MUS 392 NO1: Introduction to Arts Management, spring semester, 2010
Dr. Robert Vodnoy, Professor
Tuesday and Thursday at 1:00PM, JFAC 110
Office: JFAC 109, Email: Robert.Vodnoy@northern.edu
This course is available as a two-credit course, or a three-credit course, with permission
of the instructor.
Texts:
Management and the Arts, 4th Edition, Dr. William Byrnes
The Art of the Turn-around, Michael M. Kaiser
General objectives: the course will cover the latest thinking and trends in managing arts
organizations. Case studies will focus on real-life situations faced by arts organizations
and managers as exemplified in the Kaiser book. Topics will also include an exploration
of graduate study and career opportunities in arts management, board relations, marketing
the arts, and long range planning. Objectives include developing an overview of the
history, theory, principles and practices of arts management, applying those skills to a
hypothetical organization, and to improve your written and oral presentation skills.
Topics covered include organizational design, financial management, fund raising, and
marketing for not-for-profit organizations.
Chapters covered: the class is encouraged to read the entire text; however, because this
is a two-credit course which only meets twice per week, only chapters 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 10,
11, 12, and 14 will be included in the assigned reading/discussion. Some additional short
sections of the omitted chapters may be added. Generally, for each chapter there will be a
presentation/overview day, followed by 1-2 class days for which a short essay/response
will be assigned, either to the chapter or a case-study, and discussed in class. Essays are
due on the first discussion day.
Written essays: there will be 6-8 short essays for this course. Each essay should be about
750-900 words long (1 ½ to 2 pages, single-spaced, 1.25” margin, 12 pt Times New
Roman or similar font, black ink. End-notes or footnotes are acceptable for citations).
Good grammar rules apply. If you use citations, include a short bibliography on a
separate sheet. Do NOT include extensive quotations to make the paper longer. Do NOT
rely heavily on internet sources. Include a cover sheet with your name, course title, essay
title and date. The cover-sheet is important because it helps identify your paper and
provides space for me in which to write comments. The average essay will have 3-4
sheets of paper. For an essay to receive full credit, it must be turned in on the discussion
day at the end of the class-period. If there are two days of discussion, essay is due on the
first day, and you should keep a copy for yourself so that you have your ideas available
for discussion purposes on the second day. Short essays comprise 30% of the grade. As
an example, page 3 of this syllabus conforms to these specifications and contains 503
words. A budget worksheet may be required instead of a written essay (TBD).
Exams: there will be only a mid-term and a final exam for this course. Exams will
consist of vocabulary (multiple-choice or short answer) and 1-2 questions to be written
on during the exam period. The questions will be announced in advance. Students may
use the book during the test and may bring notes with them from which to write their
answers. Exams comprise 40% of the grade.
Group projects: The class will be divided into two groups. Each group will build a
hypothetical arts organization from the ground up. One team will build a museum (type
to be determined by the group) and the other a performing arts organization like a
symphony orchestra, dance company or theatre (type to be determined by the group). As
a part of the project, you will determine:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mission Statement
Organizational chart, job descriptions, board organization, etc
Choice of Venue and geographical location
Budget
Production/event calendar
Marketing/fundraising plan
The first part of the semester will be spent organizing the two groups, choosing the type
of museum or performing arts organization for each group, writing a mission statement
and generally structuring the organization (numbers 1-3). The second part of the semester
will be spent building a budget, and making a marketing and fundraising plan, etc
(numbers 4-6). Each group will have a class day at the end of the semester to present their
project. All members of the group are expected to participate equally in the presentation
and turn in an individual report on some aspect of the project (TBD). Time is allotted
during class for group meetings; however, groups or subgroups may have to meet outside
of class.
Grading:
Scale: Grades will be based on the percentage of the total points for the semester with the
normal gradations within each grade, e.g. A- = 90-92, A = 93-95, A+ = 96-100.
A
B
C
D
F
90-100
80-89
70-79
60-69
59 and below
Weighting:
Nine short essays
Class project
Exams
30%
30%
40%
Attendance Policy: Class attendance is required. You are allowed three absences. There
are no additional excused absences allowed beyond the three noted above. These allowed
absences should be used for illness or other personal needs (such as important family
business, doctor appointments, etc.). You must inform me prior to the absence in order
for it to be counted as an allowed absence. If you miss a class because of a university
endorsed activity (sporting event, band/choir tour) you must submit the appropriate form
in advance, so that you will not be penalized for that absence. You will be responsible for
any assignment or notes given that day. If essays are due on a day for which you have
received an excused absence, they will be due at the next class day, unless mutually
agreed.
Cheating and Plagiarism Policy: Dishonesty in class, on tests or in written essays is a
serious offense, subject to disciplinary action by the instructor and or authorized
representative of the institution. The incidence of plagiarism and/or cheating will result in
a zero for the assignment and the violation will be reported to the Vice President for
Academic Affairs. Repeat offenders will automatically fail the course and according to
university policy, could be expelled from NSU. Plagiarism is presenting as your own the
facts, theories, or language, either quoted or paraphrased, of another. Other writers' facts,
theories, or language incorporated into a student's work must be properly acknowledged
and documented; otherwise, the student is guilty of plagiarism.
Documented Disabilities: Northern State University recognizes its responsibility for
creating an institutional climate in which students with disabilities can thrive. If you
have any type of disability for which you require special accommodations, please contact
Karen Gerety at the NS Office of Disability Services (626-2371, Student Center 217) as
soon as possible to discuss your particular needs.
Academic Freedom: Under Board of Regents and University policy student academic
performance may be evaluated solely on an academic basis, not on opinions or conduct in
matters unrelated to academic standards. Students should be free to take reasoned
exception to the data or views offered in any course of study and to reserve judgment
about matters of opinion, but they are responsible for learning the content of any course
of study for which they are enrolled. Students who believe that an academic evaluation
reflects prejudiced or capricious consideration of student opinions or conduct unrelated to
academic standards should contact the academic dean administratively in charge of the
class to initiate a review of the evaluation.
Diversity Statement: Northern State University strives to build an academic community
of people from diverse backgrounds and experiences who are committed to sharing
diverse ideas in a mutually respectful environment. We value open discourse and
consideration of multiple perspectives on issues of regional, national, and international
importance, in which individuals are free to express their points of view. Our goal is a
diverse learning community with equal opportunity for all.
Cell phones: No cell phones may be used during class for conversation or texting!
Open Door: Please feel free to drop into my office any time during office hours;
however, an appointment is best. I check e-mail regularly and will usually respond within
24 hours if you write to me.