Arts, Film, and Music

The Department of Arts, Film, and Music at Misericordia University is dedicated to providing students of all experience levels with opportunities to develop their interests in music, acting, and performance. Many of these programs are available for credit; some require an audition for placement.

• Misericordia Players

• MU Community Choir (open to students, staff, faculty, and community members)

• Applied Music - Private and small group instruction in piano, guitar, and more.

For more information, please contact Dr. Ryan Watson at rwatson@misericordia.edu or call 570-674-6309

The Misericordia University Arts, Film, and Music program is dedicated to fostering an understanding of the arts in both Western and non-Western cultures. Our students experience the arts from historical and contemporary perspectives through innovative coursework, research, gallery exhibits, and performances.

What makes Misericordia’s Arts, Film, and Music program stand out from all the rest:

We offer a critical approach to art and identity through an interdisciplinary lens that engages topics from politics and the environment to health and social justice. The Department of Arts, Film, and Music houses three minors:

• Art History: The minor in Art History is designed for students interested in studying the history of art, architecture, and design as an academic discipline. Required courses provide students with the fundamentals of the discipline by covering a range of historical periods in various media.
• Music and Culture: The minor in Music and Culture is designed to offer students an examination of music and its interactions with a broad range of topics, including nationalism, identity, health and disability, world cultures, gender studies, art & environment, and more. All courses comprise interdisciplinary themes in order to investigate how music and society reflect common ideologies, problems, and solutions.
• Studio Art: The minor in Studio Art emphasizes the practical application of knowledge through the visual arts. It is designed to enhance one’s understanding of formal elements and principles, creative visual problem solving, and critical thinking skills. Courses provide an in-depth investigation of different tools, materials, and techniques.

Minor programs are designed to complement most major programs offered by the University and prior experience is not required.

The Department of Arts, Film, and Music also offers courses leading to minors in Theater, Pop Culture, Medical and Health Humanities, and other concentrations thereby maximizing the impact of the arts across disciplinary boundaries. It prepares students for wide range of careers, including:

• Teaching
• Art Restoration
• Photography
• Gallery Work
• Actor
• Advertising Illustrator
• Animation
• Lighting Design
• Antique Restorer
• Interior Design
• Music Industry
• Web Designs
• Painting
• Programming
• Sculpting
• Recording
• Set Design
• Television
• Theatre
• Prop Maker
• Toy Designer
• University Professor
• Voice Coach
• Furniture Design
• Voiceover Actor
• Wardrobe
• Jewelry Design
• Sound Effects
• Wallpaper Design
• Studio Musician
• Special Effects

Stage Manage n Curriculum:

• Art History Courses: Subjects and Symbols; Beauty & Ugliness; Themes in Art; Global Contemporary Art; History Survey including: Egypt, Classical, Christian, Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo;19th Century; Latin; American; Modern; Graphic Design; 20th Century Fashion; and Special Topics 18 Credits
• Music and Culture Courses: Nationalism; Women; Music; Culture; World Music; Pop Music: Diversity & Identity in American Society; Music & the Mind; Music, Ecology & the Environment; Music & Disability 18 Credits
• Studio Art Minor Courses: Drawing; Painting; Ceramics; Sculpture; Photography Printmaking; Jewelry Design; Textiles; and Anatomical Drawing 15 credits

Misericordia University boasts a vibrant cultural life on campus. With so many options, we invite you to explore the full range of possibilities and get involved in the Arts @ MU:

• On Stage: Each year, the Misericordia Players create two theater productions. Past shows have included “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Pippin”, “You Can’t Take it With You,” and many others. Participation is open to all students through audition. No prior experience is necessary.
• With Your Peers: MU is home to a variety of student-run clubs and activities, including: Multicultural Club, Irish Dance Club, Beyond Harmony (a cappella ensemble), Dance Team & Dance Ensemble, and the Misericordia Theater Group. You are also invited to get involved and create your own club! For more information, contact Dominick deMatteo at ddematteo@misericordia.edu.
• In the Practice Studio: The Department of Arts, Film, and Music offers private instruction with members of our Concert Artist Faculty. Students can enroll in private lessons on a variety of instruments by registering for these one-credit courses. No prior experience is necessary. For more information, contact Dr. Ryan Watson at rwatson@misericordia.edu.
• On Screen: The Department of Mass Communication and Design and the Department of Arts, Film, and Music offer joint opportunities for students interested in film and media studies. For more information, contact Dr. Ryan Watson at rwatson@misericordia.edu.
• In the Art Gallery: The 2,700-foot Pauly Friedman Art Gallery is located in Insalaco Hall. For more than a decade, the Gallery has hosted notable exhibitions, including “Deadly Medicine: Creating The Master Race,” as well as works by Pablo Picasso, Ansel Adams, and Auguste Rodin. For more information, contact Dr. Laine Little at llittle@misericordia.edu.
• In Residential Life: Special themed housing is available to students interested in Arts & Music. For more information, contact Dominick deMatteo at ddematteo@misericordia.edu.
• In the Community: The MU Community Choir is comprised of MU students, faculty, staff, and alumni, as well as community members. Audition is required for placement. For more information, contact Matthew Rupcich at mrupcich@misericordia.edu.
• In the Classroom: In addition to a wide array of interdisciplinary classes, students also have the opportunity to apply for a research grant through the University’s SURF program to work alongside our faculty. For more information, contact Dr. Ryan Watson at rwatson@misericordia.edu.
• In the Art Studio: Classes and workshops are offered in a variety of options ranging from photography to painting and ceramics (in both credit and non-credit options). For more information, contact funfitness@misericordia.edu.