THDN 112A – 1W Dance in Popular Culture
4 Semester Hours
Pinheiro, Ligia
Prerequisite: None
What do A Chorus Line, Fred Astaire, a Madonna video, and many television commercials have in common? All of them make use of American show dance. This class attempts to sharpen your interpretive, descriptive, and evaluative skills as you watch tap, jazz, ballroom, MTV, and musical theatre dance. Assessment is based on writing assignments and class participation. Writing Intensive.
THDN 120A Art of the Theatre
4 Semester Hours
Humphries, Jimmy
Prerequisite: None
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 part of our culture. During the term students will read four plays. Four projects, four tests, one critical essay, attendance at mainstage productions, and one final exam are required.
THDN 200 Labanotation
4 Semester Hours
Pinheiro, Ligia
Prerequisite: None
This course introduces students to Labanotation, a system of recording movement by means of symbols. Students will experience various notated works of different choreographers. 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.
THDN 210C Dance Ethnology
4 Semester Hours
Chang, Shih-Ming Li
Prerequisite: None
The purpose of this course is to provide knowledge and understanding of the different cultures around the world by comparing and analyzing the differences of their folk dances. Through the understanding of the basic elements of time, space, and movement quality, the course will help students develop the ability to analyze the different styles, forms, and functions of the dances of different countries and cultures. The course format includes video viewing, lecture/discussion, research, and learning some folk dances. Grading is based upon participation, assignments, a midterm, a final exam, and a presentation. Through this course students are expected to develop and improve their ability to understand and appreciate different cultures other than their own.
THDN 211A Dance Composition
4 Semester Hours
Chang, Shih-Ming Li
Prerequisite: None
The dance composition course focuses on the development and presentation of choreography. Improvisation, authentic movement study, journal writing, class discussion, and composition exercises will be incorporated throughout the semester. The course will cover introduction to movement vocabulary, the language of dance, creating movement phrases, and the crafting of choreography. All students are expected to explore new movement ideas physically in each class. Assessment will be based on class participation, completion of assignments, and a final project.
THDN 213H Dance in the 20th Century
4 Semester Hours
Pinheiro, Ligia
Prerequisite: None
This course is designed for those of us who love to watch dance. We begin by looking at dance in the late 19th century, then move to an examination of modernism seen in the dances of Isadora Duncan and Martha Graham, 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. Assessment is based on writing assignments, exams, and class participation. Writing Intensive.
THDN 230A Stagecraft
4 Semester Hours
Humphries, Jimmy
Prerequisite: None
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, attendance at mainstage productions, and a final comprehensive exam are required.
THDN 260H History of European Theatre
4 Semester Hours
Reynolds, Steve
Prerequisite: None
Beginning with the Greeks, this course will provide an overview of the history of European Theatre. It will consider the dramatic literature, theories, and practices of theatre during the great ages of western theatre. During the semester we will look at the evolution of acting, directing, playwriting, theatre design, and theatre architecture. Throughout the course we will study the relationship between theatre and society. Course requirements include exams and a research project.
THDN 270A Contemporary American Drama
4 Semester Hours
Reynolds, Steve
Prerequisites: None
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, Suzan Lori Parks, Tony Kushner, and others. Literary quality, production demands, and how the play reflects our contemporary value systems will be analyzed. A journal, mid-term, final, paper, and presentations are required.
THDN 400 Topics: Senior Seminar
2 Semester Hours
Reynolds, Steve
Prerequisite: Senior Class Standing
This class is for senior Theatre majors only. We will look at major plays and playwrights and prepare for the Senior Swan Song.
