Communication and Theatre
Students in Communication and Theatre study the process by which messages are devised and disseminated. Attention is given to the various roles and stages in the communication process. The contexts of communication, including rhetoric, interpersonal communication, media, and theatre, are analyzed and distinguished. As a crossroads discipline, communication is studied from the humanities, artistic, and social science perspectives. The study of communication is built around a framework that allows for an understanding of theory, opportunity for criticism of messages and practice and research in the discipline. Students study a wide range of communication areas, including rhetoric, interpersonal communication, media and theatre. Communication students can apply their understanding of this vital process in a variety of fields, such as corporate communication, public relations, personnel, advertising, marketing, law, mass media, sales, public service and the performing arts. Most communication students participate in co-curricular activities, such as debate, theatre (DePauw Theatre) and student mass media (WGRE-FM radio and D3TV cable access television). Two majors and three minors are offered in Communication and Theatre.
Requirements for a major
Communication
| Total courses required | Nine |
|---|---|
| Core courses | COMM 200 |
| Other required courses | Students majoring in communication must take coursework in the three areas of the department (rhetoric and interpersonal communication, media studies and theatre). To meet the theatre coursework requirement students must take one of the following: COMM 111, COMM 117, COMM 210, COMM 211, COMM 213, COMM 214, COMM 311, COMM 314, or COMM 315. To meet the media studies coursework requirement students must take one of the following: COMM 233, COMM 235, COMM 237, or COMM 334.. To meet the rhetoric and interpersonal coursework requirement students must take one of the following: COMM 223, COMM 225, COMM 227, COMM 322, COMM 323, COMM 325, COMM 326, COMM 327 or COMM 328. Substitution of a departmental topics course for one of these other required courses may be approved by the department chair. |
| Number 300 and 400 level courses | Four |
| Senior requirement and capstone experience | As the capstone experience to the specific study of Communication and Theatre within the liberal arts, the senior seminar or project will entail original research or a creative project. Seminar topics are broadly defined so that students with specific interests within the major (media studies, interpersonal communication and rhetoric, and theatre) may integrate those interests successfully in the completion of an original research or creative project. Seminars are writing and speaking intensive. Recent topics include Gender, Social Movements, Critical Theory and Performance, Utopias, Representations of America, Social Construction and Identity, The Rhetoric of Inquiry, Communication Ethics, Violence: Language and Media, and Communication and Public Memory. In preparation for these options, all students are encouraged to take one of the following 300 level courses prior to enrolling in senior seminar: COMM 314 Theatrical Theory and Criticism, COMM 322 Rhetorical Theory and Criticism, COMM 334 Media Criticism or COMM 350 Research Methods. Priority for placement in a fall seminar is determined in three ways: 1. Completion of all other required courses in the major; 2. Completion of at least two of the required 300 level courses with priority given to those students who've completed one of the recommended seminar preparation courses within the major; 3. The existing university registration sequence. The senior requirement can be met by successful completion of COMM 450 (Senior Seminar) or by taking COMM 350 (Communication Research Methods) followed by a senior project in COMM 491 (1/2 course credit). Coursework completed in meeting the senior requirement can be applied toward meeting the 300-400 level course requirement. |
| Recent changes in major | Effective for Fall 2011, COMM 100, Foundations of Communication, was renumbered COMM 200. COMM 125, Interpersonal Communication, was renumbered COMM 225. COMM 100 and COMM 291, Communication Theory, will satisfy the core requirement for COMM 200. Many courses were added to those that satisfy the area requirements in the Communication major.The number of 300-400 level courses required was increased from 3 to 4. |
Theatre
| Total courses required | Nine |
|---|---|
| Core courses | COMM 200, COMM 111 or 211, COMM 117, COMM 314, COMM 001 (0 credit) |
| Other required courses | One course in the rhetoric/interpersonal area from the following: COMM 223, COMM 225, COMM 227, COMM 322, COMM 323, COMM 325, COMM 326, COMM 327 or COMM 328. One course in the media studies area: either COMM 233, COMM 235, COMM 237 or COMM 334. One of the following two theatre history courses: COMM 213 or COMM 214 Two additional 300-level courses from the following: COMM 310, COMM 311, COMM 315, COMM 316, COMM 317, COMM 319 or a 300-level communication course or a 300-level course in a related department with permission of the department chair. |
| Number 300 and 400 level courses | Four |
| Senior requirement and capstone experience | As the capstone experience to the specific study of Communication and Theatre within the liberal arts, the senior seminar or project will entail original research or a creative project. Seminar topics are broadly defined so that students with specific interests within the major (media studies, interpersonal communication and rhetoric, and theatre) may integrate those interests successfully in the completion of an original research or creative project. Seminars are writing and speaking intensive. Recent topics include Gender, Social Movements, Critical Theory and Performance, Utopias, Representations of America, Social Construction and Identity, The Rhetoric of Inquiry, Communication Ethics, Violence: Language and Media, and Communication and Public Memory. In preparation for these options, all students are encouraged to take one of the following 300 level courses prior to enrolling in senior seminar: COMM 314 Theatrical Theory and Criticism, COMM 322 Rhetorical Theory and Criticism, COMM 334 Media Criticism or COMM 350 Research Methods. Priority for placement in a fall seminar is determined in three ways: 1. Completion of all other required courses in the major; 2. Completion of at least two of the required 300 level courses with priority given to those students who've completed one of the recommended seminar preparation courses within the major; 3. The existing university registration sequence. Majors in Theatre must complete the senior seminar requirement by taking COMM 450 (Senior Seminar). Seniors majoring in theatre will be required to complete a theatre related project as part of their senior seminar. With the approval of the seminar instructor, this requirement can be fulfilled in any senior seminar in the department. Course work completed in meeting the senior requirement can be applied toward meeting the 300-400 level course requirement. |
| Recent changes in major | Effective Fall 2011, COMM 100, Foundations of Communication, has been renumbered to COMM 200. COMM 100 and COMM 291, Communication Theory, will continue to apply to the core courses. The lists of course that can count toward various areas has been expanded. There is a new description of the senior capstone. The number of 300-400 level courses has been increased from 3 to 4. |
Requirements for a minor
Media Studies
| Total courses required | Four |
|---|---|
| Core courses | COMM 233 |
| Other required courses | Three courses selected from COMM 235, COMM 236, COMM 237, COMM 332, COMM 334, COMM 335, COMM 337. |
| Number 300 and 400 level courses | One |
Rhetoric and Interpersonal Communication
| Total courses required | Four |
|---|---|
| Core courses | |
| Other required courses | Four courses selected from COMM 123, COMM 223, COMM225 (formerly COMM 125), COMM 227, COMM 322, COMM 325, COMM 326, COMM 327, COMM 328. |
| Number 300 and 400 level courses | One |
Theatre
| Total courses required | Four |
|---|---|
| Core courses | COMM 117 |
| Other required courses |
|
| Number 300 and 400 level courses | One |
Courses in Communication and Theatre
COMM 001Co-Curricular Activities
A. DePauw Theatre; B. Debates; C. WGRE-FM; D. D3TV. The equivalent of one-fourth course toward the Group 6 self-expression requirement may be earned in any semester through non-credit participation in the above activities.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 0 credit |
COMM 110
Introduction to Theatre
This course offers an overview and introduction to the understanding and appreciation of theatre arts by examining foundations of drama as a communicative act. The course also addresses dramatic theory and literature, collaborative theatre artists, and basic production techniques. Students will gain insight into the imaginative and creative process that makes up the art of theatre.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 course |
COMM 111
Acting I
Grounding in American acting technique, paying particular attention to objective, obstacle, playable action, character analysis, improvisation, and understanding and development of the vocal and physical instruments.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Arts and Humanities | 1 course |
COMM 117
Theatre Production and Design I
The theory and practice of technical production and design including: scenery construction, lighting, properties, costume construction and make-up. Laboratory work on University productions.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 course |
COMM 123
Public Speaking
This course examines the attitudes, methods, and techniques used in effective public speaking. Effective performance required in a variety of speaking situations.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 course |
COMM 197
First-Year Seminar
A seminar focused on a theme related to the study of communication. Open only to first-year students.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 course |
COMM 200
Communication Theory
Designed to introduce students to the theoretical foundations of the discipline, this course examines the interdisciplinary nature of communication studies. Emphasizing the department's commitment to an integrated program of study, this course provides students with the foundational concepts and skills necessary for successful completion of majors in Communication and Theatre through the study of primary and secondary source material. Not open to students with credit in COMM 104, COMM 100, or COMM 291 Communication Theory.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 course |
COMM 210
Performance Studies I
Performance Studies seeks to broaden the definition of performance and the texts upon which they are based. This course investigates literature, discourse, image, gesture and the body through analytical and artistic applications.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 course |
COMM 211
Voice and Movement
The use and training of the human voice and body. Developing and deepening flexibility and responsiveness of vocal and physical instruments for performance and public presentation.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 course |
COMM 213
History of the Theatre I: PreHistory to Early 18th Century
Historiographic, cultural and theoretical investigations of theatre and drama from the earliest human records to the early eighteenth century.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Arts and Humanities | 1 course |
COMM 214
History of the Theatre II: Early 18th Century to Present
Historiographic, cultural and theoretical investigations of theatre and drama from the early eighteenth century to the present.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Arts and Humanities | 1 course |
COMM 223
Public Communication and Controversy
An exploration of the nature and methods of persuasive communication, including motivational theories, attention, logical argument, audience analysis and the role of personality, integrated with practice in public speaking.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Arts and Humanities | 1 course |
COMM 225
Interpersonal Communication
An introduction to the theories and skills involved in two-person interactions. Attention will also be given to the development of competencies and skills relevant to various interpersonal contexts.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Social Sciences | 1 course |
COMM 227
Intercultural Communication
A consideration of the influence of such cultural variables as language values, institutions, traditions, customs and nonverbal behavior on the communication process.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 course |
COMM 233
Media, Culture, and Society
A basic orientation to the history, theory and process of media. Particular emphasis is given to the relationships among the various media and their audiences,free speech and ethics, media law and other regulatory controls, news and information, media effects, emerging communication technologies and future trends.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 course |
COMM 235
Electronic Journalism
Critical analysis of the role of electronic news gathering and dissemination in modern society, including ethics and responsibilities. Study and practice in preparation, reporting and disseminating of news emphasizing documentary production, news analysis and public affairs reporting.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 course |
COMM 236
Television Production and Televisual Literacy
An introduction to the basic concepts and processes of television production. Emphasis is placed on the creation and analysis of ideas communicated through the medium of television, including aesthetic, ethical and technical influences on message construction. Students learn studio and field production: basic scripting, lighting, audio, camera/picturization, editing, directing, etc. Televisual literacy is developed, and assignments apply the critical skills needed to interpret and analyze visual imagery and television programming.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 course |
COMM 237
Film and Culture
This course is a critical examination of motion pictures as a medium of communication. In addition to looking at the films as texts to be "read," this course considers the institutional contexts in which films are produced, as well as the various reception contexts in which audiences see films. As a course in communication, we begin from the perspective that motion pictures are an important and meaningful part of the way we produce and re-produce our culture. Importantly, the course is not only concerned with how film texts communicate, but also how we communicate about films, as both fans and critics.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 course |
COMM 291
Inquiries into Communication
Designated topics in communication and theatre are explored. May be repeated with different topics.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 course |
COMM 299
Internship in Communication
A. Mass Communication; B. Rhetoric and Interpersonal Communication; C. Theatre. An experiential course for those students who will intern with an agency outside the University. This course does not satisfy departmental distribution requirements.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4-1/2-1 course |
COMM 310
Performance Studies II
Application of Performance Studies approach (see COMM 210) to a specific area of study or artistic expression. Prerequisite: COMM 111, COMM 210 or COMM 211, or permission of instructor.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 111, COMM 210 or COMM 211, or permission of instructor. | 1 course |
COMM 311
Acting II
Monologue, scene work and audition preparation concentrating on objective, obstacle, playable action, character analysis, improvisation and understanding and development of the vocal and physical instruments. Prerequisite: COMM 111 or COMM 211 or permission of instructor.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 111 or COMM 211 or permission of instructor. . | 1 course |
COMM 314
History of Theatrical Theory and Criticism
The principles of dramatic criticism from Aristotle to the present, utilizing theories of dramaturgy and techniques for the production of historical plays. Prerequisite: COMM 213 or 214 or permission of instructor.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 213 or COMM 214 or permission of instructor | 1 course |
COMM 315
Topics in Theatre History and Criticism
While refining students' analytical and interpretive skills, this course offers intensive examination of specific issues in theatre history and performance theory, often those at the center of current critical interest. Recent sections have focused on Women and Theatre, Gender and Theatre, and African-Atlantic Theatre. Repeatable for credit with different topics.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 course |
COMM 316
Stage Directing
The theories of techniques and styles of acting and directing, including laboratory practice in selecting, casting, acting and directing. Prerequisite: COMM 111 or COMM 211, COMM 117, and COMM 213 or COMM 214, or permission of instructor.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 111 or COMM 211, COMM 117, and COMM 213 or COMM 214, or permission of instructor. | 1 course |
COMM 317
Theatre Production and Design II
More complex applications of theater technology and design in the areas of scenic, lighting, and costume design. Concentration on design process into production, including drafting and rendering. Prerequisite: COMM 117 or permission of instructor.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 117 or permission of instructor | 1 course |
COMM 319
Writing for Stage, Screen and TV
A workshop approach to creative story making in the three forms of media. Emphasis is on the relationship between form and content, dramatic structure and critical response. Students are expected to complete a full length stage play, screenplay or teleplay.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 course |
COMM 322
Rhetorical Theory and Criticism
The development of rhetorical theory, with an introduction to speech criticism, based on readings from classical, medieval, and contemporary rhetorical theorists.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 course |
COMM 323
History of Public Discourse
Analysis of selected speakers and their speeches, with reference to the social, political, and intellectual milieu within which they have appeared.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 course |
COMM 325
Topics in Advanced Interpersonal Communication
While refining students' analytical and critical skills, this course offers intensive examination of specific issues in interpersonal communication theory. Possible topics may include relational communication, family communication, health communication, communication across the lifespan, friendship, communication in the workforce, and communication and aging. Repeatable for credit with different topics.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 course |
COMM 326
Communication in Organizations
An examination of the role of communication in coordinating, integrating and regulating human activity in organizations. This course examines and applies methods of doing research in organizational contexts.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 course |
COMM 327
Communication and Cultural Identity
This course examines the ways in which communication shapes, and is shaped by culture, ethnicity, gender, class and/or race. Topics include how language empowers and oppresses, how social institutions and media influence issues of cultural identity and the ways various social identities are constructed through communication.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 course |
COMM 328
Topics in Conflict Communication
While refining students' analytical and critical skills, this course offers intensive examination of specific issues related to conflict and communication at interpersonal, social, and cultural levels. Possible topics may include environmental communication, alternative dispute resolution, civil rights and communication, and political communication. Repeatable for credit with different topics.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 course |
COMM 332
Electronic Media Management
A critical analysis of management practices in broadcast, cable and satellite industries. Audience research, program strategy, federal regulation and advertising issues are addressed. Prerequisite: COMM 233 or permission of instructor.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 233 or permission of instructor | 1 course |
COMM 334
Media Criticism
Justification and application of various approaches to critiquing and analyzing media messages. Insight into the ethical burdens, social and moral, of the media and its institutions. Topics may vary. Prerequisite: COMM 233 or permission of instructor.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 233 or permission of instructor | 1 course |
COMM 335
Media Law
Inquiry into media law, including responsibility and free speech issues, libel, privacy, fair trial, copyright, obscenity, the FCC, shield laws, censorship, management and operating regulations, newsperson privileges, political communication and advertising regulation. An analysis of the political and economic forces affecting the development of media law. Prerequisite: COMM 233 or 237 or permission of instructor.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 233 or COMM 237 or permission of instructor | 1 course |
COMM 337
International Media
Analysis of structures and content of international media (newspapers, TV, film, and Internet) and the role of culture in globalization, in order to increase understanding of the politics and economics of media systems in specific regions of the world and the societies in which they function. This course aims to explore key developments in information technologies, international relations, the free flow of information, interpretations of free expression and intellectual property, aggregated regional networks, and the influence of Western media and consequent forms of resistance located in historical and cultural perspectives of different genres of media programs including news, entertainment, advertising and PR.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 course |
COMM 350
Communication Research Methods
A course in methods of research (quantitative and qualitative). Covers problem statement construction, strategies of research design, literature review, methods of observation, questionnaires, content analysis and interpretation of data (statistical and humanistic). Not open for pass/fail credit.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1 course |
COMM 401
Special Topics in Communication
Recent topics have included Public Relations, International Media, Family Communication, Conflict Resolution, American Theatre and the Vietnam War, Human Communication Theory, American Film and Culture and Writing for Stage, Screen and TV. This course number may be repeated for credit with different topics.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2-1 course |
COMM 402
Special Topics in Theatre
May be repeated for credit with different topics.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2-1 course |
COMM 450
Senior Seminar
The integrated conclusion of the departmental curriculum with emphasis on research methodology and writing. Prerequisite: permission of the department. Not open for pass/fail credit.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Permission of department | 1 course |
COMM 491
Projects in Communication
A. Interpersonal Project, B. Interpersonal Course Teaching Assistant, C. Theatre Project, D. Theatre Course Teaching Assistant, E. Media Studies Project, F. Media Studies Course Teaching Assistant, G. Rhetoric Project, H. Rhetoric Course Teaching Assistant, J. Communication Course Teaching Assistant, K. Co-Curricular Project. Prerequisite: permission of department. No more than two course credits may be taken as projects. Not open for Pass/Fail credit.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Permission of department | 1/2-1 course |
COMM 492
Projects in Communication
(Spring Semester) A. Interpretation; B. Theatre; C. Technical Theatre; D. Radio; E.Television; F. Argumentation and Debate; G. Rhetoric and Public Address; H. Communication Theory. Prerequisite: permission of department. No more than two course credits may be taken as projects. Not open for Pass/Fail credit.
| Distribution Area | Prerequisites | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Permission of department | 1/2-1 course |