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:
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.
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
Theatre and Communication Arts Curriculum
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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 introduces the student to network configuration, interface and graphic design, software
development, business strategy, writing, marketing, and project management.
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 consists of 18 credits in addition to the student’s major requirements:
| 3 | Business and Professional Communications/ENGL 212 |
| 3 | Web Management and Design, and Lab/CIS 240, 241 |
| 3 | Internet Elective (by approval) |
| 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)
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* 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.