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Graduate Theatre & Film Courses

(For descriptions of courses numbered 500-699, please see the Undergraduate Course Listings.)

TH&F 501 Colloquium on American Theatre/Film (1).

TH&F 506 Psychology and the Actor (3).

TH&F 508 Fundamentals of Directing (3).

TH&F 509 Script Analysis See TH&F 308 in the Undergraduate Course Listings.

TH&F 512 A Vocal Approach to the Classics (3).

TH&F 516 Scenic Painting Techniques (3).

TH&F 517 Computer-aided Design for Theatre, Film, and Video (3).

TH&F 518 Scenography I (3).

TH&F 519 Scenography II (3).

TH&F 520 History of Period Style I (3).

TH&F 521 History of Period Style II (3).

TH&F 525 Theatre in Western Civilization
to 1642 (3).

TH&F 526 Theatre in Western Civilization
from 1642 (3).

TH&F 527 Asian Theatre and Film (3).

TH&F 528 History of American Theatre
and Drama (3).

TH&F 529 Race and the American Theatre (3).

TH&F 530 African Film and Video (3).

TH&F 576 Animation (3).

TH&F 583 Film Theory (3).

TH&F 584 Film Theory and Criticism,
1960-Present (3).

TH&F 585 Latin American Film (3).

TH&F 586 Asian Film (3).

TH&F 593 Experimental Film and Video (3).

TH&F 599 Special Topics in Scenography (1-6).

TH&F 603 Theatre for Young Audiences (3).

TH&F 604 Drama With Young People (1-3).

TH&F 609 Play Directing (3).

TH&F 617 Computer-aided Design for Theatre, Film, and Video II (3).

TH&F 618 Scenography III (3).

TH&F 619 Scenography IV (3).

TH&F 626 Myth and the Dramatist (3).

TH&F 675 Advanced Video Production (3).

TH&F 676 Advanced Film Production (3).

TH&F 677 Advanced Audio Production (3).

TH&F 684 Documentary Film and Video (3).

TH&F 686 American Film Criticism (3).

TH&F 702 Graduate Seminar in: ______ (3). Course organized any given semester to study particular subject matter or to take advantage of special competency by an individual faculty member. Topics change as needs and resources develop. Class discussion, readings, and individual projects.

TH&F 703 Readings in Dramatic Literature (1-3). Survey of selected dramatic literature and commentaries. May be repeated up to total of six credits on petition.

TH&F 704 Study Abroad Topics in: _____ (1-6). This course is designed for the study of special topics in Theatre and Film. Credit for coursework must be arranged through the Office of KU Study Abroad. May be repeated for credit if content varies.

TH&F 707 Theatre or Film Internship (3-12). Study with an approved theatre or film company. Emphasis may be in one or all of the following areas: acting, directing, stage management, technical theatre, promotion management. No more than six hours may be applied to an M.A. degree. Course will be graded satisfactory/unsatisfactory. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

TH&F 708 Dramatic Script Writing (3). Study and practice in the fundamental techniques of dramatic writing and the application of such techniques most specifically to theatre but also to film, television, and radio. Open upon consent of instructor to students who have completed one course in advanced composition and one course in the theory of history of drama or film.

TH&F 709 Advanced Dramatic Script Writing (3). The purpose of this course is to permit selected students, by consent of instructor, to develop or continue dramatic writing projects in theatre, film, television, and radio under the individual supervision of the instructor.

TH&F 711 Styles of Acting: Shakespearean (3). An approach to acting styles of the period, based on a study of the art, customs, spirit, and the theatre of the times applied to scene studies taken from the works of Shakespeare. Prerequisite: TH&F 106 and TH&F 206 or consent of instructor.

TH&F 713 Styles of Acting: Restoration and 18th-century English (3). An approach to acting styles of the period, based on a study of the art, customs, spirit, and the theatre of the times applied to scene studies taken from the works of English Restoration dramatists and those 18th century English playwrights writing in the Restoration mode. Prerequisite: TH&F 106 and TH&F 206 or consent of instructor.

TH&F 715 Problems and Techniques of Direction (3). Practical experience in directing. Prerequisite: TH&F 609.

TH&F 719 M.F.A. Production Seminar (3). To be taken by M.F.A. candidates during those semesters in which they are assigned to design one or more elements in a production to be mounted on one of our stages. Weekly critique and discussion of solutions to practical design problems from conception through execution. May be repeated for a total of no more than six hours credit. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

TH&F 725 Russian Theatre and Drama from Stanislavski and Chekhov to the Present (3). A study of the development of Russian theatre and dramatic literature from 1898 to the present. Lectures and readings in English. (Same as SLAV 562.)

TH&F 773 Problems in Basic Screenwriting (3). The principles of screenwriting are developed through scene writing and analysis culminating in the writing and structure of a full-length, three-act screenplay. In addition to the class sessions taught with TH&F 373 Basic Screenwriting, separate consultations and specific research assignments for graduate students in TH&F 773 are also required.

TH&F 775 Problems in Basic Video Production (3). Theory and practice of single-camera video production with emphasis on preproduction planning, scripting, directing, lighting, camera operation and audio. In addition to the class sessions taught with TH&F 375 Basic Video Production, separate consultations and specific research assignments for graduate students in TH&F 775 are also required. Lecture-laboratory.

TH&F 776 Problems in Basic Film Production (3). An introduction to 16mm film techniques and structures, requiring construction of brief, individually produced fictive-narrative films employing classical continuity. In addition to the class sessions taught with TH&F 376 Basic Film Production, separate consultations and specific research assignments for graduate students in TH&F 776 are also required. Lecture-laboratory.

TH&F 785 Contemporary Japanese Film (3). Seminar on the major developments in the contemporary (1980-present) Japanese film industry examining how filmmaking practices and film criticism have been influenced by such issues as transnationalism, postcolonialism, critical race theory, postmodernism, and new media. We will survey recent industrial and stylistic trends as well as key critical debates. Class discussion, reports, and individual research papers.

TH&F 800 Introduction to Graduate Study in Theatre and Film (3). Major emphasis is placed upon the principles of research, bibliographical data, and research methods useful in theatre, film, and television. The course should be taken at the beginning of the graduate student’s program.

TH&F 801 Professional Development Seminar (1). A series of weekly lecture/discussions led by invited guests both from the university and outside on various topics central to the graduate study of theatre and film.

TH&F 802 Master’s Projects (3-6). Advanced creative projects which may be elected by master’s degree candidates in lieu of thesis.

TH&F 803 Summer Theatre: Graduate (1-3). Provides graduate level experience in a wide range of theatre activity related to the summer theatre production or productions. Work may include activity in the following areas: acting, directing, design, technical theatre, voice and/or movement. Specialized skills are developed through individual classes, production preparation, and performance. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

TH&F 815 Advanced Play Production (1-3). Individually supervised directing of theatre pieces for public presentation. In special cases credit may be given for musical direction, choreography, or stage management. Prerequisite: TH&F 715.

TH&F 817 Theory of Acting and Directing (3). Readings, lectures, discussions and papers on acting and directing theory; is concerned with the divergence between presentational and representational acting methods and the emergence of directing art. Prerequisite: TH&F 609 or TH&F 715.

TH&F 818 Scenography V (3). Individual problems in scenography. Advanced projects tailored to the needs of the individual student. Prerequisite: TH&F 619.

TH&F 819 Advanced M.F.A. Production Seminar (3). Continuation of TH&F 719. May be repeated for maximum of six hours credit. Prerequisite: Six hours of TH&F 719 and consent of instructor.

TH&F 826 Seminar in African Theatre (3). A study of developments in African theatre in the 20th Century focusing on themes, concepts, styles, and critical perspectives. The course will investigate the idea of an “African theatre” and identify different periods and movements within national and international contexts. The analysis of representative works and authors will be grounded within appropriate theoretical frameworks.

TH&F 828 Seminar in American Theatre and Drama to 1895 (3). Intensive investigation of selected topics. Individual study emphasized.

TH&F 829 Seminar in American Theatre and Drama from 1895 (3). Intensive investigation of selected topics. Individual study emphasized.

TH&F 862 Survey of Film and Media History (3). This seminar will be primarily international in scope and will concentrate on the following: technological and production issues relating to the transition in 1927-1931 of silent to sound film; the constructions of national identity, including those of recently emerging cultures; a comparison and contrast of the censorial agencies in America and abroad; and current revisionist perspectives on received film and media history.

TH&F 863 Survey of Documentary and Experimental Film and Media (3). Surveys the important historical and theoretical issues pertinent to both the documentary and experimental approaches as expressed in film, video and new technologies. Includes major documentary and experimental genres, directors, national schools, artistic movements, and landmark works. Screenings reflect a chronology from origins to present-day.

TH&F 864 Classical Film and Media Theory (3). This seminar is a comprehensive survey of the major classical film and media theories and theorists, such as Munsterberg, Eisenstein, Arnheim, Bazin, and Adorno. Organized around specific questions, e.g.: What qualities differentiate film and media from other art and communications forms? What qualities do film and media share with other art and communication forms? What qualities differentiate film from other forms of media such as television? Readings from primary sources stressed. Class discussion, individual research papers.

TH&F 865 Contemporary Film and Media Theory (3). This seminar is a study of the theories applied to the study of film and media since the 1970s moving through structuralism, and into the posts: -structuralism, -modernism, -colonialism, and beyond. Within these broad paradigms some of the theories examined in depth are cinesemiotics, Marxism, cinematic apparatus, feminist film theory, reception theory, new media and virtual reality.

TH&F 873 Problems in Intermediate Screenwriting (3). The principles of screenwriting are developed through scene writing and analysis culminating in the writing and structure of a full-length, three act screenplay. In addition to the class sessions taught with TH&F 473 Intermediate Screenwriting, separate consultations and specific research assignments for graduate students in TH&F 873 are also required. separate consultations and specific research assignments for graduate students in TH&F 775 are also required. Lecture-laboratory.

TH&F 875 Problems in Intermediate Video Production (3). Theory and practice of multiple-camera video production with emphasis on preproduction planning, scripting, directing, lighting, camera operation, and audio. In addition to the class sessions taught with TH&F 475 Intermediate Video Production, separate consultations and specific research assignments for graduate students in TH&F 875 are also required. Lecture-laboratory.

TH&F 876 Problems in Intermediate Film Production (3). Further explorations of 16mm film techniques and structures, requiring construction of fictive-narrative films while working in groups. In addition to the class sessions taught with TH&F 476 Intermediate Film Production, separate consultations and specific research assignments for graduate students in TH&F 876 are also required. Lecture-laboratory.

TH&F 880 Development of American Popular Culture of the _____ (3). Intensive interdisciplinary examination of popular culture forms and their relationships with the social, political, and economic dynamics of America in a specific decade, with emphasis on film, broadcasting, theatre, music literature (including magazines and newspapers), and the graphic arts. Decade to be studied changes as resources and needs develop.

TH&F 881 Development of the Silent Film (3). Intensive study of the artistic, economic, and sociological development of the silent narrative film with emphasis on the evolution of the American studio system, German Expressionism, and Soviet Expressive Realism.

TH&F 882 Development of the American Sound Film (3). Intensive study of the artistic, economic, and sociological development of the American sound film with emphasis on the studio system, major directors, genres, and the impact of television.

TH&F 883 Development of the International Sound Film (3). Intensive study of the artistic, economic, and sociological development of the international sound film with emphasis on the cinemas of England, France, Italy, Germany, Sweden, and Eastern Europe.

TH&F 884 Development of African-American Images in Film (3). A history and critical assessment of the development of diverse images of African-Americans in American cinema and the impact of those images of American society. Screenings of feature and independent films, including those by African-Americans. In addition to the lecture/screening sessions taught in tandem with TH&F 384, a separate discussion section and specific research assignments for graduate students enrolled in TH&F 884 are also required.

TH&F 885 Latin American Film (3). The course explores the national cinemas and film industries of various nations in Latin America, as well as films made by indigenous and Chicano/a filmmakers. Films are analyzed both as artistic works (formal qualities, cinematic styles, and influences) and as documents that provide windows to the socio-historical context of the nation. The course focuses on the political-economic factors surrounding the production of Latin American national cinema (the role of the state, co-productions, film markets.)

TH&F 886 Asian Film (3). Seminar on various national film cultures of East and Southeast Asia. Representative films are studied from formal, stylistic, and socio-historic perspectives. Addresses the impact of key cultural, economic, and political issues on each film industry. Class discussion, reports, and individual research papers.

TH&F 887 Film and the Public (3). A study of the actual and implied responsibilities of film and video to the public, as seen in regulations, self-regulatory codes, and the critical literature of the field. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

TH&F 888 Special Problems in Film History and Criticism (1-4).

TH&F 894 Seminar for Film Interns (1-3). To be taken concurrently with graduate internship or employment with an approved film or video production company. Discussion and critical evaluation of work experience with faculty adviser and job supervisor. Prerequisite: Consent of Theatre and Film graduate faculty.

TH&F 895 Intensive Film Project Seminar (1-4). The student plans and executes an intensive special project which requires the professional skills of investigation and performance appropriate to radio, television and/or film. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of six credit hours. (This seminar is to the special project program what “thesis” is to the traditional program.)

TH&F 897 Practicum in Film (1-3). Various approaches to the illustration of principles of production in film and/or video through the supervision of laboratory exercises and subsequent evaluation by the Theatre and Film graduate faculty.

TH&F 898 Investigation and Conference (for Master’s Students) (1-8). Directed research and experimentation in theatre and/or film/video. Limited to eight hours credit toward the Master’s degree.

TH&F 899 Master’s Thesis (1-6).

TH&F 901 Theatre Seminar in: _____ (3). A graduate seminar devoted to selected historical, theoretical, or critical issues in theatre. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

TH&F 902 Film Seminar in: _____ (3). A graduate seminar devoted to selected historical, theoretical, or critical issues. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

TH&F 915 Modern Theatre and Drama (3). A study of the movements in playwriting and theatrical production in Europe and America from the mid-19th century to World War II. Prerequisite: TH&F 525 and TH&F 526 or comparable courses.

TH&F 916 Postmodern Theatre and Drama (3). A study of developments in Europe and American playwriting, directing, acting, and design from World War II to the present. Prerequisite: TH&F 525 and TH&F 526, or comparable courses, and preferably TH&F 915.

TH&F 917 Dramatic Theory I (3). A survey of dramatic theory from Plato to Lessing.

TH&F 918 Dramatic Theory II (3). A survey of dramatic theory from Lessing to Langer.

TH&F 919 Dramatic Theory Seminar (3). Study in depth of selected theorists. Offered as determined by faculty availability and student interest.

TH&F 920 Practicum in Criticism (3). Contemporary approaches to theatre and drama criticism, including applications to film. Emphasis on actual practice, using a variety of critical methods.

TH&F 922 History of the Theatrical Event (3). Detailed examination of selected theatrical pieces with emphasis placed upon the relationship of nontextual elements to the event. Prerequisite: TH&F 525 and TH&F 526 or equivalent.

TH&F 998 Investigation and Conference (for Doctoral Students) (1-8). Directed research and experimentation in theatre and/or film. Limited to eight hours credit towards the doctoral degree.

TH&F 999 Doctoral Dissertation (1-12).

The following course is cross-referenced as available to or recommended for students in Theatre and Film:

W S 513 Modern American Women in Film and Literature