Dr. Lawrence James, Interim Head
Telephone 615-963-5741
Faculty: P. Foster, S. Holt, P. Idoye, H. Insignares, L. James, J. Mitchell, D. Page, V. Sturgeon, L. Yan.
General Statement: The Department of Communications offers programs leading to the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science degrees with a major in Speech Communication and Theatre. Within the major, the program also offers concentrations in Speech Communication, in Theatre, and in Mass Communication (radio, television, and journalism). A minor in Speech Communication and Theatre is also offered.
The programs for the Bachelor of Science and the Bachelor of Arts degrees require a minimum of 120 semester hours with 48 of these being on the 300 and 400 levels. The Bachelor of Science degree with teacher certification requires, in addition to the general education core, additional courses in the professional education core.
The Department offers teacher certification both in Speech Communication and in Theatre. The certification program in Speech Communication yields licensure to teach in grades 7-12 in Tennessee public schools, and the certification program in theatre yields licensure to teach in grades K-12 in Tennessee public schools. Students who are interested in acquiring teacher certification must apply in writing to the College of Education, usually in the sophomore year. They must have a 2.75 cumulative quality point average at the time of application and must pass the Praxis I Test, formerly the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) or the Computer-Based Academic Skills Assessments Test (CBT). Students who have previously earned a 21 on the ACT, 22 on the Enhanced ACT, or a combined 990 on the verbal and mathematics portions of the SAT, are exempt from the Praxis I / PPST and the CBT. Formal admission to the Teacher Education Program is a prerequisite to upper-level certification courses. Students are required to complete the twelve-semester-hour enhanced student teaching course, which includes a seven-week placement in middle school and an eight-week placement in secondary school. Students must pass the Praxis II before beginning student teaching. For a complete list of requirements for admission to, and retention in the Teacher Education Program, see the College of Education.
Majors in the Department of Communications are encouraged to pursue a second major or a minor in such fields as English, Business, History, Political Science, Modern Foreign Languages, Sociology, and Reading Education.
Students receiving D or F grades in courses used to satisfy requirements for the major must repeat those courses to obtain a C or better. In addition, students seeking certification in Teacher Education are required to maintain an average of 2.75.
The Department encourages participation in national professional organizations, with chapters of Theta Alpha Phi National Dramatic Honors Fraternity, Pi Kappa Delta National Forensics Fraternity, and National Broadcasting Society/Alpha Epsilon Rho.
Accreditation: The teacher certification programs in Speech Communication and in Theatre are approved by the Tennessee Department of Education. In addition, the National Council on the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) has extended national accreditation to the entire teacher certification program of the University.
Departmental Requirements
45 Semester Hours are required for the Bachelor of Arts and for the Bachelor of Science in Speech Communication and Theatre.
General Education Core
| ENGL 1010, 1020 | Freshman English I, II | 6 |
| (minimum grade of C in each) | ||
| ENGL 2000 | Level Sophomore Literature | 3 |
| HIST 2010, 2020 | American History I, II | 6 |
| BIOL 1010, 1011, 1020, 1021 | Introductory Biology I, II and labs | 8 |
| MATH 1110 | College Algebra | 3 |
| POLI 2010 | American National Government | 3 |
| ART 1010 or MUSC 1010 | Art Appreciation or Music Appreciation | 3 |
| THTR 1020 | Appreciation of Drama (minimum grade of C) | 3 |
| COMM 2200 | Public Speaking (minimum grade of C) | 3 |
| ASOR 1002 | Orientation for Social Science Majors | 1 |
| (Teacher education students should take EDCI 1010) | ||
| COMP 1210 | Introduction to Computing | 3 |
In any general education course category, students may take any of the courses listed in the section on General Education as satisfying that category requirement, except that the Department does require that THTR 1020, Appreciation of Drama, be one of the two required Humanities courses.
Students seeking the B.A. degree must add 12 hours of a single foreign language to the above General Education requirements. The number of hours in the foreign language may be reduced by advanced standing in the language at the time of admission, but the B.A. candidate must earn at least 6 hours of credit in the language and complete course work at least through the intermediate level (2010, 2020).
Upper-division Admission
For admission into the upper-division programs of the Speech Communication and Theatre major, students must complete all of the requirements listed above under General Education Core. In addition, they must have removed all high school deficiencies, passed all required developmental courses, earned a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on college-level course work, and completed the Rising Junior Examination. They must have earned at least a grade of C in COMM 2200 and THTR 1020. Students seeking the B.A. degree must have completed the foreign language requirement before upper-level admission.
Most 300-400 level courses are offered only once a year.
Major Core 47 Semester Hours
| COMM 3620 | Radio and Television Communication | 3 |
| COMM 2000 | Introduction to Mass Communication | 3 |
| COMM 3200 | Argumentation and Debate | 3 |
| COMM 3220 | Advanced Public Speaking | 3 |
| COMM 3540 | Oral Interpretation | 3 |
| COMM 4220 | Small Group Communication | 3 |
| COMM 4500 | Senior Project | 3 |
| THTR 1110 or 1120 | Theatre Practice I or II | 2 |
| THTR 2400 | Elementary Acting | 3 |
| THTR 3410 or 3420 | Children’s Theatre I or II | 3 |
| THTR 3510 or 3520 | Classical Drama or Modern Drama | 3 |
| THTR 4000 | Scene Design and Stagecraft | 3 |
| THTR 4010 | History of Drama I | 3 |
| THTR 4020 | Stage Lighting and Make-Up | 3 |
| THTR 4030 | History of Drama II | 3 |
| THTR 4220 | Contemporary Black Drama | 3 |
Speech Communication Emphasis 38 Semester Hours
Major Core: COMM 3620; COMM 2000, 3200, 3020, 3540, 4210, 4220, 4300, 4340, 4480, 4500; SPTH 3050; THTR 1110 or 1120, 2400.
Theatre Emphasis 44 Semester Hours
Major Core: COMM 2000, 3540, 4500; SPTH 3050; THTR 1110 or 1120, 2400, 3000, 3030, 3040, 3520, 4000, 4010, 4020, 4030, 4900.
Mass Communication Emphasis 33 Semester Hours
Major Core: COMM 3011; 3020; COMM 3200; 3640; 3660; or COMM 3040; COMM 2000, 4500; a practicum course (choice of COMM 3910 or COMM 4420); and at least three courses from the following: all 4000-level COMM courses, all 4000-level COMM courses, plus COMM 4460, 4480, 4520. In addition, THTR 2400 and SPTH 3050 are recommended, but not required.
Minor
The Department offers a minor in Speech Communication and Theatre, requiring 18 semester hours which may be distributed within each optional area. A minor with a concentration in Speech Communication includes SPTH 3050, COMM 2200, 3200 or 4210, 3540, 4220, 3020 or COMM 3011. A minor with a concentration in Speech Communication and Theatre includes COMM 3600; COMM 3220, 3540; THTR 2400, 3020, 3410. The requirements for a minor in Mass Communication include COMM 3000, 3020, 3040; COMM 3600, 3640; COMM 2000. A minor with a concentration in Theatre includes THTR 2400, 3000, 3030, 3520, 4010 or 4020, 4010 or 4030.
Bachelor of Science Degree in Speech Communication and Theatre
Suggested Four-Year Plan
FRESHMAN YEAR
| FALL SEMESTER | HR | SPRING SEMESTER | HR |
| ENGL 1010 | 3 | ENGL 1020 | 3 |
| NATURAL SCI & LAB | 4 | NATURAL SCI & LAB | 4 |
| COMP 1210 | 3 | MUSC 1010 | 3 |
| THTR 1020 | 3 | MATH 1110 | 3 |
| ASOR 1002 | 1 | ART 1010 | 3 |
| 14 | 16 |
SOPHOMORE YEAR
| FALL SEMESTER | HR | SPRING SEMESTER | HR |
| ENGL 2010 | 3 | SOC/BEH SCI | 3 |
| COMM 2200 | 3 | HIST 2020 | 3 |
| THTR 2400 | 3 | COMM 2000 | 3 |
| HIST 2010 | 3 | ELECTIVES, 2000 LEVEL | 9 |
| ELECTIVES, 2000 LEVEL | 9 | ||
| 15 | 15 |
JUNIOR YEAR
| FALL SEMESTER | HR | SPRING SEMESTER | HR |
| COMM 3200 | 3 | COMM 3540 | 3 |
| THTR 3410 | 3 | THTR 3520 | 3 |
| ELECTIVES, 3000 LEVEL | 9 | THTR 3420 | 3 |
| THTR 4000 | 3 | ELECTIVES, ANY LEVEL | 6 |
| ELECTIVES, 3000 LEVEL | 6 | ||
| 15 | 15 |
SENIOR YEAR
| FALL SEMESTER | HR | SPRING SEMESTER | HR |
| COMM 4220 | 3 | THTR 4020 | 3 |
| THTR 4000 | 3 | COMM 4500 | 3 |
| THTR 4010 | 3 | THTR 4220 | 3 |
| ELECTIVES, 4000 LEVEL | 6 | THTR 4030 | 3 |
| ELECTIVE, 4000 LEVEL | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 |
Theatre Emphasis
FRESHMAN YEAR
| FALL SEMESTER | HR | SPRING SEMESTER | HR |
| ENGL 1010 | 3 | ENGL 1020 | 3 |
| NATURAL SCI & LAB | 4 | NATURAL SCI & LAB | 4 |
| MATH 1110 | 3 | MUSC 1010 | 3 |
| THTR 1020 | 3 | COMP 1210 | 3 |
| ASOR 1002 | 1 | ART 1010 | 3 |
| 14 | 16 |
SOPHOMORE YEAR
| FALL SEMESTER | HR | SPRING SEMESTER | HR |
| ENGL 2010 | 3 | SOC/BEH SCI | 6 |
| COMM 2200 | 3 | HIST 2020 | 3 |
| THTR 2400 | 3 | COMM 2000 | 3 |
| HIST 2010 | 3 | ELECTIVES, 2000 LEVEL | 3 |
| ELECTIVES, 2000 LEVEL | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 |
JUNIOR YEAR
| FALL SEMESTER | HR | SPRING SEMESTER | HR |
| THTR 3000 | 3 | THTR 3020 | 3 |
| THTR 3040 | 3 | COMM 3540 | 3 |
| THTR 3520 | 3 | ELECTIVES, 3000 LEVEL | 9 |
| ELECTIVES, 3000 LEVEL | 6 | ||
| 16 | 15 |
SENIOR YEAR
| FALL SEMESTER | HR | SPRING SEMESTER | HR |
| THTR 4010 | 3 | THTR 4000 | 3 |
| THTR 4020 | 3 | THTR 4030 | 3 |
| THTR 4900 | 3 | COMM 4500 | 3 |
| ELECTIVES, 4000 LEVEL | 6 | THTR 4200 | 3 |
| ELECTIVE, 4000 LEVEL | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 |
Mass Communication Emphasis
FRESHMAN YEAR
| FALL SEMESTER | HR | SPRING SEMESTER | HR |
| ENGL 1010 | 3 | ENGL 1020 | 3 |
| NATURAL SCI & LAB | 4 | NATURAL SCI & LAB | 4 |
| THTR 1010 | 3 | MUSC 1010 | 3 |
| ASOR 1002 | 1 | ART 1010 | 3 |
| COMP 1210 | 3 | MATH 1110 | 3 |
| 14 | 16 |
SOPHOMORE YEAR
| FALL SEMESTER | HR | SPRING SEMESTER | HR |
| ENGL 2010-2018 | 3 | SOC/BEH SCI | 6 |
| COMM 220 0 | 3 | HIST 2020 | 3 |
| THTR 2400 | 3 | COMM 2000 | 3 |
| HIST 2010 | 3 | ELECTIVE, 2000 LEVEL | 3 |
| ELECTIVE, 2000 LEVEL | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 |
JUNIOR YEAR
| FALL SEMESTER | HR | SPRING SEMESTER | HR |
| COMM 3600 | 3 | COMM 3660 | 3 |
| COMM 3640 | 3 | COMM 4420 or COMM 3910 | 3 |
| COMM 3011 | 3 | COMM 3220 | 3 |
| ELECTIVES, 3000 LEVEL | 6 | COMM 3040 | 3 |
| ELECTIVE, 3000 LEVEL | 3 | ||
| 16 | 15 |
SENIOR YEAR
| FALL SEMESTER | HR | SPRING SEMESTER | HR |
| ELECTIVES, 4000 LEVEL | 6 | COMM 4420 | 3 |
| COMM 4420 | 3 | COMM 4500 | 3 |
| ELECTIVES, 4000 LEVEL | 9 | ||
| 15 | 15 |
Bachelor of Science Degree in Speech Communication and Theatre
Speech Communication Emphasis
With Teacher Certification
Licensure for Grades 7-12
Suggested Four-Year Plan
FRESHMAN YEAR
| FALL SEMESTER | HR | SPRING SEMESTER | HR |
| ENGL 1010 | 3 | ENGL 1020 | 3 |
| NATURAL SCI & LAB | 4 | NATURAL SCI & LAB | 4 |
| MATH 1110 | 3 | MUSC 1010 | 3 |
| EDCI 1010 | 1 | COMM 2000 | 3 |
| COMP 1210 | 3 | COMM 2200 | 3 |
| 14 | 16 |
SOPHOMORE YEAR
| FALL SEMESTER | HR | SPRING SEMESTER | HR |
| ENGL 2010 | 3 | THTR 1020 | 3 |
| HIST 2010 | 3 | HIST 2020 | 3 |
| PSYC 2420 | 3 | COMM 3540 | 3 |
| COMM 3040 | 3 | SOC/BEH SCI | 3 |
| SOC/BEH SCI | 3 | EDCI 2010 | 3 |
| HPSS 1510 | 3 | ||
| 18 | 15 |
JUNIOR YEAR
| FALL SEMESTER | HR | SPRING SEMESTER | HR |
| COMM 4300 | 3 | COMM 4220 | 3 |
| EDCI 3870 | 3 | COMM 3640 | 3 |
| EDRD 4910 | 3 | COMM/COMM, 3000 LEVEL | 3 |
| ELECTIVES, 3000 LEVEL | 6 | ELECTIVE, 3000 LEVEL | 3 |
| PSYC 3120 | 3 | ||
| EDSE 3330 | 3 | ||
| 15 | 18 |
SENIOR YEAR
| FALL SEMESTER | HR | SPRING SEMESTER | HR |
| COMM 3710 | 3 | COMM 4724 | 9 |
| COMM 4320 | 3 | EDCI 4705 | 3 |
| COMM 4500 | 3 | ||
| EDAD 4000 | 3 | ||
| EDCI 4190 | 2 | ||
| 14 | 12 |
Bachelor of Science Degree in Speech Communication and Theatre
Theatre Education Teacher Certification (K-12)
Suggested Four-Year Plan-122 hours
Suggested Four-Year Plan
FRESHMAN YEAR
| FALL SEMESTER | HR | SPRING SEMESTER | HR |
| ENGL 1010 | 3 | ENGL 1020 | 3 |
| NATURAL SCI & LAB | 4 | NATURAL SCI & LAB | 4 |
| MATH 1110 | 3 | COMM 2000 | 3 |
| EDCI 1010 | 1 | THTR 1020 | 3 |
| COMP 1210 | 3 | MUSC 1010 | 3 |
| COMM 2200 | 1 | ||
| 17 | 16 |
SOPHOMORE YEAR
| FALL SEMESTER | HR | SPRING SEMESTER | HR |
| ENGL 2010 | 3 | SOC/BEH SCI | 6 |
| THTR 2400 | 3 | HIST 2020 | 3 |
| HIST 2010 | 3 | EDCI 2010 | 3 |
| PSYC 2420 | 3 | HPSS 1510 | 3 |
| ART 1010 | 3 | ||
| 15 | 18 |
JUNIOR YEAR
| FALL SEMESTER | HR | SPRING SEMESTER | HR |
| THTR 3000 | 3 | THTR 3020 | 6 |
| THTR 4010 | 3 | THTR 4000 | 3 |
| EDCI 3870 | 3 | COMM 3540 | 3 |
| ELECTIVE, 3000 LEVEL | 3 | EDRD 4910 | 3 |
| PSYC 3120 | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 |
SENIOR YEAR
| FALL SEMESTER | HR | SPRING SEMESTER | HR |
| COMM 3710 | 3 | COMM 4724 | 9 |
| COMM 4490 | 3 | EDCI 4705 | 3 |
| EDAD 4000 | 3 | ||
| EDCI 4190 | 2 | ||
| COMM 4500 | 3 | ||
| 14 | 12 |
Course Descriptions
Communications
(COMM)
Prerequisite to all COMM courses without stated prerequisites: COMM 2000 and 2200.
COMM 2000 Introduction to Mass Communication (3) (Formerly SPCH 200). A survey of the mass media and their impact on the ideas, attitudes, and impressions of society.
COMM 2010 Fundamentals of Speech Communication (3) (Formerly SPCH 210). Fundamentals of the various types of speech communication, including interpersonal, small group, and non-verbal communication process.
COMM 2030H Honors Business and Professional Speech Communication (3) (Formerly SPCH 230H). Honors section of COMM 2300. Enrollment limited to students in University Honors Program.
COMM 2200 Public Speaking (3) (Formerly SPCH 220). Principles of speech composition and delivery with emphasis on preparing and presenting the various forms of oral communication.
COMM 2202 Honors Public Speaking (3) (Formerly SPCH 220H). Honors section of COMM 2200. Enrollment limited to students in University Honors Program.
COMM 2300 Business and Professional Speech Communication (3) (Formerly SPCH 230). Designed specifically for the student with neither a major nor a minor in the field of speech. Emphasis is placed on the following speech situations: business interviews, conferences, reports, and similar types of business communications.
COMM 3000 Mass Communication Seminar (3) (Formerly RTV 300). An introductory course exploring “the real world” of mass communications through a combination of guest speakers and field trips. The class visits stations, production facilities, and publications, and hears a variety of working communication professionals.
COMM 3011 Survey of Journalism (3) (Formerly JOUR 301). Emphasis upon the organization and function of daily and weekly newspapers, community publicity, school publications, and news writing.
COMM 3020 Newswriting (3) (Formerly JOUR 302). Introduction to reporting techniques, with emphasis on newswriting.
COMM 3040 Advanced Reporting (3) (Formerly JOUR 304). Practice in advanced news writing with emphasis on news features and beat reporting. Prerequisite: COMM 3220.
COMM 3200 Argumentation and Debate (3) (Formerly SPCH 320). Principles and practices of argumentation, analysis of propositions and evidence, brief making, and preparation and delivery of forensics, as well as participation in classroom discussions. Techniques governing roundtable, forum, and panel discussions are studied.
COMM 3220 Advanced Public Speaking (3) (Formerly SPCH 322). Study of standards of criticism and techniques involved in effective public address. Prerequisite: COMM 2200.
COMM 3540 Oral Interpretation (3) (Formerly SPCH 354). Understanding of and appreciation for literature through the oral re-creation or performance of poetry, prose, and drama. Recommended for prospective teachers of literature.
COMM 3560 Forensics Practicum (3) (Formerly SPCH 356). Practical experience through active class participation in individual events and performance activities. Prerequisite: COMM 2200.
COMM 3580 Readers’ Theatre (3) (Formerly SPCH 358). Group interpretation performances of compiled scripts from the genres of poetic, prose, and dramatic literature. Choral speaking, chamber theate, group interpretation, and interpreter’s theatre are emphasized. Prerequisite: COMM 3540.
COMM 3600 Broadcasting in America (3) (Formerly RTV 360). Overview of the history, form, content, and social impact of American radio and television. Examples of contemporary broadcasting are analyzed in these terms.
COMM 3620 Radio and Television Communication (3) (Formerly RTV 362). A course covering all types of non-dramatic broadcast performance, with practical application in a laboratory situation.
COMM 3640 Radio and Television Production (3) (Formerly RTV 364). An introductory course dealing with the basic principles of directing and producing radio and television programs. Practical application in a laboratory situation.
COMM 3700 Radio and Television Writing (3) (Formerly RTV 370). A study of the techniques and methods used in writing radio and television scripts. Students are required to write a number of scripts for various types of programs. Prerequisite: COMM 3640 or permission of instructor.
COMM 3910 Communication Laboratory (3) (Formerly RTV 391). A practicum course involving radio production and broadcasting work at the campus radio station. Students undertake a variety of broadcasting responsibilities under the supervision of the station manager. Prerequisite: COMM 3620 or permission of instructor. May be taken twice for credit.
COMM 3710 Methods of Teaching Speech Communication and Theatre (3) (Formerly SPCH 371). A methods course in the teaching of speech, theatre, and communication on the secondary level. Clinical and field-based experiences which call for active participation by students are part of the course requirements. Required of all students seeking certification in speech communication and theatre. Prerequisite: official admission to the Teacher Education Program.
COMM 3900 Newspaper Workshop (3) (Formerly JOUR 390). Practical experience in writing, editing, photography, layout, and advertising sales for the TU Meter (student newspaper). Prerequisite: upper level status or permission of instructor. May be taken three times for credit.
COMM 4210 Small Group Communication (3) (Formerly SPCH 420). Communication in small groups, emphasizing principles, practices, and patterns in practical situations.
COMM 4220 Persuasion (3) (Formerly SPCH 422). Psychology of attitude formation and change, including theories of persuasion and principles of persuasive communication. Prerequisite: COMM 2200.
COMM 4300 Psychology of Speech Communication (3) (Formerly SPCH 430). Basic psychological factors and their relation to the various types of communicative processes, with emphasis on interpersonal communication. The nature and purposes of speech are analyzed.
COMM 4320 Intercultural Communication (3) (Formerly SPCH 432). Understanding dimensions of communication theory that apply across cultural boundaries. Emphasis is placed on both theoretic and practical awareness of communication in and between cultures.
COMM 4340 Contemporary Black Speakers (3) (Formerly SPCH 434). A study of selected speeches of contemporary black leaders who have contributed to and made an impact on American life. The speeches are analyzed according to the principles of rhetoric, based on Aristotelian standards. Prerequisite: COMM 2010 or 2200.
COMM 4420 Internship (3) (Formerly SPCH 442). Internship program between TSU and local media, communications, and theatre agencies, in which students undertake various duties. Specific internships available change from semester to semester. Open to students in all areas of the Department. May be taken three times for credit, but no more than twice in the same job assignment area. Prerequisites: introductory courses in area related to internship (COMM 3600 and 3640 for electronic media, or COMM 3011 and 3020 for journalism) and permission of instructor.
COMM 4425 Communication Cooperative (3) (Formerly SPCH 442A). Supervised and approved program of learning experiences undertaken by students in governmental, business, or industrial setting. Formal proposals, project objectives, and learning plans are reviewed and approved by faculty. Student activities and progress are monitored, evaluated, and graded by a full-time faculty member. Prerequisite: permission of Department Head.
COMM 4460 Advertising and Media Sales (3) (Formerly SPCH 446). Basic print and broadcast advertising techniques, including ideas and their translations into persuasive words and pictures. Sales practices, for both print space and broadcast time, and the structure and function of advertising agencies are also covered.
COMM 4480 Principles of Public Relations (3) (Formerly SPCH 448). History, development, scope, and role of public relations in society. Course covers the processes and practices of public relations, emphasizing the use of mass communications in the field.
COMM 4490 Speech and Theatre for Children (3) (Formerly SPCH 449). Designed for the elementary school teacher with a minimum of training and experience in speech communication and theatre. The focus is on activities of a practical nature which the elementary teacher may use in the classroom. Representative topics include speech activities, oral interpretation, creative dramatics, and puppetry. Prerequisite: admission to Teacher Education Program.
COMM 4500 Senior Project (3) (Formerly SPCH 450). Completion of individual research or project through application of the research methodology process. Required of all Departmental majors. Students must register for this course during the term they plan to graduate, unless they are engaged in practice teaching, in which case they must take the course earlier.
COMM 4520 Communication Law (3) (Formerly SPCH 452) . Analysis of law and regulation in terms of the social, political, and economic interests they are designed to protect and in terms of their impact on the communication industry. The First Amendment, rights of privacy, and communication ethics are considered. Prerequisite: COMM 3600 or COMM 3011, or permission of instructor.
COMM 4580 Advanced Public Relations (3) (Formerly SPCH 458). Practical exercises in public relations, stressing campaigns, schedules, budgets, and media strategies. Prerequisite: COMM 4480.
COMM 4720 Enhanced Student Teaching (12) (Formerly SPCH 472S). A semester-long experience of supervised practice teaching, appropriately divided between middle school and high school. Required of all students seeking certification in the teaching of Speech Communication or theatre. Prerequisite: successful completion of all certification courses except EDCI 4705, which is taken concurrently.
COMM 4800 Independent Study (3) (Formerly SPCH 480). Individual study and research under faculty guidance. May be taken twice for up to six hours of credit.
COMM 4240 Advanced Audio Production (3) (Formerly RTV 424). A course which provides the student with experience in advanced audio production techniques, with emphasis on creative use of audio and audio documentary production. Aspects of news and public affairs production are covered in conjunction with production assignments at the campus radio station. Prerequisite: COMM 3640.
COMM 4380 Electronic Media Management (3) (Formerly RTV 438). A course covering legal, social, programming, and economic aspects of radio and television management. Guest lectures by local station managers and department heads are an important feature of the course. Prerequisite: COMM 3600 or permission of instructor.
COMM 4400 Radio and Television Programming (3) (Formerly RTV 440). A consideration of television and radio programming in terms of content, social impact, and artistic merit. News, documentaries, public affairs, talk shows, light entertainment, serious drama, and advertisements, as well as program schedules as a whole, are analyzed. Prerequisite: COMM 3600 or permission of instructor.
COMM 4440 Advanced Television Production (3) (Formerly RTV 444). In-depth experience in producing and directing television programs. Prerequisite: COMM 3640.
COMM 3060 Investigative Reporting (3) (Formerly JOUR 306). Special problems and assignments in in-depth investigative reporting. Prerequisites: COMM 3220 and 3040.
COMM 4050 News Editing (3) (Formerly JOUR 405). Editing copy, writing headlines, designing newspaper layout. Prerequisite: COMM 3220.
COMM 4100 Editorial Writing (3) (Formerly JOUR 410). Critical analysis of structure and content of newspaper editorials. Course also includes practice in writing editorials and columns.
COMM 4200 Broadcast Journalism (3) (Formerly JOUR 420). Preparation and production of news and documentaries for radio and television. Broadcast newswriting style, use of audio, video, and graphics, and newscast production are among the topics covered. Prerequisite: COMM 3220 and COMM 3640, or permission of instructor.
COMM 4310 Desktop Publishing (3) (Formerly JOUR 430). Designing, laying out, and publishing newsletters, brochures, books, and other types of publications using computers. The course covers basic story and ad copy writing, headline writing, use of graphics, publication design, computerized page makeup, and printing/duplicating options. Intended for majors and non-majors.
COMM 4000 Feature Writing (3) (Formerly JOUR 440). Instruction and practice in writing feature articles. Prerequisite: COMM 3220 or permission of instructor.
COMM 4530 Reviewing and Criticism (3) (Formerly JOUR 452). Instruction and practice in reviewing entertainment and the arts. Emphasis on film criticism and one or more or the following: Theatre, literature, music, dance, art. Prerequisite: COMM 3220.
COMM 4540 Specialized Publications (3) (Formerly JOUR 454). Business and industrial publications. Writing and editing for special interest newspapers and magazines in such fields as agriculture, business and industry, engineering, home economics, and music. Prerequisite: COMM 3220.
COMM 4600 Special Topics(3) (Formerly JOUR 460). Scope of subject matter to be determined by students and instructor. Prerequisites: COMM 3220 and permission of instructor.
THEATRE
(THTR)
Prerequisite to all upper-division (3000- or 4000-level) THTR courses (excluding THTR 3440) without stated prerequisites: THTR 1110 or 1120 and THTR 1020.
THTR 1010 Introduction to Drama (3) (Formerly THTR 2010). Elements of theory and practical experience in the drama, through study of representative plays and dramatic theory, as well as a study of theatre operations, from working backstage to observing and critiquing plays, to theatrical field trips. This course may be taken to remove high school deficiency in the visual and performing arts. If it is used for this purpose, it does not yield degree credit. Course may also be used toward satisfying University humanities requirement, but not if it is used to remove high school deficiency.
THTR 1020 Appreciation of Drama (3) (Formerly THTR 2020). Introduction to dramatic principles though the study of major periods and representative plays from the Greek period to the present. Course may be used toward satisfying University humanities requirement.
THTR 1021 Honors Appreciation of Drama (2) (Formerly THTR 2021). Honors section of THTR 1020. Enrollment limited to students in University Honors Program. Course may be used toward satisfying University humanities requirement.
THTR 1110 Theatre Practice (2) (Formerly THEA 111). Introduction to theatre technology, stage terms, building of scenery. Laboratory experience.
THTR 1120 Theatre Practice (2) (Formerly THEA 112). Fundamentals of floor plans and perspective drawings, introduction to make-up, and continuation of theatre technology. Laboratory experience.
THTR 2015 Introduction to Theatre (3) (Formerly THEA 205). Theatre as a form of artistic expression. Emphasis is placed on dramatic structure, types of plays from representative periods, schools of dramatic thought, and the function of fundamental theatre personnel.
THTR 2400 Elementary Acting (3) (Formerly THEA 240). Study and practice in the fundamentals of acting technique based on play and character analysis. The importance of voice, posture, gesture, and movement in theatrical expressiveness are emphasized, using speeches and short scenes from the world’s best dramas.
THTR 3000 Play Production (3) (Formerly THEA 300). Study of the major components in producing a play: directing, acting, scenery and lighting, sound, costuming and make up, selecting a play, casting, theatre business, and stage management. Emphasis is also placed on the collaborative and managerial skills necessary for artistic production.
THTR 3030 Directing (3) (Formerly THEA 303). Analyzing scripts and directing one-act plays, with attention to casting, blocking, and rehearsal styles through practicum. Prerequisites: THTR 2400 and THTR 3000.
THTR 3040 Playwriting (3) (Formerly THEA 304). Theory and practice of writing one-act plays for the stage. Prerequisite: THTR 3510 or 3520.
THTR 3410 Children’s Theatre I (3) (Formerly THEA 341). Development of more sensitive characterizations and increased awareness of such demands of a drama as structure, pace, mood, and tension. The same process may be used as a teaching tool in other areas, such as the language arts program in elementary and secondary schools. The course is taught in a laboratory situation.
THTR 3420 Children’s Theatre II (3) (Formerly THEA 342). Fundamental principles of crew and committee work for a children’s play, taught by the student’s actual participation in some phase of the productions, such as cast member, crew member, or committee member. Cast members may include people from the third grade through graduate level.
THTR 3430 Stage Movement (3) (Formerly THEA 343). Use of the body and bodily movement for characterization and general stage movements. Exercises, dance, and improvisations are emphasized in examining body dynamics for contemporary and classical acting and movement styles.
THTR 3440 Drama Workshop (1-2) (Formerly THEA 344). Credit given for acting, crew, or committee work in a production. Non-majors may repeat for maximum of 4 hours; majors may repeat for maximum of 6 hours. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
THTR 3510 Classical Drama (3) (Formerly THEA 351). Study of western world’s masterpieces from the Greeks to the Restoration. Readings and reports.
THTR 3520 Modern Drama (3) (Formerly THEA 352). Extensive study of world-famous plays from 1880”s to the present day. Readings and reports.
THTR 4000 Scene Design and Stagecraft (3) (Formerly THEA 400). Advanced scene design and advanced stagecraft. Construction of three-dimensional scenery required. Practicum with current productions. Prerequisite: THTR 1110 or 1120.
THTR 4010 History of Drama I (3) (Formerly THEA 401). Development, literature, and staging practices of the theatre from the Egyptians to the Restoration Period.
THTR 4010 Stage Lighting and Make-up (3) (Formerly THEA 402). Advanced make-up and lighting practicum in major productions and laboratory productions. Prerequisites: THTR 1110 or 1120; THTR 1020.
THTR 4030 History of Drama II (3) (Formerly THEA 403). Development, literature, and staging practices of the theatre from the Restoration through the nineteenth century.
THTR 4200 Advanced Acting (3) (Formerly THEA 420). Expansion of the techniques studied in elementary acting. Longer scenes from the world’s best dramas are studied and used as criteria for the course. Prerequisite: THTR 2400 or permission of instructor.
THTR 4220 Contemporary Black Drama (3) (Formerly THEA 422). Study of dramas by representative contemporary black playwrights.
THTR 4900 Performance Seminar (3) (Formerly THEA 490). Selected topics in acting, directing, and design as they relate to performance. Course involves class discussions, papers, out-of-class work, and research. Students work as a group and/or on individual topics and projects. A final project is the end product for the class. Prerequisites: Any two of THTR 2400, 3000, 3030. Required of students with a concentration in theatre.