Program Learning Outcomes

Cultural Literacy: Demonstrate the significance of theatre as a cultural expression in African, European, American and Asian/Pacific countries: Recognize the contributions of other cultures. Apply tolerance for those of different backgrounds. Defend the value of culture as a source of personal enrichment. Support opportunities for enriching society through extending cultural chances to others. Deduce the advanced social function of world theatre in rituals, myths, ceremonies and drama.
Criticism Literacy: Analyze, critique and assess works of theatre and dance: Identify the clear use of composition and staging of performers and theatrical elements. Recognize and distinguish effective vocal and physical expressions by actors and dancers. Judge the success or failure of theatrical performances and defend positions.
Aesthetic Knowledge: Formulate and develop basic ballet, modern and jazz techniques and/or acting and directing styles: Conceptualize an artistic vision. Differentiate between realistic and presentational theatrical styles. Choose an artistic approach to performing a particular play or dance.
Leadership Skills: Exhibit leadership and organizational skills: Communicate artistic concepts to others. Solve problems in scheduling, stage management, or construction processes of creating theatre or dance. Organize a production crew and plan the accomplishment of constructing props, scenery, lights, costumes or makeup for a show.
Performance Skills: Design, construct and produce theatre and dance productions: Apply play production skills in a public performance, either as an actor, director, designer or technician. Demonstrate awareness of the intricacies of human behavior by analyzing characterization.
Disciplinary Proficiency: Demonstrate understanding of the key theories, concepts and historical practices of theatre, including works of leading playwrights, actors, dancers, choreographers, directors and designers, both past and present. Synthesize historical trends into clear interpretations of important plays. Explain the interplay of literature, art, philosophy and performance in theatre history. Recall well-known theatre theorists and practitioners and describe significant concepts. Name the works of major dramatists and choreographers in America of the last 25 years.
Social Skills: Develop intra- and inter-personal skills through involvement in group processes: Cooperation: Demonstrate the ability to compromise, ask appropriate questions, and take direction non-defensively. Socialization: Apply the values of collaboration, be able to empathize and give supportive feedback, and gain tolerance for diversity. Creativity: Express oneself through an art form (e.g. design, perform, direct), and demonstrate skill in problem solving. Discipline: Demonstrate adherence to rehearsal schedules and meet all deadlines.
Written Communication: Show improved writing skills: Demonstrate competence in using language through written skills: e.g. playwriting, term papers, etc. Organize paragraphs around a main idea Use proper methods for documentation and bibliographic entries Write smooth sentences without errors in punctuation, spelling, or grammar Plan well structured writings that use introductions and conclusions effectively.
Oral Communication: Show improved speaking skills: Demonstrate competency in oral language in speech presentations, forensics competitions, acting, directing, and stage management. Provide informative and insightful messages in a public setting. Organize presentations around a single idea. Devise main points and supporting evidence clearly. Create introductions and conclusions that gain focus. Show effective verbal techniques (precise diction, adequate volume, and variety of pitch and rate). Show effective non-verbal techniques (purposeful movement and gestures, eye contact, and strong posture).
Research Skills: Demonstrate research skills applicable to history of theatre and design technology: Discuss the function and meaning of theatre for an historical culture that produced it. Compare and contrast the works of two playwrights, actors, choreographers, designers, etc.
Information Literacy: Demonstrate computer competency capable of handling e-mail, using word processing, accessing the internet, creating power points, and using databases.
Critical Thinking: Show critical thinking in being able to prove claims with objective insights: Synthesize research and analysis into an assessment of the importance of historical trends in theatre. Conduct independent study to make judgments and evaluate results. Summarize and integrate research to support claims.