BA Theatre Arts

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Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will develop a fundamental knowledge of theatrical history as well as dramatic literature;
  2. Students will acquire skills necessary to do script/text analysis;
  3. Students will demonstrate the theoretical precepts found in both production and performance;
  4. Students will be exposed to a variety of theatrical skills and apply this knowledge in practical, Learn by Doing situations;
  5. Students will practice values and ethics that foster an inclusive environment where theatrical activity can flourish;
  6. Students will develop written proficiency in a wide variety of assignments.

Student Learning Objectives

1.1 - Investigate the conventions, innovations, principles and prominent practitioners of the primary periods of theatrical history, including western and non-western forms;

1.2 - Recognize and demonstrate knowledge of a significant number of plays that are representative of key theatrical periods;

1.3 - Articulate the basic principles of the major genres of dramatic literature;

1.4 - Explore the political, social, and aesthetic context in which theatre has occurred;

1.5 - Articulate historiographic considerations of the theatrical past;

2.1 - Analyze a play from a design perspective, creating an environment that captures the theme and spirit of a play;

2.2 - Analyze a play from a directorial point of view, being able to articulate the structure, construct a character analysis for each role, formulate movement, and craft interaction that illuminates the theme and spirit of a play;

2.3 - Analyze a play from a dramaturgical perspective, understanding the historical context and social conventions in which the play was written or is set;

3.1 - Apply scholarly research to the process of design, playwriting, directing, and creating a character;

3.2 - Create and communicate concepts using appropriate visual means and with vocal clarity;

3.3 - Develop investigative skills;

3.4 - Think critically;

3.5 - Integrate other-created and self-imagined solutions;

4.1 - Develop and apply the principles and process involved in creating a design;

4.2 - Synthesize and apply the principles and process in directing a play;

4.3 - Recognize and apply the principles and process in writing a play;

4.4 - Analyze and apply the principles and process in the creation and portrayal of a character;

4.5 - Develop vocal, physical, and imaginative skills in order to express their ideas and vision;

4.6 - Recognize and apply construction techniques used in building and painting scenery or construction costumes;

4.7 - Utilize scene or costume shop machinery in a safe and appropriate manner;

4.8 - Understand the role of the stage manager, publicist, producer, house manager and box office manager;

5.1 - Develop an understanding of diverse and non-traditional theatrical conventions and viewpoints;

5.2 - Practice discipline, develop strong time management skills, and display commitment to process;

5.3 - Work in a respectful, collaborative environment;

5.4 - Create a community that stands for the values of inclusion, participation, and compassion for everyone;

6.1 - Understand the research process and write research reports;

6.2 - Critically analyze theatre performance through written reviews;

6.3 - Write a one-act play;

6.4 - Write coherent, persuasive critical analysis essays in a variety of topics drawn from history, literature, and theory.

Degree Requirements and Curriculum

In addition to the program requirements listed on this page, students must also satisfy requirements outlined in more detail in the Minimum Requirements for Graduation section of this catalog, including:

  • 60 units of upper-division courses
  • 2.0 GPA
  • Graduation Writing Requirement (GWR)
  • U.S. Cultural Pluralism 

Note: No Major or Support courses may be selected as credit/no credit.

MAJOR COURSES
TH 201First Year Theatre Experience4
TH 220Acting I4
TH 225Costume Construction I4
TH 227Theatre History I (C1) 14
or TH 228 Theatre History II
TH 230Stagecraft I4
TH 290Script Analysis4
TH 295Foundations in Theatrical Design4
TH 305Topics in Diversity on the American Stage (GE Electives) (USCP) 14
TH 325Costume Construction II4
or TH 330 Stagecraft II
TH 345Mainstage Rehearsal and Performance4
or TH 355 Mainstage Production
TH 350Seminar in Playwriting4
TH 430Scenic Design4
or TH 432 Costume Design
TH 450Directing4
TH 461Senior Project Seminar4
Lower-Division Electives
Select from the following:16
Verbatim Theatre
Acting II
Improvisational Theatre
Introduction to Stage Management
Technical Theatre Production
Technology in Theatrical Design
Voice and Diction for the Stage
Scenic Painting
Stage Make-Up
Selected Topics 2
Body Awareness and Expression
Internship
Upper-Division Electives
Select from the following:16
Topics in Diversity on the American Stage 3
Physical Theatre
Costume Construction II 4
Stagecraft II 4
Mainstage Rehearsal and Performance 5
Mainstage Production 5
Costume History
Theatre for Young Audiences
Global Theatre and Performance
Special Problems for Advanced Undergraduates
Acting III
Scenic Design 4
Costume Design 4
Lighting Design
Selected Advanced Topics 2
Selected Advanced Laboratory 2
Advanced Internship
SUPPORT COURSE
ENGL 339Introduction to Shakespeare (Upper-Division C) 14
GENERAL EDUCATION (GE)
(See GE program requirements below.)60
FREE ELECTIVES
Free Electives 628
At least 4 units of free electives must be at the 300-400 level to ensure completion of the required minimum of 60 units of upper-division courses. Consult college advisor for additional information.
Total units180

General Education (GE) Requirements

  • 72 units required, 12 of which are specified in Major and/or Support.
  • If any of the remaining 60 units is used to satisfy a Major or Support requirement, additional units of Free Electives may be needed to complete the total units required for the degree.
  • See the complete GE course listing.
  • A grade of C- or better is required in one course in each of the following GE Areas: A1 (Oral Communication), A2 (Written Communication), A3 (Critical Thinking), and B4 (Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning). 
Area AEnglish Language Communication and Critical Thinking
A1Oral Communication4
A2Written Communication4
A3Critical Thinking4
Area BScientific Inquiry and Quantitative Reasoning
B1Physical Science4
B2Life Science4
B3One lab taken with either a B1 or B2 course
B4Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning4
Upper-Division B4
Area CArts and Humanities
Lower-division courses in Area C must come from three different subject prefixes.
C1Arts: Arts, Cinema, Dance, Music, Theater (4 units in Major) 10
C2Humanities: Literature, Philosophy, Languages other than English4
Lower-Division C Elective - Select a course from either C1 or C24
Upper-Division C (4 units in Support) 10
Area DSocial Sciences - Select courses in Area D from at least two different prefixes
D1American Institutions (Title 5, Section 40404 Requirement)4
D2Lower-Division D4
Upper-Division D4
Area ELifelong Learning and Self-Development
Lower-Division E4
Area F Ethnic Studies
F Ethnic Studies4
GE Electives in Areas B, C, and D
Select courses from two different areas; may be lower-division or upper-division courses.
GE Electives (4 units in Major plus 4 units in GE) 14
Total units60