The following course descriptions are from the Clarke University 2012-2013 Academic Catalog.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS: DRAMA
DRMA 103 SPEECH I 3 hours
An introduction to the basic principles underlying effective communication, this course offers practical instruction in how to speak effectively in public. Special emphasis is placed on the individual; learning how to deal with speech anxiety, developing and building an effective personal style, understanding how to adjust to audience reaction.
DRMA 108 ORAL INTERPRETATION 3 hours
First class in the performance sequence. Emphasis on beginning scene analysis and fundamental performance skills. This course is designated as (hands-on) fine arts division general education course.
DRMA 110 PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES 3 hours
Introduction to theatre art and study of the elements that contribute to the art of the theater. Practicum in organization and technique of production.
DRMA 111 STAGECRAFTS 3 hours
An entry-level course in the exploration of the craft of the theatre. Theory and process of the technical aspects of production will be discussed with practical application designed into course requirements. Stage construction, tools, materials, rigging, painting and basic lighting are the primary focus areas.
DRMA 114 DANCE 1 hour
This is an entry level course designed to begin the training and developing of the young artist in the discipline of dance. Focusing on the traditional musical theatre style of dance, specifically jazz, this course will introduce the student to dance combinations, in turn developing rhythms, which will enhance poise, coordination and physical expressiveness.
DRMA 123 GREAT PLAYS ANALYSIS 3 hours
Development of great Western drama from the Greeks to the present. Critical reading of selected texts in their social and historical setting and a study of humanity as revealed in great dramatic literature. This course is designated as fine arts division general education course.
DRMA 140 INTRODUCTION TO THE THEATRE 3 hours
A basic introduction to dramatic art for the non-major. Play analysis and production concepts will be stressed to encourage the development of artistic literacy in the non-major. This course is designated as fine arts division general education course.
DRMA 170 THEATRE PRACTICUM CV
Laboratory in acting, directing, theatre management, and the design, construction and handling of scenery, lighting, sound, costumes, properties and makeup for public performance.
DRMA 203 ACTING I 3 hours
Basic principles of acting. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or consent.
DRMA 209 VOICE AND DICTION 3 hours
Physical and physiological aspects of voice and practical exercises in vocal improvement designed to free the individual voice of each actor.
DRMA 210 STAGE MANAGEMENT 2 hours
An introduction to the field of stage management. All phases of production management are discussed from a practical, how-to point of view. From onstage, to backstage, from rehearsal schedule, to pre- and post-production, this course examines all facets from amateur to professional stage management. Special emphasis is placed on the construction of the production prompt book.
DRMA 213 STAGE MOVEMENT 3 hours
Movement for the actor approached through various techniques such as mime, improvisation, neutral and character masks, and stage combat. This course is offered every other year as needed.
DRMA 220 AMERICAN THEATRE 3 hours
Development of American drama from its beginning to the present with critical reading of selected texts in their social and historical setting. This course is offered every other year as needed.
DRMA 243-244 SHAKESPEARE 3-3 hours
Selected comedies, tragedies and history plays. This course is offered every other year. These courses are designated as fine arts division general education courses. Prerequisite: Minimum of three hours of literature or consent.
DRMA 280 SPECIAL TOPICS 3 hours
Study and analysis of selected areas of interests in the field.
DRMA 283 STAGE DESIGN 3 hours
An introduction to theatrical set design. Course deals with basic design theory and practical application of said theory in the evolution of a visual communication of setting. Special focus placed on script analysis, drafting, and design discussion. Basic instruction in computer assisted design programs.
DRMA 284 STAGE LIGHTING 3 hours
An introduction to the artistic and practical aspects of stage lighting. Course has three distinct areas of discussion: practical craft involving instruments, electricity, color theory; design theory involving basic design elements as well as historical reference; application of theory in the development of the light plot. Basic instruction in computer assisted design programs. Prerequisite: DRMA 283 Stage Design or consent.
DRMA 296 PHILOSOPHY OF ART 3 hours
An analysis of philosophical ideas and theories as they relate to a variety of art forms. A study of the nature of the art object, the artist, and the aesthetic experience. This course is designated as fine arts division general education course. Prerequisite: PHIL 110.
DRMA 301-302 INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION (ADVANCED) 1-1 hour
Individual coaching of advanced students. Prerequisite: DRMA 101-102 or consent.
DRMA 304 ACTING II 3 hours
Special problems in acting. This course is offered every other year. Prerequisite: DRMA 203.
DRMA 310 PLAY DIRECTION 3 hours
Problems of casting, mounting and rehearsing a play; practice in direction. This course is offered every other year. Prerequisite: Major/minor or consent.
DRMA 319-320 HISTORY OF THEATRE 3 hours
Development of dramatic art from its beginnings to the present; includes study of representational plays in their historical and social setting as well as their relation to the physical theater. This course is offered as needed.
DRMA 321 MODERN DRAMA 3 hours
Analysis and evaluation of European theater and dramatic literature from 1850 to the present. This course is offered as needed.
DRMA 323 CONTEMPORARY THEATRE 3 hours
Historical and literary study of the avant garde movements in contemporary drama; plays of Jarry, Pinter, Brecht, Artaud, Ionesco, Genet, Beckett and others. This course is offered as needed. Prerequisite: Consent.
DRMA 375 THEATRE ON TOUR CV
Includes field experiences, attendance at the American University Theatre Festival (ACTF) and major productions on tour.
DRMA 395 INTERNSHIP/PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CV
Creative work in the major field outside of the university. Upper Division. Prerequisite: Consent.
DRMA 480-481 PROBLEMS IN PRODUCTION, PERFORMANCE OR SELECTED READINGS 3-3 hours
Seminar in dramatic literature, production problems, history of production elements and related fields of interest. This course is taught as needed.
DRMA 490 INDEPENDENT STUDY 1-4 hours
Reading, research or creative work on a problem related to major field work. Prerequisite: Consent.
DRMA 499 DRAMA CAPSTONE 1 hour
This course provides a focal point for and closure to a liberal arts education within the context of the major discipline. As a departmental offering, the course focuses on the synthesis of the major’s academic and theatre production knowledge. Self evaluation, a reflection on the student’s liberal arts education, immediate and long-range goal setting, a major performance and heading up a crew are major components. Interdisciplinary integration is emphasized. General education and major outcomes are integral to course assessment. Prerequisite: Ordinarily, a student must have senior standing with a minimum of 45 hours in general education completed.