Courses

DANC 100 Introduction to Dance
3.00 credits
This course introduces dance as an art form composed for the stage and as a social form present in all cultures. Students will gain the necessary skills and understanding for an appreciation of the social, physical, and artistic qualities of dance through various forms and cultures.
DANC 105 Jazz Dance I
2.00 credits
Beginning and continuing instruction in jazz dance. This course includes the technique, vocabulary and history of the genre. Fall.
Equivalent:
THEA 125 - Taken before Fall 2026
DANC 110 Contemporary/Modern Dance I
2.00 credits
In this course, students learn the vocabulary, history, elementary principles and techniques of Contemporary and Modern Dance. Students also develop an understanding and appreciation of dance as a disciplined art form and integral part of the performing arts. This is a beginning level course. Fall.
Equivalent:
THEA 224 - Successful completion
DANC 115 Ballet I
2.00 credits
In this course, students learn the vocabulary, history, elementary principles and techniques of Ballet. Students also develop an understanding and appreciation of Ballet as a disciplined art form and integral part of the performing arts. This is a beginning level course.
Equivalent:
THEA 124 - Taken before Summer 2021
DANC 155 Dance: Culture and Art
3.00 credits
This course provides the necessary skills and understanding for an appreciation of the social, physical, and artistic qualities of dance through various cultures. Physical learning of a number of social/ballroom dance forms is paired with cognitive and emotional understanding of the countries and cultures from which they were derived. Students study the concepts of lead/follow, the transition from social to concert dance as a global phenomenon and gain an understanding of dance from a global perspective.
Equivalent:
THEA 102 - Taken before Summer 2021
DANC 165 Interdisciplinary Arts
3.00 credits
This course uses concepts of theatre-, dance-, and visual arts-based research to solve problems. Students will be exposed, through lecture and assignments, to theories and methods from each art form and will learn to integrate the art forms to explore complex concepts through performance.
DANC 170 Princ of Dance Conditioning
3.00 credits
This course introduces the foundations of human movement and Functional Awareness Principles. This course is designed to encourage optimal use of the dancers body through exploration of proper alignment techniques, somatic practices and human anatomy and physiology. Increased knowledge of human movement empowers students to prevent injury and enhance longevity and performance. Students are challenged to explore course content through lectures, classroom discussion, and practical dance training exercises.
Equivalent:
THEA 227 - Taken before Summer 2021
DANC 180 Topics in Dance
1.00- 4.00 credits
DANC 190 Independent Study
1.00- 6.00 credits
Topic to be determined by instructor.
DANC 193 FYS:
3.00 credits
The First-Year Seminar (FYS) introduces new 91勛圖厙 students to the University, the Core Curriculum, and 91勛圖厙s Jesuit mission and heritage. While the seminars will be taught by faculty with expertise in particular disciplines, topics will be addressed in a way that illustrates approaches and methods of different academic disciplines. The seminar format of the course highlights the participatory character of university life, emphasizing that learning is an active, collegial process.
DANC 205 Jazz Dance II
2.00 credits
This intermediate course in jazz dance focuses on technique, vocabulary, choreography and performance studies.
Equivalent:
THEA 125 - Taken before Summer 2021
THEA 321 - Taken before Summer 2021
DANC 210 Contemporary/Modern Dance II
2.00 credits
In this intermediate course, students continue to learn the vocabulary, principles, and techniques of Contemporary Modern Dance. Students also develop an understanding and appreciate of dance as a disciplined art form and integral part of the performing arts.
Equivalent:
THEA 324 - Taken before Summer 2021
DANC 215 Ballet II
2.00 credits
This intermediate course in Ballet builds upon the elementary principles and techniques of Ballet I, focuses on technique, an expanded dance vocabulary, and a survey of ballet styles and methodology.
Equivalent:
THEA 320 - Successful completion
DANC 270 Dance History
3.00- 4.00 credits
This course introduces students to major concepts and approaches in the study of dance as a political, historical, and artistic practice. Students will look at dance as a reflection of culture and as an art form from earliest societies to the present, focusing on western dance history and its multi-cultural influences.
Equivalent:
THEA 228 - Taken before Summer 2021
DANC 280 Special Topics
1.00- 4.00 credits
Topic to be determined by instructor.
DANC 285 Interdiscipl Arts E-portfolio
.00 credits
In this zero credit course taken each fall of sophomore and junior years, Interdisciplinary Arts Minor students will submit work from the year before into an e-portfolio format. This will be reviewed by the Director and the student in a scheduled meeting, reviewing ideas for the senior synthesis project and ensuring they are on track with coursework.
Equivalent:
THEA 222 - OK if taken since Fall 2023
DANC 290 Independent Study
1.00- 6.00 credits
Topic to be determined by instructor.
DANC 300 Musical Theatre Dance
3.00 credits
In this course, students learn Musical Theatre Dance and History. By examining the unique aspects of multiple styles of dance and physically learning numbers from musical theatre, students prepare for the Spring Dance Concert. This course is a performance-focused study of Dance, but also includes research and presentations in Musical Theatre Dance history.
Equivalent:
THEA 322 - Taken before Summer 2021
DANC 301 Pop Culture Dance
3.00 credits
This course is an examination of the history and the physical styles of hip hop, fusion, funk, contemporary, and other pop culture genres of dance. This experiential dance class includes a public performance in the Spring Dance Concert. First level class recommended. Spring, odd years.
Equivalent:
THEA 323 - Taken before Summer 2021
DANC 305 Jazz Dance III
2.00 credits
Advanced course in Jazz focuses on technique and individual artistry and includes a survey of relevant dance works, companies, and careers in dance. When taken in conjunction with DANC 405 students perform in the Spring Dance Concert.
Equivalent:
THEA 321 - Taken before Summer 2021
DANC 310 Contemp/Modern III
2.00 credits
Advanced course in Contemporary Modern Dance focuses on technique and individual artistry and includes a survey of relevant dance works, companies, and careers in dance. When taken in conjunction with DANC 410 students perform in the Spring Dance Concert.
DANC 315 Ballet III
2.00 credits
Advanced course in Ballet focuses on technique and individual artistry and includes a survey of relevant dance works, ballet companies, and careers in dance. In addition, this course provides students with an opportunity to continue their study of classical ballet technique with an emphasis on technical and artistic development through their participation in the Spring Dance Concert.
Equivalent:
THEA 320 - Taken before Summer 2021
DANC 360 Dance Company Lab
1.00 credit
Participation as a performer in a Dance Program company or ensemble. Spring and Fall. Course repeatable for 6 credits
DANC 380 Topics in Dance
1.00- 4.00 credits
Topic to be determined by instructor.
DANC 390 Independent Study
1.00- 6.00 credits
DANC 405 Jazz Dance Performance
1.00 credit
Advanced course in Jazz Dance focuses on the application of technique, individual artistry and choreography in performance. Dancers participate in public performances of the Spring Dance Concert. Spring.
Concurrent:
DANC 305
DANC 410 Contemp/Modern Performance
1.00 credit
Advanced course in Contemporary and Modern Dance focuses on the application of technique, individual artistry and choreography in performance. Dancers participate in public performances of the Spring Dance Concert. Spring.
Concurrent:
DANC 310
DANC 415 Ballet Performance
1.00 credit
This advanced course in Ballet has a co-requisite of DANC 315 Ballet III, which focuses on technique and individual artistry and includes a survey of relevant dance works, ballet companies, and careers in dance. In addition, this course provides students with an opportunity to continue their study of classical ballet technique with an emphasis on technical and artistic development through their participation in the Spring Dance Concert.
Concurrent:
DANC 315
DANC 455 Dance Senior Seminar
1.00 credit
A career preparation and individual artistic development experience in a cohort and mentorship setting. Students engage in self-initiated as well as guided exercises to prepare for life and career after graduation. Fall.
Equivalent:
THEA 498 - Taken before Summer 2021
DANC 460 Advanced Dance Production
1.00 credit
Students learn the specifics of how to produce dance concerts. The learning experience includes advanced participation in producing fall dance concerts including but not limited to marketing, production meeting, theatre preparation, lighting, sound, house management etc.
DANC 465 Choreography
3.00 credits
This course is about finding ones voice through the study and application of the art of dance composition. Choreography in dance history, contemporary methods, dynamics, rhythm, design, motivation, gesture and improvisation are explored as basic elements for building dance. The final project will be presenting a work in the 91勛圖厙 Student Choreography Concert. Students will leave this course able to express their creative ideas through the artistic medium of dance. It is strongly recommended that students participate in the Student Choreography Concert as a dancer prior to taking this course.
Equivalent:
THEA 425 - Taken before Summer 2021
DANC 466 Advanced Composition
1.00 credit
This course builds on the coursework from THEA 425. With a foundation in dance conceptualization, analysis, communication, and choreography, students create advanced compositions by further developing their voice as a dance artist. Students in this course have the opportunity to observe, reflect and revise and further develop their individual creative voice.
Equivalent:
THEA 426 - Taken before Summer 2021
DANC 467 Dance Choreography Lab
1.00 credit
Participation as a choreographer (working closely with faculty advisor(s)) in a Department dance company/ensemble or Theatrical production. Spring and Fall.
Prerequisite:
DANC 465 Minimum Grade: D
DANC 470 Strategies: Dance Instruction
3.00 credits
In this course, students learn a variety of dance teaching styles, strategies, curriculum planning, and evaluation methods. Students will develop their own teaching style through a service-learning practicum leading an after-school creative dance program (ZagDance). Students will examine how economic factors including access, transportation and support can hinder the childrens previous exposure to dance class. Emphasis is placed on teaching basic creative dance to build a positive classroom environment while meeting the needs of various levels of elementary dance students.
Equivalent:
THEA 496 - Taken before Summer 2021
DANC 471 Dance Pedagogy for the Studio
2.00 credits
Students will continue to explore a variety of pedagogical styles and strategies, curriculum planning and evaluation methods in the field of dance.
Prerequisite:
DANC 470 Minimum Grade: D
Equivalent:
THEA 496B - Taken before Summer 2021
DANC 497 Internship
1.00- 3.00 credits
Topic and work load to be determined by student and instructor.
THEA 100 Introduction to Theatre Arts
3.00 credits
An introductory survey of the history, aesthetics, and literature of the theatre, and the various areas of theatrical production. Fall and Spring.
THEA 102 Dance: Culture and Art
3.00 credits
Introduces dance as a social form present in all cultures and as an art form composed for the stage. This course provides the necessary skills and understanding for an appreciation of the social, physical, and artistic qualities of dance through various cultures. Somatic learning of social/ballroom dance forms is paired with cognitive and emotional understanding of the countries and cultures from which they were derived. Students will also study the concepts of leading and following, the transition from social to concert dance as a global phenomenon, and gain an understanding of dance from a global perspective.
THEA 111 Acting I
4.00 credits
An introduction to the techniques of dramatic expression utilizing the body, voice, and imagination. Structured play exercise helps the beginner to overcome physical/vocal inhibitions, and develop a sense of trust and teamwork within the group. Scene work is approached using beats, intentions, scores of physical actions, obstacles, and subtext. The class concludes with a recital to provide practical experience in rehearsal and performance. Fall and Spring.
Equivalent:
FILM 160 - OK if taken since Fall 2023
THEA 120 Voice and Movement
3.00 credits
An introduction to expressively engaging the entire physical instrument in life and performance. Coursework focuses on a variety of techniques designed to develop an increased range of physical and vocal expression. The course features experimentation in a studio setting and practical/creative application through rehearsal and performance. Fall, odd years.
THEA 130 Topics in Dance
1.00- 3.00 credits
Advanced courses, visiting artists, cultural dance. Periodic offering.
THEA 132 Stagecraft
4.00 credits
The theory and practice of the construction and painting of scenery and props, the fundamentals of stage lighting, and the organization of technical work in the theatre. Includes a lab component. Fall.
Equivalent:
THEA 232 - Successful completion
THEA 134 Costume Construction
3.00 credits
In this class we will seek to understand the overall breadth of the field, with an introduction to its areas of specialization; beginning stitching, patterning, and crafting techniques, and individual contributions to the work of the 91勛圖厙 Costume Shop, as well as a personal construction project. Fall.
THEA 190 Directed Study
1.00- 3.00 credits
Topic to be determined by faculty.
THEA 193 FYS:
3.00 credits
The First-Year Seminar (FYS) introduces new 91勛圖厙 students to the University, the Core Curriculum, and 91勛圖厙s Jesuit mission and heritage. While the seminars will be taught by faculty with expertise in particular disciplines, topics will be addressed in a way that illustrates approaches and methods of different academic disciplines. The seminar format of the course highlights the participatory character of university life, emphasizing that learning is an active, collegial process.
THEA 200 Theatre History
3.00 credits
A study of the theatre as an expression of life and culture from a primitive ritual to the 21st century. Theatre literature, performance practice, and theatre architecture will be studied within the larger context of the culture form which the various types of theatrical expression are derived. Fall, odd years.
THEA 202 Performance Text Analysis
3.00 credits
This course will provide students with the necessary tools to create, and support other students in the creation of, critical analyses of plays and productions. Through textbook readings designed to provide students with access to the creative process, published play readings engineered to highlight successful analytical lenses and practices, and exercises devised to tap into different modes of creative generation, students discover multiple methodologies for performance text analysis. Students learn to give and receive effective feedback. By the end of the semester, students complete several full performance text analyses and contribute directly to the making of a live performance.
THEA 216 Acting II
4.00 credits
An intensive study of the acting process building on skills developed in Acting I (THEA 111). The course focuses on character development in psychological realism and other modern forms and is intended to expand the actor's range with both scene and monologue work, as well as to expand skills in voice/body integration and script analysis. Spring.
Prerequisite:
THEA 111 Minimum Grade: D
THEA 222 E-Portfolio
.00 credits
Taken each fall of sophomore and junior years, Interdisciplinary Arts Minor students submit work from the year before into an e-portfolio format. This is reviewed by the Director and the student in a scheduled meeting, reviewing ideas for their senior synthesis project and ensuring they are on track with coursework.
THEA 224 Contemporary Modern Dance I
2.00 credits
Analysis and theory of modern dance with an emphasis on basic technique and movement exploration. Includes a study of the evolution of modern dance and its past and present pioneers. Fall.
Equivalent:
DANC 110 - OK if taken since Fall 2021
THEA 235 Design Process
3.00 credits
Fundamentals of the process of designing for the theatre - developing the design from the initial script study through the collaborative process in design meetings. Learning how to see and developing points of view and approaches are studied. The course also covers the business of design, working in regional theatres and other professional venues. Fall, even years.
Equivalent:
FILM 260 - OK if taken since Fall 2023
THEA 237 Costume and Fashion Design
3.00 credits
Examine the role of costume design in the performance storytelling process for stage and fashion. Utilizing classic design principles and tools, including color theory and artistic media, we explore turning texts into visual images through script analysis, character interpretation, use of historical dress, and artistic inspirations. Spring.
THEA 239 Lighting Design
3.00 credits
An introduction to the technical procedures, equipment, organization, drafting, and design principles of theatrical lighting. Students will design and execute lighting for main stage productions. Spring.
THEA 240 Theatre for Young Audiences
3.00 credits
An introduction to the artistic, pedagogical, and entrepreneurial methods for producing theatre for (and with) young audiences. Coursework features practical rehearsal and performance, a survey of major Theatre for Young Audience plays, applied theatre techniques, and curriculum development. This class is intended for students seeking to become teachers (inside and outside of theatre arts classrooms) and those interested in performing for K-12 audiences. Spring, even years.
THEA 253 Directing I
3.00 credits
The fundamental techniques of play analysis, actor communication, and composition are introduced and applied to model plays. Organizational, leadership, and conceptual skills are developed as students audition, cast, and rehearse chosen scenes from the modern realistic repertoire for performance. Fall.
Prerequisite:
THEA 111 Minimum Grade: D
Equivalent:
FILM 360 - OK if taken since Fall 2023
THEA 453 - Successful completion
THEA 260 Production Lab
1.00 credit
Introductory level participation in one or more phases of the design, technology, and management (DTM) production process (set construction, costume construction, lighting, sound, etc.) Spring and Fall.
THEA 261 Performance Lab
1.00 credit
Performance of a role in a main stage theatre production. Spring and Fall.
THEA 280 Shakespeare in Performance
3.00 credits
An introductory study of contemporary acting methods used to perform Shakespeare's plays. Emphasis is placed on balancing Elizabethan language and staging conventions with today's psychological realism. The course focuses on character development, physical and vocal techniques for the actor, use of verse and prose, delivery of soliloquies, and script analysis. Students engage with both scene and monologue work The course is intended to expand the actor's range as well as the reader's understanding of Shakespeare's work for the live stage.
THEA 287 Allied Arts
3.00 credits
The goal of the artist in a theatrical production is simple: to make the audience believe. To that end, it is the responsibility of the scenic artist to create the illusion that rough plywood surfaces are in fact brick walls, or that a masonite floor is instead a cobblestone walkway. This class explores scenic painting techniques, foam carving, and specialty prop design. Topics include the role of the scenic artist in the production process. Additional emphasis placed on faux painting techniques and trompe l'oeil painting. This is an intermediate studio course exploring the techniques and processes of scenic painting and crafts that encompass skills necessary for theatre and theatre production projects. Tools, materials and painting techniques will be demonstrated by the instructor and explored and executed by the student. Scenic painting does not arrive from your imagination alone. Research into surfaces and light will be necessary to apply the skills of painting.
THEA 290 Directed Study
1.00- 3.00 credits
Topic to be determined by faculty.
THEA 293 Special Topics
1.00- 4.00 credits
Topic to be determined by Instructor.
THEA 294 Special Topics
1.00- 3.00 credits
Topic to be determined by Instructor.
THEA 316 Acting For The Camera
4.00 credits
With experience of basic acting techniques in hand, the student actor works in front of the camera to meet the challenges of electronic media. Simplicity of presentation, performance of the authentic person, and active listening are key skills. Work is in a variety of forms, from feature films to public service announcements. The class concludes with a public showing of student work. Periodic offering.
Prerequisite:
THEA 111 Minimum Grade: D
Equivalent:
FILM 361 - OK if taken since Fall 2023
THEA 332 Scenic Design
3.00 credits
Theory and application of the process used to design theatrical scenery. Students begin to develop and apply skills in script analysis, theatre drafting, model building, collage, and research techniques with the intent to design scenery for live theatre performance. Fall, odd years.
THEA 354 Directing II
3.00 credits
With a foundation in conceptualization, play analysis, actor communication, and design, student directors will create a vision for a short play. Student directors cast their shows and collaborate with a design team to realize the production in a public performance. Emphasis is placed on building conceptually rich, unified productions and the development of an individual creative voice. Spring.
Prerequisite:
THEA 253 Minimum Grade: D
THEA 390 Directed Study
1.00- 4.00 credits
Topic to be determined by faculty.
THEA 432 CIS:
3.00 credits
The Core Integration Seminar (CIS) engages the Year Four Question: Imagining the possible: What is our role in the world? by offering students a culminating seminar experience in which students integrate the principles of Jesuit education, prior components of the Core, and their disciplinary expertise. Each section of the course will focus on a problem or issue raised by the contemporary world that encourages integration, collaboration, and problem solving. The topic for each section of the course will be proposed and developed by each faculty member in a way that clearly connects to the Jesuit Mission, to multiple disciplinary perspectives, and to our students future role in the world.
THEA 440 Playwriting
3.00 credits
Designed to provide students with the necessary tools to create dramatic texts for reading and performance. Through play reading assignments and exercises devised to tap into different modes of creative generation, students discover methodologies for developing new work. Students hear their work read by actors in a 10-minute play festival. By the end of the semester, students complete a short one-act play. Fall, even years.
THEA 480 Theatre Seminar
1.00- 4.00 credits
Intensive study of a particular aspect of theatre. Permission from Department Chair required. Upon sufficient demand.
THEA 481 Theatre Seminar
1.00- 3.00 credits
Intensive study of a particular aspect of theatre. Permission from Department Chair required. Upon sufficient demand.
THEA 482 Theatre Seminar
1.00- 3.00 credits
Intensive study of a particular aspect of theatre. Permission from Department Chair required. Upon sufficient demand.
THEA 483 Theatre Seminar
1.00- 3.00 credits
Intensive study of a particular aspect of theatre. Permission of instructor required. Upon sufficient demand.
THEA 484 Theatre Seminar
1.00 credit
Intensive study of a particular aspect of theatre. Permission of instructor required. Upon sufficient demand.
THEA 485 Theatre Seminar
1.00- 3.00 credits
Intensive study of a particular aspect of theatre. Permission of instructor required. Upon sufficient demand.
THEA 486 Theatre Seminar
1.00- 3.00 credits
Intensive study of a particular aspect of theatre. Permission of instructor required. Upon sufficient demand.
THEA 487 Theatre Seminar
1.00- 3.00 credits
Intensive study of a particular aspect of theatre. Permission of instructor required. Upon sufficient demand.
THEA 488 Theatre Seminar
1.00- 3.00 credits
Intensive study of a particular aspect of theatre. Pre-requisite: permission of instructor. Upon sufficient demand.
THEA 489 Theatre Seminar
1.00- 6.00 credits
Intensive study of a particular aspect of theatre. Permission of instructor required. Upon sufficient demand.
THEA 490 Directed Study
1.00- 3.00 credits
Students will take leadership in one of the following areas of applied theatrical production: stage management, lighting design, scenic design, sound design, costume design or directing.
THEA 491 Directed Study
1.00- 2.00 credits
Students will take leadership in one of the following areas of applied theatrical production: stage management, lighting design, scenic design, sound design, costume design or directing.
THEA 492 Directed Study
1.00- 3.00 credits
Students will take leadership in one of the following areas of applied theatrical production: stage management, lighting design, scenic design, sound design, costume design or directing.
THEA 493 Directed Study
1.00- 2.00 credits
Students will take leadership in one of the following areas of applied theatrical production: stage management, lighting design, scenic design, sound design, costume design, or directing.
THEA 494 Directed Study
1.00- 2.00 credits
Students will take leadership in one of the following areas of applied theatrical production: stage management, lighting design, scenic design, sound design, costume design or directing.
THEA 497 Internship
1.00- 3.00 credits
Professional work experience in theatre related field. Fall, Spring, and Summer.
THEA 498 Senior Project I
1.00 credit
A career preparation and individual artistic development experience in a cohort and mentorship setting. Students will engage in self-initiated as well as guided exercises to prepare for life and career after graduation. Development of senior project, to be completed in THEA 499 in the spring. Fall.
THEA 499 Senior Project II
1.00 credit
A continuation of THEA 498 with more emphasis placed on implementing a senior project in partial fulfillment of the departments major requirements. Spring.
Prerequisite:
THEA 498 Minimum Grade: D