THDN 120A - Art of the Theatre (4 semester hours) C. Georges
The goal of the course is to provide you with an overview of the theatre that will enhance your appreciation of this art either as audience member or participant. This class will consider the origin and development of the theatre, the roles theatre plays in our society, and the crafts of the theatre (acting, directing, design, etc.) Readings include contemporary plays and a text. Class periods will include discussions, lectures, participatory activities, and attending performances. Evaluation will be based on three exams, a research or creative project, and a number of brief reaction papers, reviews, projects and essays. Fulfils Goal (A): Fine, Performing and Literary Arts
Prerequisite: None
THDN 120A - Art of the Theatre (4 semester hours) J. Humphries
An overview of the development of the Theatre, this course is designed to introduce students to dramatic literature and Theatre practice. This survey will explore the role of Theatre in Western culture within a historical context. The lecture/discussion format is designed to provide insights needed to understand and value Theatre as a part of our culture. During the term, students will read four plays and attend one production. Four projects, four tests, one critical essay and one final exam will be required. Fulfills Goal R-10: Fine, Performing and Literary Arts
Prerequisite: None
THDN 200 - Chinese Culture and Performing Arts
With the largest population on the globe and a history of over 5000 years of civilized development, China possesses a culture that is rich, varied, exquisite, and highly rewarding to
the cultural explorer. In this condensed but holistic approach, we will
consider such elements as Chinese history and philosophy, the characteristics
of the language, literary highlights, the visual arts, and the shaping
influence of an enormous and hugely varied land mass. A special focus will be
the performing arts of music and dance--with opera being a central feature,
and their contemporary expression in a growing film industry. We will not
ignore such lesser arts as crafts, martial arts, and cooking, equally
distinctive in expressing what it means to experience the world through
Chinese sensibilities. The approach will be highly participative, with
demonstrations, guest lectures and performances, and hands-on exercises
complementing lectures.
THDN 211A - Dance Composition (4 semester hours) S. LiChang
The Dance Composition course focuses on the development and presentation of choreography. Improvisation techniques and authentic movement will be incorporated throughout the semester. Improvisation, musical improvisation, and improvisation with props will be included. Course will
cover introduction to movement vocabulary, the language of dance, creating movement phrases, and crafting of choreography. Assessment will be based on class participation, completion of assignments and final project.
Fulfills General Education Goal: Fine, Performing and Literary Arts
Prerequisite: None
THDN 213H-W - Dance in 20th Century (4 semester hours) L. Pinheiro
The course is designed for those of us who love to watch dance. We begin by looking at the late 19th century ballets; then we move to an examination of modernism seen in the dances of Humphrey, Graham, Cunningham, and Balanchine; and finally we look at the post-modernist works of Tharp and Morris. You will write short papers and reviews covering the dances on film and one research paper on an important dance figure of the 20th century. Assessment is based on writing assignments, tests, and class participation.
Writing intensive. Fulfills Goal R-10: Western Historical Perspectives Learning Goal
Prerequisite: None
THDN 222A - Acting I (4 semester hours) S. Reynolds
This course assumes no previous experience with the craft of acting. Working from the foundation of the Stanislavsky system, Acting I introduces the student to acting fundamentals through exercises, scene work, improvisations and character analysis. A book review and a final monologue are required. Fulfills Goal R-10: Fine, Performing and Literary Arts.
Prerequisite: None
THDN 231 - Stage Design (4 semester hours) J. Humphries
The class will explore the process of design for the stage. Students will study the range of style within the area of scenic, costume, and lighting design. The focus of the course will be on current methods of design communication, as well as, the development of production concepts. The role of directors and designers, in the collaborative process will be examined. The class will choose four projects from a list of plays.
Fulfills: Fine, Performing and Literary Art
Prerequisite: THDN 230
THDN 270A - Contemporary Drama (4 semester hours) S. Reynolds
This course will investigate the new dramatic literature produced by American theatres. We will look at over 20 plays from the current repertoire including work by August Wilson, Christopher Durang, Beth Henley, David Mamet, Tina Howe, Suzan-Lori Parks, Wendy Wasserstein, Tony Kushner, Craig Lucas, and Terrance McNally. Literary quality, production demands, and how the play reflects our contemporary value systems will be analyzed. Journal, mid-term, final, paper and presentation are required. Fulfills Goal R-10: Performing and Literary Arts
Prerequisite: None
THDN 300 - Directing (4 semester hours) C. Georges
This course studies the art of play direction for proscenium and central stages. Basic fundamentals such as interpretation, composition, picturization, movement, and rhythm are considered. Production procedures related to auditions, casting, and rehearsals are examined. Special emphasis is placed on studying techniques and methods of working with the actor. The class has lecture/discussion and laboratory sessions. Each student is provided the opportunity to direct a one-act play during the semester. Evaluation is based on the student=s directorial work, examinations, and other assignments.
Prerequisite: THDN 222
