Course Descriptions

DRAM 102 - (3) (S)
Oral Interpretation
For non-majors, to enhance the communication skills of the student through basic voice and speech exercises, leading to staged readings of prose, poetry, comedy, and drama.

DRAM 201 (3) (S)
Theatre Art: Image to Form
Examination of the theatre artist's translation of dramatic image into theatrical form as explored through elements of story telling, script analysis, design in 2-D and 3-D and the experience of performance.

DRAM 202 - (3) (S)
Theatre Art: Acting I
Basic theories and techniques of acting and directing are explored through exercises, improvisations, and scenes from contemporary dramatic literature.

DRAM 208 - (3) (Y)
Circus in America
An introduction to the circus, as a form of American entertainment. Focuses on the development, growth, decline, and cultural influences.

DRAM 211 - (3) (S)
Lighting Technology
Prerequisites: DRAM 201 and DRAM 202, or permission of instructor; corequisite: DRAM 213
Study of the basic techniques for moving the lighting design from drafted plot through finished design, including equipment, dimming and control systems, and color theory.

DRAM 213 - (1) (S)
Production Laboratory: Lighting and Sound
Prerequisites: DRAM 201 and DRAM 202, or permission of instructor; corequisite: DRAM 211
Application of lighting and sound technology in laboratory production projects. May be repeated up to four credits.

DRAM 221 - (3) (S)
Scenic Technology
Prerequisites: DRAM 201 and DRAM 202, or permission of instructor
Study of the basic techniques for moving set design from drawing to finished environment, including drafting, carpentry, painting, and dressing. Lab required.

DRAM 223 - (1) (S)
Production Laboratory: Scenery and Properties
Prerequisites: DRAM 201 and DRAM 202, or permission of instructor; corequisite: DRAM 221 or permission of instructor
Application of scenery and properties technology in laboratory production projects. May be repeated up to four credits.

DRAM 231 - (3) (S)
Costume Technology
Prerequisites: DRAM 201 and DRAM 202, or permission of instructor; corequisite: DRAM 233 or permission of instructor
Study of the basic techniques for moving the costume design from drawing to finished character, including costume construction, alteration, patterning, fitting, and accessories. Lab required.

DRAM 233 - (1) (S)
Practicum: Costume and Makeup
Prerequisites: DRAM 201 and DRAM 202, or permission of instructor; corequisite: DRAM 231 or permission of instructor
Application of costume and makeup technology in production laboratory. May be repeated up to four credits.

DRAM 243 - (1) (S)
Production Laboratory: Acting and Directing
Application of acting and directing skills in production laboratory. May be repeated up to four credits.

DRAM 280 - (3) (Y)
Television News Writing and Production
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Students analyze, discuss and learn the techniques of television news writing. Explore the difference between print and television news. Learn the value of research, the impact of deadlines, the worth of clear, concise, accurate expression, the importance of ethics, and the urgency of time. Working as teams, students participate in a variety of roles included in television news production such as reporting and editing, with an emphasis on learning to write to the dictates of the television medium.

DRAM 281 - (3) (Y)
Cinema as Art Form
A course in visual thinking; an introduction to film criticism, concentrating on classic and current American and non-American films.

DRAM 282 - (3) (Y)
Television Texts, Scripting and Directing
Study of the theory and creative principles of television scripting and directing; analysis of form, content and production values; composition, writing, lighting, camerawork and performance.

DRAM 302 - (3) (IR)
Theatrical Make-Up
Prerequisite: DRAM 201 and DRAM 202, or permission of instructor
An introduction to the design and application of theatre makeup. Emphasizes observation and mastery of basic techniques and material employed in facial analysis and the creation of juvenile, lead, character and aged makeup.

DRAM 305 - (3) (Y)
History of Theatre I
Study of the history of theatre as an art form in relation to the development of Western culture from ancient times to the Restoration Period.

DRAM 306 - (3) (Y)
History of Theatre II
Prerequisite: DRAM 305
Study of the history of theatre as an art form in relation to the development of Western culture from the Restoration Period to the present day.

DRAM 307 - (3) (S)
African-American Theatre
Presents a comprehensive study of "Black Theatre" as the African-American contribution to the theatre. Explores the historical, cultural, and socio-political underpinnings of this theatre as an artistic form in American and world culture. Students gain a broader understanding of the relationship and contributions of this theatre to theatre arts, business, education, lore, and humanity. A practical theatrical experience is a part of the course offering.

DRAM 331 - (3) (Y)
History of Dress
Study of the history of dress, from ancient to modern times, as a reflection of the individual's self expression and the relationship to one's culture. Lab required.

DRAM 341 - (3) (S)
Acting II
Prerequisite: DRAM 202
Self to character: Exercises and scene work emphasizing the development of the actor's vocal and physical resources as a means of creating and communicating character, emotion, and relationships.

DRAM 342- (3) (S)
Voice for the Theatre
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Intended to give the drama major a thorough grounding in the voice and speech demands of theatre performance and to launch the student on a life-long investigation of voice and speech production.

DRAM 349 - (3) (Y)
Acting Out
Prerequisite: By audition and permission of instructor
A select ensemble company rehearses and performs scenes from Shakespeare, classic, and contemporary dramatic literature in public performance workshops.

DRAM 351 - (3) (Y)
Directing I
Prerequisites: DRAM 201 and DRAM 202
Encourages the development of the director's analytical and rehearsal skills in translating text, actors, and space into valid and effective scenes, drawn from plays in the mode of psychological realism.

DRAM 352 - (1) (S)
Stage Management
Prerequisites: DRAM 201, DRAM 202, DRAM 211, DRAM 221, and DRAM 231, or permission of instructor; corequisite: DRAM 353
Examination of stage management principles to the production of theatre in a variety of settings from academic to regional to Broadway. Study of various techniques of organization, rehearsal process and human relations skills. Course study includes safety and emergency procedures for both performers and audience.

DRAM 353 - (1-2) (S)
Production Laboratory: Stage Management
Prerequisites: DRAM 201, DRAM 202, DRAM 211, DRAM 221, and DRAM 231, or permission of instructor; corequisite: DRAM 352
One credit is required, may be taken for two credits, and may be repeated up to four credits.
Application of stage management skills applied to production and performance. May be repeated up to four credits.

DRAM 360 - (3) (Y)
Modern American Drama
Study of representative American dramas of the twentieth century, taught in the context of theatre history.

DRAM 371 - (3) (Y)
Playwriting I
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Introduction to the art and craft of playwriting, focused around short exercises and in-class writing assignments.

DRAM 372 - (3) (Y)
Playwriting II
Prerequisite: DRAM 371
A continuation of Playwriting I, focusing on specific craft exercises and the development of an individual style.

DRAM 381 - (3) (SS)
Film Criticism
Extends the work of DRAM 281 by concentrating on the development of a critical perspective in the study of films and film-makers.

DRAM 383 - (3) (Y)
History of Film I
Analysis of the development of the silent film, 1895 to 1928; emphasis on technical and thematic links between national schools of cinema art and the contributions of individual directors. Three hours lecture plus weekly film screenings.

DRAM 384 - (3) (Y)
History of Film II
Prerequisite: DRAM 281 or DRAM 383 or permission of instructor
Analysis of the development of film art from the inception of sound to the 1950s. Three hours lecture plus weekly film screenings.

DRAM 387 - (3) (Y)
Contemporary Independent Film and Video
Prerequisite: DRAM 281, or permission of instructor
Investigates the nature of "independent" film and video in relation to the dominant commercial media, surveying a broad range of independent media genres, from the independent features of John Cassavetes and Quentin Tarantino through the alternatives practiced by experimental and documentary makers.

DRAM 411 - (3) (Y)
Lighting Design
Prerequisites: DRAM 201 and DRAM 211, or permission of instructor
Development of the lighting design from script analysis through concept to completed production. Lab required.

DRAM 421 - (3) (Y)
Scenic Design
Prerequisite: DRAM 201, or permission of instructor
Development of the scene design as theatrical environment, from script analysis through research to completed ground plan and rendering. Lab required.

DRAM 431 - (3) (Y)
Costume Design
Prerequisite: DRAM 201, or permission of instructor
Development of costume design as a revelation of character and relationship to the special world from script analysis through research to the completed rendering. Lab required.

DRAM 441 - (3) (Y)
Acting III
Prerequisite: DRAM 341
Creating roles: scripted scenes, exercises, and ensemble work to develop a process that expands the actor's approach to characterization and interpretation within various dramatic genres.

DRAM 442 - (3) (Y)
Musical Theatre Performance
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Study of the integration of song into scene work, and examination of special problems posed for the actor/singer/dancer. Focuses on a character's song presentation within the context of a musical play.

DRAM 444 - (3) (Y)
Dance for Theatre
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor
Examines the history of social and theatrical dance, its function in a particular society, and its dramatic purpose within a play. Requires basic proficiency be demonstrated in traditional ballet, jazz, and tap technique. Choreography common to musical theatre performance is taught within each style.

DRAM 449 - (3) (Y)
Stage Combat
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Examination of the history of human violence and various forms of personal and military combat that are frequently used on stage as well as "comedic violence" such as slapstick, clowning, and commedia. Students safely perform physical aggression that is appropriate and dramatically effective, following the safety guidelines and techniques recommended by the Society of American Fight Directors.

DRAM 451 - (3) (Y)
Directing II
Prerequisites: DRAM 351 and permission of instructor
Continues the work of DRAM 351 with special attention to the director's organization, scheduling, and efficient use of resources. Students direct a one-act play.

DRAM 471 - (3) (Y)
Playwriting III
Prerequisite: DRAM 372
An advanced workshop focusing on the development of longer works and the rewriting process.

DRAM 472 - (3) (Y)
Playwriting IV
Prerequisite: DRAM 471
A continuation of Playwriting III.

DRAM 491 - (3) (S)
Senior Seminar
Seminar discussions and assignments which allow the student to demonstrate knowledge of the theatre as well as artistic, aesthetic, and critical judgment.

DRAM 492 - (1-3) (S)
Special Studies in Drama
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor and advisor
An independent study project conducted under the supervision of an instructor of the student's choice. Instructor determines credit.

DRAM 493 - (1-3) (S)
Special Topics in Performance
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Special topics in performance offered to upper-level students.

DRAM 494 - (1-3) (S)
Special Topics in Movement
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Specialized topics in movement offered to upper-level students.

DRAM 495 - (1-3) (S)
Special Topics in Voice
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Specialized topics in voice and speech offered to upper-level performance students.

DRAM 496 - (1-3) (S)
Special Topics in Directing
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
An intensive study of specific topics offered to the upper-level student.

DRAM 497 - (1-3) (S)
Special Topics in Design
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
An intensive study of specific topics in theatre design offered to the upper-level student.

DRAM 498 - (1-3) (S)
Special Topics in Design Technology
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
An intensive study of specific topics offered to the upper-level student.

DRAM 499 - (1-3) (S)
Special Topics in Playwriting
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor
Specialized topics offered to upper-level students.

DRAM 504 - (3) (O)
Early American Drama
An examination of the American theatre (both the dramatic literature and significant productions) prior to O'Neill. Focuses on the development of a uniquely American drama and the ways in which the theatre reflected the era in which it was created.

DRAM 506 (3) (IR)
Modernism in the Theatre
Prerequisites: DRAM 305, DRAM 306 or equivalent
Study of the theory, literature and mis-en-scene of the theatre during the modern era.

DRAM 555 - (3) (Y)
Performing Arts Management
Prerequisites: Graduate standing; 12 credits in Drama and/or business related courses; or permission of instructor
An examination of the principles and practices of managing the not-for-profit performing arts organization. Using the theatre as a model, the course focuses on the responsibilities of the top manager within the organization, and the relationship to the artistic staff and the board of trustees.

DRAM 571 - (3) (Y)
Playwriting V
Prerequisite: Nine credits of drama courses or permission of instructor
Introduction to the craft of playwriting and examination of exemplary works. Weekly problem exercises emphasizing the development of a way of working.

DRAM 572 - (3) (Y)
Playwriting VI
Prerequisites: DRAM 571 and permission of instructor
Analysis of the craft of playwriting, continued study of exemplary plays and problem exercises, and increased emphasis on reading and discussion of student work.

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