Trinity Western University | School of the Arts, Media + Culture 2024-2025

SCHOOL OF THE ARTS, MEDIA+CULTURE

Imagine a university that does more than prepare you for a career—one that also equips you to set the foundation for a full and meaningful life.

At Trinity Western, you’ll experience an authentic and engaging community capable of helping you create connections between biblical truth and every area of your life. We are deeply committed to providing a complete, wholeperson education, where you will develop practical professional skills while exploring bigger ideas about who you are, what you believe, and what you’re called to do in the world.

Scott Macklin, PhD Dean, School of the Arts, Media + Culture

Our world is full of art and ideas. Everywhere we turn, we encounter words, music, and images. Created in the image of the Creator God, human beings are fundamentally and amazingly creative and communicate within the context of story and relationship. At TWU’s School of the Arts, Media, + Culture (SAMC), we believe in the power and wonder of this reflection. Led by highly creative and skilled artists and scholars, we fully engage the culture and are dedicated to mentoring students in the development of their own unique voice.

Embracing who they were created to be, our students are exploring and taking risks, discovering their human potential, and addressing the issues of faith and meaning that lie at the heart of each of their disciplines. They’re becoming equipped for professional lives beyond university.

The skill and innovation of our students is vastly diverse—from creating art installations, interactive interfaces, films, and digital media to developing speeches, plays, musical compositions, and video games. They are students of history and contemporary culture. Their work is evident in the classroom, practice room, seminar room, dressing room, and digital recording studio. Whether in a choir of 150, in a painting class of ten, or one-to-one in a professor’s office, SAMC students are developing a sense of purpose, making a difference, and designing our future.

Check out SAMC’s programs in art and design, game development, media and communications, and music; and interdisciplinary programs in arts, media, and culture; and corporate communication. You'll find our courses and programs creatively engaging, culturally relevant, academically rigorous, and spiritually vital.

For more information, please visit www twu.ca/samc

They’re becoming equipped for professional lives beyond university.

SCHOOL OF THE ARTS, MEDIA + CULTURE

As a highly creative individual, you’re looking for a rich and stimulating academic community of like-minded people, who engage and develop their own personal voices and impact their culture. You’ll find your people here.

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS

• Art + Design (BA)

• Arts, Media + Culture (BA)

• Corporate Communication (BA)

• Game Development (BA)

• Media + Communication (BA)

• Leadership stream

• Media stream

• Professional writing stream

• Music (BA)

• Film studies (minor)

ART + DESIGN

Creativity drives culture. When we create, we become producers of culture. We are a community of professional artists, designers, scholars, and students who take this responsibility seriously. Within a variety of interdisciplinary historical, critical, and theoretical contexts, we explore how visual art and design practices can be used to create and critique culture. Our program empowers students to become creative leaders who are able to quickly adapt and innovate in our rapidly changing world.

Program Structure:

First Year: Visual Foundations

Second Year: Skills Mastery

Third Year: Integration of Theory & Practice

Fourth Year: Graduate Art Exhibition

Our Program:

As a student of TWU’s Art and Design program, you will receive one-to-one mentorship within a supportive and challenging creative community. You will be encouraged to take risks, think critically, and explore intersections between faith and art. Grounded within a liberal arts core, this program offers visual foundations, digital design, art history, theory, and studio practices, such as drawing, painting, photography, and intermedia installations.

For more information, visit twu.ca/artdesign.

ARTS, MEDIA + CULTURE

SAMC offers an Arts, Media + Culture degree that allows for a variety of course combinations in art, film, music, and theatre.

The opportunities and the need for cross-disciplinary and interdisciplinary studies are almost endless in 21st century culture. Why?

• Because of what is becoming the buzzword in both business and education: creativity.

• And because students are creative across many arts disciplines.

Imagine the value to our culture of cross-disciplinary and interdisciplinary studies:

• The music conductor who studies public speaking and leadership communication, knowing there’ll be a need to relate not just to musicians but to an audience and a board of directors.

• The filmmaker who wants to direct as well as produce the film score.

• The cross-cultural communication student who studies drawing and painting alongside communication courses, recognizing that visual art is so richly embedded in culture worldwide, it’s practically a language in itself.

Explore the interconnections and fascinating synergies of the arts with a BA in Arts, Media, and Culture.

For more information, visit twu.ca/artsmediaculture

CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS

Combining courses from SAMC and the School of Business, TWU’s Corporate Communication program prepares graduates to thrive as leaders and influencers.

Like people, every organization has a story to tell. Today, telling that story authentically is more important than ever. Picture this: As a future PR director, communications consultant, or social media specialist, you will be directly involved in growing the reputation and success of the company, ministry, or non-profit that hires you. Sound exciting? Read on.

SAMC equips leaders with an in-depth understanding of marketing, public relations, writing, speaking, and media. Corporate communicators are the voice of an organization. At TWU, you will learn how to deliver messaging that’s clear and consistent. And because you will learn what it means to develop personal and corporate ethics, the stories you tell will stand out for their integrity and authenticity—that’s the TWU difference.

Discover and refine your abilities in team building, project management, media application, and visual communication—skills that will help future-proof a business and make you an invaluable member of any organization.

For more information, visit twu.ca/corporatecomm

GAME DEVELOPMENT

The video game industry is massive and global, earning hundreds of billions of dollars worldwide each year. Market trends show it will continue to be a major employer of well-paid, highly skilled professionals.

Our unique Game Development program is unlike any other. You will gain the technical skills you need to develop video games and knowledge about the entrepreneurial aspects of the business—all while gaining experience and developing your specialization in a range of teambased activities.

Beginning as early as your second year, you will work on three intensive projects to create and market video games. As in the industry, you will work within an entrepreneurial and interdisciplinary team environment to drive the projects from concept to promotion—creating business models and monitoring costs and revenues. In addition to building your portfolio through experiential learning, TWU’s liberal arts core and focus on whole-person education will equip you to be a valuable contributor and leader in your field.

For more information, visit twu.ca/gamedevelopment

MEDIA + COMMUNICATION

We are surrounded and influenced every day—for better and worse—by video, stories, social media, and constant connectivity. Employers across industries are actively seeking talented and well-trained communication professionals. The Media and Communication program at TWU prepares you to effectively speak, write, and visually communicate in order to engage and transform our media-saturated world.

As a student of media and communication, you will take courses that encourage critical thinking as you develop your skills in written, spoken, and visual communication. You will have the opportunity to specialize in media studies, professional writing, or leadership communication, with minors available in film studies and professional writing.

Media + Communication Streams:

Specialize in one area you are passionate about, or combine courses from each.

• Leadership communication: Courses in this stream cover a wide range of topics, such as relational, intercultural, and organizational communication.

• Media studies: This stream offers courses in production and criticism. Production focuses on filmmaking, with opportunities for graphic design and game-making courses. Our criticism courses will help you engage with popular culture through in-depth examinations of film, video games, social media, and more.

• Professional writing: Our writing stream prepares you to work in a wide range of writing-intensive careers, like public relations, journalism, and marketing.

For more information, visit twu.ca/mediacomm

MUSIC

Music fills our world, and we believe that musical and cultural literacy are critical for Christian musicians. Our Music program provides Christ-centred mentorship and exciting peer collaborations, along with abundant opportunities to hone your musical and leadership skills. Mentorship from professors will take your passion for music and help you develop your ability to influence culture as a performer, educator, creator, or scholar.

Christmas at the Chan SAMC musicians have the privilege of being a part of TWU’s prestigious Christmas at the Chan event. This annual choral and orchestral tradition showcases several SAMC choirs all led by award-winning conductor Dr. Joel Tranquilla.

Students and alumni in TWU’s Music, Art and Design, and Media and Communications programs have the joy and delight of sharing their talent and hard work in this year-end event.

Christmas at the Chan features close to 100 singers and a full orchestra performing within the exceptional acoustics of the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts.

For more information, visit twu.ca/music

LONDON + PARIS

Experience the arts and their rich history in two global epicentres.

To visit London and Paris is to step into two of the most culturally, artistically, and historically rich and diverse cities in the world. In this travel study, students encounter artistic creations from the famous to the leading edge and are encouraged to consider the interdisciplinary connections among the arts. Students are also challenged to further integrate Christian thought into their own aesthetic sensibilities, which enables them to make informed judgments about artistic creations. Experiencing the vibrant cultures of London and Paris, with their rich

history and central place in the history of artistic creation, makes this travel study an exciting opportunity. Trip highlights include visiting cultural sites, attending worldclass performances, and dynamic group discussions about the arts. Most of the study takes place in London and Paris proper, but several day trips are also included. Past day trips have included Oxford, Windsor, and Versailles.

For more information, visit twu.ca/travel

world See the

A special experience for anyone walking around TWU’s Langley campus is hearing the melodic Alloway Chime sounding out from the campus bell tower.

Each year, TWU invites student composers to create arrangements and write new music for the Alloway Chime through the Alloway Chime Award and mentorship program, funded by Heather Alloway, whose mother the TWU library is named after.

This year's Easter bell tower tunes feature a selection of melodies created by TWU students, including Robbie Down, James Tseung, and alumna Chloé Thiessen.

A new contemplative piece debuts

The Alloway Chime Award supports student musicians in their work and ensures that new and inspiring melodies continue ringing across campus.

Music major Robbie Down is this year’s award recipient. His composition, "Return to Rest My

Soul," debuted on March 21 just prior to the 11 a.m. campus chapel service. Robbie’s composition will be included in a selection of melodies that will ring out daily at noon between Maundy Thursday, April 6 and Easter Monday, April 10.

Composing for an "enigmatic instrument"

Robbie shares that working with the TWU library staff to compose for the Alloway Chime has been a fascinating experience. “The chimes are a somewhat enigmatic instrument to compose for due to their elaborate tones and harmonies,” he explains. Robbie, also a B.C.-based independent artist, describes, “Not every melody or song sounds like how you would expect.” He adds, “There are different methods to find what sounds best on the bells.”

“A unique and seemingly apparent feature of this instrument is its ability to be heard all over campus: one instrument, heard by an entire community.”

Robbie decided to leverage the Alloway Chime’s cross-campus melodic reach and craft something to encourage students. “This is why my first dream to compose for the bells was to transcribe a doxology that we as a discipleship team wrote to be heard on the bells every Tuesday, beckoning us to our Devotion Chapel services.” Devotion Chapel, which takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, is a time of prayer and reflection. “When ringing a recognizable tune, the chimes

on campus provide a moment of pause, listening, and possible delight to all on the Trinity Western campus,” he shares.

“Keep an ear out on Tuesdays at 10:55 a.m. for the new doxology tune, Return to Rest My Soul based on Psalm 13.”

TWU library staff member Shawn Brouwer supervises Alloway Chime Award recipients and helps them explore the art and craft of contemporary campanology. “I’m so pleased to work with Robbie this year,” Shawn remarks, “He has been a great advocate for the chimes in helping students understand ways to use the ringing of the chimes as a reminder to pause, reflect, or pray when hearing the six different melodies that play throughout each day.”

Return to Rest My Soul

based on Psalm 13, by Robbie Down

Return to rest my soul

For the Lord is good (Psalm 116:7)

Come walk with him in joy

For His way endures (Isaiah 12:3)

How long? How long?

Be this trouble over me (Psalm 13)

Hold on, hold on

For his delivering (Psalm 119:153)

Keep an ear out on Tuesdays at 10:55 a.m. for the new doxology tune, "Return to Rest My Soul" based on Psalm 13.

“

TWU graduates are equipped for life

Madison Stenner (’20) began her career in the film industry before she had even crossed the TWU graduation stage. She has directed and produced two award-winning short films (“How Tall is Jeffrey?” and “I Can’t Go On”) and plans to launch her own production company in 2024, with an animated web series. Madison sees her position in the industry as her mission and hopes to “potentially reach millions of people and share Jesus and Christian values.”

As a graduate of Trinity Western, you will belong to our global community of over 30,000 alumni, who are using their TWU education to make a difference worldwide.

95% of students landed* within 6 months of graduation.

TWU graduates are equipped for life after graduation*:

• Living lives that reflect their calling

• Feeling socially connected and part of a community

• Confident in pursuing their career goals

• Ready to adapt to problems

Where are Trinity Western School of Arts, Media + Culture graduates working?

• Gallery 7 Theatre

• Prismtech Graphics

• Vancouver Chinatown Foundation

Fields graduates are working in:

• Creative arts & design

• Marketing, advertising & PR

• Adanac Sales

• EB Horsman & Son

• City of Burnaby

• Media & internet

• Non-profit organizations

We invite you to partner with us as you continue to do life. The TWU Alumni Department and the Centre for Calling and Career Development are committed to helping recent graduates explore personal, educational, and career opportunities that are unique to them. Our hope is that you feel supported as you continue your journey of growth and discovery.

*2021 National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE)

Your journey with TWU doesn’t end after you graduate.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Musical Arts Scholarship

Five scholarships are available for first-year students (new and transfer) pursuing studies in music:

• Two vocal scholarships

• Two instrumental scholarships

• One piano scholarship Worth up to $12,000 over four years

TWU’s financial aid program includes merit and need-based aid. About 97 percent of our students receive some form of financial aid.

• Academic scholarships $1,600–$7,200 per year

• TWU Founder’s Scholarship $5,000 one-time award

• TWU Grant (amount varies) – for students who demonstrate financial need

• Endowment awards (amount varies) – based on a variety of criteria, including financial need and academic program.

ENTRANCE AUDITIONS

At the time of application, students may apply and be admitted to any SAMC program based on the standard TWU admission requirements. Some programs have additional requirements that must be met either before starting your SAMC program or to continue in your program. Email samc@twu.ca for more info.

Those interested in the BA Honours program apply at the end of second year; admission is possible in third or fourth year. Admission is determined by portfolio application, adjudicated by a faculty committee. Email samc@twu.ca for more info.

Music (BA)

Audition prior to first year with the performance of two pieces from contrasting style periods. In most areas of study, these pieces should be a minimum of Royal Conservatory Level 7. Auditions are held late March/early April and September. Email music@twu.ca for more info.

For more information, visit twu.ca/samc

Canadian High School Students

Students are required to graduate from high school or equivalent with a university preparatory program. The minimum requirement for admission is graduation from high school, with a 70% average in English 12 (or equivalent) and three additional Grade 12 academic courses.

For early provisional admission (prior to January 31) and regular provisional admission based on in-progress high school grades, a combination of Grade 11 and Grade 12 academic courses, including English 11 or 12 may be used for evaluation. Students not meeting the required number of courses or GPA will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Final admission is reviewed and granted upon receipt of your official final transcript showing graduation date and meeting the above minimum admission requirements. For other provinces, the minimum requirement for admission is graduation from an accredited high school (70% average), with Grade 12 English and the required Grade 12 academic courses.

The minimum academic requirement for admission is graduation from an accredited high school, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the following curriculum:

• Four years of English

• Three years of mathematics

• Two years of social science

• Two years of science

• Two years of additional academic courses

American High School Students International Students

The admission requirements for international students include:

• Official school documentation

• Certification for English language proficiency (There are eight ways you can meet this requirement.) Visit twu.ca/international-requirements Visit twu.ca/international for more details, as well as information about ESL programs and the University Transition program, which provides special support to help international students succeed at TWU.

Homeschool Students

Our homeschool admission requirements are designed to recognize your unique approach to learning and allow us the opportunity to assess your accomplishments. Visit twu.ca/homeschool or contact your admissions counsellor for more details.

Approved Academic Courses

Visit twu.ca/admissions for a list of approved courses and requirements for all provinces and territories.

HAVE QUESTIONS?

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e: admissions@twu.ca

twu.ca/undergraduate

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e: gradadmissions@twu.ca

twu.ca/graduate

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