TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY Spring 2021 F TBD
THA 7000: INDEPENDENT STUDY IN ADVANCED ROFESSIONAL
CAREER MANAGEMENT
SYLLABUS AND COURSE OUTLINE
Instructor: Mallory Maria Prucha Office: Maedgen 264
Title: Assistant Professor of Costume Design Office Hours: TBD, by appointment
Head of Design
Phone: (402) 699-3699 Mail Box: Maedgen Theatre Office
Website: www.malloryprucha.com E-mail: [email protected]
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course will introduce students to advanced information pertaining to careers in academia, namely those
with an emphasis on Costume Design and Construction, representing a diverse array of postgraduate skillset
application. This course is an extension of Professional Career Management.
TEXTS:
OPTIONAL: TEXTS PROVIDED BY INSTRUCTOR
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES:
UPON COMPLETION OF THIS COURSE, STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO:
1. IDENTIFY the array of discipline-specific employment options and skillsets necessary for optimally
qualified candidates
2. EVALUATE employment opportunities and identify career-readiness aligned with personal,
professional goals
3. EVALUATE competitive hiring practices and modalities, including specifics pertaining to interviewing
4. ASSEMBLE a competitive application package, including facets that distinguish an applicant as
qualified in any given aspect of the industry: designer, technician, manager, professional educator
5. APPLY advanced understanding of best practices in pedagogy
6. DEVELOP a comprehensive teaching portfolio, refining pedagogical approach and research agenda
7. REFINE application package for competitive professional positioning
8. MASTER job negotiation
*NOTE: CAPITALIZED words indicate the level of Bloom’s Taxonomy. *** This class makes no guarantee of fixed emloyment.
SYLLABUS/COURSE CONTENT:
The information in the syllabus, other absence policies, may be subject to change as to meet the needs of this
class with reasonable advance notice. Course content, including lectures, are copyrighted material and students
may not sell notes taken during the conduct of the course.
INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS:
The course will feature hands-on demonstration and studio-driven assignments. Assignments are meant to be
completed Independently after instruction. Please see information in another section of this syllabus regarding
Accessibility. NOTE WELL: Studio Courses are rigorous and dependent upon students’ preparation and
ability to work in a studio environment.
EMAIL POLICY:
The Instructor will try their best to respond to emails within a 24-hour period, during regular business hours.
Email will not be an acceptable mode of assignment submission. Please plan and use professional, specific
language. This is your chance to practice valuable professional skills. For a guide on email etiquette, please
visit: www.owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/694/01/.
ELECTRONIC IMAGES AND RECORDING:
1.
TTU acknowledges that faculty members are, by law, afforded copyright protection in their classroom
lectures and, therefore, may limit the circumstances under which students may tape (both audio & video)
classes, as well as photograph or use materials outside of the classroom.
2.
Each faculty member shall inform his or her student within the first week of class as to his or her policy
with regard to taping. Failure to do so will accord students the right to tape lectures.
3.
Students with disabilities that render them unable to take adequate lecture notes are entitled to
reasonable accommodation to remedy this inability.
4.
Note Well: There is to be no audio and video recording of this class and no photography.
5.
Distributing photographs, video or audio without written consent is considered a violation of
FERPA. To that end, distributing materials outside of the classroom without written permission of your
peers is in violation of the Student Code of Conduct.
ATTENDANCE:
Because timelines and presence are crucial to excellence in the performing arts, the TTU School of Theatre &
Dance has adopted the following attendance policy: each student is allowed one week of unexcused absences
before your final grade is affected. For each absence beyond these allotted absences, the student's grade will be
reduced by ½ letter grade: which means that for every 2 absences beyond the allotted absences, the student’s
grade will be reduced by 1 full letter grade. In addition to unexcused absences, three tardies or early exits will
equal one absence.
EXCUSED ABSENCES are as follows: participation in official university business must be documented by a
written notice from the sponsoring college, department, faculty or staff member one week PRIOR to the event.
For medical absences, long absences, or other absences requiring the assistance of the dean’s office, students
must submit documentation to Kathy Nordstrom at [email protected] within two weeks of the absence.
Once verified, the student will have one week to make up missed work/assignments.
THE INSTRUCTOR IS AWARE OF THE CHALLENGES THAT WE WILL FACE DUE TO COVID-
19. YOUR SAFETY AND HEALTH ARE PRIORITIES. Additional information regarding COVID-19 has
been provided in a separate section attached to this Syllabus.
WITHDRAWAL:
Students new to Texas Tech as incoming freshmen can only drop 6 courses in their time at TTU, irrespective of
those dropped during regular add/drop. It is the STUDENT’S responsibility to withdraw from a course. The last
day for a student to withdraw from a course is listed in the Course Catalogue.
RELIGIOUS HOLY DAY STATEMENT:
"Religious holy day" means a holy day observed by a religion whose places of worship are exempt from
property taxation under Texas Tax Code §11.20. A student who intends to observe a religious holy day
should make that intention known in writing to the instructor prior to the absence. A student who is absent
from classes for the observance of a religious holy day shall be allowed to take an examination or complete
an assignment scheduled for that day within a reasonable time after the absence. A student who is excused
under section 2 may not be penalized for the absence; however, the instructor may respond appropriately if
the student fails to complete the assignment satisfactorily.
REQUESTING AN INCOMPLETE:
In accordance with the University Catalog, “the grade of I is given only when a student’s work is satisfactory in
quality but, due to reasons beyond his or her control, has not been completed. It is not given instead of an F.
Prior to assigning the I, the instructor must fill out an online form stating the reasons beyond the student’s
control for granting the I and the conditions to be met to remove the I. The instructor, student, and academic
dean must authorize the request. The I may be replaced by an R if the course is repeated, and the appropriate
grade will be given for the second registration. The grade of I will revert to an F after one calendar year if the
conditions for completing the I as stated on the form have not been met.” A student must have a passing grade
at the time they request an incomplete from the instructor, who at their discretion may or may not award an
incomplete as the grade. If it is awarded, the student must complete all remaining coursework in the following
semester. An incomplete is not given because a student is unable or unwilling to keep pace with the
requirements of a course.
GENERAL INFORMATION ON EVALUATION:
Students will be evaluated upon the mastery of skills, quality of work/utilization of focused techniques,
preparation for and participation in class. A Point System, located under “Grading,” outlines the approximate
weighted breakdown (subject to change based upon prior notice during the semester). Specific information
regarding expectations will be provided as assignments are distributed. Students’ willingness to challenge
skillsets will be considered favorably, as well as the breadth and depth of assigned research and creativity.
Study at the University is an experimentation and artistic growth.
Students will be evaluated, upon the mastery of skills, quality of work/utilization of specific techniques,
preparation for class, participation in class, and preparation of appropriate materials necessary to complete
assignments. A point system, located under “Grading,” outlines the approximate weighted breakdown (subject
to change based upon prior notice during the semester). As a general rule, your willingness to challenge your
skillsets will be considered favorably, as well as the breadth and depth of assigned research and other projects.
Study at the University is an opportunity for you to creatively experiment and GROW as an artist.
GRADES WILL BE BASED ON A WEIGHTED POINT SYSTEM, USING THE FOLLOWING GENERAL
CONSIDERATIONS IN EVALUATION:
A – Superior Work: Achievement so outstanding that it is normally attained by relatively few students.
B – Very Good Work: High level of achievement clearly better than adequate competence in the subject, but
not as good as the unusual, superior achievement of students earning an “A.”
C – Adequate Work: A level of achievement indicating adequate competence in the subject matter/skill. This
level will usually be met by a majority of students in the class.
D – Inferior Work: Achievement which meets the minimum requirements of the course, but may not meet the
requirement of the degree program.
F – Failure: Achievement that fails to meet minimum requirements of course. Not passing.
GRADING:
ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTION
POINTS
PERCENTAGE OF GRADE
COURSE ASSIGNMENTS
250
62.5%
FINAL PROJECT
100
25%
TEACHING PORTFOLIO
50
12.5%
POINT TOTAL
400
Grading Breakdown: POINTS PERCENTAGE LETTER GRADE
360+ 90% + A = Excellent/ Superior
320-359 80-89%: B = Very Good
280- 319 70-79%: C = Average/ Adequate
240- 279 60-69%: D = Inferior
0-239 0-59%: F = Failure
EXTRA CREDIT
Extra credit will not be granted in this course.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
LATE ASSIGNMENTS:
In the interest of fairness to all students, everyone shall have equal time to prepare for assignments. Students
should plan their research and use time wisely. The department will not print any project for you.
You are studying a subject in the entertainment industry, one built on meeting deadlines. If you do not have
your assignment in class when due, you have until the end of the business day to turn it into SHAREPOINT for
a 50% reduction in grade. No credit will be granted after that time. You are advised to hand in assignments,
even if incomplete, ON TIME, since the final grade is based on total points earned. Few points are more
valuable than no points at all. All graded activities must be performed on dates assigned unless there is official
medical, legal or related documentation that indicates the student was incapacitated.
CIVILITY IN THE CLASSROOM:
Students are expected to assist in maintaining a classroom environment, which is conducive to learning. In order
to assure that all students have an opportunity to gain from time spent in class, unless otherwise approved by the
instructor, students are prohibited from using cellular phones or beepers, eating or drinking, making offensive
remarks, reading newspapers, sleeping, or engaging in any other form of distraction in the classroom. In the
case of a violation of this policy, the instructor will talk with the student about the inappropriate behavior
immediately and will follow-up after class or with a scheduled meeting.
In the case of a second incident, the instructor will refer the student to the department chair who will schedule a
meeting with the student. At this meeting or any subsequent meeting, the chairperson will inform the student
that repeated deviations from expected classroom behavior will result in an immediate referral to the Office of
the Dean of Students for disciplinary action in accordance with the Code of Student Conduct at TTU.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY/INTEGRITY:
Academic integrity is taking responsibility for one’s own class and/or course work, being individually
accountable, and demonstrating intellectual honesty and ethical behavior. Academic integrity is a personal
choice to abide by the standards of intellectual honesty and responsibility. Because education is a shared effort
to achieve learning through the exchange of ideas, students, faculty, and staff have the collective responsibility
to build mutual trust and respect. Ethical behavior and independent thought are essential for the highest level of
academic achievement, which then must be measured. Academic achievement includes scholarship, teaching,
and learning, all of which are shared endeavors. Grades are a device used to quantify the successful
accumulation of knowledge through learning. Adhering to the standards of academic integrity ensures grades
are earned honestly. Academic integrity is the foundation upon which students, faculty, and staff build their
educational and professional careers. [Texas Tech University Quality Enhancement Plan, Academic Integrity
Task Force, 2010] For additional information, visit: www.depts.ttu.edu/studentconduct/academicinteg.php
LGBTQIA SUPPORT STATEMENT:
I identify as an ally to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA)
community, and I am available to listen and support you in an affirming manner. I can assist in connecting you
with resources on campus to address problems you may face pertaining to sexual orientation and/or gender
identity that could interfere with your success at TTU. Please note that additional resources are available
through the Office of LGBTQIA in the Center for Campus Life, SUB Room 201, 806.742.5433.
ADA STATEMENT:
Any student who, because of a disability, may require special arrangements in order to meet the course
requirements should contact the instructor as soon as possible to make any necessary arrangements. Students
should present appropriate verification from Student Disability Services during the instructor’s office hours.
Please note that instructors are not allowed to provide classroom accommodations to the student until
appropriate verification from Student Disability Services has been provided. For additional information, you
may contact the Student Disability Services office at 335 West Hall or 806-742-2405.
SoTD INCLUSION STATEMENT
The Texas Tech University School of Theatre & Dance (SoTD) seeks to foster an inclusive and
equitable environment that celebrates diversity, demonstrating solidarity with those at most risk. In elevating the
values of critical reasoning, self-reflection, investigation, inquiry, and creativity, we wish to inspire empathy
and an ethical framework through which artists and scholars can most profoundly impact society.
The TTU SoTD encourages in-depth dialogue that supports a diversity of thoughts, invites a
constellation of perspectives and experiences, and honors the richness of identity. We as faculty, staff, and
students disavow racism, xenophobia, homophobia, sexism, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, classism, ableism,
hate speech, and actions that attempt to silence, threaten, marginalize, or degrade others.
For more information on how the SoTD is challenging itself to grow in its commitment to inclusivity,
equity, and diversity, please contact the Anti-Racism Working Group. Key to fostering this environment is a
clear pathway for reporting discriminatory concerns that take into consideration student comfort, anonymity/
confidentiality, and follow-up:
1. Students should read the Code of Conduct to know which kinds of concerns must be reported to
different (and more specific) offices, e.g., sexual harassment goes to Title IX, etc.
2. Unless the concern is captured under Title IX, students are generally expected to report concerns to
SoTD faculty, staff, or the School Director.
3. When students do not feel comfortable approaching SoTD faculty, staff, or the School Director, students
may also use the RaidersReport portal to share concerns about faculty, staff, or other students or about
campus inclusion or impact on our campus climate including hostile learning environment, discrimination,
bias incidents, bullying, incivility, microaggressions, safety and security concerns, etc.. Staff in the Dean of
Students’ office respond to these reports within 24 hours. As necessary, the Dean of Students will take
submitted concerns to the appropriate Dean’s office.
The Code of Conduct is available at https://www.depts.ttu.edu/studentconduct/conductcode.php
Title IX reporting is available at https://www.depts.ttu.edu/titleix/
RaidersReport is available at https://www.depts.ttu.edu/dos/report_a_concern.php
RESOURCES FOR DISCRIMINATION, HARASSMENT, AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE:
Texas Tech University is committed to providing and strengthening an educational, working, and living
environment where students, faculty, staff, and visitors are free from gender and/or sex discrimination of any
kind. Sexual assault, discrimination, harassment, and other Title IX violations are not tolerated by the
University. Report any incidents to the Office for Student Rights & Resolution, (806)-742-SAFE (7233) or file a
report online at titleix.ttu.edu/students.
Faculty and staff members at TTU are committed to connecting you to resources on campus. Some of these
available resources are:
TTU Student Counseling Center 806-742-3674, www.depts.ttu.edu/scc/
Provides confidential support on campus
TTU Student Counseling Center 24-hour Helpline 806-742-5555
Assists students who are experiencing a mental health or interpersonal violence crisis. If you call the
helpline, you will speak with a mental health counselor
Voice of Hope Lubbock Rape Crisis Center 806-763-7273, www.voiceofhopelubbock.org
24-hour hotline that provides support for survivors of sexual violence
Risk, Intervention, Safety and Education (RISE) Office 806-742-2110, www.rise.ttu.edu
Provides a range of resources/support options focused on prevention education and student wellness
Texas Tech Police Department 806-742-3931, www.depts.ttu.edu/ttpd/
To report criminal activity that occurs on or near Texas Tech campus
The Student and Instructor will negotiate an appropriate timeline relating to the following tasks:
ARTIFACTS THAT WILL BE DEVELOPED THROUGH INDEPENDENT STUDY: ADVANCED
PROFESSIONAL CAREER MANAGEMENT FOR ACADEMICS
Cover Letter
-Standard
-Specific language for different positions
Email Boilerplate
-Cold Call Introduction
-Formal Application
-Status Check-in
-Question Follow-Up
-Thank you
Copies of Transcripts
-Undergraduate
-Graduate
Personal Statements
-Teaching Philosophy Statement
-Artistic Philosophy Statement
-Research Agenda
-Goals and Improvements
Record of Service, Training, Teaching, and Creative Activity
-Resume
-CV (Can use Digital Measures to start building)
-Abbreviated CV (2-page Summary)
-Samples of Other CV’s (at least 10, identifying the strengths)
Artistic Portfolios
-Website
-.pdf Portfolio Samples
Teaching Portfolio
-Syllabi
-Sample Lesson Plans (for easy sharing)
-Lesson Archives
-Samples of Student Work (with written permission for use)
Skill Outline
-Equipment Familiarity
-Software Familiarity
-Hard and Soft Skills
-Dream Equipment in a Shop
-Skills that need to be developed
Matrix of Positions Applied for with Statuses
Interview Industry Professionals
-Seek advice on what they are looking for in job candidates
-Advice they may have for you in the interview process
-Ask about specifics that their position entails and “Other Duties as Assigned”
-Ask for Portfolio Feedback
-Ask for Resume/CV Feedback
-You will be asked to Interview 5 professionals
Research
-What does service entail at differing Institutions
-NAST
-BA versus BFA versus MFA
-Research definitions at multiple Institutions
Timeline
-For Application
-For Follow-Up
-For Hiring
