2019-2020 University Catalog 
    
    Apr 25, 2024  
2019-2020 University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions


 

Theatre

  
  • STR 130 - Production Lab (Theatre)

    0-1 Credit(s)

    This semester-long course engages the student in behind-the-scenes work to learn theatre processes and production. Participation in shop and production run crews helps the student to realize the design and technical processes that transform text-based versions of directors and designers into reality on stage for audiences. Fall and spring semesters. Repeatable for credit. Fee.

  
  • STR 135 - Technology for Performing Arts I (Theatre)

    3 Credit(s)

    An introductory exploration of techniques, procedures, and equipment employed in creating and implementing the lighting, sound, and media for performing arts events, including practical experience in creation and reading of drafting/plans, hands-on electrical practice, sound reinforcement, console programming, basic theatre rigging, equipment movement and handling, and concepts in theatrical design. Fall semester, odd-numbered years. Fee. Satisfies the Artistic Expression requirement of the Liberal Arts Curriculum.

  
  • STR 150 - Voice and Speech I (Theatre)

    3 Credit(s)

    Acquisition of techniques for improved projection, placement, articulation, and resonance in the practice of clear and dynamic speech. Introduction to the International Phonetic Alphabet for transcription purposes and as a tool for speaking in dialects. Spring semester. Fee.

  
  • STR 154 - Acting I (Theatre)

    3 Credit(s)

    Introduction to theories and techniques of acting through improvisation, theatre games, and scene preparation. Workshop approach emphasizes experiential learning. Fall and spring semesters. Fee. Satisfies the Artistic Expression requirement of the Liberal Arts Curriculum.

  
  • STR 205 - Professional Speech and Presence (Theatre)

    3 Credit(s)

    A live and online approach to dynamic oral communications from small meetings to large-group presenting. An individualized, project-oriented process to develop authenticity, vitality, and confidence in professional interactions. Spring semester, odd numbered years, and as needed. Satisfies the Artistic Expression requirement of the Liberal Arts Curriculum.

  
  • STR 212 - Asian Theatre and Drama (Theatre)

    3 Credit(s)

    Students will read and study plays, performance forms, both traditional and contemporary, that have grown out of the cultures of India, China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. Students gain an understanding of the characteristic features of selected performance forms from each of these cultures while learning to appreciate how these forms have assimilated, and have been assimilated into, a wide range of cultural, religious, and aesthetic influences. Offered as needed. Fee. Satisfies the Global Perspectives requirement of the Liberal Arts Curriculum.

  
  • STR 214 - American Musical Theatre (Theatre)

    3 Credit(s)

    Exploration into the development of a uniquely American form of performance, the musical, from its origins to the present day. Looking to exemplary musicals as case studies, students read cultural and social history, musical theatre history, and criticism. The course examines musicals as a unique cultural form, particularly focusing on the musicals’ constituent elements and the relationship of musicals to democratic U.S. culture(s). Spring semester, odd-numbered years. Fee. Satisfies the U.S. Cultures requirement of the Liberal Arts Curriculum.

  
  • STR 215 - Introduction to Theatre Design (Theatre)

    3 Credit(s)

    A studio course that provides an introduction to theatre as a visual art. Topics include principles and elements of design and color theory and how they apply to scenic, costume, and lighting for theatre. Fall semester. Fee. Satisfies the Artistic Expression requirement of the Liberal Arts Curriculum.

  
  • STR 216 - Scenic Technology II (Theatre)

    3 Credit(s)

    An advanced exploration of techniques, procedures, and equipment employed in constructing the scenery of a theatrical production. Includes practical experience in creation and reading of drafting, stage and finish carpentry, metalworking and welding, basic theatre rigging, scenery movement and handling, stage properties, scenery finishing, and concepts in structural design. Fall semester, even-numbered years. Fee.

  
  • STR 222 - Costume Technology II (Theatre)

    3 Credit(s)

    An advanced study of the materials and techniques of creating the visual elements of character through costuming. Practical experience in construction of costumes and basic pattern drafting. Spring semester. Repeatable for credit. Fee.

  
  • STR 235 - Stage Makeup I (Theatre)

    3 Credit(s)

    An introduction to the materials and techniques of interpreting and actualizing the visual elements of character using stage makeup. Practical experience in the application of stage makeup and the styling of hair and facial appliances. Fall and spring semesters. Fee. Satisfies the Artistic Expression requirement of the Liberal Arts Curriculum.

  
  • STR 236 - Stage Makeup II (Theatre)

    3 Credit(s)

    An advanced study of the materials and techniques of interpreting and actualizing the visual elements of character using stage makeup. Practical experience in the application of stage makeup and the styling of hair and facial appliances. Fall and spring semesters. Repeatable for credit. Fee.

    Prerequisite(s): STR 235 .
  
  • STR 237 - Technology for Performing Arts II (Theatre)

    3 Credit(s)

    An advanced exploration of techniques, procedures, and equipment employed in creating and implementing the lighting, sound, and media for performing arts events. Includes practical experience in creation and reading of drafting/plans, hands-on electrical practice, sound reinforcement, console programming, basic theatre rigging, equipment movement and handling, and concepts in theatrical design. Fall semester, odd-numbered years. Fee.

    Prerequisite(s): STR 135 .
  
  • STR 249 - Voice and Speech II: Voice and Text (Theatre)

    3 Credit(s)

    Continuation of study for the advancement of actors’ professional speech and interpretive skills in preparation for careers in theatrical and commercial acting, with advanced work in classical and heightened language.  Knowledge of and use of the basic and extended International Phonetic Alphabet enables students to acquire skills in speaking regional United States, British, and other dialects. Spring semester, even-numbered years. Fee.

    Prerequisite(s): STR 150 .
  
  • STR 250 - Stage Movement (Theatre)

    3 Credit(s)

    Investigation and training for the development of a responsive, communicative, flexible, and expressive body for the actor’s stage work. Develops processes of translating feeling and thought into physical action and structuring the moving image. Includes units on clowning and cartooning, unarmed combat, and mask work. Fall semester, even-numbered years. Fee.

    Prerequisite(s): STR 254 .
  
  • STR 254 - Acting II (Theatre)

    3 Credit(s)

    A continuing exploration of the acting process integrating physical expression and vocal life with truthful, purposeful stage acting. Includes shaping and pacing scene action, beginning character study, and audition preparation. Introduces students to the Sanford Meisner acting technique. Fall semester. Fee.

    Prerequisite(s): STR 154 .
  
  • STR 260 - Dramatic Writing (Theatre)

    3 Credit(s)

    Instruction and practice in writing for the stage and screen through exercises and the first draft of a one-act play, screenplay, or book for a musical. The study and analysis of dramatic structure in traditional and diverse texts is combined with activities designed to spark ideas and nurture the writers’ unique voice. Spring semester, even-numbered years. Fee. Satisfies the Artistic Expression requirement of the Liberal Arts Curriculum.

    Prerequisite(s): SEL 106  or SEL 107 .
  
  • STR 261 - Musicianship for Musical Theatre I (Theatre)

    3 Credit(s)

    A skill-building course in sight-singing, ear-training, and music analysis. While focusing on the literature of musical theatre, students develop the aural and analytical skills most pertinent to professional musical theatre performers. Fall semester. Fee.

    Pre/Corequisite(s): Entrance exam or SMU 127  (may be taken as pre- or corequisite).
  
  • STR 263 - Musicianship for Musical Theatre II (Theatre)

    3 Credit(s)

    Further development of sight-singing, ear-training, and music analysis skills as applied to musical theatre repertoire. Building on the work in STR 261 , students continue their aural and analytical training with an added investigation into the major influences that shaped the sound of American music theatre. Spring semester. Fee.

    Prerequisite(s): STR 261 .
  
  • STR 305 - Theatre History-Ancients to Renaiss (Theatre)

    3 Credit(s)

    Survey of the major theatrical and dramatic conventions, practices, theories, and traditions from ancient civilizations through the sixteenth century. Students read plays from the period, engage in-online and in class discussions, play responses, and papers. Spring semester, even-numbered years. Fee.

    Prerequisite(s): STR 110 .
  
  • STR 306 - Theatre History-Renaissance to Mod (Theatre)

    3 Credit(s)

    Survey of the major theatrical and dramatic conventions, practices, theories, and traditions from the sixteenth through the late nineteenth centuries. Students read plays from the period, engage in online and in-class discussions, play responses, and papers. Fall semester, even-numbered years. Fee.

    Prerequisite(s): STR 110 .
  
  • STR 307 - Theatre History-Modern to Contemp (Theatre)

    3 Credit(s)

    Survey of the major theatrical and dramatic conventions, practices, theories, and traditions from the late nineteenth century to the present day. Students read plays from the period, engage in online and in-class discussions, play responses, and papers. Spring semester, odd-numbered years. Fee.

    Prerequisite(s): STR 110 .
  
  • STR 314 - Musical Theatre Workshop (Theatre)

    2 Credit(s)

    Synthesis of key elements of musical theatre training to create a professional-level workshop and performance experience. Students spend the semester researching, rehearsing, and presenting a final performance of a musical revue that focuses on a particular composer or style of musical theatre. Fall and spring semesters. Repeatable for credit. Fee.

    Prerequisite(s): STR 154  and SMU 241 .
  
  • STR 315 - Musical Theatre Vocal Performance (Theatre)

    1 Credit(s)

    Focus on the literature and repertoire of musical theatre. Students develop and refine their ability to musically and dramatically interpret solo songs from the diverse canon of musical theatre composers. Emphasis given to creating the circumstances for each piece and performance with increasing professionalism and mastery of acting techniques. Fall and spring semesters. Repeatable for credit. Fee.

  
  • STR 340 - Theatre Design: Costumes & Lighting (Theatre)

    3 Credit(s)

    An introductory course designed to stimulate understanding and application of both the aesthetic and practical aspects of costumes and lighting as expressive media of theatrical design. The students learn technology, organization, and design skills and gain insight into the “duties” of designers through practical experiences while strengthening their design vocabulary through projects and discussion. Spring semester, odd-numbered years. Fee.

    Prerequisite(s): STR 215 .
  
  • STR 345 - Theatre Design: Scenery & Sound (Theatre)

    3 Credit(s)

    An introductory course designed to stimulate understanding and application of both the aesthetic and practical aspects of scenery and sound as expressive media of theatrical design. The students learn technology, organization, and design skills and gain insight into the “duties” of designers through practical experiences while strengthening their design vocabulary through projects and discussion. Spring semester, even-numbered years. Fee.

    Prerequisite(s): STR 215 .
  
  • STR 353 - Acting III (Theatre)

    3 Credit(s)

    Continued study in the acting process, with an emphasis on textual analysis, the use of heightened language and verse, and the embodiment of physical characterization to prepare the actor with the movement and vocal skills necessary for auditioning and performing classical and stylized dramatic texts. Spring semester, odd-numbered years. Fee.

    Prerequisite(s): STR 150  and STR 254 .
  
  • STR 360 - Directing I (Theatre)

    3 Credit(s)

    An introduction to the theories and techniques of directing with special emphasis on script analysis and visual aesthetics. Spring semester. Fee.

    Prerequisite(s): SDA 140 , STR 110 , STR 150 , and STR 154 .
  
  • STR 410 - Independent Study (Theatre)

    Variable Credit(s)

    Open to advanced students with faculty consent. Repeatable for credit. Permission required.

  
  • STR 420 - Field Work (Theatre)

    Variable Credit(s)

    Practical experience in selected activities related to and enriching the academic program. Repeatable for credit. Permission required.

  
  • STR 430 - Internship (Theatre)

    Variable Credit(s)

    Supervised and evaluated work experience in the entertainment industry or in a school or camp setting. Repeatable for credit. Permission required.

  
  • STR 445 - Professional Practices (Theatre)

    3 Credit(s)

    This capstone course for all theatre and dance majors is focused on skill building, self-reflection, and entrepreneurship. Topics covered include arts management, starting up a theatre or dance company, and self-marketing in the field. It is also a course that requires students to demonstrate proficiency in writing for theatre or dance. Fall semester. Fee. Writing Intensive course.

    Prerequisite(s): STR 110 , STR 154 , and STR 215 .
  
  • STR 450 - Advanced Design Studio (Theatre)

    3 Credit(s)

    Individually scheduled studio course designed to provide practical experience in aesthetic and practical aspects of theatrical design. The student conducts and presents initial concept research; collaborates with a producing artistic team; develops and implements a working design; and documents the finished work in a professional portfolio. Fall and spring semesters.

    Corequisite(s): STR 130 .
  
  • STR 454 - Acting IV (Theatre)

    3 Credit(s)

    An advanced exploration of various acting techniques including methods developed by Stanislavski, Meisner, Hagen, Morrison, Spolin, Johnstone, Linklater, and Rodenburg. Advanced scene and monologue work includes Chekhov, but is otherwise highly individualized to each student, utilizing all periods and styles from Greek tragedy forward. Fall semester, odd-numbered years. Fee.

    Prerequisite(s): STR 353 .
  
  • STR 455 - Cabaret/ Recital Prep (Theatre)

    2 Credit(s)

    This course prepares BFA musical theatre students to present roughly 30 minutes of a cabaret or vocal recital utilizing appropriate material for the genre. It builds on previous instruction in theatre and music classes and culminates with the actual performance. Fall and spring semesters. Fee.

    Prerequisite(s): SMU 241  (2 credits), SMU 341  (8 credits), and STR 315  (2 credits).
  
  • STR 461 - Directing II (Theatre)

    3 Credit(s)

    This course develops skills and provides practical experience in analyzing, casting, planning, and directing a one-act play for production, and compiling a director’s promptbook. Particular focus is given to developing skills for working with actors. Fall semester. Fee.

    Prerequisite(s): STR 360 .
  
  • STR 480 - Special Topics:Theatre Design/Tech. (Theatre)

    3 Credit(s)

    In-depth study of and/or practice in a specific area of theatre design and technology. Advanced training for further exploration of particular disciplines. Fall semester, even-numbered years. Repeatable for credit. Fee.

    Prerequisite(s): STR 122 .
  
  • STR 490 - Special Topics:Theatre Performance (Theatre)

    3 Credit(s)

    In-depth study of and/or practice in a specific area of theatre art related to performance. Advanced training for further exploration of particular disciplines. Spring semester, odd-numbered years. Repeatable for credit.

    Prerequisite(s): STR 154 .

Gender and Women’s Studies

  
  • SWS 100 - Intro Gender and Women’s Studies (Gender and Women’s Studies)

    3 Credit(s)

    An overview of issues related to the study of gender and the academic approaches to that study. The course explores cultural ideas and beliefs about femininity and masculinity as well as the social construction of gender in the United States culture. Spring semester, even-numbered years.

  
  • SWS 200 - Topics in Gender & Women’s Studies (Gender and Women’s Studies)

    Variable Credit(s)

    Exploration of a single current issue from varying perspectives. Guest lecturers from various disciplines. Topics have included women in art; women in the Holocaust; gender and communication. Repeatable for credit. Fee for some topics.

  
  • SWS 300 - Theories in Gender&Women’s Studies (Gender and Women’s Studies)

    3 Credit(s)

    Philosophical approaches to women’s experiences. A capstone course to help students integrate their major with women’s studies work. Spring semester, odd-numbered years. Repeatable for credit. Required of all minors.

  
  • SWS 400 - Integrating Gender&Women’s Studies (Gender and Women’s Studies)

    3 Credit(s)

    This is a supervised, independent fieldwork project, which culminates in a research product (paper, documentary, policy initiative, creative arts presentation, etc.). The capstone project, developed in conjunction with gender and women’s studies faculty, has a significant experiential component focusing on women’s lives and/or gender. Students (1) work in an established organization, (2) work with activists or policy makers on social change issues or social policy issues, or (3) design their own fieldwork experience. Spring semester, even-numbered years. Permission required.

  
  • SWS 410 - Independent Study (Gender and Women’s Studies)

    Variable (maximum 3). Credit(s)

    Open to advanced students with faculty consent. Repeatable for credit. Permission required.

    Prerequisite(s): At least 2 credits from SWS courses or 3 credits from approved minor offerings and permission of instructor and coordinator of gender and women’s studies program.
  
  • SWS 430 - Internship (Gender and Women’s Studies)

    Variable (maximum 3). Credit(s)

    Supervised and evaluated work experience, with faculty consent. Repeatable for credit. Permission required.

    Prerequisite(s): 9 credits from SWS courses and courses approved for the minor.
 

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