Fall 2008 Drama Course Offerings

LOWER DIVISION
DRAM 1100 University Theatre Company
Get involved in one of the main stage productions and receive academic credit while doing it. This course focuses on specific responsibilities assigned by faculty and staff regarding University Theatre Productions. Included are performance, construction, running and operating crews, assistant stage management, and a weekly course meeting. May be repeated for four credit hours. Students working in University Theatre Productions who are neither Drama majors nor minors are encouraged to enroll in DRAM 1100 but are not required to do so.

DRAM 1154 Dance for Theater
Dance for Theater is for students of various levels of expertise in dance, ranging from beginner to advanced, to acquire and polish their skills and convey character through dance. The topic varies based on production needs within the department, but all courses will be primarily skill-based and performance oriented, with short choreography and dance appreciation segments. Topics may include: jazz, tap, modern, ballet, choreography, and other pertinent dance forms. Course is repeatable for up to six credit hours.

DRAM 1304 Introduction to Theatre
A hands-on approach to the fundamentals of theatre including literature, acting, directing, and design. Intended as a survey, this course will provide an overview of theatre’s numerous components, from the page to the stage, so that the beginning student may better understand the theatrical world.

DRAM 1306/SPCH 1323 Oral Interpretation
Examines the performative and other critical approaches to the study of literature. Investigates and explores critical methods for analyzing texts and their application to the oral study and performance of a variety of literary genres. (Also listed as SPCH 1323.)

DRAM 1314 Introduction to Drama
Introduction to Drama is a survey of Dramatic western literature from Ancient Greeks to the contemporary times.  The students will read and discuss plays in their theatrical, social, and cultural contexts and will be introduced to the basic principles of playwriting, acting, directing, and design.

DRAM 1320 Introduction to Production Techniques
Introduction to traditional stagecraft, including backstage organization, scenery construction, theatrical lighting, sound design, scene painting, and drafting. May be taken instead of DRAM 1330 as core credit toward the major.

DRAM 1330 Principles of Costume Technology
An introductory course that explores the fundamentals of costume construction, patterning and draping, textiles, and related crafts such as millinery and fabric painting and dyeing. May be taken instead of DRAM 1320 as core credit toward the major.

DRAM 1350 Introduction to Acting
This class will provide the beginning acting student wit basic acting techniques and vocabulary through exercise, monologues, and scene work. (Not available for P/F option.) Students may not receive credit for both Dram 1350 and 1352.

DRAM 1352 Acting I
This class will provide acting students with a core of techniques from which to further develop their acting skills as individuals and as members of a theatrical ensemble. The course is suggested for students planning to major in Drama. Open to all students by audition or permission of instructore. (Not available for P/F option.) Students may not receive credit for both DRAM 1350 and 1352.

DRAM 2100 Stage Makeup Design
Introductory course that studies the theory and practice of makeup design and application for the stage, including the creation of special effects.

DRAM 2332 Play Structure and Analysis
This course will introduce students to multiple theatrical models and methods used to understand dramatic structure and to analyze specific plays. This course seeks answers to the question: How can we discover the ways in which plays work?

UPPER DIVISION
DRAM 3313 Scene Design
Rooted in the discipline of theatre, this course explores the art of conceptualization, visualization, and creativity. Problem solving activities include the use of metaphor to communicate literature for live performance, the creation of sculptural installations for plays and poetry, and the management of scenic design projects. The course examines the various means necessary to communicate a design to a producer, director, or client (sketching, drafting, painter elevations, and model making). Prerequisite: DRAM 2310 or consent of instructor.

DRAM 3335  Greek and Roman Drama
Study of trends in Greek and Roman dramatic literature, with attention to social, cultural, and political contexts. Topics will include the development of dramatic conventions and traditions of reception and performance. (Also listed as CLAS 3303 and ENGL 3322.) Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or consent of instructor.

DRAM 3336  Modern Drama
Study of trends in dramatic literature from Realism to the present. (Also listed as ENGL 3320.)

DRAM 3340 Directing
This course will teach and develop the skills necessary for directing. These include: reading a script, casting, rehearsing, and staging. Class time will be divided between lecture/discussion and presentation of student prepared scenes. Prerequisites: DRAM 1350 or 1352 and 2332 or consent of instructor.

DRAM 3353 Advanced Acting: Non-Realistic Drama
Non-realistic Drama offers experience in acting scenes from non-realistic texts from nineteenth and twentieth-century European and American drama. Course includes exercises in voice, movement, and performance theory/art. Prerequisites: DRAM 1350 or 1352 and 2352.

DRAM 4393 Capstone for Drama Majors
Drama majors with senior standing will create a portfolio of Drama coursework and production experiences, research career opportunities for the potential application of this portfolio, and present this synthesis to the Drama faculty, staff, and students. Applicable guidelines are available from Drama advisors. This course meets the Senior Experienc requirement of the University's Common Curriculum. Prerequisite: Senior status.