University of Nebraska at Kearney
College of Fine Arts and Humanities

1994-96 UNK Undergraduate Catalog

Department of Speech Communication and Theatre Arts

Courses (SPCH)

100GS. Fundamentals of Speech Communication - 3 hours

Study and practice of principles of public speaking.

201. Classical Traditions in the Communicative Arts - 3 hours

A study of the contributions of the classical civilizations of Greece and Rome to the arts of communication: rhetoric and oratory, theatre and interpretation, and a study of classical influences on modern communication.

205. Voice and Articulation - 3 hours

Designed to improve voice articulation and projection.

222. Oral Interpretation of Literature - 3 hours

Performing from great literature, developing close appreciation of the aesthetic elements of prose, poetry, and drama from the performing artist's viewpoint.

229. Fundamentals of Interpersonal Communication - 3 hours

Study of interpersonal communication including: self-concept, conversational skills, assertiveness, relationship development and conflict management.

230. Nonverbal Communication - 3 hours

Study of principles and effects of nonverbal communication.

231. Introduction to Debate - 3 hours

Study of debate procedures focused on skills of investigation and presentation. Designed for students with little or no debate experience.

237. Intercollegiate Debate and Forensics - 1-4 hours

For students interested in intercollegiate debate and individual events tournaments.

240. Public Speaking for Professions and Business - 3 hours

Prerequisite: SPCH 100GS. Study and practice of the forms, style and delivery of public speaking.

299. Organizational Communication - 3 hours

Studies in business and professional communication, conference and group process, leadership, motivation, and business presentations.

332. Logic Argumentation and Reasoning - 3 hours

An examination of theories of practical logic with emphasis on rational decision making.

357. History of Speakers and Issues - 3 hours

Survey of selected significant speakers and their influence on the development of issues.

358. Contemporary American Oratory - 3 hours

In-depth study of leading contemporary political speakers.

360. Persuasion - 3 hours

The study and practice of persuasion.

370. Small Group Communication - 3 hours

Study of small group communication theory and participation in various types of group discussion and conferences.

400. The Teaching of Speech - 3 hours

A methods course dealing with practical aspects of structuring and planning a speech-theatre program in the secondary schools. Recommended to be taken during semester of student teaching.

401.2/801.2 Seminar: Special Topics - 1-3 hours

1. Careers in Communication 2. Communicating with the Public 3. Communication of Negotiations 4. Family Communication 5. Intercultural Communication 6. Male-Female Communication 7. Media Criticism 8. Oral Interpretation of Children's Literature 9. The Sales Presentation 10. Strategies for Leadership.

440/840. Advanced Oral Interpretation - 3 hours

Advanced studies in the performance of literature, with emphasis on the solo interpreter. Attention to the development of programs and recitals.

450/850. General Semantics (Language and Behavior) - 3 hours

A study of the relationships of symbol systems to the development of personalities, organizations and societies.

451/851. Leadership Communication - 3 hours

A study of the characteristics, styles, roles, and strategies of leaders with emphasis on parliamentary process.

452/852. Theories of Organizational Communication - 3 hours

A study of major themes of communication within the organization: scientific, humanistic, systems decision making and communication approaches.

453/853. Interviewing - 3 hours

Theories and techniques of interviewing, including information gathering, employment, appraisal and persuasive interviewing.

454/854. Intercultural Communication - 3 hours

Study of communication across cultures.

455/855. Communication Training and Consulting - 3 hours

A study of how to plan, conduct and evaluate communication training and development programs within the organization.

456/856. Rhetorical Theory - 3 hours

Historical study of theories of persuasive communication from early Greek and Roman times.

457/857. Contemporary Rhetorical Theory - 3 hours

Modern rhetorical theories.

460. Independent Study and Research - 1-4 hours

Investigation of selected problems or topics on an individual basis. 1. Dance 2. Speech 3. Theatre

475. Internship - 1-6 hours

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and acceptance by a cooperating organization. In-depth study for advanced students through practical experience in the business and professional world in the area of speech communication.

490/890. Theories of Interpersonal Communication - 3 hours

A survey of major theories and research in the area of interpersonal communication.

Courses (THEA)

120GS. Introduction to the Theatre - 3 hours

Theatre as a continuing cultural tradition with emphasis on the role in society and the fundamental artistic presumptions underlining the dramatic event.

135. Introduction to Technical Theatre - 3 hours

Techniques of construction and painting the stage setting, elementary scenic and drafting conventions. Students will work on at least one main stage production.

205. Voice and Articulation - 3 hours

Refer to SPCH 205.

210. Playscript Analysis - 3 hours

Prerequisite: THEA 250 or 251. Studies in dramatic structure of the playscript and its specific relationship to production concept or research.

222. Oral Interpretation of Literature - 3 hours

Refer to SPCH 222.

225. Fundamentals of Acting - 3 hours

Theories and techniques of acting.

226. Scene Study and Auditioning - 3 hours

Prerequisite: THEA 225, Permission of Instructor. Basic acting skills are refined by working on more challenging scene material and learning rudimentary audition skills. Special emphasis is given to comic technique and use of language.

240. Costume and Make-Up - 3 hours

Principles and techniques of design and construction of contemporary historical costumes. Fundamentals of corrective and character makeup.

241. Costume Practicum - 3 hours

Prerequisite: THEA 135. Study and training with basic costuming equipment, materials and techniques. Designed to teach basics of costume construction, including pattern-making, cutting, draping, fitting, alteration, and care of the costume.

250. Survey of Dramatic Literature I - 3 hours

An examination of play scripts as a genre in world literature. The course is an overview demonstrating the progression of Theatre literature from the ancient Greeks to the beginning of the 18th Century. (excluding Shakespeare)

251. Survey of Dramatic Literature I - 3 hours

A continuation of THEA 250, this course completes the examination of theatre literature. Primary attention is given to Romanticism, Realism/Naturalism and the 20th Century literary movements.

295. University Theatre - 1-4 hours

Activity course in all phases of play production, acting, directing, stagecrafts, and business management. Students may register for 1 hour per semester up to maximum of 4 hours.

296. Elements of Theatrical Design - 3 hours

Prerequisite: THEA 135. Introduction and overview of all areas of theatrical design. Designed to acquaint students with how the basic building blocks of design relate to interpretation of the playscript 297.

297. Theatrical Production - 3 hours

Prerequisite: THEA 135. Specialized training in selected areas of theatrical production, including management, carpentry, electrics, scene painting, and property construction. Course taught in 3 hour sections. May be repeated.

305. Acting Styles - 3 hours

Prerequisite: THEA 205, 225, 226, 326, and permission of Faculty. Students are introduced to a variety of theatrical styles with particular emphasis given to Shakespearean theatre. Emphasis is given to developing an overall approach to style work.

326. Advanced Voice and Movement - 3 hours

Prerequisite: THEA 205, 225, 226, Permission of Faculty. An advanced technique workshop integrating voice and movement methods with regard to the demands of style, period and verse.

393. Studio Production - 1-3 hours

Prerequisites: THEA 135, 225 and 380. The student may elect to direct a play under the supervision of the theatre staff. Technical projects may be undertaken in areas of set design, lighting, or costuming.

401/801P. Seminar in Theatre: Special Topics - 3 hours

Prerequisite: Jr. and Sr. standing, or permission of instructor. Course will vary each time it is offered and will focus on specific areas of theatre studies, including history, criticism and technical theatre.

411/811. Play Development - 3 hours

Prerequisite: THEA 250 or THEA 251. Studies in development of the original playscript from manuscript to performance. Special attention is paid to relationship of supporting artists to the playwright with regard to the development process.

413/813. History of Theatre I - 3 hours

Theatre history sequence must be taken in order. This course surveys the development of the institution of theatre with an emphasis on Western Civilization. Periods covered are Ancient Greece, Roman (Republic and Empire) and Medieval.

414/814. History of Theatre II - 3 hours

Prerequisite: THEA 413. A continuation of 413. Primary emphasis on French and Italian Renaissance, Elizabethan, Restoration and 18th Century Theatre. The rise of professionalism is a major theme.

415/815. History of Theatre III - 3 hours

Prerequisite: THEA 413 and THEA 414. The development of modern theatre in the 19th and 20th Centuries. The rise of Realism, pre-World War I transitions and Theatre of the Absurd are emphasized.

417/817. Play Direction for Theatre Majors - 3 hours

Prerequisite: Permission of faculty. Course emphasizes the directorial role in the development of the playscript on the professional level. Designed for students seeking careers in professional theatre.

419/819. Costume Design - 3 hours

Prerequisite: B.F.A. Theatre Core. Studies in design of costumes for theatrical production with specific attention to interpretation of the script, period styles, and limitations of budgets and production schedules.

420/820P. Scenic Design - 3 hours

Prerequisite: BFA Theatre Core. Students are expected to create an environment for a play considering theatrical styles, the playwright's intentions, the limitations of a particular theatre and budgets.

421/821. Playwriting - 3 hours

Theory and techniques of dramaturgy will be studied. Individual projects undertaken in playwriting.

422/822P. Theatre Management - 3 hours

Administrative and organizational techniques in the operation of theatre producing organizations. Includes such areas as purchasing, scheduling, budget, staff, construction, rehearsals, and performances.

423/823P. Theatre Production - 1-6 hours

Practical experiences on stage and backstage. Open to non-majors. Work on productions each summer includes work in lighting, sound, stage direction, acting and dance. May be repeated up to 9 hours.

430/830. Modern Dramatic Theory - 3 hours

Prerequisites: THEA 120, THEA 495, or consent of instructor. An examination of the basic theories of theatrical art with special emphasis on twentieth century theory. A seminar-type course featuring considerable individual investigation.

435/835P. Creative Dramatics - 3 hours

The study and practice of creative dramatic activity as a mode of learning and self-development. Laboratory experience in observing and supervising creative dramatic activity.

436/836P. Advanced Technical Theatre - 3 hours

Prerequisite: THEA 135. Advanced studies in scenic technology and painting. Emphasis is on management of production areas.

437/837P. Children's Theatre - 3 hours

A study of the objectives of theatre for the child audience. Selection, direction, and production of plays for children.

438/838. Technical Direction - 3 hours

Studies in the role of the technical director in theatrical production. Course content is focused on the development of organizational, supervisory, and graphic skills for use as part of a collaborative production team.

440/841P. Advanced Oral Interpretation - 3 hours

See SPCH 440.

441/841. Readers' Theatre - 3 hours

Prerequisite: SPCH 222. A study of the techniques and fundamentals of ensemble presentation of literature from the written page for public performance.

447/847P. Lighting Design - 3 hours

Prerequisite: B.F.A. Theatre Core. A study of theatrical lighting design and technology.

460/861P. Independent Study and Research - 1-6 hours

See SPCH 460/560.

475. Internship - 1-12 hours

Prerequisite: Consent of Theatre faculty and acceptance into a professional or resident theatre company internship program. Practical experience for advanced students in a professional or resident theatre company as an intern in acting, directing, management, design, production or technical work.

480/880P. Play Direction - 3 hours

Prerequisite: THEA 225 and THEA 135. A study of concepts of play selection, analysis, interpretation, rehearsal, and performance.

499. Senior Project - 3 hours

Final course in B.F.A. sequence. Student actor or designer is expected to complete a major presentation of original creative work in their specialization as part of the Departmental production schedule.

Graduate Courses

801P Special Topics, 1-3 hrs.: 820P Scene Design, 3 hrs.;
822P Theatre Management, 3 hrs.;
823 Theatre Practicum, Summers Only, 1-6 hrs.;
830P Modern Drama Theory, 835P Creative Dramatics, 3 hrs.;
836P Advanced Technical Theatre, 3 hrs.;
837P Children's Theatre, 3 hrs.;
858 Technical Direction 3 hrs.;
841P Advanced Oral Interpretation 3 hrs.;
842P Readers Theatre, 3 hrs.;
847P Lighting Design, 3 hrs.;850P General Semantics, 3 hrs.;
851 Leadership Communication , 3 hrs.;
852P Theories of Organizational Communication, 3 hrs.;
853P Interviewing, 3 hrs.;
854P Intercultural Communication, 3 hrs.;
855P Communication Training and Consulting, 3 hrs.;
856 Rhetorical Theory, 3 hrs.;
857P Contemporary Rhetorical Theory, 3 hrs.;
875P Internship, 1-6 hrs.;
881 Experimental Research, 3 hrs.;
890P Interpersonal Communication, 3 hrs.;
805 Administration and Direction of Forensics, 3 hrs.;
830 The Teaching of Speech and Theatre, 3 hrs.;
840 Oral Interpretation, 3 hrs.;
860 Directed Studies, 1-4 hrs.;
870 History of Oratory I, 3 hrs.;
871 History of Oratory II, 3 hrs.;
882 Rhetorical Criticism, 3 hrs.;
892 Seminar in Speech, 1-3 hrs.;
896 Thesis, 6 hrs. 880P Advanced Play Direction, 3 hrs.;
813P History of the Theatre I, 3 hrs.;
814P History of the Theatre II, 3 hrs.;
800 Philosophy of Speech Education, 3 hrs.;
801 Introduction to Graduate Study and Research in Speech, 3 hrs.;
861P Independent Study and Research, 1-6 hours.;

See Graduate Catalog for course descriptions.