Communication and theatre course descriptions

Students will gain an introduction to hardware and software used by communications professionals for digital photography, desktop publishing, audio editing and video editing. Is a prerequisite for CT-226 and 242.

CT-151 Introduction to Dramatic Arts (3)

An introduction to the appreciation of theatre as an international art form which reflects cultural values. Students increase their critical and analytical abilities by reading about theatrical production, and reading, viewing, and performing dramatic literature. They also participate in the production of theatre in an eight-hour lab.

CT-152 Basic Acting Technique (3)

An introductory acting course which enhances students' communication skills through the study of physical, vocal, analytical and intuitive techniques used in creating a character for theatrical performance.

CT-153 Theatre History (3)

A survey class that begins with ritual drama and selective Egyptian, Greek and Roman developments of dramatic form. It will include Medieval and Renaissance drama, Neoclassicalism, Romanticism, Realism and other twentieth century genres and styles as they occur in Western Europe and the United States. Contributions of selected Asian and African theatre forms and Native American dance drama will be also introduced.

CT-154 Creative Drama (3)

Dramatic exercises and improvisation for personal development and procedures for leading creative drama in classroom, parish, and other group settings.

CT-200 Forensics (3)

An overview of competitive speech events, argumentation, debate and practice. Students are required to prepare for competitive speaking and will study issues related to practice, coaching, research, budgeting and tournament administration and practice.

CT-203 Communication Theory (3)

Course features an overview of communication theory from the classical tradition to current theoretical approaches in human communication. In addition, the course will offer in-depth study in one of the following areas: instructional communication, organizational communication, mass communication theory, interpersonal communication and rhetorical theory. Special topics will be announced by the instructor prior to registration in accord with the instructor’s special interests and in consultation with prospective registrants. Location, analysis and application of research is a focus of the course. Prerequisite: Eng-102.

CT-205 Adult Development and Aging (3)

This course provides students with an overview of adult lifespan development from a psychological and communicative perspective as well as an introduction to aging studies overall. The course is offered as an elective to students in BA programs and to students in gerontology areas. Same as Gero-205.

CT-211 Public Speaking (3)

Students develop fundamental skills in the art of public speaking through the preparation and presentation of speeches designed for a variety of occasions, audiences, and situations. Skills of organization, delivery, and speech criticism developed. Included also is a study of the rules of parliamentary procedure that govern effective group leadership. Prerequisite: Eng-102 or one year of classroom public speaking in high school.

CT-225 Writing and Reporting (3)

Students will learn about the principles and techniques of news gathering and writing by reporting on stories of interest to the campus community. Students will also explore ethical guidelines and legal issues of contemporary journalism. Prerequisite: Eng-102.

CT-226 Journalistic Design (3)

Working in a laboratory setting, students will learn to apply rhetorical concepts and design principles in the production of communication pieces for various media. Special emphasis will be placed on newspaper design. Prerequisite: CT-105.

CT-231 Oral Interpretation (3)

Development of vocal and physical communication skills through the analysis and performance of literature. Students perform prose, poetry, drama, and non-fiction sources.

CT-232 Costume and Makeup Design (2)

This course teaches the principles and elements of costume design and provides instruction in basic stage makeup techniques such as aging, character makeup and stylized makeup.

CT-233 Stage Scenery, Lighting and Sound (4)

This class offers organized study of basic stage scenery design principles and set construction techniques. Students learn the basics of stage lighting design theory and the safe placement and circuiting of stage lighting. Students also study basic principles of sound amplification in a theatre setting and copyright laws concerning sound design. Students in these classes may assist with the current production(s) as class projects, but the course content is consistent from semester to semester.

CT-241 Mass Media Survey (3)

Studies in print and electronic media as forces affecting the individual and society. Research projects and student media presentations enable the student to explore and experience techniques of mass media and assess their impact.

CT-242 Introduction to Broadcast Journalism (3)

Students will learn about principles and techniques of preparing news programming for radio and television. Students will explore ethical and legal issues unique to broadcast journalism. Prerequisite: CT-105.

CT-281 Business Communication (3)

See Bus-281.

CT-296 Journalism Practicum (1)

Working on the staff of the student newspaper, students will utilize their reporting, writing, design and/or photographic skills. The course is required for the Journalism/Public Relations emphasis in the Communication major and for the Journalism and Public Relations minor. Prerequisite: CT-225, CT-226 or Art-235. P/F.

CT-298 Forensics Practicum (1)

Interscholastic speech competition including: literary interpretation, public address, parliamentary debate, Lincoln-Douglas Debate (NFA Policy Debate), and other events in competitive speaking. The course may be used for up to three hours in a communication major, although the course may also be taken for additional free elective hours. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

CT-299 Theatre Practicum (1)

Direct experience in play production in acting, assistant directing, theatre management or technical theatre design or construction. Students receive one credit per semester for 40 hours of participation in campus productions. The course may be used for up to three hours in a communication major or for General Education Fine Arts credit, although the course may also be taken for additional free elective hours. Registration does not guarantee an acting role, but all students who register will be given opportunities to earn credit in areas of technical theatre production.

CT-300 Placement Seminar (1)

The course includes resume and portfolio creation, attendance at professional placement seminars, mock interviews, meetings with field professionals and internship applications and searches. Prerequisite: upper-level standing or permission of department chair. Also offered as Eng-300 Placement Seminar.

CT-301 Public Relations (3)

An exploration of the diverse field of public relations, as it is practiced in large corporations, small businesses, educational institutions and church-related organizations. Students will examine the role, methods and ethical considerations of the profession.

CT-302 Rhetorical Theory (3)

An overview of the historical development of rhetoric and rhetorical theory beginning with the ancients and continuing into the contemporary period. Topics include: Greek, Roman, and other European traditions in rhetoric as well as contemporary issues in rhetoric including minority contributions to rhetoric, the development of current speech and composition theory, and future trends in rhetorical study. Prerequisite: Eng-102

CT-306 Interpersonal Communication Theory (3)

In-depth work and analysis of communication theory in interpersonal communication. Areas of study may include relationship development and maintenance strategies, nonverbal communication in relationships, interpersonal settings and context, theories of the self and interpersonal relationships, and critical theory in interpersonal communication study. Prerequisite: Eng-102.

CT-309 Small Group Theory (3)

See Bus-309.

CT-311 Persuasion, Argumentation and Debate (3)

Analysis and application of the ways in which beliefs, values, attitudes, and behavior are deliberately influenced through communication. Areas of study include debate and argumentation, logic, persuasion, propaganda campaigns in both written and oral forms. Formalized debates and public speeches are among class activities. Prerequisite: CT-211.

CT-3xx Arts Administration (3)

An overview of the field of arts administration, including curation, development, public relations and education. Same as Bus-3xx.

CT-327 Advanced Writing and Reporting (3)

A deeper exploration of the topics introduced in CT 225. Students will study several areas of news coverage and produce stories for the campus newspaper or other publications. Prerequisite: CT 225.

CT-333 Intercultural Communication (3)

The study of cultural practices that influence the exchange of meaning between individuals and groups of differing cultural/racial backgrounds. The course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the uniqueness of cultures, the resulting variations in communication styles and preferences, and to provide strategies and skills for successful communication across cultures. BA students will spend at least 20 hrs working on a community service project in which they interact with members of another culture. Options for international study may be available. Prerequisite for BA students: Eng-102. Prerequisite for teacher education ELL students: Eng-231 and upper-level standing. The field experience for teacher education students is met in Educ-424 and Psy-324. Same as Educ-426.

CT-362 Advertising and Integrated Marketing Communication (3)

See Bus-362.

CT-373 Play Production (3)

Designed to prepare the student in the artistic techniques of play direction and supervision in the areas of set design and construction, lighting, makeup, costuming, and publicity. Lab sessions and the direction of a one-act play offer actual experience in directing actors. Prerequisite: CT-152 and CT-153.

CT-399 Independent Study

Topic, instructor and hours by arrangement. May be used to pursue special interests in any of the communication major emphases. Prerequisites vary according to program; junior or senior standing and permission of instructor are required.

CT-400 Communication Research (3)

An overview of the methodological approaches to communication research. Students are strongly encouraged to enroll in this course prior to taking independent research/thesis projects in CT-399 or 499. Topics include: types of research questions, approaches, philosophy of knowledge, and structure of research. Required for all communication majors. Prerequisite: Eng-102 and one CT theory class.

CT-413 Aging and Communication (3)

This course examines lifespan communication issues including: aging and media, marketing to older adults, lifespan language and communication development, caregiver/receiver communication and intergenerational relationship development. Same as Gero-413.

CT-481 Organizational Communication (3)

An overview and application of organizational communication theory. Same as Bus-481.

CT-499 Internship (1–3)

Students and instructors work together to arrange suitable professional experiences with specified goals, activities and evaluation procedures. The course may be used to fulfill requirements in the Communication major or the Composition and Rhetoric minor. Prerequisites vary according to program; junior or senior standing. Permission of instructor is required. Students should contact the Office of Career Services to obtain the undergraduate internship/practicum packet and review the required process. P/F