This fall, North Park University launched and announced several programs that will uniquely prepare students for a variety of careers and allow them to engage directly with the city of Chicago.
Theatre and Performance Studies
Beginning in Fall 2016, the theatre department merged with the art department and the School of Music to form the School of Music, Art, and Theatre. In its new context, the existing theatre and performance studies major has been revamped to focus on ensuring that students have the experiential business skills necessary to manage theatre companies.
North Park’s theatre program is developed around the growing storefront theatre model of creating productions for intimate or varying settings. “Our holistic approach to theatre studies gives students the opportunity to learn the full spectrum of practical skills that production members need to be successful,” said Professor of Theatre Dr. Chad Eric Bergman.
Middle Grades Education
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) recently changed the endorsement structure for teacher education candidates interested in teaching in the middle grades. As a result, North Park’s School of Education has redesigned its middle grades endorsement program, which launched in Fall 2016 as a new major that will meet new ISBE standards, guidelines, and requirements.
Chicago as Classroom
Beginning in Fall 2017, the Engage Chicago program will combine classroom and experiential learning in a way unique only to North Park. First-year students may join the Urban Discipleship Living-Learning Community cohort, a practical discipleship program for resident students that will lay the foundation to explore academic, spiritual, and creative formation. Second-year students can participate in the Chicago Intensive, a semester-long cohort program with all courses, service opportunities, and experiences focused on the city.
“The program taps into the city right here and engages our students in a way not found in the classroom.” — Provost Emerson