Visual and Performing Arts

Department of Visual and Performing Arts

Aligning itself with the evolving trends of the 21st century arts world, Worcester State University offers several programs for visual and performing arts students, including two majors, double majors for education students, and four minors.

The Major in Interdisciplinary Visual and Performing Arts is one of the few interdisciplinary arts majors in the country. With this major, students go beyond the standard coursework in art, music, and theatre to understand the larger world of visual and performing arts. WSU’s VPA major allows students to gain an interdisciplinary view of the arts and an understanding of how to use one art form to inform the other, while also gaining an in-depth knowledge of the art forms that most excite them.

The interdisciplinary major is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in art, music, and theatre, and both a theoretical and practical understanding about how they interact in an interdisciplinary environment.  Core courses promote critical thinking, and prepare students intellectually and creatively to complete their capstone/senior thesis projects and launch careers in the arts. Students craft the major to fit their areas of interest – art, music, theatre, etc. - through electives chosen in consultation with advisors. Students apply their coursework to the production, performance, and critical study of creative work through a multitude of exhibit and performance opportunities.

Students interested in theatre can pursue studies through  the new Major in Theatre or the Major in Interdisciplinary Visual and Performing Arts. The. Major in Theatre provides marketable, hands-on production experience with an extensive variety of coursework to prepare students for a career in live theatre production, its associated industries, or advanced graduate education. 

Students interested in art can pursue studies through the new Major in Art or the Major in Interdisciplinary Visual and Performing Arts. The Major in Art emphasizes the integration of broad-based studio art training and arts research with the development of creativity, communication, and critical thinking to prepare students for graduate studies or careers in a wide range of arts-related fields.

Faculty

Michael C. Hachey, Professor (1993), B.F.A., M.F.A., Massachusetts College of Art

Stacey Parker, Professor (2007), B.F.A., Alfred University; M.F.A., Rochester Institute of Technology

Amaryllis Siniossoglou, Professor (2005), P.E.P., Royal College of Art, London; M.F.A., University of Massachusetts, Amherst; Diplome Superieur d' Art Plastique, School of Art, Athens

Kyle D. Martin, Professor (1998), B.M. Hardin-Simmons University; M.M., D.M.A., Eastman School of Music 

Carlos Odria, Assistant Professor (2020), B.A., M.Mus., Ph.D., Florida State University

Samuel O'Connell, Department Chair, Professor (2010), B.A., M.A., Washington University; Ph.D., Northwestern University

Adam Zahler, Professor (2007), B.A., University of Vermont; M.F.A., University of Virginia

Art Courses

AR-100 Cross Media Studio

LASC Categories: CA, TLC

An introduction to selected two- and three-dimensional media through the exploration of a semester-long theme such as the human figure, or forms in nature.

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

AR-105 Introduction to Animation

This hands-on introductory course covers the fundamentals and aesthetics of computer animation using the Adobe AfterEffects motion graphics program.

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

AR-118 Global Art History

LASC Categories: GP, DAC, CA

Surveys the outstanding visual art from all cultures beginning in the prehistoric era to the late 19th century.

Fall only and every year. 3 Credits

AR-119 First Year Art Practicum

This course offers students an opportunity to work closely with faculty to work in the art gallery, develop technical skills, studio projects, and do research to support their creative development. This course is required for the Art Major. It will be geared to the individual needs of each student.

Other or on demand and every year. 1 Credit

AR-123 Design Fundamentals

LASC Categories: CA, QAC

Design Fundamentals is a course combining 2 and 3 Dimensional Design. In this course we explore composition, space, and color along with planes, volumes, and environments. A variety of materials are used to create on surfaces and in actual space. Many projects are grounded in aspects of mathematical and geometrical systems, e.g., grids, tiling, Fibbonaci series, fractals, regular solids.

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

AR-130 Painting I

LASC Categories: CA

An introduction to the fundamentals of historical painting styles, techniques, and materials used, with emphasis on visual perception and expression

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

AR-140 Drawing Fundamentals

LASC Categories: CA, GP, DAC

The development of visual perception, technical skills, and individual expression in drawing media. Students will explore concepts in drawing to develop their artwork through observation, experimentation, awareness of historical and contemporary contexts, and critical assessment. Projects utilize a variety of drawing materials to demonstrate technical facility and to enhance self-expression.

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

AR-150 Life Studio I

LASC Categories: CA

Focus on the human figure through different modes of drawing and painting. Attention to structure and anatomy and their expressive aspects.

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

AR-165 Creating Cultural Forms

LASC Categories: CA, GP, WAC, DAC

Prerequisites: EN-102

A studio course. Concepts of art forms created by a variety of world cultures and art movements of the past and present.

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

AR-191 Special Topics in Art

Introductory course to cover various topics.

3 Credits

AR-193 First Year Seminar in Art

LASC Categories: FYS

Introductory level course covering topics of special interest to first year students. Offered only as a First Year Seminar.

Every year. 3 Credits

AR-210 Drawing and Painting Studio

LASC Categories: CA

This course is a comprehensive introduction to the art of drawing and painting. Students will be strongly encouraged to explore the skills and concepts of these art forms in order to develop their ideas through observation, experimentation, historical context, and analysis. Projects are designed to expand awareness and to expose students to contemporary concerns.

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

AR-215 Topics in Art

LASC Categories: CA, GP

This course chooses a topic or a theme to explore in the classroom and studio for a semester. Students will read about this topic or theme and they will produce work in the studio inspired by their reading. Topics may include (but are not limited to): the figure in art, landscape art, abstract art, science and art, social sciences and art, religion and art, east meets west, arte povera, Dada art etc.

Fall only and every year. 3 Credits

AR-219 Second Year Art Practicum

Prerequisites: VP-200

This course offers students an opportunity to work closely with faculty to work in the art gallery, develop technical skills, studio projects, and do research to support their creative development. This course is required for the Art Major. It will be geared to the individual needs of each student.

Other or on demand and every year. 1 Credit

AR-221 Studio Art Practicum

LASC Categories: CA

This is the first in a set of three core courses for the Art major. This course focuses on practical and professional art skills including but not limited to the creation of professional documents like resumes, artist statements and proposals, professional internet presence such as websites and social media accounts, art critique work and gallery related content such as exhibition submissions and gallery representation.

Other or on demand and every year. 3 Credits

AR-225 Art Since Mid-20th Century

LASC Categories: CA, GP, WAC, DAC

Explores how artists have challenged the traditional definitions of the art object and the expanded materials, media and concepts employed by artists since 1950 to the present era.

Fall only and every year. 3 Credits

AR-230 Printmaking

LASC Categories: CA

Introduction to the techniques and aesthetics of etching and relief. Prints by major artists are examined.

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

AR-235 3D Sculpture Studio

LASC Categories: CA, GP, WAC

Prerequisites: EN-102

This is an introductory course focusing on form creation grounded in sculptural forms and techniques. Students will create sculpture by exploring traditional techniques such as molding, carving, casting and assemblage using historical and contemporary materials from clay and stone to cardboard and found objects. Historical context, skill development, critical analysis and proper tool usage and safety are emphasized.

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

AR-240 Watercolor

LASC Categories: CA, TLC

A studio course exploring various techniques and expressive forms used by watercolorists of the past and present.

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

AR-260 Visual Arts in the Schools

LASC Categories: CA

An exploration of art materials and concepts, and their appropriate use with children. Includes studio projects, art history, and educational theory.

3 Credits

AR-270 Driftwood to Dumpsters

LASC Categories: CA, TLC, WAC

Prerequisites: EN-102

Students will learn about the history and practice of making art from non-traditional materials. This is a lecture and hands-on art course.

Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits

AR-285 History of Photography

LASC Categories: CA, TLC

The history of photography from 1839 to present, with attention to styles, aesthetics, technical processes, and leading practitioners. [Cross-listed with CM-285]

Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits

AR-308 Thesis Seminar

LASC Categories: CA

Prerequisites: AR-221.

This course focuses on the research that prepares students for their Capstone. They will evaluate the work of other artists working in their media, make critical judgments about the work they experience in contemporary exhibitions, and present their ideas orally in class presentations. Students will also develop their studio art portfolio and capstone proposal.

Spring only and every year. 3 Credits

AR-319 Third Year Art Practicum

Prerequisites: AR-219

This course consolidates student studio skills, research expertise, and best practices for creative work. Students will initiate the development of a body of work that will lead to Capstone.

Other or on demand and every year. 1 Credit

AR-330 Intermediate Printmaking

Prerequisites: AR-230

Continuation of relief printmaking in an individual direction using tone/color and multiple blocks.

Every year. 3 Credits

AR-350 Special Topics in Art

Prerequisites: one studio course or consent of instructor.

A course covering topics which vary in response to specific student and faculty interest.

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

AR-400 Ind Study: Art

An opportunity for further study in a special field of interest under faculty supervision.

Fall and Spring and other or on demand. 3 Credits

AR-402 Internship in Art

An individual experience through internship with a sponsoring community organization, professional institution or individual, i.e., museums, galleries, artists.

Fall only and other or on demand. 3-6 Credits

AR-408 Directed Study: Art

Directed study offers students, who because of unusual circumstances may be unable to register for a course when offered, the opportunity to complete an existing course with an established syllabus under the direction and with agreement from a faculty member.

Fall and Spring. 1-3 Credits

AR-455 Thesis Capstone

LASC Categories: CAP

Pre-requisite: Completion of all other major requirements. Students design, and create their work for public presentation. This is the final course in the Art Major and is a requirement for all the majors.

Other or on demand and every year. 3 Credits

Music Courses

MU-101 Fundamentals of Music and Aural Skills

LASC Categories: CA

An introduction to reading and writing conventional music notation, the fundamentals of music theory, and basic aural skills. Emphasis will be placed on intervals, scales, chords, rhythmic values, sight-singing, melodic dictation, and aural recognition of intervals and chords.

Every year. 3 Credits

MU-102 Applied Music

LASC Categories: ICW

Prerequisites: Audition required

Audition required. Private instruction in an instrument or voice. Thirteen weekly one-hour lessons. May be repeated. Studio fee required. Instruments offered: brass, guitar, piano, percussion, strings, and winds.

Fall and Spring and every year. 1 Credit

MU-104 Class Piano

LASC Categories: CA

Prerequisites: MU-100 or MU-101

Basic piano technique and pedagogy in a group setting of 12 or fewer

Fall and Spring and every year. 1 Credit

MU-106 Class Guitar

An introduction to playing the guitar, including technique, reading tabs and notation, and harmonization of melodies with chords. Solo literature appropriate to the level will be studied. Students are required to provide an instrument.

Fall and Spring and every year. 1 Credit

MU-115 Music Appreciation

LASC Categories: CA

General survey of masterpieces of major composers of various periods in history of music.

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

MU-120 Ear Training

Prerequisites: MU-100 or MU-101

An introductory course in the fundamentals of ear-training and sight-singing. Emphasis will be placed on the development of basic melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic aural skills through listening, dictation, and application of solfege.

Every year. 3 Credits

MU-125 Jazz Appreciation

LASC Categories: CA, TLC

Surveys the history of jazz beginning with the earliest roots in the American South to today.

Every year. 3 Credits

MU-140 World Music

LASC Categories: CA

An introduction to music of various cultures and continents including music of Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and India.

Spring only and every 2-3 years. 3 Credits

MU-175 Music in America

Survey of music history and literature in America including gospel spirituals, jazz, popular and classical music.

Other or on demand. 3 Credits

MU-185 Composition I

LASC Categories: CA

Prerequisites: MU 101 Fundamentals of Music Aural Skills OR MU 100 Music Fundamentals

An introduction to compositional methods and techniques. Students develop personal expression by creating musical works while exploring use of melody, harmony, timbre, rhythm, texture, and tonality within conventional musical forms.

Spring only and every year. 3 Credits

MU-193 Special Topics in Music:First Year Students

LASC Categories: FYS

Introductory level course covering topics of special interest to first-year students. Offered only as a First-Year Seminar.

Every year. 3 Credits

MU-200 Issues in Music

This course deals with topics of special interest, in both seminars and studio environments at an introductory level.

3 Credits

MU-202 Applied Music

Prerequisites: Audition Required

Instruments offered: Piano, voice, oboe, clarinet, flute, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, French horn, violin, viola, cello, bass, percussion, guitar. Instructors for other instruments may be arranged by special request to the Music Department. Private instruction in an instrument or voice, one hour per week. Student fee required. May be repeated. Offered every semester.

Fall and Spring and other or on demand. 1 Credit

MU-205 Music Theory I

LASC Categories: CA

Prerequisites: MU-100 or 101.

Analysis and application of harmonization techniques using diatonic chords. Further emphasis is placed on voice-leading, figured bass, melodic construction, and embellishing tones.

Spring only and other or on demand. 3 Credits

MU-215 Chorus and Music Theory

LASC Categories: CA

Prerequisites: Audition Required

Mixed choral repertoire and performance, covering vocal problems and techniques. Introduction to music theory, rhythms, intervals, basic chordal structures, harmonization. Participation in college chorus required.

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

MU-220 Chorus

LASC Categories: CA

Prerequisites: MU-215

Mixed Chorus repertoire. May be repeated.

Fall and Spring and every year. 0.5-1 Credits

MU-222 African Drumming

LASC Categories: GP, CA, DAC

An exploration of African music and drumming techniques from the culture of Ghana. Students will develop performance skills and present a public performance during the course of the semester.

Every year. 0.5-3 Credits

MU-223 African Drumming II

LASC Categories: CA, GP

Prerequisites: MU 222-African Drumming I, or MU 193-FYS African Drumming from Ghana

This Level 2 ensemble builds on Level 1 in the following ways: (a) learn new drumming styles; (b) improvise with greater freedom; and (c) learn to play lead drum rhythms, with the possibility of performing them in the final performance.

Spring only and every 2-3 years. 3 Credits

MU-228 Piano Ensemble

LASC Categories: CA

Prerequisites: MU-102 or MU-190

A small ensemble for keyboard players who will learn, explore, and perform four- hand piano repertoire.

Every year. 1 Credit

MU-231 Women in Music

LASC Categories: CA, TLC

A survey of the role of women in music, particularly the great composers from Medieval to Contemporary times.

3 Credits

MU-237 Music in the Elementary School

LASC Categories: CA

Discover the benefits of using music to enrich general education from preschool through high school. Develop your own musicianship through learning to use your singing voice, learning to play the recorder, learning to read notation and gaining an overview of western music history.

Other or on demand. 3 Credits

MU-250 Music of the Cinema:Spectacle, Splendor, And Spielberg

LASC Categories: CA, TLC

An introduction to the role, impact, and importance of music in motion pictures from silent movies through contemporary film.

Spring only. 3 Credits

MU-275 Computers and Music

An introduction to computer music technologies with emphasis on use of electronics and computers in music composition and performance, Further emphasis will be placed on basic acoustics, perception of sound, application of computer music in experimental genres, digital recording, mixing, fundamentals of sound synthesis and digital signal processing.

Other or on demand and other or on demand. 3 Credits

MU-280 History of Music

LASC Categories: CA

A general survey of western art music covering the historical periods of the Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and 20th Century.

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

MU-285 Composition II

Prerequisites: MU-185 or MU-204, and MU-205.

A continuation of Composition I. Students will explore methods of tonal composition Emphasis will be placed on melodic writing, harmonization practices, chord substitutions, use of figurations, texture, and timbre in tonal music. Experimentation with rhythmic and metric practices including asymmetry, shifting accents, changing time signatures, and ostinato.

Fall and Spring and every year. 1 Credit

MU-300 Chorale

LASC Categories: CA

Prerequisites: Audition Required

Study and performance of a cappella choral literature from the Middle Ages to contemporary times. May be repeated. Audition required for enrollment.

Every year. 0.5-1 Credits

MU-302 Applied Music

Prerequisites: Audition Required

Instruments offered: Piano, voice, oboe, clarinet, flute, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, French horn, violin, viola, cello, bass, percussion, guitar. Instructors for other instruments may be arranged by special request to the Music Department. Private instruction in an instrument or voice, one hour per week. Student fee required. May be repeated. Offered every semester.

Fall only and every year. 1 Credit

MU-305 Music Theory II

LASC Categories: CA

Prerequisites: MU-205

Harmonization of melodies using primary and secondary chords, harmonic analysis of tonal music from the Common Practice Period, including diatonic and chromatic chords, secondary dominants, modulation, and aural skills. An introduction to formal schemes in music including phrase structure, binary and ternary and form, sonata form, and species counterpoint.

Fall only and every year. 3 Credits

MU-310 The American Musical in Performance

Study, rehearsal and performance of a great American musical. Music, acting and dance will all be skills which are developed.

Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits

MU-321 Small Ensemble

LASC Categories: ICW, CA

The performance of musical works by a small ensemble. By permission of instructor or audition.

Fall and Spring and every year. 0.5-1 Credits

MU-326 Chamber Orchestra

LASC Categories: CA

In this class the students will rehearse and perform music from the orchestral repertoire in a variety of styles and genres and from varied periods. All woodwind, string, brass, keyboard and percussion instruments are eligible to participate. 1 credit section for those repeating the class in another semester and those in proposed revised music minor; .5 credit section for VPA music concentrators Pre-requisite: Audition for Instructor

Fall and Spring and every year. 0.5-3 Credits

MU-330 Jazz Ensemble

LASC Categories: ICW, USW, DAC

An ensemble where students learn to perform traditional jazz repertoire, as well as original compositions. Through rehearsing, performing, directed listening and ear training, students will learn: (a) conceptual approaches to improvising and composing; (b) harmonic, melodic and rhythmic theory specific to the jazz idiom; and (c) methods for connecting audiation to instrumental playing. Special emphasis will be on jazz standards, especially those with a blues form. 3 credits 1 credit if repeating .5 for Visual and Performing Arts majors with music concentration or focus and those who minor in composition and music technology

Fall and Spring and every year. 0.5-3 Credits

MU-375 Sound Synthesis

Prerequisites: MU-275

A continuation of MU 275 Computers and Music. Focus on application of sound in composition acoustics and additive synthesis, modulation and waveshaping, signal flow, processing, digital filtering, reverberation, and sample processing.

Other or on demand and other or on demand. 3 Credits

MU-385 Composition III

Prerequisites: MU 285/Composition II MU 305/Music Theory I (currently MU 210)

An exploration of compositional practices presented during Composition II. Students will compose absolute music in the style of the Common Practice Period as well as work with superimposed chords, shifting tonality, pandiatonicism, large-scale forms, polyrhythms, and polymeter, This course introduces to composing tonal music for non-musical genres including media, video games, incidental music for theater and film.

Other or on demand and every year. 1 Credit

MU-400 Independent Study in Music

Prerequisites: Consent of Instructor

An opportunity for further study in a special field of interest under faculty supervision.

Fall and Spring and every year. 1-6 Credits

MU-402 Applied Music

Prerequisites: Audition Required

Instruments offered: Piano, voice, oboe, clarinet, flute, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, French horn, violin, viola, cello, bass, percussion, guitar. Instructors for other instruments may be arranged by special request to the Music Department. Private instruction in an instrument or voice, one hour per week. Student fee required. May be repeated. Offered every semester.

Fall and Spring. 1 Credit

MU-408 Directed Study: Music

Directed study offers students, who because of unusual circumstances may be unable to register for a course when offered, the opportunity to complete an existing course with an established syllabus under the direction and with agreement from a faculty member.

3 Credits

MU-410 Special Topics in Music

This course will allow members of the music faculty to develop courses of special interest. This would include seminars on specific composers or compositions, in both classroom and applied studio enviorments.

0.5-3 Credits

MU-485 Composition IV

Prerequisites: MU-385

Compositional techniques of the 20th-century including modality, parallelism, atonality, serialism, electronic music, aleatory, music concrete, and sound synthesis.

Other or on demand and other or on demand. 1 Credit

Theatre Courses

TH-126 Script Analysis

LASC Categories: CA, TLC, DAC

Script analysis for theatre artists. How to take a script from initial reading to production.

Other or on demand. 3 Credits

TH-145 Acting I

LASC Categories: CA

Introductory acting theory and practice. Students present brief monologues and scenes in class.

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

TH-155 First-Year Theatre Practicum

Practical work in Theatre production for first-year students.

Fall and Spring and every year. 1 Credit

TH-175 Introduction to Stagecraft

LASC Categories: CA, QR

An introductory class to major types of Stagecraft for live theatre. Students will learn in formal classes and in 30 hours of scheduled laboratories about set construction, costume construction and lighting technology. Students will learn the vocabulary of technical theatre and will learn geometric and mathematical methods required for each of the three main areas covered.

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

TH-191 Introduction to the Theatre

LASC Categories: CA

An overview of live performance, with the emphasis on audience appreciation. Performance arts and crafts are examined.

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

TH-193 Special Topics in Theater:First-Year Students

LASC Categories: FYS

Introductory level course covering topics of special interest to first-year students. Offered only as a First-Year Seminar.

Every year. 3 Credits

TH-235 History of Theatre

LASC Categories: GP, TLC, DAC

Survey of world theatre including from its ritual origins through the classical era, medieval era, the renaissance, the restoration, the modernist revolution to the present day. This global approach includes historical examples from Europe, Africa, Asia, North America, and South America.

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

TH-246 Voice and Movement

Prerequisites: TH-145.

Training to strengthen the natural voice, develop diction, learn period movement and develop spatial awareness on and off stage.

Every year. 3 Credits

TH-255 Second-Year Theatre Practicum

Practical work in Theatre production for second-year students.

Every year. 1 Credit

TH-263 Concepts of Theatre Design

LASC Categories: CA

This is a fundamental design course for live theatre, but will also apply to other design fields. Drawing, both freehand and digital, will be studied. Students will learn the elements and principles of design, and how to apply them to Scenic, Costume and Lighting Design, as well as other modes of 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional art. Additive and subtractive color theory will be covered. Students will learn the specialized language of design and will study how to approach the three areas of design aforementioned.

Other or on demand and every year. 3 Credits

TH-270 History of American Entertainment I

LASC Categories: CA, USW

An historical survey of American popular entertainments from the Colonial period through the end of the nineteenth century.

Every year. 3 Credits

TH-271 History of American Entertainment II

LASC Categories: CA, USW

An historical survey of American popular entertainments from the rise of film and radio through the great American musicals.

Every year. 3 Credits

TH-272 History of Costume

LASC Categories: CA

The history of clothing from ancient times to the present. Lecture/discussion and a research project on a chosen era or culture.

Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits

TH-274 Stage Management

LASC Categories: CA, QAC

An introduction to the craft of stage management focussing on the techniques, responsibilities and duties necessary to manage both rehearsals and performances.

Every year. 3 Credits

TH-290 Theatre for Young Audiences

LASC Categories: ICW, CA, DAC

Organization of children's theatre, script selesction, visual design, rehearsal and performance. Investigation of creative drama as a teaching tool in elementary education.

Spring only and other or on demand. 3 Credits

TH-292 Applied Theatre and Community Engagement

LASC Categories: CA, ICW

Principles and techniques of leading improvised dramatic activities with children and adults. Involves sensory awareness, imagination, movement and story dramatizations.

Every year. 3 Credits

TH-321 Rehearsal and Performance

LASC Categories: CA

Public performance of full-length stage productions under faculty direction. Students assume performance and/or production "roles" as described in departmental manual.

Spring only and every year. 3 Credits

TH-345 Acting II

Prerequisites: TH-191 TH-145

Further development of acting skills with emphasis on stage-acting technique.

Every year. 3 Credits

TH-348 Stage Combat

LASC Categories: CA, ICW

Prerequisites: TH-191 or TH-145.

Training in armed and unarmed combat for the stage. emphasis will be placed on safety in the choreography of stage fighting.

Every year. 3 Credits

TH-355 Third-Year Theatre Practicum

Practical work in Theatre production.

Fall and Spring and every year. 1 Credit

TH-360 Scenic Design for Theatre

LASC Categories: CA

Scenic Design for Theatre will include research, drafting, drawing and rendering, model building and presentation of scenic designs for assigned plays.

Every year. 3 Credits

TH-370 Costume Design for Theatre

LASC Categories: CA

Conceptualization, collaboration, research, figure drawing and rendering, swatching, and presentation of costume designs for assigned plays.

Every year. 3 Credits

TH-380 Directing

Prerequisites: TH-145 and TH-191

Script selection, casting, scene analysis, blocking, rehearsal techniques and other concerns of the theatrical director. Students direct a short scene and short plays.

Every 2-3 years. 3 Credits

TH-390 Lighting Design for Theatre

LASC Categories: CA

Study and exercises in conceptualization, collaboration, design presentation, qualities and functions of light, drafting the light plot, and control of theatrical lighting.

Every year. 3 Credits

TH-399 Special Topics in Theatre

Will include study of topics on an as needed basis, (i.e. in conjunction with a production, or a course for advanced students who wish to pursue further study).

Other or on demand and other or on demand. 3 Credits

TH-405 Independent Study in Theatre

Offers motivated students the opportunity to study a theatre topic not covered in the established curriculum.

Other or on demand and other or on demand. 1-6 Credits

TH-408 Directed Study: Theatre

Directed study offers students, who because of unusual circumstances may be unable to register for a course when offered, the opportunity to complete an existing course with an established syllabus under the direction and with agreement from a faculty member.

3 Credits

TH-435 Internship in Theatre

Provides an opportunity for students in good standing to gain practical experience with professional theatre or related organizations.

Other or on demand and other or on demand. 1-12 Credits

TH-455 Theatre Capstone

LASC Categories: CAP, WAC

Prerequisites: TH-155 and TH-255 and TH-355

Theatre students will create a senior thesis project/capstone in acting, directing, design, playwriting, craft or dramaturgy, chosen in consultation with a faculty advisor and demonstrating the skills learned in their studies. The capstone may be part of a mainstage production or a student generated project. Each capstone project will be accompanied by a written analysis showing their research or full-documentation of their process.

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

Visual and Performing Arts Courses

VP-155 First Year Practicum

Students will put into practice interdisciplinary concepts, ideas, and techniques at an experiential level.

Spring only and every year. 1 Credit

VP-193 Special Topics in Visual and Performing Arts: First-Year Students

LASC Categories: FYS

Introductory level courses covering topics of special interest to first-year students. Offered only as First-Year Seminar.

Every year. 3 Credits

VP-200 Critical Thinking in the Arts

LASC Categories: CA, TLC, DAC, QAC

The experience of art, music, and theatre to develop individual critical thinking in the similarities and differences among the arts.

Every year. 3 Credits

VP-210 Contemporary Dance Styles I

LASC Categories: CA

The study and movement of dance vocabularies in one or more contemporary and modern styles.

Every year. 3 Credits

VP-255 Second Year Practicum

Prerequisites: VP-155

Students will put into practice interdisciplinary concepts, ideas, and techniques at a exploratory level.

Spring only and every year. 1 Credit

VP-355 Third Year Practicum

Prerequisites: VP-155 and VP-255

Students will put into practice interdisciplinary concepts, ideas, and techniques at an experimental level.

Spring only and every year. 1 Credit

VP-364 Interdisciplinary Arts Theory

Prerequisites: VP-200

An exploration of interdisciplinary art theory drawing on theories and critical writings from Art, Music, and Theatre from a variety of historical periods.

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

VP-365 Interdisciplinary Arts Practice

Prerequisites: VP-200

Examines examples of contemporary modes of interdisciplinary works of music, theatre, and visual art with the goal of developing an individual, creative aesthetic.

Spring only and every year. 3 Credits

VP-405 Independent Study in the Arts

Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor

An opportunity for advanced students to examine topics not ordinarily covered in other arts courses.

Every year. 1-6 Credits

VP-408 Directed Study: Visual & Performing Arts

Directed study offers students, who because of unusual circumstances may be unable to register for a course when offered, the opportunity to complete an existing course with an established syllabus under the direction and with agreement from a faculty member.

3 Credits

VP-410 Special Topics in the Arts

Study of topics not otherwise covered in the curriculum. [Prerequisite: [2 VP courses]

Fall and Spring and every year. 3 Credits

VP-435 Internship in the Arts

Advanced students gain practical experience in a working arts environment.

Fall and Spring and every year. 3-12 Credits

VP-455 Arts Capstone/Senior Thesis

LASC Categories: WAC, CAP

Prerequisites: VP-200, and EN-102

Students design and create a work or works of art, music, or theatre for public presentation.

Every year. 3 Credits

Program Learning Outcomes

Art

  • Acquire the principles of art and design.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of traditional and contemporary art practices.
  • Cultivate aesthetic and conceptual judgments.
  • Develop skills in critical thinking and analysis.
  • Demonstrate effective written, oral, and visual communication skills.
  • Produce artwork in a variety of media and techniques.
 

Theatre

  • Acquire the critical language for the analysis and interpretation of theatre
  • Demonstrate aesthetic literacy over historical periods and cultures that pertain to the production and interpretation of theatre
  • Apply theoretical knowledge and concepts to the creation and critical analysis of theatre
  • Utilize critical thinking skills in the production of theatre
 

Visual and Performing Arts

  • Acquire the critical language for the analysis and interpretation of art forms
  • Demonstrate aesthetic literacy over historical periods and cultures that pertain to the production and interpretation of art
  • Apply theoretical knowledge and concepts to the creation and critical analysis of art forms
  • Utilize critical thinking skills in the production of creative work