Foundations Courses | Thematic Sequences | Capstones

Foundations Courses (MPF)

THE 101 Introduction to Theatre: Drama and Analysis (3 cr)

Examination of drama and theatre production as modes of human expression focusing on script analysis and relating style to historical and contemporary production values.

THE 103 Introduction to Theatre: Production and Performance (1 cr)

Practical application of techniques in performance, technical production, and management. Involves a minimum of 40 hours per semester, planned around student's schedule and demands within area of participation.

THE 101 and 103 must be taken together. These courses are intended for students with some familiarity of theatre, and are excellent choices for those who have done theatre in high school or community theatre. The combination can be pretty intense for novices to the field. Those looking for a less intense theatre course might consider THE 191: Experiencing Theatre.

THE 123 Acting for the Non-Major (3 cr)

Introduction to the art of acting for the non-theatre major. Focuses on developing basic acting skills through improvisation, research, collaboration, script interpretation, group exercises and possible scene work; includes study of dramatic analysis, contextual work, and acting theory. Credit cannot be applied to the major degree in theatre.

THE 191 Experiencing Theatre (3 cr)

Introduction to all aspects of the theatre art, both in a large group setting and in small group break-outs. This course will help students appreciate the theatre as future audience members by engaging them in a hands-on look at how theatre is made. Students will both watch live theatre and create live theatre. Credit cannot be applied to the theatre major or minor.

Thematic Sequences (MPT)

Modern Theatre and Drama (T01)

This sequence offers a systematic study of the influences, backgrounds, playwrights, and theatre artists that have brought about contemporary theatre production practice, style, and dramaturgy. The eclecticism of 20th Century theatre reflects the shifting realities of science,culture, politics, and aesthetics in a way that mirrors our attempts to understand ourselves and our world. The objective is to reach an integrative knowledge of the connectedness of art and society to understand how in creating an image of our lives, in forging new realities, in exploring new forms and styles, theatre artists have helped define our response to the world and our experience.

Sequence Requirements:

One foundation course

THE 101 Introduction to Theatre: Drama and Analysis (MPF)(3) and THE 103 Introduction to Theatre: Production and Performance (MPF)(1)

or  THE 191 Experiencing Theatre (MPF)(3)

plus

THE 393 Cultural, Ethnic, and Gender Issues in Dramatic Literature

plus ONE of the following

THE 391 Modern American Theatre (3)

THE 392 Modern European Theatre (3)

THE 395 History of the American Musical Theatre I (3)

THE 396 History of the American Musical Theatre II (3)

If you would like to register for this thematic sequence please contact Julia Guichard.

London Theatre (T02)

London Theatre is an exploration of the rich tradition and contemporary diversity of theatre in London and the historical, cultural, and critical context from which they spring. Students will travel to London, home to Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, The Royal National Theatre, and the West End, for a four-week immersion, attending performances, thinking critically about them, and learning about styles of dramatic expression particular to Britain's theatrical present and past. In addition, students will tour important cultural and historical sights both in and beyond London. Possibilities beyond London include Oxford, Cambridge, and Shakespeare's birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon. Travel happens during the Winter Term.

Sequence Requirements:

One foundations course, taken in any semester prior to travel to London

THE 101 Theatre Production I: Theory and Analysis (MPF)(3) and THE 103 Theatre Production Laboratory (MPF)(1)

or  THE 191 Experiencing Theatre (MPF)(3)

Plus

THE 494/594 London Theatre (taken in London during Winter Term)

Plus ONE of the following (taken in London during Winter Term)

THE 392 Modern European Theatre

THE 393 Cultural, Ethnic and Gender Issues in Dramatic Literature

THE 439/539 Special Techniques for the Actor

THE 450/550 Special Topics in Theatre Design and Technology

THE 491/591 Theatre History I (Middle Ages to Renaissance)

The London Theatre program may either meet the Miami Plan Thematic Sequence requirement OR, it can be used to meet Foundations IIA: Fine Arts and Category IIIA: Study Abroad. It cannot satisfy BOTH requirements.

For information on the London Theatre program contact Lewis Magruder.

To register for it as a thematic sequence contact Julia Guichard.

Capstones

THE 490: Theatre and the Cultural Aesthetic

Reflects on the entire baccalaureate experience through the systematic exploration of historical and/or contemporary issues. Establishes a series of topics and a focus for every unit. The four units address

foundations in aesthetic theoretical positions

models from the past and present

extensions into other contemporary cultures

projections into a global future.

Integrates the theory and practice experience to broaden understanding of issues theatre artists encounter as they interact with, reflect on, and interpret the circumstances of their society.

The capstone is typically offered in the spring semester and is open to any major.