2007-2008 Academic Catalog

School of Humanities Communication Arts 2007-08 Cedarville University 81 Communication Arts THTR-3420 Theatre History I –Fa 2 hours An analysis of performative modes of a given culture within a historical study, reinforcing appreciation of the past and strengthening the understanding of one’s own culture as well as different cultures. General survey of theatre history from the pre- Greek era to the present. Focus will be on prevailing philosophical orientation, major dramatists, theatre architecture and staging practices, styles of performance, costume design, innovations, and development. THTR-3430 Theatre History II –Sp 2 hours Survey of staging practices and innovations from mid-17th century to present, with study of representative plays from each era. THTR-3440 Stage Costume History –Fa 3 hours A general survey of western costuming for the stage from pre-Grecian to late twentieth century. This course provides an overview of the evolution of fashion as well as the social and cultural history affecting fashion change. (Fee: $40) THTR-3450 Stagecraft IV –Sp 1 hour The class is designed to give the theatre major with a design concentration an opportunity to work in the chosen area of their senior theatre project. The student will execute a design for a mainstage production and may assist in the design process. Prerequisite: THTR-2440 Stagecraft III. THTR-3460 Advanced Acting –Sp 3 hours Designed to build upon knowledge and training learned in THTR-2430 Principles of Acting. Attention will be given to scene study, acting theory, and audition principles. THTR-3470 Dramaturgy –Fa,Sp 3 hours This course provides background in specialized theatre research for students interested in teaching theatre history, drama, dramatic literature, and directing productions at the secondary or college level. THTR-3490 Stage Lighting Design –Sp 3 hours The study of stage lighting theory and practice. Students will complete exercises in lighting design. Material covered includes basic electricity, equipment, and instruments. Practicum and stage work required. Prerequisite: THTR-1420 Introduction to Technical Theatre. (Fee: $35) THTR-3510 Advanced Directing –Sp 3 hours An advanced course exploring the direction of period plays and stylistic genres other than realism. Student projects might include one-act or full-length plays. Students will become familiar with influential contemporary directors and directing theories. Prerequisite: THTR-2350 Principles of Play Directing. THTR-3520 Scenic Painting –Sp 3 hours This class is designed to introduce the student to scenic painting techniques. The student will hone painting skills through both projects and work on a mainstage production. Prerequisite: THTR- 1420 Introduction to Technical Theatre. (Fee: $75) THTR-3530 2 hours Techniques of American Musical Theatre –Fa This class is designed to facilitate a knowledge base and application opportunities to gain skill in various choreographic styles associated with musical theatre performance. (Fee: $45) THTR-3610 Educational Theatre –Fa,Sp 2 hours For Integrated Language Arts majors and theatre students desiring a theatre elective. Provides background and experience in theatre games, improvisation techniques, and educational theatre productions for pre-K through grade 12. Includes role- playing, play therapy, and dramatherapy theory. Prerequisite : admission to teacher education program or Theatre major or permission of instructor . (Fee: $25) THTR-3850 2 hours Seminar in Arts Administration and Arts Law –Sp A seminar course providing background in arts administration and arts law, with significant research and presentation responsibilities for students. An overview of issues involved in the operation of arts organizations. THTR-4400 Professional Preparation Seminar –Fa 3 hours Prepares the senior theatre arts student for entry into the professional arts community and/or graduate study. Topics include audition/portfolio preparation and presentation, resume writing, interviewing techniques, graduate study/assistantship options, professional union affiliation, etc. (Fee: $45) THTR-4630 The Christian in Theatre –Sp 2 hours The student will evaluate selected plays, both classic and contemporary, through a biblical perspective. The course addresses issues faced by the Christian artist regarding career choices and the challenges faced in contemporary theatre. THTR-4640 Special Topics –Fa,Sp 3 hours Topics of specialized theatrical interest are examined on an as- needed basis. Repeatable up to six credit hours. THTR-4750 Independent Study: Theatre –Fa,Sp 1-2 hours Independent study in a selected field for students with special interests and demonstrated ability. Repeatable up to eight credit hours. THTR-4810 Internship: Theatre –Fa,Sp 3-12 hours Students are placed with professional organizations to gain experience in actual career situations. Internships depend upon availability. Repeatable up to 15 hours. THTR-4840 Senior Theatre Project –Fa,Sp 3 hours The Senior Theatre Project (STP) has two goals: to culminate the student’s work at Cedarville with a project presenting the student’s highest caliber of work and to prepare the student to achieve personal and professional goals. The theatre major is given a variety of choices through which to fulfill the STP requirement: solo performance, directed production, theatre design, or dramaturgical study. Before determining the nature of the STP, the student must determine personal and professional goals. The theatre major begins shaping the STP immediately upon enrollment in the major. All theatre majors work with a theatre advisor. Capstone course. (Fee: $50)