Communication and Theatre
253.535.7761
www.plu.edu/~coth

Course Offerings: Communication
Course Offerings: Theatre

The faculty of the Department of Communication and Theatre is committed to a philosophical perspective on communication as the process by which shared understandings are created among audiences through the use of symbols. Implicit within this understanding is agreement on the assumption that people interact with one another for the purpose of achieving outcomes, and that this interaction is accomplished through a variety of media.

We focus our curriculum and education on four ability groups that each student should master. First is the ability to think and reflect critically. Students should be able to observe, analyze, perceive relationships, reason, and make inferences about their lives and world. Second, students should be able to express themselves effectively using verbal and nonverbal techniques. Third, students should be able to interact with one another and their environment. Finally, students should develop an ability to value themselves, their environment, and others as diverse and important facets of our social lives. With the learning of these abilities comes a responsibility to community and social service.

Faculty: Inch, Chair; Bartanen, Becvar, Clapp, Ehrenhaus, Feller, Harney, Land, Lisosky, Mietzke, Rowe, Spicer.

General University Requirements: Only the following courses from Communication and Theatre may be used to meet the general university core requirement in the arts: 151, 160, 162, 163, 241, 358, 359, 363, 364, 458. No course beginning with the prefix COMA counts toward the university core requirements.

Communication Core Courses: All Bachelor of Arts emphasis areas (Communication Studies, Print/Broadcast Journalism, Film, and Public Relations) and Bachelor of Fine Arts (Communication and Social Justice) must complete the following core courses: 123, 271, 284, 285; 334, 390, 391, 392, 393, or 439; 495, 499.

Minor Requirement: All Bachelor of Arts emphasis areas require the completion of either a minor approved by the major advisor or a self-directed minor including the following areas:

3 or 4 semester hours in economics, 4 semester hours in statistics or research methods, and 12 semester hours in social sciences.

Declaration of Major: Students who want to declare a major in communication with an emphasis in film, print/broadcast, public relations, or a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Social Justice and Advocacy:

1. Will, at the time of declaration, have a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 or higher.
2. Will have successfully completed the communication core courses (123, 271, 284, 285) with a grade point average of 2.50 or higher.

Students who complete 123 or 271 with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher may declare provisionally until successful completion of the core courses (123, 271, 284, 285). Prospective majors with grade point averages from 2.50-2.99 have the option to complete an application packet and may be admitted as space allows.

Communication Core Courses: Communication Studies, Film, Print/Broadcast Journalism, and Public Relations Bachelor of Arts emphasis areas and the Bachelor of Fine Arts concentration in Communication and Social Justice must complete the following core courses:

123 Introduction to Rhetorical Communication
271 Media Literacy
284 Speaking Seminar
285 Writing Seminar
495 Internship
499 Capstone (the BFA degrees use 485 as the capstone)

4 credits of "Valuing" from:
334 Gender Communication
390 Communication Ethics
391 Communication Abroad
392 Communication Abroad
393 Communication Abroad
439 Intercultural Communication

Bachelor of Arts Majors: 40 -44 semester hours in any of the areas of concentration:

1. Communication Studies - required courses:
   Communication Core courses plus:
   4 credits from:

   378 Broadcast Journalism
   384 Advanced News Reporting
   388 Advocacy Writing or approved research course

   4 credits from:

   326 Group Communication
   381 Media Law
   385 Introduction to Public Relations
   433 Rhetorical and Communication Theory
   435 Organizational Communication
   436 Persuasion
   437 Interpersonal Communication
   440 Conflict and Communication or approved theory course

   4 credits from:

   328 Argumentation
   330 Advanced Public Speaking
   373 Audio Production
   374 Video Production
   380 Newspaper Editing, Layout, and Design
   438 Advanced Public Relations
   480 In-depth and Investigative Reporting or approved application course

Plus 4 elective hours.

2. Film Studies - required courses:
   Communication Core courses plus:
   

   374 Video Production
   375 Film Production
   THEA 162 History of American Film
   THEA 460 Film Seminar

Plus elective hours from 300- and 400-level courses selected in consultation with advisor.

3. Print/Broadcast Journalism - required courses:
   Communication Core courses plus:
   

   480 In-Depth and Investigative Reporting

   4 credits from:

   378 Broadcast Journalism
   384 Advanced News Reporting

Plus elective hours from 300- and 400-level courses selected in consultation with advisor.

4. Public Relations - required courses:
   Communication Core courses plus:
   

   385 Introduction to Public Relations
   435 Organizational Communication

   4 credits from:

   378 Broadcast Journalism
   384 Advanced News Reporting

Plus elective hours from 300- and 400-level courses selected in consultation with advisor.

5. Theatre - Acting/Directing Emphasis - required courses:
   

   151 Stage Technology
   160 Introduction to Theatre
   225 Theatre Practicum
   250 Fundamentals of Acting
   352 Stage Management
   357 Intermediate Acting
   363 History of Theatre I
   364 History of Theatre II
   425 Theatre Practicum

Plus elective hours from 300- and 400-level courses selected in consultation with advisor.

6. Theatre - Design/Technical Emphasis - required courses:
   

   151 Stage Technology
   160 Introduction to Theatre
   225 Theatre Practicum
   352 Stage Management
   356 Stage Lighting
   363 History of Theatre I
   364 History of Theatre II

   4 credits from:

   250 Fundamentals of Acting
   454 Play Direction

   4 credits from:

   452 Scenic Design
   453 Costume Design

Plus elective hours from 300- and 400-level courses selected in consultation with advisor.

In addition to requirements listed above, candidates for the BA degree must meet the College of Arts and Sciences foreign language requirement.

Bachelor of Fine Arts Major:
At least 54 semester hours in any of the three areas of concentration:

1. Communication - Communication and Social Activism - required courses:

   Communication Core Courses plus:
   4 credits from:

   330 Public Speaking
   425 Forensics Practicum

   4 credits from:

   384 Advanced News Reporting
   388 Advocacy Writing
   433 Rhetorical and Communication Theory
   425 Journalism Practicum or approved research and writing course

   4 credits from:

   326 Group Communication
   334 Gender Communication
   440 Conflict and Communication or approved interaction skills course

   16 credits from:

   328 Argumentation
   334 Gender Communication
   433 Communication and Rhetorical Theory
   436 Persuasion
   439 Intercultural Communication (cannot be double-dipped with other requirements)
   440 Conflict and Communication (cannot be double-dipped with other requirements)

8 credits from two of the following categories:
Speech and Debate, Service Learning, Study Abroad, Foreign Language.

Minor in one of the following areas:
anthropology, environmental studies, global studies, legal studies, political science, psychology, social work, sociology, women's studies, or a self-directed minor consisting of 3 or 4 hours in economics, 4 hours in research methods or statistics, and 12 hours in social science.

2. Theatre - Acting/Directing Emphasis - required courses:

   151 Stage Technology
   160 Introduction to Theatre
   241 Oral Interpretation of Literature
   250 Fundamentals of Acting
   352 Stage Management
   357 Intermediate Acting
   363 History of Theatre I
   364 History of Theatre II
   454 Play Direction

Plus elective hours from 300- and 400-level courses selected in consultation with advisor.

3. Theatre - Design/Technical Emphasis - required courses:

   151 Stage Technology
   225 Theatre Practicum
   352 Stage Management
   356 Stage Lighting
   363 History of Theatre I
   364 History of Theatre II
   425 Theatre Practicum

   4 credits from:

   250 Fundamentals of Acting
   454 Play Direction

   4 credits from:

   452 Scenic Design
   453 Costume Design

Plus elective hours from 300- and 400-level courses selected in consultation with advisor.

All candidates for the BFA degree must satisfactorily complete a formal internship of 1-8 semester hours under the supervision of a faculty member.

Bachelor of Arts in Education: See School of Education.

Minors:

1. Minor in Communication: 20 semester hours, including 123, 271, 284, 285, plus 12 hours from 300- or 400-level communication courses selected in consultation with advisor.
2. Film: 20 semester hours, including Communication 271, 374 or approved production course, Theatre 162 and 460, and 4 credit hours of upper-division electives from either Communication or Theatre.
3. Theatre: 20 semester hours, including 151, 160, 241, 250, plus 4 hours from communication and theatre course selected in consultation with advisor.
4. The Dance Minor is crosslisted with the School of Physical Education. See the description of that minor under Physical Education.
5. The Publishing and Printing Arts Minor is crosslisted with the Department of English. See the description of that minor under Publishing and Printing Arts.

Back to topCourse Offerings: Communication

123 Introduction to Rhetorical Communication
Introduces the study of communication and theatre. Surveys the contexts and applications of study in these disciplines. Introduces the use of rhetorical theory as a means of understanding communication behavior. (4)

225 Communication Practicum
One semester hour credit may be earned each semester, but only 4 semester hours may be used to meet university requirements. Students put classroom theory to practical application by individually completing a project relating to an aspect of communication. An instructor in the area of interest must approve the project and agree to provide guidance. (1)

234 Introduction to Research in Communication
The study of methods of gathering, interpreting, and evaluating data in the study of human communication. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods. (2)

271 Media Literacy
Introduces the critical study of mass communication. Surveys how the technical, economic and behavioral elements of media influence its structure and content. Surveys significant trends and issues in both domestic and international media contexts. (4)

284 Communication as Process: Speaking Seminar
Introduces the basic techniques of public speaking. Students complete several speeches and learn the basic skills of speechmaking, including topic selections, research, organization, audience analysis, and delivery. (2)

285 Communication as Process: Writing Seminar
Introduces the process of communication writing. Surveys copy formats and style rules for writing in communication-related careers. Students complete a number of diverse writing assignments to appreciate the mechanics of writing and the role of audiences. (2)

321 The Book in Society
A critical study of the role of books in our history, society, and daily lives. (Crosslisted with ENGL 311.) (4)

322 Publishing Procedures
A workshop introduction to the world of book publishing, involving students in decisions about what to publish and how to produce it. (Crosslisted with ENGL 312.) (4)

324 Nonverbal Communication
Focus on the nonverbal aspects of communication within the framework of interpersonal interaction. Prerequisite: Communication core or consent of instructor. (2)

326 Group Communication
Studies how people interact in groups. Introduces theoretical constructs regarding the role of groups in organizational and social settings. Provides experience in analyzing and improving group performance and interaction. (4)

328 Argumentation Studies
how people use reasoning giving in social decision-making. Analysis of genres, forms, and techniques of arguers. Focus is on methods of creating, understanding, and criticizing arguments. (4)

330 Advanced Public Speaking
Focuses on improving skill in public speaking. Introduces theories and techniques for effectively participating in various speaking contexts. Provides experience through writing and delivering a range of different kinds of public speeches. (4)

334 Gender and Communication - A
Attempts to analyze and understand the relationship between gender and communication behavior. Comparison and contrast of male and female communication styles, similarities and differences in language usage, interpersonal dialogues, group discussions and listening in personal and professional arenas. (4)

335 Intercultural Communication Workshop
Designed to acquaint students with the influence of cultural backgrounds, perceptual systems, social organization, language, and nonverbal messages in intercultural communication. (2)

336 Communicating in Business and the Professions
Focuses on the nature of communication processes in organizational settings. Students deal with interpersonal communication, interviewing techniques, informative and persuasive speaking, working in groups, and basic business writing skills. (4)

373 Audio Production
Elements of audio production, analysis of program design, scripting, and production tools and techniques. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: Communication core or consent of instructor. (4)

374 Video Production
Analysis and application of program design, writing and production tools and techniques. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisite: Communication core or consent of instructor. (4)

378 Broadcast Journalism
Techniques of broadcast journalism. Applications of news gathering, writing, and reporting in a broadcast context. Radio, television, and news production assignments using broadcast equipment in the field and studio. Prerequisite: Communication core or consent of instructor. (4)

380 Newspaper Editing, Layout, and Design
Selection and editing of news copy and headline writing. Selection, sizing, and cropping of photos. Functions of layout. Principles of newspaper design and their practical applications. Prerequisite: Communication core or consent of instructor. (4)

381 Media Law and Principles
The theory and application of law in news gathering, publishing, and broadcasting. Will conduct legal research. (4)

384 Advanced News Reporting
Reporting of politics and police, courts and other governmental functions, investigative reporting and writing. Blend of field trips and writing exercises. Prerequisite: Communication core or consent of instructor. (4)

385 Introduction to Public Relations
Introduces the theories, methods, and practice of public relations. Emphasizes technical and analytical skills. Prerequisite: Communication core or consent of instructor. (4)

388 Advocacy Writing
Research and writing of editorials, commentaries, briefs, and other written materials used in social activism contexts. Prerequisite: Communication core or consent of instructor. (4)

390 Ethics in Communication
Studies the basic principles of moral philosophy and explores ethical issues involving those engaged in communication professions such as journalism, public relations, broadcasting, and advertising. Students use case studies to learn to recognize ethical dilemmas and develop strategies for dealing with them. (4)

391 Communication Abroad: Studies in Culture
Exploration of communication systems and environments beyond the university in international cultural contexts. (1-4)

392 Communication Abroad: Studies in Culture
Exploration of communication systems and environments beyond the university in international cultural contexts. (1-4)

393 Communication Abroad: Studies in Culture
Exploration of communication systems and environments beyond the university in international cultural contexts. (1-4)

425 Communication Practicum
One semester hour credit may be earned each semester, but only 4 semester hours may be used to meet university requirements. Students put classroom theory to practical application by individually completing a project relating to an aspect of communication. An instructor in the area of interest must approve the project and agree to provide guidance. (1)

433 Rhetorical and Communication
Theory Introduces the theories and research tools used to study communication from rhetorical and social scientific perspectives. Analyzes the role of communication theories in facilitating human problem-solving. Emphasizes the role of critical research in understanding the rhetorical significance of messages. (4)

435 Organizational Communication
Studies the role of communication in formal organizations. Provides insight into how organizations use and misuse communication techniques in accomplishing their ends. Emphasizes the interrelationship of theory and case studies in understanding the complex nature of contemporary organizations. (4)

436 Persuasion
The study of persuasion as a means of personal and social influence. Examines the theoretical foundations and explores the ethical and social implications of contemporary persuasion. (4)

437 Advanced Interpersonal Communication
Studies the role of communication as the basis for how people interact with each other. Introduces the various theories helping to explain the success and failure people experience in interaction. Emphasizes the importance of learning to diagnose and provide solutions to common communication difficulties. (4)

438 Advanced Public Relations
Examination of public relations issues such as campaign planning, crisis management, theoretical foundations, and ethics. Prerequisite: 385 or consent of instructor. (4)

439 Intercultural Communication
Studies the nature of communication among people of diverse cultures. The course examines contemporary theory and research and examines a variety of cultural variables including: cultural backgrounds, perception, social organization, language, and nonverbal aspects of messages. Prerequisite: Communication core or consent of instructor. (4)

440 Conflict and Communication
Studies the role of communication in the development and management of human conflict. Use of the theories of prominent conflict and peace scholars and significant case studies to develop a method for better understanding the nature and resolution of conflict. Prerequisite: Communication core or consent of instructor.(4)

450 Workshop in Effective Public Speaking
Audience analysis, topic selection, organization of ideas for various audiences, types of speeches, use of visual aids, and delivery. Designed for both novices and those who have had some experience as speakers. (2)

475 Advanced Media Production
Producing, scripting, directing, performing, and evaluating sophisticated audio and video programming. Prerequisite: 374. (4)

480 In-Depth and Investigative Reporting - SR
Group reporting in depth on a single issue for both newspaper and television. Prerequisites: 380, 378 or 384. (4)

485 Communication and Social Activism - SR
Provides senior-level communication and theatre students the opportunity to apply their study through discovering means of cross-applying theories and practices in contexts involving the need for social activism. As the capstone seminar for the BFA program, students will complete a research paper or project in their area of interest. (4)

491 Independent Studies
Investigations or research in area of special interest not covered by regular courses; open to qualified junior or senior students. A student should not begin registration for independent study until the specific area for investigation has been approved by a departmental sponsor. (1-4)

492 Independent Studies
Investigations or research in area of special interest not covered by regular courses; open to qualified junior or senior students. A student should not begin registration for independent study until the specific area for investigation has been approved by a departmental sponsor. (1-4)

493 Independent Studies
Investigations or research in area of special interest not covered by regular courses; open to qualified junior or senior students. A student should not begin registration for independent study until the specific area for investigation has been approved by a departmental sponsor. (1-4)

495 Internship
Provides junior- and senior-level communication and theatre students with an opportunity to apply curricular theory and practice to external professional and social arenas. Students will work with an internship sponsor to design and complete an internship, its learning goals and contract. (1-8)

499 Capstone: Communication - SR
Capstone course for all BA emphasis areas. Focus is on integrating student learning objectives with student experience through development and presentation of portfolio projects and other assignments. (1-4)

500 Effective Communications
A look at communication processes in organizations with development of specific communication skills; includes public speaking techniques, informative and persuasive communication, interviewing strategies, and the role of listening. (2)

596 Research in Communication
For graduate students only. (1-4)

597 Research in Communication
For graduate students only. (1-4)

598 Research in Communication
For graduate students only. (1-4)

Back to topCourse Offerings: Theatre

151 Stage Technology - AR
Basic theory and procedure of all backstage elements in the theatre, costumes, scenery, props, lights, makeup, and management. (4)

160 Introduction to Theatre - AR
Exposure to theatre and its numerous offshoots (e.g., film, television, rock concerts) through audience participation and personal contact. (4)

162 History of American Film - AR
Concentrates on the development and growth of the motion picture in the United States from 1895 to the present. (4)

163 History of the Foreign Film - AR
Concentrates on the development and growth of international film. (4)

225 Theatre Practicum
One semester hour credit may be earned each semester, but only 4 semester hours may be used to meet university requirements. Students put classroom theory to practical application by individually completing a project relating to an aspect of theatre. An instructor in the area of interest must approve the project and agree to provide guidance.

241 Oral Interpretation of Literature - AR
The art of communicating the essence of a piece of literature to an audience; interpreting it experientially, logically, and emotionally. Individual and group performance. (4)

250 Fundamentals of Acting - AR
An examination of the work of actors and actresses, their natural and learned skills; exercises in memory, imagination, and observation; improvisations and scenes from modern plays. (4)

351 Stage Makeup - AR
Specialized work in planning and application of techniques from straight makeup through aging, three-dimensional, and special effects. (4)

352 Stage Management - AR
All of the facets of managing a theatrical production: planning, scheduling, rehearsal process, documentation, and interpersonal relationships. (4)

356 Stage Lighting - AR
Stage lighting from the development of electricity and lighting instruments to the complete design of lighting a show. (4)

357 Intermediate Acting, The Actor At Work - AR
Practical experience in the art of the actor through performance of scenes from plays of the modern theatre, emphasis on the importance of play analysis by the actor, and examination of current acting theory. Prerequisite: 250. (4)

358 Advanced Acting - AR
Study of the work of an actor; character analysis and embodiment, using scenes from plays; includes styles of acting as defined by historical period. Prerequisite: 357. (4)

359 Acting for the Non-Actor - AR
Specifically designed for those who have nourished a curiosity to explore the art of acting but have been intimidated by a lack of knowledge or prior experience. Not open to theatre majors or minors. (4)

363 History of the Theatre: Aeschylus Through Turgeniev - AR
Theatre as it evolved from its primitive origin through representative societies; Ancient Greece, Rome, Renaissance, Modern Europe, and America. (4)

364 History of the Theatre: Ibsen Through to the Present - AR
Theatre as it evolved from its primitive origin through representative societies; Ancient Greece, Rome, Renaissance, Modern Europe, and America. (4)

425 Theatre Practicum
One semester hour credit may be earned each semester, but only 4 semester hours may be used to meet university requirements. Students put classroom theory to practical application by individually completing a project relating to an aspect of theatre. An instructor in the area of interest must approve the project and agree to provide guidance. (1)

452 Scenic Design - AR
Development of artistic and technical abilities in the field of scenic design incorporating many periods and styles as well as preparation of models, rendering, and draftings. (4)

453 Costume Design - AR
Development of artistic and technical abilities in the field of costume design incorporating history, patterns, and renderings. (4)

454 Play Direction - AR
The role of the director, historically and critically; an intensive study that is both practical and theoretical in its approach to the art of the play director. Each student is required to direct scenes from plays representative of all periods of theatre history. A final project, consisting of a contemporary scene, will culminate the course. Prerequisites: 151, 250, and junior status. (4)

458 Creative Dramatics - AR
Designed to acquaint the student with materials, techniques, and theories of creative dramatics. Intended for elementary and junior high school teachers or prospective teachers, theatre majors, religious leaders, youth and camp counselors, day care workers, social and psychological workers, and community theatre leaders interested in working with children. S (4)

460 Film Seminar: Approaches to Film Theory - AR
Examination of 12 films, incorporating an analytical approach of two film directors' styles (contrasting and comparable), enhancing perception and insight in terms of cinematic comprehension. Prerequisite: 162 or instructor's permission. (4)

491 Independent Studies
Investigations or research in area of special interest not covered by regular courses; open to qualified junior or senior students. Requires pre-registration approved by a departmental sponsor. (1-4)

492 Independent Studies
Investigations or research in area of special interest not covered by regular courses; open to qualified junior or senior students. Requires pre-registration approved by a departmental sponsor. (1-4)

493 Independent Studies
Investigations or research in area of special interest not covered by regular courses; open to qualified junior or senior students. Requires pre-registration approved by a departmental sponsor. (1-4)

596 Research in Theatre
For graduate students only. (1-4)

597 Research in Theatre
For graduate students only. (1-4)

598 Research in Theatre
For graduate students only. (1-4)