Course Descriptions

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Theatre Arts Discipline Courses Details

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TH A 125 : Movement I: Skills

Prerequisites: None
Description: Developing the actor's free and responsive body. Exercises, improvisations, and the performance of movement studies used to develop physical awareness and range of movement. May be repeated for a total of 6 units. (Plus-minus letter grade only.)
General Education:
  • Segment II Area - Humanities and Creative Arts Area (HCA)
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 130 : Acting Workshop I

Prerequisites: None
Description: The craft of acting. Improvisations, theatre games, and exercises to develop flexibility, imagination, agility, and expressiveness. (Plus-minus letter grade only.)
General Education:
  • Segment II Area - Humanities and Creative Arts Area (HCA)
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 200 : Introduction to the Theatre

Prerequisites: None
Description: Examination of various theatrical arts: acting, directing, designing, playwriting; from the audience's and artist's point of view. Relation between theatre history and issues of contemporary concern. Contains a live viewing component.
General Education:
Units: 3

TH A 205 : Introduction to Technical Theatre and Design

Prerequisites: None
Description: Theory, terminology, and techniques in the areas of stage scenery, properties, costuming, make-up, lighting, sound, construction, rigging safety, tools, materials, and equipment. (Plus-minus letter grade only.)
Units: 2
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 223 : Voice I: Skills

Prerequisites: None
Description: The actor's free and responsive voice. Exercises and performance of simple texts used to develop the full range of voice and its coordination with body and emotion.
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 230 : Acting Workshop II

Prerequisites: TH A 130 or equivalent.
Description: Actor training: beginning scene study and greater emotional expressiveness. May be repeated for a total of 6 units on advisement. (Plus-minus letter grade only.)
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 300 : Theatre Imagination

Prerequisites: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.
Description: Various theatrical arts: acting, directing, scenic design, costuming, make-up, lighting; from the audience's and artist's point of view. Relation between theatrical experiences and issues of contemporary concern.
General Education:
  • Segment II Area - Humanities and Creative Arts Area (HCA)
  • Segment III Cluster - Arts in Society
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 304 : Focus on Acting

Prerequisites: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.
Description: Topic to be specified in Class Schedule. May be repeated for a total of 3 units when topics vary.
Units: 1

TH A 304 : Focus on American Dialects

Prerequisites: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.
Description: Examination of method and techniques for dialect production expected of stage and screen actors. Practice of American regional dialects: Southern, New York, Boston.
Units: 1
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 304 : Focus on British Dialects

Prerequisites: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.
Description: Examination of method and techniques for dialect production expected of stage and screen actors. Practice of British Dialects: Standard British; Irish; London/Cockney.
Units: 1
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 304 : Focus on Voice-Overs

Prerequisites: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.
Description: Examination of method and techniques for voice-over production expected of actors for theatre, narration, commercials, animation and video games. Practice of skills: reading aloud; articulation; emphasis, volume and inflection variety; character development; microphone techniques.
Units: 1
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 304 : Great Acting in World Theatre

Prerequisites: Upper division standing.
Description: A study of some of the world's great actors, such as Olivier, Nakadai, Brando, Hepburn, and others who excelled in classical and "method" acting. Taught on-line; no formal meetings. Students need e-mail account. For information and course access after registration, send e-mail to jtomalin@sfsu.edu.
Units: 1

TH A 304 :

Prerequisites: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.
Description: Examination of method and techniques for dialect/accent production expected of stage and screen actors. Practice of foreign dialects: French, German, Russian.
Units: 1

TH A 305 : Design Graphics for Stage and Screen

Prerequisites: TH A 205 or consent of instructor.
Description: Design theory and graphics techniques used by set, lighting, and costume designers to express creative ideas. Drafting, sketching, watercolor, mechanical perspective, model-building, scenic painting. (Formerly TH A 210.)
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 310 : Scenery and Properties Laboratory and Crew

Prerequisites: Must be taken concurrently with TH A 205, or consent of instructor.
Description: Practical experiences in phases of technical work associated with university productions in the areas of scenery and properties. Classwork, 1 unit; laboratory, 1 unit. May be repeated for a total of 4 units.
General Education:
  • Segment II Area - Humanities and Creative Arts Area (HCA)
Units: 2
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 311 : Summer Laboratory and Crew

Prerequisites: THA 205 (may be taken concurrently ) or consent of instructor.
Description: Practical experiences in phases of technical work associated with university productions in areas of scenery, properties, costumes, lighting, and sound. May be repeated for a total of 4 units.
Units: 2

TH A 312 : Costuming and Makeup Laboratory and Crew

Prerequisites: Must be taken concurrently with TH A 205, or consent of instructor.
Description: Practical experiences in phases of technical work associated with university productions in the areas of costuming and makeup. Classwork, 1 unit; laboratory, 1 unit.
General Education:
  • Segment II Area - Humanities and Creative Arts Area (HCA)
Units: 2
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 313 : Lighting and Sound Laboratory and Crew

Prerequisites: Must be taken concurrently with TH A 205, or consent of instructor.
Description: Practical experiences in technical work associated with university productions in the areas of lighting and sound. Classwork, 1 unit; laboratory, 1 unit.
General Education:
  • Segment II Area - Humanities and Creative Arts Area (HCA)
Units: 2
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 314 : The Design and Craft of Stage Properties

Prerequisites: TH A 310.
Description: Exploration of properties research and design, construction, and repair, including design and construction drawings, advanced building techniques, storage and rental administration, special effects, production etiquette, and coordination between departments. Lecture, 1 unit; laboratory, 2 units.
Units: 3

TH A 315 : Theatre Production: Technical Laboratory and Crew

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor.
Description: Practical experience in phases of technical work associated with university productions in the areas of scenery, scenic painting, properties, lighting, sound, costuming, or makeup. May be repeated for a total of 6 units.
General Education:
  • Segment II Area - Humanities and Creative Arts Area (HCA)
Units: 1
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 323 : Light Board Operation

Prerequisites: Upper division standing.
Description: Exploration and training in modern theatrical light board control. May be repeated for a total of 3 units.
Units: 1
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 324 : Light and Performance: Translating Real World Lighting Environments to the Stage, Dance, and Opera

Prerequisites: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.
Description: Examination of the way light changes space; investigation of lighting requirements for dance, opera, and theatre; expansion of skills to communicate about light. Lecture, 2 units; laboratory, 1 unit.
Units: 3

TH A 325 : Advanced Lighting Practicum

Prerequisites: TH A 313 or consent of instructor.
Description: Advanced experiences in maintenance and repair of lighting equipment. May be repeated for a total three units.
Units: 1

TH A 330 : Acting Workshop III

Prerequisites: TH A 125, 223, and 230 plus an audition.
Description: Creating roles through intensive scene study. Approaches to individual actor problems. May be repeated for a total of 6 units. (Plus-minus letter grade only.)
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Spring 2013

TH A 332 : Asian Acting for Western Actors

Prerequisites: TH A 130 and audition or consent of instructor.
Description: Principles of acting based on Asian models: physical training for "Western" actors. Models include: No, Kabuki, the Suzuki Method, and Beijing opera. May be repeated for a total of 6 units.
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Spring 2013

TH A 333 : Lyric Theatre Workshop

Prerequisites: TH A 230 (may be concurrent) or consent of instructor.
Description: Fundamental techniques of lyric theatre. Integration of acting, singing, and movement as utilized in music theatre performance, and in preparation for TH A 433. (Plus-minus letter grade only.)
General Education:
  • Segment II Area - Humanities and Creative Arts Area (HCA)
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 334 : Scene Study for Opera

Prerequisites: Audition or consent of instructor; concurrent enrollment in MUS 376.
Description: Practicum in acting technique for opera through scene study of non-musical and musical scenes. Creation of roles through characterization, style, technique, research. May be repeated for a total of 3 units.
Units: 1

TH A 335 : Rehearsal and Performance Technique

Prerequisites: Audition.
Description: Work on a major production with rehearsal and performance as requirements. Laboratory. May be repeated as often as admitted by audition. May not be counted towards major or minor requirements in drama. (CR/NC grading only.)
Units: 1
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 340 : Principles of Directing

Prerequisites: TH A 230 and 310 or equivalents.
Description: The qualifications of the director; the choice of plays for production; tryouts and methods of casting; preparation of the play script; building the rehearsal schedule; fundamentals of composition, movement, stage business, and characterization. Directing laboratory. (Plus-minus letter grade only.)
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 341 : History of Directing

Prerequisites: TH A 130.
Description: Introduction to the principal schools of stage direction as practiced by directors past and present. Lecture/demonstrations covering nascent stages of Duke of Saxe-Meinengen and Antoine, and culminating with contemporary artists such as Mnouchkine, Brook, Wilson.
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Spring 2013

TH A 401 : Theatre Backgrounds: 500 B.C.-1642

Prerequisites: Must have completed 29 units. Enrollment priority given to theatre arts majors.
Description: The physical structure, representative plays, personalities, practices, and theatre traditions from the Greek period to 1642.
General Education:
  • Segment II Area - Humanities and Creative Arts Area (HCA)
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 402 : Theatre Backgrounds: 1642-1900

Prerequisites: Must have completed 29 units. Enrollment priority given to theatre arts majors.
Description: The physical structure, representative plays, personalities, practices, and theatre traditions from 1642-1900.
General Education:
  • Segment II Area - Humanities and Creative Arts Area (HCA)
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 403 : Theatre Backgrounds: 1900-Present

Prerequisites: Must have completed 29 units. Enrollment priority given to theatre arts majors.
Description: The physical structure, representative plays, personalities, practices, and theatre traditions from 1900 to the present.
General Education:
  • Segment II Area - Humanities and Creative Arts Area (HCA)
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 405 GW : Writing about Theatre - GWAR

Prerequisites: ENG 214 or equivalent with grade of C or better; theatre majors.
Description: Instruction and practice in writing about theatre performance, theatre history, dramatic literature, design with literacy and precision. (ABC/NC grading only.)
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 406 : The Art of Comedy

Prerequisites: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.
Description: Techniques and materials of the art of comedy. Consideration of what makes people laugh, from simple jokes to intricate stage farces. Discussions with working comedians, comic actors, and writers.
General Education:
  • Segment II Area - Humanities and Creative Arts Area (HCA)
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 407 : Popular Theatre/Popular Entertainment

Prerequisites: Sophmore standing or above.
Description: Theatrical forms which have or once had a large appreciative public. These popular forms include: musical theatre, puppetry, melodrama, circus, farce, physical comedy, cabaret, Peking opera. Examined through lectures and discussion.
General Education:
  • Segment III Cluster - Arts in Society
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Spring 2013

TH A 408 : Asian Plays and Performance Styles: Japan

Prerequisites: Upper division standing.
Description: An examination of drama, performance, theatrical aesthetics, and conventions of production in Japan.
General Education:
  • Segment II Area - Humanities and Creative Arts Area (HCA)
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 410 : Scene Design for Stage and Screen

Prerequisites: Upper division standing.
Description: Stage and production design for various forms of theatre, television, and cinema. Developing floor plans; methods of pictorial representation, scale drawings, color perspective, models. Scene painting laboratory. May be repeated for a total of 6 units. (Plus-minus letter grade only.)
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Spring 2013

TH A 411 : Costume Design for Stage and Screen

Prerequisites: TH A 205 or consent of instructor, and TH A 305 and TH A 504 or 505.
Description: Stage and film costume design. Character and script analysis. Theoretical design projects in various theatrical genres. Use of various media and styles of design presentation. Crew required. (Plus-minus letter grade only.)
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 413 : Stage Lighting Design I

Prerequisites: TH A 205, 305, and 313.
Description: Stage lighting design process. How a design is created. In-depth coverage of stage lighting fixtures, graphics, color, and angle in light, and the point of view in design. Crew required. May be repeated for a total of 6 units. (Plus-minus letter grade only.)
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 414 : Technical Direction

Prerequisites: TH A 310.
Description: Theory and practice in managing the theatrical construction and installation process. Emphasis on working drawings (drafting) and paperwork. Lecture, 2 units; laboratory, 1 unit.
Units: 3

TH A 415 : Area Study in Theatre Production

Prerequisites: TH A 310, 312, 313, 315, or equivalents. Area and unit value to be specified in Class Schedule.
Description: May be repeated for a total of 9 units as topics vary.
Units: 1-3

TH A 415 : Advanced Makeup Workshop

Prerequisites: TH A 312 or equivalent, or consent of instructor.
Description: Advanced makeup for the actor.
Units: 1

TH A 415 : Sound Design in Theatre

Prerequisites: TH A 310, 312, 313, 315, or equivalents.
Description: Sound design for the theatre, including use of contemporary sound technology, developing a sound design concept, creation of a sound plot for production, and collaboration with directors and other designers. (Plus-minus letter grade only.)
Units: 2
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 425 : Movement Styles II

Prerequisites: Enrollment through audition or consent of instructor.
Description: Movement training; styles, such as mime, commedia, use of masks to develop the actor's versatility, control of movement and creative imagination. Laboratory. May be repeated for a total of 6 units. (Plus-minus letter grade only.)
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 433 : Musical Theatre Workshop

Prerequisites: Audition. Must be taken concurrently with MUS 311-312.
Description: Practice in acting, singing, and dancing through participation in scenes from musical plays. Laboratory. May be repeated for a total of 6 units. (Plus-minus letter grade only.)
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Spring 2013

TH A 435 : Theatrical Audition

Prerequisites: TH A 230 or equivalent.
Description: Preparation for audition situations. Development of skills in sight-reading; selection, and rehearsal of appropriate pieces. Investigation of opportunities in professional and semi-professional theatre. Laboratory. (Plus-minus letter grade only.)
Units: 3

TH A 440 : Acting/Directing Workshop

Prerequisites: For actors, TH A 220 and 230 plus an audition. For directors, TH A 340 and consent of instructor.
Description: Extensive participation in the performance of student-directed scenes from plays of various types and periods. Laboratory. May be repeated for a total of 6 units. (Plus-minus letter grade only.)
Units: 3

TH A 451 : Storytelling and Folk Literature

Prerequisites: Upper division standing.
Description: Methods and techniques of storytelling using selections from folktales, myths, legends, fables, and special types of poetry. (Plus-minus letter grade only.)
General Education:
  • Segment III Cluster - Folklore
  • Cultural, Ethnic, or Social Diversity (CESD)
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 452 : Theatre in Education

Prerequisites: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.
Description: Methods of integrating theatre techniques into K-12 classroom curriculum. Selected applications from the following: improvisation, storytelling, and creative dramatics. Paired with THA 752. Students who have completed THA 452 may not take THA 752 for credit.
Units: 3

TH A 454 : The Business of Acting

Prerequisites: THA 230 or equivalent.
Description: Preparation for seeking acting opportunities and theatre related careers. Business skills, agents, resumes, headshots; application of digital technology to improve monologue performance for auditions.
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 460 : Play Development Workshop

Prerequisites: TH A 130 or 300 or equivalent.
Description: Workshop in which playwrights, directors, actors, and designers develop and refine new theatre pieces by producing them. Studio development of new plays from existing drafts through staged readings to showcase productions.
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 504 : Historical Styles for the Theater: Decor

Prerequisites: TH A 205 or consent of instructor.
Description: World history of decor, ornament, architecture, and theatrical design; periods with significant dramatic literature canons and/or influential cultural contributions. Visual research methods.
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 505 : Historical Styles for the Theater: Clothing

Prerequisites: TH A 205 or consent of instructor.
Description: World history of clothing and costume, emphasizing periods with significant dramatic literature canons and/or influential cultural contributions. Visual research methods. (Plus-minus letter grade only.)
Units: 3

TH A 510 : Advanced Stagecraft

Prerequisites: TH A 310 or equivalent.
Description: Drafting stage carpentry and working with various construction materials; problems of stage rigging, stage machinery and special effects; organization and operation of the scene construction shop. May be repeated for a total of 6 units. Laboratory. (Plus-minus letter grade only.)
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 512 : Theatre Costume Design and Construction

Prerequisites: TH A 312 or equivalent.
Description: Pattern drafting, wardrobe plotting, choice of materials, techniques in adapting historical styles. Work on crews for productions. May be repeated for a total of 6 units. Laboratory. (Plus-minus letter grade only.)
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 515 : Leadership and Organization for Production

Prerequisites: TH A 310, 312, 313, or equivalents.
Description: Application of principles of stage management to theatre productions; projects in organization and supervision of crews or production companies. Work on productions required. May be repeated for a total of 6 units. Classwork, 2 units; laboratory, 1 unit. (Plus-minus letter grade only.)
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 530 : Acting: The Play

Prerequisites: TH A 223, 230, 312, and audition.
Description: Performance techniques through detailed work on faculty-directed scripts; integration of theory and techniques of acting. Laboratory. May be repeated for a total of 9 units.
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 531 : Styles of Acting

Prerequisites: Audition. Area of study to be specified in Class Schedule.
Description: May be repeated as areas vary. Laboratory.
Units: 3

TH A 531 : Understanding & Performing Shakespeare's Plays

Prerequisites: Audition.
Description: Understanding elements of theatre production through observation of a wide variety of staged productions. Lecture stems directly from productions observed, with written critical evaluation. Open to non-majors and to theatre majors, but may not be applied toward theatre major credits. (Plus-minus letter grade only.)
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Fall 2012

TH A 532 : Asian Theatre Workshop

Prerequisites: TH A 130 and audition or consent of instructor.
Description: Analytical and creative study of Asian theatre; practice in acting and directing traditional Asian theatre pieces or Western plays with Asian techniques; development of new performance style based on Asian examples. (Plus-minus letter grade only.) May be repeated for a total of 6 units.
Units: 3

TH A 533 : Advanced Musical Theatre Workshop

Prerequisites: TH A 433 and audition.
Description: Advanced practice in performance techniques for musical plays, with participation in selected scenes. May be repeated for a total of 6 units. Laboratory. (Plus-minus letter grade only.)
Units: 3

TH A 557 : Acting for the Camera

Prerequisites: TH A 230, 330, and audition.
Description: The rehearsal, directing, and recording of dramatic performance for the media of television and video. Emphasis is on the collaboration between actor and director at every stage of the process. Actors must have performance experience.
Units: 3

TH A 558 : Writing and Performing in Film and Theatre

Prerequisites: TH A 230 or consent of instructor.
Description: Cross listed with CINE 654 [formerly CINE 555]. For course description, see CINE 654. May not be repeated under alternate prefix.
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Spring 2013

TH A 605 : Writing and Performing Monologues

Prerequisites: TH A 130 (for CW majors: CW 301 & CW 511 or CW 512 or CW 513)
Description: Priority given to creative writing and theatre arts majors. Workshop in creation of contemporary performance monologues. Development of original pieces through writing, performance, and critique; study of artists in the field. (Cross listed with C W 605. May not be repeated under alternate prefix.)
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Spring 2013

TH A 609 : Theatre Design and Computers

Prerequisites: TH A 205; TH A 410 or 413.
Description: Exploration of the tools, programs, and applications involved with computer assisted design for lighting or scenery for the stage. May be repeated for a total of 6 units.
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Spring 2013

TH A 610 : Practicum in Theatre

Prerequisites: Consent of supervising staff.
Description: Individual projects in costume, make-up, lighting, or scene design; properties, stagecraft; theatre administration or theatre architecture. May be repeated in a different area for a total of 12 units. (Plus-minus letter grade only.)
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 611 : Seminar in Costume Design and Technology

Prerequisites: TH A 411 and TH A 504 or TH A 505. Topic to be specified in Class Schedule.
Description: May be repeated for a total of 12 units as topics vary. (Plus-minus letter grade only.)
Units: 3

TH A 611 : Advanced Costume Design for Stage and Screen

Prerequisites: TH A 411 and TH A 504 or TH A 505.
Description: Application of software programs to create and manipulate theatrical designs, surface effects, patterns, and textures to facilitate and create clearer communication with directors and shops. Crew required. (Plus-minus letter grade only.)
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Fall 2012

TH A 611 : Period Patternmaking and Tailoring for the Stage

Prerequisites: TH A 411 and TH A 504 or 505.
Description: Draping, flat patternmaking, corsetry, and men's tailoring within the context of period theatrical production. Crew required. (Plus-minus letter grade only.)
Units: 3

TH A 613 : Stage Lighting Design II

Prerequisites: TH A 205, 305, 313, and 413.
Description: Lighting designs for opera, dance, and theatre. Students design productions for class and productions for the university. May be repeated for a total of 6 units. (Plus-minus letter grade only.)
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 615 : Seminar in Technical Theatre Arts

Prerequisites: TH A 410, 413, 512, 519, or equivalents related to seminar topic and senior standing. Topic to be specified in Class Schedule.
Description: May be repeated for a total of 9 units as topics vary.
Units: 3

TH A 615 : Design for Musicals, Opera, and Ballet

Prerequisites: TH A 410, TH A 413, TH A 512, TH A 519 or equivalents and senior standing.
Description: Enables the student to acquire understanding, skills, and/or attitudes that help understand the system of spatial relationships dictated by the theatrical needs of solo and ensemble performers, conduct research in order to evaluate the historical-traditional approaches to theatre scores, and execute theatrical designs for the musical theatre, using contemporary forms and materials. (Plus-minus letter grade only.)
Units: 3

TH A 615 : Design for Thrust, Arena, and Multispace Staging

Prerequisites: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.
Description: To begin to understand the system of spatial relationships dictated by the theatrical form of arena, thrust, and multispace stages. To evolve, on an advanced level, models of theatre spaces involving the aforementioned stage forms. (Plus-minus letter grade only.)
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Spring 2013

TH A 615 : Scene Painting

Prerequisites: TH A 210 or TH A 410 or consent of instructor.
Description: Scenic painting for stage, film, television; knowledge of tools in execution of scenic painting techniques and mastering concomitant hand skills; understanding of uses of painted artwork in stage production design. (Plus-minus letter grade only.)
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 615 : Theatre Model Making

Prerequisites: TH A 315 or equivalent and consent of instructor.
Description: To evolve on an advanced level the craft of model making for use in scenic designs and/or art direction; developing models to demonstrate the component units of a design; experimenting with models to evolve design ideas and possibilities; and developing models for a finished presentation including color, texture, and dressing. (Plus-minus letter grade only.)
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Fall 2012

TH A 657 : Practicum in School and Community Drama

Prerequisites: Permission of department.
Description: Supervised fieldwork experience in conjunction with school and community performing arts program. May be repeated once by permission of supervisor. (Plus-minus letter grade only.)
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 660 : Advanced Play Development Workshop

Prerequisites: TH A 130 or TH A 340 or TH A 460, and consent of instructor.
Description: Development of original plays by students, through rehearsal and presentation of staged readings. New plays: the process and technique of mounting the staged reading for playwrights, directors, and dramaturgs.
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Spring 2013

TH A 661 : Play Development Showcase

Prerequisites: Upper division standing and consent of instructor.
Description: Development and presentation of short plays and monologues by SFSU students. Writers, actors, and directors collaborate in rehearsal, production, and performance. Admission by audition/submission, and permission of instructor only. May be repeated for a total of 9 units.
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 671 : Stage Management

Prerequisites: Any two of the following: THA 310, THA 312, THA 313, or equivalent.
Description: Advanced theoretical and practical application of stage management techniques; examination of the resources and responsibilities of a successful stage manager at SF State and in the professional arena. May be repeated for a total of 6 units for degree credit. (Plus-minus letter grade only.)
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 685 : Projects in the Teaching of Theatre Arts

Prerequisites: TH A 130, completion of course in instructional subject matter; and consent of instructor. Open only to majors in Theatre Arts.
Description: The teaching practicum provides students with an opportunity to serve as an instructional aide, participate in the teaching of a regular instructionally-related Theatre Arts class, and learn about educational theatre through fieldwork. (Students may earn a maximum of 4 units toward the baccalaureate degree for any course(s) numbered 685 regardless of discipline.)
Units: 1-3

TH A 690 : Brown Bag Theatre Company

Prerequisites: TH A 130, 230, 223, plus audition. Must be taken concurrently with TH A 330.
Description: Intensive study and studio presentation of 14 different texts during the semester. May be repeated once. (Plus-minus letter grade only.)
Units: 5
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 691 : Advanced Multicultural Production Workshop

Prerequisites: TH A 230, 310, 312, or equivalents, plus interview/audition.
Description: Participation in a performing company which uses multicultural, multi-ethnic theatrical material. Experiences in all aspects of play production, with attention to demands of non-Western European repertory. May be repeated for a total of 6 units.
Units: 3

TH A 699 : Independent Study

Prerequisites: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.
Description: Special projects/independent study of some aspect of the field, under supervision of a faculty member of the department. May be repeated.
Units: 1-3

TH A 700 : Theatre Research and Writing Practicum

Prerequisites: None
Description: Introduction to theatre research methods and the writing of essays about theatre. Students write and discuss papers that reflect advanced skills in composition, research, and criticism.
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 701 : Seminar: Theatrical History and Historiography

Prerequisites: TH A 401 or ENG 570 or ENG 571 or equivalent.
Description: Selected topics from theatrical history. Special emphasis on the relation between the theatre and its cultural contexts, the uses of theatrical history in contemporary production, and on the techniques of production reconstruction. (Plus-minus letter grade only.)
Units: 3

TH A 702 : Shakespeare: Text and Performance Seminar

Prerequisites: TH A 401 or ENG 570, or equivalent.
Description: An exploration of representative Shakespearean texts and their expressions as performance.
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 703 : Seminar: The American Stage

Prerequisites: TH A 402 or ENG 574 or equivalent.
Description: The American tradition in the theatre; major plays and productions from O'Neill to the present. (Plus-minus letter grade only.)
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 704 : Seminar: Contemporary Plays and Performance

Prerequisites: TH A 402 or ENG 574 or equivalent.
Description: Playwrights and production styles in the contemporary theatre. The "new naturalism," performance art, and post-modernism. (Plus-minus letter grade only.)
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Fall 2012

TH A 705 : Seminar: Performance and Production Theory

Prerequisites: undergraduate background as appropriate. Topic to be specified in Class Schedule.
Description: May be repeated as topics vary.
Units: 3

TH A 705 : Playcrafting and Dramaturgy

Prerequisites: None
Description: Close study of play development and dramaturgy, with special emphasis on the construction of performance scenarios and on the director-dramaturg collaboration.
Units: 3

TH A 707 : Thesis Proposal

Prerequisites: None
Description: Completion of a thesis proposal or creative work project proposal with a faculty adviser. Must be completed satisfactorily prior to taking TH A 894 or TH A 898.
Units: 1
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 709 : Seminar: Dramatic Literature and Criticism

Prerequisites: A graduate course in theatre backgrounds and/or dramatic literature.
Description: Contemporary approaches in dramatic criticism applied to selected works of dramatic literature. (Plus-minus letter grade only.)
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Spring 2013

TH A 711 : Collaborative Processes in Theatre

Prerequisites: Classified M.F.A. status in theatre arts or consent of instructor.
Description: Graduate colloquium addressing the processes of theatrical collaboration. (Plus-minus letter grade only.)
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 712 : Portfolio Development

Prerequisites: TH A 750, TH A 610/810, upper division or graduate standing, and consent of instructor.
Description: Supervised development of materials for design/technical theatre portfolios, workshops in presentation, interview techniques. Introduction to entertainment industry business practices.
Units: 1
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 732 : Seminar: Topics in Asian Theatre

Prerequisites: Classified graduate status in Theatre Arts program or consent of instructor.
Description: Close examination of theatrical theory and practice in selected Asian forms, including but not limited to Noh, Kabuki, and Beijing Opera. May be repeated for a total of 6 units.
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Fall 2012

TH A 740 : Play Production Concepts

Prerequisites: Classified M.F.A. status in theatre arts or consent of instructor.
Description: Methods and principles that encourage a conceptual approach toward play production. Formal techniques and thematic studies that provide the theatre practitioner with a coherent perspective for the interpretation of dramatic material. (Plus-minus letter grade only.)
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Spring 2013

TH A 750 : Design Studio

Prerequisites: Classified graduate status in Theatre Arts and consent of instructor.
Description: Tutorial studio exploration of design problems in theatre arts/drama. May be repeated for a total of 9 units. (Plus-minus letter grade only.)
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 752 : Theatre in Education

Prerequisites: Graduate status or consent of instructor.
Description: Paired with THA 452. For course description, see THA 452. Students who have completed THA 752 may not take THA 452 for credit.
Units: 3

TH A 757 : Internship in Theatre

Prerequisites: Final year in M.F.A. in theatre arts and departmental permission.
Description: Assignment, under faculty supervision, to professional production with Bay Area theatre companies, performing arts agencies, or production organizations. May be repeated for a total of 6 units. (Plus-minus letter grade only.)
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 810 : Advanced Practicum in Theatre

Prerequisites: Classified graduate status in theatre arts and consent of instructor.
Description: Development, solution, and presentation of design problems for professional theatre. (Plus-minus letter grade only.)
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 852 : Directed Experience in Drama Education

Prerequisites: Permission of department.
Description: Supervised observation and directed experience in the teaching of drama courses; analysis of teaching problems. May be repeated for a total of 6 units. (Plus-minus letter grade only.)
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 894 : Creative Work Project

Prerequisites: Consent of graduate major adviser.
Description: Advancement to Candidacy and Proposal for Culminating Experience Requirement forms must be approved by the Graduate Division before registration. (Plus-minus letter grade only.)
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 896 : Directed Readings for M.A. Drama Comprehensive Examination

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and completion of two core courses in M.A. Drama program.
Description: Preparation for a culminating experience in drama through a series of advanced readings in dramatic literature and theory, theatre history, and performance studies that are completed by the taking of an examination. (CR/NC only)
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Spring 2013

TH A 897 : Research for Thesis and Creative Work Projects in Drama

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and completion of two core graduate seminars in M.A. Drama program.
Description: Research and completion of a thesis or creative work project proposal with faculty guidance and instruction. Includes reading of dramatic literature, choosing and developing a topic in detailed written statement. (CR/NC only)
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 898 : Master's Thesis

Prerequisites: Consent of graduate major adviser.
Description: Advancement to Candidacy and Proposal for Culminating Experience Requirement forms must be approved by the Graduate Division before registration. (CR/NC grading only.)
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Fall 2013

TH A 899 : Independent Study

Prerequisites: Classified graduate standing and consent of instructor.
Description: Special project/independent study of some aspect of the field related to the student's final thesis or project. May be repeated for a total of 6 units. (Plus/minus letter grade only.)
Units: 3
Latest Offering: Fall 2013
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