You are in the official 2001-2002 General Catalog
for California State University, Fresno.
Department of Theatre Arts
COURSES
Theatre Arts (DRAMA)
10. The Art of Theatre (3)
Fundamental knowledge and skills required for study in the
Theatre Arts Program which includes the literary basis, technique,
visual impact, and presentation of drama.
15. Dramatic Arts Laboratory (1-2;
max total 6)
(Same as DRAMA 115.) Group laboratory experience in presentation
of major productions for public performance. Not available for
CR/NC grading.
22. Fundamentals of Interpretation (3)
Discovering and communicating intellectual and emotional meaning
of the printed page through preparation and presentation of selected
readings from prose, poetry, and drama. G.E. Breadth C1.
30. Voice and Speech for Performance (3)
Open to theatre arts majors and minors only. Principles of
voice and speech for stage performance including the International
Phonetics Alphabet, breathing, relaxation, resonance, enunciation,
articulation, pronunciation, projection, expressiveness, and vocal
characterization. (Can Dram 6)
31. Fundamentals of Voice and Articulation (3)
Open to nonmajors only. Principles of voice and articulation
with demonstration in various aspects of oral communication.
32. Introduction to Acting (3)
Not open to theatre arts majors except dance option. Open
to theatre arts minors. A study of the physiological, sociological,
and psychological components of acting. Includes role-paying in
daily life; characterization; text analysis; diverse cultural
and generational perspectives; and relaxation, voice, and body
techniques. G.E. Breadth E1.
33. Fundamentals of Acting (3)
Open to theatre arts majors and minors only. Non-majors and
minors, see DRAMA 32. Fundamental techniques and theories of acting;
development of individual insight, skill, and discipline in the
presentation of dramatic materials. (Can Dram 8)
34. Theatre Crafts (3)
Introduction to the crafts in technical theatre scene construction,
scene painting, property selection, stage lighting, sound production;
costume construction, and makeup; laboratory experience in preparing
major plays for public performance.
35. Intermediate Acting (3)
Prerequisite: DRAMA 33. Intermediate studies in acting including
text analysis, expansion of the actor's character range and audition
techniques.
41. Makeup for Theatre (3; max total 6)
Theory and practice of makeup for theatre; techniques for characterization,
style, and technical processes. Emphasis on basic techniques;
introduction to prosthetics. Preparing plays for major public
performances. (Formerly DRAMA 135)
62. Theatre Today (3)
Not open to theatre arts majors. Perspectives on theatre,
its origins, and contemporary forms. Explores theatre as an artistic
medium for enhancing our understanding of human experience. Emphasis
on the content, meaning, and entertainment value of drama in performance.
G.E. Breadth C1.
77. Community Service - Theatre (1-3; max total 6)
Directed field experience developing skills in theatre or dance
through a performance or design project; projects may include
work with community service or other nonprofit organizations,
public schools, special events, and other projects approved by
the faculty supervisor.
83. Touring Theatre (1-3; max total 6)
(Same as DRAMA 183.) Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
Experience in touring major productions for public performance.
89. Projects in Production (1-3;
max total 9)
(Same as DRAMA 189.) Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
Group projects in all phases of production in laboratory theatre.
110. Design for the Theatre (3)
Comprehensive study of design aesthetics and application of
design to theatrical production, including scenery, costume, lighting,
sound, and makeup. Laboratory application, material for major
public performance.
115. Dramatic Arts Laboratory (1-2; max total 9)
(See DRAMA
15.) Not available for CR/NC grading.
130. Screenwriting (3; max total 9)
Principles and techniques in the preparation and marketing
of film scripts.
131. Fundamentals of Playwriting (3; max total 9)
Exercises in plotting, characterization, exposition, and stage
business, critical analysis, and revision of manuscripts.
132. Advanced Acting: Period Styles (3; max total 6)
Prerequisite: DRAMA 35. A study of styles of acting ranging
from Greek Tragedy to Theatre of the Absurd with special emphasis
on playing Shakespeare.
133. Advanced Acting: Scene Study (3; max total 6)
Prerequisite: DRAMA 35. Advanced techniques including script
analysis, characterization, physicalization, and emotional commitment,
developed through improvisation and scene study.
134A-B. Advanced Theatre Craft (3-3)
Prerequisite: DRAMA 34. (A) Advanced training in scenic techniques
and allied technology. Laboratory application to major public
productions. (B) In-depth survey of each phase of the costume
design and production process. Laboratory application to major
public performances.
136. Puppetry (3)
Introduction to the art of puppetry: history, construction
of various types of puppets and theatre, practice in manipulation,
script writing, use of puppets in education and recreation.
137. Creative Dramatics (3; max
total 6)
(Same as CTET 137.) Basic techniques for the use of dramatization
in elementary education; sociodrama, dramatization of school subjects,
creative dramatic play; simplified staging techniques.
138A-B. Children's Theatre (3-3) (138B; max total 6)
(A) Theory, practice, and applications of theatre for children
and adolescents; children's plays are examined through reading,
discussion, and scene study. (B) Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
Theatre for Young Audiences Tour; experience touring children's
theatre productions for public performance.
139. Fundamentals of Play Direction (3)
Prerequisite: DRAMA 33. Fundamental techniques and theories
of stage direction; function, responsibility, movement, analysis,
style; practice in directing scenes.
140. Experimental Techniques in Play Direction (3)
Experimental techniques of play direction: prerehearsal problems
and procedures; structural analysis of plays, composition, picturization,
pantomimic dramatization, movement, rhythm.
151. Stage and Production Management (3)
Principles and techniques of stage and production management
as applied to professional, educational, and community theatre
and applied media; production, audition, rehearsal process, and
organization; technical and performance process and procedures;
production personnel and cost management. (Formerly DRAMA 188T
section)
155. Sound in the Theatre (3)
Theory, techniques, and procedure necessary to develop and
integrate sound, music, and effects in theatre production; hearing,
acoustics, environment, sources, transducers, control, systems,
equipment; organization and planning. Laboratory experience in
preparing plays for a major public performance.
157. Theatre Graphics (3; max total 6)
Development of rendering technique and other graphic skills
essential to design for the theatre.
160. Field Studies in Theatre and Dance (1-6; max total 8)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Supervised off-campus
study of the theatre arts and dance. Submission of project or
term paper required.
163. Dramatic Literature (3)
Critical analysis of various types and styles of plays with
respect to their form, meaning, and theatricality. G.E. Integration
IC.
164. 20th Century Drama (3)
Study of the plays of major 20th Century dramatists encompassing
various nations and cultures, with emphasis on the contemporary
scene. Also includes dramatic theory and analysis, and consideration
of social and political issues reflected in these authors' works.
177. Community Service: Theatre Arts
(1-3; max total 6)
Directed field experience developing skills in theatre or
dance through a performance or design project; projects may include
work with community service or other nonprofit organizations,
public schools, special events, and other projects approved by
the faculty supervisor.
178. Oral Studies of Shakespeare (3)
Appreciation and communication of representative histories,
comedies, and tragedies; problems of content and structure from
the point of view of the oral interpreter.
179. Playwrights' Theatre (1-2; max total 6)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Presentation and readings
of original and classical plays.
180A-B. Scene Design for Theatre (3-3; 180B max total 6)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. (A) Styles, techniques,
and methods of scene design; history. Laboratory application,
material for major public performance. (B) Scenery design; design
problems of a complicated play; experimental ideas; new materials.
Laboratory application, material for major public performance.
181A. Costume History for Theatre (3)
A survey of historical periods of dress from early Egyptian
civilizations to present day with an emphasis on application to
stage usage.
181B. Costume Design for Theatre (3; max total 6)
Costume design for theatre and dance incorporating analysis
of script, research of historical period, selection of fabric,
preparation of budget, and rendering of plates. Emphasis on illustration
and design elements.
182A-B. Stage and Television Lighting (3-3)
Prerequisite: DRAMA 34 or 134A-B. (A) Instruments, control,
color, electromechanical factors and simplified design and planning
lighting leading to and resulting in a major public performance.
(B) Lighting as an art, design concepts; lighting plots, projections,
sequential cue relationships. Laboratory application, material
for major public performance.
183. Touring Theatre (1-3; max total 6)
(See DRAMA 83.)
185. History of the Theatre and Drama I (3)
History of European theatre and component arts from ancient
Greece through the mid-19th century; analysis of representative
examples.
186. History of the Theatre and Drama II (3)
Prerequisite: DRAMA 163. From Ibsen to the present; analysis
of representative examples.
188T. Topics in Theatre Arts (1-6; max total 9)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Selected topics may
include acting, children's theatre, creative dramatics, play direction,
technical theatre, theatre history, dramatic literature, and theatre
administration. (May include lab hours)
189. Projects in Production (1-3; max total 9)
(See DRAMA 89.)
190. Independent Study (1-3; max total 6)
See Academic Placement -- Independent
Study. Approved for SP grading.
194. Shakespeare (4)
(See ENGL 189.)
IN-SERVICE COURSE
(See Course Numbering System.)
Theatre Arts (DRAMA)
303. Topics in Theatre Arts (1-3)
In-service training in selected areas of drama/theatre arts.
Dance (DANCE)
A maximum of 12 units of dance technique courses
(DANCE 16, 117, 155, 158), ATHL, and KAC courses may be credited
toward the minimum B.A. graduation requirement of 124 units for
dance majors.
16. Introduction to Dance (3)
Exploration of basic concepts, techniques and styles through
study problems, video and critical readings. Dance concert attendance
may be required. G.E. Breadth E1. (Formerly DANCE 116)
20. Physical Theatre (3)
Incorporates the study of body awareness techniques, contact
improvisation, commedia dell' arte, clown work, and other physical
theatre traditions in an active exploration of actor training
and expression.
70. Balance BodyMind (3)
Study of the alignment of the body and continuum between inner,
cellular awareness of body through space. Promotes greater ease
in movement; reduced emotional stress; knowledge of the body as
process. Nondancers encouraged to enroll. G.E. Breadth E1. (Formerly
DANCE 170)
115. Dance Laboratory (1; max total 9)
Group laboratory experience in presentation of productions
for public performance. Not available for CR/NC grading.
117A. Modern Dance Technique (1; max total 2)
Basic aspect of modern dance technique. Emphasis on importance
of breath, body alignment, and rhythmic coordination; total movement
awareness.
117B. Modern Dance Technique (1; max total 2)
Beginning-intermediate level study of movement fundamentals,
locomotor activities, and expressive qualities; development of
balance, strength, breath coordination, and technical ability.
117C. Modern Dance Technique (2; max total 6)
Intermediate level of modern dance technique; center practice
and locomotor movement, stress on increased movement awareness
through individual technical development and personal expression.
117D. Modern Dance Technique (2; max total 12)
Advanced level in modern dance technique; elements of alignment,
flexibility, strength, rhythm, and energy flow. Exposure to techniques
of Limon, Nikolais, Humphrey, Graham, and others.
155A. Modern Jazz Dance (1)
Prerequisite: DANCE 116 or 158A. Rhythmic and stylistic devices
of jazz and rock movement using modern dance technique as a movement
foundation.
155B. Modern Jazz Technique (1)
An in-depth study of jazz dance techniques and different jazz
idioms; emphasis on individual style, freedom of expression.
158A. Ballet Technique (1; max total 2)
Beginning level of ballet technique. Basic principles of tournout,
plier, etentre, relever, sauter, tomber, tourner, muscular control,
and balance. Partial barre work, port de bras, adagio, centre
barre, petit allegro, and grand allegro.
158B. Ballet Technique (1; max total 2)
Beginning-intermediate level of ballet technique. Introduction
to important theories of French, Russian, Italian, and Danish
techniques. Extended practice of complete class; barre, port de
bras, adagio, centre barre, and allegro.
158C. Ballet Technique (2; max total 12)
Intermediate-advanced level of ballet technique. Concentrated
study and practice of French, Russian, Italian, and Danish concepts
and theories of technique.
158D. Ballet Technique (2; max total 12)
Advanced level of ballet technique. Advanced practice and
study of French, Russian, Italian, and Danish concepts and theories
of technique.
158P. Ballet Pointe (1)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Advanced level of
ballet technique and technical training for ballet pointe work.
Advanced study of style and theory used for ballet pointe.
159. Music as Dance Accompaniment (3)
Study of Western Classical Music Theory and History as it
relates to dance exposure to world music. Rhythmic analysis and
20th century approaches to music composition and dance. Development
of dancer's percussive and vocal abilities.
160. Creative Movement for Children (3)
Introduction to the basic concepts, principles, and methodology
needed to develop an awareness of the aesthetic experience through
dance and creative movement. The aesthetic qualities of dance
are stressed to develop the use of creative intelligence and imagination.
161. Musical Theatre (3)
Training of actors for musical auditions through fundamental
voice and movement techniques, study of how music and lyrics combine
to suggest character, and study of relationship of song, scene,
and choreography in various styles.
163. Portable Dance Troupe Company Class (2; max total 8)
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. By audition only,
held in fall semester and meets for two semesters. A repertory
class consisting of rehearsing, understudying, and performing
roles. This laboratory experience leads toward performances and
touring.
164. Dance History (3)
The historical development of dance from its origins to contemporary
forms including diverse cultural perspectives.
166. Dance Choreography (2; max total 16)
Choreography is approached through the exploration of resources,
including improvisation, use, and development of ideas, knowledge
of forms, and development of craft. Choreography will be presented
in class and performed.
168. Awareness Through Movement (3)
An introduction to the Feldenkrais Method -- movement sequences
that create new movement skills in the individual. Designed to
include movement and observation, analysis and the application
of this work in the fields of education and performance.
171. Philosophical Bases and Trends in Dance (3)
The elements and principles common to all arts and their relationship
to dance. G.E. Integration IC.
173. Theories of Improvisational Movement (3; max total 9)
Philosophical and physiological ideas in the possibilities
of spontaneity as they relate to the actual process of human movement.
174T. Topics in Dance (1-3; max total 12)
Selected topics may include philosophy, psychology, art, theatre,
and music as related to dance.
Theatre Arts Degrees