Course Descriptions
Theatre and Dance Department
Spring 2003

THDN 120 A - Art of Theatre (4 semester hrs.) 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 an 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.
Prerequisite: None
Fulfills Goal (A): Fine, Performing and Literary Arts

THDN 210C - Dance Ethnology (4 semester hrs.) L. Pinheiro
Consideration of the scope and function of dance as ritual, as social activity, and as entertainment in cultures other than our own.
Prerequisite: None
Fulfills: Non-Western Cultures Learning Goals

THDN 226A - Improvisation (4 semester hrs.) C. Georges
This course introduces students to theatre improvisation, its principles, techniques, uses, and history. Upon completion of the course students will:

1. appreciate the art of theatre improvisation
2. understand the principles and technique of improvisation
3. demonstrate proficiency in improvisation as a performer
4. exhibit increased self-confidence and effectiveness in oral and written communication

The course is structured primarily as a workshop; however, some sessions are discussion-centered and deal either with the subject or with students’ writing. Students are required to participate daily in class. They are required to complete various writing assignments including: lab reports, essays, reviews of literature, and a written final examination. Evaluation is based on written assignments, three exams, and demonstrated proficiency in improvisation as a performer.
Text: Viola Spolin’s Improvisation for the Theatre
Prerequisite: None
Fulfills Goal (A): Fine, Performing and Literary Arts
Writing Intensive
Note: Daily participation is required. Class absences will lower a student’s grade

THDN 230A- Stagecraft (4 semester hrs.) J. Humphries
This course is an introduction to the basic elements of theatre production. Primarily a laboratory experience, students will also examine the historical development of technical conventions for the stage through lectures. The class will focus on the safe application of modern stage technology through hands-on participation. Two projects, a mid-term test, a final comprehensive exam and lab hours are required.
Prerequisite: None
Fulfills Goal R-10: Fine, Performing and Literary Arts

THDN 250 - Child Drama (4 semester hrs.) C. Georges
This course introduces students to drama activities with and for children. It is designed for students who wish to work with children in drama in settings such as camps, recreation centers, or theatres and for students who wish to use drama as a teaching tool in a classroom. Upon completion of the course the student will:

1. appreciate the contribution drama can make to a child’s development and life
2. understand the history of creative drama, its principles, and techniques
3. be able to plan and conduct effective drama sessions for children of different ages and in different settings
4. be able to plan and conduct effective lessons in which drama is used as a teaching tool

The course will have lecture, discussion, and laboratory sessions. Laboratory sessions will include participating in drama activities with fellow students and conducting drama workshops with school children. Students will be required to complete weekly exercises/projects based upon the text and a culminating project. The culminating project will consist of developing: a) an exemplary subject or theme-based drama workshop session; or b) an exemplary lesson using drama as a teaching tool. Students will lead laboratory sessions and write critiques of these sessions. Assessment will be based on the portfolio of work the student created throughout the term, the culminating project, and her or his demonstrated skill as a workshop leader.
Texts: Ruth Beall Heinig’s Creative Drama for the Classroom Teacher
Prerequisite: None
Fulfills Goal R-10: Fine, Performing and Literary Arts

THDN 322 - Advanced Acting (4 semester hrs.) S. Reynolds
We will continue to do scene work, a book review, character notebooks and a final monologue. Additional work will include further text analysis and in-depth character study of period plays. Acting II students will be asked to re-examine their own strengths and weaknesses as they continue to develop their acting craft.
Prerequisite: THDN 220

THDN 400 - Topic: Labanotation (4 semester hrs.) L. Pinheiro
This course will look at the history of dance through the use of the Labanotation (system of recording movement by means of symbols). Students will experience various notated works of different choreographers. Specific time periods and selection of works will illustrate the development of dance history. Classes will take place in the dance studio and will include both theory and practice of Labanotation. Assessment will be based on class participation, comprehension of the theory and practical use of Labanotation, and completion of a project in reading from a Labanotation score.
Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor

THDN 401 - Senior Seminar (4 semester hrs.) J. Humphries
This course is for senior theatre majors only. This course will focus on career issues in both commercial and academic theatre. Students will develop a career plan through both individual and group research. Project will be required as well as two analysis papers.