Courses in Communication and Theatre

Co-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.

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.

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.

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.

Public Speaking

This course examines the attitudes, methods, and techniques used in effective public speaking. Effective performance required in a variety of speaking situations.

First-Year Seminar

A seminar focused on a theme related to the study of communication. Open only to first-year students.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Intercultural Communication

A consideration of the influence of such cultural variables as language values, institutions, traditions, customs and nonverbal behavior on the communication process.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Inquiries into Communication

Designated topics in communication and theatre are explored. May be repeated with different topics.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Special Topics in Theatre

May be repeated for credit with different topics.

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.

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.

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.