Communication and Theatre Courses 2008-2009
Course lists from previous catalogs are available at the Registration Services Catalog page.
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 the 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 Stagecraft and the Theatrical Tradition 3 credits
A study of how things are done in the theatre and why they are done that way, including the basic customs and traditions of backstage work and the philosophy, esthetics, and process of play 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 running crew 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 Film and Video Production I 3 credits
An introduction to key introductory aspects of preproducing a personal project through independent silent film and video productions, in addition to shooting, editing, and lighting with field-based 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 317 Theatre and Culture 3 credits
Students are exposed to an advanced study of the dramatic text in literary, cultural, theoretical and performance contexts. Prerequisites: Junior standing and instructor permission. Repeatable for a maximum of six credits among different topic areas.
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 330 Lighting and Sound Production 3 credits
An intermediate course involving study in the areas of lighting and sound production for theatre and additional media. Instruction is provided in the proper and safe operation of rigging, lighting, and sound, including optics, basic electrical theory, the nature of light and color, and the physics of acoustics. The design and use of light and sound for theatre and other media are explored. A practical experience is required. Prerequisite: COTH 231 or instructor permission.
COTH 331 Scenography 3 credits
Designing visually for the stage, with an emphasis on a unified look and a single intense effect. A strong emphasis on scene design as the key to the overall look of the stage, with additional material on costume, lighting, and harmonization of the total effect. 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, COTH251, and COTH 360 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 World Cinema Theory and Criticism 3 credits
Students are exposed to an interpretive sampling of world cinema, including selected film examples, historical tendencies, film genres, theories and filmmakers. Prerequisite: Junior standing.
COTH 361 Principles of Studio Production 3 credits
Instruction in the theories and practices of studio-based television production. Students receive training in the operation of various studio equipment and learn how to assume the various job duties required within a studio production environment. In particular, they learn the basics of television direction. Finally, students also learn about some of theprogram formats that are employed in common studio production situations. Prerequisite: COTH 219 or instructor permission.
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 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 decisionmaking 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 390 Film and Video Production II 3 credits
Working in small groups, students create independent film and video productions concentrating on sync-sound and post-production sound design as well as field-based cinematography and editing. Prerequisite: COTH 264 with a minimum grade of “C.”
COTH 391 Advanced Theatrical Production 1-6 credits
Students are exposed to an advanced study of a single dramatic text in production. Literary, cultural, and theoretical issues related to the text are considered and discussed, with particular attention to the play in performance, including topics related to acting, directing, and design. Prerequisites: Junior standing and instructor permission.
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 423 Directing 3 credits
A comprehensive introduction to the theory and practice of directing for the stage. Includes an exploration of play selection, character and script analysis, conceptualization of production, actor coaching approaches, staging techniques; as well as the actual direction and presentation of scenes and plays. Prerequisites: COTH 231, COTH 235, and COTH 317.
COTH 470 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 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 Film and Video Production III 3 credits
Working in small groups, students create projects that synthesize writing, theory, and production skills in a professionally pre-produced, lit, designed, and shot long-form film and video work. Prerequisite: COTH 390 with a minimum grade of “C.”
COTH 495 Honors Thesis 3 credits
Writing and oral defense of a thesis in an area of Communication and Theatre which interests the student. Prerequisites: senior standing and instructor permission.
COTH 497 Special Topics 1-6 credits
COTH 499 Internship in Communication and Theatre 1-12 credits
Prerequisite: instructor permission.