|
THEATRE AND COMMUNICATION ARTS
THEATRE AND COMMUNICATION ARTS
ANTHONY J. MICELI, Chairperson
FACULTY: Assistant Professors: Shawn Jeffrey
Clerkin, Robert Falkewitz, Mary Carol Gensheimer, Anthony J. Miceli,
Instructor: David T. Blaetz.
The Department of Theatre and Communication Arts serves
students who desire a thorough background in the theatre arts, communication
arts (specifically electronic media) or a combination of both. In addition to
meeting all the general Gannon University requirements for graduation, the
candidate for a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Department of Theatre and
Communication Arts must meet the following conditions:
- The student must have received credit for at least
128 hours of course work, of which a minimum of 33 hours originated in the
Department of Theatre and Communication Arts.
- The student must satisfactorily complete a Senior
Seminar and Thesis course.
Juniors and Seniors are eligible for professional
internships with WICU, WFXP, WQLN, WJET, Cablevision, local radio stations, new
media outlets, ad agencies and local theatre companies.
The graduate of this department will be qualified for
positions in professional theatre, television and radio as performers,
broadcasters and technicians; many graduates may find their fulfillment in
advertising, public relations, teaching, broadcast journalism, playwriting, new
media, industrial or commercial production and in public or private recreational
programs. Due to the students’ co-curricular participation in the Schuster
Theatre and WERG-FM (the University broadcast radio station) graduates leave the
department with a legitimate resume indicating practical expertise in
communications and theatre.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:
Theatre
THEA 111: Introduction to Theatre
A foundations course which specifically considers Theatre as a Liberal Art, focusing on theatre
as a multi cultural phenomenon.
3 credits
THEA 112: Scene Technology
An examination of the technologies and practices of theatrical production. Emphasis is given to
the interrelationship of the production team and the processes by which theatre is created.
3 credits
THEA 140: Fundamentals of Acting
A laboratory course exploring the fundamental craft of acting. Development of skills in
creativity, improvisation, imagination, concentration, and text analysis.
3 credits
THEA 211: Analysis of Dramatic Literature
An examination of traditional and non-traditional models of theatrical analysis. Emphasis on
creative problem solving, critical and analytical thinking with an eye toward creating theatre.
(Writing intensive)
3 credits
THEA 212: Issues in Theatre History
An historiographical survey of the forces which have created theatrical forms. Emphasis on
Aesthetic, Social, Political, and Economic influences. (Writing intensive)
3 credits
THEA 221: Voice and Diction
A practical examination of the voice as a communicative tool. Emphasis on vocal flexibility,
breathing, vocal expansion, and a working understanding of the phonetic alphabet.
3 credits
THEA 251: Principles of Design
An exploration of the fundamental principles of design: space, time, composition, etc. Emphasis
on creative problem solving and aesthetic development.
3 credits
THEA 252: Costume and Makeup Techniques
This course is designed to introduce the student to the basic materials and techniques of
theatrical stage makeup. Emphasis will be on basic application of two-dimensional makeup,
analysis of character as it relates to physical appearance, the development of a makeup
portfolio and morgue, and exposure to more advanced three-dimensional techniques.
An examination of costume as part of the character mask completes the overview.
3 credits
THEA 310: Principles of Play Directing
A laboratory exploration of the directing process from play selection and analysis to rehearsal
techniques. Emphasis on developing leadership qualities, communication skills, and aesthetic
sensitivity.
3 credits
THEA 331: Writing for the Theatre
Practical writing experience at transferring ideas into written dramatic forms, including
playwriting and critical writing. (Writing intensive)
3 credits
THEA 390-399: Special Topics/Electives/Independent Study
Specialty and elective courses offered on a rotating basis: Modern and Contemporary Drama and
Theatre, Stage Combat, Make-up and Costuming, Advanced Acting, Light Design, Theatre Management,
Rehearsal and Performance, Musical Theater, etc.
3 credits
THEA 400: Senior Seminar and Thesis (Writing Intensive)
Senior status required.
3 credits
THEA 421: Theatre Criticism
A capstone course focusing on ethical, moral, and aesthetic issues. Emphasis on both written
and oral application of the principles of criticism to specific problems. (Writing intensive)
Communication Arts
COMM 111: History of Radio and Television Broadcasting
A survey of the technological and programming history of television and radio inclusive of
government, social opinion, and advertising influences from the beginning to present.
3 credits, Fall
COMM 112: Broadcast Programming
A study of the theory and technique of programming for radio, television and cable. Topics
include the design and implementation of radio formats and television program schedules with a
focus on the marketing and managerial aspects of the program executive’s role in station
operations.
3 credits, Spring
COMM 161: Practicum in Television, Radio and Theatre
Practicum is a “hands on” class in which the students gain one credit for planned discussion
sessions and project-based experience in theatre, radio, video and new media. The course will
introduce the first time student to the inner workings of “department people” and “department
projects.” The student will begin the process of portfolio development, take part in departmental
activities, and participate in a final production.
1 credit, Fall
COMM 211: Television Production
A skills orientation in the basic technological considerations of television production
inclusive of camera, lighting, audio, film and slide chains, graphics, special effects and
switching.
3 credits
COMM 230: Television and Radio Performance
A practice in the skills of basic performance and broadcast styles, ranging from news and
interview formats to dramatic presentation, emphasizing specific talent problems.
3 credits
COMM 241: Radio Production Techniques
A study of audio mixing and editing techniques in commercials, promos, and news applications.
Professional material from the RAB will be used in class.
3 credits
COMM 250: WERGi
The purpose of this course is to develop skills in online/digital radio production and
performance. Through planning, writing, production, performance and feedback, the student
will be able to build a portfolio of quality audio work. This course involves a skill
orientation in the basic technological considerations of digital audio production, inclusive of
computers, microphones, on-air work, special effects, and editing. There is an additional
emphasis on the process of radio show preparation and quality air shift production.
Prerequisites: COMM 241
3 credits
COMM 281: Internet Information Management
An examination of the importance of information management within an organization. Emphasis
will be on analytical skills necessary to control and utilize the Internet. This course serves
the Webmaster Minor Program.
3 credits
COMM 321: Broadcast Copywriting
A study of the forms and formats of material suitable for both radio and television with an
analysis of selected problems in the commercial uses of the media; practice in selection,
adaptation and organization of content and production materials such as film, slides and
graphics.
3 credits
COMM 330: Small Format TV
A survey of the growing uses of video for instructional, institutional, corporate, and public
access applications. The emphasis will be on the planning, scripting and production aspects of
these non-broadcast forms.
Prerequisite: COMM 211 TV Prod
3 credits
COMM 340: Introduction Radio/TV Engineering
A study of the technical aspects of radio-TV broadcasting. Consideration is given to FCC
regulations and to types of apparatus used by stations.
3 credits
COMM 341: Broadcast Management
A study of the basic principles of management theory as they apply specifically to broadcast
station organization, programming, sales, engineering, and the broadcast regulatory environment
using both lecture and case study approaches.
3 credits
COMM 350: Criticism in Television and Radio
An historical consideration of public opinion and the major media critics of the electronic
media with practical writing experience in evaluating network television and local radio.
Prerequisite: Junior/Senior status
3 credits
COMM 356: Digital Graphics (formerly TV Graphics)
Digital Graphics is an exploration of the theories and skills required for visual electronic
communication. Using traditional and non-traditional studio techniques, the student will
produce a portfolio of electronic imagery. Through this accumulation of sensitivities and
skills, the student will be able to effectively and efficiently produce messages for the
electronic media. (Requirement for Webmaster minor.)
3 credits
COMM 371: Internet Resource Management
A study of the impact of the Internet connected environment on the firm with an eye to
developing strategies for net related productivity and profitability of an organization.
This course serves the Webmaster Minor Program.
3 credits
COMM 380: Broadcast Law and Regulation
A study of the laws and regulations that comprise the legal environment of broadcasting. The
course moves from the historical perspective to current applications of Federal Law and FCC Rules
and Regulations.
3 credits
COMM 381: Advertising for Electronic Media
A study of skills and theory of Radio and Television advertising salesmanship. Includes
discussion of ratings, rate structures, advertising packages, station promotions and role play
in sales techniques.
3 credits
COMM 390-394: Special Topics in Radio/TV
1-3 credits
COMM 395-399: Independent Study
1-3 credits
COMM 400: Senior Seminar and Thesis
Senior status required.
3 credits
COMM 411: Broadcast Newswriting and Production
An examination of the techniques used in writing material for broadcast in
contrast to print, including shaping the spoken
message to conform to broadcasting time limitations.
Prerequisite: COMM 211
3 credits
COMM 490: Professional Internship I in TV/Radio/Theatre
A full-semester work experience with a professional communications system. Internships at other
Radio/TV stations and advertising agencies available based on student’s interests and career
goals. Requires recommendation of Department Chairman.
3 credits
COMM 491: Professional Internship II in TV/Radio/Theatre
A full-semester work experience with a professional communications system. Requires
recommendation of Department Chairman.
3 credits
Speech
SPCH 111: Fundamentals of Speech
Procedures of preparing and delivering the public platform speech with
emphasis on personal credibility, physical technique
and effective vocal principles.
3 credits
SPCH 313: Advanced Speech
A direct and individualized study of voice production, group discussion and
platform procedure.
Prerequisite: SPCH 111
3 credits
SPCH 322: Argumentation and Debate
Practice in the art of rhetoric as it relates to persuasive, logical
speech-making.
Prerequisite: SPCH 111
3 credits
SPCH 390-394: Special Topics in Speech
1-3 credits
Back to Top
Theatre and Communication Arts Curriculum
| FRESHMAN | |
SOPHOMORE |
| 3 | English Composition/LENG 111 |
| 3 | Crit Analysis & Comp/LENG 112 |
| 3 | Hist of West & World/LHST 111 |
| 3 | Invitation to Philosophy/LPHI 231 |
| 3 | Speech/SPCH 111 |
| 3 | LS Science |
| 3 | Sacred Scripture/LTHE 121 |
| 9 | Major Sequence* |
| 2 | Electives/Cognates |
| 32 | Credits |
|
|
| 6 | Foreign Language |
| 3 | Philosophy Series II/LPHI 233 |
| 3 | Theology Series II/LTHE 223 |
| 3 | Literature Series/LENG 240 |
| 15 | Major Sequence* |
| 2 | Cognates/Electives |
| 32 | Credits |
|
| |
| JUNIOR | |
SENIOR |
| 3 | Fine Art Series/LFIN 250/253 |
| 3 | Theology or Phil Series III/LTHE 227 or LPHI 237 |
| 3 | Social Science Series |
| 3 | Math |
| 17 | Major Sequence* |
| 3 | Electives/Cognates |
| 32 | Credits |
|
|
| 26 | Major Sequence* |
| 6 | Cognates/Electives |
| 32 | Credits |
|
| |
| |
*ComArt Sequence
(Numerals in front of courses indicate credits)
| FRESHMAN | | SOPHOMORE |
| 3 | COMM 111 |
| 3 | COMM 122 |
| 3 | Elective/Cognate** |
| 1 | Practicum/COMM 161 |
| 10 | Credits |
|
|
| 3 | COMM 230 |
| 3 | COMM 211 |
| 3 | COMM 241 |
| 3 | THEA 140, 310, 221 |
| 3 | Elective/Cognate** |
| 15 | Credits |
|
| |
| JUNIOR | | SENIOR |
| 3 | COMM 321 |
| 3 | COMM 330,340 |
| 3 | ENGL 371 |
| 3 | COMM 350 |
| 5 | Electives/Cognates** |
| 17 | Credits |
|
|
| 3 | SPCH 313,322 |
| 3 | COMM 400 |
| 20 | Electives/Cognates** |
| 26 | Credits |
|
| |
*Theatre Sequence
| FRESHMAN | | SOPHOMORE |
| 6 | THEA 111-112 |
| 3 | THEA 140 |
| 1 | Practicum/COMM 161 |
| 10 | Credits |
|
|
| 3 | THEA 211 |
| 3 | THEA 251 |
| 3 | THEA 212 |
| 6 | Electives/Cognates** |
| 15 | Credits |
|
| |
| JUNIOR | | SENIOR |
| 3 | COMM 211, 230 or 241 |
| 3 | THEA 310 or 333 |
| 3 | THEA 331 |
| 8 | Electives/Cognates** |
| 17 | Credits |
|
|
| 3 | THEA 421 |
| 3 | THEA 400 |
| 20 | Electives/Cognates** |
| 26 | Credits |
|
| |
*Theatre and ComArt Sequence
| FRESHMAN | | SOPHOMORE |
| 6 | THEA 111-112 |
| 3 | COMM 111 |
| 1 | Practicum/COMM 161 |
| 10 | Credits |
|
|
| 3 | THEA 211 |
| 3 | THEA 140, 221 or COMM 230 |
| 3 | COMM 211, 241 |
| 6 | Elective/Cognate** |
| 15 | Credits |
|
| |
| JUNIOR | | SENIOR |
| 3 | COMM 231 |
| 3 | THEA 251, 310 or 330 |
| 11 | Electives/Cognates** |
| 17 | Credits |
|
|
| 3 | THEA 421 or COMM 350 |
| 3 | THEA 400 or COMM 400 |
| 17 | Electives/Cognates** |
| 3 | COMM 341 |
| 26 | Credits |
|
| |
COGNATES
**NOTE: The student is advised to coordinate the 15 credits of Cognates in
order to provide an area of secondary emphasis based upon the student’s interest
and career goals. The student may choose courses from Marketing, Management,
Foreign Languages, the Social Sciences, Earth Science, and English.
THEATRE MINOR
Completion of the following 15 credits will satisfy the requirement for a minor in Theatre.
|
| | 3 | Introduction to Theatre/THEA 111 |
| 3 | Scene Technology/THEA 112 |
| 3 | Basic Acting or Directing/THEA 140, THEA 310 |
| 3 | Issues in Theatre History/THEA 212 |
| 3 | Analysis of Dramatic Literature/THEA 211 |
| 15 | Credits |
|
INTERNET SERVICES MINOR
The Minor is an
interdisciplinary program administered by the Department of Theatre,
Communications, and Fine Arts. The Internet Manager manages corporate websites,
and is responsible for developing relevant online content. The Minor introduces
the student to network configuration, interface and graphic design, software
development, business strategy, writing, marketing, and project management.
The Minor consists of 18 credits in addition to the student’s
major requirements:
|
| | 3 | Business and Professional Communications/ENGL 212 |
| 3 | Webserver Management and Lab/CIS 240, 241 |
| 3 | Internet Information Management/COMM 281 |
| 3 | Organizational Behavior/BCOR 316 |
| 3 | Internet Resource Management/COMM 371 |
| 3 | Digital Graphics/COMM 356 |
|
THE NEXT STEP
Baccalaureate Degree Program for Graduates of Two Year Colleges
Communication Arts
(Numerals in front of courses indicate credits)
| PRE-SENIOR YEAR | |
SENIOR YEAR |
| 3 | Hist of Radio-TV Broadcast/COMM 111 |
| 3 | TV/Radio Performance/COMM 230 |
| 3 | TV Production/COMM 211 |
| 3 | Intro to TV/Radio Engineer/COMM 340 or Small Format TV/COMM 330 |
| 3 | Radio Programming/COMM 122 |
| 3 | Fundamentals of Speech/SPCH 111 |
| 3 | Mass Media/ENGL 371 |
| 3 | Sacred Scripture/LTHE 121 |
| 3 | Invitation to Philosophy/LPHI 231 |
| 3 | Theology or Phil Series III/LTHE 227 or LPHI 237 |
| 3 | Elective |
| 1 | Practicum/COMM 161 |
| 34 | Credits |
|
|
| 3 | Broadcast Copywriting/COMM 321 |
| 3 | Radio Production/COMM 241 |
| 3 | Criticism in Television and Radio/COMM 350 |
| 3 | Senior Seminar & Thesis/COMM 400* |
| 3 | Advanced Speech/SPCH 313 or Argumentation and Debate/SPCH 322 |
| 3 | Fine Art Series/LFIN 250/251 |
| 3 | Literature Series/LENG 240 |
| 3 | Theatre/THEA 221/140/310 |
| 9 | Electives/Cognates/Practicum |
| 33 | Credits |
|
* fulfills LBST 383 requirement
All students graduating from Humanities must have completed six credits of a
Modern Foreign Language. If a student has not completed six credits of a foreign
language in the associate degree program, he or she must complete them as part
of the Next Step program.
Students will be permitted to take other courses in substitution for any of
the courses listed above which they satisfactorily completed prior to admission
to this program. Students are required to complete 18 credits in the Core of
Discovery Program at Gannon.
Note: Some of these courses are taught on a
three-semester rotation so the actual timing may be changed.
Back to Top
|
