Bachelor of Arts in Music Electronic Music, Composition, and Technology

at Roger Williams University - Bristol Campus USA

Engineering at RWU is unique in its structure: a broad, liberal arts-infused foundation of math, science and engineering layered with an in-depth specialization in civil, computer, electrical or mechanical engineering or a customized study. Through this accredited program, you’ll develop the creativity and flexibility to solve practical problems that benefit humanity in our complex and rapidly changing world.

The Computer Engineering Specialization is only for students majoring in Engineering, B.S. Students specializing in Computer Engineering must complete all of the requirements for the Engineering, B.S. degree.

Theatre at RWU is an intensive program that blends classroom, backstage and performance experience to give our students a well-rounded general mastery of all areas of the theatre arts. Through specialization options in acting, design and production and a semester-long London Theatre Program, you’ll learn the practical and professional skills needed to pursue careers in film, television, live theatre, education and business.

When you study Economics, you’ll learn the essential economic theories, systems and models that build critical and analytical thinking skills you can apply to any field -- including business, government, law, healthcare and social and community service. At RWU, you can pursue either a B.A. (liberal arts track) or a B.S. (business track), which both offer opportunities for student-faculty research and publishing that can pave the way to graduate studies.

Biology majors investigate the interconnected processes that shape the living world. Since the life sciences are increasingly interdisciplinary, Biology majors choose a wide range of courses in cell and molecular biology; microbiology and virology; anatomy and physiology; neurobiology and developmental biology; and animal behavior and ecology.

At RWU, our interdisciplinary International Relations major celebrates human endeavor, diversity and opportunity by drawing upon subjects like history, sociology, economics, modern language and political science. Through internships, study abroad and specialization in either globalization, culture or area studies, you’ll learn the practical diplomacy, communication and critical thinking skills needed to help make a difference in the world in careers such as government, consulting and intelligence.

RWU’s interdisciplinary program combines courses in policing, corrections and procedure with studies in the social sciences to introduce you to the theory and practice of criminal law and the moral complexity of the criminal justice system. Along with internships and the guidance of our faculty of experienced practitioners, you’ll be prepared for careers such as law enforcement, counseling and probation or to advance into graduate study or law school.

The interdisciplinary Performing Arts program is designed for multi-talented students who do not want to confine themselves to studying only dance, music or theatre. With opportunities to customize your studies, join on-campus performances and study abroad through the RWU London Theatre Program, you’ll develop your skills for a variety of arts careers including performance, education and management.

The Performing Arts major involves an interdisciplinary study of dance, music and theatre leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree in the Performing Arts. While each of the Performing Arts is a distinct discipline, they have historically drawn from each other in both theory and practice. Designed for students who do not want to confine themselves to one discipline, the Performing Arts major encourages students to broaden their perspectives and the range of their skills. Practical applications of this major include careers in arts management, education, or as a foundation in such fields as musical theatre performance, which synthesize all the arts.

The major seeks to acquaint students with the commonalities shared by all three fields and to provide specialized understanding and mastery of two. This program also provides a solid understanding of the history and theory in the Performing Arts with experience in the practical application of the discipline through studio courses and through the department’s performance programs. Students are encouraged to participate in the London Study Abroad program, which focuses on exposure to the Performing Arts.

At RWU, our Philosophy students learn to think critically and build logical arguments: about our assumptions and values as a society, about the positions of history’s major philosophers and about the nature of knowledge itself. The writing, reading and problem-solving skills you develop through discussions, debates and your senior thesis will lay a foundation for success in fields like law and academia.

Student Learning Outcomes

All Students completing the Philosophy program will demonstrate the following:

• Read with comprehension philosophical texts relevant to the specific courses;
• Define key terms of the philosophical vocabulary relevant to the particular course;
• Analyze texts, draw inferences, and support claims using internal evidence;
• Practice critical reading and thinking;
• Distinguish different areas of philosophy and philosophical methodology;
• Understand some of the diverse assumptions and values that shape our experiences and/or attitudes of the world;
• Write cogent analytical and critical essays tied to textual evidence, explaining a philosopher’s position, presenting the philosopher’s arguments, exposing weaknesses in the arguments; five pages for lower level and intermediate courses; ten pages for advanced courses.
• Use secondary sources appropriately in reinforcing and extending arguments.

Critical thinking, openness to new worldviews and an appreciation for diversity -- these are the values that a degree in Psychology provides. At RWU, you’ll learn how to apply these skills to research that helps solve problems in our community and society. Our Psychology students are prepared for graduate school as well as a wide range of careers, including human resources, management, marketing and education.

Students in the Psychology program will learn the methods and skills that enable them to evaluate published research and think critically about their own ideas and those of others. They are prepared to apply these methods to the problems of community and of the larger society. They are capable of tolerance for the views of others and able to appreciate the value of diversity.

With skilled mental health professionals in increasing demand as practitioners, the Psychology program at RWU prepares students to pursue graduate study in Psychology and other fields, or to enter any number of careers where these skillsets are applicable, including human resources, management, marketing, education and the mental health professions.

Our student learning outcomes center on encouraging the development in our students of a deep and broad knowledge base in the discipline of Psychology. We also provide a foundation to develop skills needed to design and evaluate research, we foster critical thinking in our students, enhance students' appreciation of diversity, promote students' awareness of ethical issues in Psychology, and prepare them for success in a wide range of careers, including graduate study.

A major in history at Roger Williams University will explore the past with an eye toward the future. Budding historians will pursue the truth through a variety of lenses and /or approaches. Students will engage in experiential learning by interacting with the local community. Classes will take part in gaming exercises; students will explore film through an analytical lens and study history in the public sphere. A history student will discover the importance of storytelling, will participate in role play and debate, will interact with the surrounding environs through courses designed to pique their interest and hone critical thinking skills.

Students will walk the path of Roger Williams, hold meaningful dialogue with scholars, study the plight of immigrants past and present, share in the history of indigenous cultures, uncover the lived experiences of those who have remained silent or marginalized in history, enter the world of fantasy, and graduate with the tools necessary to make a difference in the world.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Locate, analyze, and interpret a variety of primary and secondary sources with logic, clarity, and persuasiveness.
• Develop an understanding of historiography, historical methodology, and research.
• Demonstrate historical literacy related to historical time periods and area studies.
• Exhibit a sophisticated appreciation of the complexities and ambiguities in history and culture.
• Address the historical impacts of transnational exchanges.
• Critique how histories are produced by and reimagined in the face of systems of power.