Gannon University

ANTHONY J. MICELI, Chairperson

FACULTY: Assistant Professors: Shawn Jeffrey Clerkin, Robert Falkewitz, Mary Carol Gensheimer, Anthony J. Miceli, Instructors: Paula Barrett, David T. Blaetz.

The Department of Theatre and Communication Arts serves students who desire a thorough preparation 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.
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.
1-3 credits

THEA 400: Senior Seminar and Thesis (Writing Intensive)
Prerequisite: COMM 350 or THEA 421, 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 162: Practicum in Media and Theatre
Students gain one credit for practical hands-on experience in media and theatre activities on and off campus under the direct supervision of the department's faculty and staff members.
1 credit

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 262: Practicum in Media and Theatre
Students gain one credit for practical hands-on experience in media and theatre activities on and off campus under the direct supervision of the department's faculty and staff members.
1 credit

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: Corporate Video
A survey of the growing uses of video for instructional, institutional, corporate, and public access applications. The emphasis will be on the planning, scripting, production and computer editing of these non-broadcast forms.  The editing system software used is "Adobe Premiere Pro".
Prerequisite: COMM 211 TV Prod
3 credits

COMM 341: Media 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: Media Ethics and Criticism
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
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 Internet Services minor.)
3 credits

COMM 357: Animation
Animation class is designed to explore the area of visual communication in the digital media, specifically the areas of vector graphics and motion. Through the exploration of various fundamental animation techniques, the student will create a portfolio of moving images and text. Through the accumulation of sensitivities and skills in creating animated visuals, the student will be able to communicate, effectively and efficiently, in the digital and electronic medium.
3 credits

COMM 358: Digital Drawing
Digital Drawing is a drawing class designed to explore the area of visual communication in the digital media. The student will use both pencil and digital stylus to create images. In addition, the student will explore the relationship between the "objective of the communication" and its influence on the plan for the image. The student will create a portfolio of various vector-based images. The software used is "Adobe Illustrator." Skill in drawing is required. Drawing skill will be part of the evaluation.
3 credits

COMM 362: Practicum in Media and Theatre
Students gain one credit for practical hands-on experience in media and theatre activities on and off campus under the direct supervision of the department's faculty and staff members.
1 credit

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 Internet Services Minor Program.
3 credits

COMM 380: Media 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: Communication Research and Thesis
Prerequisite: COMM 350 or THEA 421 Senior status required.  For majors only.
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 462: Practicum in Media and Theatre
Students gain one credit for practical hands-on experience in media and theatre activities on and off campus under the direct supervision of the department's faculty and staff members.
1 credit

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

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Theatre and Communication Arts Curriculum

  THEATRE MINOR
Completion of the following 15 credits will satisfy the requirement for a minor in Theatre.

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:

THE NEXT STEP

Baccalaureate Degree Program for Graduates of Two Year Colleges
Communication Arts
(Numerals in front of courses indicate 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.

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