Policies on the Award of Certificates
Fencing Masters Certificate Program Sonoma State University
Updated 7/10/17
1.0 Rationale
The ultimate goal of students in the Sonoma State University Fencing Maters Certificate Program (SSU FMCP) is to achieve accreditation in fencing pedagogy. To this end the FMCP offers 4 types of certificates: a certificate of completion, And Instructor’s Certificate, a Provost at Arms Certificate, and a Master at Arms Certificate. The program will also offer concentrations in Theatrical and Historical fencing as described below. The FMCP will endeavor to maintain program accreditation to insure that its students receive world-class instruction in fencing pedagogy.
1.1 General Requirements
The FMCP teaches traditional Italian fencing pedagogy and to receive a certificate from the FMCP requires that the candidate be fully committed to the teaching and preserving of the Italian fencing tradition. The FMCP fully recognizes that there are other valuable traditions in fencing but the FMCP is only competent in teaching traditional Italian fencing pedagogy. Our certificates are not meant to be a quick attempt at legitimating a coach’s long-term idiosyncratic experience in teaching. This is not meant to be judgmental, there are many fine coaches teaching their own systems of fencing all over the world and there work is to be admired. Here at the FMCP we would never hope to be in a position to judge the merits of all this disparate work. We stand only as an authority on the traditional Italian school and therefore can only accredit those candidates devoted to that school of thought. Successful candidates will not only work on Italian fencing pedagogy in class but throughout their fencing careers. One factor that will lead to unsuccessful attempts at certification will be an inability to convince the examiner(s) that the candidate has a serious long-term interest in traditional Italian fencing pedagogy.
1.2 Transfer credit and units
At each level it is required that 2/3 of the credit units used to fulfill the requirements for certification be earned in residence at Sonoma State University (SSU). The SSU FMCP recognizes without challenge any full university credit units and certificates earned at any university level program taught by a fencing master accredited through the San Jose State University Fencing Mater’s Program. Be aware that some programs, including the SSUFMCP offer noncredit units as a cheaper alternative for students not wishing to earn certification. These units are ineligible for conversion to credit units. Any other cases for unit conversion must be made to the director of the program and he or she will determine if any credit can be granted for previous work or certificates. Only cases that can prove
university level work with maestri trained in traditional Italian fencing pedagogy will be considered.
2.0 Certificate descriptions
2.1 Certificate of Completion
These are awarded as a courtesy to our students to acknowledge their efforts in complete a course of study with the FMCP. These certificates have no value as teaching credentials and are not meant to be used as such.
2.2 Instructor’s Certificate
There are three types of certificates one for foil, epée, and sabre. These certificates are awarded to individuals that complete a course of study with the FMCP (6 credit units) and pass a written, oral, and practical exam on one of the above-mentioned traditional fencing weapons. Additional instructor’s degrees in separate weapons can be attempted. Each new degree will require 4 additional units of work, 2 in the Kin 311 online theory course and 2 in the Kin 311 practical course.
2.3 Provost at Arms
This certificate is awarded to individuals that hold an Instructor certificate from the SSU FMCP, or an equivalent institution, and complete a full Provost at Arms level course of study with the FMCP (instructor’s degree plus 6 additional credit units). At the provost level, during the theory portion of the class, each candidate will produce a short article on some aspect of Italian fencing as determined by the student in consultation with the instructor. Each candidate must also pass a written, oral, and practical exam on each of the three traditional fencing weapons at a level appropriate for a provost degree.
2.4 Master at Arms
This is the terminal degree in the FMCP and represents its student’s highest achievement. These certificates are awarded to individuals that hold a provost certificate from the SSU FMCP or an equivalent institution complete a full Master at Arms level of course study with the FMCP (Instructors, Provost plus 6 credit units). During the theory portion of the Master’s level instruction, the master’s candidate will write, and defend, a thesis on any aspect of fencing theory, history, or practice chosen in consultation with the instructor. Examples include: Italian fencing history, theatrical fencing inspired by Italian fencing broadly construed, or Italian fencing pedagogy compared to other major traditions. In addition to this, the candidate must pass a written, oral, and practical exam on each of the three traditional fencing weapons.
3.0 Concentrations
At each level of certification, a candidate may (but is not required to) complete an additional course of study in theatrical or historical fencing. Concentrations are in addition to the above certifications and may not be pursed without a concomitant course of study in traditional Italian Fencing pedagogy.
3.1 Theatrical Concentration
This concentration is meant for those who are interested in acting or fight directing. The student will form a committee composed of three Mastri that will guide him or her develop a course of study concomitant with his or her work on traditional Italian fencing pedagogy. At the minimum the instructors level will demonstrate competency in acting in a stage fight and facility in teaching basic theatrical fencing techniques, Provost level will show greater facility and Master’s candidates must choreograph a full performance.
3.2 Historical Concentration
This concentration is meant for those who wish to teach fencing in the historical fencing community. The student will form a committee composed of three Masri that will guide him or her though a course of study concomitant with his or her work on traditional Italian fencing pedagogy. The historical weapons studied must be part of the Italian tradition broadly construed. For instance, a candidate might perhaps study the sword techniques of Achille Morozzo, and then at the Provost level two more weapons form this same system and at the Master’s level demonstrate an understanding of other teachers in the Bolognese tradition.