College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences

Theatre and Cinema (School of Performing Arts)

Overview

The curriculum in Theatre and Cinema is designed to provide the student with the essential approaches necessary to develop an informed understanding of Theatre and Cinema literature and its practice. As such, the three basic aspects of the disciplines (the theoretical, the historical, and the practical) are emphasized.

A program in theatre arts leading to the B.A. is offered. In addition to fulfilling the core curriculum requirements of the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences and the Curriculum for Liberal Education, general majors must complete a minimum of 48 hours in theatre arts. Students who choose a degree option in Performance, Design, or Cinema, must complete a minimum of 57 hours.

A minor course of study in theatre arts may be chosen with the guidance of the student's advisor.

Limited scholarship support is available.

Satisfactory Progress

Satisfactory progress toward the B.A. in theatre arts requires that:

1. Upon having attempted 72 semester credits (including transfer, advanced placement, advanced standing, credit by examination, course withdrawal), students must have a minimum in-major GPA of 2.0 and must have completed:

TA 2114: Script Analysis plus	3
TA 2104: Fundamentals of Theatre and Production	3
CINE 2054: Intro to Cinema	3
TA 2134: Acting Lab	3
TA 2135: Design Lab	3
TA/CINE XXXX: Other TA/CINE requirement or elective	3
Credits	(18)

Undergraduate Courses (CINE)

2054: INTRODUCTION TO CINEMA
Introduction to cinema as a medium for artistic communication.
(2H,3L,3C)

3005,3006: DIGITAL CINEMA PRODUCTION
Basic production techniques, aesthetics, and technology of cinema production. Pre: (2054 or COMM 2054 or TA 2054) for 3005; (2054 or TA 2054 or COMM 2054) for 3006. (4H,3C)

3184: CINEMA PRODUCTION TOPICS
Rotating topics in cinema production. Designed for majors in the Department of Theatre and Cinema who have foundational training in areas of cinema production. May be repeated for credit with different course content up to a maximum of nine credit hours. (Variable credit) Variable credit course. Pre: TA 3006 or CINE 3006.

3444 (AFST 3444) (SOC 3444): AFRICAN AMERICAN IMAGE IN FILM
Explores race and representations of African American images in film, from multiple disciplinary perspectives. Focuses on the social, political, economic, and historical milieu in which black film emerged and evolved. Examines gender issues in filmmaking. Reviews different genres, including race films, colorblind representations, and black exploitation films, and the appropriation of black representation and black images in film in the United States and elsewhere. Includes methods of film analysis, such as historical, master narrative structure, and archival research. Pre: AFST 1714. (3H,3C)

3514: AMERICAN CINEMA GENRES
Close visual and cultural study of classic film genres with emphasis on cinematic styles and narrative conventions which unify the genre and which are found in representative films; exploration of genre films as symbols of American culture and society. Specific thematic content is variable. Course may be repeated with different course content for up to 9 credits. Pre: TA 2054 or CINE 2054. (3H,3C)

3524: THE CINEMA DIRECTOR
Close thematic and visual analysis of the films of prominent cinema directors; emphasis on cinematic structure and development and evolution of their work. Specific thematic content is variable. Course may be repeated with different course content for up to 9 credits. Pre: TA 2054 or CINE 2054. (3H,3C)

3534: AVANT-GARDE CINEMA
Close visual and cultural study of the avant-garde and experimental tradition in the first half-century of American and European cinemas; emphasis on interrelations of cinema with avant-garde movements in other arts, including literature, music, dance, theatre, painting, and photography Pre: 2054. (3H,3C)

3544 (ENGL 3544): LITERATURE AND CINEMA
Works of literature and the films into which they have been transformed; emphasis on differences between media. (3H,3C)

4084 (COMM 4084): CINEMA HISTORY
Aesthetic, economic, social and technological history of world cinema; film theory as it relates to the history of cinema. Junior standing required. Variable credit course. Pre: TA 2054 or CINE 2054 or COMM 2054.

4144: CINEMA STUDIES TOPICS
This course examines critical issues in the study of cinema, including issues of aesthetic and stylistic design, social and cultural context, historical development, and economic, industrial and technological factors in influencing the medium. Specific thematic content is variable. Course may be repeated with different course content for up to 9 credits.
Pre: TA 2054 or CINE 2054. (3H,3C)

4534: UNDERGROUND CINEMA AND CULTURE
Close visual and cultural study of underground cinema and culture from the 1940s through the 1970s; emphasizes the interrelations of cinema with countercultural movements in other arts, including literature, music, dance, theatre, painting, and photography; focuses on the post-war avant-garde, the emergence of film societies, the neorealist and new wave cinemas, challenges to censorship laws, and the emergence of cult and "midnight movies." Pre: 2054. (3H,3C)

Undergraduate Courses (FA)

2004: CREATIVITY & AESTHETIC EXPERIENCE
Guided exposure to participation in various experiences in the visual and performing arts; interaction with both historians/critics and practitioners prior to and after such experiences; examination of the many processes through which the visual and performing arts are created and communicated and how these arts illuminate and help to explain human experience.  May not be repeated for credit. Pass/Fail only. (1H,1C) I,II.

Undergraduate Courses (TA)

1004: THEATRE AND CINEMA FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE
Orientation course for theatre and cinema major to the department's philosophy and resources, including how to generate, receive, and respond to critique of academic and artistic work; cultivate a common intellectual, analytical, and creative conversation amongst first year students; enhance student participation in the creative and scholarly life of the department; foster a sense of community. 1H,1L,1C)

2014: INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE
Appreciation and understanding of theatre through historical perspectives,  comparison with other art forms, and primary acquaintance with practice and techniques of script interpretation, producing, directing, acting, and all aspects of design. (3H,3C)

2024: INTRODUCTION TO ACTING
The course is designed to lead the non-major to an awareness and appreciation of acting, both as a participant (actor) and as an observer (audience). Emphasis is placed on improvisation, ensemble, and scene work. (3H,3C) I,II,III,IV.

2104: FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE AND PRODUCTION
Introduction to theatre vocabulary and understanding of the theatrical process, theatre aesthetics, theatrical modes of expression, basic script analysis, production analysis, theory and practice of collaboration, theatre organizations, history and operations of professional theatres. (T & C majors and minors only). (3H,3C)

2114: SCRIPT ANALYSIS
Understanding of drama as an element of theatre with focus on the process of script analysis for theatrical production. (3H,3C)

2134: ACTING LAB
An introduction to the process of acting, through a variety of laboratory experiences, beginning with basic performance skills and culminating in the performance experience. Emphasis is on improvisation, terminology, physical action, script analysis, characterization, and rehearsal and performance techniques. Limited to Theatre & Cinema Majors. (6L,3C)

2135,2136: THEATRE DESIGN LAB
An introduction to the processes, technologies, and aesthetics of the visual design of theatrical productions. 2135:  Scenography, costume, and stage lighting design are explored in history and contemporary theatre practice. 2136:  A range of design problems will offer opportunity to learn various design approaches and provide practice with different media and means of design expression. (6L,3C)

2144: FOUNDATIONS OF MOVEMENT AND VOICE
An introduction to the process of acting, through a variety of laboratory experiences, beginning with basic performance skills and culminating in the performance experience. Emphasis is on various methods of performance style and analysis, theater movement and body conditioning, and vocal awareness and production.  Limited to Theatre & Cinema Majors. Pre: 2134.
(6L,3C)

2204: CREATIVE DANCE
Study of the expressive elements of movement and dance and practice designing learning experiences for K-12 students. (3H,3C)

2224: INTERMEDIATE PERFORMANCE INTENSIVE
This course provides the Theatre & Cinema major, who desires a rigorous exploration of acting, a forum for application of the techniques and skills learned.  These skills will be strengthened and applied through observation of and participation in scene and monologue work.  Focus will be placed on basic skills and concepts necessary to creative, truthful, and believable performance of selected scenes, including use of voice and body, imagination, relaxation, sense and emotion memory, and script analysis. Limited to Theatre & Cinema Majors. Pre: (2134 or 2024), 2144.
(3H,3C)

2414: STAGE AND LIGHTING TECHNOLOGY
A practical study of the technologies and specialized equipment employed in the construction, rigging and running of theatrical production; the planning and organization involved in mounting these productions; the tools, materials and techniques used to realize theatrical design and build scenery; and the fundamentals of stage lighting. (3H,3C)

2604 (MUS 2604): INTRODUCTION TO ARTS MARKETING
An introduction to the theories and practice of marketing and building community engagement as applied to arts activities and professional not-for-profit arts organizations, through a survey of standard marketing approaches, examination of current practices in the field, and direct hands-on experience. (3H,3C)

2964: FIELD STUDY
Variable credit course.

2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

2974H: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Honors section. Variable credit course.

2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

3014: THEATRE PRODUCTION LAB
Production experiences in the areas of performance, design and theatre technology, management, and writing.  May be repeated for a maximum of nine credits.  Instructor consent required. Variable credit course. X-grade allowed. I,II,III,IV.

3104: JAPANESE THEATRE
Survey of the historical background  and  distinguishing characteristics  of  traditional  Japanese  theatre with special focus on production techniques of  Noh,  Kabuki, and the Doll Theatre. (3H,3C)

3105,3106: HISTORY OF DRAMA AND THEATRE
History of drama and theatre from primitive ritual to the present day and its relationship to the social, economic, and political forces from age to age.  3105:  primitive, Greek, Roman, Medieval, Renaissance, and Asian.  3106: Restoration, eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth centuries. Junior standing required. Pre: 2114. (3H,3C)

3114: SCENOGRAPHY TOPICS
Rotating topics in scenography and related specific design applications.  Designed for theatre arts majors who have foundational training in areas of theatre design.  May be repeated for credit. (Variable credit)
Variable credit course. Pre: 2136.

3124: COSTUME DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY TOPICS
Rotating topics of costume design and costume technology. Designed for advanced theatre arts majors who have foundational training in all areas if theatre design.  May be repeated for credit. (Variable credit) Variable credit course. Pre: 2136.

3134: LIGHTING TOPICS
Rotating topics in lighting design and technology.  Designed for advanced theatre arts majors who have foundational training in all areas of theatre arts.  May be repeated for credit.  (Variable credit) Variable credit course. Pre: 2136, 2414.

3144: THEATRE DESIGN TOPICS
Rotating topics in design and theatre technology. Designed for advanced theatre arts majors who have foundational training in all areas if theatre technology and design.  May be repeated for unlimited number of credit hours. (Variable credit) Variable credit course. Pre: 2414, 2136.

3154: ACTING TOPICS
Rotating topics in performance skills and theories. Designed For advanced theatre arts majors who have foundational training in acting, voice and movement.  May be repeated for credit.  (Variable credit) Variable credit course. Pre: 2224, 2144.

3164: VOICE AND SPEECH TOPICS
Rotating topics in voice and speech skills, and theories and practice in performance.  Designed for advanced theatre arts majors who have foundational training in acting, voice and movement.  May be repeated for credit. (Variable credit) Variable credit course. Pre: 2224, 2144.

3174: MOVEMENT TOPICS
Rotating topics in theatre movement, dance for the theatre and theories of physical expression in the performing arts. Designed for advanced theatre arts majors who have foundational training in acting voice and movement.  May be repeated for credit. (Variable credit) Variable credit course. Pre: 2144, 2224.

3315-3316 (ENGL 3315-3316): PLAYWRITING
A workshop course in the craft and art of playwriting which emphasizes the development of craft and the nurturing of vision and art.  3315: primary focus is on the writing of original scripts with additional attention paid to the work of influential playwrights and critics.  3316: primary focus is on the creative process of developing a play with the collaborative influences of a director, actors, designers, and other theatre professionals. Consent of instructor required. Pre: ENGL 1106 or ENGL 1204H or COMM 1016 for 3315; 3315 for 3316. (3H,3C)

3604: ARTS MANAGEMENT
The development of the not-for-profit arts organization, structures and characteristics of boards of directors, artistic missions and goals, funding, volunteer support, and fiscal control. Junior standing required.
(3H,3C)

3624: STAGE MANAGEMENT
The systems, procedures, forms, and duties of the stage manager in the professional, academic, and community theatre are explored in relationship to the production process and other theatre artists. Pre: 2104. (3H,3C)

3954: STUDY ABROAD
Variable credit course.

4014: CONTEMPORARY THEATRE SEMINAR
Issues and concerns in contemporary theatre; production philosophies and approaches, employment opportunities, career options, and preparation of portfolio and resume materials. Junior standing required. (3H,3C)

4304: THEATRE OUTREACH
Participation in theatre projects or activities that focus on community and social issues.  May be repeated for a maximum of six credits. Junior standing and instructor consent required. Variable credit course.

4315-4316: DIRECTING
Script analysis, theories, techniques, and practical applications of theatrical direction.  4315: Theories and aesthetics of directing, functions of the director, script analysis, basic principles and techniques of staging.  4316: Rehearsal techniques, style determination realism, and non-realism. Senior standing required. (3H,3C)

4704: PROFESSIONAL THEATRE INTERNSHIP
Internship of one semester in acting, directing, management, design, or technical theatre or cinema with a professional equity company for selected advanced students; classroom, workshop, and production experiences.  Minimum 9 credits, maximum 15 credits.  Audition and consent. Variable credit course.

4964: FIELD STUDY
Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course.

4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

4974H: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Honors section. Variable credit course.

4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.

4994H: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Honors section. Variable credit course.