Wittenberg University

Academic Catalog

Professors Corwin A. Georges, Chair, and Steven C. Reynolds
Associate Professors James H. Humphries, Jr., Shih-Ming Li Chang, and Ligia Pinheiro
Technical Theatre Assistant Deborah G. Henderson

Requirements for Major
A theatre major completes 36 semester hours of course work. Required courses are THDN 222, 226, 230, 231, 260, 270, 300 and 401. The student must also select one course from 240, 250, 322, 331, 400, 490 and 492. The student also takes two dance technique classes, fulfills a number of production requirements, completes an integrated learning unit and passes a two-part senior comprehensive examination.

Requirements for Minors
The student may choose either a technical theatre minor, a theatre performance minor, or a dance minor. To complete a technical theatre minor, a student takes 20 semester hours of course work: THDN 120, 230, 231, 260 and 331. The student also fulfills two production requirements. To complete a theatre performance minor, a student completes 20 semester hours of course work: THDN 120, 222, 226, 260, and another four semester hours chosen from THDN 300, 322 and 400 (performance topics). The student also takes two dance techniques classes and fulfills a production requirement. To complete a dance minor a student takes 16 semester hours of required course work: THDN 211, either THDN 213 or 200 (Topics in Dance History), either THDN 112, 210, or 200 (Topics in Dance Culture), and either THDN 226 or 230. In addition, the student completes four semester hours of dance technique courses chosen from THDN 010- 070, earns two semester hours of THDN 102 by participating in two faculty supervised dance concerts, and participates in the senior dance concert. All four semester hours of dance technique courses and the two semester hours of THDN 102 may count toward the total semester hours needed for graduation.

Licensure for Teaching in Drama/Theatre
Students interested in pursuing a course of study leading to a license to teach drama/theatre should contact the Chairperson of the Department of Theatre and Dance or the Education Department for specific requirements.

Course Listings

010-070. Courses in Dance Technique. 1 semester hour.

Designed to provide learning, knowledge and performance components in various types of dance techniques. Every year. These courses may be repeated for credit. Courses taught include:
–010P. Aerobic Dance.
–011P. Folk and Square Dance.
–012P. Social Dance.
–013P. Chinese Folk Dance.
–020P. Theatre Movement.
–021P. Dance Technique for Theatre.
–030P. Modern Dance.
–040P. Ballet.
–041P. Intermediate Ballet.
–050P. Jazz Dance.
–051P. Intermediate Dance.
–060P. Tap Dance.
-070P. Dance Company Workshop.

Special Note: THDN 070: Dance Company Workshop is a year-long course open only to the student selected through auditions as a member of the dance company. The student must register for the class each semester of the academic year. At the end of spring semester, one semester hour is awarded. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. Every year.

101A. Theatre Production. 1 semester hour.

For students who participate in mainstage theatre productions as a member of the cast or crew or as a crew member of the annual dance concert. Every year.

102A. Dance Production. 1 semester hour.

For students who dance in the annual dance concert. Every year.

112A. Dance in Popular Culture. 4 semester hours.

Study of dance in Broadway shows, Hollywood musicals, MTV, etc. as an expression of American culture. Writing intensive. Alternate years.

120A. Art of the Theatre. 4 semester hours.

Consideration of the aesthetics of theatre together with the theory and practical techniques of dramatic arts. Every year.

200. Topics in Theatre or Dance 1-4 semester hours.

Courses in areas of special interest not covered in regular course offerings. Open to all students. This course may be repeated for credit.

210C. Dance Ethnology. 4 semester hours.

Consideration of the scope and function of dance as ritual, as social activity, and as entertainment in cultures other than our own. Alternate years.

211A. Dance Composition. 4 semester hours.

Study of the elements of dance composition and how they are used in creating dance. Every year.

213H. Dance in the 20th Century. 4 semester hours.

Study of the significant developments in dance during the 20th century with an emphasis on ballet and modern dance. Writing intensive. Alternate years.

215N. Dance Kinesiology. 4 semester hours.

This course studies the skeleton and musculature of the human body as they relate to dance training and performance.  The course develops in students an understanding and appreciation for moving efficiently, thereby preventing injuries.  Dance experience is not required; however, the course is designed to address dancers' needs and concerns.  Assessment is based on tests, class participation, and a research project.

222A. Acting. 4 semester hours.

Study and practice of the art and techniques of acting. Every year.

226A. Improvisation.

Study and practice of improvisational theatre techniques and theatre games. Writing intensive. Every year.

230A. Stagecraft. 4 semester hours.

Study of the basic stage equipment and scenery construction, with laboratory experience. Every year.

231. Stage Design. 4 semester hours.

Study of the principles and process of stage design within the areas of scenery, lighting and costumes. Emphasizes the techniques of design communication. Prerequisite: THDN 230. Alternate years.

240A. Playwriting. 4 semester hours.

Study and practice of playwriting theories and techniques. Writing intensive. Alternate years.

250A. Child Drama. 4 semester hours.

Study of dramatic activities with and for children. Alternate years.

260H. History of European Theatre. 4 semester hours.

Study of theories and techniques of theatre arts from ancient Greece to the present. Alternate years.

270A. Contemporary American Drama. 4 semester hours.

Study of the new dramatic literature produced by the American theatres since 1980. Writing intensive. Alternate years.

300. Directing. 4 semester hours.

Study and the practice of the art and techniques of play directing. Prerequisite: THDN 222. Every year.

322. Advanced Acting. 4 semester hours.

Further study and practice of acting theories. Prerequisite: THDN 222. Alternate years.

331. Advanced Stage Design. 4 semester hours.

Further study and practice of stage design focusing on the student’s individual area of interest resulting in a design portfolio. Prerequisite: THDN 231. Alternate years.

400. Topics in Theatre or Dance. 1-4 semester hours.

Specified study of a field of theatre or dance, or speech as described in the course schedule each term.

401. Senior seminar. 4 semester hours.

In-depth study of theatre. Content varies each year. Every year.

490. Independent Study. 1-4 semester hours.

Individual project in theatre or dance, arranged by the student with a supervising instructor and the Department Chair. Every year.

492. Internship. 1-4 semester hours.

Supervised learning-work experience at on- or off-campus sites. Involves a written project, journal, or other assignments. Every year.

499. Honors Thesis/Project. Variable credit.

Prerequisites: 3.50 GPA and permission of the Department Chair.