Undergraduate Drama Courses
The Study of Drama
A person committed to the study of theater within the framework of a liberal education
must be prepared to work toward two goals: first, a thorough competence in the basic
skill of dramatic expression and interpretation; and concurrently, a view that comprehends
dramatic art as it relates to, expresses, and extends the surrounding culture.
The development of this twofold capability is the aim governing the structure of the Drama Department's major program: the student's balance of course work and continuing practical development in University Theater productions is closely coordinated with his overall experience of the University and the demands of the core curriculum.
The undergraduate major in drama serves as a foundation for graduate study of the subject, professional work in theater and mass media, a teaching career in either elementary or secondary education, or, by proper choice of electives, graduate work in foreign language, English literature, dramatic literature, journalism, communication, or comparative literature.
All courses are taught in the classroom.
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits | Offered |
|---|---|---|---|
| DRA 1101 |
Theater Arts Workshop A course specially designed for students seeking credit for participating in University Theater productions. Graded Pass/No Pass basis. May be repeated. |
1 | Fall & Spring |
| DRA 3301 |
Acting An intensive exploration of the imaginative conditioning, sensory awareness, and craft disciplines which provide the basis of acting technique. |
3 | Fall |
| DRA 3304 |
Modern Drama Readings in the modern European and American repertoire. |
3 | Fall & Spring |
| DRA 3305 |
Playwriting The organization of narrative line, character, and dialogue in an original dramatic text. Credit is given only to those who complete satisfactory manuscripts within the time limits of the course. |
3 | As Needed |
| DRA 3310 |
Theater Arts The development of the theater form in a survey of the arts of the performer, playwright, designer, and critic, from Ancient Greece through 18th century Europe. |
3 | As Needed |
| DRA 3312 |
Stage Craft A study of the fundamentals of scenery construction, costuming, and stage lighting. Supervised laboratory hours of practical production work on University Theater productions are required. |
3 | As Needed |
| DRA 3313 |
Stage Design Introduction to scenic, costume, and lighting design. |
3 | As Needed |
| DRA 3330 |
Experimental Theater Practical application of accumulated classroom skills in independent research or creative project. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor. |
3 | As Needed |
| DRA 3331 |
Advanced Acting Work on the advanced student's particular problems in controlled use of voice and body, effective text study, rehearsal technique, and the external realization of his roles. Prerequisites: Drama 3301, extensive University Theater experience, permission of instructor. |
3 | As Needed |
| DRA 3332 |
Basic Staging Techniques of realizing the dramatic action of a script through analysis of the play, development of floor plan, blocking, phrasing of activity and work with actors. |
3 | Spring |
| DRA 3335 |
Theater Literature I A study of major works of dramatic literature from Aeschylus to Congreve. |
3 | Fall |
| DRA 3336 |
Theater Literature II Continuation of Drama 3335. Plays considered range from 19th through mid20th century. |
3 | Spring |
| DRA 3V57 |
Special Topic Course not listed but offered as a regular course according to student interest and faculty availability. |
3 | As Needed |
| DRA 4141 |
Directing Lab Scene study with particular focus upon staging solutions for director and actor. Graded Pass/No Pass. May be repeated. |
1 | Fall |
| DRA 4142 |
Studio Rehearsal/Production Supervised rehearsals, design and production meetings for studio productions scheduled in conjunction with 4342. Enrollment limited to student managers, production coordinators, and cast members in studio productions. May be repeated. Graded Pass/No Pass. |
3 | Fall & Spring |
| DRA 4312 |
Advanced Stage Craft Advanced studies in costuming, scenery construction, and/or stage lighting. Prerequisites: Drama 3313 and permission of instructor. |
3 | As Needed |
| DRA 4313 |
Advanced Stage Design Scenic, costume, and/ or lighting design problems and techniques, tailored to the advanced student. Prerequisites: Drama 3313 and permission of instructor. |
3 | As Needed |
| DRA 4332 |
Educational Theater A course in the special problems of the teacher or director of dramatics in an educational situation. |
3 | Fall & Spring |
| DRA 4336 |
Theater of an Era The significant drama and worldwide theatrical practice during a particular historical period, e.g. Ancient Theater, Renaissance Theater, 18th Century Theater, Victorian Theater, Early 20th Century Theater, Avant Garde Theater, Contemporary Theater. |
3 | As Needed |
| DRA 4337 |
National Theater The development of dramatic literature and theatrical practice in one nation throughout its history e.g., American Theater, British Theater, French Theater, German Theater, Greek Theater, Irish Theater, Italian Theater, Russian, Theater, Scandinavian Theater. |
3 | As Needed |
| DRA 4341 |
Directing Analysis and application of the theories and methods of the play directions. Prerequisites: Drama 3301, 3332, 3335, 3336, and extensive experience in University Theater rehearsal and performance. |
3 | Fall |
| DRA 4342 |
Production Creative culmination of the drama major's course of study in the directing and studio production of a play. Prerequisites: Drama 3301, 3332, 3335, 3336, senior standing, extensive experience in University Theater, especially in stage management, and faculty approval. |
3 | Fall & Spring |
| DRA 4343 |
Advanced Production Directed individual and advanced projects in acting, design, or production management. Prerequisite: Senior standing and faculty approval. |
3 | As Needed |
| DRA 4345 |
Departmental Seminar Contemporary Theater Readings and seminar discussions in contemporary theater geared toward the special needs of senior drama majors serving as final preparation for the comprehensive examination. |
3 | Fall |
| DRA 4V61 |
Independent Research An opportunity to conduct a special program of inquiry under the guidance of a faculty member. Approval by the department chairman required. |
3 | As Needed |
| DRA 5332 |
Improvisation for Teachers Development of the imaginative techniques of creative dramatics, theater games, creative experience for groups, and improvisational learning. |
3 | As Needed |