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Theatre Studies

Course Offerings

Internships and Requirements

What classes do I need to take?

The communications major with a theatre studies concentration requires 46 credits (26 core credits, plus an additional 20 concentration credits).

Theatre Studies Schema

The 26 core credits include:

  • ENG 2105: Investigative Writing (B- required – 2 credits)
  • CTA 1114: Media Literacy
  • CTA 2200: Presentation and Impact
  • CTA 2240: Intercultural Communication (or approved study abroad experience)
  • CTA 3445: Argumentation
  • Plus two of the following courses:
    • CTA 4414: Media Criticism
    • CTA 4417: Media Law and Ethics
    • CTA 4445: Persuasion

Additionally, the major requires 20 concentration credits that include:

  • Either CTA 2150: Acting for the Stage OR CTA 2250: Introduction to Stagecraft
  • CTA/ENG 3300: Theatre, Greek - Elizabethan
  • CTA/ENG 3301: Theatre, Restoration - 20th Century
  • Plus eight more credits chosen with the approval of the academic advisor

A minimum grade of "C" must be maintained in all required classes. A minor in another area is required.

Communications major with Theatre Studies concentration

Theatre Studies is a concentration in the Communications major and provides a basic foundation for students who have an interest in theatre and wish to pursue careers that incorporate theatre and communication. The undergraduate Theatre Studies program culminates in a B.A. degree in Communications with a concentration in Theatre Studies. The students enrolled in this program will be able to demonstrate a working knowledge of the principles and practices they will need to perform as topflight professional communicators. In addition to core courses within the major, students will take undergraduate coursework that consists of a variety of elective courses within the major. This exposure acquaints students with fundamental problems and issues they will encounter in their careers.

The Communications major with a Theatre Studies concentration requires 46 credits (26 core credits and an additional 20 concentration credits). The 26 core credits include: ENG 2105 Investigative Writing (B- required -- 2 credits), CTA 1114 Media Literacy, CTA 2200 Presentation and Impact, 2240 Intercultural Communication (or approved study-abroad experience), CTA 3445 Argumentation, and two of the following three courses - CTA 4414 Media Criticism, CTA 4417 Media Law and Ethics or CTA 4445 Persuasion. Additionally the major requires 20 concentration credits that include: EITHER CTA 2150 Acting for the Stage OR CTA 2250 Introduction to Stagecraft, AND CTA/ENG 3300 Theatre: Greek -- Elizabethan, CTA/ENG 3301 Theatre: Restoration -- 20th Century, and 8 more credits chosen with the approval of the academic advisor. A minimum grade of "C" must be maintained in all required classes. A minor in another area is required.

Admission to the Communications major with Theatre Studies concentration

Students need to apply to the Communications major with Theatre Studies concentration after completing 8 CTA credit hours but before completing 24 credit hours of CTA courses and have completed ENG 2105 with a grade of B- or higher. Application should be made in the sophomore year; students less than one calendar year from graduation will not be admitted. Students apply to the major by writing a brief essay, completing the application to the major/change of major form, printing a current unofficial transcript and then setting up a meeting with the department chair to submit all the materials. The department will admit students who write an excellent essay, exhibit appropriate behavior for a future professional, and who conform to the deadline.

Theatre Studies outcomes

  1. The Theatre Studies concentration prepares students to create messages that are appropriate for a specific audience in a variety of settings or media on a variety of topics.
  2. The Theatre Studies concentration helps students develop a general understanding and appreciation of the major periods of theatre history and the major pieces of dramatic literature.
  3. The Theatre Studies concentration helps students develop a sense of responsibility for their own performance as well as for the entire production.
  4. The Theatre Studies concentration prepares students to integrate principles and practices with broader liberal arts and science courses in order to understand the potential outcomes of various choices made during communication exchanges.
  5. Theatre students will develop skills for use in performance and technical theatre that will allow the student to work in theatre beyond the collegiate environment. The students will understand how to effectively communicate a play to an audience through both performance and technical elements.