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Department of Speech Communication and Theatre Arts
Communication Arts Center
Robert W. Woodruff Library, Lower Level
Telephone: (404) 880-8304 |
Curriculum
The curriculum
in the Department of Speech Communication and Theatre Arts is
designed to educate and train students in the strategic use of
verbal, nonverbal, and written communication. Both speech communication
and theatre majors are provided quality instruction in theoretical
and practical concepts to aid in the understanding of the communication
process.
Majors in speech communication take courses to prepare them for
careers in areas such as corporate communication, communication
education, government and politics. Theatre arts majors are prepared
for careers in theatrical directing, theatre and film performance,
technical theatre production, play and script writing, and theatre
management. Departmental courses prepare all students, regardless
of major, for graduate and professional studies as specialists
in oral and written communication and provide them with a foundation
to manage communications. Students from other programs may elect
to minor in either speech communication or theatre arts.
As communication skills are directly related to personal and
professional success, all students who enter Clark Atlanta University
receive instruction in the fundamentals of speech as a General
Education requirement. Students who seek careers in other areas,
such as business, education, politics, and law, find speech communication
courses of critical importance.
Degree Requirements
All students in the Department of Speech Communication and Theatre
Arts must fulfill the following requirements: Earn a grade of
"C" or better in all major/required and elective speech
communication and or theatre courses; and have a minimum overall
cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better. Students completing
a minor in speech communication and theatre arts should meet
with the Department chairperson to develop their minor concentration
of six courses.
SPEECH COMMUNICATION
AND THEATRE ARTS (STA) REQUIRED COURSES
STA-C 252 Theatre
Appreciation (Theatre Majors only)
STA 200 Oral and Written Presentation Skills
STA 201 Voice and Diction
STA 311 African-American Communication
STA 490 Speech Communication and Theatre Arts Seminar
MMA 201 Survey of Media and Society
SPEECH COMMUNICATION
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
STA 101-C.
Fundamentals of Speech
Introduces students to fundamental principles of effective oral
communication as it relates to the professional world, focusing
on audience analysis, interpersonal skills, and effective listening
techniques, and the preparation and delivery of oral presentations.
(3 credit hours) All semesters
STA 200.
Oral and Written Presentation Skills
Designed to integrate oral and written communication skills.
Emphasis is on principles of logic, organization of data, establishment
of personal style, principles of research and investigation of
purposes of various techniques of expression. Prerequisites:
STA-C 101; ENG-C 105 and 106. (3 credit hours) First Semester
STA 201.
Voice and Diction
Emphasis is on speech and vocal analysis by using the International
Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). Introduces the student to techniques
for speech improvement. Prerequisite: None (3 credit hours) All
semesters.
STA 211.
Communication Theory and Rhetoric
Establishes theoretical frameworks to examine communication in
interpersonal, small group, mass communication, and organizational
communication contexts. Students will apply knowledge of theoretical
concepts to facilitate understanding of the communication process
and communication phenomenon. Prerequisite: STA 201. (3 credit
hours) Second semester
STA 213.
Public Address
Advanced course; offers experience in the composition, delivery,
and criticism of public speeches. Prerequisite: STA-C 101; Permission.
(3 credit hours) Second Semester
STA-H 218.
Concepts in Human Communication
Explores communication theory and the group learning process.
Incorporates theories from nonverbal communication, small group
communication, persuasion, attitude study, and public speaking.
Satisfies General Education core requirement for speech for honors
program. Prerequisite: Instructor's permission. (3 credit hours)
Either semester
STA 301.
The Rhetoric of Persuasion
Concentrates on analysis and understanding of the art of persuasion
with applications of various theories of persuasion to the interpersonal
communication process. (3 credit hours) First semester
STA 302.
Speech for the Classroom Teacher
Advanced course in the principles of oral communication with
emphasis on the development of skills for effective organization
and oral presentation of instructional materials. Permission
(3 credit hours) First semester
STA 303.
Argumentation and Debate
Introduction to theories and practices of formal public debate.
Prerequisites: STA 213, STA 200 and 201 (3 credit hours) First
semester
STA 304.
Business and Professional Speech
Examination of theories and techniques of effective speaking
and listening, interviewing, group discussions, reporting in
conferences and meetings; and business speeches to inform and
persuade. Prerequisites: STA-C 101, STA 200; STA 201 and STA
213 for majors in speech communication; STA-C 101 and permission
of the instructor for other concentration areas. (3 credit hours)
All semesters
STA 305.
Interpersonal Communication
Study of the psychology of the communication process. Students
become familiar with ways of intentionally communicating ideas
to others; processes for interpreting motives of speakers; environmental
or cultural conditions influencing communication; and ways of
functioning in a group, as either group leader or member. (3
credit hours) First semester
STA 306.
Speech for Radio/Stage/TV/Film
Study of speaking techniques for the broadcast media and the
performing arts, with emphasis on voice quality, flexibility,
projection, articulation, and standards of good diction. Prerequisites:
STA-C 101, STA 200 & STA 201. (3 credit hours) Either semester
STA 307.
Special Topics
Designed to investigate issues and topics in speech communication
and theater arts, and or related fields. May be repeated up to
six hours. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior Status; Permission.
(3 credit hours) Either semester
STA 311.
African-American Communication
Interdisciplinary approach to the study of communication systems
used by African-Americans. Course examines the relationships
that exist among language, culture, politics and economics. Prerequisites:
STA-C 101; STA 200 & STA 201. (3 credit hours) First semester
STA 402.
Intercultural Communication
Designed to examine the role of communication in the creation
and transmission of cultural consciousness, knowledge, tradition,
and practice. (3 credit hours) First semester
STA 404.
Organizational Communication
Introduces students to the field of organizational communication
and theories that have influenced its development as an approach
to studying communication concepts. Course explores topics such
as organizational culture and climate, superior-subordinate communication,
leadership, conflict management, and group decision-making processes.
(3 credit hours) Either semester
STA 482.
Directed Study
Speech communication majors, in consultation with an instructor,
develop specialized research projects on topics of interest to
critically examine communication issues. Prerequisites: Junior
or senior status and permission of the instructor (3 credit hours).
Either semester
STA 489.
Internship
Offers students an opportunity to work part-time in professional
facilities, with emphasis on learning overall business structure
and development toward entry-level, decision-making positions.
Prerequisites: junior or senior status and permission of the
instructor. (3 credit hours) Either semester
STA 490.
Speech Communication and Theatre Arts Seminar
Provides students with opportunity to apply theories and techniques
to practical experiences in their areas of concentration. It
is a skill seminar for graduating seniors. Research projects
should reflect the career or academic interests of the students.
Prerequisite: Senior status. (3 credit hours) Either semester
THEATRE
ARTS COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
STA 103.
Fundamentals of Theatre and Dance Movement
Study of the basic principles and forms of movement for dance
and theatre. (1 credit hour) Second semester
STA 251.
Oral Interpretation
Study and presentation of poetry, prose, drama and various literary
forms with emphasis on voice and diction, imagery, phrasing,
and characterization necessary to interpret text. Prerequisite:
STA 201. (3 credit hours) First semester
STA 252-C.
Theatre Appreciation
Course examines how theatre functions as an art form through
the exploration of the interrelationships of the audience, performer
and space. Designed to study the nature of the theatre experience
by analyzing principles and practices that govern contemporary
theatre. Attendance at several professional theatrical performances
may be required. (3 credit hours) Either semester
STA 254.
Acting I
Provides fundamentals of techniques of acting, character analysis,
creative pantomime, mime, voice and diction. Students participate
in lecture/laboratory sessions and rehearsals when in performance.
Prerequisite STA 201 (3 credit hours) First semester
STA 255.
Stagecraft
Survey of the working knowledge of the basic materials, processes,
and equipment for the fabrication, assembly, painting, rigging,
and installation of contemporary stage scenery and properties.
(3 credit hours) First semester
STA 316.
Dramaturgy and Criticism
Designed to offer students an in-depth study of selected works
and performances around which analytical approaches to dramatic
literature and performances evolve. (3 credit hours) First semester
STA 321.
Lighting and Design
Introduction to theories, techniques and art of the stage electrician
and lighting designer. Prerequisite: STA 255. (3 credit hours)
Either semester
STA 351.
Development of Drama I
Study of the origins and development of drama through the survey
of principal plays, playwrights, and theatre arts through the
ages. Encourages and aids students in developing appreciation
for drama and theatre as art forms and as factors in the changing
civilizations of the world. Prerequisite: STA 251. (3 credit
hours) First semester
STA 352.
Development of Drama II
Continuation of STA 351 Prerequisite: STA 351. (3 credit hours)
Second semester
STA 353.
Play Production Methods
Approach to understanding the fundamental principles of preparing
a play for public presentation. (3 credit hours) First semester
STA 354.
Acting II
Advanced study of acting techniques required to perform plays
written in verse, traditional and nontraditional prose. Students
will examine acting as a craft, through selected materials and
a critical study of styles and techniques. Prerequisite: STA
254. (3 credit hours) Second semester
STA 410.
Costume Design
Study of the costume designer’s role in the design process
that is involved in creating effective costumes for the contemporary
stage. Prerequisite: junior/senior status. (3 credit hours) Either
semester
STA 452.
Theatre Arts Management
Study of the theatrical producing and managing in contemporary
American theatre. Providing historical background and current
practice, methods used in professional managerial systems. Prerequisites:
Senior standing and permission of instructor. (3 credit hours)
Second semester
STA 453.
Directing: Play and Script Analysis
Advanced analysis and directing of plays and scripts, including
various directing techniques and theories. Students must select
an approved, one-act play or short script, prepare a prompt book,
and direct for public performance. Prerequisites, STA 352, STA
353, and STA 354. (3 credit hours) Second semester
STA 454.
Children’s Theatre
History of the development and function of children’s theatre.
Also explores the approaches to and mounting of a performance
for youth. Course meets the general education and community service
requirement. (3 credit hours) Second semester
STA 455.
Entertainment Law
Course assists students in recognizing and examining issues and
pitfalls, which affect the client. Explores business management
issues and legal principles of agencies, partnerships, contract
law, labor law, and libel. Prerequisite: Senior status. (3 credit
hours) Both semesters
STA 456.
African-American Theatre
Study of plays, playwrights and contributions of African-Americans
to the theatre. (3 credit hours) First semester
STA 482.
Directed Study
Theatre arts majors, in consultation with an instructor, develop
specialized research projects on topics of interest, and critically
examine theatre and communication-related issues. Prerequisites:
Junior or senior status and permission of the instructor (3 credit
hours). Either semester
STA 489.
Internship
Offers students an opportunity to work part-time in professional
facilities. Emphasis is on learning overall business structure
and development toward entry-level, decision-making positions.
Prerequisites: junior or senior status and permission of the
instructor. (3 credit hours) Either semester
STA 490.
Speech Communication and Theatre Arts Seminar
Application of theories and techniques to practical experiences
in the student’s area of concentration. Research projects
should reflect the academic and career interest of the student.
Prerequisites: Senior standing (3 credit hours) Either semester
SPEECH COMMUNICATION
CURRICULUM
Recommended Program Outline
FRESHMAN
YEAR
First Semester
ENG-C 105 Ideas and Their Expressions (3 credit hours)
Science course
(3 credit hours)
GED-C 100 First-Year Seminar I (1 credit hour)
MAT-C (3 credit hours)
STA-C 101 Fundamentals of Speech (3)
Second Semester
ENG-C 106 English Composition II (3 credit hours)
GED-C 101 First-Year Seminar II (1 credit hour)
LIB-C 101 Information Technology and Computer Application (3
credit hours)
MAT-C (3 credit hours)
Science Course
(3 credit hours)
SOPHOMORE
YEAR
First Semester
ENG-C 201/2 World Literature I or II (3 credit hours)
HIS-C 201 U.S., Africa and the World I (3 credit hours)
STA 200 Oral and Written Presentation Skills (3 credit hours)
MMA 201 Survey of Media and Society (3 credit hours)
Humanities
Requirement (3 credit hours)
*Foreign Language
Requirement (3 credit hours)
Second Semester
HIS-C 202 U.S., Africa and the World II (3 credit hours)
STA 201 Voice and Diction (3 credit hours)
STA 211 Communication Theory and Rhetoric (3 credit hours)
Social Science
Course (3 credit hours)
Religion Course
(3 credit hours) OR
Philosophy Course (3 credit hours)
*Foreign Language
Requirement (3 credit hours)
JUNIOR YEAR
First Semester
STA 311 African-American Communication (3 credit hours)
STA 301 The Rhetoric of Persuasion (3 credit hours)
STA Elective (3 credit hours)
General Elective
(3 credit hours)
PSY Psychology (3 credit hours)
STA 306 Speech for Radio/TV/Film (3 credit hours)
Second Semester
STA 304 Business and Professional Speech (3 credit hours)
STA 305 Interpersonal Communication (3 credit hours)
General Elective
(3 credit hours)
STA/MMA Elective (3 credit hours)
MMA 315 Research Course (3 credit hours) or approved substitute
SENIOR YEAR
First Semester
STA 404 Organizational Communication (3 credit hours)
MMA 425 Communication Law (3 credit hours)
STA 490 Speech Communication and Theatre Arts Seminar (3 credit
hours)
MMA 455 Entertainment Law (3 credit hours)
General Electives
(3 credit hours)
Second Semester
STA 482 Directed Study (3 credit hours) OR
STA 489 Internship (3 credit hours)
STA Elective (3 credit hours)
Two General
Electives (3 credit hours)
STA Elective (3 credit hours)
*Refer to Catalogue/General
Education Requirements
Note: General electives should
be selected based upon area(s) of interest and relevance to future
academic and/or professional goals (see recommended list of general
electives), with assistance from the faculty advisor. All general
electives (200 + level or higher) will be taken in areas outside
the Division of Communication Arts.
THEATRE
ARTS CURRICULUM
Recommended Program Outline
FRESHMAN
YEAR
First Semester
ENG-C 105 English Composition I (3)
Science Course (3 credit hours)
GED-C 100 First-Year Seminar I (1 credit hour)
MAT-C 103 Algebra I (3 credit hours)
STA-C 101 Fundamentals of Speech (3 credit hours)
STA-C 252 Theatre Appreciation (3 credit hours)
Second Semester
ENG-C 106 English Composition II (3)
Science Course (3 credit hours)
GED-C 101 First-Year Seminar II (1 credit hour)
LIB-C 101 Information Technology and Computer Application (3
credit hours)
Math Course (3 credit hours)
HIS-C 201 The U.S. Africa & World I (3 credit hours)
PED-C OR Physical Education (1 credit hour)
STA 103 Fundamentals of Theatre/Dance Movement (1 credit hour)
SOPHOMORE
YEAR
First Semester
ENG-C 201/2 World Literature I or II (3 credit hours)
HIS-C 201 U.S., Africa and the World I (3 credit hours)
STA 200 Oral and Written Presentation Skills (3 credit hours)
Humanities
Requirement (3 credit hours)
*Foreign Language
Requirement (3 credit hours)
MMA 201 Survey of Media and Society (3 credit hours)
Second Semester
HIS-C 202 U.S., Africa and the World II (3 credit hours)
STA 201 Voice and Diction (3 credit hours)
STA 251 Oral Interpretation (3 credit hours)
STA 255 Stagecraft (3 credit hours)
*Foreign Language
Requirement (3 credit hours)
PHI/REL-C Philosophy/Religion
Requirement (3 credit hours)
JUNIOR YEAR
First Semester
STA 254 Acting
I (3 credit hours)
STA 311 African-American Communications (3 credit hours)
STA 321 Lighting and Design (3 credit hours)
STA 353 Play Production Methods (3 credit hours)
PSY Psychology
General Elective
(3 credit hours)
Second Semester
STA 354 Acting II (3 credit hours)
STA 316 Dramaturgy and Criticism (3 credit hours)
STA 352 Development of Drama II (3 credit hours)
STA 455 Entertainment Law (3 credit hours)
General Elective
(3 credit hours)
SENIOR YEAR
First Semester
STA
410 Costume Design (3 credit hours)
STA 454 Children’s Theatre (3 credit hours)
STA 456 African-American Theatre (3 credit hours)
STA 490 Speech Communication and Theatre Arts Seminar (3 credit
hours)
Second Semester
STA 452 Theatre Arts Management (3 credit hours)
STA 453 Directing: Play and Script Analysis (3 credit hours)
STA 455 Entertainment Law (3 credit hours)
General Elective
(3 credit hours)
STA 482 Directed
Study (3 credit hours) Or
STA 489 Internship (3 credit hours)
*Refer to Catalogue/General
Education Requirements
Note: General electives
should be selected based upon area(s) of interest and relevance
to future academic and/or professional goals (see recommended
list of general electives), with assistance from the faculty
advisor. All general electives (200 + level or higher) will be
taken in areas outside the Division of Communication Arts.