Texas A&M University-San Antonio’s department of Language, Literature and Arts has announced the addition of the Creative Arts and Performance Studies minor arriving in fall 2022 inspired by student demand for an arts-focused education.
Led in part by art professor Justin Korver, music professor Dr. Martha Saywell and English professor Dr. Adrianna Santos, the CAPS program will encourage students to explore multiple disciplines across the arts by mixing and matching classes in visual art, music, theater and creative writing.
A curriculum organized around these principles is a new concept for A&M-San Antonio, and will provide opportunities for students wishing to pursue an education and career in the applicable fields.
According to an unreleased program outline and information sheet curated by the faculty, the CAPS minor will begin by initiating a soft rollout of existing arts courses that can now be taken to fulfill part of the 18 hours of requirements.
Santos said faculty and professors want the program to reflect the real-world application of the arts through the minor’s wide range of options and flexibility.
“The Creative Arts and Performance Studies topics will further add that (interdisciplinary) flavor,” Santos said.
To supplement classroom instruction, students will also be able to engage in San Antonio’s thriving arts community through special events. For example, a collaboration with the San Antonio Community Wind Ensemble will bring the performing group to the campus auditorium and invite them to participate in special projects with CAPS students.
“We don’t currently have anything like that here on the Southside, and I’m excited to bring that part of the community to the students here at TAMUSA,” Saywell said.
The CAPS program is a huge step forward for vitalizing the arts amongst students, as well as the greater San Antonio community.
However, Saywell notes that to further curate a robust program ─ especially regarding its music education component ─ A&M-San Antonio’s administration would need more personnel, resources, space and funding in the upcoming semesters.
“With having the interdisciplinary minor, it’s more grounded that way,” Saywell said. “We have a little bit more power when we come together as an integrated program.”
Communications freshman and podcaster Brandan Salazar said he is looking forward to supplementing his education with formal arts and writing training.
“Right now I’m in the theatre club, and as someone with aspirations of working in front of a camera and hosting a talk show, I’m really excited for this new program,” Salazar said.
Saywell said students will receive a more well-rounded education in the arts because of the program’s interdisciplinary nature and hopes this aspect will help illustrate to relevant decision-makers how important the arts are to a student’s education.
