Theatre Arts, B.A.
Credits: 122
CIP Code: 500505
Program Description
Students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts Degree Program complete a liberal arts program that devotes a portion of their theatre studies to an examination of the history of theatre, the role of theatre in society, and the relationship of theatre to other disciplines. Theatre Arts students are trained to demonstrate comprehension of theory and methodology by working on theatrical productions and participating in all levels of production (technical, administration, literary, and artistic); view local and national professional theatre productions to increase their understanding of theatre as a collaborative art form; develop working relationships with local and national theatre companies; and interview and discuss internship and career opportunities in performing arts with professionals.
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre Arts must meet the General Admission Requirements as presented in the Clark Atlanta University Undergraduate Catalog.
Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Theatre Arts Program will be able to:
- Discuss theatre arts in an historical context and the impact that theatre has on our daily lives including private and public sectors.
- Read plays and critique professional performances from diverse communities; use backstage theatre technology for lighting, sound, stage management, set design and departmental productions.
- Apply knowledge of the major authors, periods, movement theories, concepts, and practices in the theatre arts context to develop and implement an independent research project.
- Identify and analyze issues in the theatre arts context, and devise and implement a plan of action to address concerns.
- Work collaboratively on group projects as an effective team member to create original works.
General Education Courses
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Area A: Humanities/Fine Arts | ||
| Select six credits of the following: | 6 | |
| United States,Africa & World (Select six credits of the following:) | ||
| United States, Africa & World | ||
| Critical Thinking | ||
| Art Appreciation | ||
or CHUM 280 | ||
CHUM 230 | ||
| The Biblical Heritage | ||
| Area B: Social/Behavioural Sciences | ||
| CPSY 211 | General Psychology | 3 |
| CSCJ 216 | Intro. to Anthropology | 3 |
| Area C: Natural Sciences/Mathematics/Statistics | ||
| Select six credits of the following: | 6 | |
| Finite Mathematics | ||
| Pre-Calculus I | ||
| Biological Science | ||
| Physical Science | ||
| Area D: Communications | ||
| CFLX XXX | Elementary French or Spanish | 3 |
| CENG 105 | College Composition I | 3 |
| CENG 106 | College Composition II | 3 |
| Area E: Financial/Technological | ||
| CCIS 100 | Info. Technology & Comp. App. | 3 |
| Total Hours | 30 | |
Other University Requirements
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CGED 100 | First Year Seminar | 1 |
| CGED 101 | 1st-Year Seminar | 1 |
| Total Hours | 2 | |
Note: Electives should be chosen in consultation with the advisor depending on the choice of minor or stackable credentials.
Degree Requirements
In addition to the General Degree Requirements as published in the Clark Atlanta University Undergraduate Catalog, students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre Arts must earn a minimum final grade of "C" in all Theatre and Communication Studies courses and complete the following requirements:
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| CSTA 101 | Fundamentals of Speech | 3 |
| CSTA 201 | Voice and Diction | 3 |
| CSTA 251 | Oral Interpretation | 3 |
| CSTA 252 | Theater Appreciation | 3 |
| CSTA 254 | Acting I | 3 |
| CSTA 255 | Stage Craft | 3 |
| CSTA 316 | Dramaturgy and Criticism | 3 |
| CSTA 321 | Lighting and Design | 3 |
| CSTA 351 | Development of Drama I | 3 |
| CSTA 352 | Development of Drama II | 3 |
| CSTA 353 | Play Production Methods | 3 |
| CSTA 354 | Acting II | 3 |
| CSTA 410 | Costume Design and Makeup | 3 |
| CSTA 452 | Theater Arts Management | 3 |
| CSTA 453 | Directing:Play/Script Analysis | 3 |
| CSTA 454 | Children's Theater | 3 |
| CSTA 455 | Entertainment Law | 3 |
| CSTA 456 | African American Theater | 3 |
| CSTA 482 | Directed Study | 3 |
| or CSTA 489 | Internship | |
| CSTA 490 | Speech Comm.& Theatre Arts Sem | 3 |
| Major Electives in Theatre | ||
| CSTA 305 | Interpersonal Communication 1 | 3 |
| CSTA 306 | Speech for Radio/Stage/TV Film 1 | 3 |
| CSTA 311 | African American Communication 1 | 3 |
| CSTA 402 | Intercultural Communication 1 | 3 |
| Cognate Courses (not required) | ||
| Intro. to Drama Writing | ||
or CENG 414 | Drama Workshop | |
| Speech for Classroom Teacher | ||
| Business & Professional Speech | ||
| Organizational Communication | ||
| Total Hours | 72 | |
- 1
All free electives must be at the 300 level or higher and in disciplines other than those in the Division of Communication Arts. These electives should be selected in areas of interest and in relevance to future academic and professional goals with assistance from the academic.
Plan of Study for Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre Arts
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| First Semester | Hours | |
| CSTA 101 | Fundamentals of Speech (Area D) | 3 |
| CSTA 252 | Theater Appreciation | 3 |
| CENG 105 | College Composition I (Area D) | 3 |
| CCIS 100 | Info. Technology & Comp. App. (Area E) | 3 |
| CMAT 104 | Finite Mathematics (Area C) | 3 |
| CGED 100 | First Year Seminar | 1 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| CART 150 | Art Appreciation (Area A) | 3 |
| CENG 106 | College Composition II (Area D) | 3 |
| CPSY 211 | General Psychology (Area B) | 3 |
| CBIO 101 or CPHY 102 |
Biological Science (Area C) or Physical Science |
3 |
| CPHI 105 | Critical Thinking (Area A) | 3 |
| CGED 101 | 1st-Year Seminar | 1 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Second Year | ||
| First Semester | ||
| CSTA 201 | Voice and Diction | 3 |
| CSTA 254 | Acting I | 3 |
| CXXX XXX | Free Elective | 3 |
| CSTA XXX | Major Elective in Speech and Theatre | 3 |
| CFLX 101 | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| CSTA 251 | Oral Interpretation | 3 |
| CSTA 255 | Stage Craft | 3 |
| CSTA 316 | Dramaturgy and Criticism | 3 |
| CSTA 354 | Acting II | 3 |
| CXXX XXX | Free Elective | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Third Year | ||
| First Semester | ||
| CSTA 351 | Development of Drama I | 3 |
| CSTA 353 | Play Production Methods | 3 |
| CXX XXX | Free Elective | 3 |
| CSTA 321 | Lighting and Design | 3 |
| CSTA 452 | Theater Arts Management | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| CSTA 456 | African American Theater | 3 |
| CSTA 352 | Development of Drama II | 3 |
| CSTA 410 | Costume Design and Makeup | 3 |
| CSTA 453 | Directing:Play/Script Analysis | 3 |
| CSTA XXX | Major Elective in Speech and Theatre | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| First Semester | ||
| CSTA 455 | Entertainment Law | 3 |
| CSTA 489 or CSTA 482 |
Internship or Directed Study |
3 |
| CSTA XXX | Major Elective in Speech and Theatre 1 | 3 |
| CXXX XXX | Free Elective 1 | 3 |
| CXXX XXX | Free Elective 1 | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| CSTA 454 | Children's Theater | 3 |
| CSTA 490 | Speech Comm.& Theatre Arts Sem | 3 |
| CSTA XXX | Elective in Speech and Theatre 1 | 3 |
| CXXX XXX | Free Elective | 3 |
| CXXX XXX | Free Elective 1 | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 122 | |
- 1
All free electives must be at the 300 level or higher and in disciplines other than those in the Division of Communication Arts. These electives should be selected in areas of interest and in relevance to future academic and professional goals with assistance from the academic
Program Opportunities
The Department of Theatre and Communication Studies hosts several organizations for majors and non- majors. They include:
- Alpha Psi Omega - a national drama honor society for students who have been involved actively in theatrical productions while maintaining scholastic integrity.
- Clark Atlanta University Players (CAU Players) - composed of majors and non-majors with a strong desire to perform and produce challenging work. The mission of the CAU Players is to excite, educate, and entertain. The CAU Players present a variety of productions yearly.
- The Forensics Society - composed of majors and non-majors interested in public speaking, oral interpretation, and debate. The society participates in competitions locally and nationally.
- Lambda Pi Eta Honor Society, Theta Tau Chapter - goals are to recognize, foster, and reward outstanding scholastic achievement; stimulate interest in the field of communication; promote and encourage professional development among communication majors; provide an opportunity to discuss and exchange ideas about the field; establish and maintain close relationships and understanding between faculty and students; and explore options for further graduate studies. To become a member of Lambda Pi Eta, students must have completed at least 60 semester hours; have completed at least 12 semester hours of communication study and have a GPA of at least 3.25; have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0; and be in the upper 35% of their graduating class.
- National Black Media Coalition (NBMC) - recognizes and assists all the many media industries involving people of color, both creatively and technologically, as well as ownership.
- National Communication Association Student Club (NCASC) - an organization for division of communication arts majors interested in the field of communication. Students must have declared a major in communication to join the organization officially.