Course Descriptions
*From the 1999-2000 Bulletin
CTA 115. Introduction to Theatre
A study of the nature of the art of theatre, its evolution,
and its importance to the development of human relationships and culture.
This course will include a brief survey of theatre history, an introduction to
script analysis, and an exploration of each facet of theatre production,
including acting, directing, and design.
CTA 165. Introduction to Mass Media
A survey of the field of mass communication and a discussion
of the mass media industries and the consequences of media messages on
individuals, society, and culture.
CTA 200. Introduction to Communication and Theatre Studies
An examination of concepts, issues, and methods in
communication, mass communication, film, and dramatic theory as they relate to
the range of behaviors which comprise performance in these areas. The
course focuses on themes of current interest and on fundamental research,
inquiry, critical and creative thinking, and analytical skills.
CTA 218. Beginning Acting
Basic experience in the fundamentals of acting for the stage
and the camera. Emphasis will be given to movement, improvisations, scene
analysis, and performance techniques.
CTA 235. Stagecraft
A survey of the materials, tools, and techniques used in the
drafting, construction, and painting of scenery for the stage and screen.
CTA 250. Interpersonal Communication
A study of the theories of interpersonal communication with
emphasis on the application of these principles.
CTA 251. Group Communication
A study of theoretical and practical issues arising from
human communication within the context of the group. The student will
examine the impact of power, leadership, and member participation as manifested
in group decision making, problem solving, and conflict management.
CTA 256. Public Speaking
A study of rhetorical theory with an emphasis on preparation
and presentation of different types of speeches. The course enables the
student to transmit meanings with accuracy, concreteness, and clarity; to
communicate in ways that resolve misunderstanding; to express clear preferences
and justify them; to advocate decisions in keeping with personal integrity and
the rights of others; and to discover and promote ethical standards in public
address.
CTA 260. The Rhetoric of Contemporary Issues
This course examines the way that contemporary issues are
shaped by language and symbol use. It borrows basic theoretical principles
from rhetorical studies, argumentation, and persuasion to provide students with
the ability to think critically and speak persuasively about the issues of the
day.
CTA 272. Introduction to Film
An introductory course in which the forms and conventions of
films are studied. An examination of the basic characteristics of film,
with some attention to its relationship to written literature, traditional
dramatic forms, and other forms of mass communication.
CTA 275. Contemporary Electronic Media
Current issues and trends in commercial broadcasting, public
broadcasting, and cable casting. Focus is on the social, political,
economic, and legal aspects of the electronic media.
CTA 276. Video Production
An introductory course in the fundamentals of video
production designed to familiarize the student with the elements involved in the
design and execution of video productions. Students plan, shoot, and edit
production assignments aimed at improving both their technical skills and their
aesthetic judgments.
CTA 290. Intercollegiate Debate
Academic course credit for those who actively
participate in competitive intercollegiate debate.
CTA 292. Theatre
Practicum
Academic credit for those who execute
significant creative assignments in theatre productions.
CTA 300. Communication and Culture
An examination of the significance of power
and culture in the formation of communication patterns, in the performance of
communication roles, in the representation of concepts, and in the
interpretation of symbols and signs. The course focuses on how
communication creates and builds culture, and is in turn created by culture.
CTA 301. Media
Criticism
This course examines television programs and
films as cultural artifacts from a variety of critical perspectives.
Examination of television and film reviews; auteur and genre criticism, mythic
and ideological criticism, feminist criticism, and cultural criticism.
CTA 302. Directing
A study of the principles and methods of
direction for the stage and the camera. Special attention will be given to
script analysis, movement, picture, and the needs of the actor. Each
student will direct a one-act play or scene for stage or television.
CTA 315. Oral
Interpretation
Experience developing methods and techniques
for vocal and physical presentation of an oral reading. Methods of
selection, analysis, and execution will be studied through performance.
CTA 323. Creative
Dramatics
A thorough study of the theories, principles,
and techniques in original dramatizations for children and youth. Designed
to provide leadership experiences in creative drama for students in the
performing arts, elementary and secondary education, religious education, social
work, and playground and recreational activities.
CTA 326. A Survey of Theatre
History
A survey of the development of Western theatre
from its primitive origins to the present.
CTA 336. Lighting
for Stage and Screen
The study of the physics and principles of
lighting design for stage, television, and film. Emphasis will also be
given to script analysis and interpretation into the medium of light.
CTA 337. Scene
Design
The study of the principles of set design for
stage and film. Students will analyze dramatic literature, research period
style, and develop renderings, floor plans, and three-dimensional models for
various plays.
CTA 338. Costume
Design
The study of the social and cultural milieu
that influenced historical dress and its research application to designing
costumes for theatre and film. Emphasis will also be placed on designing
costume plates for a particular play, and on the development of skills necessary
in costume construction, including drafting and draping patterns, cutting, and
stitching, as well as fabric painting and dyeing.
CTA 353. Communication in Organizations
A study of organizational theory and its
application to professional situations. The focus is the development of
knowledge and skills that enhance the communicator's effectiveness in
organizational settings.
CTA 357. American
Public Address
A course in theory, composition, delivery, and
criticism of the public speech. Emphasis is placed on the historical and
critical role of public address in American political, religious, professional,
and intellectual life.
CTA 358. Argumentation
A study of the principles of argumentation and
their application to communication. Focus is on the ability to use
critical thinking skills in developing and supporting a reasoned argument.
CTA 360. Persuasion
This course examines the importance of persuasion
in social and cultural interactions, interpersonal relationships, politics,
religion, and mass media. The focus is on developing a critical response
to persuasive messages.
CTA 370. Public
Relations: Theory and Methods
Students examine the functions of pubic
relations in the modern organization, and develop the analytical skills
necessary to identify and solve public relations problems and understand the
legal and ethical constraints upon the public relations practitioner.
CTA 371. Beginning
Playwriting
The goal of this course is to introduce the
student to the conventions and techniques of playwriting. Students will
complete exercises leading to the creation of an original one-act play.
CTA 372. Screenwriting
The art, craft, and business of screenwriting from
theoretical and practical perspectives. Topics include: the nature
of the screenplay formats and structures; creation and development of premise,
plot, character, and action; scene writing; adaptation issues; place of the
screenwriter in the collaborative process of film making; and marketing
strategies.
CTA 373. Theory
and History of Film
A historical overview of the major movements
and theories, as well as technological innovations, that have created twentieth
century film art.
CTA 381. Broadcast
News
Application of principles of broadcast news to
the gathering, writing, and production of news for electronic media.
CTA 400. Senior
Seminar
An examination of ethics in communication with
consideration given to conflicting modes of communication in contemporary
society.
CTA 490. Special Topics
CTA 495. Directed Independent Study
CTA 498. Internship