First-Year Program
Denison Experience in Urban Culture and Expression
What is DEUCE?
The Denison Experience in Urban Culture and Expression enables 25 entering First-Year Students, along with two faculty members and three upper-division students to explore the vibrant urban arts culture that only a big city can generate. After a day of getting to know one another, the group will travel to Philadelphia where they will meet with visual and performance artists to talk about the role the arts play in social change. Muralists, hip-hop artists and street musicians all enrich the more traditional arts establishment, and will work with students as they create their own artistic responses to the experience. As far as previous training goes, we're much more interested in a willing spirit and creative mind than a porfolio or history of art classes. No previous experience in the arts required!
DEUCE registration form [pdf]
Who Should Apply?
Students
who are energized by the energy of city-life. Students who are into
art, or dance, or music, or theater - classical or cutting edge.
Students who are interested in multicultural experiences. Students who
think about how the arts capture our experience, and change it.
Students who are interested in getting to know other students who share
these same interests.
Fees
The cost of the DEUCE is $200. Pell Grant recipients who are accepted in the program will have their fees waived.
What Do I Need to Bring?
Any special supplies that we'll need for the trip will be provided.
Participants will be sent a packing list during the summer, which will
include basic travel items and light bedding.
The Schedule
Participants will arrive on campus about 10 days before classes begin
and move into their regular fall housing. After a day of on-campus
preparation, the group will depart for Philadelphia. A long weekend
will be spent traveling around the city in groups to attend
performances, visit studios, observe art as it is made and consumed.
The remaining time will be spent working individually and
collaboratively with other students and the staff on projects of your
own. While some activities will engage the full group, others will be
undertaken as small groups led by faculty-student teams. Participants
will be lodged in a youth hostel. You'll return to campus in time to
begin August Orientation with the rest of your class. Housing and meals
will be provided upon your arrival on campus.