Artistic performance begins with a musical thought that is carried out through the body in a series of movements that involve changes in weight, speed, and orientation through space. This coordination of mind and body results in the music that is heard. The better one's coordination, the more successful one can be in realizing the musical intention. Based on the Feldenkrais Method of Somatic Education, this course helps musicians to clarify how to translate thoughts into action, which can result in a more dynamic and expressive performance.

Infectious diseases have killed billions of humans throughout history, and have the potential to wipe us out completely, whether emerging naturally or from bioterrorism. Students will read primary literature and popular science media to explore the molecular mechanisms and social impact of medically important microorganisms. Topics will be wide-ranging and interdisciplinary (e.g., nanoweapons inside microbes, how epidemics emerge, antibiotic resistance, diagnostic technology, social and political factors that contribute to human vulnerability, and public misinformation).

This graduate level course will revisit and build on the foundations of professional scenic design practice such as dramaturgical and visual research, flexibility of methods and solutions in pursuit of a vision in support of a performance event, creative problem solving, model building, drafting, budgeting, and collaboration skills though actual production assignments in the department. Assignments will be determined by the needs and competence of the individual student. Special attention to portfolio development.