Courses

COTH 119   Theatre and Media Aesthetics  3 credits
An analysis of theatre and media (film and/or television) from an artistic perspective.  Through historical and practical points of view, students gain a greater appreciation of theatre and other media forms. Form, function, symbolism, and genre are applied to specific plays, films, and/or video productions. The productions analyzed vary from term to term.

COTH 151   Mass Media in America  3 credits
An examination of the media-related industries in America (broadcasting, journalism, advertising, public relations and online communications), how they work, and the issues related to those industries that affect contemporary public discourse.

COTH 197   Special Topics  1-6 credits

COTH 202   Academic Writing and Inquiry  3 credits
Students expand on the process and techniques begun in Academic Writing.  Primary focus is on analytical written communication and on advocacy oral communication.  Also included throughout the course is the reading of relevant academic professional writing, which promotes student awareness of the role of written and oral communication in academic and professional life.  Prerequisite:  ENG 102  with a minimum grade of “C-.” 

COTH 215   Development of Theatre I  3 credits
Students survey the history and evolution of theatre production and dramatic literature from the Abdydos Passion Play to the death of Queen Elizabeth I.  Plays are studied and analyzed within literary, performance and cultural contexts.

COTH 216   Development of Theatre II  3 credits
A survey of the history and evolution of theatre production and dramatic literature from the Jacobean era to the present time. Plays are studied and analyzed within literary, performance and cultural contexts.

COTH 219   Visual Communication  3 credits
A study of the processes and techniques of visual communication as they apply to theatre, television, and film. The course covers such topics as communication aesthetics, elements of design, visual organizational principles, and tools and techniques of the various media. Prerequisite: ENG 102 with a minimum grade of “C-.”

COTH 222   Analysis and Interpretation in Communication  3 credits
Students are exposed to the transfer of a written text into aesthetic performance in the theatrical or electronic medium. Discussion and group study are combined with development of performance and analytical skills.  Prerequisite: ENG 102 with a minimum grade of “C-.”

COTH 231   Technical Production I  3 credits
A study of how things are done behind the scenes in theatre and film and why they are done that way, including the basic customs and traditions of production work and the philosophy, aesthetics, and process of production. Intensive hands-on development of skills in the construction of sets, costumes, lights, sound, and props; the operation of rolling units, lights, flies, and sound; and production assistant duties.

COTH 235   Fundamentals of Acting  3 credits
An introduction to the principles, processes, and techniques of acting. The study is designed to balance theory and performance; to explore in detail the psychological,       perceptual, and conceptual linkages to the strategies, techniques, and skills of the actor; and to develop a significant sense of self-discipline on the part of the actor. Topics include warm-up and awareness skills, basic body and voice integration techniques, the theories of Stanislavski, character analysis, and performance process.

COTH 241   Media Writing  3 credits
An analysis and practice of the major forms of media writing, including print, broadcast and web-based publication, with an introduction to the ways that production varies the writing of each. Prerequisite: ENG 102 with a minimum grade of “C-.”

COTH 261   Broadcast Media Production  1-6 credits
For experienced students working with faculty supervision in the College radio station or television facilities. Students improve their specialty skills while working with the practical applications of the media.

COTH 264   Introduction to Production and Theory  3 credits
An introduction to the theory and practice of media production including critical and aesthetic theories. Topics may include scriptwriting, producing, directing, cinematography, sound recording, editing, and standards of operation for production facilities and equipment.

COTH 271   Small Group Communication  3 credits
The theory and practice of communication within small groups. Key concepts, such as leadership, consensus, and effectiveness, are integrated into laboratory discussions.

COTH 297   Special Topics  1-6 credits

COTH 298   Practicum  1-4 credits
Entry-level supervised experiences in theatre, organizational communication and journalism/ mass media.  Prerequisite: instructor permission.

COTH 304   Human Communication  3 credits
A comprehensive examination of the underpinnings of human communicative behavior. Theories, concepts, and practices are applied to everyday settings, with specific focus on dyads, communication relationships, and cross-cultural situations. Prerequisite: successful completion of COTH 202 and the general education essential skills mathematics requirement.

COTH 306   Scriptwriting  3 credits
An introduction to the fundamental tools and skills required to craft a script for performance on stage or in film/video.  Students are expected to produce playscripts and screenplays of varying lengths; they are also expected to read and respond to one another’s writing.  Some history of playwriting and study of prevailing models of scriptwriting are also included.  Prerequisites: COTH 219 and COTH 222, or ENG 205, with a minimum grade of “C.” 

COTH 310  Introduction to Performance Studies  3 credits
An interdisciplinary course exploring the human desire to perform in both aesthetic and everyday settings. It explores the links between the arts and literature, anthropology, communication, sociology, and philosophy. Critical reading, written analysis, and performance of literary texts are essential elements of the course. 

COTH 317   Studies in the History of Performance Traditions  3 credits
An introduction to performance studies research and artistic practice through readings, discussion and creative work. Repeatable for a maximum of six credits among different topic areas. Prerequisites: junior standing and instructor permission.  

COTH 323   Media/Arts Management  3 credits
An introduction to the basic principles and structure of management as it applies to Communication Arts. Particular focus is given to management of small and mid-size  non-profit media and arts organizations, and to the interrelationship between those two areas. Prerequisite: junior standing or permission of the instructor.

COTH 324   Advanced Acting  3 credits
An advanced-level course that focuses on specific areas of actor training, including methods of voice and movement training; the requirements and techniques of different styles of acting including classical, Elizabethan, Restoration/18th Century, Commedia, and Advanced Contemporary acting styles; and advanced textual analysis required of actors by specific theatrical works.  Repeatable for a maximum of six credits among different topic areas.  Prerequisite: COTH 235.

COTH 327  Performers for Social Change  3 credits
An in-depth look at the role of performance, predominantly theatre, for social change and community activism.  Students learn about the historical movements combining performance and social change, study the theories behind the practice influenced by Paulo Freire and Augusto Boal, and have hands-on opportunities to train their own performance and writing skills in this manner.  Prerequisite: instructor permission.

COTH 330   Technical Production II  3 credits
An intermediate-level study of lighting and sound production for theatre and film.  Instruction is provided in the proper rigging of light and sound equipment, use of control consoles and software, optics, basic electrical theory, the nature of light, and acoustics.  The design and aesthetic use of light and sound are also explored.   Prerequisite: COTH 231 or instructor permission.

COTH 346 Multimedia Communication  3 credits
An exploration of the theory and application of multimedia communication principles through projects that use common interactive multimedia, animation, non-linear editing, web authoring, and desktop-publishing programs. Prerequisites: COTH 219, or instructor permission.

COTH 351 Mass Media in Society  3 credits
An examination of newspaper, magazine, radio, television and cable operations from an organizational perspective. Topics covered include departmental functions and duties, programming, formats, promotions, regulations and finances. Prerequisite: Junior standing.

COTH 352 Advanced Cinema Studies  3 credits
An in-depth study of the aesthetics and theory of cinema through the examination and critical analysis of the technical and creative elements of selected iconic Hollywood and international motion pictures.  Prerequisite: Junior standing.

COTH 362 Audio Programming and Production  3 credits
Designed for the intermediate student to gain insight into the audio component of media. The focus is on the listener and various audio audiences. Concentration is on the use of audio in radio. Additional applications are discussed for video production, computer applications, and audio streaming.

COTH 370   Philosophy and Theory of Communication 3 credits
An introduction to the major philosophical and theoretical approaches to understanding human communications. Prerequisites: COTH 304 and admission to the Communication and Theatre Major; or instructor permission.

COTH 371 Argument and Conflict Management  3 credits
An exploration of various conceptions and types of conflict and the role of argumentation in managing and/or resolving conflict. The study examines problem solving and decision making as common contexts in which argument occurs and conflict arises, and a continuum from formal to informal modes of conflict management/resolution is discussed and practiced by the students. Specific areas covered include formal debate, negotiation, arbitration, and the legal system.

COTH 372   Issues Management  3 credits
An exploration of the communication practices and strategies used by organizations to react to current events, publicity, and society. Emphasis is placed upon persuasion, media relations, and information campaigns.

COTH 374   Public Relations Communication  3 credits
A study of the use of communication to establish credibility, trust, and confidence between and among communities, employees, public agencies, civic organizations and business institutions.

COTH 376   Organizational Communication  3 credits
A study of communication patterns within organizations, utilizing general-systems theory. Includes the history of contemporary organization theory, the study of conflict management, and communication flow within organizations through lectures, discussions, and case studies and analysis.

COTH 378  Peer Leadership  2 credits
A course providing students theoretical foundations, practical knowledge and skills development for leadership with specific on-campus programming.  Prerequisite: instructor permission.

COTH 389  Media Production: Narrative  3 credits
An introduction to the theory and practice of the field-based production of narrative films. Topics emphasized may include fictional story, cinematography, lighting, sound, editing, and production management.  Prerequisite: COTH 264 with a minimum grade of “C.”

COTH 390  Media Production: Documentary  3 credits
An introduction to the theory and practice of producing nonfiction works, including conventional documentary forms and autobiographical or experimental works.  Topics may include actual story, cinematography, lighting, sound, editing, and production management.  Prerequisite: COTH 264 with a minimum grade of “C.”

COTH 392   Independent Study in Communication and Theatre  1-6 credits
A detailed study in a specific area of communication and theatre, emphasizing individualized approaches toward development of creativity and scholarship. Prerequisites: junior or senior status and 10 credits in Communication and Theatre.

COTH 397   Special Topics  1-6 credits

COTH 398   Practicum  1-4 credits
Supervised applications and experiences in communication and theatre. Students assist, analyze, manage, and participate in various aspects of practical situations or job training. Prerequisites: instructor permission and completion of one of the following: COTH 241, COTH 261, or COTH 298.

COTH 406  Advanced Screenwriting and Producing  3 credits
Students are immersed in advanced screenwriting projects and pitching for independent feature film, television drama and situation comedy. Producing content may include such topics as contract law, releases, copyright, fair use, ethics, location and talent management, production management, and other administrative subject matter pertaining to film and television production. Prerequisite: COTH 306 with a minimum grade of “C”.

COTH 423   Presentational Aesthetics  3 credits
An examination of the theatrical performance convention from the perspective of the adaptor, director, and performer. This course offers invigorating challenges for the director, dramaturg, actor, and designer who will work collaboratively to explore presentational mode, theatrical convention, and conscious artifice in the performance of dramatic literature, poetry, nonfiction, and prose fiction. Prerequisites: COTH 231, COTH 235,  COTH 310 and  minimum junior standing; or instructor permission.

COTH 431  Integrated Design for Media and Performance  3 credits
A study of designing visually for the stage and screen, with an emphasis on a unified look and a single intense effect. A strong emphasis on script analysis as a basis for design.  Additional information on visual research for theatre and film including location scouting and contextual research into the background of the story.  Hands-on development of skills in generating graphic communication of design ideas is included.  Prerequisite: COTH 231 or instructor permission.

COTH 474   Campaign Planning in Advertising and Public Information 3 credits
An analysis of the many facets of information campaign planning. It explores concepts like persuasion and audience behavior, researching attitudes and effectiveness, campaign objectives and strategies, media choices, and relevant social and ethical issues. In addition, students are expected to build their own information campaigns. Prerequisite: COTH 374.

COTH 478   Symbols in Communication  3 credits
A multi-disciplinary and multi-media course offering significant historical, theoretical, and practical content by which to explore and discuss how meaning is conveyed in communication. Special emphasis is given to the nature of oral communication in oral societies and to the nature and function of myth, symbol, sign, and inferential reasoning. Prerequisites: COTH 304 and admission to Communication and Theatre program; or instructor permission.

COTH 484   Communication and Theatre Seminar  3 credits
A capstone course requiring intensive study and completion of a semester project in one of the following areas: theatre, mass media, community journalism, or organizational communication. Emphasis is on individual and group research and problem solving. Prerequisites: senior standing and completion of COTH 304.

COTH 490   Advanced Media Production  3 credits
Students are immersed in advanced project work.  Topics may include cinematography, lighting, grip, electrical, special effects, visual effects, sound effects recording, sound design, and animation.  Prerequisite: COTH 389 or COTH 390 with a minimum grade of “C.”

COTH 497   Special Topics  1-6 credits

COTH 499   Internship in Communication and Theatre  1-12 credits
Prerequisite: instructor permission.