Courses

Courses in Communication and Theatre

Co-Curricular Activities

A. DePauw Theatre; B. Debates; C. WGRE-FM; D. D3TV.; E.Social Media.

Theatre Practicum

This course enables students to apply theoretical concepts from performance and design theory to a live production for an audience. Performers, designers, stage managers, choreographers, composers, and others collaborate as an ensemble to take a production from page to stage. This course is a P/F course, repeatable up to 1.0 credit, and is exempt from tuition overload fees. No prerequisites.

Debate Practicum

COMM 102 (Debate Practicum) enables students to apply theoretical concepts from debate and argumentation theory to participate in live debates for various audiences including lay, argument, and topic specialists. Students collaborate as a team and work with partners to research and construct arguments for competitive debate on and off-campus. This course is a P/F course, repeatable up to 1.0 credit, and is exempt from tuition overload fees. No prerequisites.

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.

Costume, Lighting, and Scenery Craft

The theory and practice of technical production for live performance, including: scenery construction, lighting, properties, costume construction and make-up. Laboratory work on University productions.

Costume, Lighting, and Scenery Design

The theory and practice of technical design for live performance, 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.

Off-Campus Extended Studies Course

Winter or May Term off-campus study project on a theme related to communications and theatre.

On-Campus Extended Studies Course

An on-campus course offered during the Winter or May term. May be offered for .5 course credits or as a co-curricular (0 credit). Counts toward satisfying the Extended Studies requirement.

First-Year Seminar

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

Foundations of Communication Studies

This course introduces students to the interdisciplinary field of communication studies. Drawing on primary and secondary source material, the course encourages students to explore a variety of theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of human communication. 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.

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.

Theatre, Culture and Society

Theatre, Culture and Society explores representations of social identity, culture, and ideology in live performance and film with special emphasis on issues of race, gender, class, and sexual identity. Live performances and historical performance descriptions are considered as texts to be 'read' within cultural contexts, alongside mediated events, such as film, television, or novels, with special focus on performance traditions of non-dominant social groups from cultural, critical, historical, and theoretical perspectives. The course also explores the role of the audience, historical performance, and strategies for recognizing, reinforcing, or subverting conventional depictions of power and ideology.

Entertainment Design

Applications of stagecraft technology and design in specific areas of entertainment design. Concentration on design process into production, including drafting and rendering. Repeatable for credit with different topics. Prerequisite: COMM 117 or 118 or one Studio Art course or permission of Instructor.

Argumentation and Debate

This course is designed as an intensive study of one particular arena of argumentation: the engaging world of academic and public debate. The course will study the theory of debate, the component parts of arguments, significant debates in history, and political and legal argumentation. We will apply what we have learned in multiple practical exercises including a policy debate, several parliamentary debates, and an advocacy assignment. This course will require significant out of class work, including research, practice, and preparation. The culminating experience of the course will be attending and participating in an actual debate tournament.

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.

Business and Professional Communication

This course is an introduction to business and professional communication at individual, group, and organization levels. Topics will include principles of business communication, professional and ethical communication in the workplace, working in teams, and different methods of professional presentations. This course is appropriate for students with a variety of majors, including those in the School of Business and Leadership.

Intercultural Communication

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

Foundations of Leadership

This course establishes a conceptual foundation for the study of leadership. From this foundation, students will be equipped to further build their knowledge of leadership through both coursework and applied experience. Students will examine case studies, engage with guest speakers, and study the key theoretical concepts of modern leadership study. Conceptual areas covered include inclusive leadership, leader member exchange theory, transformational leadership, authentic leadership, servant leadership, adaptive leadership, and team leadership. Contexts considered cross disciplinary boundaries and will include corporate, community, political, and education leadership.

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.

Project 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. Prerequisite: permission of department. No more than two course credits may be taken as projects. Not open for Pass/Fail credit.

Internship in Communication

A. Media Studies; 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, COMM 214, or COMM 215 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 or COMM 118, and COMM 213 or COMM 214, or permission of instructor.

Advanced Entertainment Design

More complex applications of theater technology and design in specific areas of entertainment design. Concentration on design process into production, including drafting and rendering. Repeatable for credit with different topics. Prerequisite: COMM 117 or 118 or 217 or one Studio Art course or permission of instructor.

Business of the Performing Arts

The course will investigate different models of arts organizations, including union-based models, alternate structures (other than unions), leadership in the arts, entrepreneurship, startups, world markets for arts, grants and fundraising, and the very broad variety of graduate programs that are possible. The work will culminate with a final project which will connect these ideas with the real world of the arts: complete design portfolio, budgeting and planning for a guest artist or event here on campus, a fleshed out marketing or development plan, full audition plus resume/headshot, etc. We will consider theaters, symphonies, dance companies, art galleries, museums, corporate applications, and newer models that ignore these boundaries. A primary goal of the course is to highlight intersections of ideas and practices from the 'real worlds' of art, music, dance, writing, and theater, for mutual benefit.

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. Prerequisite: Any theatre or film class or permission of instructor.

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. Prerequisite: 223 or 233 or permission of instructor.

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. Prerequisite: 123 or 223 or permission of instructor.

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. Prerequisite: 225; 225 or 223 or 233 or GLH101 for Health Comm section or permission of instructor.

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.

Strategic Communication

Theoretical and practical application of communication tools and techniques used to design and deliver clear, effective and engaging messages to specific publics in a variety of contexts. Topics include advertising, marketing, public relations, brand management, crisis communication, social change and advocacy campaigns. Prerequisites: COMM 223 or COMM 233 or permission of the instructor.

Strategic Communication

Theoretical and practical application of communication tools and techniques used to design and deliver clear, effective and engaging messages to specific publics in a variety of contexts. Topics include advertising, marketing, public relations, brand management, crisis communication, social change and advocacy campaigns. Prerequisites: COMM 223 or COMM 233 or permission of the 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.

Global Media

This course explores global flows of media texts, industries, and reception practices as elements of complex transnational structures. The course may focus on one or more of a wide array of media forms, including print, radio, podcasting, popular music, television, film, and social media. Prerequisites: 233 or 237 or permission of instructor.

Adv Topics in Media Studies

This course offers an intensive examination of specific critical issues across a wide range of topics within media studies. Recent topics include: Advertising and Consumer Culture, Film Theory, and Cross-Cultural Journalism. Repeatable for credit with different topics.

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, 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.

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, C. Theatre Project, E. Media Studies Project, G. Rhetoric Project, K. Co-Curricular Project, M. Senior Capstone Thesis or Project. Prerequisite: permission of department. No more than two course credits may be taken as projects. Not open for Pass/Fail credit.