Chair: Brett Boessen
Faculty: Liz Banks, Kirk Everist, Michael Fairley, Erin Copple Smith
Adjunct Faculty: Debra Flowers
Emeriti: Kathleen Campbell, W.D. Narramore Jr.
Degree Programs Offered in Communication, Media Studies, and Theatre
Major in Communication
Minor in Communication
Major in Media Studies
Minor in Media Studies
Minor in Film Studies
Major in Theatre
Minor in Theatre
COMMUNICATION
Communication offers students the opportunity to study various aspects of communication in everyday social settings. Courses explore the importance and complexities of verbal and nonverbal communication in interpersonal, organizational, and cultural contexts. Students also have the opportunity to learn about the role of public speaking in society and develop their own speaking skills.
Students in communication have opportunities to participate in a variety of internships, other experiential learning activities, and present their own research and interact with scholars at academic conferences.
A major in communication consists of:
Lower Level Requirements (maximum of 5 courses, but no lower-level courses are required. COMM 112 and 222 are common entry level courses.)
COMM 112 Public Speaking
COMM 222 Interpersonal Communication
COMM 250 (Topics Courses)
COMM 260 Intermediate Directed Study (Variable course credit)
Any MEDA course
Any THEA course
CSOC (Career Study Off-Campus with approval)
Advanced Study in Communication (minimum of 3 courses)
COMM 350 (Topics Courses)
COMM 352 Organizational Communication
COMM 353 Communication in Relationships
COMM 355 Nonverbal Communication
COMM 450 (Topics Courses)
COMM 453 Health Communication
COMM 455 Intercultural Communication
COMM 460 Advanced Directed Study (Variable course credit)
COMM 464 Teaching/Learning Participation
COMM 490, 491 Independent Study
Total Credits Requirement = 8 course credits
A minor in communication consists of:
Lower Level Requirements (maximum of 3 courses, but no lower-level courses are required. COMM 112 and 222 are common entry level courses.)
COMM 112 Public Speaking
COMM 222 Interpersonal Communication
COMM 250 (Topics Courses)
COMM 260 Intermediate Directed Study (Variable course credit)
Any MEDA or THEA course (only one course)
CSOC (Career Study Off-Campus with approval)
Advanced Study in Communication (minimum of 2 courses)
COMM 352 Organizational Communication
COMM 353 Communication in Relationships
COMM 355 Nonverbal Communication
COMM 453 Health Communication
COMM 455 Intercultural Communication
COMM 350 (Topics Courses)
COMM 450 (Topics Courses)
COMM 460 Advanced Directed Study (Variable course credit)
COMM 490, 491 Independent Study
COMM 464 Teaching/Learning Participation
Total Credits Requirement = 5 course credits
MEDIA STUDIES
Media studies investigates the wide range of approaches to understanding and interpreting media forms and practices, especially digital and motion picture media such as television, film, internet, and video games. Students will become familiar with theories and practices of media representation, production, consumption, and regulation. Students will have a variety of opportunities to engage critically with existing media producers and texts, as well as create their own.
A major in media studies consists of:
Introductory Courses (2 course credits; offered every year)
MEDA 121 Elements of Media Analysis
MEDA 131 Elements of Media Making
Media Electives (select 5 courses; select one track)
| Option A: Individualized Study at 200 level | Option B: Individualized Study at 400 level | ||
| MEDA | Any level course | MEDA | Any level course |
| MEDA | Any level course | MEDA | Any level course |
| MEDA | 300 level or higher | MEDA | 300 level or higher |
| MEDA | 300 level or higher | MEDA | 300 level or higher |
| MEDA | 300 level or higher | MEDA | 400 level |
Individualized Media Study (at least one course; could include courses for less than 1.0 credits)
MEDA 260 Intermediate Directed Study (Variable course credit)
MEDA 460 Advanced Directed Study (Variable course credit)
MEDA 490, 491 Independent Study
MEDA 492 Independent Study Off-Campus/NSOC
CSOC 290 Career Study Off-Campus (requires approval from department chair)
Other Consideration When Planning for the Major:
- Additional Individualized Study may be an option for the major. Discuss with the department advisor for planning.
Total Credits Requirement = 8 to 11 course credits
A minor in media studies consists of:
Introductory Courses (2 course credits; offered every year)
MEDA 121 Elements of Media Analysis
MEDA 131 Elements of Media Making
Media Studies Breadth (1 course credit; offerings vary but generally offered each semester)
MEDA 205 New Media and Cultural Change
MEDA 210 Games in Contemporary Culture
MEDA 220 Persuasive Media
MEDA 240 Viewers, Users, and Fans
MEDA 250 Topics in Media Studies
MEDA 261 Media Industries
MEDA 262 Hollywood Stars
THEA 111 Theatre Arts Introduction
COMM 222 Interpersonal Communication
Advanced Media Studies (2 course credits; offerings vary)
MEDA 325 Darker Than Night: Film Noir and Genre
MEDA 331 Advanced Video Production
MEDA 355 Screenwriting
MEDA 450 Advanced Topics in Media Studies
MEDA 463 What Is TV?
MEDA 465 What is Popular Music?
MEDA 473 What is Film?
MEDA 464 Teaching/Learning Participation
Total Credits Requirement = 5 course credits
FILM STUDIES
Film studies investigates the wide range of approaches to understanding and interpreting cinema, both historically and in contemporary society. Students will become familiar with the history of film production, distribution, and consumption, and the major philosophical and critical approaches applied to the study of film. Students may take courses in film history and analysis, national and world cinemas, and cinema in relation to other academic disciplines.
A minor in film studies consists of:
Introduction to Media Studies (1 course; offered every semester)
MEDA 121 Elements of Media Analysis
Film Studies Electives (2 courses, 1 course if a 300 level or higher course outside the Communication, Media, and Theatre Department is taken; offering frequency varies)
ANTH 250 Screening Difference: Film and Ethnography
CLAS 170 The Ancient World in Film
ENG 250 Melodrama
ENG 252 Shakespeare and Film
FR 250 The French New Wave
JAPN 250 Japan and Cinema
Advanced Film Studies (2 courses; offering frequency varies)
One MEDA course with the FLM designation at the 300 level or above. (may be repeated if topic differs)
One other 300+ course with the FLM designation, such as:
FR 350 French Cinema1895 to Today
JAPN 250/350 Japan and Cinema
MEDA 331 Advanced Video Production
MEDA 355 Screenwriting
SPAN 481 Cinelandia
Other ________________________________________
(must be approved by Film Studies director)
Total Credits Requirement = 5 course credits
THEATRE
The theatre curriculum explores aspects of the crafts of theatre-making as well as the history and development of modern theatre.
A major in theatre consists of:
Required Courses (4 courses)
THEA 142 Development of Dramatic Art I (alternate semesters with DDAII)
THEA 143 Development of Dramatic Art II (alternate semesters with DDA I)
THEA 221 Acting (generally offered every fall)
THEA 493 Shapers of the Modern Theatre (offered every fall)
Communication or Media Studies (1 course)
MEDA or COMM course
Additional MEDA or COMM course with faculty approval
Theatre Electives (1-2 courses)
THEA any level
THEA any level
Theatre Advanced Electives (3 courses)
THEA 300 level or higher
THEA 300 level or higher
THEA 300 level or higher
Other Considerations When Planning for the Major:
- Students majoring in theatre are expected to participate in departmental productions.
- The department encourages students to study abroad. However, some courses are required to be completed on the Austin College campus for the major. Please consult with the department chair when planning study abroad.
Total Credits Requirement = 9 course credits
A minor in theatre consists of:
Core Requirement (no more than 1 unit of practicum credit)
THEA 221 Acting (generally offered every fall)
THEA any level
THEA any level
THEA 300 level or higher
THEA 300 level or higher
Total Credits Requirement = 5 course credits
COURSES IN COMMUNICATION
COMM 112 Public Speaking
An introduction to the principles of effective public speaking. Students will learn to structure speeches in effective and ethical ways, to present speeches in various contexts and for various purposes, and to think critically about speeches presented by others in society. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (Normally offered each fall and spring)
COMM 222 Interpersonal Communication
An introduction to theories about the various taken-for-granted ways of communicating in the complex and diverse contexts in which people learn, work, and build relationships. Students will study and apply communication principles involving language, nonverbal communication, and culture as they relate to their own lives. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (Normally offered each fall and spring)
COMM 250 Topics in Communication
A study of selected topics for beginning students based on faculty and student interests. Offered on an occasional basis. Course may be repeated when topic varies. 1 course credit.
COMM 260 Intermediate Directed Study
Student investigation of topic of interest working in collaboration with a faculty member resulting in significant oral and written work. See On-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information. PREQ: One communication class; Freshman January term or Sophomore standing. Special permission required. Offered in variable course credit from 0.25-1.00.
COMM 294 Intermediate Student Research
Intended for less experienced students to develop and execute a research project related to communications, beyond the constraints of the normal classroom, suitable for public dissemination on or off campus under mentorship of a faculty member. Typically, this work results in a formal presentation, written work, or creative works. Course credit varies from 0-1.00. PREQ: Instructor permission required.
COMM 350/450 Advanced Topics in Communication
An investigation of selected topics for more advanced students based on faculty and student interests. Offered on an occasional basis. Course may be repeated when topic varies. PREQ: Any communication class or instructor permission.
COMM 352 Organizational Communication
An introduction to a theoretical and practical understanding of the unique forms and functions of communication in organizations. Students will examine various communication issues such as organizational structure, problem solving, technology, diversity, and organizational culture as they relate to different types of organizations in society today. PREQ: Any speech class or instructor permission. (Normally offered every third semester)
COMM 353 Communication in Relationships
This course seeks to develop an understanding of communication-relevant issues in various types of personal relationships including romantic relationships, friendships, work relationships, and others. The course also will develop analytical skills by critically reading current theories/studies and applying these concepts to examples in film/TV, literature, and in general, contemporary relationship phenomena. PREQ: Any communication course or instructor permission. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (Normally every third or fourth term)
COMM 355 Nonverbal Communication
Nonverbal communication involves all the ways people communicate apart from the content of verbal language that each of us participates in on a daily basis, in virtually everything we do. This course is designed to introduce students to theories and concepts that attempt to explain complex communication processes involving nonverbal communication. PREQ: Any communication course or instructor permission. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (Normally offered every third term)
COMM 360/460 Advanced Directed Study
Student investigation of topic of interest related to the major or minor working in collaboration with a faculty member resulting in significant oral and written work. See On-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information. PREQ: Two 300-level or higher courses in communication. Special permission required. Offered for variable course credit from 0.25-1.00.
COMM 453 Health Communication
Communication about illness and health, affects all of us and our state of wellbeing. This can take many forms, including communication between doctor and patient and in medical webpages, pharmaceutical advertising campaigns, support groups, and media messages about drugs, drinking, and smoking. The rapidly growing interest in the impact of communication in this setting, by scholars, medical schools, health-care professions, and patients is indicative of this importance. This course will explore the critical role of communication in the health-care context by examining current theory and research, applying concepts to case studies, and creating an original health campaign. PREQ: One communication course or instructor permission. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover.
COMM 455 Intercultural Communication
An exploration of theoretical understandings of intercultural, inter-gender, and inter-generational communication. Students will closely examine theories of intercultural phenomena, apply concepts to communication encounters, and investigate intercultural communication by conducting their own research. PREQ: Any speech class or instructor permission. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover, Global Diversity, and Advanced Writing Competency. (Normally offered every third term)
COMM 464 Teaching/Learning Participation
An individualized study that includes sharing in the instructional process for a particular COMM course under the supervision of the faculty member teaching the course. Open only to certain highly qualified juniors and seniors by invitation. See On-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information.
COMM 490 Independent Study
Student-driven independent work to produce a high quality body of work such as paper, report, art project, etc. See On-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information. Special permission required. PREQ: Two 300 level or higher courses in communication and Junior standing. Offered in variable course credit from 0.25-1.00.
COMM 491 Honors Thesis in Communication
Extensive independent study in the major in a topic of special interest culminating in a bachelor’s thesis with oral examination by thesis committee resulting in a bachelor’s degree with Honors upon completion. See Departmental Honors Program for more information. Completed in last three semesters before graduation. Offered for variable course credit from 1.00-2.00.
COMM 492 Independent Study Off-Campus/NSOC
Student-driven independent study in a topic related to the major completed at an off-campus site. See Off-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information. PREQ: Two 300-level or higher courses in communication and Junior standing. Must have 3.0 GPA in major. Special permission required. Offered in variable course credit from 0.25-1.00.
COURSES IN MEDIA STUDIES
MEDA 121 Elements of Media Analysis
An introduction to the history, theory, and analysis of mass and digital networked media, including print, film, radio, television, video games, and the Internet, with primary concern for their modes of representation and roles in culture. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (Each fall and spring)
MEDA 131 Elements of Media Making
Students learn about and develop basic facility with the elements of media making: web, image, audio, video, and interactive components. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (Each fall)
MEDA 205 New Media and Cultural Change
Focuses on the proliferation of cultural practices organized around digital networked media. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (Offering varies)
MEDA 210 Games in Contemporary Culture
Explores the nature of analog and digital games in contemporary culture. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (Every other year)
MEDA 220 Persuasive Media
This course explores the rhetorical characteristics of documentary and narrative cinema, television news and advertising, and some video games. Students consider the extent to which media and rhetorical theories are compatible, and generate their own rhetorical media critiques through print, visual, aural, and digital networked forms. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (Alternate years)
MEDA 240 Viewers, Users, and Fans
This course considers the practices, techniques, and theories that media audiences, consumers, viewers, players, users, and fans employ in their interactions with and consumption of contemporary media artifacts. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover and Foundational Writing Competency.
MEDA 250 Topics in Media Studies
An investigation of selected media topics and issues. May be repeated when topic varies.
MEDA 260 Intermediate Directed Study
Student investigation of topic of interest working in collaboration with a faculty member resulting in significant oral and written work. See On-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information. PREQ: Freshman January term or Sophomore standing. Special permission required. Offered in variable course credit from 0.25-1.00.
MEDA 261 Media Industries
This course explores the work of media industries, a framework crucial to understanding the reason various programming forms exist. Throughout the semester, students will learn what makes media industries different from other industries, what factors make their processes and logics so complex and contradictory, and how to use knowledge of the way these industries work to inform analyses of the texts media industries produce and the cultural work that those texts do. Ultimately, students will be able to critically evaluate the processes of media industries and how those processes result in the production/distribution/exhibition of particular media texts at the expense of others. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (Alternate years)
MEDA 262 Hollywood Stars
According to Richard Dyer, one of the founders of star studies, “stars matter because they act out aspects of life that matter to us; and performers get to be stars when what they act out matters to enough people.” In this class, we will be exploring that very idea-what makes a person a star? Why do stars matter? What do our stars say about ourselves and the society in which we live? Over the course of the semester, we will be looking at many stars, investigating how each star was produced, received, and remembered. We will study stars as both semiotic and sociological constructions–as images that can be “read” and deconstructed, but also as manifestations of specific cultural moments. Stars do not just appear, they are made. This class will teach you how, and why, that phenomenon exists. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover and Foundation Writing Competency. (Alternate years)
MEDA 263 Independence of Independents
The label of “indie” has become omnipresent in contemporary media-from music groups to films. But what does “indie” really mean? In this class, we’ll examine “indie” music, film, and TV to figure out what independent media is all about. We’ll discuss the institutional structures of production, distribution, and exhibition that gave rise to the term, as well as the aesthetic qualities that have come to mark media as “indie.” Is it possible to produce a film outside of the Hollywood system that still looks like a typical blockbuster? Can a band produce an album with an “indie” sound on a major label? And is there such a thing as independent TV?! We’ll answer all these questions and more. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (Alternate years)
MEDA 265 Kids, Tweens, Teens and the Media
This course examines the specific genre of media featuring, targeted toward, and produced by young people. We will be analyzing media oriented toward young audiences not only as a narrative, economic, cultural, and political entity, but also exploring its role in perpetuating and/or challenging ideas of what society is (or could be). Investigating what exactly we mean when we say “children’s TV” or “teen movies” is one of the core tasks of the class, as is interrogating social constructs, uses, and material consequences/lived experiences of “childhood” and “teendom.” Together we will explore the relationships between and among industries, texts, and audiences that make up youth media, particularly with respect to issues of gender, race, and ethnicity. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover and Foundation Writing Competency. (Alternate years)
MEDA 267 Mediating Gender & Sexuality
This course will critically examine and evaluate the cultural construction and representation of gender and sexuality in contemporary American media. We will focus on a variety of commercial media texts, particularly television, film, music and magazines. We will investigate representational issues in relation to their political and social repercussions and draw from a broad range of academic literature, including feminist television criticism, film theory, cultural studies, queer studies, and gender studies. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover and Systems of Power, Privilege, and Inequality. Cross-listed with Gender Studies 267. (Spring, alternate years)
MEDA 325 Darker Than Night: Film Noir and Genre
This course explores the nature of film noir’s persistent power in American culture: its history, its aesthetic elements, and its volatile relationship to the concept of genre in film studies. A significant amount of writing is a fundamental element of the course, as is a weekly screening. PREQ: Media Studies 121. Requirements met: Full Writing Competency and Advanced Writing Competency. (Alternate years).
MEDA 331 Advanced Video Production
Advanced course in principles and techniques of digital video production. Students produce longer form narrative fiction in order to deepen skills acquired in Media Studies 131. Highlights advanced screenwriting, directing, and editing techniques. PREQ: Media Studies 131. (Each spring)
MEDA 335 Digital Networked Narratives
This course invites students to produce and critically engage with a variety of forms of digital storytelling. This will include a number of participatory, transformative, and emergent forms, such as blogging, machinima, video remix, alternate reality games and interactive fiction. The specific forms studied will change from year to year. Students should either be familiar with or have a strong interest in learning how to produce a wide range of such digital networked narratives, as well as a keen interest in critical analysis of these forms. PREQ: Media Studies 131 or instructor permission. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (Normally offered every third semester)
MEDA 355 Screenwriting
Familiarizes participants with the major contemporary approaches to the construction of the motion picture screenplay and an array of concrete tools for the production of a coherent, effective, and compelling original works of narrative fiction. PREQ: Media Studies 131or English 136 or instructor permission. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover and Advanced Writing Competency.
MEDA 360/460 Advanced Directed Study
Student investigation of topic of interest related to the major or minor working in collaboration with a faculty member resulting in significant oral and written work. See On-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information. PREQ: Two courses in media studies. Special permission required. Offered for variable course credit from 0.25-1.00.
MEDA 450 Advanced Topics in Media Studies
An investigation of selected media topics and issues. Admission by instructor permission. PREQ: Media Studies 121 or instructor permission. May be repeated when topic varies.
MEDA 463 What Is TV?
This course interrogates what television has come to be from various angles, including television’s role as a technology, an industry, a media format, and a social and cultural force. The course will start by considering what television was, historically, before working toward an understanding of what television has become, and where it might be going. PREQ: Media Studies 121. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (Offered alternate years)
MEDA 464 Teaching/Learning Participation
An individualized study that includes sharing in the instructional process for a particular media course under the supervision of the faculty member teaching the course. Open only to certain highly qualified juniors and seniors by invitation. See On-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information.
MEDA 465 What is Pop Music?
From Chuck Berry to The Rolling Stones to Madonna to Taylor Swift, popular music has defined itself as not only an art form, but a powerful cultural force. In this class, we will consider what we mean when we talk about “popular music”: theories of popular culture, the creative aesthetics of pop music, the cultural role of music, the industry that produces music, and the reception of music by fans. The result will be a deeper understanding of and appreciation for a cultural form that we all come into contact with every day. PREQ: Media 121. Requirements met: Advanced Writing Competency. (Alternate years)
MEDA 473 What is Film?
The question, What is Film?, has been answered differently by many different people during the more than a century since its inception. The term itself encompasses many things: a set of technologies, a kind of contemporary cultural text, a production process, and a set of social practices. In this course, we will consider how the social, economic, and technological changes our culture has endured during that century have impacted (and been impacted by) one of the most influential media forms in history. We will study the variety of ways this development has changed the meaning of film culture and its impact on contemporary society. We will ask the question – What is Film? – from a range of perspectives in order to develop a more complex and compelling answer. PREQ: Media 121. Requirements Met: Humanities Breadth/Discover, Full Writing Competency, and Advanced Writing Competency. (Alternate years)
MEDA 490 Independent Study
Student-driven independent work to produce a high quality body of work such as paper, report, art project, etc. See On-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information. PREQ: Two courses in media studies. Special permission required. Offered in variable course credit from 0.25-1.00.
MEDA 491 Honors Thesis in Media Studies
Extensive independent study in the major in a topic of special interest culminating in a bachelor’s thesis with oral examination by thesis committee resulting in a bachelor’s degree with Honors upon completion. See Departmental Honors Program for more information. Completed in last three semesters before graduation. Offered for variable course credit from 1.00-2.00.
MEDA 492 Independent Study Off-Campus/NSOC
Student-driven independent study in a topic related to the major completed at an off-campus site. See Off-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information. PREQ: Junior or Senior standing. Special permission required. Offered in variable course credit from 0.25-1.00.
COURSES IN THEATRE
THEA 111 Theatre Arts Introduction
This course is aimed at all students interested in gaining a broad understanding of the practice of theatre. Students will gain a basic working knowledge of the theatre, including the various practitioners who come together in collaboration to create a theatre production. The course is also designed to foster a lifelong appreciation of the theatre, and to help students understand the theatre’s place in and importance to society. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (Each year)
THEA 132 Rehearsal and Performance
Supervised practice in the presentation of drama through participation during a 14-week term in faculty-directed departmental production assignments. (Graded S/D/U basis only) Variable course credit units. May be repeated for a total of one course credit unit. (Available as needed)
THEA 142 Development of Dramatic Art I
A study in forms of drama with attention to their historical and social contexts from classical times through the 18th century. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (Each year)
THEA 143 Development of Dramatic Art II
A study of 19th- and 20th-century forms of drama with attention to their historical and social context. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover and Foundation Writing Competency. (Each year)
THEA 221 Acting
An introduction to the principles and techniques of acting and the analysis of plays and characters. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (Each fall)
THEA 244 Movement for Theatre
A discovery of the psychological and physical sources of movement and the development of skills of using movement for artistic expression. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (Every other year)
THEA 250 Topics in Theatre
Investigation of topics and issues concerning theatre and performance. PREQ: Instructor permission. May be repeated when the topic varies.
THEA 260 Intermediate Directed Study
Student investigation of topic of interest working in collaboration with a faculty member resulting in significant oral and written work. See On-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information. PREQ: Freshman January or Sophomore standing. Special permission required. Offered in variable course credit from 0.25-1.00.
THEA 294 Intermediate Student Research
Intended for less experienced students to develop and execute a research project related to theatre, beyond the constraints of the normal classroom, suitable for public dissemination on or off campus under mentorship of a faculty member. Typically, this work results in a formal presentation, written work, or creative works. Course credit varies from 0-1.00. PREQ: Instructor permission required.
THEA 352 Scene Design and Stage Lighting
An introduction to the principles and techniques of scenic design and stage lighting and practice in applying these ideas and skills in design projects. PREQ: Theatre 142 or 143, or instructor permission. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (Every other year)
THEA 353 Costume and Make-Up Design
An introduction to the principles and techniques of costume and make-up design for the stage and practice in applying these ideas and skills in design projects. PREQ: Theatre 142 or 143, or instructor permission. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (Every other year)
THEA 350/450 Advanced Topics in Theatre
An investigation of selected topics and issues limited to juniors and seniors. Admission to course is by instructor permission. May be repeated when topic varies.
THEA 360/460 Advanced Directed Study
Student investigation of topic of interest related to the major or minor working in collaboration with a faculty member resulting in significant oral and written work. See On-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information. PREQ: Two courses in theatre. Special permission required. Offered for variable course credit from 0.25-1.00.
THEA 394/494 Advanced Student Research
Intended for advanced students to develop and execute a research project related to theatre suitable for public dissemination under mentorship of a faculty member. Students are expected to present the results of their research in a public forum. Typically, this work results in a formal presentation, written work, or creative works. Course credit varies from 0-1.00. PREQ: Instructor permission required.
THEA 464 Teaching/Learning Participation
An individualized study that includes sharing in the instructional process for a particular theatre course under the supervision of the faculty member teaching the course. Open only to certain highly qualified juniors and seniors by invitation. See On-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information.
THEA 471 Directing
A study of the principles of play direction including technical aspects of production and the acting conventions involved in mounting a play for presentation. Practical production experience is required. Open to non-majors only with instructor permission. PREQ: Theatre 142, 143, 221, and Theatre 352 or 353. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover. (Each fall)
THEA 490: Independent Study
Student-driven independent work to produce a high quality body of work such as paper, report, art project, etc. See On-Campus Learning Opportunities for more information. PREQ: Two courses in theatre and Junior standing. Special permission required. Offered in variable course credit from 0.25-1.00.
THEA 491: Honors Thesis in Theatre
Extensive independent study in the major in a topic of special interest culminating in a bachelor’s thesis with oral examination by thesis committee resulting in a bachelor’s degree with Honors upon completion. See Departmental Honors Program for more information. Completed in last three semesters before graduation. Offered for variable course credit from 1.00-2.00.
THEA 492 Independent Study Off-Campus/NSOC
Extensive independent study in the major in a topic of special interest culminating in a bachelor’s thesis with oral examination by thesis committee resulting in a bachelor’s degree with Honors upon completion. Completed in last three semesters before graduation. Offered in variable course credit from 0.25-1.00.
THEA 493 Shapers of the Modern Theatre
An examination of the nature and practice of theatre through intensive study of selected practitioners and theorists whose work has significantly influenced modern Western theatre. Open to non-majors only with instructor permission. PREQ: Theatre 142, 143, 221, and Senior standing. Requirements met: Humanities Breadth/Discover and Advanced Writing Competency. (Each fall)