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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; Anderson, Bloomingdale, Clapp, Ehrenhaus, Feller, Harney, Land, Lisosky, Mietzke, Rowe, Wang-Stewart, Wells.
General University Requirements: Only the following courses from 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 except 290 Media in the World, and 334 Gender Communication meets the Diversity: Alternate Perspectives requirement and 439 Intercultural Communication meets the Diversity: Cross-cultural Perspectives requirement.
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 or 190; 271 or 290; 284, 285; 334, 390, 391, 392, 393, or 439; School of the Arts 495, and 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:
Students who complete 123, 190, 271, or 290 with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher may declare provisionally until successful completion of the core courses (123 or 190; 271 or 290; 284, 285). Prospective majors with grade point averages from 2.502.99 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 or
190 Introduction to Rhetorical Communication
271 Media Literacy or 290 Media in the World
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: 4044 semester hours in any of the areas of concentration:
Bachelor of Arts in Communication
Bachelor of Arts in Theatre
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:
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication
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.
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre
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:
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. F S (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. F S (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. F S (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. F S (2)
290 Media in the World: Influencing Values, Culture, and Community A
Introduces the critical study of mass communication and its
influence on community and culture. The course will survey how the
technical, economic and behavioral elements of media influence its
structure and content. This course can substiture of COMA 271 for
majors. (4)
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. F (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. F S (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. F J S Su (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)
383 Writing for Public Relations
Principles and processes involved in writing for an organization's
diverse publics. Integrates persuasive techniques and communication
theory with writing and production practice. (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. (14)
392 Communication Abroad: Studies in Culture
Exploration of communication systems and environments beyond the university in international cultural contexts. (14)
393 Communication Abroad: Studies in Culture
Exploration of communication systems and environments beyond the university in international cultural contexts. (14)
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 com-munication 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: 378, 380 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. (14)
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. (14)
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. (14)
495 Internship
Please see School of the Arts 495.
499 Capstone: Communication SR
Please see School of the Arts 499.
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. (14)
597 Research in Communication
For graduate students only. (14)
598 Research in Communication
For graduate students only. (14)
160 Introduction to Theatre AR
Surveys theatre as it reflects society from the Greeks to the
present. Studies the evolution of theatre as a medium and its
relationship to radio, television, and film. (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.
240 Theater Speech and Dialect AR
Designed for the actor. This course focuses on vocal production in
terms of phonation, resonation, articulation, etc., as well as oral
interpretation. Studies stage dialects through ear training and the use
of the International Phonetic Alphabet. (4)
250 Acting I - Fundamentals AR
Introduces the techniques of acting. Students complete scenes and
monologues and learn the skills of scene selection, memorization,
imagination, character, presentation, and delivery. (4)
255 Stage Technology AR
Basic theory and procedure of all backstage elements in the theatre,
costumes, scenery, props, lights, makeup, and management. (4)
340 Stage Combat AR
This course focuses on the art of stage violence. Students engage in
extensive work in "hand to hand combat," "rapier and dagger," and
"Broad Sword." The course culminates with a presentation for the
Northwest Region SAFD (Society of American Fight Directors)
representative. This presentation is adjudicated and the student may
achieve the honor of receiving a SAFD certificate as an "Actor
Combatant." (4)
350 Acting II - Scene Studies AR
The students gain practical experience in the art of the actor through
performance of partnered scenes from modern, and contemporary theatre.
This course focuses on the importance of analysis and the examination
of current acting theory. (4)
355 Lighting Design AR
Stage lighting from the development of electricity and lighting
devices, to computer controlled lighting instruments and design.
Students will gain practical experience in hanging and focusing
lighting instruments, color theory, electrical theory, and area
lighting to suggest local. A final project consisting of a fully
realized lighting design will culminate the course. (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)
360 Theatre History Course 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)
450 Acting III - Shakespeare AR
This is an advanced course in acting designed to focus on language,
interpretation, and enhancing audience appreciation and understanding.
Advanced techniques in text analysis focusing on the study of
Shakespeare's folio, lexicon, and in-depth scene study and performance.
(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)
455 Scenic Design AR
Development of the artistic and technical abilities in the field of
scenic design by incorporating varied periods and styles as well as
preparation of models, rendering, and draftings. (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. (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)
490 Topics in Theatre AR
Concentrated study of a major theatrical period, movement, author, theme, genre, performance style, culture, or technology. (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. (14)
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. (1v4)
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. (14)
596 Research in Theatre
For graduate students only. (14)
597 Research in Theatre
For graduate students only. (14)
598 Research in Theatre
For graduate students only. (14)