Theatre 100

THEA 100
Theatre Appreciation (GE)

1. Catalog Entry

THEA 100
Theatre Appreciation (GE)

Credit hours (3)

Combines the studies of theatre and dramatic literature with the contemporary practices of theatrical production. Students analyze scripts, study historical events, explore theatrical professions and processes, and attend live productions on campus.

Note(s): General Education and Humanistic or Artistic Expression designated course.  This course has been approved for Core Curriculum credit in Visual and Performing Arts.


2. Detailed Description of Course

Theatre Appreciation combines the studies of theatre and dramatic literature with the contemporary practices of theatrical production. This introductory course is appropriate for students with no exposure to live theatre as well as those with past experience. Students view, analyze, and evaluate live performances as well as published scripts. Learning to communicate using theatre terminology and techniques used by directors, designers, and actors enhances the development of the student’s individual creative process. The context of contemporary theatre practice provides experience collaborating and solving problems within an artistic framework. Required coursework includes attending live productions on campus when they are scheduled.

3. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

Class discussion, quizzes, tests, presentations, group work, written projects, and/or hands-on projects will explore the following areas of theatrical endeavor:
    1) Theatre as dramatic literature: Examination of dramatic structure, plot, conflict, theme, genre, style, and
        character action. Students study and view a variety of texts to hone their skills in script analysis and
        interpretation.
    2) Theatre as a profession: Acting, directing, playwriting, designing (i.e. scenery, lights, costume, makeup,
        sound, multimedia), and management processes and their connections to the leadership and demands of
        the modern workplace.
    3) Theatre as an art form: Developing an artistic concept through the lens of live theatre production. This
        includes realizing an interpretive point of view on a theatrical work and recognizing its connection to other
        visual/performing art forms and modes of storytelling.
    4) Theatre as society: Contextualizing a theatrical work by situating it in history or within a societal group;
        gaining insight into other cultures, eras, and worldviews through theatre.

4. Goals and Objectives of the Course


Core Curriculum Goal 8 Student Learning Outcomes
Radford University students will identify and evaluate ways in which the visual and performing arts reflect and communicate aspects of the human experience.

Radford University students will:
    1) evaluate works of art in terms of the medium's distinctive language and terminology;
    2) identify the relationship between works of art and specific historical, cultural, and social contexts.

5. Assessment Measures

Graded assignments include quizzes, tests, group projects, oral/visual presentations, written work, optional production work, and attendance at live performances.

6. Other Course Information

This course is available in traditional, online, and compressed formats.

Review and Approval

September 2005

June 20, 2015

March 01, 2021