Courses
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THEA 110: Beginning Acting
Introduces students to fundamental acting skills, including preliminary physical and vocal training, improvisational techniques, and basic scene work. The course includes analysis of plays as bases for performance, with a strong emphasis on characterization.
6; Arts and Literature; offered Winter 2009, Spring 2009 --
R. Weiner,
D. Wiles
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THEA 115: Introduction to Design and Technical Theater
An overview of the technical aspects of theater with an emphasis on the practical areas of the physical theater: drafting, materials, tools, lighting, costuming, scene painting, and properties
6; Arts and Literature; offered Fall 2008 --
W. Wojciechowski
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DANC 115: Cultures of Dance
The study of dance is the study of culture. We will look at dance as culturally-coded, embodied knowledge and investigate dance forms and contexts across the globe. We will examine, cross-culturally, the function of dance in the lives of individuals and societies through various lenses including feminist, africanist and ethnological perspectives. We will read, write, view videos and performances, discuss and move. This course in dance theory and practice will include a weekly movement lab. No previous dance experience necessary.
6; Arts and Literature, Recognition and Affirmation of Difference Requirement; offered Winter 2009 --
J. Howard
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DANC 147: Moving Anatomy
This course seeks to provide an underlying awareness of body structure and function. Using movement to expand knowledge of our anatomy will encourage participants to integrate information with experience. Heightened body awareness and class studies are designed to activate the general learning process.
1; S/CR/NC; Arts and Literature; offered Spring 2009 --
J. Shockley
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DANC 150: Contact Improvisation
This is a course in techniques of spontaneous dancing shared by two or more people through a common point of physical contact. Basic skills such as support, counterbalance, rolling, falling and flying will be taught and developed in an environment of mutual creativity.
1; S/CR/NC; Arts and Literature; offered Fall 2008, Winter 2009 --
J. Shockley
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THEA 175: Drama/Theatre/Text
We will study a selection of 1015 plays as literary texts and as the foundations of performance. These plays are selected both for their literary stature and for their association with specific art and/or critical movements.
6; Arts and Literature; not offered 2008-2009
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DANC 175: Architectural Dances
This course in choreography explores the elements of dance: motion, shape, space, time and energy, as they are affected by specific non-theater sites, following post-modern dance theorists of the Judson Church Group. "Space" becomes "place" with its atmospheric, historical, practical and aesthetic implications. Through guided improvisations designed to reveal the potential of each site for dance making, the class will approach questions of perception, audience vantage point, appropriate sound, and chance elements. Short compositional etudes, longer projects, and readings in post modernism will form the principal course activities. Dress warmly, wear heavy shoes. Weather no impediment.
6; Arts and Literature; not offered 2008-2009
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DANC 180: Movement, Words, Meaning
This introductory course in choreography explores sources for understanding and releasing creativity through the physical acts of moving and speaking. Guided movement and vocal improvisations will provide a means of generating original texts and dance phrases to uncover personal and universal voices. Using these elements and recorded images, participants will create short original compositions and longer individual projects. Readings on creative process; discussion, analysis and feedback on the works of the class as they develop will complete the course activities.
6; Arts and Literature; offered Fall 2008 --
M. Easter
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THEA 185: The Speaking Voice
This course seeks to provide a practical understanding of the human voice, its anatomy, functioning and the underlying support mechanisms of body and breath. Using techniques rooted in the work of Berry, Linklater and Rodenburg, the course will explore the development of physical balance and ease and the awareness of the connection between thinking and breathing that will lead to the effortless, powerful and healthy use of the voice in public presentations and in dramatic performance.
6; Arts and Literature; offered Winter 2009, Spring 2009 --
D. Wiles
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DANC 190: Fields of Performance
This introductory course in choreography explores games, structures, systems and sports as sources and locations of movement composition and performance. Readings, viewings and discussion of postmodernist structures and choreographers as well as attendance and analysis of dance performances and sports events will be jumping off point for creative process and will pave the way for small individual compositions and one larger project. In an atmosphere of play, spontaneity and research participants will discover new ways of defining dance, pushing limits and bending the rules. Guest choreographers and coaches will be invited as part of the class. Open to all movers. No previous experience necessary.
6; Arts and Literature; not offered 2008-2009
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THEA 190: Carleton Players Production
Each term students may participate in one Players production, a handson, facultysupervised process of conceptualization, construction, rehearsal, and performance. Credit is awarded for a predetermined minimum of time on the production, to be arranged with faculty. Productions explore our theatre heritage from Greek drama to new works. Students may participate through audition or through volunteering for production work.
1; S/CR/NC; Arts and Literature; offered Fall 2008, Winter 2009, Spring 2009 --
R. Weiner,
D. Wiles,
Staff
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DANC 200: Modern Dance II: Technique and Theory
A continuation of Level I with more emphasis on the development of technique and expressive qualities.
1; S/CR/NC; Arts and Literature; offered Fall 2008, Winter 2009, Spring 2009 --
J. Howard
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DANC 204: Fall Dance
Intensive rehearsal and performance of a work commissioned from a professional guest choreographer. Open to all levels.
1; S/CR/NC; Arts and Literature; offered Fall 2008 --
J. Shockley
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DANC 205: Winter Dance
Intensive rehearsal and performance of a work commissioned from a professional guest choreographer. Open to all levels.
1; S/CR/NC; Arts and Literature; offered Winter 2009 --
Staff
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DANC 206: Spring Dance
Rehearsal and full concert performance of student dance works created during the year and completed in the spring term. Open to all levels. Prerequisites: One of the following: Dance 204, 205, 214, 215 or 350.
1; S/CR/NC; Arts and Literature; offered Spring 2009 --
J. Howard,
J. Shockley
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DANC 208: Ballet II
For the student with previous ballet experience. This course emphasizes articulation of technique and development of ballet vocabulary.
1; S/CR/NC; Arts and Literature; offered Fall 2008, Winter 2009, Spring 2009 --
J. Bader
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THEA 211: Intermediate Acting
Continuation of Theater Arts 110. Focus is on specific problems encountered by all actors in performance, especially in stage movements, vocal range and flexibility, and details of characterization. Prerequisite: Theater Arts 110 or consent of the instructor.
6; Arts and Literature; not offered 2008-2009
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DANC 214: Fall Dance, Student Choreography
For students enrolled in Dance 204, supervised student choreography with two public showings.
1; S/CR/NC; Arts and Literature; offered Fall 2008 --
J. Shockley
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DANC 215: Winter Dance, Student Choreography
For students enrolled in Dance 205, supervised student choreography with two public showings.
1; S/CR/NC; Arts and Literature; offered Winter 2009 --
Staff
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THEA 221: Rhetoric: Persuasion and Debate
This course combines techniques developed for the training of actors with classical rhetorical theories to guide students in developing the ability to create and deliver persuasive arguments and engage in public debate. Classic examples of public address and debate including political speeches and legal arguments will be employed as teaching tools.
3; S/CR/NC; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; not offered 2008-2009
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THEA 225: Performing Shakespeare
This course will explore a variety of methods for taking Shakespeare’s text from the page to the stage. Using approaches developed in theaters in the United States and the United Kingdom, students will explore the use of poetry, argument and persuasive rhetoric in verse and prose. The course will focus on the ethical, political and social concerns addressed in Shakespeare’s plays and through the use of video and audio recordings, students will critically examine various approaches to performing Shakespeare in the United States and abroad over the last century. Prerequisite: Theater 110 or Theater 185 or English 310 or by consent of the instructor
6; Arts and Literature; not offered 2008-2009
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THEA 236: Scenic and Lighting Design for the Theater
Scenic and lighting design, seen from both the aesthetic and practical viewpoints, will be explored. Particular emphasis will be placed on presentational techniques, from the study of perspective to the finished rendering, the creation of the light plot to the instrument schedule. Prerequisite: Theater Arts 115.
6; Arts and Literature; offered Spring 2009 --
W. Wojciechowski
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THEA 237: Topics in Theater Design
A series of specialized courses in design and technical theater. Two topics are offered in tandem and will be determined according to the opportunities offered by the production of that term and the needs of the students with consideration to the rotation of the topics. Topics offered may include: Costume Construction, Armour and Weapons, Costume Patterning, Stage Management, Millinery, Multi-Media Production, Mask Making, Props and Casting Techniques, Textile Manipulation or Scene Painting. Prerequisite: Theater 115 or consent of instructor.
3; Arts and Literature; offered Winter 2009 --
W. Wojchiechowski
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THEA 239: Topics in Theater: Costume Design
This course will focus on the costumes for the Carleton Player’s production. The instructor will lead students in the in-depth study of the clothing of the historical period (c.1850), how that clothing is an expression of the social standards and mores of the time, how it is reflected in the art of the time and how it can be combined with the artistic design elements of color, line and texture to relate specific information about characters and the script to the audience. All of the students in this course will have an active role in helping create this theatrical piece of art.
3; Arts and Literature; offered Winter 2009 --
M. Kelling
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THEA 240: Directing I
The aim of Directing I is to help build a conceptual base for directing. The purpose of all assigned work is to nurture your conceptual and imaginative response to theater texts, to help develop the technical skills you will need to implement your vision of a given test, and to lay a groundwork for collaboration with other theater artists. There will be some opportunity for production work.
3; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; offered Spring 2009 --
R. Weiner
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THEA 241: Directing II
Directing II is a practical directing workshop. Each member of the class will plan a full production. Each of you will also direct a short play or a full scene.
3; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; offered Spring 2009 --
R. Weiner
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THEA 242: Twentieth Century American Drama
A study of a selection of important American plays from Eugene O'Neill's Hairy Ape (1920) to Tony Kushner's Angels in America (1992) in the context of larger American themes and cultural preoccupations. The premise of this course is that these plays define the American theatre for most of this century. By studying them we will gain understanding of our own culture and the links that connect this culture to the transformative events of the century. English Group IV.
6; Arts and Literature; offered Fall 2008 --
D. Wiles
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THEA 246: Playwriting
A laboratory to explore the craft of playwriting, concentrating on structure, action and character. The class uses games, exercises, scenes, with the goal of producing a short play by the end of the term.
6; S/CR/NC; Arts and Literature; not offered 2008-2009
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THEA 247: Application of CAD to Design Process
This class is a hands on exploration of the impact of CAD and Rendering Software has made on the theatrical design process. We will investigate how they affect the designer's creativity. What are the benefits and pitfalls of using these programs? Are these programs really timesavers? Prerequisite: Theater Arts 115 or permission of the instructor.
6; Does not fulfill a distribution requirement; not offered 2008-2009
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THEA 252: African-American Theater
Cross-listed with THEA 352.
This course will focus on developments in African-American Theater at particular points in its history during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The course will examine the development of theaters, theatrical movements, the contributions of relevant artists, and the relationship of theater to the struggle for African-American social and political equality. Students may take the course at the 200 or 300-level. Those taking it at the 300-level will be expected to complete a major research project. English Group IV.
6; Arts and Literature, Recognition and Affirmation of Difference Requirement; offered Winter 2009 --
D. Wiles
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DANC 253: Movement for the Performer
This course investigates the structure and function of the body through movement. Applying a variety of somatic techniques (feldenkrais, yoga, improvisation, body-mind centering). The emphasis will be to discover effortless movement, balance in the body and an integration of self in moving.
3; Arts and Literature; offered Fall 2008 --
J. Howard
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DANC 264: Dance in Jamaica: The African Thread
The Atlantic slave trade makes the Caribbean an essential area of black dance study because it is the first entry point of many African slaves into the West carrying their cultures with them. During the centuries since the arrival of Africans in Jamaica, dance has retained an African centrality in the culture, along with social attitudes that embrace its relationship to Jamaican music and spoken word expressions. We will read, write, move, view films, and listen to music to trace this thread and to better understand the complex cultural fabric it weaves. Permission of the instructor.
6; Arts and Literature; not offered 2008-2009
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DANC 265: Dance in Jamaica: The African Thread/Field Trip
The primary goal of this two week course is a direct experience of Jamaican dance and music that includes historical, religious, folkloric, vernacular and art dance in their contemporary contexts: the studio, the stage, the dancehall, the street. Central research questions of this Winter Break Field Trip will be: What is the importance of dance in the lives of ordinary contemporary Jamaicans? In what observable ways is that importance related to African roots? Prerequisite: Dance 264.
6; Arts and Literature; not offered 2008-2009
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THEA 275: Topics in Theater History
This course will be offered biennially with the subject matter changing each time it is offered. In 2005, the course will focus on theater as a form of ethical reflection across cultures and across time. Topics will include theater as a site for the modeling of ethical behavior, for the setting and questioning of societal norms and for values driven debates in the context of particular historical moments in the Americas, Asia, Africa and Europe.
6; Arts and Literature; not offered 2008-2009
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DANC 301: Contemporary Styles and Techniques: African Dance
A physical exploration of the technical, theoretical and stylistic bases of different approaches to modern dance movement chosen yearly from such techniques as: Body Mind Centering; Limon; Cunningham; Graham; African-Caribbean. Prerequisite: some previous dance experience.
2; S/CR/NC; Arts and Literature; offered Fall 2008 --
Adeti
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DANC 350: Semaphore Repertory Dance Company
Provides advanced dance students with an intensive opportunity to develop as performers in professional level dances. Skills to be honed are: the dancer as "tool" and contributor to the process of artmaking; defining individual technical and expressive gifts; working in a variety of new technical and philosophical dance frameworks. In addition to regular training during the academic terms, participation in a "preseason" rehearsal period before fall term is required. A few pieces of student choreography will be accepted for repertory. The group produces an annual concert, performs in the Twin Cities and makes dance exchanges with other college groups. Audition required.
1; S/CR/NC; Arts and Literature; offered Fall 2008, Winter 2009, Spring 2009 --
J. Howard,
J. Shockley
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THEA 351: Women Playwrights/Women's Roles
A study of images of women in plays by Shakespeare, Ibsen, Strindberg, Tennessee Williams, and a number of women playwrights from Hellman and Clare Booth Luce to Caryl Churchill to Ntozaue Shange.
6; Arts and Literature; not offered 2008-2009
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THEA 352: African-American Theater
Cross-listed with THEA 252.
This course will focus on developments in African-American Theater at particular points in its history during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The course will examine the development of theaters, theatrical movements, the contributions of relevant artists, and the relationship of theater to the struggle for African-American social and political equality. Students may take the course at the 200 or 300-level. Those taking it at the 300-level will be expected to complete a major research project. English Group IV.
6; Arts and Literature, Recognition and Affirmation of Difference Requirement; offered Winter 2009 --
D. Wiles