Students develop an increased competency in communicating with precision and style, and also have the opportunity to think critically and creatively about the process of communication. Major topics in communication theory and practice are surveyed in addition to a focus on public speaking.

A study of interpersonal communication theories and concepts. Focus on the role of communication in understanding and constructing interpersonal relationships in various social contexts. Prerequisite: COMM 103.

This class will provide an introductory overview of rhetoric through popular culture. The class will introduce various approaches to the study of rhetoric including: classical, narrative, dramatistic, crosscultural, Marxist, feminist, music, visual, and media- centered. In this class we will work from the modern perspective of rhetoric as the study of how we use discourse and other symbolic means to alter, shape, and create our understanding of self, each other, and the world we share. Our study of rhetoric will blend class analysis of popular culture artifacts, personal analysis of popular culture artifacts that are part of your life, and larger, indepth analysis. Prerequisite: COMM 103.

A study of the process and theories of communication in small groups. The focus is on improving individual communication in groups. Prerequisite: COMM 103.

This survey course is designed to critically explore the ever-evolving communication phenomenon of social media. In this class, we will address the development of the industry, examine social media from interpersonal, cultural and societal perspectives, and explore the intersections of social media with ethics, law, and organizations.

This course is designed to sensitize the student to the emergence, current status, and future direction of American media systems. Emphasis is placed on the political/economic pressures that shape media systems and how the media shape and influence mass culture.

The rich field of periodical publications is the object of this course, which offers students the opportunity to try their hands at subject matters and voices both suitable to different magazine readerships and reflective of their own interests and opinions.

Introduces journalism theory and principles by exploring practitioners from the 1840s on. Students will begin to acquire techniques for gathering information, news writing, and copy editing, while appreciating the importance of the “4th estate” to a functioning democracy. Reserved for first-years.

The course focuses on the video production process by introducing students to the use of video cameras and microphones, the basic principles of lighting for video, the use of non-linear editing software, the mechanics of delivering video content to social media and online platforms. The emphasis of the course is on visual storytelling techniques and elements of contemporary communication theory that are useful for crafting and conveying messages to well-defined audiences over the medium of video.

An introduction to the new visual technologies and basic concepts (mechanical, visual, and aesthetic) for their creative use in the visual arts. Those fields involved may include photography, film, video, computer imagery and holography and other contemporary media. Students will be introduced to these media through lectures, direct laboratory experience, discussion sessions and creative problem-solving projects. No prerequisite: ART 103 desirable (also listed as ART 266).

Topics of special interest in communication not covered in the regular department offerings. May be repeated with different topic.

The study of the role of advertising in contemporary society. Topics include the history and sociology of advertising and the analysis of advertising and marketing efforts from a communication perspective.

The course provides both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in the skills and techniques that cover several closely associated areas: writing for public relations, media use and tactic design ranging across internal and external media, print, electronic and digital media.

This course examines communication processes that shape diverse organizational settings. Topics include the study of organizational culture, managerial communication, the construction of gender roles within organizational settings, and the role of communication in designing progressive work environments.

Assessment of research and theory as they illuminate persuasion in interpersonal, public, and mediated communication contexts. Topics include motivation, attitude formation and change, social and cultural influences, credibility and non-verbal aspects of communication. Special attention is given to persuasive appeals.

This course examines the processes and practices of argumentation as an art of peace. The goal of the course is to approach argumentation as a way to achieve community, dialogue, and change. Through embracing conflict and difference as a way to bring groups together. Topics will include logic, dialogue, fallacies, ethics of interdependence, and mindfullness. Prerequisites: COMM 103.

This course is designed to introduce students to: the political economy of media institutions in a global environment; the media effects research tradition; and ethical issues associated with mass communication in culture. Special attention is focused on information control, the impact of computer technology on social and community life, and privacy issues. Prerequisites: COMM 103 and 210.

This course introduces students to the role communication plays in shaping interactions between members of differing cultural groups. Topics include the role of media as vehicles of cultural expression, tourism as a characteristic type of encounter between people, and the ways in which maps construct the identity of social groups. Prerequisite: COMM 103.

The study and analysis of literature through performance. Students will gain experience in the epic, lyric, and dramatic modes of solo performance in addition to a beginning exploration of ensemble work in a performance study (also listed as THTR 360).

This class will study the role of public speaking in society through putting theory into practice. An experiential education course, class time is divided between studying theories of communication and the practice of public communication through the act of teaching communication studies to guests at a local service agency. Prerequisite: COMM 103.

This course studies politics through a communication perspective. The goal is to deepen students’ understanding of and critical thinking about communication’s role in political processes. Students will apply communication and media theories to political cartoons, speechwriting, advertising, debates, journalism, new media technology, and entertainment. Recurring themes include the perception of political communication as a problem in our political system, the role of women as political communicators, and ideas for reforming political communication.

A study of intellectual property as it applies to art and entertainment. Topics include: moral and economic rights, contracts, copyright, unfair competition, privacy, publicity, and censorship.

Exploration of governmental regulations of electronic and print media in America. Historical and contemporary analysis of law in such areas as defamation privacy, state secrets, obscenity, copyright, regulation of advertising, access to government information, free press/fair trial and regulation of broadcasting, cable, and the internet. Prerequisite: COMM 210 or permission of instructor.

Introduction to modes of scholarly inquiry in communication studies. Students are introduced to quantitative research methods such as content analysis, experimental design, and surveys, or qualitative methods, such as: historical, participant-observation, focus groups, and extended interviews. Prerequisite: 12 hours of COMM or permission of instructor.

A survey of the principles of human public communication. Topics include theories of public speaking, political and social movement communication, and beginning rhetorical criticism. Special attention is given to the communicative efforts of women in the public arena. Prerequisite: 12 hours of COMM and junior standing or permission of instructor.

In this course, you will learn about the driving theories of public relations, the particular nature and characteristics of non-profit organizations, and the practical element of designing a potentially working campaign for a local non-profit organization. Prerequisite: COMM 304.

The course explores the principles of consumer behavior and mass communication as a theoretical basis as well as practical aspects of the field, such as strategies for media selection, message execution, branding, and marketing mix tools.

American women today are surrounded by a history of cultural practices that dictate how we should behave and appear. We are supposed to be quiet and dainty at the same time we are strong and confident. These expectations are embodied in a number of discourses and are communicated in a variety of forms. These then are the assumptions on which this course is based: that women have had and still do have far less access to leadership roles than men; that the reasons for this diminished access are numerous and complex; that as a simple matter of equity women should have greater access to positions of leadership in the future than they did in the past; and that so far as leadership is concerned, women have challenges that uniquely are theirs. This course examines the role of intersectionality in how we “do” identity and how all that we do is influenced by various identity factors. Students will complete a leadership self-assessment in order to determine strengths and weaknesses as a leader. We will exam historical perspectives of women in the workplace. Other topics covered throughout the course will include stereotypes, diversity, leadership, work-family interface, inclusion, and current trends/issues. Prerequisite: Junior standing.

This course serves as a broad introduction to masculinities and theories of masculinity, providing students with the opportunity to research a topic related to masculinity or masculinities in depth. The course addresses how masculinity is understood, defined, and socially constructed. By thinking through various representations of manhood as they appear in American magazines, films, television shows, and advertising, students consider how “manliness” is produced, articulated, enforced, and subverted, particularly as concepts of masculinity intersect with other identities like race, class, and sexuality. Prerequisite: Junior standing.

Survey of ethical theories focusing on their application to communication. Interpersonal, small group, persuasion and mass media situations will be considered. Prerequisite: 12 hours of COMM.

In this class, we will discuss the various issues, obstacles, and basic life skills needed to “adult” successfully. Each week we will focus on a specific meta topic area with specific topics to be determined by the class. Assignments will include class participation in person and through contribution to a class blog, creation of a portfolio, and regular personal journaling. Prerequisite: Senior standing

This course allows students to gain hands-on experience with contemporary video and multimedia technology. Students produce individual or group projects that require them to design and create video or multimedia content. May be repeated one time with a different topic.

Topics of special interest in communication not covered in the regular department offerings. May be repeated with different topic.

A seminar critically examining both written and oral rhetoric. Topics include the varieties of rhetorical critical methods and frames. The major component of this course is the design, execution, and presentation of a critical essay. This course satisfies the Senior Comprehensive requirement. Prerequisite: COMM 386

A seminar in which students design, execute, and present an original research project from a quantitative or qualitative perspective. This course satisfies the Senior Comprehensive requirement. Prerequisite: COMM 385.

Research for the advanced student. Prerequisite: Permission of the independent study committee. May be repeated for a maximum of six hours of credit.

Placement of the advanced student in internship opportunities, generally off-campus. A typical internship might be at a television or radio station, advertising or public relations firms, or in the marketing or public communication division of an area business. Offered each semester. Graded S/U. Prerequisite: 18 hours of COMM. May be repeated.

An introduction to movement concepts of modern dance. Designed for students with no previous movement training. May be repeated for one credit.

An introduction to basic ballet technique and terminology. Designed for students with no previous movement training. May be repeated for one credit.

Movement exploration in response to given problems or ideas. Emphasis on individual movement and group interaction. May be repeated for one credit.

A practical course in contemporary jazz technique hip hop and lyrical styles. May be repeated for one credit.

An introduction to the Pilates conditioning process includes beginning mat, stretch band, fitness circle and foam roller workouts. Muscle groups are strengthened through a series of resistance exercises. Primary areas of concentration are core conditioning and maintaining the natural curves of the spine. General knowledge of muscle groups, movement, function, and personal alignment will be explored. May be repeated for one credit.

An exploration in basic tap technique developing elementary concepts at the beginning level. May be repeated for one credit.

This course is a study of a variety of dance genres utilized by Musical Theatre performers. It is designed for students with no previous movement training. Students will perform beginning level exercises and explorations in four dance styles (ballet, jazz, tap, and ballroom) utilized by Musical Theatre performers, along with identifying and understanding the accompanying terminology.

This course is an introduction to beginning steps in six classic ballroom dances: waltz, fox trot, rumba, cha cha, tango, and swing. In each case, the student will learn: proper posture and position; proper technique; how to connect a piece of music to the appropriate dance; and five basic steps.

History of Ballet follows an extensive evolution of ballet from Ancient Greek to the expansion of territory in the Twentieth Century tracing over 350 years of continuous development. Artistic, political, social trends and cultural influences reflected in ballet history will be discussed in conjunction with human advancement. Movement progression will be traced and defined through motif notation description. The manner movement is demonstrated in ballet through history reflects the changing times of human progression. Video recordings and picture renderings will provide a visual document to parallel the historical and artistic choices in movement, music, literary works, costume and set design relating to ballet.

This course surveys western and non-western dance forms through lecture and studio format. Movement characteristics are linked to cultural identity through the function of dance. Folk, social, and theatrical dance forms will be explored. In addition, Motif (basic movement notation) reading and writing will be introduced at an elementary level and used as a tool for movement identification and creative exploration. This course is intended to foster the student’s personal aesthetics and appreciation of dance.

This course addresses recent and current aspects of the ever-changing world of dance. The fusion of forms, mediums and cultures that impact the art form will be considered. Exposure to dance performance and analysis will encourage the student to develop a personal aesthetic and become dance “literate” in terms of knowledge, communication and expression. Dance education, pedagogy and career options will be explored.

An exploration of the creative choreographic process incorporating elements of composition. Improvisation will be used as a tool for forming ideas, developing movement vocabulary and creative problem solving. The course culminates in an informal concert of studies and solo choreography.

The ensemble functions as the student dance company in residence. The dancers meet on a regular basis for technique classes, master classes and rehearsals with faculty and guest choreographers. D.E.W. presents an annual concert. Variable credit offered for performance and production. Performance students must be concurrently enrolled in a technique class. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits. By audition/permission only.

A course exploring various approaches to technique, with emphasis on the concepts of weight, space, time and flow. May be repeated for one credit.

Ballet technique at the intermediate level emphasizing correct alignment and proper execution of barre and center exercises. Prerequisite: placement audition. May be repeated for one credit.

A course for the intermediate level ballet student who wishes to explore an extension of ballet technique. Proper alignment and strength will be emphasized in building a strong point foundation. Corequisite: DANC 245. May be repeated for one credit.

Jazz technique at a more advanced level including hip hop and lyrical styles, with an emphasis on performance. Prerequisite: placement audition. May be repeated for one credit.

This course is an extension of Body Conditioning I. Beginning mat and reformer work will be reviewed before proceeding to intermediate work. Students will experience a more intense conditioning process and investigate conditioning for injuries. May be repeated for one credit.

A course for the student who wishes to continue study and be challenged by intermediate level tap technique. Emphasis on clean, clear sounds and movement combinations. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. May be repeated for one credit.

An extension of Dance Composition I, this course incorporates complex theories and ideas in composition and improvisation. Development of the students personal artistic voice will be nurtured through creation and manipulation of movement material in solo and group work. Performance and production elements will be emphasized as part of the advanced study of choreography. Prerequisite: DANC 242.

A more advanced technique course with an emphasis on technical execution and artistic expression. May be repeated for one credit.

Ballet technique for the advanced level student emphasizing accuracy, style, intricate combinations, strength, endurance and advanced vocabulary. Prerequisite: DANC 245 or placement audition. May be repeated for one credit.

A course exploring advanced technique in pointe work. Classical variations will be taught to widen the student's knowledge of historical ballets and give them a physical experience in classic works. Prerequisite: placement audition. Corequisite: DANC 245 or DANC 345. Placement audition. May be repeated.

A continuation of jazz technique providing a stimulating and rigorous application of both the traditional jazz dance vocabulary and contemporary styles. The course prepares the dancer for complex group and solo work for concert performance, video, and musical theatre. Prerequisite: DANC 248 and placement audition. May be repeated for credit.

Courses in technique and/or theory. Possible topics: Labanotation, Laban Movement Analysis, Pedagogy, Dance in World Cultures, Music for Dancers, Liturgical and Sacred Dance, Ballet Variations, Historical Social Dance, Folk Dance. May be repeated.

Independent study proposed by the student, conducted under the supervision of a faculty member with the approval of the department chair. May be repeated.

A broad and comprehensive view of theatre and how it communicates.

The Broadway Musical is a unique, influential and popular art form that has come into being only in the last half of the 20th century. Students in this course will discover the range of the Broadway Musical from 1940 to the present and will develop a deeper understanding of the components which make the musical function as a unique art form. They will study the place of female characters and performers in the genre. And they will become familiar with the ways that the musical has both reflected, hindered and advanced the place of women, heteronormativity and queer consciousness in the larger US and world society. Students will deepen their enjoyment of the musical by developing a deeper understanding of how the musical developed, how it interacts with society now and what makes this powerful art form unique.

Exploration of the elements of a realistic acting technique using games, improvisations and exercises, culminating in two-character scenes later in the semester.

An introduction to the techniques of the backstage world. Areas of study include scenic and property construction, scenic painting, stage lighting, theatre safety, and special effects. This course is an introduction to theatrical design and technical production techniques.

Reading and analyzing play texts from theatrical and literary perspectives. Offered once every year.

Exploration of the process of characterization with emphasis on techniques of physical transformation and psychological realism. Prerequisite: THTR 205.

Principles of writing for the stage. Emphasis on dramatic structure, character development, plot management, dialogue and critical analysis. (also listed as ENWR 325)

The History of European Performance is a research and response-based course designed to show the cultural import of performance in each country we visit, and to explore the impact of performance on a viewer. We will look at dance, music, or theatre in each of the countries we visit. There may be reading, discussion, and on-location opportunities at performance venues, historic sites, and museums. Students will learn how to critically analyze a production. Students will demonstrate their understanding of the effects of cultural performance on the viewer and/or the doer via a research paper. Note that some work must be completed prior to departure, some must be completed while abroad, and some must be completed upon your return.

Development of techniques based on understanding and integration of body/mind. Areas of study include body image, body awareness, alignment, relaxation, voice production, and vocal work on literature.

The study and analysis of literature through performance. Students will gain experience in the epic, lyric, and dramatic modes of solo performance in addition to a beginning exploration of ensemble work in a performance study (also listed as COMM 360).

This course will give an overview of the history of fashion from prehistoric times to the present day. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to identify appropriate vocabulary terms for garments and their components, silhouettes, how clothing affected manner and style, how social history effected clothing, popular colors, common fibers, prominent designers, and strong primary sources for each period covered. We will discuss the elements of design, and fashion history as a basis for costuming film, theatre, and television. Projects include seeking out primary sources, drawing costume and fashion designs, and composing written, critical analyses of professional costume and fashion designs. Students will also complete two short-answer exams to assess their ability to recall and articulate what information has been presented in the course lectures.

Rehearsal and performance of a faculty-directed production. Participation as an assistant director, stage manager, crew member, or actor in a 5-7 week rehearsal/performance period. Prerequisite: Audition, permission of the instructor. May be repeated for up to a maximum of 9 hours of credit.

An examination of the texts and movements which comprise contem­porary drama in ­today’s multicultural world, as written by contemporary American women playwrights.

A study of the development of theatrical art, including the physical theatre, production practices and cultural contexts, from the beginnings in primitive rituals through contemporary time.

Fashion Ethics investigates fashion and beauty industry issues, in comparison with a code of ethics or set of guidelines, utilized to determine if practices adhere to prescribed values and standards. While many ethics issues will be discussed in this course, particular care is taken in dealing with environmental concerns and global human rights.

This course will teach basic costume and fashion technology, will examine the main differences in construction for clothing versus costumes, and will let students participate in a truncated version of the garment construction process. The students in the course will research and understand women's contributions to the field of design and technology, and how women, historically, have been an integral part of the manufacturing process.

Students will gain an understanding of the process of applying practical makeup and will learn age, trauma, weight, and corrective techniques. Students will learn to style wigs and their own hair for a number of periods commonly associated with theatrical productions. This course offers equal focus on research, design, concept writing, and technique.

A technique to equip the contemporary actor to deal more comfortably with the textual and stylistic problems of acting in period plays. Prerequisite: THTR 205 and THTR 305.

The principles and practice of producing for the commercial stock, resident college, and community theatre. Areas of study may include theatrical unions, stage management, and grant writing.

An in-depth introduction to scenic design for the stage from concept to rendering. Students analyze plays for design considerations. Then develop scenic design concepts and learn to communicate design ideas.

The theory and practice of costume design, including design projects. Students explore the process of design from script to research, creating paperwork, and finally rendering visual designs.

A student will investigate what it means to be a professional in artistic or visual fields, and prepare to set themself apart when entering the job market. For every assignment, students will gear the work to be reflective of their desired field. Soft skills will be learned via lectures on netiquette, the art of the thank you note, virtual and in-person networking, and etiquette for business meals and outings. Professional paperwork will be created, including general resumes, cover letters, appeals to unions and associations, graduate school packets, digital portfolios, and LinkedIn profiles. Finally, adulting habits will be introduced, via workshops on budgeting and basic tax terms for artists. Repeatable once.

Emphasis on techniques and styles of directing for the stage. Readings, exercises, and directing project.

Principles of dramatic writing focusing on the full-length form. Experiments with a variety of techniques of composition including improvisation, historical research and oral history.

Planning and execution of a large-scale project. Majors select, analyze, design, direct and produce a one-act play during their senior year of study. This serves as the “capstone” senior comprehensive in Theatre.

Seminars in theatre. Various topics.

Research for the advanced student. Permission of the instructor. May be repeated.

Practical off-campus experience in theatre-related field at an approved site. Jointly supervised by a faculty member and a representative from the sponsoring organization. Graded S/U