What is the curriculum for the Academy?
The Academy’s curriculum is designed to give participants an opportunity to pursue studies that differ from traditional approaches to arts education. Guest lectures, forums, films, and other events during the Academy reinforce and extend the curriculum. The formal curriculum is divided into two areas of study: 1. Interdisciplinary Artistic Studies: Students spend each morning five days a week studying the arts in interdisciplinary formats. 2. Traditional Artistic Studies: Students spend each afternoon five days a week in intensive pursuit of their primary area of artistic ability.
Top of page The MPAA is designed to provide students with intensive instruction on public affairs. To this end, Academy topics include: • The social contract • American political culture • Federalism • The criminal justice system • The role of media and public opinion • Community partnerships • Your place in the system The Academy curriculum is taught through a variety of highly interactive methods. Guest speakers from Missouri government, the media, and political parties will meet with participants to lectures and to engage in dialogue. A mock trial with practicing attorneys will be conducted. A field trip to Jefferson City will include tours of major government buildings along with sessions with representatives from the executive, legislative and judicial branches of state government. The Academy theme of personal community involvement will be carried out as students plan, publicize and implement a service project.
