Communication, Media & Theatre Arts

Education

• Ph.D., Humanities, The University of Texas at Dallas, 2008B
• MA, Applied Drama/Theatre for the Young, Eastern Michigan University, 2003
• AA, English, Brigham Young University, 1999

Interests and Expertise

Dr. Leifson's research and teaching interests include creativity, performance theory, research techniques, and humanities education. Most recently, she has developed a keen interest in the challenges facing higher education, in particular the need for educating students to succeed in a rapidly changing world that features complex and unscripted problems. She serves on the Provost's LEAP (Liberal Education and America's Promise) / High-Impact Practice Committee, and writes a number of grants each year under the direction of the Provost's office. She is a recipient, with Dr. John Koolage (associate professor, Philosophy) of a 2016 National Endowment for the Humanities Enduring Questions award to develop a course in discovery and creativity in the arts and sciences.

Courses

• CTAR 601 Performance Inquiry
• CTAR 677 Research Techniques
• CTAR 300 Integrated Arts
• CTAR 222 Drama and Play in Human Experience

Professional Affiliations

• Modern Language Association
• Performance Philosophy Association