Course Directory

:: Course Offerings

The course offerings at Clarion University of PA go through an extensive review process by the Committee on Courses and Programs of Study (CCPS). This course offerings list is a comprehensive list of courses that could be offered; it does not mean they are currently being offered.

For a complete list of courses offered on the current or upcoming schedules, see the Registrar's page Schedule of Classes.

To start a new search enter the course number of the subject or title you are searching in the box below.

Course Id (currently sorted in Ascending order)	Course Title	Course Description
THE 103	Theatrical Performance	Students earn one to three credits through performance in University Theatre productions by successfully completing the terms of the Contract for Credit in THE Activities, subject to approval by instructor and department chair. No more than three credits may be earned in THE 103 during any one semester. Students may not enroll concurrently in THE 103 and 254, 350, or 361 without instructor permission. Each semester.
THE 104	Theatrical Production	Students earn one to three credits construction lab in the scene shop and costume shop. Credits will be earned successfully completing the terms of the Contract for Credit in THE Activities, subject to approval by instructor and department chair. Nomore than three credits may be earned in THE 104. Is a requirement for all BFA theatre majors. Each semester.
THE 120	Play Production	Introduces elements of theatre, including directing, acting, make-up, criticism, stagecraft, and stage lighting. No prerequisites. Summer, annually.
THE 155	Interpretation I	Develops expressive presentational skills through practice in the oral interpretation of literature. Focuses on analyzing an author's meaning, responding to it, communicating that meaning to an audience, and correlating oral interpretation with other arts. Fall, annually.
THE 161	Stagecraft	A study of the theory, materials, and practice of stage construction. Emphasizes technical instruction and the relationship between the dramatic function of the setting and its actual physical realization. Student projects and required production labs provide practical experience. Fall, annually.
THE 201	Dance I	Focuses on alignment, strength, flexibility, balance, and locomotor movement. Surveys jazz, ballet, modern, and tap dance styles. For actors: a working knowledge of dance styles for performance and auditions. For everyone: an exploration of personalmovement potential and an appreciation for the art of dance. Fall, annually.
THE 204	Movement For The Actor	This class is designed to give student performers the tools to use their bodies as instruments for developing characters, and to develop a vocabulary that will enable them to communicate with directors and movement coaches from a variety of backgrounds. Instruction focuses on building physical presence and body awareness, increasing flexibility and range of motion, and developing control necessary for efficient and communicative movement in a variety of theatre styles.
THE 215	Special Topics In Theatre	Focuses on offering special topics reflecting the interest of students. Content varies from semester to semester. Suitable for both majors and non-majors in theatre. May be taken for a maximum of nine credits in the major. On demand.
THE 251	Voice & Articulation	Helps students improve their speech by the elimination of faulty voice and articulation habits. Gives attention to basic skills, including vocal variety, projection, breath control, tonal production, and articulation. Focuses on both the technical production of speech sounds and the student's ability to communicate.
THE 253	Intro To Theatre	Explores the techniques and contemporary practices in the organization of dramatic material. Surveys the division of labor for creation of dramatic material. Analyzes literary concepts, including realism and existentialism, that motivate the contemporary audience. Each semester.
THE 254	Acting I: Intro To Acting	A beginning acting course. Familiarizes students with the skills and tools required of today's professional actors. Suitable general elective for non-theatre majors.
THE 255	Adv Interp	Provides training in the advanced techniques of the oral interpretation of the three major literary genres and their structures with respect to oral presentation. 1. Poetry, 2. Prose fiction, 3. Drama. Prerequisite: SC 155 or consent of instructor. Spring, odd-numbered years.
THE 261	Draft & Rendering For Theatre	A practical study of the standard techniques used in drafting and rendering to convey textual information for design and construction of theatrical set designs, lighting designs, and costume designs. Prerequisite: THE 161 or consent of instructor. Enrollment is limited to Theatre majors or minors or with consent of instructor. Spring, odd-numbered years.
THE 262	Stage Lighting	Introduces the theory and practice of theatre lighting. Examines the purpose and aesthetics of lighting for the theatre and allied fields of television, film, and concerts. Also examines mechanics and control, including sections on optics, electrical theory and color. Student projects and required production labs provide practical experience in stage lighting. Prerequisite: THE 161 - enrollment is limited to Theatre majors or minors or with consent of instructor. Spring, even-numbered years.
THE 271	Costume Construction	Explores the basic aspects of constructing costumes for the stage, including beginning pattern generation, sewing and fitting. Familiarizes the student with the industry standard in building theatrical costumes.
THE 301	Musical Theatre Dance Tech I	A practice and historical study of Broadway dance styles. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between dance in musical theatre and the 20th century popular social dance forms traced from minstrelsy and vaudeville to the present day. The sytlizat,"ion of these forms is stressed through original musical theatre choreography from each decade. The main focus is in the jazz idiom; however, strong ballet and tap skills are required. Prerequisite: THE 201 or permission of instructor. Spring, annually.
THE 302	Intro To Choreography	Introduces dance composition, emphasizing spatial design, sources of movement, and exploring the basic elements of space, time, and energy through improvisation, short movement studies, and dances which are presented, discussed, and reworked in class. Prerequisite: THE 301.
THE 304	Dance Repertory	Provides students with the opportunity to learn and perform a complete dance choreographed in class by the instructor. Students gain experience as performers in an intensive company-workshop atmosphere and learn how an experienced choreographer uses,skills of dance composition and the strengths of the dancers to choreograph a new work. The finished dance is performed in class and as part of a student dance concert on campus. Prerequisite: THE 301 or 302 or permission of instructor.
THE 310	Acting The Song	Students will do advanced work in character analysis and text analysis through materials that is entirely sung. They will explore songs as monologues, discovering where they can utilize and capitalize on previous training, while also developing newtechniques that are unique to acting in musicals. A variety of Musical Theatre genres will be explored as well as the historical significance of the Musical Theatre.
THE 311	Musical Theatre Dance Tech II	This course is a continuing study of Broadway dance styles with the emphasis on significant choreographers and their work in 20th century musical theatre to the present day. Technique and performance quality is stressed through the understanding and," execution of the movement qualities used by historical and current musical theatre choreographers. The main focus is in the jazz idiom; however, strong ballet and tap skills are required. Prerequisite: Dance 1 or permission of instructor. Spring, as needed.
THE 321	Musical Theatre Dance Tech III	This course is a continuing study of Broadway dance styles. Emphasis is placed on the tap and modern work in musical theatre as well as dance auditioning skills. Technique and performance quality is stressed through the understanding and execution,"of the movement qualities desired in musical theatre dance auditions. Broadway tap, and modern dance, as it is applied to musical theatre, will be explored in greater depth. Prerequisite: Dance 1 or permission of instructor. Spring, as needed.
THE 333	Yoga for Actors	Explores the concepts and precepts of yoga in the context of the actor's craft. Students will focus on Hatha Yoga (the postures) as well as other aspects of the ancient art and science of yoga that are directly applicable to the process of developin,"g a character. Instruction focuses on physical alignment, flexibility and strength, mental focus and discipline, breathing and its relation to the actor's vocal instrument.
THE 350	Summer Drama Workshop	Combines study and practice in the dramatic arts and includes formal, intensive study in acting, play production, direction, makeup, scene design, stage lighting, and stagecraft. In conjunction with the workshop, Clarion University sponsors a SummerTheatre Company consisting of members of the workshop, which produces major shows. Summer, annually.
THE 351	Adv Theatre Prod	Advanced study and practice in the dramatic arts, including projects in scene design, theatre management, and acting. Students work with members of the Summer Drama Workshop in the production of major plays for the Clarion Summer Theatre. Prerequisite: THE 120 or 350. Summer, annually.
THE 352	Play Directing	A study of the fundamentals and procedures of play directing and problems faced in educational theatre. Includes script analysis, casting, and rehearsal methods. Students direct one-act plays for public presentation. Prerequisite: THE 253, 254, 362,or permission of instructor. Fall, even-numbered years.
THE 356	Playwriting And Script Const	Introduces the art of the playwright and dramatic storytelling from plot construction to dialogue construction and the addressing the needs of production, in readings and exercises. Culminates with the crafting of a 10-minute play. Prerequisites:THE 253, 254 or THE 161 or permission of instructor.
THE 359	Hist Of Theatre I	The history of the theatre as exemplified in the plays and playwrights from Antiquity to the Baroque. Prerequisites: THE 253, 254 or permission of the instructor. Fall, annually.
THE 360	History Of Theatre II	History of the theatre as exemplified in the plays and playwrights from the Romantic Period to Post-Modernism. Prerequisites: THE 253, THE 254 or permission of instructor.
THE 361	Acting II: Scene Study	Further applications of the basic groundwork laid in Acting I. Students work in pairs or groups on scenes from published plays in order to sharpen their skills in character analysis, characterization and truthful playing for the stage. Pre-requisite: THE 254. Enrollment is limited to Theatre majors or minors or with consent of instructor. Spring, even-numbered years.
THE 362	Set Design	Study and practice in the aesthetics, methods, and techniques of scenic design, utilizing epic and Stanislavskian scenographic analysis. Prerequisite: THE 161. Enrollment is limited to Theatre majors or minors or with consent of instructor. Spring,odd-numbered years.
THE 363	Theatrical Make-Up	Fundamentals and application of stage make-up. Fall, odd-numbered years.
THE 364	Scene Painting For Stage	Studio instruction in the use of brushwork and pigment to develop landscape, ornament, paneling, and architectural detail in stage scenery based on the analysis of form and source of light. Enrollment is limited to Theatre majors or minors or with consent of instructor. Fall, even-numbered years.
THE 366	Production & Stage Mgmt	A study of theory and practice of production and stage management in the professional, community, and educational theatre environments, including theatrical organization, rehearsal procedures, and performance duties. Prerequisite: Enrollment is limited to Theatre majors or minors or with consent of instructor. Spring, even-numbered years.
THE 367	Theatrical Costuming	Course examines the principles of Costume Design through the study of modes of dress from ancient to modern times. Includes projects in creativity, script analysis, emotional responses to a text, and beginning costume design. Prerequistite: Majorsor Minors only. Fall, Even numbered years.
THE 368	Prof Pract: The Audition	Concentrates on the preparation and practices of talent in an audition situation. Emphasizes presentation for both prepared and cold audition situations and familiarity with the business aspects that are part of the auditioning process. Limited to ac,"ting students in the B.F.A. program, or by instructor's consent.
THE 369	Playing Shakespeare	Introduces the advanced acting student to an approach to Shakespeare's texts which requires an open and personal commitment to thought, language, and movement. Prerequisite: THE 361 or THE 254. Enrollment is limited to Theatre majors or minors or with permission of instructor. Spring, even-numbered years.
THE 370	Stage Dialects	Students learn, practice and perform in five commonly used stage dialects: Standard British, Cockney, Irish, Scottish, and Standard American Southern. Uses the International Phonetic Alphabet as a means to understanding the changes in certain key phonemes in each dialect. Utilizes films or videotapes of natural speakers when possible to help familiarize students with the lilt and musicality of each dialect. Students perform both monologues and scenes over the course of the semester. Pre-requisit,"es: THE 251 and 361 or 254 with permission of instructor. Spring, odd-numbered years.\|
THE 371	Sound Design For The Theatre	Introduces the art of sound design to the theatre student form script analysis to technical production and implementation of sound equipment. Prerequisite: THE 161. Enrollment is limited to Theatre majors or minors or with consent of instructor.,"Fall, odd-numbered years.
THE 403	Graduation Project	Directed Research toward Graduation Project in Acting or Musical Theatre. Prerequistite: Permission of instructor
THE 404	Graduation Project	Directed research toward Graduation Project in Design/Technical Production.
THE 461	Styles Of Acting	Examines playing the character within the framework of historical style. Focuses on how to recognize style/period through the text and how to solve the problems of assuming and communicating style. Prerequisites: THE 254 and 361 or consent of instruc,"tor. Spring, odd-numbered years.
THE 490	Independent Study	Selected topics for research and/or performance projects in speech communication and theatre. Prior to registration, students need to obtain an advisor who will direct their study. Approval by appropriate dean required.
THE 495	Internship In Theatre	The internship program gives the student the opportunity to apply classroom theory and techniques in business, government, theatre, and other cooperating organizations. Course open to any speech communication and theatre major with a junior or senior standing with consent of department. Student must have a 2.5 QPA or higher and 3.00 QPA in a major. On demand.

Course Id (currently sorted in Ascending order)

Course Title

Course Description

THE 103

Theatrical Performance

Students earn one to three credits through performance in University Theatre productions by successfully completing the terms of the Contract for Credit in THE Activities, subject to approval by instructor and department chair. No more than three credits may be earned in THE 103 during any one semester. Students may not enroll concurrently in THE 103 and 254, 350, or 361 without instructor permission. Each semester.

THE 104

Theatrical Production

Students earn one to three credits construction lab in the scene shop and costume shop. Credits will be earned successfully completing the terms of the Contract for Credit in THE Activities, subject to approval by instructor and department chair. Nomore than three credits may be earned in THE 104. Is a requirement for all BFA theatre majors. Each semester.

THE 120

Play Production

Introduces elements of theatre, including directing, acting, make-up, criticism, stagecraft, and stage lighting. No prerequisites. Summer, annually.

THE 155

Interpretation I

Develops expressive presentational skills through practice in the oral interpretation of literature. Focuses on analyzing an author's meaning, responding to it, communicating that meaning to an audience, and correlating oral interpretation with other arts. Fall, annually.

THE 161

Stagecraft

A study of the theory, materials, and practice of stage construction. Emphasizes technical instruction and the relationship between the dramatic function of the setting and its actual physical realization. Student projects and required production labs provide practical experience. Fall, annually.

THE 201

Dance I

Focuses on alignment, strength, flexibility, balance, and locomotor movement. Surveys jazz, ballet, modern, and tap dance styles. For actors: a working knowledge of dance styles for performance and auditions. For everyone: an exploration of personalmovement potential and an appreciation for the art of dance. Fall, annually.

THE 204

Movement For The Actor

This class is designed to give student performers the tools to use their bodies as instruments for developing characters, and to develop a vocabulary that will enable them to communicate with directors and movement coaches from a variety of backgrounds. Instruction focuses on building physical presence and body awareness, increasing flexibility and range of motion, and developing control necessary for efficient and communicative movement in a variety of theatre styles.

THE 215

Special Topics In Theatre

Focuses on offering special topics reflecting the interest of students. Content varies from semester to semester. Suitable for both majors and non-majors in theatre. May be taken for a maximum of nine credits in the major. On demand.

THE 251

Voice & Articulation

Helps students improve their speech by the elimination of faulty voice and articulation habits. Gives attention to basic skills, including vocal variety, projection, breath control, tonal production, and articulation. Focuses on both the technical production of speech sounds and the student's ability to communicate.

THE 253

Intro To Theatre

Explores the techniques and contemporary practices in the organization of dramatic material. Surveys the division of labor for creation of dramatic material. Analyzes literary concepts, including realism and existentialism, that motivate the contemporary audience. Each semester.

THE 254

Acting I: Intro To Acting

A beginning acting course. Familiarizes students with the skills and tools required of today's professional actors. Suitable general elective for non-theatre majors.

THE 255

Adv Interp

Provides training in the advanced techniques of the oral interpretation of the three major literary genres and their structures with respect to oral presentation. 1. Poetry, 2. Prose fiction, 3. Drama. Prerequisite: SC 155 or consent of instructor. Spring, odd-numbered years.

THE 261

Draft & Rendering For Theatre

A practical study of the standard techniques used in drafting and rendering to convey textual information for design and construction of theatrical set designs, lighting designs, and costume designs. Prerequisite: THE 161 or consent of instructor. Enrollment is limited to Theatre majors or minors or with consent of instructor. Spring, odd-numbered years.

THE 262

Stage Lighting

Introduces the theory and practice of theatre lighting. Examines the purpose and aesthetics of lighting for the theatre and allied fields of television, film, and concerts. Also examines mechanics and control, including sections on optics, electrical theory and color. Student projects and required production labs provide practical experience in stage lighting. Prerequisite: THE 161 - enrollment is limited to Theatre majors or minors or with consent of instructor. Spring, even-numbered years.

THE 271

Costume Construction

Explores the basic aspects of constructing costumes for the stage, including beginning pattern generation, sewing and fitting. Familiarizes the student with the industry standard in building theatrical costumes.

THE 301

Musical Theatre Dance Tech I

A practice and historical study of Broadway dance styles. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between dance in musical theatre and the 20th century popular social dance forms traced from minstrelsy and vaudeville to the present day. The sytlizat,"ion of these forms is stressed through original musical theatre choreography from each decade. The main focus is in the jazz idiom; however, strong ballet and tap skills are required. Prerequisite: THE 201 or permission of instructor. Spring, annually.

THE 302

Intro To Choreography

Introduces dance composition, emphasizing spatial design, sources of movement, and exploring the basic elements of space, time, and energy through improvisation, short movement studies, and dances which are presented, discussed, and reworked in class. Prerequisite: THE 301.

THE 304

Dance Repertory

Provides students with the opportunity to learn and perform a complete dance choreographed in class by the instructor. Students gain experience as performers in an intensive company-workshop atmosphere and learn how an experienced choreographer uses,skills of dance composition and the strengths of the dancers to choreograph a new work. The finished dance is performed in class and as part of a student dance concert on campus. Prerequisite: THE 301 or 302 or permission of instructor.

THE 310

Acting The Song

Students will do advanced work in character analysis and text analysis through materials that is entirely sung. They will explore songs as monologues, discovering where they can utilize and capitalize on previous training, while also developing newtechniques that are unique to acting in musicals. A variety of Musical Theatre genres will be explored as well as the historical significance of the Musical Theatre.

THE 311

Musical Theatre Dance Tech II

This course is a continuing study of Broadway dance styles with the emphasis on significant choreographers and their work in 20th century musical theatre to the present day. Technique and performance quality is stressed through the understanding and," execution of the movement qualities used by historical and current musical theatre choreographers. The main focus is in the jazz idiom; however, strong ballet and tap skills are required. Prerequisite: Dance 1 or permission of instructor. Spring, as needed.

THE 321

Musical Theatre Dance Tech III

This course is a continuing study of Broadway dance styles. Emphasis is placed on the tap and modern work in musical theatre as well as dance auditioning skills. Technique and performance quality is stressed through the understanding and execution,"of the movement qualities desired in musical theatre dance auditions. Broadway tap, and modern dance, as it is applied to musical theatre, will be explored in greater depth. Prerequisite: Dance 1 or permission of instructor. Spring, as needed.

THE 333

Yoga for Actors

Explores the concepts and precepts of yoga in the context of the actor's craft. Students will focus on Hatha Yoga (the postures) as well as other aspects of the ancient art and science of yoga that are directly applicable to the process of developin,"g a character. Instruction focuses on physical alignment, flexibility and strength, mental focus and discipline, breathing and its relation to the actor's vocal instrument.

THE 350

Summer Drama Workshop

Combines study and practice in the dramatic arts and includes formal, intensive study in acting, play production, direction, makeup, scene design, stage lighting, and stagecraft. In conjunction with the workshop, Clarion University sponsors a SummerTheatre Company consisting of members of the workshop, which produces major shows. Summer, annually.

THE 351

Adv Theatre Prod

Advanced study and practice in the dramatic arts, including projects in scene design, theatre management, and acting. Students work with members of the Summer Drama Workshop in the production of major plays for the Clarion Summer Theatre. Prerequisite: THE 120 or 350. Summer, annually.

THE 352

Play Directing

A study of the fundamentals and procedures of play directing and problems faced in educational theatre. Includes script analysis, casting, and rehearsal methods. Students direct one-act plays for public presentation. Prerequisite: THE 253, 254, 362,or permission of instructor. Fall, even-numbered years.

THE 356

Playwriting And Script Const

Introduces the art of the playwright and dramatic storytelling from plot construction to dialogue construction and the addressing the needs of production, in readings and exercises. Culminates with the crafting of a 10-minute play. Prerequisites:THE 253, 254 or THE 161 or permission of instructor.

THE 359

Hist Of Theatre I

The history of the theatre as exemplified in the plays and playwrights from Antiquity to the Baroque. Prerequisites: THE 253, 254 or permission of the instructor. Fall, annually.

THE 360

History Of Theatre II

History of the theatre as exemplified in the plays and playwrights from the Romantic Period to Post-Modernism. Prerequisites: THE 253, THE 254 or permission of instructor.

THE 361

Acting II: Scene Study

Further applications of the basic groundwork laid in Acting I. Students work in pairs or groups on scenes from published plays in order to sharpen their skills in character analysis, characterization and truthful playing for the stage. Pre-requisite: THE 254. Enrollment is limited to Theatre majors or minors or with consent of instructor. Spring, even-numbered years.

THE 362

Set Design

Study and practice in the aesthetics, methods, and techniques of scenic design, utilizing epic and Stanislavskian scenographic analysis. Prerequisite: THE 161. Enrollment is limited to Theatre majors or minors or with consent of instructor. Spring,odd-numbered years.

THE 363

Theatrical Make-Up

Fundamentals and application of stage make-up. Fall, odd-numbered years.

THE 364

Scene Painting For Stage

Studio instruction in the use of brushwork and pigment to develop landscape, ornament, paneling, and architectural detail in stage scenery based on the analysis of form and source of light. Enrollment is limited to Theatre majors or minors or with consent of instructor. Fall, even-numbered years.

THE 366

Production & Stage Mgmt

A study of theory and practice of production and stage management in the professional, community, and educational theatre environments, including theatrical organization, rehearsal procedures, and performance duties. Prerequisite: Enrollment is limited to Theatre majors or minors or with consent of instructor. Spring, even-numbered years.

THE 367

Theatrical Costuming

Course examines the principles of Costume Design through the study of modes of dress from ancient to modern times. Includes projects in creativity, script analysis, emotional responses to a text, and beginning costume design. Prerequistite: Majorsor Minors only. Fall, Even numbered years.

THE 368

Prof Pract: The Audition

Concentrates on the preparation and practices of talent in an audition situation. Emphasizes presentation for both prepared and cold audition situations and familiarity with the business aspects that are part of the auditioning process. Limited to ac,"ting students in the B.F.A. program, or by instructor's consent.

THE 369

Playing Shakespeare

Introduces the advanced acting student to an approach to Shakespeare's texts which requires an open and personal commitment to thought, language, and movement. Prerequisite: THE 361 or THE 254. Enrollment is limited to Theatre majors or minors or with permission of instructor. Spring, even-numbered years.

THE 370

Stage Dialects

Students learn, practice and perform in five commonly used stage dialects: Standard British, Cockney, Irish, Scottish, and Standard American Southern. Uses the International Phonetic Alphabet as a means to understanding the changes in certain key phonemes in each dialect. Utilizes films or videotapes of natural speakers when possible to help familiarize students with the lilt and musicality of each dialect. Students perform both monologues and scenes over the course of the semester. Pre-requisit,"es: THE 251 and 361 or 254 with permission of instructor. Spring, odd-numbered years.|

THE 371

Sound Design For The Theatre

Introduces the art of sound design to the theatre student form script analysis to technical production and implementation of sound equipment. Prerequisite: THE 161. Enrollment is limited to Theatre majors or minors or with consent of instructor.,"Fall, odd-numbered years.

THE 403

Graduation Project

Directed Research toward Graduation Project in Acting or Musical Theatre. Prerequistite: Permission of instructor

THE 404

Graduation Project

Directed research toward Graduation Project in Design/Technical Production.

THE 461

Styles Of Acting

Examines playing the character within the framework of historical style. Focuses on how to recognize style/period through the text and how to solve the problems of assuming and communicating style. Prerequisites: THE 254 and 361 or consent of instruc,"tor. Spring, odd-numbered years.

THE 490

Independent Study

Selected topics for research and/or performance projects in speech communication and theatre. Prior to registration, students need to obtain an advisor who will direct their study. Approval by appropriate dean required.

THE 495

Internship In Theatre

The internship program gives the student the opportunity to apply classroom theory and techniques in business, government, theatre, and other cooperating organizations. Course open to any speech communication and theatre major with a junior or senior standing with consent of department. Student must have a 2.5 QPA or higher and 3.00 QPA in a major. On demand.