Liberal & Fine Arts

If you enjoy expressing yourself in an artistic or creative way and consider yourself a good writer, speaker or designer, this pathway is for you. You can expect a small student-to-teacher ratio, easy transfer opportunities to four-year schools and professors who are experts in their field.

Some highlights include:

  • Courses in literature, philosophy, journalism, communication, foreign languages, library science, theatre, music, art, interior design, graphic design, humanities and more
  • State-of-the-art facilities including the JJC Black Box Theatre, a professional recording studio, art studios, the 2,055 square-foot Laura A. Sprague Art Gallery and more
  • Opportunities to participate in JJC music ensembles, theatrical productions, art gallery exhibits and more

Fine Arts

JJC fine arts students can expect foundational classes taught by expert instructors with experience from around the world.

Fine Arts Events

  • Art

    Virtual Exhibit: End of Days by Kelly Anne Mueller

    Artist Kelly Anne Mueller's exhibit is a tongue-in-cheek response to the pandemic and other recent events.

    View the Exhibit
    View Artist Biography & Statement
    View Artist Website

    JJC Area High School Virtual Exhibition

    Nov. 8 to Dec. 11

    More information to come.

  • Music

    Winter Concert Performances - In-Person Events*

    Jazz Band and Jazz Combo Concert
    JJC Theatre, Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m.

    Community Band Concert
    JJC Theatre, Dec. 5, 3 p.m.

    Guitar & Percussion Ensemble Concert
    JJC Theatre, Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m.

    JJC Chamber Singers & JJC Chorale Concert
    JJC Theatre, Dec. 12, 3 p.m.

    *Due to COVID-19, this in-person performance may be reformatted into a virtual performance. Please check back for more information as the dates get closer.

  • Musica Viva

    Upcoming Concerts - In-Person Events*

    JoEllyn Caulfield, Voice
    JJC Theatre, Oct. 24, 3 p.m.

    Seth Van Embden and Ensemble Affect
    JJC Theatre, Nov. 21, 3 p.m.

    *Due to COVID-19, this in-person performance may be reformatted into a virtual performance. Please check back for more information as the dates get closer.

    About the Musica Viva Concert Series

    Musica Viva, meaning "live music," in Latin, is the only fully professional, entirely free-of-charge concert series of its kind at a college or university in the Chicagoland area. For more than 20 years, Musica Viva has featured outstanding national and international guest artists, JJC faculty and JJC alumni.

    If you enjoy JJC's Musica Viva concerts and wish to help ensure that they continue to be offered free-of-charge in the future, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to the Musica Viva Donors Fund through the JJC Foundation.

    For more information or to donate, contact Professor Philip Spencer, Coordinator of the Musica Viva Concert Series, at pspencer@jjc.edu or call (815) 280-2225.

    Watch our Musica Viva Concert from March 2021

     

  • Theatre

    Night of the Living Dead - An Audio-Only Performance

    Adapted and directed by Professor Tammy Perkins.

    Oct. 7-9, 7:30 p.m.
    Oct. 10, 2 p.m.

    This audio play is based on Night of the Living Dead, a 1968 American independent horror film, written, directed and photographed by George A. Romero and co-written by John Russo. The story follows seven people who are trapped in a rural farmhouse in western Pennsylvania, which is under assault by an enlarging group of cannibalistic, undead ghouls.

    Register to Attend
    See the Program

    Cast includes:

    • Shane Tierney as the Narrator
    • Sarah Gregurich as Barbara
    • Zachariah Mitcheff as John
    • Riley Harper as Radio Announcer
    • Lexy Martin as Telephone Operator
    • Jesse Hernandez as Ben
    • Tommy McElmeel as Tom
    • Michael Traver as Harry
    • Amiya Tongson as Judy
    • Geoff Rusch as TV Commentator
    • Jamison Gossen as Reporter Quinn
    • Michael Traver as General Robert Taylor
    • Lexy Martin as Professor Pierson
    • Riley Harper as NASA - Dr. Keller
    • Zachariah Mitcheff as NASA - Dr. Grimes
    • Lexy Martin as McClelland
    • Tommy McElmeel as George

    The Laramie Project - An In-Person Performance at the JJC Theatre*

    Nov. 12, 7:30 p.m.
    Nov. 13, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
    Nov. 14, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

    In October 1998, a 21-year-old gay man named Matthew Shepard was brutally beaten and left to die on the plains outside Laramie, Wyoming. Over the next year, Moises Kaufman and a team of writers and actors from Tectonic Theater Project took six trips to Laramie, where they interviewed citizens of the town - some unconnected with the tragedy, and some intimately involved. With this research, they created The Laramie Project, a theatrical examination of the immediate reactions to the murder and to the underlying bigotry and hatred that enabled it.

    *Due to COVID-19, this in-person performance may be reformatted into a virtual performance. Please check back for more information as the dates get closer.

    Audition Information for The Laramie Project

    See the Script

    The script is available now on the JJC Players Facebook page. 

    Cast Needed

    Auditions are open to JJC students and community members.

    • 10 versatile performers who are comfortable auditioning, rehearsing and performing in masks
    • 1-6 additional stage roles in a supporting and/or cameo manner; one of these roles must be played by a woman of Muslim decent (ages 16-30)


    How to Audition

    All auditions will take place in person at the JJC Mainstage Theatre (J-Building) on:

    -Sept. 28 from 3 to 5 p.m. and then again from 6 to 8 p.m.
    -Sept. 29 from 6 to 8 p.m.
    -All participants will be masked and socially distanced.

    • Email the following to bfruits@jjc.edu
      • A date and time that you would like to audition on campus (Sept. 28 or Sept. 29) 
      • A picture of yourself or headshot
      • Resumes optional
      • Attach a completed audition card


    About the Rehearsals

    First Rehearsal: Monday, Oct. 11, 6 p.m.

    Rehearsals will typically take place Monday through Thursday at 6 p.m., with some possible Sunday rehearsals.

    Technical and Design Opportunities

    Want to be a part of the crew? Please contact Professor Julie Giampaolo at jgiampao@jjc.edu.

    Questions?

    Email bfruits@jjc.edu.

     

  • Sign Up for Event Notifications

    Want to keep tabs on the latest virtual fine arts events? Sign up to get notified.

    View the Fine Arts event calendar.

     

English, Philosophy & World Languages

A variety of courses in English, journalism, literature, film, philosophy and world languages are offered.

  • About Us | Contact Information

    English, Philosophy & World Languages

    Dr. Michael Thune
    English, Philosophy and World Languages Department Chair
    Office: C-1049
    Phone: 815.280.6663
    Email: mthune@jjc.edu

  • Journalism

    At JJC, you'll learn the latest trends in the journalism field. We offer classes in news reporting, photography, editing, public relations and more!

    Want hands-on experience? JJC's student newspaper, The Blazer, offers students the opportunity to write articles and opinion pieces, take photos, design newspaper pages and learn web and social media strategy.

    See Journalism Classes
    Get Started with a Concentration in Journalism
    Check out our student newspaper, The Blazer

    Journalism

    Bob Marcink
    Professor & Journalism Adviser
    Phone: 815.280.2607
    Email: rmarcink@jjc.edu

Web Design, Development & Social Media

JJC's Web Design, Development & Social Media program provides students with the foundation they need to land a job after graduation or transfer to a four-year school.

Game Design & Development

Students will train for careers using professional software needed for this rapidly growing field.

Transfer to a Four-Year School

You can save thousands on your education by attending JJC your first two semesters compared to a four-year public or private institution.

Study Abroad

As a member of the Illinois Consortium for International Studies and Programs (ICISP), JJC offers many study abroad opportunities around the world for students of any major. Destinations include Japan, Costa Rica, England, France and more!

  • How to Study Abroad

    At JJC, you can choose to study abroad during the fall, spring or summer semesters. All students who want to study abroad should fill out an application and have it completed by the deadlines below.

    • Spring Program: October 15
    • Summer Program: February 15
    • Fall Program: May 15
       

    More on Study Abroad

Careers

  • Public Relations Specialists

    Regional Employment & Annual Openings - Public Relations Specialists

    Employment (Regional) Annual Openings
    2020 27,790 2,830
    2021 28,152
    2022 28,475
    2023 28,770
    2024 29,039

    Annual Earnings & Median Earnings - Public Relations Specialists

    Annual Earnings (By Percentile) Median Earnings
    10 $37,400.48 $71,033.96
    25 $51,425.27
    50 $71,033.96
    75 $98,778.07
    90 $137,659.54

    Education Attainment Levels - Public Relations Specialists

    Education Attainment Levels (By Percent)
    A High School Diploma Or Less 0.00
    A Certificate 0.00
    Some College 0.00
    An Associate Degree 0.00
    A Bachelor's Degree 91.67
    A Master's Or Professional Degree 8.33
    A Doctoral Degree Or More 0.00

  • Multimedia Artists and Animators

    Regional Employment & Annual Openings - Multimedia Artists and Animators

    Employment (Regional) Annual Openings
    2020 15,111 1,586
    2021 15,212
    2022 15,317
    2023 15,425
    2024 15,533

    Annual Earnings & Median Earnings - Multimedia Artists and Animators

    Annual Earnings (By Percentile) Median Earnings
    10 $35,740.27 $76,692.94
    25 $50,858.71
    50 $76,692.94
    75 $110,424.02
    90 $156,091.50

    Education Attainment Levels - Multimedia Artists and Animators

    Education Attainment Levels (By Percent)
    A High School Diploma Or Less 5.53
    A Certificate 0.00
    Some College 39.68
    An Associate Degree 1.70
    A Bachelor's Degree 52.75
    A Master's Or Professional Degree 0.34
    A Doctoral Degree Or More 0.00

  • Graphic Designers

    Regional Employment & Annual Openings - Graphic Designers

    Employment (Regional) Annual Openings
    2020 38,192 3,421
    2021 38,004
    2022 37,877
    2023 37,772
    2024 37,710

    Annual Earnings & Median Earnings - Graphic Designers

    Annual Earnings (By Percentile) Median Earnings
    10 $27,241.26 $57,530.91
    25 $39,195.10
    50 $57,530.91
    75 $82,131.56
    90 $120,937.58

    Education Attainment Levels - Graphic Designers

    Education Attainment Levels (By Percent)
    A High School Diploma Or Less 3.85
    A Certificate 7.69
    Some College 7.69
    An Associate Degree 15.38
    A Bachelor's Degree 61.54
    A Master's Or Professional Degree 3.85
    A Doctoral Degree Or More 0.00

  • Interior Designers

    Regional Employment & Annual Openings - Interior Designers

    Employment (Regional) Annual Openings
    2020 13,786 1,252
    2021 13,790
    2022 13,790
    2023 13,790
    2024 13,795

    Annual Earnings & Median Earnings - Interior Designers

    Annual Earnings (By Percentile) Median Earnings
    10 $32,320.21 $60,497.69
    25 $43,186.71
    50 $60,497.69
    75 $87,351.34
    90 $137,285.56

    Education Attainment Levels - Interior Designers

    Education Attainment Levels (By Percent)
    A High School Diploma Or Less 0.00
    A Certificate 0.00
    Some College 0.00
    An Associate Degree 9.52
    A Bachelor's Degree 90.47
    A Master's Or Professional Degree 0.00
    A Doctoral Degree Or More 0.00

  • Sound Engineering Technicians

    Regional Employment & Annual Openings - Sound Engineering Technicians

    Employment (Regional) Annual Openings
    2020 4,543 490
    2021 4,561
    2022 4,581
    2023 4,605
    2024 4,627

    Annual Earnings & Median Earnings - Sound Engineering Technicians

    Annual Earnings (By Percentile) Median Earnings
    10 $24,761.87 $62,823.62
    25 $38,718.29
    50 $62,823.62
    75 $102,734.67
    90 $179,931.48

    Education Attainment Levels - Sound Engineering Technicians

    Education Attainment Levels (By Percent)
    A High School Diploma Or Less 37.04
    A Certificate 11.11
    Some College 7.41
    An Associate Degree 22.22
    A Bachelor's Degree 22.22
    A Master's Or Professional Degree 0.00
    A Doctoral Degree Or More 0.00

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