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On Stage, On Set, On The Move

Cinema Courses

CIN 170 Introduction to Film
(3) F. This course is designed to introduce the student to the language of film, its history, aesthetics, theory and technology. The course will critically examine the cinema from the early days of black and white silent films to the most recent blockbusters. Attendance at weekly screenings outside of class is required.
CIN 270 Introduction to Video Production
CIN 270 Introduction to Video Production (3) F, Sp. Introduction to basic theory and practice of video production with emphasis on preproduction planning, scripting, directing, lighting, camera operation, editing and audio. Two hours lecture, two hours lab. Prerequisite: CIN 170 .
CIN 274 Film and Video Lighting Workshop
(1) DD. This workshop covers a range of film/video studio lighting practices, concepts, and styles. After an introduction to lighting equipment and basic principles of light manipulation, various production scenes are staged to illustrate the required lighting set-ups. Viewing lighting strategies of master cinematographers on the screen widens the understanding of visual styles as they serve the creative concepts in telling a story. Prerequisite: CIN 270.
CIN 276 Audio Production
(3) F (even-numbered years). Professional techniques in audio recording, mixing, and editing for music, theatre, and film production, utilizing current digital technology. Prerequisite: CIN 270.
CIN 285 Film Theory and Criticism
(3) F (odd-numbered years). Examination of various approaches to film theory and criticism including formal aspects of cinema, tools for stylistic analysis, and ideological implications of film. Attendance at weekly screenings outside of class is required. Prerequisite: CIN 170.
CIN 310 Film Studies
(3) DD. A rotating topics course focusing on various issues relating to the world of film. Topics include: History of Film, Women in Film, Film Genres, American Genres, and Film Directors. Attendance at weekly screenings outside of class is required.
CIN 350 Selected Topics in Cinema
(3) F, SP. Specialized course work in the field of video and cinema. Course may be repeated for up to six credits maximum with different topics. Prerequisite: CIN 170 or department approval.
CIN 360 Scriptwriting
(3) F. This course is designed to explore all aspects of scripting for both video and film production. The course encourages creativity in writing and examines pre-script planning, the components of scripting, scripting as communication and language as well as the mechanics of scripting. Analysis of current motion picture, commercial and television scripts. Prerequisite: CIN 170 and ENG 104.
CIN 361 Cinema Internship
(1-3) F, Sp, Su. Students work with a professional film/video production company or distinguished art institution in such capacities as are mutually agreed upon by the student, the company, and the student advisor. The student will develop objectives related to his/her discipline and carry out those responsibilities through an internship as approved by the director. Applies theory and skills to actual work situations. Professionally supervised work experiences related to the student's area of interest. (Thirty hours of work for each credit hour.) Graded pass/fail. Application must be made at least one semester prior to course registration. Prerequisite: Overall GPA of 2.5 or higher.
CIN 362 Editing I
(3) F. Intermediate level non-linear editing, building upon basic editing skills introduced in CIN 270. This course will provide a thorough grounding in operation of Final Cut Pro software with emphasis upon theoretical editing concepts and communication of content and meaning through visual language. Two hours lecture, two hours lab. Prerequisite: CIN 270.
CIN 368 Producing
(3) Sp. Focuses on duties of a producer through development, financing, pre-production, production, post-production, marketing and distribution. Emphasizes production management, budgeting and scheduling. Prerequisite: CIN 270.
CIN 370 Editing II
(3) Sp. Students will extend their knowledge of the editorial tool set, professional video standards, terminology, and aesthetics of editing. Further develop skills in design, layout, interactivity, and media encoding through the use of DVD Studio Pro. Two hours lecture, two hours lab. Prerequisite: CIN 362.
CIN 372 Social Media Marketing and Production
(3) F. Learn the necessary production skills to create and produce for the web. Students will also learn the new media and viral marketing strategies through an investigation of tools, which include internet forums message boards, blogs, wikis, podcasts, picture sharing, video sharing, and social networking. Prerequisite: CIN 170.
CIN 374 Cinematography and Lighting
(3) F (even-numbered years). This course is an intensive exploration of the craft, technologies and aesthetic principles of cinematography and lighting techniques. Lectures and in-class demonstrations will cover film and video formats, film stocks, film and digital cameras, exposure, lenses and optics, lighting units, lighting placement, lighting control, camera support, and camera movement. Class sessions will consist of lectures, demonstrations, hands-on with cameras and lighting units, exercises, and screenings of selected film clips which demonstrate specific cinematography and lighting techniques.
CIN 378 Acting for the Camera
(3) Sp. Focuses on the development of auditioning skills and techniques in preparation for professional acting and performance work for film and television. Two hours lecture, two hours lab. Prerequisite: THR 228.
CIN 380 Production Design
(3) DD. A course in the general principles of art direction and the creation of the visual look of a production. Films will be analyzed from a design perspective: the set, costumes, make-up, cinematography, and other visual elements. Prerequisite: CIN 170.
CIN 410 Production
(3) DD. A rotating topics course focusing on various issues relating to the world of film production and direction. Topics include: Music Video Production, Commercial Production, Documentary Production, and Studio Production.
CIN 450 Independent Project
(1-3) F, Sp. Independent projects developed in consultation with a departmental faculty mentor. May be repeated for up to 6 credit hours. Prerequisites: Junior standing, declared departmental major, minimum overall GPA of 2.5, and departmental approval.
CIN 463 Advanced Screenwriting
(3) DD. Advanced study and practicum in writing feature-length screenplays with emphasis on creating works for production, sale, and/or publication. Prerequisite: CIN 360.
CIN 470 Directing
(3) F. Examination of various theories and techniques of directing including script analysis and interpretation, directing actors for film and video, mise-en-scene, coverage, and continuity along with focus on set issues including lighting, set design, lens selection, and blocking. Prerequisite: CIN 270 & CIN 368.
CIN 472 Business of Film
(3) DD. This course will focus on how professional film/video projects are financed, produced, distributed, marketed and exhibited. It will survey the contemporary marketplace, its pitfalls and practices, and propose workable strategies and solutions to market your work while protecting your rights as an artist. Prerequisite: CIN 368.
CIN 474 Advanced Lighting for Film & Video Production
(3) DD. The process of studio and location lighting for film and video; principles, instruments, measurement tools, filters/diffusers, single/multiple setups. Prerequisite: CIN 374.
CIN 476 Advanced Production
(3) Sp. Designed for hands-on and special projects in video production, using both studio and remote locations. Students serve in pre-assigned crew positions. Prerequisite: CIN 368 & 470.
CIN 480 Senior Portfolio
(1) F, Sp. This is a workshop course for graduating seniors which includes resume, resume reel and job search preparation in addition to compiling a passing graduation portfolio consisting of a resume, cover letter, head shot (for actors), reflective self-analysis and a collection of writings, production projects and recorded audition and performance pieces from their major courses and productions during their college career. Course must be completed during one of the last two semesters prior to graduation. Course is graded on a pass/fail basis.

 

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Theatre Courses

THR 113 Introduction to Theatre
(3) F, Sp. The contributions made by directors, actors, designers, technicians, and playwrights to modern dramatic productions. Participation in a production as performer, member of stage or construction crew, or member of production committee is an optional activity but is not required
THR 115 American College Theatre Festival
(1) DD. An intense exposure to theatre by means of attendance at the regional American College Theatre Festival. May be repeated for a total of 4 credits.
THR 126 Stage Movement
(2) DD. Fundamentals of stage movement for performers and directors.
THR 130 Stage Combat
(1) Sp. A study of weaponry styles, skills and methods as used in staging violence for stage and screen. In addition to the classroom work and assignments, attendance at a professional combat workshop over a weekend is mandatory. Additional registration and accommodation fees for this workshop are required.
THR 140 Production Participation
(1-3) F, Sp. Supervised practical work in any area of production activity for each credit hour. May be repeated for a total of 6 credit hours.
THR 218 Oral Interpretation
(3) F (even numbered years). Oral reading and analysis of prose, poetry, and drama. Same as COM218. Prerequisite: COM104.
THR 222 Costume and Makeup Techniques
Course description coming soon.
THR 224 Voice and Diction
(3) DD. Theories and techniques of improving voice and articulation; includes a working knowledge of dialects and a mastery of the International Phonetic Alphabet.
THR 225 Theater Management
Course description coming soon.
THR 228 Acting I
(3) F (odd-numbered years). Basic principles of acting, vocal and movement theory. Studio work emphasizing warm-up techniques, improvisations, monologue and scene work. Two hours lecture, two hours lab. Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in either THR113 or THR140.
THR 230 Improvisation Workshop
Course description coming soon.
THR 240 Audition Techniques Workshop
Course description coming soon.
THR 275 Script Analysis
(3) F. A critical study of script formats as well as the application of scripting techniques involving character and scene development used in corporate, instructional, public relations, dramatic and other production formats. Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in ENG104.
THR 280 Scenography
(3) F (odd-numbered years). The exploration and practical application of tools and techniques used in production and staging of lighting, scenery, properties and special effects for film, television, video and live entertainment. Prerequisite: COM270 or THR113.
THR 283 Introduction to Research Methods in Theatre
(1-2) DD. Introduction to basic research methods in theatre. Individual and team projects involving methods for solving theatre-related research problems. Prerequisite: Departmental approval.
THR 322 Costume and Makeup Design
Course description coming soon.
THR 325 Stage Management
Course description coming soon.
THR 326 Techniques of Musical Theatre Performance
(3) DD. Fundamentals of dance for the musical theatre performer.
THR 328 Acting II
(3) Sp (even-numbered years). A continuation of Acting I with special concentration on acting technique, advanced scene work, and exploration of acting stylistic periods. Two hours lecture, two hours lab. Prerequisite: THR228.
THR 345 Shakespeare in Performance
Course description coming soon.
THR 348 Directing for the Stage
Course description coming soon.
THR 350 Selected Topics in Theater
Course description coming soon.
THR 360 Playwriting
(3) F (odd-numbered years). This course is designed to explore all aspects of playwriting. The course encourages creativity in writing and examines script research, pre-planning stages, play formatting, and communicating ideas through playwriting. Prerequisite: THR275. LAS Writing.
THR 361 Theater Internship
Course description coming soon.
THR 362 Summer Theater Apprenticeship
Course description coming soon.
THR 367 History of Theatre
(3) S. History of theatre from its beginnings to the present day. Prerequisite: THR113.
THR 370 Theatre/Video Workshop
(3) DD. Practical experience in designing, staging, shooting, blocking, acting, and producing a play(s) or screenplay(s) with individual assignments designated by the instructor. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours.
THR 389 Scenic Design
(3) F (even-numbered years). A practical and theoretical course which explores the artist and aesthetic diversity and similarity of design practice and idea in lighting, scenery, properties and special effects for film, television, video and live entertainment. Prerequisite: COM270 or THR113.
THR 390 Scenic Painting
Course description coming soon.
THR 393 Stage Lighting
Course description coming soon.
THR 440 Acting III
Course description coming soon.
THR 448 Directing for the Stage II
Course description coming soon.
THR 450 Independent Research/Project
(1-3) F, Sp. Investigation of a research problem, project, or topic on an individual conference basis. May be repeated for up to 6 credit hours. Prerequisites: THR275, THR367, and departmental approval.
THR 480 Senior Portfolio
(1) F, Sp. This is a workshop course for graduating seniors which includes resume, resume reel and job search preparation in addition to compiling a passing graduation portfolio consisting of a resume, cover letter, head shot (for actors), reflective self analysis and a collection of writings, production projects and recorded audition and performance pieces from their major courses and productions during their college career. Course must be completed during one of the last two semesters prior to graduation. Course is graded on a pass/fail basis.
THR 489 CAD Drafting for the Stage
Course description coming soon.

 

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Communication Courses

COM 104 Oral Communication
(3) F, Sp, Su. Principles of speech as applied in meaningful participation in society.
COM 210 Presentational Communication
(3) F. Theory and practice of constructing public presentations including: media use, organization, delivery, means of appeal, and analysis of audience and setting. Prerequisite: COM104. LAS Ethics.
COM 218 Oral Interpretation
(3) F (even-numbered years). Oral reading and analysis of prose, poetry and drama. Same as THR218. Prerequisite: COM104.
COM 222 Communication Theory
(3) F. Introduction to the role theory plays in the study of human communication. Introduces different ways of thinking about communication through academic, cultural and historical perspectives. Prerequisite: COM104.
COM 283 Introduction to Research Methods in Video
(1-2) DD. Introduction to basic research methods in video. Individual and team projects involving methods for video related research problems. Prerequisite: Departmental approval.
COM 304 Media and Society
(3) Sp. This course examines both classic and contemporary studies of mass communication effects. Emphasis is placed on cultural, social, political, and psychological effects of the media. Topics such as media education and literacy, news and campaigns, media portrayals, and theories of audience behavior will be examined. Prerequisite: COM104.
COM 305 Interpersonal Communication
(3) F. Analyzes communication interaction in relatively unstructured, person-to-person settings with application of interpersonal communication concepts to resolving problems emerging from human interactions. Prerequisite: COM104. LAS Writing.
COM 314 Persuasion
(3) Sp. Persuasion as a process of influencing attitude and behavior; emphasizes the theories of modern persuasion and their use in social, political and advertising campaigns. Prerequisite: COM104.
COM 320 Research Methods in Communication
(3) F. The course covers a variety of qualitative and quantitative communication research methods. Students will be involved in critical analysis of previous research, and conceptualization and implementation of future research. Prerequisite: COM104 and MAT110 or any higher level mathematics course of 3 or more credit hours (excluding MAT127 or MAT132). LAS Computer Literacy.
COM 324 Small Group Communication
(3) Sp. Group roles, leadership styles, group structure, thought processes, and consensus methods; application of concepts to communication interaction in task and social group settings. A Service Learning component of the course requires out of class community service volunteer hours for completion of the assignment. Prerequisite: COM104.
COM 334 Argumentation and Debate
(3) DD. Philosophical and theoretical foundations of logic and argumentation to the persuasive process; experience in preparation and presentation through debate and discussion formats. Prerequisite: COM104.
COM 338 Survey of Rhetorical Theory
(3) F. Survey of the formation and transformation of rhetorical theory from the Classical Age. Prerequisite: COM104. LAS International/Intercultural.
COM 340 Communication and Aging
(3) DD. Examines the intrapersonal, interpersonal and public levels of human communication in relationship to the aging process. Prerequisite: COM104 or departmental approval.
COM 342 Intercultural Communication
(3) F. Studies communication between and among people from different cultures. Topics include cultural patterns, value orientations, verbal and nonverbal codes, cultural identity, culture shock, acculturation, perception, and stereotyping. Prerequisite: COM104. LAS Writing; LAS International/Intercultural.
COM 345 Nonverbal Communication
(3) Sp. Nonverbal aspects of communication; factors which affect and modulate verbal messages; interpretation of nonverbal information; kinesics (body motion), proxemics (social/personal space), and paralanguage (vocal cues accompanying words). Prerequisite: COM104. LAS Writing; LAS International/Intercultural.
COM 350 Selected Topics in Speech Communication
(3) F, Sp. Specialized course work in the field of speech communication and theatre/video. Course may be repeated for up to six credit hours maximum with different topics. Prerequisite: COM104 or departmental approval.
COM 361 Communication/Video Internship I
(1) F, Sp, Su. The student will develop objectives related to his discipline and carry out those responsibilities through an internship as approved by the director. Applies theory and skills to actual work situations. Professionally supervised work experiences related to the student's area of interest. Graded pass/fail. (At least 30 hours of work for one credit hour.) Application must be made at least one semester prior to registration. Prerequisites: Junior standing, declared departmental major, minimum overall GPA of 2.5, and approval of the internship director.
COM 372 Survey in Video Technologies
(3) DD. This course is an overview of video delivery/transmission technologies. The course consists of a historical review, the application of current technologies and research into future technologies.
COM 410 Organizational Communication
(3) Sp. Theories and problems of human communication within a variety of organizational settings; the relationship of communication to motivation, organizational structure, nonverbal behavior, surroundings, leadership style, and information accuracy. Prerequisite: Three credit hours numbered 300 or above from COM, ENG, or JOU.
COM 415 Public Relations Communication Analysis
(3) F. Applies principles of speech communication to the image-building functions of internal and external public relations; audience analysis, internal/external organizational communication audits, persuasive campaign design, communication channels and barriers. Prerequisite: Three credit hours in courses 300 or above from COM, ENG, or JOU. LAS Ethics.
COM 450 Independent Research/Project
(1-5) F, Sp. Investigation of a research problem, project, or topic on an individual conference basis. Prerequisite: Completion of major minor declaration in communication studies, minimum 2.5 GPA in major field of study and departmental approval.
COM 460 Communication/Video Internship II
(1-3) F, Sp, Su. The student will develop objectives related to his discipline and carry out those responsibilities through an internship as approved by the director. Applies theory and skills to actual work situations. Professionally supervised work experiences related to the student’s area of interest. (Thirty hours of work for each credit hour.) Graded pass/fail. Application must be made at least one semester prior to course registration. May be repeated for a total of 6 credit hours. Prerequisites: Senior standing, declared departmental major, minimum overall GPA of 2.5, and approval of the internship director.
COM 465 Methods of Teaching Speech and Drama
(3) DD. Philosophies, issues, and problems in contemporary speech education; content, structure, ethical issues, presentation and evaluation of curriculum and teaching in speech and theatre. Prerequisites: EDU202 and EDU203. LAS Ethics.
COM 481 Senior Portfolio
(1) F, Sp. This is a workshop course for graduating seniors which includes resume and job search preparation in addition to compiling a passing graduation portfolio consisting of a resume, cover letter, reflective self analysis, and a collection of writings and projects from major courses. COM481 must be completed during the semester of graduation, except for summer graduates who must complete the course in the spring semester prior to graduation. Course is graded on a pass/fail basis.

 

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