Dramatic Arts

Seeks to prepare students to use technologies that they will encounter as they pursue their calling in the world. Regardless of discipline students will need to work with databases, web technologies, publishing technologies, financial tools, online resources for Christian ministry, and perform research using computing technologies. Students will have an opportunity to explore and use these technologies in a project-based context.

Surveys the major theories of human communication. The study will focus on the origins, usefulness, and limitations of each theory for understanding communication events. This course will help prepare students to analyze and interpret human communication in all its forms (intrapersonal communication, interpersonal communication, small group transactions, organizational communication, public speaking, drama, and mass communication).

Gives students practical experience in the preparation and presentation of the speeches that are usually required in business and the professions. Areas of instruction include speech making, oral reading of reports, and speech for radio and television.

Intensive study, observation, and participation in various field projects designed and contracted between the student and instructor. Internships will be arranged in conjunction with the student's major. Maximum of 6 hours. Graded S/U.

Introduces students to the most commonly used qualitative and quantitative methods of research associated with the discipline of communication.

All majors in the Department of Communication Studies are required to present a senior project as a public performance. The project should relate to the student's specialized interest in the field, demonstrate his or her acquired skills, and be academically and vocationally beneficial as a culminative experience. The project must be approved by the faculty advisor at least one semester in advance. The number of credits is contingent upon the number of hours given to the project [40+ hours for one (1) credit; 80+ for two (2) credits.] Graded S/U.

Required of all dramatic arts majors and minors for six (6) semesters. To receive a passing grade, students are to participate in 20 hours of some aspect of production work for each of the productions planned during the six semesters that are chosen by the student. Graded S/U. Note: No credit is given and no tuition is charged.

An introductory workshop course focusing on beginning acting techniques and scene study. Students will explore the actors' instrument and the use of space, relaxation, concentration, imagination, movement, and how to pursue an objective through physical and psychological actions in order to create a character.

A detailed study of the basic tools and approaches necessary for reading and interpreting stage scripts before directing, acting, or design processes can effectively begin. (All dramatic arts majors and minors, as well as all theatre education majors, must take this course in their freshman or sophomore year, with the exception of transfer students).

A comprehensive survey of representative plays from each period of theatre history, noting the reciprocal effects of production techniques on dramatic forms. Special emphasis is given to cultural and historical factors influencing the rise and fall of new dramatic forms and theatrical practices. It is recommended that students take COM 2950 as a foundation for this course.

An introduction to basic storytelling and playwriting techniques for stage plays. Students will research and develop scripts for theatre in a workshop climate, with the goal of having two completed, professional or competition-ready scripts by the end of the semester.

A hands-on, introductory study of theatrical design and production that will primarily focus on scenic and lighting design and production. Costume design and production will be addressed briefly. In the process, students will practice design, construction, and implementation skills in conjunction with the current drama production as well as through individual project work.

An introductory examination of the directorial process beginning with textual analysis of dramatic action and covering such areas as production unity, stage movement and business, motivational analysis, and pictorial composition. Other areas of emphasis include a brief overview of directing history, types of directing theory and style, planning and rehearsal techniques, and the relationship of the director to other theatre artists. Student work includes selected scene work and directing projects prepared for class presentation culminating in a final scene presentation.

Provides supervised participation and instruction in various aspects of theatre. Open to all students with the consent of the instructor. Dramatic Arts majors are required to take this one-hour practicum in three of the following areas: (A) Acting, (B) Stage Management, (C) Scenery and Props, (D) Costumes and Make-up, (E) Lighting and Sound, (F) Directing. Graded S/U.

Through a reader-response approach, students will read plays and view live, off-campus performances of plays written by award-winning American and European playwrights of the 20th century. The focus on experimentation with theatrical genres, the artistic development of social critique, and the re-emergence of meta-theatricality invites students to create meaningful connections between the "literariness" of drama, its performance, and audience reception. American playwrights include O'Neill, Odets, Rice, Hellman, Hansberry, Tennessee Williams, and Arthur Miller. European playwrights include Ibsen, Shaw, Chekhov, Pirandello, Lorca, Brecht, and Beckett.

A seminar designed specifically for juniors and seniors who are majoring in dramatic arts and theatre education. The seminar's focus is on developing materials (headshots, resumes, portfolios, etc.) essential to a graduate's success in professional theatre, graduate school, and/or teaching in secondary education. For theatre education majors, this course must be completed no later than the semester prior to student teaching.