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General
Core Requirements:
Fine Arts
The following courses fulfill the Fine Arts division requirement for
non-majors:
DRA 102 Principles of Acting
DRA 121 Introduction to Technical Theatre and Design
DRA 201 Oral Interpretation
DRA 203 Survey of World Drama
DRA 205 Theatre Appreciation
DRA 210 Studies of Women in Theatre and Drama
DRA 300 Contemporary Drama
DRA 333 Ritual and Performance
DAN 201 Choreography I
DAN 222 Black Dance and Popular Culture
DAN 240 History and Philosophy of Dance
DAN 241 Black Presence in American Dance
International/Women's Studies
The following courses fulfill the International/ Women's Studies requirement
for non-majors:
DRA 210 Studies of Women in Theatre and Drama
DRA 405 Seminar in African Theatre and Drama
DAN 377 Women in Dance: Sexism, Sexuality and Subversion
Major Requirements
The Drama Major consists of 44 semester credits. The major is divided
into four areas: the Core; Literature, History and Criticism; Performance
Studies; and Technical Theatre/Design. Students majoring in drama are
required to take all of the courses offered in the core (32 credit hours)
and one elective from each of the other three areas (12 credit hours).
Drama Major Core (32)
DRA 102 Principles of Acting
DRA 121 Introduction to Technical
Theatre and Design
DRA 205 Theatre Appreciation
DRA 206 History of Theatre I
DRA 207 History of Theatre II
DRA 302 Theatre Management
DRA 307 Script Analysis
DRA 308 Directing
The drama major's major electives must be drama, design, or management
courses in areas A, B, or C.
The Drama Major with a Concentration in Dance consists of 48 semester
credits. As with the Drama Major, students take classes in the core (36
credit hours) and one elective from each of the other three areas (12
credit hours).
Drama Major with Concentration in Dance Core (36)
DRA 102 Principles of Acting
DRA 121 Introduction to Technical Theatre and Design
DRA 205 Theatre Appreciation
DRA 206 History of Theatre I
DRA 207 History of Theatre
DRA 302 Theatre Management
DAN 201 Choreography I
DAN 301 Choreography II
DAN XXX 4 credit hours of Dance Technique classes (at least 2 at the
intermediate level)
The dance concentrator's major electives must be dance, design, or management
courses in areas A, B, and C.
Elective and Rotating Courses
(These courses may not be offered every year.)
Area A: Literature, History, and Criticism (select 1) (4)
DRA 210 Studies of Women in Theatre and Drama
DRA 300 Contemporary Drama
DRA 333 Ritual and Performance
DRA 335 American Theatre History
DRA 405 Seminar in African Theatre and Drama
DRA 409 Seminar in African-American Theatre and Drama
DAN 222 Black Dance and Popular Culture
DAN 240 History and Philosophy of Dance
DAN 241 The Black Presence in American Dance
DAN 377 Women in Dance: Sexism, Sexuality and Subversion
ENG 310 Shakespeare
Area B: Performance Studies (select 1) (4)
DRA 306 Monologue and Scene Study
DRA 308 Play Directing
DRA 309 Playwriting
DRA 310 Styles of Acting
DRA 311 Advanced Playwriting
DRA 336 Creative Dramatics
DAN 301 Choreography II
Area C: Technical Theatre/Management (select 1) (4)
DRA 202 Theatre Organization and Practice
DRA 221 Stagecraft
DRA 302 Theatre Management
DRA 326 Lighting Design
DRA 327 Costume Design
DRA 328 Scene Design
DRA 329 Stage Management
Other Requirements
Departmental Productions:
All majors are expected to participate fully in the life of the department
by either performing in or doing back-stage work in at least four productions.
Entrance and Exit Interview/Exam
Students will be required to participate in an interview/exam when
they begin the major and again when they are graduating from the department.
Auditions
The audition process provides invaluable learning opportunities. For
this reason, students are required to attend general auditions at the
beginning of each academic year and to audition for each departmental
production -- for the experience of auditioning.
Resource List
By the time they graduate, students are expected to have read important
texts in a variety of theatre areas. Dance concentrators are also expected
to have seen selected choreographic works. Advisors will provide students
with the resource list. An exam administered during the junior will
test students' knowledge.
Internships
Students are encouraged to participate in at least one internship during
their time in the department. While internships will earn students
credit toward graduation, they will not count as area A, B, or C elective
credit.
Departmental Honors
To be eligible for departmental honors, a student must:
-
Have
a 3.0 cumulative grade
point average
-
Have
a 3.3 departmental grade
point average
-
Have
no initial course grade
in the major below "B"
-
Pass
the department's junior
exam with a grade of
B or better
-
Participate
in at least six departmental
productions
Drama
Minor Requirements
The Drama Minor consists of 20 semester credits. Required courses are:
DRA 102 Principles of Acting
DRA 205 Theatre Appreciation
DRA 206 History of Theatre I
DRA 207 History of Theatre II
1 DRA elective
Dance Minor Requirements
The Dance Minor consists of 20 semester credits. Required courses are:
DRA 205 Theatre Appreciation
DAN 201 Choreography I
DAN 241 Black Presence in American Dance
4 hours of dance technique (at least 2 at the intermediate level)
1 DAN elective (a 4-credit course)
NOTE: Students minoring in drama or dance are expected to participate
fully in productions.
General Electives
The Department of Drama and Dance offers the following courses for the
college community as general electives.
DRA 100 Introduction to Speech
DRA 201 Oral Interpretation
DRA 205 Theatre Appreciation
DAN XXX All dance technique classes
Drama Course Descriptions
DRA 100. Introduction to Speech (4)
Designed to enhance the student's ability to communicate by developing
the ability to share thoughts, ideas, and attitudes effectively and fluently
in a variety of speaking situations -- public, interpersonal, group,
business, and professional.
DRA 102. Principles of Acting (4)
An introductory course designed to acquaint students with various movement
and acting exercises and techniques that are necessary in developing
the total instrument of the actor. This course prepares the student for
further performance study. Required of all drama majors. Offered every
semester.
DRA 121. Introduction to Technical Theatre and Design (4)
This course provides students with foundational information and experiences
related to the stage, its equipment, and concepts of production and design.
Required of all drama majors. Offered every semester.
DRA 200. Production Laboratory (2)
A course designed to enhance the student's theatrical knowledge by providing
hands-on experience in several areas of theatre production. Required:
laboratory hours. Offered every semester.
DRA 201. Oral Interpretation (4)
A concentrated course in voice production and articulation techniques
to develop the general speaker as well as the actor. Includes breath
control, vocal projection, clear diction, and ear training, along with
methods of presenting interpretative art, poetry, prose, and drama.
DRA 202. Theatre Organization and Practice (4)
This course is designed to give the student a general knowledge of management
theories. We will examine the ideas and processes behind planning and
organizing commercial and non-profit theatre ventures.
DRA 203. Survey of World Drama (4)
This course provides an overview of theatre history through the study
of plays from a broad range of cultures.
DRA 205. Theatre Appreciation (4)
A preliminary course to acquaint the student with the various theories,
principles, arts and activities that make up the theatre. Aspects of
dramatic structure, acting, directing, theatre design, play production
and theatre history will be explored. Required of all drama majors. Offered
every semester.
DRA 206. Theatre History I (4)
A comprehensive course that combines the dramatic literature criticism
and history of a given period with the actual theatrical practices and
productions of that period. Attention paid to all of the active participants
who create theatre: actors, playwrights, dramaturges, designers, and
public. Required of all drama majors. Prerequisite: at least sophomore
standing. Offered each Fall.
DRA 207. Theatre History II (4)
A continuation of Theatre History I. Prerequisite: DRA 206. Required
of all drama majors. Offered each Spring.
DRA 210. Studies of Women in Theatre and Drama (4)
Focuses on the contributions of women from the Benedictine Nun, Hrosvitha,
to the contemporary African-American playwrights. The student will be
introduced to the female playwrights, managers, actresses, directors,
producers, and critics of the past and present. Female approaches to
societal problems and their solutions as reflected in drama by and about
women to be examined in relation to man's philosophical, political, sociological,
and psychological impact.
DRA 221. Stagecraft (4)
A course to provide practical experience in the various technical skills
required in the construction of scenery, costumes, and properties, and
the operation of lighting and sound equipment for theatrical productions.
Required: a minimum of four laboratory hours each week. Prerequisite:
DRA 121.
DRA 300. Contemporary Drama (4)
A study of the principal playwrights, movements, and trends in European
and American drama to the present. Prerequisites: DRA 206 and 207.
DRA 302. Theatre Management (4)
An examination and application of management theories in the development
of theatres and performing arts centers. Emphasis is placed on financial
planning, strategic planning, and managing human resources. Required
of all drama majors.
DRA 306. Monologue and Scene Study (4)
A second level acting class, in which students will learn advanced techniques
and approaches to selecting and mastering monologue and scene work. Prerequisite:
DRA 102.
DRA 307. Script Analysis (4)
A study of the intellectual, emotional, and aesthetic qualities of the
script (emotional tonality, style, kind of play, characterizations, etc.)
preparatory to its actual production. Production book required. Prerequisites:
DRA 206 and 207. Required of all non-dance drama majors. Offered each
Fall.
DRA 308. Play Directing (4)
The director's approach to the play is developed through the use of basic
principles, movement, pantomime, composition, picturizations and rhythm.
Each student is required to direct a one-act play. Prerequisite: DRA
307. Required of all drama majors. Offered every Spring.
DRA 309. Playwriting (4)
An exploration of the fundamental techniques and resources of playwriting.
Students are required to write a play under the supervision of the instructor.
DRA 310. Styles of Acting (4)
An introduction to the movement, mannerisms, gestures, and speech of
various periods through directing and acting scenes from representative
periods of drama. Prerequisites: DRA 102 and 306 or consent of instructor.
DRA 311. Advanced Playwriting (4)
A continuation of DRA 309 with emphasis on the full-length play. Prerequisite:
DRA 309 or consent of the instructor.
DRA 326. Lighting Design (4)
Covers basic principles of electrical wiring and stage illumination as
they are used in the theatre. Teaches the rendering of lighting designs,
light plots, and light color theory. Required: laboratory practicum on
the mainstage production. Prerequisite: DRA 121. Offered as needed.
DRA 327. Costume Design (4)
A study of historical styles of dress as applied to costuming for the
theatre. Instruction in techniques of planning, rendering, and constructing
costumes. Required: laboratory hours. Prerequisite: DRA 121. Offered
as needed.
DRA 328. Scene Design (4)
A comprehensive course in the art and craft of scenic design. Emphasis
is on the use of design principles of line, mass, and color and their
application to the stage. The student is required to master simple drafting
techniques and to design at least one complete stage setting, including
floor plan, construction drawings, and color rendering or scale model.
The final project consists of the design of a complete play approved
by the instructor. Required: laboratory hours. Prerequisites: DRA 121
and 221. Offered as needed.
DRA 329. Stage Management (4)
This course exposes the learner to the basic duties and responsibilities
of a production stage manager. Students will complete course readings
and will actively participate in the productions of the department by
serving as stage managers, assistant stage managers, and crew chiefs.
Prerequisites: DRA 121 and 205.
DRA 333. Ritual and Performance (4)
A survey course that explores rituals -- as formal and informal performances
-- for their meanings and the way they affect their participants. Cross-listed
with the Department of Anthropology and Sociology, and the Honors Program.
DRA 335. American Theatre and Drama History (4)
A survey of the significant developments in American (United States)
theatre since the 17th century.
DRA 336. Creative Dramatics (4)
Develops skills necessary for use in creative dramatics and children's
theatre.
DRA 405. Seminar in African Theatre and Drama (4)
Students will read and discuss plays from East and West Africa as they
relate to cultural and historical backgrounds and political and sociological
issues of people in African countries.
DRA 409. Seminar in African-American Theatre and Drama (4)
A history of the theatre and drama of African-Americans and the analysis
of that theatre within the framework of African-American values.
DRA 420. Design Portfolio (2)
Intensive individual work in a major area of design--lighting, scenery,
or costumes. Projects to culminate in a portfolio representative of the
student's work. Prerequisite: DRA 121. Also, 221, 326, 327 and 328 or
permission of the instructor.
DRA 421. Problems in Performance (4)
Intensive individual work or special course offering in an area of performance
studies.
Dance Course Descriptions: Studio/Technique
DAN 101. Improvisation (1)
The investigation of abstraction and chance in the creation of new and
original dance patterns that lead to composition. The practice of spontaneity
in the use of the elements of dance.
DAN 111, 112. Beginning Ballet (1,1)
An introduction to ballet for the beginning student or those at the elementary
level. Covers ballet technique, style, vocabulary and background information.
DAN 121. African Dance Forms (1)
Introduction and practice of movements from various African (usually
West African) countries.
DAN 131, 132. Beginning Modern Dance (1,1)
An introduction to modern dance, including basic concepts of time, space,
and dynam-ics, and the development of basic movement skills and improvisations.
DAN 161. Tap Dance I (1)
Introduction to tap dance -- its vocabulary, fundamental steps, style,
and historical traditions.
DAN 162. Tap Dance II (1)
Continued development of tap skills, style, and performance of routines.
Choreography included.
DAN 200. Dance Performance (2)
For students who have dance skills beyond the elementary level of accomplishment
in ballet, modern or jazz and who wish to continue their development
through participation with the Spelman Dance Theatre. Concentration will
be on performance techniques, clean execution, and the high disciplinary
standards expected of professional performers. This course may be taken
with credit for three years. Two semester hours awarded at the completion
of a full academic year. Admission to course by audition.
DAN 213, 214. Beginner Intermediate Ballet (1,1)
Continued progressive development of ballet technique, style, and vocabulary.
DAN 215, 216. Intermediate Ballet (1,1)
Continued training in ballet technical skills.
DAN 233, 234. Beginner/Intermediate Modern Dance (1,1)
Continued development of movement and improvisation skills. Introduction
to specific modern techniques and styles such as those of Graham, Horton
or Limon.
DAN 235, 236. Intermediate Modern Dance (1,1)
Continued training in modern technique skills.
DAN 251. Jazz Dance I (1)
Introductory practice of jazz dance technique.
DAN 252. Jazz Dance II (1)
Study of jazz dance at the intermediate or advanced level. Work in choreography.
DAN 313, 314. Advanced Intermediate Ballet (1,1)
Continued training in ballet technical skills. Work in ballet repertory.
DAN 333, 334. Advanced Intermediate Modern (1,1)
Continued study and training in modern technical skills. Choreography
included.
Dance Course Descriptions: History and Theory
DAN 201. Choreography I (4)
Gives the student basic knowledge and experience in the elements and
craft of choreography. Students will experiment with their own movement
invention. Emphasis on creative and critical thinking. Required of all
drama majors with a concentration in dance. Prerequisite: Two dance technique
classes or permission of instructor. Offered every Fall.
DAN 222. Black Dance and Popular Culture (4)
An exploration of black dance forms in popular culture. Focus on the
ways dance movement, music, television, film, visual art and live theatre
reflect contemporary concerns and issues.
DAN 240. History and Philosophy of Dance (4)
Study of the function and structure of dance in various cultures through
a chronological view of principal events, developments, and personalities
from the origins of dance to the 17th Century Renaissance.
DAN 241. Black Presence in American Dance (4)
Chronological study of the function and structure of dance, principal
events, developments and personalities form late Renaissance to the present.
Emphasis on the dance created and performed by African-American artists.
Offered every other Fall.
DAN 301. Choreography II (4)
Continued development of the craft of dance composition. More advanced
course projects. Prerequisite: DAN 201. Required of all drama majors
with a concentration in dance. Offered as needed.
DAN 377. Women in Dance: Sexism, Sexuality and Subversion (4)
This course examines women's history in dance by investigating gender
dynamics in the art form -- including the relationships between gender
and power, and issues of the body, race, and sexuality -- within the
context of the exploration of concert dance history. Prerequisite: Upper
level standing. |
