<p>myloves…it is hard to compare the rigor of an NYU course with liberal arts classes at some other BFA program, other than to say that overall, NYU is a very selective university academically, and often the rigor of more selective universities, as well as the OVERALL student body (not speaking of individuals), tends to be more rigorous than less selective colleges. Keep in mind that if your kid is accepted to NYU, then NYU believes they are up to the challenge of the academics they offer.</p>
<p>I think the Theater Studies courses at Tisch, generally speaking, are as rigorous as any of the liberal arts courses the students take in Arts and Sciences. However, every course differs, depending on the professor and other factors. For instance, my daughter thought the course, History of Musical Theater (or something similar to that title), was a gut course. She didn’t find it rigorous. Besides, she was so familiar with the history of MT before college, she didn’t feel like she learned anything new. But other courses were indeed rigorous. My D happens to like learning and academics, and reading/writing. She also liked the freshmen writing courses. In any case, usually a Tisch student has one liberal arts course and one Theater Studies course each semester outside their studio classes and voice lesson (though may have electives or 2 credit classes on top of that if they choose). </p>
<p>Remember, that after freshman year, the student CHOOSES all their liberal arts classes and Theater Studies classes and there is a WIDE selection in each of these, and so it is not like they are taking required specific courses in academics (for example, my D never chose to take a math or science class). Therefore, a student is hopefully interested in the courses they have chosen. Also, some courses may be easier than others…like some broad introductory course MIGHT be easier than a more specific higher level class, but you get to pick what you take!</p>