Southern Utah University

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Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Summer Semester 2026

Arts Advocacy and Cultural Policy (Online)

AA 6040-A70

Course: AA 6040-A70
Credits: 3
Term: Summer Semester 2026
Department: TA
CRN: 20048

Course Description

Students will develop an understanding of arts advocacy and cultural policy at multiple levels, developing strategies to engage with civic, business, state, and federal agencies on behalf of the arts. Students will become empowered advocates for the arts through readings, case studies, discussions, professional practice, and critical analysis of both national and international cultural policy. (Fall) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Registration Restriction(s): Arts Administration students only

Required Texts

Required t
exts will be provided by the instructor.

Learning Outcomes


AA6040 has 4 Learning Outcomes that build upon the Learning Outcomes of the Arts Administration Program and College of Performing & Visual Arts as well as the Mission and Essential Learning Outcomes of Southern Utah University. 
Students will:

  1. Understand the history and current state of Cultural Policy in the United States.
  2. Develop creative strategies to engage with civic, business, state, and federal agencies on behalf of the arts.
  3. Become empowered advocates for the arts through readings, case studies, discussions, professional practice, presentations, and critical analysis of domestic and international policy.
  4. Apply theory directly into practice through the research, creation, and evaluation of a sample local or state advocacy initiative.

Course Requirements


Attendance: As this course is an asynchronous online course, there are no specific meeting dates, times, or locations and no traditional attendance policy. Students are simply expected to come to Canvas each week prepared and to actively contribute. Participation in this class is a valuable contribution to the entire group. Active and regular participation furthers learning and enhances everyone’s experience with the course. Students are expected to participate meaningfully: thinking critically and deeply, moving discussions forward, and sharing relevant information and personal experiences is valued more than simply repeating information provided in course materials or agreeing/disagreeing with a statement. Along with assignments, exams, and presentations, this 'active contribution' is part of the student's grade.


Instructor Feedback: The instructor commits to grading and giving feedback on assignments within ten (10) business days of the due date, and responding to emails within five (5) business days.


Late Work: All assignments and readings are expected to be completed by the due date/time listed on Canvas (please note that all times are Mountain Standard). Students earn credit by completing the assignments in the same time frame given every other student in the class.

  • Discussions: Since they are based on conversing with your fellow students, all graded class discussions close immediately after the due date listed with no late posts accepted.
  • Assignments: For written assignments turned in to the instructor, ten percent (10%) will be deducted for each 24-hour period past the deadline. This means that no assignment will be eligible for points if it is more than ten (10) days beyond the due date.

In the event of circumstances preventing a student from completing an assignment on time, the student should let the Instructor know before the due date, obtaining approval for a deadline extension. Such extensions are up to the discretion of the instructor. 


Classroom Climate: This class is intended to test higher-level cognitive abilities. You are expected to be active in your learning and think, question, problem-solve, and debate information presented in class. The instructor will do their best to create an environment in which expressions of uncertainty, conjecture, and alternative and competing views can be freely shared. The same is expected of students. Remember, there is a big difference between debating an argument and attacking an individual. The latter will not be tolerated and the instructor reserves the right to excuse from discussions any student who compromises this preferred class climate.


Students are expected to model good Expedition Behavior (NOLS, 1996) in all class activities:

  • Serve the mission and goals of the group
  • Be as concerned for others as you are for yourself
  • Treat everyone with dignity and respect
  • Support leadership and growth in everyone
  • Respect the cultures, experiences, and perspectives you encounter in all class activities
  • Be kind and open-hearted
  • Do your share and stay organized
  • Help others, but don’t routinely do their work
  • Model integrity by being honest and accountable
  • Admit and correct your mistakes

As we navigate unscripted challenges, please be willing to be flexible and extend grace and kindness—to the instructor, to classmates, and to yourself. We are all doing our best.


Course Outline


Class work is broken down into four areas: Contribution, Assignments, and the International Presentation, and Advocacy Plan. All assignments and readings are expected to be completed by the due date/time listed on Canvas. 

Contribution:

Weekly discussions:


Students are expected to start each week prepared and to actively contribute. Each week, class will be conducted in Canvas Discussions which will focus primarily on readings and assignments, but are not limited to such. Discussions on the Readings will open at 9:00 am on the first day of the week [usually Mondays] and will close at 11:59 on the fourth day of the week [usually Thursdays]. Each discussion will include a few questions from the instructor to get the ball rolling. These discussions should be an organic, collaborative, and insightful process. Remember, participation is not necessarily about having the right answers. It is simply allowing for critical thinking, trying out new ideas and positions, and helping others consider all sides of an issue. Divergent beliefs and world-views may be shared; respect for those differences is to be maintained. Students are expected to use appropriate terms and language within all discussions and work.


Students are expected to make a main post that thoughtfully addresses the material covered in the module, comment on at least two of their peer's main posts, and respond to all comments within their own main post. Students who are successful post early and engage often. 

Assignments:


Most assignments are draft elements of the final Advocacy Plan. The goal of these assignments is to give you feedback on each element to help you build a final product at the end. We will also take several “political personality quizzes,” where points are for completing the assignment, not your individual answers. This section also includes an outline submission of your International Cultural Policy Presentation

International Cultural Policy Presentation:


Students are required to upload a presentation on the arts and culture policy of a country other than the USA.

The purpose of this presentation is to give an overview and analysis of other nations' art and culture policy. The assignment will include an uploaded presentation file, as well as a video submission of your presentation.

The presentation should:

Describe and critically analyze the history, development and current arts and cultural policies of a country outside of the United States or its Territories.
    • Highlight key arts organizations or key cultural elements, and how they fit in (or drive) the arts and culture of the nation.
    • Describe the funding model for arts and culture in the country, and how funding flows to arts and culture organizations.
    • Describe and analyze current strengths in the policy approach, as well as major issues/problems facing the country in relation to its arts and cultural policies.
    • Provide recommendations of how to deal with those current issues/challenges, and what lessons the US might learn from those strengths/challenges.
    • Students must utilize both primary and secondary sources.
    • Students will make a 25-minute presentation.
    • Presentation will be uploaded with audio, then shared with the class for the next week's discussion.
    • Students will include a works cited slide.

The presentation is worth 100 points.

Advocacy Plan:


Students will create an Advocacy Plan based on their research and feedback from previous assignments. This final product should not just be a compilation of the sections, but a cohesive synthesis of each topic/assignment. The assignment will include a table of contents, and the order shall be determined in the Advocacy Plan Canvas description. The final assignment will be graded on how well feedback was integrated, strength of research and argument, as well as grammar, layout, and overall writing quality. The plan is worth 100 points.

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

AA ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE POLICY:  Use of AI (artificial intelligence) writing programs is allowed in this class within the guidelines outlined below.

  • Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are not to be used in the Canvas discussion forums of Arts Administration courses.
  • AI cannot do all your writing for you. It can, however, be a tool for you to use. Assignments in this course will ask for your personal analysis, opinion, and experience and may also ask you to incorporate in-class discussion elements. AI cannot do either of those things. As a result, choosing to use AI ultimately may not always be the most efficient use of your time. depending on the non-discussion based assignment, you need to decide whether or not you want to use AI writing tools.
  • Grading: The same minimum standards will be in place regardless of whether or not you are using AI in your writing process. Essays that fail to meet the minimum standards specified will be graded as such.
  • Assignments that allow the use of AI will be partially based on your ability to harness and proficiently utilize this technology ethically and responsibly. For example, using AI to help organize your thoughts, create outlines, or to help proofread your papers is a perfectly acceptable use of these tools.
  • AI and Factual Accuracy: AI is prone to writing factually incorrect statements, inventing fake quotes from real sources, and inventing entirely fake sources. It is your responsibility to double-check that any AI-assisted work you submit is free from these errors. Work containing factual errors or fictitious quotes or sources will be graded accordingly. It is your responsibility to verify this information before submitting your work.
  • Disclosure of AI-Assisted Writing: If you use AI in your writing, it must be cited. As there is no penalty for using AI appropriately, there is no benefit to lying about or trying to conceal your use of AI in this class. Concealing or lying about your use of AI will result in your assignment receiving a zero. 

AA BELONGING STATEMENT: It is the belief of the Arts Administration Program that a sense of belonging is essential to success in an educational environment. The perspectives, ideas, values, and experiences of diverse student populations are a strength and benefit to this program. It is our intent to present materials and activities that are respectful of differences, including (but not limited to) gender identity, sexuality, disability, age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, race, nationality, religion, and culture. Please, let us know if you have any suggestions to improve this effort. Additionally:

  • If your name and/or pronouns are different than what is listed on the class roll, please let us know in whatever mode you feel comfortable so we can address you in the proper way.
  • If you feel your performance in class is being impacted by your experiences (personal or professional) outside of class, please don’t hesitate to come and talk with us. We want to be a resource for you.
  • We (like everyone) are still learning about diverse perspectives, identities, and cultures. If something is said in class (by the instructor or anyone else) that makes you feel uncomfortable, please talk to the instructor about it, so we all can learn to do better.

AA GRADE POLICY: In compliance with the SUU Graduate Policy on grades, students enrolled in an Arts Administration Graduate Program (MFA or MA) are required to maintain a minimum of a 3.0 (B) cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale. Additionally, AA graduate students will not receive credit for a course where they achieved less than a 2.0 (C). Please see the current Arts Administration Program Graduate Student Manual and SUU Policy 6.62 for further information. Students in Arts Administration courses, but not part of one of the two AA degree tracks (MA or MFA), should be aware of any grade policies within their own home programs.

GradeRangeA | 100 % to 94.0%
A- | < 93.99 % to 90.0%
B+ | < 89.99 % to 87.0%
B | < 86.99 % to 84.0%
B- | < 83.99 % to 80.0%
C+ | < 79.99 % to 77.0%
C | < 76.99 % to 74.0%
F | < 73.99 % to 0.0%

AA MISSION STATEMENT: The Arts Administration Program develops graduates who advocate for the arts while balancing administrative systems with the creative process in an effort to ensure the artistic integrity and economic sustainability of arts and culture organizations. 

Attendance Policy

Attendance: As this course is an asynchronous online course, there are no specific meeting dates, times, or locations and no traditional attendance policy. Students are simply expected to come to Canvas each week prepared and to actively contribute. Participation in this class is a valuable contribution to the entire group. Active and regular participation furthers learning and enhances everyone’s experience with the course. Students are expected to participate meaningfully: thinking critically and deeply, moving discussions forward, and sharing relevant information and personal experiences is valued more than simply repeating information provided in course materials or agreeing/disagreeing with a statement. Along with assignments, exams, and presentations, this 'active contribution' is part of the student's grade.

Course Fees

Content for this section will be provided by the instructor.

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.