Course Catalog
Listed here are the course numbers and descriptions for all undergraduate courses in Theatre and Dance. Theatre catalog numbers will be preceded by (TH) and Dance by (DAN). To check the most up-to-date listing of seat availabilities, please check Catsweb.
The catalog for Graduate courses in Theatre is listed on the Graduate Studies page.
The catalog for Graduate courses in Theatre is listed on the Graduate Studies page.
Theatre Courses
The human voice and the sounds of speech. The student’s own voice and pronunciation will be the primary concern, using practice sessions to develop more acceptable patterns of voice and sound.
1354 Movement I
Creative movement for the theatre. Designed to stimulate the actor’s body to increase flexibility and the kinetic response to environmental stimulus through exercise and research into the physical process.
1355 Movement II
A continuation of Movement I and the exploration of kinesthetic response for the actor, using movement techniques in class performances and further research into the techniques of Alexander, Feldenkrais, and Laban.
• Prerequisite: TH 1354
1358 Stagecraft
The study and practice of basic theatrical scenery construction which includes the use of power tools, various construction materials, construction techniques and basic stage rigging. Includes laboratory work in conjunction with University Theatre productions.
1364 Beginning Acting
Classroom exercises designed to explore and discover the actor’s inner resources, and to develop the personal awareness of the student’s imaginative potential.
• May be taken by non-majors independently.
1365 Intermediate Acting
Classroom exercises designed to continue the exploration of the actor’s inner resources; additional work on discovering techniques of developing a character.
• May be taken by non-majors independently.
• Prerequisite: TH 1364 or equivalent.
1370 Introduction to Creative Drama
Classroom activities designed so the student will learn creative drama theory and appreciate creative drama as both an art form and a valuable teaching tool. Through participation in these activities the student will become familiar with innovative ways to teach traditional material through non-traditional ways across the elementary school curriculum.
2111 Theatre Activities
A course designed to provide credit for participation in theatre activities. Typically, students take the “box office” section and the “production crew” section. Two sections of this course are required for all theatre majors.
• May be repeated to a total of four credits.
2313 Introduction to Fine Arts
A study of the interrelation of theatre with art, music, and dance.
• This course may not be repeated for credit by taking the ART 2313, DAN 2313, or MU 2313.
2338 Stage Lighting
The study and practice of lighting technology and design for theatre. Includes laboratory work in conjunction with University Theatre productions.
2354 Characterization
A studio acting course in which the student explores and develops techniques of creating a role.
• Prerequisite: TH 1365 or equivalent
2356 Intermediate Voice
Continuing development of the fundamentals of voice and speech for the stage aas well as exploring language and text. Practical application through assignments and in-class exercises.
• Prerequisite: TH 1340
3320 History of the Theatre I
A study of the theatre and its place in the social and cultural evolution from primitive civilization to 1700. Selected examples of theatre literature are studied.
3321 History of the Theatre II
A study of the theatre and its place in the social and cultural evolution from 1700 to the present. Selected examples of theatre literature are studied.
3342 Television & Film Performance
A practical laboratory course in television and film performance techniques, including procedures and requirements for professional engagements.
• May be repeated with different emphasis for additional credit.
• Prerequisite: TH 1364
3343 Stage Makeup
A practical course in developing techniques used in applying stage makeup. Emphasis is placed on painting, and contouring the face to achieve the desired effect. Speical projects include fantasy makeup and mask painting.
3346 Costume Construction
A practical approach to building costumes for the stage. Emphasis is on stitching techniques and introductory patterning. Practical experience with university productions required in laboratory.
3346 Historical Costume Research
A study of clothing, accessories, and customs of selected theatrical periods as an approach to costuming period plays.
3355 Playwriting
A study of play fundamentals (structure, dialogue, and mechanics), and guidance and discussion of representative plays.
• May be repeated with different emphasis for additional credit.
• Prerequisite: Instructor approval is required prior to enrollment.
3360 Beginning Stage Combat
An introductory course in stage combat. A hands-on approach with emphasis place upon actor safety, dramatic requirements of the script, and historical accuracy.
3364 Acting Realism
A studio course emphasizing the theories and methods of Stanislavsky in order to create characters in realistic drama.
• Prerequisite: TH 2354
3365 Acting Styles
Studio course emphasizing historical as well as contemporary theories of acting; includes the presentation of individual acting projects.
• Prerequisite: TH 2354 or permission of instructor
3367 Dramatic Theory & Analysis
A study of dramatic theory and play analysis for production, including the study of forms, styles, and methods.
3370 Child Drama
Emphasis on creative drama as an art form and the role of facilitator. Attention is given to the beginning elements of children’s theatre. Includes puppetry.
3390 BFA Pre-Professional Apprenticeship I
Intensive work in one of the following career paths: Acting, design, and theatre technologies, costuming.
• Prerequisite: Formal admission into the Bachelor of Fine Arts Pre-professional Program.
4310 Theatre Curriculum Development
Course builds on a requisite knowledge of basic educational theory and lesson plan structure with an emphasis on developing and implementing a successful Theatre curriculum. Practical and effective strategies for teaching middle school and high school Theatre will be examined.
4320 Directing Theatre Activities
Designed to assist any teacher in directing theatre activities. During the course, students will direct plays or scenes.
• May be repeated with different emphasis for additional credit.
4330 Special Topics in Theatre
A series of courses designed to meet special needs in theatre. Stage Management (4330 A) is a seminar course discussing the problems facing all stage managers in the operations of the theatre. Theatre Education (4330 E) examines the role and effects of the theatre in educational settings.
4338 Lighting Design
Lighting design is a continuation of the principles covered in Stage Lighting. This course will concentrate primarily on the aesthetics of stage lighting and will cover such topics as: viewer psychological and physiological responses as they pertain to visual perception; color, script analysis; use of light in creating both static and dynamic visual compositions; development and graphic representation of a theatrical lighting design.
• May be repeated with different emphasis for additional credit.
• Prerequisite: TH 2338
4345 Costume Design
A study of the princimples and elements to relate to designing theatrical costumes. Includes experience in research as well as developing drawing and rendering techniques.
• May be repeated with different emphasis for additional credit.
4346 Advanced Costume Design
Continued development of costume design skills. Includes research as well as advanced drawing and rendering techniques.
• Repeatable for credit with different emphasis.
• Prerequisites: TH 3344 and TH 4345
4347 Advanced Costume Construction
An advanced course in building costumes for the stage. Advanced techniques in sewing as well as pattern design and drafting is included.
• Repeatable for credit with different emphasis.
• Prerequisite: TH 3344
4355 Scene Painting
Theory and practice of scene painting for the theatre, with hands-on projects implementing various scene-painting techniques. Students will also have the opportunity to work as scenic artists on departmental productions.
4356 Advanced Theatre Drafting
A study of computer techniques and procedures used in the preparation of design and technical drawings for theatrical drafting.
• Prerequisite: TH 4390 or permission of instructor
4357 Scene Design
A study of scene design for theatre, focusing specifically on process of scenic designer with practical assignments including renderings and scaled models.
• Prerequisites: TH 1358 or permission of instructor
4360 Problems in Theatre
Designed to give supervised experience to qualified advanced students in theatre history, playwriting, directing, acting, technical, stage management, or other theatre problems. Research problems or actual production problems may be chosen.
• May be repeated with different emphasis for additional credit.
4361 Dialects for Actors
A study of the International Phonetic Alphabet and other vocal techniques used to create vocal variations such as regional, national, and international dialects.
• Prerequisite: TH 1340
4363 Directing for Film
An in-depth examination of directing theories and procedures for film with practical filming and editing exercises.
4364 Directing I
A study of the fundamentals of directing with practical experience provided by directing scenes.
4365 Directing II
A study of directing different dramatic styles. Students will direct a one-act play during regular semesters.
• Prerequisite: TH 4364
4370 Children’s Theatre
Continuation of Creative Dramatics, and the theory and practice related to all phases of productin plays for and with young people through junior high school age. Practical experience in a University production as required for one semester.
• May be repeated with different emphasis for additional credit.
4372 Theory and Practice of Dramaturgy
Study of the practical application of historical research and textual analysis in the production of period plays and new works. Emphasis upon the dramaturg as an instrument of collaboration between members of the artistic team and as a facilitator of audience outreach.
4390 BFA Pre-Professional Apprenticeship II
Intensive laboratory work in individual and group theatre methods for the actor, designer, or technician. Each apprenticeship from BFA II to V will focus upon a specific theatrical discipline for the actor, i.e. advanced vocal work, music theatre, performing Shakespeare, performing new scripts, advanced movement techniques, and further development of internal process.
4391 BFA Pre-Professional Apprenticeship III
A continuation of laboratory work for the actor. Each apprenticeship from BFA II to V will focus upon a specific theatrical discipline for the actor, i.e. advanced vocal work, music theatre, performing Shakespeare, performing new scripts, advanced movement techniques, and further development of internal process.
4392 BFA Pre-Professional Apprenticeship IV
A continuation of laboratory work for the actor. Each apprenticeship from BFA II to V will focus upon a specific theatrical discipline for the actor, i.e. advanced vocal work, music theatre, performing Shakespeare, performing new scripts, advanced movement techniques, and further development of internal process.
4393 BFA Pre-Professional Apprenticeship V
A continuation of laboratory work for the actor. Each apprenticeship from BFA II to V will focus upon a specific theatrical discipline for the actor, i.e. advanced vocal work, music theatre, performing Shakespeare, performing new scripts, advanced movement techniques, and further development of internal process.
Dance Courses
1114 Topics in Fitness Activities: Pilates
Pilates exercise work is designed as a rehabilitative and physical improvement technique (body therapy) that is especially useful for dancers who have sustained injuries or want to avoid common dance injuries.
• Prerequisites: Intermediate dance level.
1160 Beginning Jazz
Beginning levels of jazz dance technique including basic jazz walks and weight shifts, isolations, stretches, and dance combinations. Combinations are designed to challenge and enhance the students’ knowledge of the various styles and “schools” of jazz dance and to develop performance and choreographic abilities in these styles.
• This course is also offered as PFW 1180A.
1161 Intermediate Jazz
Intermediate levels of jazz dance techniques include complex weight shifts, syncopations, coordinations, and isolation techniques. Exercise and floor combinations are designed to challenge and improve previously obtained motor skills and to enhance the knowledge of correct mechanics of dance as a performing art.
• This course is also offered as PFW 1180B.
• Prerequisites: DAN 1160 or equivilant.
1162 Advanced Jazz
Advanced levels of jazz dance technique include more complex coordinations and combinations requiring increased levels of technique, strength, and flexibility. Emphasis is on developing ability to quickly master increasingly challenging choreography while continuing to develop new skills. There is a continuing emphasis on biomechanics and choreography.
• May be repeated once for credit.
• This course is also offered as PFW 1180C.
• Prerequisite: DAN 1160 or equivilant.
1170 Beginning Recreational Dance
Recreational dance includes international folk dance, square dance, and ballroom dance. Students will learn specific dances from each of these styles and gain an understanding and appreciation of the role of dance in societies and culture. This course provides an opportunity for students to explore the elements of dance as a way to discover movement as an expressive medium.
• This course is also offered as PFW 1180J.
1180 Beginning Ballet
Introduction to the basic technique and steps of the classical ballet. Basec barre exercises and basic positions and traveling steps of the ballet movement and vocabulary will be taught and practiced for mastery, singly and in combination. Students are expected to gain and understanding of ballet as a performing art through historical as well as practical experience.
• This course is also offered as PFW 1180D.
1181 Intermediate Ballet
Intermediate level ballet barre, center, position, and transitional patters of the classical ballet will be introduced and practiced for mastery. Emphasis will be on quick mastery of simple to complex combinations of these patterns plus an understanding of the biomechanical basis of each pattern. The importance of dance as a performing art will be stressed.
• This course is also offered as PFW 1180E
• Prerequisite: DAN 1180 or equivilant.
1182 Advanced Ballet
Advanced level ballet skills will be introduced and practiced for mastery. Increasingly complex combinations and rertory will challenge both the physical and cognitive skills of the students. The ability to learn and demonstrate patterns quickly as well as to master increasingly long and complex sequences will be important. Performing techniques will be emphasized.
• May be repeated once for credit.
• This course is also offered as PFW 1180F.
• Prerequisite: DAN 1181 or equivilant.
1190 Beginning Modern Dance
Basic modern dance technique and movement vocabulary are introduced and practiced for mastery. Biomechanical principles and the elements of dance are introduced. Elementary choreographic experiences will be included.
• This course is also offered as PFW 1180G.
1191 Intermediate Modern Dance
Intermediate modern dance skills are introduced and practiced for mastery. Students are expected to learn and perform combinations with skill and artistry, demonstrating a working knowledge of biomechanics and performance techniques. Application of movement principles is emphasized.
• This course is also offered as PFW 1180H.
• Prerequisites: DAN 1190 or equivilant.
1192 Advanced Modern Dance
Advanced modern dance skills are introduced and practiced for mastery. Students are expected to learn and perform increasingly complex combinations with skill and artistry, demonstrating a mastery of biomechanical principles and performance. Dance majors and minors are expected to develop a high level of skill in this dance style as the primary dance form for their teaching and performing preparation.
• Repeatable for credit with different emphasis
• This course is also offered as PFW 1180I.
• Prerequisite: DAN 1191 or equivilant.
2208 Dance Composition I
Basic principles of dance composition, solo choreography, in applied situations. Emphasis on skilled use of space, dynamics, and rhythm in building total artistic compositions. Practical experience, productions, and class will help students use basic music and dance forms as a basis for more complext choreography.
• Prerequisite: DAN 1190, 1191, or consent of instructor.
2209 Dance Composition II
Improvisational movement techniques that explore weight-sharing, non-verbal communication, sensory awareness, risk-taking, and physical and emotional trust. Students will gain the physical and perceptual skill to enhance performance in all areas of creative expression. Principles will be applied through movement traingin, discussion, and performance.
• Prerequisite: DAN 1190, or PFW 1180G, or DAN 1191, or PFW 1180H.
2210 Contact Improvisation
Improvisational movement techniques that explore weight-sharing, non-verbal communication, sensory awareness, risk-taking, and physical and emotional trust. Students will gain the physical and perceptual skills to enhance performance in all areas of creative expression. Principles will be applied through movement traingin, discussion, and performance.
• Prerequisites: DAN 1190, or PFW 1180G, or DAN 1191, or PFW 1180H.
2313 Introduction to Fine Arts
A study of the interrelation of theatre with art, music, and dance.
• This course may not be repeated for credit by taking the ART 2313, DAN 2313, or MU 2313.
2365 Rhythm and Movement Activities
Rhythmical movement exploration as a basis of developing basic movement skills, fitness, and dance activities. Right and left-brain developmental theories will be explored in conjunction with creative and rhythmic movement discovery.
• This course is also offered as PE 2365.
• Prerequisite: DAN 1190, or PFW 1180G, or DAN 1170, or PFW 1180J.
3330 Materials for Rhythmical Activities
Theory of dance movement and skills, and the techniques of utilizing these skills in a practical situation. Exposure to wide areas of available resources and aids for the dance.
• Prerequisites: DAN 1190, and DAN 1170.
3332 Demonstration Planning and Production
Develop skills required to write and produce dance-lecture demonstrations and dance concerts in the standard educational institutions as well as professionally. Organization of dance material for performance, lighting, make-up, prop construction and accompaniment for performance so that a smooth, cohesive program may be presented will be basic.
• Prerequisite: Junior level standing at the University.
3350 Dance Team Directing
Develop skills required to direct a performing dance team. Topics include choreography, administrative organization, public relations and communication skills.
3365 Rhythmic Structure of Movement
The structural analysis of basic and complex dance movements, their inherent rhythmic configuration. Understanding of movement and its rhythmic structure and correction of movement errors. Practical experience in a percussion accompaniment of these movements will be emphasized.
• Prerequisite: DAN 1190 and DAN 1170.
• Junior – Senior level course.
3366 Laban / Bartenieff Movement Analysis
Labanotation Theory & practice of the Laban Effort-Shape Movement System and its application toward creative expression. Theory and practice of Bartenieff Fundamentals, a movement training which patterns efficient connectivity in the body with emphasis on full psychophysical involvement in personal expression. Basic skill in reading and writing Labanotation will also be included.
3367 Dance Performance Workshop
Designed to give the advanced dance student experience in learning and performing varied styles of dance choreography. Established dance works and experimental works will be included in order to develop a professional level ability to learn, remember and perform a wide repertory of choreography.
• Prerequisite: DAN 1191, or PFW 1180H, or DAN 1192, or PFW 1180I.
4330 Dance Kinesiology
This course is an experiential study of the human body in rest and in motion. Emphasis will be on the skeletal and muscular systems in consideration of applications to dance performance, teaching and creative processes, and injury prevention and rehabilitation.
4334 Special Topics in Dance
This course is designed to provide opportunities for in-depth exploration of current trends and practices in dance.
• Prerequisite: Upper division standing at the University.
4334B Choreographic Influences in Dance
4366 Dance as an Art Form
Establishing the relationship of dance as a performing art to all the other art forms, to develop an understanding of the aesthetic theorites in the arts, and the application of those theories to styles of dance found in the theatres and educational situations today.
4367 Advanced Dance Composition: Theory and Practice
Students will choreograph, costume, and design lights for a group dance of substantial length, justifying artistic choices in an accompanying documented paper. The results of this course will be a senior dance concert.
• May be repeated once for credit.
• New material will be covered each time taught.
• Prerequisites: DAN 2208 and 2209; DAN 1191, or PFW 1180H, or DAN 1192, or PFW 1180I.
4368 History and Philosophy of Dance: Prehistoric to 1400 A.D.
Exposure to a wide variety of literature in the area of dance, the arts and sciences which specifically address the development of dance as a part of human culture from preliterate societies through the Middle Ages.
4369 History and Philosophy of Dance: 1400 A.D. to Present
Exposure to a wide variety of literature in the area of dance, the arts and sciences which specifically address the development of dance as a part of human culture including the Renaissance and Contemporary periods.
• Capstone Course.
Information taken from the 2006 - 2008 Undergraduate Course Catalog. For information on other departments, or to access previous catalog years, click here.