Theatre, Music & Dance

Degrees and Certificates

Courses

MUSC 101: Introduction to Music

Semester Hours 3.0
Survey of various parameters of music (pitch, intervals, chord structure, scales, keys, meters, forms, instruments, dynamics, tempos) with simultaneous aural exposure to significant literature representing various styles from plainsong to present.

MUSC 102: History of Jazz

Semester Hours 3.0
Introduction to a unique American form of music through its historical and musical manifestations. Listening assignments and attendance at live performances when possible.

MUSC 153: Aural Skills I

Semester Hours 1.0
Development of aural perception, including identification of interval, scale, and chord quality; dictation/performance of simple melodies and rhythms; development of basic keyboard skills.

MUSC 162: Music Theory II

Semester Hours 3.0

Diatonic harmony; tonal and linear analysis; written harmonization of simple tonal melodies and bass patterns.

Prerequisites

Grade of 'C-' or higher in MUSC 152 or instructor permission.

MUSC 163: Aural Skills II

Semester Hours 1.0

Continued development of aural perception, including identification of chord inversions, seventh chords, voice leading; dictation/performance of melodies, rhythms, primary chord progressions.

Prerequisites

Grade of C- or higher in MUSC 153 or instructor permission.

MUSC 203: Lyric Diction

Semester Hours 3.0

Principles of phonetics and skills of lyric diction for singing in Italian, English, German, and French. International Phonetic Alphabet.

Prerequisites

Applied voice study or instructor permission.

MUSC 225: Intro to Music Education

Semester Hours 3.0
Contemporary issues facing music teachers in public schools, such as curriculum development, multiculturalism, special needs, music technology, and assessment. History of music education in America. Field observations.

MUSC 226: Elementary Music Methods

Semester Hours 2.0
Contemporary music education methods for the elementary general music classroom. Strategies for developing skills in singing, moving, listening, creating, and playing classroom instruments. Specific attention given to child development, special learners, and diverse musical instruments. Field observations.

MUSC 252: Music Theory III

Semester Hours 3.0

Diatonic and chromatic harmony; tonal and linear analysis including modulation; analysis of small forms; transposition and arranging projects.

Prerequisites

Grade of C- or higher in MUSC 162 or instructor permission.

MUSC 253: Aural Skills III

Semester Hours 1.0

Continued development of aural perception, involving identification of chromatic inflection, irregular rhythms; dictation/performance of melodies, rhythms, diatonic chord progressions.

Prerequisites

Grade of C- or higher in MUSC 163 or instructor permission.

MUSC 262: Music Theory IV

Semester Hours 3.0

Advanced chromatic and twentieth century techniques; analysis of larger and twentieth century forms; significant research/analysis project.

Prerequisites

Grade of C- or higher in MUSC 252 instructor permission.

MUSC 263: Aural Skills IV

Semester Hours 1.0

Continued development of aural perception, involving identification of secondary chords, modulations; dictation/performance of chromatic melodies, complex rhythms, highly inflected chord progressions.

Prerequisites

Grade of C- or higher in MUSC 253 or instructor permission.

MUSC 301: Music History I

Semester Hours 3.0

Historical survey of music history from antiquity to 1750, based on music developed in the European traditions. Stylistic and analytical study of the music. This course satisfies the proficiency requirement for Oral Communication in the disciplines.

Prerequisites

Grade of C- or higher in 162 or instructor permission. 

MUSC 303: Conducting I

Semester Hours 2.0
Fundamentals of effective conducting: physical gesture and score study. Emphasis on posture, beat patterns, cutoffs and cues, articulation, tempo changes, and listening skills. Laboratory conducting experience.

MUSC 304: Conducting II - Choral Methods

Semester Hours 2.0

Skills necessary for effective teaching in middle and high school choral programs. Advanced score study techniques, age-appropriate rehearsal planning, and rehearsal techniques. Methods of developing musical literacy in the ensemble, student assessment, and overall program building. Laboratory conducting experience.

Prerequisites

MUSC 303.

MUSC 305: Conducting II - Instrumental Met

Semester Hours 2.0

Skills necessary for effective teaching in elementary, middle, and high school instrumental programs. Advanced score study techniques, age-appropriate rehearsal planning, and rehearsal techniques. Methods of developing musical literacy in the ensemble, student assessment, and overall program building. Laboratory conducting experience. 

Prerequisites

MUSC 303.

MUSC 315: Literature for Piano

Semester Hours 1.0
Historical survey of the standard piano repertoire with emphasis on discovery of stylistic characteristics of major keyboard composers and their relationship to the development of the piano.

MUSC 317: Collaborative Piano in Context

Semester Hours 1.0

Skills and repertoire of the collaborative pianist. Vocal coaching and accompanying, choral ensemble accompanying, the piano in instrumental chamber music, and orchestral piano. Skills including sight reading, score reading/reduction, and transposition.

Prerequisites

Private piano study and instructor permission.

MUSC 318: Music and Culture

Semester Hours 3.0

Music fundamentals. Practical experience in leading events with instruments and singing. Techniques and materials for utilizing music in a variety of cultural contexts such as public school classrooms, civic organizations, and churches. No musical experience necessary.

MUSC 319: Piano Pedagogy

Semester Hours 1.0

Techniques and materials for teaching piano in private and classroom settings for a variety of age and ability levels.

Prerequisites

Private piano study and instructor permission.

MUSC 320: Vocal Pedagogy

Semester Hours 2.0

Techniques and materials for teaching voice in private and classroom settings for a variety of ages and abilities.

Prerequisites

MUSP 216 or MUSP 416 and instructor permission.

MUSC 350: Special Topics in Music

Semester Hours 3.0
Study of a particular category of music in historical context; for example, American music, the symphony, music for the theatre. Variation in topics from year to year.

Prerequisites

MUSC 101 or 150.

MUSC 426: Senior Research Project

Semester Hours 3.0

Independent research in a special topic approved by the department faculty, requiring the senior music major to apply analytical skills to a particular musicological or theoretical issue.

Prerequisites

Senior status or departmental permission.

MUSP 100: Voice Class I

Semester Hours 1.0

Provides students new to singing with the fundamentals for a healthy and beautiful sound. Voice physiology and health, vocal registers, selecting literature, lyric diction and pronunciation, and performance psychology. 

MUSP 101: Brass Methods

Semester Hours 1.0

For teacher preparation students who will demonstrate rudimentary playing techniques and tone production skills to initiate beginning instruction. Students develop playing on trumpet or French horn and trombone, euphonium, or tuba. 

MUSP 102: Woodwind Methods

Semester Hours 1.0
For teacher preparation students who will acquire correct tone production and playing techniques sufficient to initiate beginning instruction. Students demonstrate skills with flute, clarinet, saxophone, and oboe or bassoon.

MUSP 103: Percussion Methods

Semester Hours 1.0
For teacher preparation students who will demonstrate correct playing techniques and develop a resource file containing information on percussion instruments and instructional materials as needed by the school music teacher. Introduction to the various instruments of the percussion family.

MUSP 104: Strings Methods

Semester Hours 1.0
For teacher preparation students who will develop rudimentary playing techniques sufficient to initiate instruction for beginning students. Correct playing positions and tone production for violin, viola, and cello or double bass.

MUSP 110A: Piano Class I

Semester Hours 1.0

Designed for the music major. Offered to all non-piano concentration music majors who will be developing keyboard skills in harmonizing, score reading, scales/keyboard technique, and sight-reading needed to pass the keyboard proficiency examination. Classes held on the nine-keyboard electronic piano lab. 

Prerequisites

Grade of C- or higher in MUSP 110A.

MUSP 110B: Piano Class II

Semester Hours 1.0
Designed for the music major. Offered to all non-piano concentration music majors who will be developing keyboard skills in harmonizing, score reading, scales/keyboard technique, and sight-reading needed to pass the keyboard proficiency examination. Classes held on the nine-keyboard electronic piano lab. Prerequisite for 110B: C- or higher in 110A.

Prerequisites

.

MUSP 210A: Piano Class III

Semester Hours 1.0

Continuation of 110A-110B. Preparation for the keyboard proficiency examination. Classes held on the nine-keyboard electronic piano lab. 

Prerequisites

Grade of C- or higher in MUSP 110A and 110B or instructor permission.

MUSP 210B: Piano Class IV

Semester Hours 1.0

Continuation of 110A-110B. Preparation for the keyboard proficiency examination. Classes held on the nine-keyboard electronic piano lab. 

Prerequisites

Grade of C- or higher in MUSP 201A.

MUSP 211: Intermediate Piano - Private

Semester Hours 1.0

Studio lessons in piano for non-music majors and music majors at the intermediate level. One half-hour lesson per week. Occasional performance class required. 

Prerequisites

Prior experience in piano and instructor permission.

MUSP 212: Intermediate Organ-Private

Semester Hours 1.0

Studio lessons in organ for non-music majors and music majors at the intermediate level. One half-hour lesson per week. Designed for the student with sufficient facility at the keyboard to permit successful integration of the pipe organ pedalboard. 

Prerequisites

Prior experience in piano and instructor permission.

MUSP 214: Intermediate Brass-Private

Semester Hours 1.0

Studio lessons in brass (trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba) for non-music majors and music majors at the intermediate level. One half-hour lesson per week. 

Prerequisites

Prior experience in brass and instructor permission.

MUSP 215: Intermediate Woodwinds-Private

Semester Hours 1.0

Studio lessons in woodwinds (clarinet, saxophone, flute) for non-music majors and music majors at the intermediate level. One half-hour lesson per week. 

Prerequisites

Prior experience in woodwinds and instructor permission.

MUSP 218: Interm Percussion - Priv

Studio lessons in a variety of percussion instruments for non-music majors and music majors at the intermediate level. One half-hour lesson per week.

Prerequisites

Prior experience in percussion and instructor permission.

MUSP 225: Festival Choir

Semester Hours 0.0

Laboratory for development of vocal and choral skills with a primary focus on performance of large choral works. Brief audition with the instructor is required. May be repeated for credit.

MUSP 230: Concert Choir

Semester Hours 0.0

The auditioned touring choir with a strong tradition of excellence. Annual national or international tour and representation of the college in other off-campus appearances. Membership by audition. Four hours per week.  May be repeated for credit.

MUSP 232: Marching Band

Semester Hours 0.0

Open to all students who have experience in Marching band and color guard with approved audition. Class meeting is five hours per week. May be repeated for credit.

MUSP 234: Guitar Ensemble

Semester Hours 0.0

Participation by audition only. One or two hours of rehearsal per week; performances at various campus venues. One-half semester hour. May be repeated for credit.

MUSP 236: Brass Quintet

Semester Hours 0.0

Participation by audition only. Class meetings two to three hours per week; performances for many on-campus and off-campus events and frequent tours. One-half semester hour. May be repeated for credit.

MUSP 237: Brass Ensemble

Semester Hours 0.0

Open to all students who play brass instruments and are interested in playing in a large brass ensemble. Class meetings two hours per week; performances at various campus functions. One-half semester hour. May be repeated for credit.

MUSP 238: Trumpet Ensemble

Semester Hours 0.0

Open to all students who play the trumpet and are interested in performing in a large ensemble. Class meetings two hours per week; performances at various campus functions. One-half semester hour. May be repeated for credit.

MUSP 239: Woodwind Ensemble

Semester Hours 0.0

Open to all students who play woodwind instruments and are interested in performing in a large ensemble. Class meetings two hours per week; performances at various campus functions. One-half semester hour. May be repeated for credit.

MUSP 411: Advanced Piano-Private

Semester Hours 1.0

Studio lessons in piano, primarily for music majors at the advanced level. One hour lesson per week. Occasional performance class required.

Prerequisites

Prior experience in piano and instructor permission.

MUSP 412: Advanced Organ-Private

Semester Hours 1.0

Studio lessons in organ, primarily for music majors at the advanced level. One hour lesson per week. Designed for the student with sufficient facility at the keyboard to permit successful integration of the pipe organ pedalboard. 

Prerequisites

Prior experience in organ and instructor permission.

MUSP 414: Advanced Brass-Private

Semester Hours 1.0

Studio lessons in brass (trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba), primarily for music majors at the advanced level. One hour lesson per week. 

Prerequisites

Prior experience in brass and instructor permission.

THRE 105: Introduction to Acting

Semester Hours 3.0

Study and practice of the fundamentals of acting through improvisation and exploratory exercises; basic principles of stage performance applied to various professions and non-theatre venues; building of strong presentational and communication skills. Recommended for non-majors. 

THRE 109: Intro. to Dance Artistry

Semester Hours 3.0

An introductory survey class of dance as art and cultural practice in our world. This class focuses study on vocabulary, styles, and history of dance, studied through viewings and writing, quizzes, movement studies, and discussion of issues, both current and historical. 

THRE 110: Stagecraft

Semester Hours 3.0

Introduction to the technical aspects of scenery, costumes, lighting, props, and sound production with emphasis on the tools, terminology, techniques, and safety procedures appropriate to each discipline. Practical application through participation in a theatrical production. 

THRE 111: Musical Theatre Class-Voice

Semester Hours 1.0

Study of basic singing technique. Specific emphasis will be placed on vocal aesthetics appropriate for the genre of American Musical Theatre. Musical Theatre students are required to complete THRE 111 before taking MUSP 216. 

Prerequisites

Instructor Permission

THRE 204: Stage Lighting

Semester Hours 3.0

Introduction to the technical aspects of stage lighting for theatrical productions with emphasis on the tools, terminology, techniques, creativity and safety procedures appropriate to the discipline. Great attention is paid to the practical application through participation in a theatrical production. 

THRE 205: Acting I

Semester Hours 3.0

Overview of acting styles and methods; development of imagination through improvisation, exercises, and scene work; audition techniques. 

Prerequisites

THRE 105 or THRE major or minor.

THRE 206: Acting II

Semester Hours 3.0

Thorough examination and application of Stanislavski's system and its descendants. Scene study and character development for contemporary realistic theatre. Rehearsal technique.

Prerequisites

THRE 205

THRE 207: Costume Construction

Semester Hours 3.0

Introduction to the sewing and technical aspects of costuming and costume construction with emphasis on the tools, terminology, techniques, creativity, fashion and safety procedures appropriate to the discipline with practical application through in class projects and participation in theatrical production. 

THRE 209: Drafting & 3D Design for Theatre

Semester Hours 3.0

An introduction to Computer Aided Drafting & 3D Design principles as they apply to theatre and entertainment design. Students will gain exposure to Vectorworks, Spotlight, and Renderworks. In addition, students will work with Photoshop and other Adobe products to generate virtual designs.

THRE 211: Musical Theatre Voice Private

Semester Hours 1.0

Voice study is designed to give students high-level technical and musical skills, which form the basis for artistic communication with others through teaching and performance. All students studying voice will be expected to demonstrate consistent growth in vocal performance skills. This growth must be evident in the vocal technique, sound, and a consistently rising level of difficulty in repertoire requirements. Fee.

THRE 216: Beginning Ballet

Semester Hours 3.0

An exploration of beginner ballet dance technique evaluating body alignment and execution of ballet steps. Basic knowledge of ballet history. May be repeated for credit. 

THRE 218: Beginning Tap

Semester Hours 3.0

An exploration of beginner tap dance technique evaluating rhythmic play, footwork, and terminology, as well as the historical and cultural impact of tap dance. May be repeated for credit. 

THRE 233: Introduction to Drama

Semester Hours 3.0

Introduction to drama, with a focus on the literary issues specific to drama as a form of narrative; consideration of dramatic genre and theory, and some attention to staging and performance, with an introduction to important playwrights of the tradition. English majors in the creative writing track are encouraged to take this course prior to English 325.

Prerequisites

THRE 101

THRE 235: Principles of Singing-Acting

Semester Hours 2.0

Investigation and application of the fundamental principles of singing - acting. Students learn to make expressive behavioral choices utilizing their voice, face, and body while singing. Song analysis is taught as a tool to identify and produce successful and effective behavioral choice-making that demonstrates specificity, clarity, emotional truth, variety and intensity in performance. Technique is developed through study in exercises and repertoire. 

Prerequisites

Pre or corequisite: MUSP 216 or 416.

THRE 236: Principles of Singing-Acting II

Semester Hours 2.0

Advanced investigation and application of singing acting techniques and methodologies. Students refine their ability to make expressive behavioral choices utilizing their voice, face and body while singing through application in scene work and solo singing.

Prerequisites

THRE 235

THRE 237: Music Skills for Musical Theatre

Semester Hours 3.0

Skill training in sight reading, ear training, and music theory, oriented to the needs of the musical theatre performer. Fundamentals of notation, pitches, intervals, rhythms, and simple chords. In-class exercises and drills are supplemented with computer-based instruction.

THRE 245: Voice for the Stage

Semester Hours 3.0

Advanced study in vocal control; breathing, projection, pronunciation, articulation, dialect, vocal range and pitch; emphasis on speaking classical language; attention to the International Phonetic Alphabet. 

THRE 272: Stage Management

Semester Hours 3.0

This course develops the skills of effective Stage Management and Theatre Administration. Students will master concepts related to time management, leadership, and organizational skills as applied to production stage management in the professional theatre arena.

THRE 282: Barter Observationship

Semester Hours 1.0

Direct observation of all aspects of work at the Barter Theatre. Students observe rehearsals of performances, technical and production meetings and/or shop work, and business meetings. Pass/Fail.

THRE 300: Stage Movement

Semester Hours 3.0

Basic understanding of elements of physicalization for the stage through practical application; exploration of the body as it reflects the inner life; examination of movement theories. 

THRE 301: Adv Stage Movement

Semester Hours 3.0

Organization of movement expression using essence theory of emotion, intentions, gesture, and physical characterization through movement; period movement and dance; unarmed and armed combat.

Prerequisites

THRE 300

THRE 305: Acting III

Semester Hours 3.0

Examination of major historical periods and genres; focus on classical tragedy and comedy, Shakespeare, Moliere, Brecht, and others.

Prerequisites

THRE 206 and 270, or instructor permission

THRE 306: Movement in Global

Semester Hours 3.0

A survey of world dance styles ranging from Western popular dance into world tribal dances. This class focuses on communal and religious dances as well as philosophy of dance and dance theory, studied through viewings, writing, movements studies, discussions of issues and quizzes. This course will culminate in an in-depth paper exploring a specific dance of world and the cultural impact of that dance in the community where it is found. 

THRE 307: Dance Repertoire

Semester Hours 3.0

This course follows the creation and performance of dance choreography from audition through final performance. Enrollment is by audition only. Students cast in the dance repertoire course learn new and previously created works of choreography by dance faculty or guest artists. In addition to developing performance skills, students are introduced to technical theatrical design concepts and are expected to complete pre and post-production assignments. May be repeated for credit. 

THRE 308: Dance Composition

Semester Hours 3.0

An exploration of the art and craft of creating dances. Techniques to nurture the individual creative process are explored, including movement improvisation, visual art imagery, chance procedures, musical influences, poetic imagery, and prop and costume studies. This course culminates in a student's presentation of substantial composition.

THRE 311: Set Design for Theatre

Semester Hours 3.0

This course builds on the skills acquired in the Fundamentals of Theatricals Design & Computer Aided Drafting & 3D Design for Theatre. Students will explore the set design for theatre in the contextual application through drafting, model building & 3D & Digital rendering.

Prerequisites

THRE 209 and 210

THRE 312: Devised Performance

Semester Hours 3.0
Devised Performance is an approach to performance that emphasizes the collaborative creation of scripts for performance. In this course we will focus on the development of key Devised Performance skills such as collaboration, improvisation, writing, and social and civic engagement in a workshop classroom environment.

THRE 314: Principles of Play Directing

Semester Hours 3.0

Introduction to and analysis of director's role with emphasis on interpretation, creating stage action, composition, rhythm, picturization, and the coaching of actors.

Prerequisites

THRE 270 or instructor permission.

THRE 316: Applied Theatre

Semester Hours 3.0

An introduction to the practice of theatre methods in non-traditional and non-theatrical settings, often with marginalized or underserved populations. The course will cover Applied Theatre techniques which tackle such diverse topics as public health, education, housing, social welfare, and juvenile and criminal justice. 

THRE 318: Intermediate Tap

Semester Hours 3.0

An exploration of intermediate tap dance technique evaluating rhythmic play, footwork, and terminology, as well as the historical and cultural impact of tap dance. May be repeated for credit. 

THRE 320: Theatre History I

Semester Hours 3.0

Survey of world theatre from its origins to the Restoration; emphasis on major periods, typical plays, important personages, and major architectural and production techniques. 

THRE 321: Theatre History II

Semester Hours 3.0

Study of world theatre from the Restoration to the present; emphasis on major periods, typical plays, important personages, and major architectural and production techniques.

THRE 325: Introduction to Scriptwriting

Semester Hours 3.0

Introduction to the major components of scriptwriting; emphasis on dramatic action, character, and dialogue; tools and techniques of scriptwriting; focus on the imagination and creativity of the student through the development of a short script.

THRE 335: Musical Theatre

Semester Hours 3.0

Survey history of musical theatre; emphasis on the practical application of styles, periods, movement, dance, acting, voice, and interpretation; special emphasis on the American musical.

Prerequisites

One of the following: THRE 105, THRE 205, MUSP 216, MUSP 416, or instructor permission.

THRE 336: Musical Theatre History

Semester Hours 3.0

A comprehensive survey of the history of musical theatre from antiquity to the present day, and assumptions about its future; an emphasis on major periods, important individuals, noteworthy works, and, artistic, cultural, and commercial trends that influenced the art form.

THRE 340: Auditions

Semester Hours 1.0 3

Preparation for professional auditions. Strategies, audition techniques, examination of all aspects of acting as a career, and individualized coaching. 

THRE 360: Shakespeare

Semester Hours 3.0

Representative comedies, histories, tragedies, and romances from his early, middle, and late periods, studied in the context of cultural and dramatic history and the Elizabethan theatre.

Prerequisites

THRE 101

THRE 400: Senior Project

Semester Hours 2.0

Individually designed program of study developed in consultation with faculty in the department.

Prerequisites

THRE majors or minors in their senior year; departmental permission.

THRE 401: Theatre Practicum - Performance

Semester Hours 3.0

Practical hands-on training in acting, singing, and dancing. Serve as a cast member in a departmental mainstage production. Rehearsal and performance techniques. May be repeated for credit. 

Prerequisites

Instructor permission. 

THRE 405: Acting IV

Semester Hours 3.0

Advanced scene study, rehearsal technique, characterization, styles, and audition preparation. Special attention is given in this course to making the transition into the professional acting world.

Prerequisites

THRE 206 and 270, or instructor permission.

THRE 413: Advanced Ballet

Semester Hours 3.0

An exploration of advanced ballet dance technique evaluating body alignment and execution of ballet steps. Basic knowledge of ballet history. May be repeated for credit.

THRE 415: The Business of Theatre

Semester Hours 3.0
Understanding not-for-profit arts organizations and organizational structures; focus on personnel, unions, audience development, fund-raising, artistic mission, volunteer support, and fiscal control.

THRE 417: Advanced Jazz

Semester Hours 3.0

An exploration of advanced jazz dance technique evaluating body alignment for jazz dance and greater execution of jazz steps. May be repeated for credit. 

THRE 418: Advanced Tap

Semester Hours 3.0

An exploration of advanced tap dance technique evaluating rhythmic play, footwork, and terminology, as well as the historical and cultural impact of tap dance. Wider knowledge of percussive patterns and styles. May be repeated for credit. 

THRE 470: Internship I

Semester Hours 2.0 6

Work experience related to the student's major, jointly supervised by the department and a professional in the field. Although the usual internship will carry either three or six hours of credit, a student may elect to arrange an internship carrying between two and six hours of credit with the permission of the department. Each hour of credit will require forty hours at the internship site. Pass-Fail only.

Prerequisites

Departmental permission.

THRE 471: Internship II

Semester Hours 2.0 6

Work experience related to the student's major, jointly supervised by the department and a professional in the field. Although the usual internship will carry either three or six hours credit, a student may elect to arrange an internship carrying between two and six hours credit with the permission of the department. Each hour of credit will require forty hours at the internship site.

Prerequisites

Departmental permission.

THRE 480: Professional Theatre Experience

Semester Hours 1.0 4

Participation in professional workshops, attendance at Barter productions followed by talk-back sessions with Barter professionals, instructional tours, observation of professional rehearsals, and mentoring by Barter professionals. This class is for majors and intended majors only.

THRE 482: Barter Mentorship

Semester Hours 1.0

This course pairs Emory & Henry students with a designated Barter professional for concentrated study in the theatre as a profession. Students articulate specific learning objectives in consultation with the course instructor. Pass/Fail.

Prerequisites

Instructor permission.