Speech-Theater

Overview

As part of a liberal arts degree program, the Theater Emphasis provides student majors with opportunities to develop a breadth of understanding and skill development. Students are encouraged and challenged to develop a sensitivity toward theater as a fine art, an understanding of the collaborative nature of the theater event, and an appreciation of theater as a way of knowing the world. The Communication Emphasis is designed to educate majors in the theoretical, analytical and performative capabilities necessary to exercise skills in interpersonal, public, small group, intercultural, and organizational communication contexts.

A major in the Speech-Theater Department offers a solid foundation for continued graduate/professional training in the discipline or as a liberal arts major in preparation for entry-level work and training in business, law, education, public relations, or the ministry. In addition to the curricular offerings, the department offers a full program of opportunities in co-curricular forensic, debate, and theater activities.

The St. Olaf College Theater is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theater.

General Education Credit

Distribution Credits

Prerequisites

Requirements for All Majors

The General Speech-Theater Major

The Communication Emphasis within the Major

The Theater Emphasis within the Major

Requirements for a Teaching Major

Requirements for a Teaching Minor

Special Programs

Courses

100 Oral Interpretation

Students examine and apply aesthetic principles involved in the performance of oral presentations of prose-fiction, poetry, and drama. Offered both semesters.

105 Fundamentals of Speaking (0.25)

This half semester course will introduce students to the principles of effective oral communication through assigned readings, lectures, class discussion. The development of public speaking skills is the primary focus of the class, with several opportunities to give oral presentations, with critiques and discussion to help students increase their ability to communicate effectively.

110 Introduction to Theater

We will study the principles of theatrical art to develop understandings, critical perceptions and enjoyment of theater. Students attend a variety of performances and integrate them with readings and lecture/demonstrations. Required ticket fee. Required as preliminary course for most upper level courses in theater. Offered both semesters.

115 Acting for the Non-Major

This studio course is designed as an overview of the acting process for the non-major. We will cover rehearsal techniques, basic acting theory, history, and styles. Students will investigate and practice exercises, scene work, and audition material. Required trips to professional theaters in the Twin Cities. No prerequisites. Does not fulfill acting requirement for the major. Offered both semesters.

120 Public Speaking

Students learn and apply principles of speech composition and analyze speeches to understand effective methods. They will demonstrate their knowledge in classroom speeches. Offered both semesters.

130 Introduction to Acting

This studio course is centered on training the actor's instrument and developing basic acting skills, including vocal production, physical dexterity, emotional connection and motivation. Exercises and improvisation are the primary tools, but some scene work will be explored. Offered Spring Semester only.

131 Acting for the Lyric Stage

A studio course focused on the techniques of acting and singing for the musical theater. Students will learn the basic skills of voice, movement, improvisation, and characterization in class exercises and prepared scenes. Spring Semester only.

140 Interpersonal Communication

This introduction to communication in a face-to-face interaction investigates means for developing co-creative dialogue out of conventional communicative forms. Topics include: perception and attention, listening, the communicative body, expressivity and self-disclosure, and interpersonal distance. Offered both semesters.

150 Scenery and Costume Production

The process of creating the production elements of scenery and costumes has been with us as long as the theater has been part of human civilization. As design and technology changes, so do the methods, materials, and possiblities in production. This course will study current practice as well as changes that have occurred in the creation of these artistic visual elements for theater production. Course projects in costume production, scenery production, visual research, and computer-aided design. Course fee required.

160 Mass Media

A survey of the historical backgrounds and cultural roles of the various mass media -- both print and electronic -- and a critical evaluation of their present status and performance in modern society. The legal and ethical dimensions of each medium will be examined. Offered both semesters.

200 Voice and Phonetics

This course focuses on training the speaking voice, with an emphasis on clarity and flexibility of voice usage. Students will learn how to use the phonetic alphabet to improve their speech. Fall Semester only. Not offered 1996-97.

220 Advanced Public Speaking

This platform speaking course emphasizes the theory of public speaking, including audience analysis, composition, style, support, and delivery. Prerequisite: Speech-Theater 120, or consent of instructor.

223 Intercollegiate Debate/Forensics (0.25)

Students who participate in the intercollegiate debate/forensics program may register for 0.25 course with a limit of one full course credit for any one student. Prerequisite: consent of the Director of Forensics. P/N only. Offered both semesters.

230 Intermediate Acting

A studio course for the student with previous acting training. Through scene work students explore scene and character analysis as well as the requirements of major theatrical period styles. Some improvisation used. Students perform regularly throughout the semester. Prerequisites: Speech-Theater 110 and 130. Dance 232 Movement Analysis This introduction to Rudolf Laban's sytem of movement analysis provides a framework for observing, describing, and analyzing human movement patterns and understanding non-verbal behavior and communication. This course is appropriate for all students for whom movement observation is important to their career objectives, e.g. dancers, therapists, counselors, anthropologists, journalists, nurses and actors.

232 Beginning Stage Direction

A studio course focusing on the fundamentals of stage direction. Students develop skills of play selection, audience analysis, text interpretation, working with actors (including improvisational and technical approaches to voice and movement), stage picturization and blocking, design considerations, and the process of casting and rehearsals. A series of scenes will be prepared and presented during the semester, focusing on individual elements of stage direction. Fall Semester only. Prerequisite: Speech/Theater 110, and 115 or 130 or 131.

233 Theater Practicum (0.25)

Theater Practicum involves the student in the conceptual and practical processes of artistic creation and performance production in theater. Study includes current theory and practice as well as historical approaches to performance problems. Lab sessions include creative projects and practical problem-solving in assistant directing, acting or dramaturgy as part of the St. Olaf Theater season. First year students are encouraged to enroll. This course may be repeated. Registration is by audition or interview only. See Department Office for more information.

240 Small Group Communication

We will study communication processes in problem solving groups with the goal of improving students' leadership abilities and their effectiveness in modern organizations -- social, business, government, etc. Prerequisite: Speech/Theater 120 or 140. Offered both semesters.

241 Theories of Communication

An overview of general communication theories that intersect all communication contexts, e.g., interpersonal, small group, mass communication. Students explore the nature of the communication process and how it is defined and applied in everyday interaction. Topics include motivation, perception, the use of language, nonverbal communication, and interpersonal processes. Prerequisite: Speech/Theater 120 or 140 or permission of instructor.

250 Lighting and Sound - Design and Production

Expression of the art forms of theater, dance, and music in the last decade have seen an enormous expansion of the use of lighting and sound as part of the expression of the art form. The design and handling of lighting and sound in theater, dance, and music as well as general presentation work plays a significant role in any of these events. This course will introduce the production problems and design projects in both lighting and sound. Course fee required. Speech-Theater 110 recommended but not required a a prerequisite. Offered 1997-98 and alternate years.

252 Drawing and Painting for Theater

This studio course covers drawing and painting as it relates to theater design and production work. Students engage in exercises and project work in perceptual drawing, computer-aided design and drafting, technical drawing and scene painting. Course fee required. Speech-Theater 110 recommended but not required as a prerequisite. Offered 1996-97.

253 Theater Practicum (0.25)

Theater Practicum involves the student in the conceptual and practical processes of artistic creation and performance production in theater. Study includes current theory and practice as well as historical approaches to performance problems. Lab sessions include creative projects and practical problem-solving in scenery/properties, lighting, costumes, design and production technology as part of the St. Olaf Theater season. First year students are encouraged to enroll. This course may be repeated. See Department Office for more information.

260 Communication and Contemporary Culture

This introduction to theory and criticism of mass communication emphasizes the relationship of film and television to contemporary culture and the aesthetic, commercial and technological features of each medium. Students will apply selected theories and methodologies to contemporary film and television. Prerequisite: Speech/Theater 160 or permission of instructor.

270 History of Theater up to 1700

Students will explore and analyze significant developments in form and content in drama and theater from origins to 1700. Prerequisite: Speech-Theater 110. Offered in 1996-97 and alternate years.

271 History of Theater since 1700

Students analyze significant development in form and content in drama and theater from 1700 through 1950. Prerequisite: Speech-Theater 110. Offered in 1997-98 and alternate years.

280 Argumentation

A study of the theory and process of argument and controversy. Students analyze, research, and debate selected questions of public policy. Prerequisite: Speech/Theater 120. Offered Fall semester only.

294 Internship

Prerequisite: At least three previous courses in department.

298 Independent Study

Prerequisite: At least three previous courses in department.

338 Intermediate Stage Direction

A studio course focusing on the artistic decision-making process of stage direction. Script analysis, directorial concepts, production designs, and hands-on directing experiences building on skills developed in Speech/Theater 232 (Beginning Stage Direction). Students direct a one-act play as the final project for the course. Offered Spring semester only. Prerequisite: Speech/Theater 232, 352, 270 or 271.

352 Scenery and Costume Design

We will study and analyze the concepts, principles, and techniques of design for theater productions, concentrating on scenery and costume design. Students will complete design projects, drawing, rendering and scenic models. Prerequisites: Speech-Theater 110, 150. Speech-Theater 252 recommended but not required. Offered in 1997-98 and alternate years.

379 Topics in Interpretation and Theater

An in-depth investigation of a selected topic through readings, bibliography, reports, and projects. Students may register for the course more than once, provided a different topic is studied. Prerequisite: Speech-Theater 110.

382 Studies in American Public Address

This critical examination of selected speakers and speeches in American History emphasizes the relationship between public policy and public address. Speeches will be placed in the context of watershed events such as the American Revolution, the Ratification of the Constitution, the Abolitionist Movement, the Suffrage Movement, and World Wars I and II and the Civil Rights Movement. Prerequisite: Speech/Theater 120. Offered in 1997-98 and alternate years.

383 Rhetorical Theory and Criticism

Students will analyze theories of public discourse as they evolved from the ancient Greek and Roman treatises of Isocrates, Plato, Aristotle, Cicero and Quintilian to 20th century theories and critical methodologies, most notably the work of Kenneth Burke. Students will apply selected theories and methodologies to contemporary rhetorical documents and artifacts. Prerequisite: Speech/Theater 120 plus one other Speech/Theater class. Offered in 1996-97 and alternate years.

384 Persuasion

The theory and process of persuasion is examined from major humanistic and behavioral perspectives. Students learn persuasive strategies and techniques used in political communication, news media, and advertising. Prerequisite: Speech/Theater 120 plus one other Speech/Theater class. Offered Spring Semester.

389 Topics in Communication

Students investigate a special topic in areas of public address, classical rhetoric, or rhetorical criticism. Students may register for the course more than once, provided a different topic is studied. Prerequisite: Speech/Theater 120 plus one other Speech/Theater class.

394 Internship

Prerequisite: at least five previous courses in department.

398 Independent Research

Prerequisite: at least five previous courses in department.

• Speech-Theater 133 Producing Theater--Introductory
• Speech-Theater 234 Producing Theater--Advanced
• Speech-Theater 226 The Interview
• Speech-Theater 275 Introduction to Playwriting
• Speech-Theater 346 Health Communication
• Speech-Theater 225 Advertising
• Interdisciplinary 258 Theater in London (off campus)

Faculty