The latvian academy of culture

CONTENT

THE LATVIAN ACADEMY OF CULTURE

BA STUDY PROGRAMMES

2. Self-assessment of the BA Study Programme.
3.Sub programmes:
3.1. The Theory and Management of Culture (code 442261)

3.1.1. Self-assessment

3.1.2. Structure

3.1.3. Description of the Study Courses

3.2. The Sociology of Culture and Public Relations ( code 442131)

3.2.1. Self-assessment

3.2.2. Structure

3.2.3. Description of the Study Courses

3.3. Traditional Culture and Latvian Folklore (code 442262)

3.3.1. Self-assessment

3.3.2. Structure

3.3.3. Description of the Study Courses
3.4. The Theatre, the Cinema and TV Drama (code 442152)

3.4.1. Self-assessment

3.4.2. Structure

3.4.3. Description of the Study Courses

3.5. The History and Theory of Audio-Visual Culture (code 44216103)

3.5.1. Self-assessment

3.5.2. Structure

3.5.3. Description of the Study Courses

3.6. TV and Video Cameramen (code 44216101)

3.6.1. Self-assessment

3.6.2. Structure

3.6.3. Description of the Study Courses

3.7. TV Director (code 44216102)

3.7.1. Self-assessment

3.7.2. Structure

3.7.3. Description of the Study Courses

3.8. Drama Actor (code 44215101)

3.8.1. Self-assessment

3.8.2. Structure

3.8.3. Description of the Study Courses

3.9. Theatre Director (code 44215102)

3.9.1. Self-assessment

3.9.2. Structure

3.9.3. Description of the Study Courses
3.10. Choreographer, Dancer and Teacher of Modern Dance (code 442181)

3.10.1. Self-assessment

3.10.2. Structure

3.10.3. Description of the Study Courses

3.11. International Cultural Relations (code 442263)

3.11.1. Self-assessment

3.11.2. Structure

3.11.3. Description of the Study Courses

THE LATVIAN ACADEMY OF CULTURE

BA STUDY PROGRAMME

SELF-ASSESSMENT

BA studies are designed to acquire and expand theoretical knowledge, research and creative artistic skills in the chosen study area, the management of culture or creative artistic work.

The BA Study Programme of the Latvian Academy of Culture is a description of the contents and the implementation of the studies, including an overview of all the necessary resources.

1. 
   TASKS AND OBJECTIVES
   

1. The objective of the programme is to prepare highly educated specialists, organizers, and researchers, capable of independent and creative thinking, who can work in public and private sector, in creative, research, and educational institutions.

2. To give each student knowledge on various forms of culture and art both in theoretical and practical aspects.

3. To involve the future specialists in practical activities: in research projects, the development and implementation of the strategy of cultural life, the designing of creative projects, and various forms of artistic expression.

I.THE CONTENTS AND ORGANIZATION OF THE STUDIES

1. 
   The Study Programme
   

The BA Study Programme has been developed and is implemented by the departments of the Latvian Academy of Culture. Its management is provided by the Study Department, the Dean, and the Prorector, who is responsible for the academic work.

The study programme has been designed according to the Law on Higher Education of the Republic of Latvia, the decisions of the Senate of the Latvian Academy of Culture, regulations, and other normative documents.

The BA study programme includes the following subprogrammes:

THE THEORY AND MANAGEMENT OF CULTURE

INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL RELATIONS

THE SOCIOLOGY OF CULTURE AND PUBLIC RELATIONS

THEATRE ACTING

THEATRE DIRECTION

THEATRE, CINEMA AND TV DRAMA

TV AND VIDEO CAMERA WORK

TV DIRECTION

MODERN DANCE CHOREOGRAPHY AND TEACHING

THE HISTORY AND THEORY OF AUDIOVISUAL CULTURE

THE TRADITIONAL CULTURE AND LATVIAN FOLKLORE
The present Study Programme envisages student exchange and cooperation with similar institutions of higher education abroad (Vitautas the Great University in Kaunas, Lithuania; the University of Tampere, Finland; the G. Verne University of Picardy in Amien, France; the Higher Theatre and Music School in Hamburg, Germany, etc)

Participation in international projects and programmes is very important for the implementation of the present Study Programme as well. Thus, in 1999 the Latvian Academy of Culture joined the European education programme ERASMUS (Vilnius Academy of Music and the University of Picardy) and the European programme LEONARDO DA VINCI 2001.

2. 
   The Length and the Scope of Studies
   

The length of studies is identical for all the subprogrammes of the BA studies.

It comprises 8 terms of full-time studies (4 years), which corresponds to at least 160 credit points.

3. 
   Student Matriculation
   

The students are enrolled into the subprogrammes of the Theory and Management of Culture and International Cultural Relations every year. In other subprogrammes enrolment is effected in accordance with a special decision of the Senate of the Latvian Academy of Culture.

The students are enrolled both at the expense of the state budget or their own expense according to the results of a competition.

The entrance examinations are organized in accordance with the Regulations on Enrolment at the Latvian Academy of Culture and the special regulations for each of the subprogrammes.

Two entrance examinations are similar for all the BA subprogrammes:

1) Written Composition,

2) Foreign Language (English, German, French)

The third entrance examination can be organized either in the form of a Test in the World and Latvian Culture or creative assignments in the respective field of art.

4. 
   The Number of Students
   

In the academic year 2000/2001 there are 516 students enrolled in the BA Study Programme:

The Theory and Management of Culture 124

International Cultural Relations 194

Theatre Art 65

5. 
   The Academic Staff
   

The BA Study Programme is implemented by 63 members of the academic staff (16 professors and associated professors, 19 docents, 28 lecturers).

There are 4 Dr. Habil. Artis, 14 PhD, and 30 MA degree holders in arts and humanities among them. There are high-class professionals in theatre and film direction, choreography, camera work, and acting among the academic staff working in the creative specialities.

In the subprogramme of International Cultural Relations, the academic work proceeds in close cooperation with foreign embassies in Latvia, as well as several foundations (e.g. Robert Bosh Foundation in Germany and the Swedish Institute).

An American guest lecturer works full-time in the subprogramme of Modern Dance Choreography, while a Russian theatre director and teacher works in the subprogramme of Theatre Art.

The academic staff who work full-time at the Latvian Academy of Culture cover approximately 80 % of the programme.

2.6. The Material and Technical Provision of the Study Programme
The BA Study Programme is carried out by the departments of the Latvian Academy of Culture:

the Department of the Theory and History of Culture, the Department of Foreign Languages, the Department of the Culture Sociology and Administration, as well as the supervisors of the subprogrammes and the Study Department.

The studies take place at 24, Ludzas Street and 46, Dzirnavu Street.

A library, a videoteque, a room for film and video editing, technology for visual presentation, a computer room and copying facilities all are available to BA students.

One study room has been equipped with the assistance of the French Embassy and in cooperation with the Schuman Foundation. It is intended to set up a German Culture Centre as well.
The students of Theatre Art and Modern Dance make use of a a hall for dancing classes and stage movement practice. A special sports hall is rented for physical training classes. Practical classes also take place in the theatres – the National Theatre, the Daile Theatre, and Valmiera Theatre. A special cooperation has been established with the theatre “Skatuve”, which is situated nearby and provides the necessary stage environment for practical classes every day.

2.7. The Methodological Provision of the Study Programme.
The methodological provision of the study programme is basically ensured by the funds of the Library of the Academy of Culture, which contain more than 58000 units. Students also make use of the funds of the Latvian National Library, the Academic Library of the Academy of Science, as well as the funds available in the libraries of other institutions of higher education.

A considerable collection of books and study aids has been assembled in the Department of Foreign Languages with the help of foreign embassies, several foundations, and private individuals. Specialist literature is also available in the Department of Culture Sociology and Administration.

A project for the modernizing and computerazing of the Academy Library is under way at present; however, it requires considerable financial resources.

II.THE STRUCTURE OF THE STUDY PROGRAMME

The BA Study Programme corresponds to the demands set forth to acquire an academic degree in one of the academic subbranches irrespective of the specialization (the Theory and Management of Culture, International Cultural Relations, Theatre Art, Modern Dance, etc).

The General Structure of the Programme:

Part A: Compulsory subjects 80 credit points

Part B: Required subjects (choice possible) 70 – 90 credit points

Part C: Optional subjects 10 – 20 credit points

Subjects of Part A are compulsory for all the students. They have been standardized into the following blocks:

• 
  General Theory of Culture, History and Semiotics
  
• 
  The Theory and History of Art
  
• 
  Fundamentals of the Theory and History of Philosophy
  
• 
  The Academic Principles of Art
  
• 
  Art Phenomenology
  
• 
  Creative Expression
  
• 
  Language Studies
  

To obtain a BA degree the students shall:

1. 
   pass examinations and tests in the subjects of Parts A, B, and C, acquiring no fewer than 160 credit points
   
2. 
   pass a BA examination in the Theory and History of Culture
   
3. 
   present an BA Paper (special regulations )
   

III.STUDY PROVISION AND MANAGEMENT

The BA Study programme is implemented both at the expense of the state budget and students’ own expense. Up to the academic year 2000/2001 there was a partial tuition fee not exceeding Ls 400 per year, which covered about 50% of the average cost of studies. In the current academic year, 41% of BA students study at the expense of the state budget. It is not possible to increase the number of students studying at the expense of the state budget, as the current financing does not fully cover the costs of studies. In 1999, the average financing per one student in the state institutions of higher education was Ls 960, but at the Academy it was only Ls 547.

The BA Study Programme is implemented by the departments of the Latvian Academy of Culture:

• 
  The Department of the Theory and History of Culture (head: Associated Professor Valda Čakare)
  
• 
  The Department of Foreign Languages (head: Associated Professor Anita Načisčione)
  
• 
  The Department of Culture Sociology and Administration (head: Associated Professor Silva Senkāne)
  
• 
  The Department of Cinema and Theatre Art (head: Professor Kalvis Zalcmanis).
  

The heads of the departments elaborate and effect the strategy and tactics of the Study Programme together with the Dean and the Prorector. Research and methodological provisions are ensured by the departments of the Academy of Culture.

The matters concerning the content and organization of studies are discussed and resolved in the meetings of the departments.

The Study Programmes and their ammendments are discussed and approved by the Senate of the Latvian Academy of Culture.

The operational management is provided by the Study Department. The Department of External Relations is responsible for the cooperation with other institutions of higher education and participation in international projects.
The basic methodology applied in the study process includes:

I. Basic Forms of Study:

• 
  Lectures
  
• 
  Seminars
  
• 
  Research Papers (all subprogrammes in the 2^nd and the 3^rd year of studies)
  
• 
  Independent and individual work. Individual classes are specially planned for the BA students in Theatre Art and Cinema and Video Art.
  

II. Supplementary Forms of Study:

• 
  Workshops and practical classes (in the Subprogrammes in Theatre Art and Cinema and Video Art)
  
• 
  Analysis of Video Recordings and TV Programmes
  
• 
  Practical Classes in Museums
  
• 
  Practical Activities (development and implementation of projects for the students in Culture Management).
  

III Forms of Assessment:

• 
  Oral (seminars, discussions, oral tests and examinations)
  
• 
  Written (essays, written tests and examinations)
  
• 
  Creative exhibitions (for the students in Cinema and Theatre Art)
  

The rights to pass tests and examinations are set by the rules of each programme. When obtaining a negative assessment at a test or an examination, the BA student has the right to repeat it two more times (the third time would require an extended commission).

The BA paper is assessed by the tutor and a reviewer.

Final examinations in foreign languages and BA examinations are assessed by the Ezamination Commission.

The knowledge of BA students is assessed according to the 10 point system.

2. 
   COMPARISON OF THE BA STUDY PROGRAMME WITH SIMILAR PROGRAMMES ABROAD
   

The BA Study Programme is an original programme, which has been designed according to the current situation in culture and education in Latvia and the current and future needs of art processes. Up to now there have been no similar programmes for BA studies in other institutions of higher education in Latvia.

When developing the programme, the experience of similar foreign institutions of higher education has been taken into consideration. Suggestions from similar foreign programmes have been introduced in the structure of separate parts of the programme:

1) Scandinavian countries: the University of Tampere, Finland,

the University of Oslo, Norway

the University of Aarhus, Denmark

2) USA: the University of Los Angeles

3) France: the G. Verne University of Picardy in Amien

4) Lithuania: Vitautas the Great University in Kaunas, the Klaipeda University

5) Estonia: Tartu University

6) Tthe Czech Republic: Janaček Music and Art Academy in Brno

7) The Netherlands: The Utrecht School of Art

The Latvian Academy of Culture has drawn upon the experience of Russian institutions of higher education when designing the study programmes in the Theatre and Cinema Art as they adhere to the principles of step-by-step approach and methodological system most consistently. It is particularly important for the courses in the History of Art and Culture, as well as in specific creative subjects.

VI. RESEARCH AND CREATIVE WORK OF THE ACADEMIC STAFF AND STUDENTS

Since the very beginning of its activity, the Latvian Academy of Culture has been focused on the development of research and creative activities of both the academic staff and the students. For example, five former MA students continue their studies in the Doctoral Department. Some topics of research are “The Phenomena of Traditional Culture in Modern Consciousness” (J. Jurevica), ‘Film Art in the Context of Latvian Culture” (I. Pērkone), etc. Interdisciplinery conferences organized by the Department of the Theory and History of Culture have become traditional. The members of academic staff, doctoral students, MA students, and researchers from other institutions participate in these conferences, thereby activating new ideas in the field of culture. Research conferences are often held in cooperation with other institutions. For example, the international conference “Garlieb Merkel”, held in April 2000, was organized in cooperation with the Goethe Institute and the University of Latvia. There were German, Estonian, Lithuanian, and Latvian researchers among the conference participants. Two conferences entitled “Civic Culture in Europe”’were held in 1999 and 2000 in cooperation with the University of Latvia and the Goethe Institute.

The conference “Norwegian Drama and its Interpretation in the Baltic States” took place in March 2001, in cooperation with the Department of Philology of the University of Latvia. There were researchers and theatre workers from Latvia, Norway, Lithuania, and Estonia among the conference participants.
The workswops “Baltic Seaside Drama” organized in cooperation with some institutions of art education from Nordic Countries (Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden), held in 1998 and 1999 were of particular importance for the students and the academic staff working in the field of Theatre Art, “Mare Liberum” in Film Drama, “Ring of Baltic Light” in Documentary Film. They gave great impulse for further development of the process of studies both for the students and the academic staff.

A large-scale project was started in 2000 in cooperation with the French Embassy. Within this project, the students of the Academy are going to translate 10 short plays by French authors. Subsequently, they will be staged by the students specializing in Theatre Art and shown in the Latvian professional theatres.

The main directions of the research work pursued by the academic staff will be dealt with in the descriptions of separate subprogrammes.
Students’ Research Conferences with participants from other Latvian institutions of higher education take place each year in the spring term. Some issues tackled in the previous years were “The End of the Century Again”, “Identity – the Constant and the Changeable”, etc.

The students of the Academy of Culture also take active part in the conferences organized by other institutions of higher education and are involved in other activities. For example, literary evenings are organized by young poets, writers, dramatists, who are the students of the Academy, in the Museum of the Writer J.Akurāters.

The projects combining theoretical knowledge and artistic expression, e.g. the evenings of French, Polish, and Spanish culture organized by the students in International Cultural Relations are of considerable interest as well.

Several students in the Theory and Management of Culture have been involved in large scale art projects carried out in Latvia and Riga: the Art Days, music festivals, the International Balley Festival, the Film Festival “Arsenal” where students’ foreign language and management skills, as well as their creative abilities find their practical application.

The articles by some students of the Academy are regularly published in literary magazines and daily press, as well as in the monthly publication “The Time and Space of Culture”.

VII. QUALITY PROVISION

The quality of the study process is facilitated by:

• 
  Mutual visiting of lectures and classes (by colleagues) and visiting of lectures and classes by the heads of the departments.
  
• 
  Indirect control: the results of tests and examinations, work assessment at the meetings of the departments, BA Examinations and presentation of research papers, lecturers from other universities participating at the examinations.
  
• 
  Student opinion polls, meetings of the administration and the supervisors of the subprogrammes with BA students.
  

The growth of the lecturers is facilitated by research, methodological and creative work. Its promotion and coordination is effected by the departments. Research activities are coordinated by the Rector, and Assistant to the Rector in research.