Theatre and Communication Arts
Faculty
Janet Gupton, Ph.D.
Derek Lane, M.F.A. (Non-Tenure Track)
Lindsey Mantoan, Ph.D.
Jackson Miller, Ph.D. (Chair)
Instructional Associates
Laurel Peterson, M.F.A.
Jesse Klug, B.F.A.
The programs in the Department of Theatre and Communication Arts seek to connect learning, life, and community by exploring human interactions. Whether expressed creatively from the theatrical stage, rhetorically from the speaker’s platform, or interpersonally within diverse social relationships, appreciating and reflecting upon these interactions are essential to an understanding of a multicultural society and ourselves. Faculty, staff, and students seek this understanding by integrating creative and intuitive skills, imagination and scholarship, public presentation and private introspection. Through such individual and collaborative engagement in scholarly and creative research communities, the department demonstrates its strong belief in integrated teaching and learning and the centrality of its disciplines within the liberal arts.
Beyond service to students enrolled in courses, the department contributes to the broader community through its public performances and community discussions, engagement with local, regional, and global organizations, and participation in professional associations. Such events and activities promote thoughtful dialogue about the human condition in a climate of mutual respect and genuine commitment to varied ways of learning and understanding.
More specifically, the various programs in theatre arts endeavor to develop students who understand the multi-disciplinary facets of the theatre process within the context of the broader liberal arts; to help students learn the various theatrical skills and integrate those skills in public theatre presentations; and to prepare students for entry-level positions in theatre and the entertainment industry, for graduate school if they so choose, or for a life-long avocational but informed activity in theatre.
The communication arts and forensics programs strive to develop students who realize that the ability to use symbols to interact with one another is one of the defining characteristics of humans; that through this symbolic process self and social reality are created; and that if humans are to realize their potential, they must be able to produce and receive those symbols in meaningful and responsible ways with respect for both similarities and differences among people and cultures.
Course work and experiential learning opportunities in paracurricular and co-curricular activities, the department’s internship program, and its community service opportunities provide students with theoretical perspectives, practical skills, and flexibility that prepare them to be engaged citizens as they pursue careers or graduate work in theatre, communication arts, intercultural communication, and related fields.
The department offers a major and a minor in theatre arts, a major and a minor in communication arts, and serves as the home department for an interdisciplinary major in intercultural communication.
Organizations, Honors and Prizes
- Alpha Psi Omega, Sigma Cast, is a national theatre honor society.
- Pi Kappa Delta, Oregon Alpha Chapter, is a national forensics honorary.
- Lambda Pi Eta, Iota Beta Chapter, is a national communication honor society.
- The Outstanding Senior in Communication Arts award may be presented annually to a student who has demonstrated scholarly excellence in and beyond the classroom.
- The Outstanding Senior in Intercultural Communication award may be presented annually to a student who has demonstrated scholarly excellence in and beyond the classroom.
- The Outstanding Senior in Theatre Arts award may be presented annually to a student who has demonstrated excellence in both academic and production endeavors.
Scholarships
- The Roy “Hap” Mahaffey Memorial Merit Scholarship for forensics and theatre students
- The Donald and Nelda Balch Endowed Scholarship for Theatre Arts Majors
- The Ballenger Scholarship for theatre arts students
- The Singletary Communication Arts Scholarship
- The Tyrone W. G. Marshall Endowed Scholarship in Theatre
- Speech Achievement Awards
- Theatre Achievement Awards
- Theatre Talent Awards
- Forensics Talent Awards
Courses
The Department of Theatre and Communication Arts offers coursework in two distinct disciplines, which are identified accordingly: those supporting Theatre (THTR) and those supporting Communication Arts (COMM). Courses serving both areas are labeled TACA.
Paracurricular Courses
Majors and minors enroll in 100-level versions of the courses cited below and receive letter grades; see academic courses sections. Non-majors enroll in the paracurricular versions as listed and receive Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grades.
THTR 010 THEATRE PRACTICUM PRODUCTION (0-1 credits)
For non-majors. Paracurricular version of THTR 110. May be repeated up to four times for credit over four different semesters. Graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only.
Typically offered: Fall and Spring Semesters, Annually
(EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING)
THTR 020 THEATRE PRACTICUM: ACTING (0-1 credits)
For non-majors. Paracurricular version of 120. May be repeated up to four times for credit over four different semesters. Graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only.
Prerequisites: Successful casting in a production by participating in the audition process and consent of instructor.
Typically offered: Fall and Spring Semesters, Annually
(EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING)
THTR 025 FITNESS FOR THE ACTOR (1 credit)
This course blends strength training, endurance, cardio, and mental fitness with specific emphasis on the skills actors need to excel in their training and craft. The class follows a three-week rotation of activity: strength training, core strength and stretching, and mental strength and cardio. Graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only.
Typically offered: Fall Semester, Alternate Years
COMM 027 PERFORMANCE EVENTS PRACTICUM (1 credit)
Paracurricular version of COMM 127. May be repeated up to three times for credit over three different semesters. Graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only.
(EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING)
COMM 051 PUBLIC SPEAKING EVENTS PRACTICUM (1 credit)
Paracurricular version of COMM 151. May be repeated up to three times for credit over three different semesters. Graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only.
(EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING)
COMM 057 DEBATE PRACTICUM (1 credit)
Paracurricular version of COMM 157. May be repeated up to three times for credit over three different semesters. Graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only.
(EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING)
TACA 040 COMMUNITY SERVICE (1 credit)
Community service activity at an appropriate organization as arranged through the department by individual students.
(EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING)
Theatre Arts Courses
THTR 110 THEATRE PRACTICUM: PRODUCTION (0-1 credits)
Laboratory experience in theatre production with focus on design and technical theatre. Requires participation on one or more production crews for major theatre presentations. Specific work assignments vary by semester and production. May be repeated up to four times for credit over four different semesters.
(EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING)
THTR 120 THEATRE PRACTICUM: ACTING (0-1 credits)
Participation in experiential activity of acting in major Linfield University theatre production. Application of skills learned in THTR 181 and other acting courses. Development of actor as one facet of production ensemble. May be repeated up to four times for credit over four different semesters. Prerequisite: Successful casting in a production by participating in the audition process and consent of instructor.
Prerequisites: Successful casting in a production by participating in the audition process and consent of instructor.
Typically offered: Fall and Spring Semesters, Annually
(EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING)
THTR 162 ENTERTAINMENT DESIGN METHODS (4 credits)
Exploration of design elements common to scenic, properties, costume, makeup, hair & wigs, sound, projections and lighting design and the visual and aural processes necessary for communicating these elements, including sketching, drafting, rendering, editing and recording. Lecture, discussion, and Laboratory Work.
Total Course fees: $60.00
Typically offered: Fall Semester, Annually
(CREATIVE STUDIES)
THTR 181 ACTING I (4 credits)
Fundamentals of acting, including techniques that free the actor, basic skills needed to communicate inner truth, analysis of roles, interdependence of all people on stage. Appropriate for both majors and non-majors.
Typically offered: Fall and Spring Semesters, Annually
(CREATIVE STUDIES, EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING)
THTR 185 THEATRE AND ENTERTAINMENT ARTS TECHNOLOGY (4 credits)
Principles and methods of theatre crafts as used in theatre and other productions. Introduction to two- and three-dimensional scenery, properties, lighting instruments and practices, stitching, costume crafts, production organization, and safety. Lecture, discussion, and laboratory work.
Total Course fees: $40.00
Corequisites: THTR 185L required co-requisite
Typically offered: Spring Semester, Annually
(CREATIVE STUDIES)
THTR 198 SPECIAL TOPICS: JAN TERM TRAVEL (4 credits)
Topics vary according to faculty availability and interest. Past topics have included Politics and Theatre in Ancient Greece, British Theatre, The Ancient Art of Oratory in Italy, and Theatre and Oratory in Italy and Greece. Offered only as student interest and university resources permit. May be repeated for credit with different topics.
Prerequisites: IDST 098 previous fall.
Typically offered: January Term
THTR 210 THEATRE PRODUCTION LAB (2 credits)
Laboratory experience in theatre production with focus on design and technical theatre. Requires participation on one or more design or production crews for major theatre presentations. Specific work assignments vary by semester and production. May be repeated up to six times for credit over six different semesters.
Prerequisites: Requires active participation in a Linfield Theatre production.
Typically offered: Fall and Spring Semesters, Annually
(CREATIVE STUDIES, EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING)
THTR 270 PLAY READING AND DRAMATURGY (4 credits)
Explores plays by genre and form, with focus on sociocultural influences.
Total Course fees: $40.00
Typically offered: Fall Semester, Alternate Years
(CREATIVE STUDIES, EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING)
THTR 272 CONTEMPORARY ARTS IN PORTLAND (4 credits)
In this course, we will read widely in contemporary drama, literature, and arts criticism, and adventure into Portland to experience plays, music, literary readings, and other performances, currently running in the Portland arts scene. We will become arts critics, identifying goals of productions and artists, analyzing how elements of a work of art contribute to those goals, and debating how successfully those goals are realized. We will examine new art, broadly understood, in the context of contemporary social concerns as well as artistic history, exploring the power of theater, dance, music, and literature to stage conflict and resolution. And we will pay attention to the difference between reading plays and seeing them, reading criticism and experiencing live art, and appreciating art and situating it in a broader landscape of social concerns and artistic genealogy. along with design elements that contribute to a performance. (Listed as THTR 272 and LITR 272)
Total Course fees: $120.00
Concurrent Or Previous Courses: INQS 125
Typically offered: January Term
(CREATIVE STUDIES, U.S. PLURALISM)
THTR 290 STAGE MAKEUP, WIGS, AND HAIR (3 credits)
An introduction to makeup, wig, and hair designs for stage, including materials and procedures, character interpretation, design creation and application, and creation and presentation of final electronic portfolio. Lecture, discussion, and laboratory work.
Total Course fees: $100.00
Corequisites: THTR 290L required co-requisite
Typically offered: Fall and Spring Semesters, As Needed
(CREATIVE STUDIES)
THTR 295 THEATRE ARTS MANAGEMENT AND MARKETING (4 credits)
Managerial theory and practices of professional and not-for-profit theatre operations, including organizational structure, financial practices, promotions (including social media), front of house operations, box office, season selections, grant writing and institutional advancement, and legal concerns.
Typically offered: Spring Semester, Odd Years
(CREATIVE STUDIES, EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING)
THTR 298 SPECIAL TOPICS: JAN TERM TRAVEL (4 credits)
Topics vary according to faculty availability and interest. Past topics have included Politics and Theatre in Ancient Greece, British Theatre, The Ancient Art of Oratory in Italy, and Theatre and Oratory in Italy and Greece. Offered only as student interest and university resources permit. May be repeated for credit with different topics.
Prerequisites: IDST 098 previous fall.
Typically offered: January Term
THTR 351 SHAKESPEARE: TRAGEDIES & TRAGICOMEDIES (4 credits)
Selected tragedies and tragicomedies in their historical and critical context; emphasis on tragedy as a dramatic form. Students who earned credit for ENGL 351 may not enroll in this course. (Listed as THTR 351 and LITR 351)
Total Course fees: $40.00
Prerequisites: INQS 125 or consent of instructor.
(CREATIVE STUDIES, VITAL PAST)
THTR 355 QUEER THEORY (4 credits)
This course investigates the critical theories associated with queer life, aesthetics, and politics. Like all critical theory, this course considers existential questions alongside questions of power, philosophy, and culture. We will explore Queer Theory as both an academic discipline and a creative practice and approach queerness as a noun and queering as a verb. Assignments will involve writing and creative projects as a means to examine queerness means in the US and abroad.
Typically offered: Fall Semester, Alternate Years
(ULTIMATE QUESTIONS)
THTR 361 THEATRE FOR EDUCATORS (3 credits)
An inclusive theatre education course that includes techniques used in children's theatre, theatre for young audiences. Emphasis on process-centered, experiential, and improvisational theatre techniques designed to develop the creativity, imagination, and human understanding of individuals of all ages. Beneficial to teachers or any person in a leadership role.
(CREATIVE STUDIES)
THTR 365 STAGE AND PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT (3 credits)
Theory and practice of procedures used to organize, mount, run, and strike a production, including responsibilities during rehearsals for crew assignments, scheduling, and performance operations. Requires final prompt book and digital portfolio with presentations.
Typically offered: Spring Semester, Even Years
THTR 368 PROD/TOURING EDUC THEATRE (4 credits)
Exploration of the process of developing both educational theatre workshops and a one-act play production that tours to local and regional schools during the term. Participants serve as performers, crew, and 'teachers' in this collaborative process and particular emphasis is placed upon crafting workshops that the participants will lead at each school.
Total Course fees: $90.00
Typically offered: January Term
(CREATIVE STUDIES)
THTR 370 PLAY DIRECTING (4 credits)
The director's tasks in preparing, rehearsing, and mounting a show. Play analysis, casting, scheduling, blocking, business, picturization, and polishing. Two lectures plus lab session with Acting 1 students. Course Fee $50.00
Total Course fees: $50.00
Prerequisites: THTR 181, Theatre Arts major or minor, or instructor consent.
Corequisites: THTR 370L required co-requisite.
Typically offered: Fall Semester, Odd Years
(CREATIVE STUDIES)
THTR 371 ADVANCED DIRECTING (4 credits)
Practical application of principles from THTR 370. Examination of advanced directing theory and practice, including varied stylistic approaches and conventions. Includes public performance integrating theatrical production elements. Three lecture/lab sessions per week.
Total Course fees: $75.00
Prerequisites: Theatre major, THTR 370, application, and consent of instructors.
Corequisites: THTR 371L required co-requisite.
Typically offered: Spring Semester
THTR 375 HISTORY OF THE BROADWAY MUSICAL (4 credits)
Historical, theatrical, musical, and movement analysis of Broadway musical theatre. Focus on plot, character, musical style, and movement. Examination of the ways race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and ability are represented and investigated in musicals. (Listed as MUSC 375 and THTR 375)
Total Course fees: $45.00
Typically offered: Spring Semester, Even Years
(CREATIVE STUDIES, U.S. PLURALISM)
THTR 381 ACTING II (4 credits)
An advanced acting course to develop additional skills and techniques. Emphasis on motivation, physicalization, development of vocal instrument, introduction to performing classical materials, the study of dialects, auditioning and beginning media acting skills. Open to all students. Three lecture/lab sessions per week.
Total Course fees: $40.00
Prerequisites: THTR 181 or consent of the instructor.
Corequisites: THTR 381L required co-requisite.
Typically offered: Spring Semester, Even Years
(CREATIVE STUDIES)
THTR 395 COLLABORATIVE STUDIES IN ENTERTAINMENT DESIGN (4 credits)
Design of theoretical productions with emphasis on artistic collaboration and integration of scenery, properties, costumes, sound, projections, and lights. Attention to graphic presentation techniques as well as designs produced. Lecture, discussion, studio and collaborative work. May repeat up to four times for credit.
Concurrent Or Previous Courses: THTR 162
Typically offered: Fall and Spring Semesters, As Needed
(CREATIVE STUDIES)
THTR 398 SPECIAL TOPICS: JAN TERM TRAVEL (4 credits)
Topics vary according to faculty availability and interest. Past topics have included Politics and Theatre in Ancient Greece, British Theatre, The Ancient Art of Oratory in Italy, and Theatre and Oratory in Italy and Greece. Offered only as student interest and university resources permit. May be repeated for credit with different topics.
Prerequisites: IDST 098 previous fall.
Typically offered: January Term
THTR 466 TOPICS IN THEATRE DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY (3 credits)
Advanced design and technology studio course for majors and minors. Developing specialized scenographic talents and techniques through topics such as scene painting, model-making in theatrical design, sound, and computer technology in the theatre.
Total Course fees: $30.00
Prerequisites: THTR 162 and consent of instructor.
THTR 471 THEATRE HISTORIES (4 credits)
Study of performance modes and genres through the ages and around the globe, including ancient, medieval, early modern, and contemporary societies. Development of theatre traditions, including sociological and cultural foundations of each major period and aesthetic movement; dramatic literature; the physical stage and production techniques.
Typically offered: Fall Semester, Alternate Years
(CREATIVE STUDIES, MAJOR WRITING INTENSIVE, VITAL PAST)
THTR 481 TOPICS IN THEATRE PERFORMANCE (4 credits)
Advanced studio acting for majors and minors. Focus on specialized acting styles and techniques through topics such as acting Shakespeare, farce, ancient tragedy, mime, performance art, improvisation, and camera acting. Three lecture/lab sessions per week. May be repeated once for credit with different content. Prerequisites: THTR 181 and THTR 381, or consent of instructor.
Total Course fees: $50.00
Prerequisites: THTR 181 and THTR 381, or consent of instructor.
Typically offered: Spring Semester, Alternate Years
(CREATIVE STUDIES)
THTR 489 SENIOR CAPSTONE (2 credits)
Capstone course focusing on the holistic and collaborative practice of theatre. Includes self-assessment, preparation of portfolios, research into graduate school opportunities, internships and other career options.
Prerequisites: Senior standing.
Typically offered: Fall Semester, Annually
(CREATIVE STUDIES)
THTR 498 SPECIAL TOPICS: JAN TERM TRAVEL (4 credits)
Topics vary according to faculty availability and interest. Past topics have included Politics and Theatre in Ancient Greece, British Theatre, The Ancient Art of Oratory in Italy, and Theatre and Oratory in Italy and Greece. Offered only as student interest and university resources permit. May be repeated for credit with different topics.
Prerequisites: IDST 098 previous fall.
Typically offered: January Term
Communication Arts Courses
COMM 127 PERFORMANCE EVENTS PRACTICUM (1 credit)
Active participation in the Linfield Forensics Program through practice sessions and competition in performance of literature events at intercollegiate tournaments. Focus on improving skills in dramatic and humorous performance. May be repeated up to three times for credit over three different semesters.
(EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING)
COMM 130 INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION (3 credits)
Theory and application of skills in relational communication. Emphasis on self-awareness, listening, verbal and nonverbal codes, role competency, conflict management.
(INDIVID/SYSTEMS/SOCIETIES)
COMM 133 INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: MULTICULTURAL PERSPECTIVES (4 credits)
Theory and application of relational communication skills in a multicultural world. Emphasis on self-awareness, cultural identity, listening, verbal and nonverbal codes, diversity, and conflict management. Development of communication skills to deal effectively with the dynamics of human interaction within and across co-cultures.
Typically offered: Fall and Spring Semesters, Annually
(INDIVID/SYSTEMS/SOCIETIES, U.S. PLURALISM)
COMM 140 PUBLIC SPEAKING (4 credits)
Effective and ethical presentation of ideas to an audience. Issues of First Amendment rights and responsibilities and the role of persuasive discourse in effecting individual and societal changes. Theory and practice of audience adaptation, message organization, language use, and delivery. Classroom speeches and evaluation.
Typically offered: Spring Semester, Annually
(INDIVID/SYSTEMS/SOCIETIES)
COMM 151 PUBLIC SPEAKING EVENTS PRACTICUM (1 credit)
Active participation in the Linfield Forensics Program through practice sessions and public speaking competition at intercollegiate tournaments. Focus on improving skills in speech writing and delivery, and impromptu speaking. May be repeated up to three times for credit over three different semesters.
(EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING)
COMM 157 DEBATE PRACTICUM (1 credit)
Active participation in the Linfield Forensics Program through practice sessions and debate competition at intercollegiate tournaments. Focus on improving argumentation techniques, speaking skills, and current events knowledge. May be repeated up to three times for credit over three different semesters.
(EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING)
COMM 198 SPECIAL TOPICS: JAN TERM TRAVEL (4 credits)
Topics vary according to faculty availability and interest. Past topics have included Politics and Theatre in Ancient Greece, British Theatre, The Ancient Art of Oratory in Italy, and Theatre and Oratory in Italy and Greece. Offered only as student interest and university resources permit. May be repeated for credit with different topics.
Prerequisites: IDST 098 previous fall.
Typically offered: January Term
COMM 220 PERFORMING LITERATURE (4 credits)
Performance studies approach to performing literature. Analysis and performance of selections from various literary genres with emphasis on works of diverse voices in U.S. literature.
Typically offered: Fall Semester, Annually
(CREATIVE STUDIES, U.S. PLURALISM)
COMM 230 INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION: GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES (4 credits)
Theory and practice of human communication in a multicultural world. Interdisciplinary and global perspectives on the social and cultural contexts of communication. Emphasis on perception, values, enculturation, acculturation, verbal and nonverbal language systems, strategies for effective intercultural interaction. Strongly recommended for students planning to participate in Linfield's Study Abroad programs.
Typically offered: Spring Semester, Annually
(GLOBAL PLURALISM, INDIVID/SYSTEMS/SOCIETIES)
COMM 233 MULTICULTURAL COMMUNICATION IN THE UNITED STATES (3 credits)
Theory and practice of human communication in a multicultural world. Emphasis on dynamics of human interaction within and across co-cultures in the United States. Development of communication skills to deal effectively with cultural identity and diversity.
Typically offered: Spring Semester
(INDIVID/SYSTEMS/SOCIETIES, U.S. PLURALISM)
COMM 234 DIVERSE VOICES ACROSS THE WINE INDUSTRY (4 credits)
Emphasis on communication within and across dominant cultures and co-cultures in the wine industry. Discussion of privilege, marginalization, opportunity, and social justice at the intersection of race, gender and class. Acquisition of foundational knowledge and skills to create understanding and effective communication among individuals from diverse backgrounds. (Listed as COMM 234 and WINE 234)
Total Course fees: $20.00
Typically offered: Fall Semester, Even Years
(U.S. PLURALISM)
COMM 255 COMMUNICATION: INTERACTION AND ADVOCACY (4 credits)
Introduction to theoretical study of how humans use symbols to convey information, develop and maintain relationships, influence attitudes and beliefs, and engender action. Focus on understanding connections between communication and thought, including the nature of knowledge, the nature of being and reality, and the nature of ethics. Application of theory to political and social phenomena.
Typically offered: Fall Semester
(ULTIMATE QUESTIONS)
COMM 257 COMMUNICATION THEORY (3 credits)
Examination of traditional and contemporary theoretical underpinnings of human communication as symbolic activity. Focus on the role of theory in facilitating the understanding and practice of communication within and at the intersections of multiple professional contexts and communication mediums. OFFERED THROUGH ONLINE AND CONTINUING EDUCATION (OCE) ONLY.
COMM 298 SPECIAL TOPICS: JAN TERM TRAVEL (4 credits)
Topics vary according to faculty availability and interest. Past topics have included Politics and Theatre in Ancient Greece, British Theatre, The Ancient Art of Oratory in Italy, and Theatre and Oratory in Italy and Greece. Offered only as student interest and university resources permit. May be repeated for credit with different topics.
Prerequisites: IDST 098 previous fall.
Typically offered: January Term
COMM 332 GENDERED COMMUNICATION (4 credits)
Current scholarship and controversies in communication and gender research. The interdependence of gender, communication, and culture including ways concepts of gender are created and affirmed or challenged by communication. Focus on live experience within U.S. culture through interactive course format. (Listed as COMM 332 and GENS 332)
Typically offered: Spring Semester, Odd Years
(INDIVID/SYSTEMS/SOCIETIES, U.S. PLURALISM)
COMM 335 NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION (4 credits)
The processes and effects of nonverbal communication. Research about communication by means of body movement, spatial relationships, vocal cues, touch, and physical appearance. Focus on impact of nonverbal cues in specific communication contexts such as interviews, doctor-patient interactions, and the courtroom.
Typically offered: Fall Semester, Even Years
(INDIVID/SYSTEMS/SOCIETIES)
COMM 340 PERSUASION AND SOCIAL INFLUENCE (4 credits)
Rhetorical, psychological, and social principles used to influence behaviors of individuals and groups. Focus on logic and reasoning, structure of arguments, symbols, credibility, motivation, attitude change, and ethics. Study of persuasion in public relations and political campaigns, interpersonal contexts and social movements. Includes oral and written projects.
Typically offered: Fall Semester
(INDIVID/SYSTEMS/SOCIETIES)
COMM 353 TOPICS IN WOMEN'S RHETORIC (4 credits)
Women's public discourse, including significant female speakers in political, social, and religious contexts. The role of women's public discourse in the process of social change through topics such as Rhetoric of the Women's Movement 1770-1920, Women's Public Voices 1960 to present, and Women's Political Campaign Discourse. May be repeated once for credit with different content. (US or GP or IS or VP depending on topic). (Listed as COMM 353 and GENS 353)
Typically offered: Spring Semester, Even Years
(GLOBAL PLURALISM, INDIVID/SYSTEMS/SOCIETIES, U.S. PLURALISM, VITAL PAST)
COMM 355 TOPICS IN AMERICAN PUBLIC ADDRESS (4 credits)
Study of U.S. public address, including significant speakers in political, social, and religious contexts. The role of public discourse in promoting and accommodating social change through topics such as the discourse of war and peace; presidential discourse, discussion of human rights in the United States, protest rhetoric in the 1960s. May be repeated once for credit with different content.
Typically offered: Spring Semester, Odd Years
(INDIVID/SYSTEMS/SOCIETIES, U.S. PLURALISM, VITAL PAST)
COMM 357 ENVIRONMENTAL COMMUNICATION AND ADVOCACY (4 credits)
Investigates the challenges and methods for informing the public and engaging stakeholders in addressing environmental problems. Students practice a variety of communication and engagement techniques as well as create and critique environmental messages, public participation strategies and information dissemination styles for multiple audiences and purposes. (Listed as COMM 357, ENVS 357 and JAMS 357)
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing required; one of ENVS 201, JAMS 150, COMM 255; or consent of instructor.
(INDIVID/SYSTEMS/SOCIETIES)
COMM 398 SPECIAL TOPICS: JAN TERM TRAVEL (4 credits)
Topics vary according to faculty availability and interest. Past topics have included Politics and Theatre in Ancient Greece, British Theatre, The Ancient Art of Oratory in Italy, and Theatre and Oratory in Italy and Greece. Offered only as student interest and university resources permit. May be repeated for credit with different topics.
Prerequisites: IDST 098 previous fall.
Typically offered: January Term
COMM 420 TOPICS IN PERFORMANCE STUDIES (4 credits)
Methodological approaches to performance studies and the objects or sites of performance those methods presume, construct, and privilege. Techniques for scripting, directing, and presenting public performances in topics such as Performing Ethnography, Performance and Popular Culture, Group Performance, and Performing Gender. May be repeated once for credit with different content.
Prerequisites: Junior standing or higher.
Typically offered: Fall Semester, Odd Years
(CREATIVE STUDIES, GLOBAL PLURALISM, U.S. PLURALISM)
COMM 430 TOPICS IN HUMAN COMMUNICATION (4 credits)
Human communication theories and how they explain and influence human interaction. Topics such as Organizational Communication, Intercultural Conflict Resolution, Theories of Intercultural Communication, Small Group Communication, Theoretical Perspectives in Relational Communication. May be repeated once for credit with different content.
Prerequisites: Junior standing or higher.
Typically offered: Spring Semester, Odd Years
(GLOBAL PLURALISM, INDIVID/SYSTEMS/SOCIETIES, U.S. PLURALISM)
COMM 455 RHETORICAL THEORY AND CRITICISM (4 credits)
Examination of major writers, works, and paradigms in the discipline of rhetoric from the Greeks to postmodernists. Rhetorical perspectives that focus on societal values and ethics, the nature of knowledge, and the nature of being and reality. Theory, methods, and varied practice of rhetorical criticism.
Prerequisites: Junior standing or higher or consent of instructor.
Typically offered: Spring Semester, Even Years
(MAJOR WRITING INTENSIVE, ULTIMATE QUESTIONS)
COMM 476 SENIOR SEMINAR (4 credits)
Capstone course focusing on integration of theoretical and practical issues in the curriculum. Includeself-assessment; research into graduate school opportunities, internships and other career options; development of research project of "publishable" or "performative" quality with public presentation.
Prerequisites: COMM 255 and senior standing.
Typically offered: Fall Semester, Annually
(MAJOR WRITING INTENSIVE)
COMM 498 SPECIAL TOPICS: JAN TERM TRAVEL (4 credits)
Topics vary according to faculty availability and interest. Past topics have included Politics and Theatre in Ancient Greece, British Theatre, The Ancient Art of Oratory in Italy, and Theatre and Oratory in Italy and Greece. Offered only as student interest and university resources permit. May be repeated for credit with different topics.
Prerequisites: IDST 098 previous fall.
Typically offered: January Term
Courses Shared by Both Programs
TACA 040 COMMUNITY SERVICE (1 credit)
Community service activity at an appropriate organization as arranged through the department by individual students.
(EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING)
TACA 198 SPECIAL TOPICS: JAN TERM TRAVEL (4 credits)
Topics vary according to faculty availability and interest. Past topics have included Politics and Theatre in Ancient Greece, British Theatre, The Ancient Art of Oratory in Italy, and Theatre and Oratory in Italy and Greece. Offered only as student interest and university resources permit. May be repeated for credit with different topics.
Prerequisites: IDST 098 previous fall.
Typically offered: January Term
TACA 287 INTERNSHIP (1-5 credits)
Supervised work at an appropriate organization as arranged through the department by individual students. Theatre internships in production, front-of-house, or performance activities. Communication Arts internships in the areas of intercultural, interpersonal, political, organizational or public communication.
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
(EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING)
TACA 298 SPECIAL TOPICS: JAN TERM TRAVEL (4 credits)
Topics vary according to faculty availability and interest. Past topics have included Politics and Theatre in Ancient Greece, British Theatre, The Ancient Art of Oratory in Italy, and Theatre and Oratory in Italy and Greece. Offered only as student interest and university resources permit. May be repeated for credit with different topics.
Prerequisites: IDST 098 previous fall.
Typically offered: January Term
TACA 398 SPECIAL TOPICS: JAN TERM TRAVEL (4 credits)
Topics vary according to faculty availability and interest. Past topics have included Politics and Theatre in Ancient Greece, British Theatre, The Ancient Art of Oratory in Italy, and Theatre and Oratory in Italy and Greece. Offered only as student interest and university resources permit. May be repeated for credit with different topics.
Prerequisites: IDST 098 previous fall.
Typically offered: January Term
TACA 439 PEER INSTRUCTION (2-3 credits)
Advanced opportunity for outstanding students to assist faculty members in the classroom or laboratory. Focus on course content and pedagogy. May be repeated in different subject matter.
Prerequisites: Application and consent of instructor.
(EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING)
TACA 480 INDEPENDENT STUDY (1-3 credits)
Advanced study in Theatre or Communication Arts arranged with a professor and approved by the director of the area of study.
Prerequisites: Consent of department chair.
TACA 487 CAPSTONE INTERNSHIP (2-5 credits)
Supervised work at an appropriate organization as arranged through the department by individual students. Theatre internships in production or performing activities. Communication Arts internships in the areas of intercultural, interpersonal, political, organizational, or public communication. Includes reflective paper. Additional elective capstone experience for exceptional students. May not be repeated.
Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing and consent of instructor.
(EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING)
TACA 498 SPECIAL TOPICS: JAN TERM TRAVEL (4 credits)
Topics vary according to faculty availability and interest. Past topics have included Politics and Theatre in Ancient Greece, British Theatre, The Ancient Art of Oratory in Italy, and Theatre and Oratory in Italy and Greece. Offered only as student interest and university resources permit. May be repeated for credit with different topics.
Prerequisites: IDST 098 previous fall.
Typically offered: January Term