administrative Assistant
Allison Nichols, BA; Administrative Assistant
Jonathan Wacks, MFA; Chair
WERS
John Casey, BA; General Manager
Peter Crawford, BS; Underwriting Director
Andrew Kessler, BA; Membership Coordinator
Richard Perkins, AS; Maintenance Technician
Nicole Roy, BS; Traffic Coordinator/Receptionist
Howard Simpson, BS; Operations Manager
Notice Regarding the Contents Massachusetts General Laws provide that any
of this Catalogue student in an educational or vocational training
institution, other than a religious or denominational
Emerson College attempts to ensure that the educational or vocational training institution, who
material published in this catalogue is accurate at is unable, because of his/her religious beliefs, to
the time of publication. However, the information attend classes or to participate in any examination,
contained in this catalogue does not constitute study, or work requirement on a particular day shall
a contract between the College and its students. be excused from any such examination, study, or
Emerson College reserves the right to correct work requirement, and shall be provided with an
or change any provision or requirement in this opportunity to make up such examination, study, or
catalogue at any time. The College specifically work requirement which he/she may have missed
• Meet the College’s qualifications and maintain • Provide information to students concerning the
essential technical, academic, and institutional resources and services available for students with
standards disabilities and provide that information in accessible
• Inform the College’s Disability Services Office (DSO) formats upon request
if they require an accommodation to have equal • Ensure that the College’s programs, activities,
access to any of the College’s programs, activities, and services, when viewed in their entirety, are
or services accessible to qualified students with disabilities in an
• Provide the DSO with appropriate documentation integrated and appropriate setting
indicating how their disability limits their • Work with students who request accommodations
participation in any of the College’s programs, to identify reasonable and effective accommodations
activities, and services for each student’s needs within the context of a
• Follow the DSO’s procedures for requesting and particular course, service, or program’s essential
obtaining reasonable accommodations, academic elements
adjustments, and/or auxiliary aids and services • Respond to all requests for accommodation in a
timely manner
Rights and Responsibilities of • Provide reasonable and appropriate
the College accommodations, academic adjustments, and/or
Emerson College has the right to do the following: auxiliary aids for students with disabilities
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality of the student’s
• Maintain the College’s academic standards documentation, records, and communications in
• Enforce the College’s Code of Conduct accordance with federal and state law
• Request and receive appropriate documentation
supporting students’ requests for accommodation, Process for Making Accommodation
academic adjustments, and/or auxiliary aids and Requests
services
• Defer action on a student’s request for Emerson’s Disability Services Office offers services
accommodation until the student provides to qualified students with documented physical,
appropriate documentation supporting the requested medical, visual, hearing, learning, or psychiatric
accommodation(s) disabilities. The Associate Director for Disability
• Offer students the most cost-effective Services Office is the College’s primary contact
accommodations, academic adjustments, and/or person for all students with disabilities.
auxiliary aids and services that are responsive to the
student’s particular needs Although the College does not require Emerson
• Decline to provide an accommodation that would students with disabilities to register with the DSO,
require a waiver or alteration of an essential students must contact the DSO if they choose to
element of a course or program, provided that the request an accommodation or if they would like to
appropriate academic officer or department chair take advantage of the DSO’s services. When making
first identifies the course or program’s essential requests for accommodations, students should
elements and concludes that the requested remember that it takes time for the College to
accommodation is incompatible with the essential arrange accommodations. Therefore, if a student’s
elements of the course or program requests are not made in a timely manner, the
• Refuse to provide a requested accommodation, College cannot guarantee that accommodations
adjustment, and/or auxiliary aid and service, if will be provided when needed. For example, the
providing the requested accommodation would
impose an undue burden on the College
238 Emerson College
College requires sufficient time to arrange for Clery Disclosure
accommodations such as sign language interpreters
and texts in alternative formats. When requesting Emerson’s Annual Report on Campus Security
extended time for examinations, students should Policies and Crime Statistics (prepared in compliance
note that professors often need to know about this with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus
need for test accommodations early in the semester Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act) is
so alternative arrangements can be made in advance available online at emerson.edu/clery-report. This
of any exams. report contains information and policies relative to
campus law enforcement, wellness education, crime
Students who request accommodations will prevention, disciplinary process for sexual assault,
be asked to provide the DSO with recent and and crime statistics for certain designated offenses
appropriate documentation of their disability and that occurred on campus, in campus residence
the reason(s) their requested accommodation is halls, and in non-campus buildings and public areas
necessary. A qualified professional must prepare the adjacent to the campus for the past three years. A
documentation. After submitting this documentation paper copy of this same report is available upon
to the DSO, the student must make an appointment request from the Public Safety Office, Emerson
to meet with the Associate Director for Disability College, 120 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116-
Services, at which time they will review the 4624, 617-824-8555.
documentation and the student’s requests for
accommodations. The documentation may also be
reviewed by staff in the Counseling Center and/or
the Center for Health and Wellness. Students must
meet with the DSO to obtain the outcome of the
review. At the meeting, students will be informed
in writing of the decision, as well as of their right
to appeal the decision. Policies, procedures, and
responsibilities for all parties will be clarified.
G I
Gangster in Concrete, 33 Imagine Students Reaching Out, 32
gauge, 33 Immunization requirements, 22
General education curriculum, 76–79 Institute for Liberal Arts and Interdisciplinary
foundation courses, 77 Studies, 187–200
global and U.S. diversity courses, 80–81 Insurance, health, 22–23
overview of, 76–77 Interdisciplinary Studies. See Liberal Arts and
perspective courses, 77–80 Interdisciplinary Studies, Institute for
Girlie Project, 32 International Student Affairs, 23
Global and U.S. diversity courses, 80–81 International students
Gold Key Honor Society, 41 admission process, 14
Goodnews Fellowship, 36 health insurance, 54
Grading policies, 62–63 International Student Affairs, 23
academic grievances, 63 optional practical training, 23
academic transcripts, 63 International study programs, 69–75
grade changes, 63 Internship credits, 56
grade reports, 63 Intramural program, 41
grading system, 62–63
mid-semester evaluations, 63 J
Graduation Jimmy’s Traveling All-Stars, 31
credit evaluation for, 61 Journalism, Department of, 169–179
Honors graduation, 64 Broadcast Journalism major, 171
Senior Per-Credit Petition, 61 co-curricular activities, 171
Grievances, academic, 63 courses, 172–179
degree requirements, 170
H History minor, 172
Health and Wellness, Center for, 22 Journalism minor, 171
Health fee, 52–53 policies, 171
Health insurance, 22–23, 53–54 Political Science minor, 172
waiver of, 22 Print and Multimedia Journalism major,
Health services, 22 171
Healthy Options Peer Educators (H.O.P.E.), 32 programs, 169
Hearing and Deafness minor, 146 Journalism minor, 171
Hillel, 36
History courses, 177–178 K
History minor, 172 Kasteel Well, The Netherlands, 69–71
Honor societies, 41 Kidding Around, 31
Honors graduation, 64
Honors Program, 188–189
admission process, 16
Back Bay-
Downtown 120 Boylston Street
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Boston, MA 02116-4624
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The Field at Rotch Playground (1 mile) K
A: Tufte Performance and C: Walker Building Fitness Center H: 216 Tremont Street
Production Center 120 Boylston Street Housing and Residence Life Advising Center
10 Boylston Place Academic Computing and Help Desk Print and Copy Services Bill Bordy Theater
Admission Visitor Center Alumni Relations Public Safety Career Services
Greene and Semel Theaters Center for Spiritual Life Residence Hall Center for Health and Wellness
Huret & Spector Gallery Communications and Marketing Student Service Center Communication Sciences and
Makeup Lab, Costume Shop Communication Studies Department Disorders Department
F: Ansin Building
Performing Arts Department Emerson Channel Counseling Center
180 Tremont Street
Television Studios Institute for Liberal Arts and International Student Affairs
Theatre Design/Tech Center Interdisciplinary Studies Academic Affairs Registrar
Institutional Advancement Administration and Finance Writing and Academic
B: Piano Row Iwasaki Library Graduate Studies Resource Center
Residence Hall and Journalism Department Information Technology
Max Mutchnick Levy Marketing Suite Media Services Center I: Cutler Majestic Theatre
Campus Center Marketing Communication Department President’s Office 219 Tremont Street
150 Boylston Street Visual and Media Arts Department
D: Colonial Building WECB and WERS radio J: Transportation Building
Athletics Department
100 Boylston Street Writing, Literature and 8 Park Plaza
Brown-Plofker Gym
Dean of Students Mail Services Publishing Department Human Resources
Multicultural Student Affairs Residence Hall Web Services
G: Paramount Center
Off-Campus Student Services K: Rotch Field, Albany and
555 Washington Street
Professional Studies and E: Little Building Randolph Streets
Special Programs (Continuing Ed.) 80 Boylston Street Bright Family Screening Room
Student Activities Paramount Theatre
Dining Services
Student Life Residence Hall
Film-Video Equipment Center
Scene Shop/Sound Stage
7/10
Nonprofit
Organization
U.S. Postage
Paid
Boston, MA
Permit # 52478
Mailing Address
120 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02116-4624
Office Location
Admission Visitor Center
10 Boylston Place
Boston, MA 02116
Telephone
617-824-8600
Fax
617-824-8609
Email
admission@emerson.edu
Web
emerson.edu/admission