English, Theatre, and Speech Communication

Offered: Typically Fall and Spring terms

An introduction to the kinds of drama written for theatre, with attention to foundational aspects of play analysis and dramatic criticism in Western drama. In addition to other plays and critical writings, the course will include analysis of the following plays and critical writings: Oedipus Rex, Hamlet, Tartuffe, A Doll's House, Aristotle's Poetics, and Stephen S. Stanton's essay "The Well-Made Play and the Modern Theatre." The course also will include analysis of at least two full-length plays representing the work of women and African-American dramatists.

1 Course

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Spring 2010)

This course offers an introduction to the design and construction of basic garments and costumes. An exploration of the history of fashion and costume history, including the social, economic, cultural, and psychological factors influencing the selection and use of apparel and costumes. The course includes instruction in fibers and textiles; pattern drafting, design, fitting, and construction techniques; alterations of commercial patterns; and care, repair, storage, and recycling of clothing and costumes. Will also examine consumer buying and technological innovations used in the fashion industry. Course Fee: $15.

1 Course

Offered: Typically annually (next offered Fall 2008)

Introduction to concentration, relaxation, observation, and imagination as the actor's basic tools. Students will explore acting as a process beginning with work on the self and extending that work to character development and acting in improvisations or scenes.

1 Course

Offered: Typically annually (first offered Fall 2008)

An introductory study of how theatre practitioners take a script from the page to the stage. The focus will be on reading and analyzing scripts to develop a production concept around which designs are formed, directing choices are made, and stage pictures are solidified. Within this broad focus, visual representations will be created, essays will be written, and discussions will take place. Additionally, students will learn to work within a collaborative team.

1 Course

Offered: Typically alternate years (first expected to be offered Spring 2010

Fundamentals of filmmaking including the use of video equipment and a focus on film aesthetics. Emphasis will be on the production process of filmmaking that includes writing, producing, shooting, directing and editing a five to seven minute film. NOTE: Noncredit for students who completed THR 186B: Film Production I in Fall 2007.

1 Course

Prerequisites: Determined by instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."

1/2 to 1 Course

Prerequisite: THR 105

Offered: Typically annually (first offered Fall 2008)

Study of the first theatres and extant play scripts of selected human cultures. Included in this study will be representative cultures located in Africa, the Americas, Asia and Europe. Focus on research and writing, including one research-based essay and an annotated bibliography.

1 Course

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Spring 2009)

The theory and practice of drama and theatre in secondary education. In addition to traditional curricular and co-curricular uses of drama and theatre in secondary education, particular attention will be directed to the theory and practice of using the means, forms, and methods of drama and theatre for non-dramatic or non-theatrical ends. Examination of proven British and European practices will be included. NOTE: Noncredit for students who completed THR 118.

1 Course

Offered: Typically annually (first offered Spring 2009)

A study of the basic practices and techniques used in theatrical design and production. The seminar will alternate between the study of scenic and lighting effects and the make-up and costume design. May be repeated one time for credit, provided the student takes both Scenic and Lighting Design and Production and Theatrical Make-up and Costume Design and Production. NOTE: While there are no prerequisites, students are advised to take THR 124 before enrolling in this course.

1 Course

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Fall 2008)

Introduction to the theory and practice of voice production. Individual exercises in breath control, relaxation, phonation, resonance, and voice quality. Concentration on phonetics and phonetic spelling. Exercises in using voice projection and optional diction exercises for auditioning. Extensive drill-practice in the study of American-English sound. NOTE: Noncredit for students who completed THR 127.

1 Course

Prerequisites: Determined by instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."

1/2 to 1 Course

Prerequisite: THR 105

Offered: Typically annually (first offered Spring 2009)

An advanced seminar in which students will study the theatres and play scripts with a focus on close reading, research, and writing. The focus of the seminar will alternate among: Theatres in the History of the United States; Theatres in the English Renaissance; and Theatres and the Rise of Mass Media. May be repeated for credit, provided the seminar topic differs from those previously studied.

1 Course

Prerequisites: THR 105 or 119 (the latter no longeroffered at Berea); AND THR 115; AND THR 213 (preferred) or THR 308

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Fall 2008)

Study of directing processes, including history and contemporary directing theories. Students will read about directors and directing theory, critique productions, and do exercises in blocking, improvisation, and scene work.

1 Course

Prerequisite: THR 105 and junior standing or higher OR permission of instructor

Offered: Typically annually (first offered Spring 2009)

A course designed for the in-depth study of one of the various areas of management relevant to the theatrical and performing arts. The seminar will alternate among: Career Management, Stage Management, and Theatre Administration. May be repeated for credit, provided the seminar topic differs from those previously studied.

1 Course

Prerequisite: THR 105 and THR 115

Offered: Typically alternate years (first offered Spring 2009)

An advanced acting class geared toward students who are pursuing graduate study or a career in the performing arts, with an emphasis on acting. The seminar will alternate between a focus on Contemporary Acting Styles, emphasizing 20th and 21st century acting methods, and Period Acting Styles, emphasizing historical acting styles required of pre-modern drama. May be repeated one time for credit, provided the student takes both Contemporary and Period Styles. NOTE: Noncredit for those who completed THR

1 Course

Prerequisites: Determined by instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."

1/2 to 1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Department Chairperson, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 390/490A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 390/490B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Department Chairperson, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 390/490A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 390/490B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore, junior, or senior standing

Offered: Typically every term

An experiential learning experience individually designed for students with a special academic interest requiring integration of classroom learning with practical experience. Includes on-campus seminars with academic sponsors, as well as non-classroom experience. One to three course credits in one 14-week term or one course credit in Short Term may be taken in Internships. Requires the approval of two faculty sponsors and the Program assumes the responsibility for determining credit allowance. The Coordinator of Internships gives final approval for Internship proposals. This course may be used to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) requirement.

1 to 3 Courses

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by two or more students who have a similar interest in the topic proposed. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Program Director, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 397/497A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 397/497B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by two or more students who have a similar interest in the topic proposed. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Program Director, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 397/497A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 397/497B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisites: Will vary, but always will include permission of instructor

Offered: Typically on a limited basis as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course organized and directed by faculty and approved by the Department Chairperson to meet the particular interests and/or needs of specific students.

1 Course

Prerequisite: Senior standing only

Offered: Typically annually (next offered Fall 2008)

Development and presentation of a special theatre project centered on the student's particular interests in theatre and demonstrating the student's integration of the entire theatre curriculum. To be taken during the first term of the senior year.

1 Course

Prerequisites: Determined by instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."

1/2 to 1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Department Chairperson, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 390/490A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 390/490B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Department Chairperson, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 390/490A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 390/490B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore, junior, or senior standing

Offered: Typically every term

An experiential learning experience individually designed for students with a special academic interest requiring integration of classroom learning with practical experience. Includes on-campus seminars with academic sponsors, as well as non-classroom experience. One to three course credits in one 14-week term or one course credit in Short Term may be taken in Internships. Requires the approval of two faculty sponsors and the Program assumes the responsibility for determining credit allowance. The Coordinator of Internships gives final approval for Internship proposals. This course may be used to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) requirement.

1 to 3 Courses

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by two or more students who have a similar interest in the topic proposed. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Program Director, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 397/497A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 397/497B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by two or more students who have a similar interest in the topic proposed. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Program Director, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 397/497A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 397/497B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

Prerequisites: Will vary, but always will include permission of instructor

Offered: Typically on a limited basis as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course organized and directed by faculty and approved by the Department Chairperson to meet the particular interests and/or needs of specific students.

1 Course