THEA 100
Theatre Appreciation (GE)
1. Catalog Entry
THEA 100
Theatre Appreciation (GE)
Credit hours (3)
Combines the studies of theatre and dramatic literature with the contemporary practices
of theatrical production. Students analyze scripts, study historical events, explore theatrical
professions and processes, and attend live productions on campus.
Note(s): General Education and Humanistic or Artistic Expression designated course. This
course has been approved for Core Curriculum credit in Visual and Performing Arts.
2. Detailed Description of Course
Theatre Appreciation combines the studies of theatre and dramatic literature with
the contemporary practices of theatrical production. This introductory course is appropriate
for students with no exposure to live theatre as well as those with past experience.
Students view, analyze, and evaluate live performances as well as published scripts.
Learning to communicate using theatre terminology and techniques used by directors,
designers, and actors enhances the development of the student’s individual creative
process. The context of contemporary theatre practice provides experience collaborating
and solving problems within an artistic framework. Required coursework includes attending
live productions on campus when they are scheduled.
3. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course
Class discussion, quizzes, tests, presentations, group work, written projects, and/or
hands-on projects will explore the following areas of theatrical endeavor:
1) Theatre as dramatic literature: Examination of dramatic structure, plot, conflict,
theme, genre, style, and
character action. Students study and view a variety of texts to hone their
skills in script analysis and
interpretation.
2) Theatre as a profession: Acting, directing, playwriting, designing (i.e. scenery,
lights, costume, makeup,
sound, multimedia), and management processes and their connections to the
leadership and demands of
the modern workplace.
3) Theatre as an art form: Developing an artistic concept through the lens of
live theatre production. This
includes realizing an interpretive point of view on a theatrical work and
recognizing its connection to other
visual/performing art forms and modes of storytelling.
4) Theatre as society: Contextualizing a theatrical work by situating it in history
or within a societal group;
gaining insight into other cultures, eras, and worldviews through theatre.
4. Goals and Objectives of the Course
Core Curriculum Goal 8 Student Learning Outcomes
Radford University students will identify and evaluate ways in which the visual and
performing arts reflect and communicate aspects of the human experience.
Radford University students will:
1) evaluate works of art in terms of the medium's distinctive language and terminology;
2) identify the relationship between works of art and specific historical, cultural,
and social contexts.
5. Assessment Measures
Graded assignments include quizzes, tests, group projects, oral/visual presentations,
written work, optional production work, and attendance at live performances.
6. Other Course Information
This course is available in traditional, online, and compressed formats.
Review and Approval
September 2005
June 20, 2015
March 01, 2021