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2018-2019 Catalogue [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Course Descriptions
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Course Numbering
The College of Wooster uses a five-digit course numbering system. The first three digits indicate the primary course number. The next two digits are the secondary course number and indicate whether there is a special focus for the course. For example:
The first letters are the department or program abbreviation. The next three digits are the primary course number (101 is the primary course number for all Introduction to Historial Study courses). The last two digits are the secondary course number. These two digits indicate that the special focus for this HIST 101 course is The History of Islam. A course with a given three-digit primary course number can only be taken once for credit unless specifically indicated otherwise by the department.
The following policy has been used in assigning primary course numbers:
- 100-level courses are usually introductory courses; some 100-level courses do have prerequisites, and students are advised to consult the description for each course.
- 200-level courses are usually beyond the introductory level, although many 200-level courses are open to first-year students and to majors and non-majors.
- 300-level courses are seminars and courses primarily for majors but open to other students with the consent of the instructor.
- The following numbers are for Independent Study: I.S. 40100 (Junior Independent Study), I.S. 45100 and I.S. 45200 (Senior Independent Study).
In addition to the regular course offerings, many departments offer individual tutorials under the number 40000 and internships under 41000. On occasion, departments will offer a course on a special topic as approved by the Educational Policy Committee, designated 19900, 29900, or 39900.
Abbreviation
In keeping with the general education requirements of the College’s curriculum
(see Degree Requirements ), course listings employ the following abbreviations:
W Writing Intensive
C Studies in Cultural Difference
R Religious Perspectives
Q Quantitative Reasoning
AH Learning Across the Disciplines: Arts and Humanities
HSS Learning Across the Disciplines: History and Social Sciences
MNS Learning Across the Disciplines: Mathematical and Natural Sciences
Except where otherwise noted, all courses carry one course credit.
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Theatre and Dance |
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THTD 10100 - Intro to Theatre Research & Writing Course Credit: 1
INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE RESEARCH AND WRITING The Theatre and Dance program at Wooster emphasizes the importance of analyzing texts in their various modes: the written text, the visual text and the physical text of the performer’s body. These modes interact simultaneously with each other in the process of performance. This course specifically poses fundamental questions about the nature of written texts, and how they become transformed in the performance process. This understanding of texts is fundamental to both the enlightened theatre and dance audience member and to the work we do as actors, dancers, directors, choreographers, dramaturges, designers, technical personnel, and support staff. Annually. Fall and Spring. [AH, W]
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THTD 10200 - Foundations of Theatrical Design Course Credit: 1
FOUNDATIONS OF THEATRICAL DESIGN The visual text, which includes the images created by the body, scenery, lighting, costumes, properties, film, and digital imagery, forms the ways in which the written text is performed. Students will focus on the following: how visual elements narrate the story; the basic tools and principles of design and the visual arts which communicate space, meaning, mood and emotion; and how visual communication in a performance context is culturally based and informed by historical and stylistic insight. The student is expected to develop a visual literacy and to apply this knowledge to both the understanding of how these elements create meaning and the development of creative visual representations of a text. Annually. Fall and Spring. [AH]
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THTD 10300 - Fundamentals for the Performer Course Credit: 1
FUNDAMENTALS FOR THE PERFORMER An introductory level course intended to engage students in the study of movement as a primary text necessary for developing the art and craft of performance. Students will be introduced to the diversity of physical tools that shape movement of the performative body and how to analyze physical text with critical literary and cultural theory of Western and non-western performance systems. Annually. Fall. [AH]
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THTD 12101 - Performance Practicum Course Credit: 0.25
PERFORMANCE PRACTICUM Performing in a faculty-directed theatre or dance production. Rehearsal and performance time must total a minimum of 40 hours. Only those students who are cast in faculty-directed productions should register for the Performance Practicum. Students cast in non-faculty directed productions may receive credit pending faculty approval through a student petition. May be repeated. Annually. Fall and Spring.
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THTD 12102 - Production Practicum Course Credit: 0.25
PRODUCTION/MANAGEMENT PRACTICUM Practical experience in the production of a faculty directed play, or dance concert, including scene, costume or props design or construction; lighting design or execution; or serving on a stage or wardrobe crew. Non-faculty directed productions may receive credit pending faculty approval through a student petition. A minimum of 40 hours during the semester is required. Permission and arrangements are made through the instructor and the Department’s Technical Director. May be repeated. Annually. Fall and Spring.
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THTD 12103 - Design Practicum Course Credit: 0.25
DESIGN PRACTICUM Practical experience as a design assistant to a faculty/staff designer of a faculty directed play or dance concert including scene, costume, sound or properties design. Non-faculty directed productions may receive credit pending faculty approval through a student petition. A minimum of 40 hours during the semester is required. Prerequisite: Permission and arrangements are made through the instructor and the appropriate faculty designer. May be repeated.
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THTD 12104 - Stage Management Practicum Course Credit: 0.25
STAGE MANAGEMENT PRACTICUM Practical experience in stage management of a faculty directed play, musical or dance concert, including serving as an assistant stage manger or assistant director. Non-faculty directed productions may receive credit pending faculty approval through a student petition. A minimum of 40 hours during the semester is required. May be repeated. S/NC. Annually. Fall and Spring.
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THTD 20100 - Contemporary Dance History Course Credit: 1
CONTEMPORARY DANCE HISTORY This course explores the development of contemporary dance as an art form. Rich in diversity, the modern dance is world-conscious, concerned with social, cultural, and personal issues. Beginning with an introduction to late-nineteenth-century theatrical dance, this class will examine twentieth-century concert dance choreographers and their work as evidence of identity and change through dance literature, critical essays, and film. Fall. [AH, C]
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THTD 20200 - Dance in World Cultures Course Credit: 1
DANCE IN WORLD CULTURES An introductory overview to selected dance traditions of the world. The course will examine such issues as the role of the physical text in dance, influences from other cultures, and culture-specific choices of the physical body. Students will gain understanding of how dance is embedded in the belief systems of the people who created it, how dance forms have changed and why, and develop skills in communicating about dance orally and in written form. Fall and Spring. [AH, C]
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THTD 24100 - Latina/o Drama and Performance. Course Credit: 1
(CMLT, LAST, WGSS)
LATINA/O DRAMA AND PERFORMANCE This course is an introduction to the history of Latina/o theatre and performance in the United States. Topics of emphasis include: immigration and diaspora, family and heritage, gender and sexuality, assimilation and resistance, violence, politics, and class struggle. Students will engage in historical, social, political, and cultural analyses of the theatre being created by Latinas/os and the ways that their works bridge the gap between Latin America and the United States. [AH, C]
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THTD 24400 - Origins of Drama Course Credit: 1
ORIGINS OF DRAMA This course introduces students to the origins of eastern and western dramas, focusing primarily on Europe, the U.S, and India, emphasizing the relationships between history, dramatic literature, and theory. Fall and Spring. [AH]
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THTD 24500 - Feminism and Theatre Course Credit: 1
(WGSS)
FEMINISM AND THEATRE
This course is designed to explore theories of
feminism and gender issues in relation to
dramatic literature from a wide range of time
periods and perspectives. Emphasis will be placed
on developing student appreciation of and
critical responses to traditional and
non-traditional forms of drama as they relate to
women as bodies in performance; the relationship
of the male gaze (in film and on stage) to both
canonical and non-canonical works; and
marginalized voices (e.g.; women of color). [AH, C]
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THTD 24600 - Dramatic Theory and Criticism Course Credit: 1
DRAMATIC THEORY AND CRITICISM This course traces the various theoretical movements found in the development of world theatre from the introduction of Realism to Grotowski’s ritual theatre, emphasizing the relationships between history, theory, criticism, and dramatic literature. Fall and Spring. [AH]
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THTD 24700 - Latin American Theatre and Performance Course Credit: 1
(CMLT, LAST, WGSS)
LATIN AMERICAN THEATRE AND Students will examine the historical development of diverse performance traditions and read texts from some of the most influential Latin American theatre practitioners. Additionally, the course will focus on performances created from within marginal communities of the Americas, allowing for a comparative study of theatre across the hemisphere. Although each Latin American nation possesses its own history and identity, it is violence-from the conquest of Columbus to the twentieth-century dictatorships-that has been a common link between the people of the Americas. [AH, C]
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THTD 24800 - Native American Performance Course Credit: 1
(FILM)
NATIVE AMERICAN PERFORMANCE The performance traditions within Native American cultures are extremely rich and diverse, embracing ritual, myth, spirituality, oral literature, art, music, dance, film, and, more recently, improvised and written scripts and digital performance. A survey of this tremendous diversity would be impossible; accordingly, the course intends to indicate and suggest the diversity of recent Native performance in two ways: first, by focusing specifically on the range of recent performance practices of specific Alaskan Native and Native American peoples, and second, by the study of recent texts and performances by Native theatre groups and performance artists. [AH, C]
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THTD 24900 - Indigenous Film Course Credit: 1
(FILM)
INDIGENOUS FILM The course explores how indigenous cultures throughout the world have combined ritual, myth, oral literature, art, music, and dance with contemporary film. It will focus primarily on the films that have recently emerged from indigenous cultures of North, Central, and South America, Northern Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Oceania and how they have created a culturally specific indigenous film genre, free from colonial domination. [AH, C]
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THTD 25100 - Theatre and Performance in London Course Credit: 1
THEATRE AND PERFORMANCE IN LONDON This summer course introduces students to the theatrical histories and performance traditions of Great Britain. Students will examine the historical development of British theatre and read texts from some of its most influential and popular playwrights. Students will also learn about the performance of culture as it relates to tradition and national identity. The primary focus of the course will be watching live theatre in London, as well as analyzing city sites and events through the lens of spectatorship. [AH, C]
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THTD 29904 - S. Asian Drama & Performance Course Credit: 1
SOUTH ASIAN DRAMA AND PERFORMANCE South Asian Drama and Performance explores the history of Indian theatre from its origins to contemporary India, looking at the ways in which drama and performance have changed over time and in relationship to colonization, Orientalism, globalization, and shifts in cultural traditions, including religions, politics, gender, etc. Readings will be drawn from classical texts such as The Natyasastra, The Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, and Mahabharata. In addition students will analyze a broad variety of dramatic texts and performances as demonstrations of those influences and shifts. [C]
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THTD 30100 - Topics in Written Text Course Credit: 1
TOPICS IN THE WRITTEN TEXT [AH, W]
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THTD 30103 - Playwriting Course Credit: 1
(ENGL, FILM)
PLAYWRITING Playwriting is intended to provide beginning playwrights an opportunity to explore the craft through various writing exercises involving structure, character and idea development, setting, dialogue and more. Writing assignments include the creation of a ten-minute play and a one-act. In addition, students will be exposed to several dramatic texts, the process of writing, and the ins and outs of the professional world. Spring. [W]
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THTD 30201 - Topics Visual: Scenic Design Course Credit: 1
(FILM)
SCENIC DESIGN This course explores the development of the scenic design as part of the collaborative performance of theater and dance. To this end, students will develop skills in textual interpretation, designer director/choreographer communication, concept development and the communication of the design to the production staff and crew through sketches, drafting, rendering and model making skills. Annually. Fall and Spring. [AH]
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THTD 30203 - Topics Visual: Costume Design Course Credit: 1
COSTUME DESIGN This course provides core skills for the beginning costume designer. Students will explore aspects of costuming including character analysis, research, rendering, swatching, and professional presentation skills. Students will apply these tools to the creation and implementation of 2D designs based on assigned scripts. Fall and Spring. [AH]
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THTD 30204 - Topics Visual: Makeup Course Credit: 1
STAGE MAKEUP This class will be a hands-on introductory course on theatrical make-up techniques and tools. Students will learn the basic tools used in make-up application and how to care for these tools. Students will also learn how to protect & care for skin when faced with repeated make-up application during a production’s run. Projects will focus on recognition of light & shadow, replication of color, corrective make-up, old age make-up, period accurate make-up, gender reversal techniques, cuts and bruises, and reproducing paintings on the human face, prosthetic techniques and facial hair application. Fall. [AH]
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THTD 30207 - Costume Construction Course Credit: 1
(FILM)
COSTUME CONSTRUCTION This course is designed to provide introductory to mid-level skills in costume and soft goods (properties) construction. Students explore aspects of costume construction, which include but are not limited to: hand sewing, machine sewing, flat patterning, textiles, fitting, and altering garments. The class allows students to apply this knowledge to the creation of both clothing and soft good properties through a serious of realized projects. [AH]
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THTD 30209 - Lighting Design Course Credit: 1
(FILM)
LIGHTING DESIGN This course focuses on the concept development, planning and execution of a lighting design as part of an integrated, collaborative expression of performance. These performances may include but not be limited to theatre, dance, ballet, and opera. Students will consider the aesthetic and interpretative elements of design, director/choreographer communication and the technical knowledge, skills and tools used to execute the design. Students will apply this knowledge directly to the design and execution of the Department’s productions of theatre and dance during the semester. [AH]
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THTD 30211 - Stage Management Course Credit: 1
STAGE MANAGEMENT This course is an introduction to a study of stage management procedures, paperwork and rehearsal and performance practices in theatre and dance. Through this course, students will develop a foundation for effective communication and management while exploring the many aspects and qualities that are found in successful, professional stage management in the performing arts. Annually. Fall and Spring. [AH]
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THTD 30213 - Stagecraft Course Credit: 1
STAGECRAFT Theatre production relies heavily on the traditional arts of stagecraft, including theatre production organization models, theatre safety, tool and material use, sustainable construction strategies, rigging, basic scenic painting and elementary lighting technology. These will be approached through text readings, small group problem-solving exercises and practical laboratory activities.
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THTD 30300 - Topics in Physical Text Course Credit: 1
(FILM)
TOPICS IN THE PHYSICAL TEXT [AH]
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THTD 30301 - Theatre for Social Change Course Credit: 1
(WGSS)
THEATRE FOR SOCIAL CHANGE This class will examine the different ways performers have used theatre as a form of resistance and public critique. Students will read some of the most important works that speak to theatre’s capacity to transform society and will also create and devise their own performances for social change. In this way, students will become artist/scholars as they explore the critical interventions that theatre and performance can make locally and globally.
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THTD 30302 - Styles of Modern Dance Course Credit: 1
STYLES OF MODERN DANCE A comprehensive introduction to the principles of modern dance the art form will be investigated through movement explorations, movement patterning and technique, movement compositions, short essay readings and visual texts, discussion, and critical analysis of modern dance. This course will introduce foundational traditions of modern dance and examine how contemporary styles of modern dance are influenced by them. Emphasis will be placed on activities that investigate the creative, technical, and critical aspects of the art form.
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THTD 30305 - Classic Pilates Course Credit: 1
CLASSIC PILATES The primary focus of Pilates mat work encourages strength and flexibility of the spine and hips, and the development of a neutral spine alignment through the deep core muscles of the abdomen and back in support of this posture. Sophistication of the technique emphasizes mind/body theories of control, breath techniques, and fluidity of motion. [AH]
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THTD 30306 - Choreography Course Credit: 1
CHOREOGRAPHY Choreography is a course that investigates principles and theories of motion in the making of dances. Through a sequential growth of movement improvisations out of a motivating idea, each student will explore motion with its many permutations and various compositional structures in the organization of movement. Critical skills necessary to dance composition will also be explored. Prerequisite(s): THTD-10300 Fall and Spring. [AH]
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THTD 30307 - Directing Course Credit: 1
(FILM)
DIRECTING This course is a comprehensive study of the various skills necessary to be a stage director, including: play selection, script analysis, creating a director’s concept and vision, casting, production administration, communication with designers, director-actor relationships, the rehearsal process, technical and dress rehearsals, opening night, and receiving feedback. Students will direct, watch, and evaluate performances of scenes in class. This course will expand the students’ knowledge of acting and directing, in addition to further developing the fundamental directorial and analytical processes necessary to present a play to the public. Prerequisite(s): THTD-10300 and permission of the instructor. Fall. [AH]
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THTD 30308 - Devised Performance/Collective Creation Course Credit: 1
DEVISED PERFORMANCE/COLLECTIVE A collective of playwrights, actors, directors and designers will combine collaborative creation with an exploration of the history and theories of devising performance, culminating in a public performance(s). Prerequisite(s): THTD-10100 or THTD-10300
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THTD 30309 - Ballet Course Credit: 1
BALLET Designed for the student with little or no training in ballet, the course introduces the study and theories of ballet with an emphasis on increasing physical competence and the understanding of underlying theory. Historical traditions of ballet and its relationship to society from the 16th century to the present and other non-western Royal Court dances will be examined. The course will also contain a unit on critical analysis as it applies to the art form of dance. Fall. [AH]
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THTD 30311 - Modern Dance & Ballet Fusion Course Credit: 1
MODERN DANCE AND BALLET
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THTD 30312 - Acting Methods Course Credit: 1
ACTING METHODS This course is a comprehensive study of different styles and methods of acting. The students will gain skills in acting, voice, movement, script and character analysis, improvisation, visualization, and artistic creation, as well as a working vocabulary of theatre terms. Additionally, this course will include an overview of different acting genres and techniques from around the globe. Students will direct, watch, and evaluate performances of scenes in class.
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THTD 30313 - Acting for the Stage Course Credit: 1
(FILM)
ACTING FOR THE STAGE In this course students will gain a theoretical and practical understanding of the basic skills necessary to act for the stage: self awareness, relaxation, concentration, use of voice, body movement, sense memory, spontaneity, self awareness, privacy in public, imagination, visualization, truthful actions, objectives, tactics, script analysis, and living the reality of the given circumstances. Students will explore these concepts through practical work inside and outside of the classroom, including: physical and vocal warm ups, improvisations, theatre exercises, object exercises, scene work, monologue work, audition work, class discussions, self-evaluations, and written analysis.
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THTD 30315 - Voice for the Actor Course Credit: 1
VOICE FOR THE ACTOR [AH]
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THTD 39900 - Special Topics Course Credit: 1
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THTD 39901 - Stage Properties & Painting Course Credit: 1
STAGE PROPERTIES AND PAINTING This course intends to introduce students of varying levels of experience to the skills needed to create stage properties and to the basic elements of scenic painting. The course will employ selected practical projects covering: color theory, layout, faux paint finishes, document manipulation, fake food, and simple upholstery. Advanced students may have the opportunity to explore additional techniques such as welding and carpentry. Students will also gain practical experience by working on productons for the Deprtment of Theatre and Dance.
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THTD 39902 - Theatrical Drawing and Rendering Course Credit: 1
Theatrical Drawing and Rendering This course explores the techniques used in theatrical drawing and rendering as a method for communicating design. Students will use a variety of media in their design process, including watercolor, gouache, pencil, ink, permanent marker, photoshop, drafting and model making. The methods chosen will help to develop skills for dynamic theatrical design research and process.
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THTD 39903 - Acting: Shakespeare Course Credit: 1
Acting: Shakespeare In this acting course, students will focus on the techniques and methods used to perform the texts of Shakespeare. Students will explore the unique demands of acting and speaking Shakespeare and the qualities of his verse. In addition to hadns-on exercises for monologue and scene work, students will learn about the social and historical contexts of acting Shakespeare and how to adapt those to modern times.
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THTD 40000 - Tutorial Course Credit: 1
40000. TUTORIAL Individual study of a topic developed in consultation with the faculty member of the department supervising the project. May be repeated. Annually. Fall and Spring.
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THTD 40100 - Jr. Independent Study Course Credit: 1
JUNIOR INDEPENDENT STUDY An application of methods of research (historical, theoretical, analytical) pertinent to the performing arts, with emphasis on developing a research agenda and writing process, including the formation of a critical question, sentence outline, and annotated bibliography. Requirements include a 25-30-page research paper. Prerequisite(s): THTD-10100, THTD-10200, THTD-10300 and at least 1 300-level topics course in THTD Additionally, completion of W course, and at least 1 of the three required history courses. Annually. Spring.
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THTD 41000 - Professional Theatre Internships Course Credit: 0.25
Maximum Credit: 4
PROFESSIONAL THEATRE INTERNSHIPS Internships with established professional theatres are included under this classification. Interns are assigned responsibilities by the host theatre, which they are expected to fulfill, and the theatre will make available other opportunities for observation and participation. The student’s choice of theatre and its intern program must be approved by the department. Students choosing to study off-campus for a full semester are strongly encouraged to do so in either the Spring of their sophomore year or the Fall of their junior year to avoid conflict with the Junior Independent Study. S/NC course. May be repeated. Spring.
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THTD 45100 - Independent Study Thesis Course Credit: 1
SENIOR INDEPENDENT STUDY–SEMESTER ONE The first semester of the Senior Independent Study project, in which each student produces a thesis and/or a project. The project can be in stage management, directing, acting, play writing, design, dance, or a devised production and must include a companion research paper that articulates and explores a critical question posed by the project. Prerequisite(s): THTD-40100 Annually. Fall and Spring.
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THTD 45200 - Independent Study Thesis Course Credit: 1
SENIOR INDEPENDENT STUDY–SEMESTER TWO The second semester of the Senior Independent Study project, which culminates in the thesis and/or project. Prerequisite(s): THTD-45100 Annually. Fall and Spring.
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