The Department of Communication and Theatre Arts presents an organized approach to an understanding of our signs, symbols, codes, media, and modes of communication, mass communication, and theatrical performance. The program uses both theoretical and practical strategies to produce communication and theatre generalists. It is intended to satisfy the various interests of students seeking a strong liberal arts background as well as those who have technical and professional concerns in the field.

 

Communications and Theatre Arts Major
The Communication and Theatre Arts major consists of a minimum of 27 hours. These must include CTA 200 and 400; a choice of 300 or 301, and additional courses numbered 201 through 495 to equal the minimum requirement. At least 15 hours in the major must be in courses numbered 300 or above.

 

Journalism Major
The journalism major consists of a minimum of 30 hours, including as core courses JRN 220, 322, 324, 330, 310, 381, 400, and 401. One course must be selected from CTA 260, 301, or CTA 370, and one course must be selected from JRN 232, 331, or CTA 276.

 

Media Studies Major
The Media Studies major consists of a minimum of 27 hours, including as core courses CTA 165, 276, 301, 310, 360, and 400. One course must be selected from CTA 373 or 401, and one course must be selected from 272 or 372. Choose one communications elective from courses numbered CTA 200-495 or JRN 220- 495, in consultation with advisor.

 

Theatre Major
The Theatre major consists of a minimum of 30 hours. These must include CTA 115, 218, 235, 302, 326 or 327, and 337. Students must choose three additional courses from among: CTA 276, 326 or 327, 336, 338, 371, 490, and 495, and one from among: ENG 233, 332, 333, 364, and 367. CTA 292 does not count toward the major.

 

All theatre majors will design a creative major project in consultation with a Theatre faculty member. The project will reflect the classes and experiences of the students in their major classes and in the theatre. Students must submit a typed project proposal to the Theatre faculty for their approval at least one year prior to their expected date of graduation. After the completion of the project, the students will meet with the Theatre faculty and staff to report on their experiences and to engage in a critique of the project. Projects will be evaluated by the Theatre faculty and graded Pass with Distinction, Pass, or Fail.
Minors

Minors 

Communications and Theatre Arts Minor
A minor in Communication and Theatre Arts consists of a minimum of 15 hours including CTA 200, and 12 hours of CTA courses numbered 201 through 495, selected in consultation with the chair of the department. At least 6 hours must be in courses numbered 300 or above.

 

Journalism Minor
The minor in Journalism consists of a minimum of 15 credit hours, including JRN 220 and 330, and nine credit hours from JRN 322, 324, 310, 331, 400, 401.

 

Media Studies Minor
A minor in Media Studies consists of a minimum of 15 hours, including CTA 165 and 12 hours of courses from the CTA Department's offerings, all of which should have a media emphasis. Those courses must be chosen in consultation with the chair of the CTA Department. At least nine hours of credit must be from courses numbered 300 or above.

 

Theatre Minor
The Theatre minor consists of CTA 115, 218 or 235, plus three additional courses from among the following: CTA 326 or 327, 336, 338, 371, 372, and 490.

 

Departmental Honors 

 

In Communication
Majors may attain Departmental Honors in communication by meeting the following requirements: (1) achieve an overall grade point average of 3.5, and (2) achieve a grade point average of 3.5 in the Communication major.

 

In Theatre
In order to earn departmental honors in Communication and Theatre Arts, a Theatre major must meet the following requirements: (1) a minimum overall grade point average of 3.50, (2) a minimum grade point average of 3.50 in courses taken in CTA, and (3) a grade of Pass with Distinction on the major project.

 

CTA 115. Introduction to Theatre (3 hours)
A study of the nature of the art of theatre, its evolution, and its importance to the development of human relationships and culture. This course will include a brief survey of theatre history, an introduction to script analysis, and an exploration of each facet of theatre production, including acting, directing, and design.

 

CTA 165. Introduction to Mass Media (3 hours)
(Same as JRN 101)
A study of the nature and history of mass communications, including print, broadcast, and online media.

 

CTA 200. Introduction to Communication (3 hours)
An examination of concepts, issues, and methods in the field of communication. The course focuses on themes of current interest and on fundamental research, inquiry, critical and creative thinking, and analytical skills.

 

CTA 218. Beginning Acting (3 hours)
Basic experience in the fundamentals of acting for the stage and the camera. Emphasis will be given to movement, voice/diction, improvisations, scene analysis, and performance techniques.

 

CTA 235. Stagecraft (3 hours)
A survey of the materials, tools, and techniques used in the drafting, construction, and painting of scenery for the stage and screen. This is a lecture/laboratory class.

 

CTA 250. Interpersonal Communication (3 hours)
A study of the theories of interpersonal communication with emphasis on the application of these principles.

 

CTA 251. Group Communication (3 hours)
A study of theoretical and practical issues arising from human communication within the context of the group. The student will examine the impact of power, leadership, and member participation as manifested in group decision making, problem solving, and conflict management.

 

CTA 256. Public Speaking (3 hours)
A study of rhetorical theory with an emphasis on preparation and presentation of different types of speeches. The course enables the student to transmit meanings with accuracy, concreteness, and clarity; to communicate in ways that resolve misunderstanding; to express clear preferences and justify them; to advocate decisions in keeping with personal integrity and the rights of others; and to discover and promote ethical standards in public address.

 

CTA 260. The Rhetoric of Contemporary Issues (3 hours)
This courses examines the way that contemporary issues are shaped by language and symbol use. It borrows basic theoretical principles from rhetorical studies, argumentation, and persuasion to provide students with the ability to think critically and speak persuasively about the issues of the day.

 

CTA 272. Introduction to Film (3 hours)
An introductory course in which the forms and conventions of films are studied. An examination of the basic characteristics of film, with some attention to its relationship to written literature, traditional dramatic forms, and other forms of mass communication. Laboratory required.

 

CTA 276. Video Production (3 hours)
An introductory course in the fundamentals of video production designed to familiarize the student with the elements involved in the design and execution of video productions. Students plan, shoot, and edit production assignments aimed at improving both their technical skills and their aesthetic judgments. Lab activities complement classroom instruction.

 

CTA 290. Intercollegiate Debate (1 hour)
Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
Academic credit for those who actively participate in competitive intercollegiate debate. (1 hour credit for each semester of satisfactory participation.)

 

CTA 292. Theatre Practicum (1 hour)
Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
Academic credit for those who execute significant creative assignments in theatre productions. (1 hour credit for each semester of satisfactory participation.)

 

CTA 294. Practicum in Media Studies (1 hour)
Prerequisite: CTA 276
Practical experience in working in student radio or video. May be repeated for up to 3 credit hours.

 

CTA 300. Communication and Culture (3 hours)
Prerequisite: CTA 200 or permission of instructor.
An examination of the significance of power and culture in the formation of communication patterns, in the performance of communication roles, in the representation of concepts, and in the interpretation of symbols and signs. The course focuses on how communication creates and builds culture, and then is in turn created by culture.

 

CTA 301. Media Criticism (3 hours)
This course examines television programs and films as cultural artifacts from a variety of critical perspectives. Examination of television and film reviews; auteur and genre criticism, mythic and ideological criticism, feminist criticism, and cultural criticism.

 

CTA 302. Directing (3 hours)
A study of the principles and methods of direction for the stage and the camera. Special attention will be given to script analysis, movement, picturization, and the needs of the actor. Each student will direct a one-act play or scene for stage or television.

 

CTA 303. Digital Storytelling (3 hours)
This course will explore digital storytelling as a form of narrative nonfiction film. Students will learn how to craft engaging digital stories, analyze and critique digital stories, and work with the New Media tools necessary to create and present stories in digital form.

CTA 310. Research Methods (3 hours)
(Same as JRN 310)
Prerequisite: consent of the instructor.
This course will familiarize students with major research techniques including content analysis, survey research, data analysis, and field studies as practiced by reporters, editors, and public relations decision-makers.

 

CTA 315. Oral Interpretation (3 hours)
Experience developing methods and techniques for vocal and physical presentation of an oral reading. Methods of selection, analysis, and execution will be studied through performance.

 

CTA 326. A Survey of Theatre History I (3 hours)
A survey of theatre history from its primitive origins to 1750.

 

CTA 327. A Survey of Theatre History II (3 hours)
A survey of theatre history from 1750 to the present, with units on Chinese, Japanese, and Indian theatre.

 

CTA 336. Lighting for Stage and Screen (3 hours)
The study of the physics and principles of lighting design for stage, television, and film. Emphasis will also be given to script analysis and interpretation into the medium of light. A lecture/laboratory class.

 

CTA 337. Scene Design (3 hours)
The study of the principles of set design for stage and film. Students will analyze dramatic literature, research period style, and develop renderings, floor plans, and three-dimensional models for various plays.

 

CTA 338. Costume Design (3 hours)
The study of the social and cultural milieu that influenced historical dress and its research application to designing costumes for theatre and film. Emphasis will also be placed on designing costume plates for a particular play, and on the development of skills necessary in costume construction, including drafting and draping patterns, cutting, and stitching, as well as fabric painting and dyeing. A lecture/ laboratory class.

 

CTA 353. Communication in Organizations (3 hours)
A study of organizational theory and its application to professional situations. The focus is the development of knowledge and skills that enhance the communicator's effectiveness in organizational settings.

 

CTA 357. American Public Address (3 hours)
A course in theory, composition, delivery, and criticism of the public speech. Emphasis is placed on the historical and critical role of public address in American political, religious, professional, and intellectual life.

 

CTA 358. Argumentation (3 hours)
A study of the principles of argumentation and their application to communication. Focus is on the ability to use critical thinking skills in developing and supporting a reasoned argument.

 

CTA 360. Persuasion (3 hours)
This course examines the importance of persuasion in social and cultural interactions, interpersonal relationships, politics, religion, and mass media. The focus is on developing a critical response to persuasive messages.

 

CTA 370. Public Relations: Theory and Methods (3 hours)
This course will address the scope and modern role of public relations with an emphasis on case studies, lectures, and experimentation with major public relations tools and practices. 

 

CTA 371. Beginning Playwriting (3 hours)
The goal of this course is to introduce the student to the conventions and techniques of playwriting. Students will complete exercises leading to the creation of an original one-act play. 

 

CTA 372. Screenwriting (3 hours)
The art, craft, and business of screenwriting from theoretical and practical perspectives. Topics include: the nature of the screenplay formats and structures; creation and development of premise, plot, character, and action; scene writing; adaptation issues; place of the screenwriter in the collaborative process of film making; and marketing strategies. 

 

CTA 373. Theory and History of Film (3 hours)
Prerequisite: CTA 272 or consent of instructor.
A historical overview of the major movements and theories, as well as technological innovations, that have created twentieth century film art. Laboratory required. 

 

CTA 381. Online Journalism (3 hours)
Prerequisite: JRN 331 or consent of the instructor.
This course will bring students into close collaboration with industry professionals to provide hands-on perspectives and working examples of interactive journalism. Students will explore online journalism's ongoing evolution, apply tools of the trade, and interact with experts in the field. Lab activities will complement classroom instruction. 

 

CTA 400. Communication Ethics (3 hours)
Prerequisite: junior or senior status or consent of the instructor.
An examination of ethics in communication with consideration given to conflicting modes of communication in contemporary society. 

 

CTA 401. Media Law (3 hours)
Prerequisite: consent of the instructor.
This course is designed to give students an understanding of the legal environment that affects mass communication professionals, including journalists, public relations practitioners and advertising professionals. The course examines the historical development of the notion of free expression, explores the legal limitations on expression, and seeks to develop a framework for evaluating the fluid legal landscape that communicators face. 

 

CTA 490. Special Topics in Communication and Theatre Arts (3 hours)
Prerequisite: junior or senior status or consent of instructor.
A study of some significant topic in communication or theatre arts not covered in the regular department offerings. The specific topics will be chosen according to needs and interests. May be taken more than once for a maximum of 9 hours credit. 

 

CTA 495. Directed Independent Study (1-6 hours)
Prerequisite: junior or senior status or consent of the instructor.
An advanced course in theory and research in communication and/or theatre arts. The student must submit a proposal for research during the semester prior to enrolling in the course. May be repeated with different projects/topics, but total credit may not exceed 6 hours. 

 

CTA 498. Internship (1-9 hours)
Prerequisite: consent of department chair.
Provides the student with practical experience under departmental supervision. May be taken only by Communication and Theatre Arts majors or minors with junior or senior standing. During the internship, students are required to consult frequently with their department advisor. May be taken more than once for a maximum of 9 hours credit. Graded on a S/U basis. Does not count toward the major or minor.  

 

JOURNALISM (JRN) 

 

JRN 101. Introduction to Mass Media (3 hours)
A study of the nature and history of mass communications, including print, broadcast, and online media. 

 

JRN 220. Introduction to Media Writing (3 hours)
An introduction to writing in a professional environment and to the forms of mass media writing, including news stories, public relations releases, and advertising copy for print, broadcast, and online information sources. Lab activities complement classroom instruction. 

 

JRN 232. Feature Writing (3 hours)
Prerequisite: JRN 220
This course will teach the basic techniques of good feature writing, including how to present information so it is compelling, entertaining, and perhaps inspirational. 

 

JRN 310. Research Methods (3 hours)
Prerequisite: consent of the instructor.
This course will familiarize students with major research techniques including content analysis, survey research, data analysis, and field studies as practiced by reporters, editors, and public relations decision-makers. 

 

JRN 322. News Reporting (3 hours)
Prerequisite: JRN 220
This course will emphasize news-gathering techniques used in print, broadcast, and online media. The course is designed to develop and hone skills in fact-gathering and writing. Special emphasis is given to news judgment and collecting information from primary and secondary sources; story structure, writing quality, editing and revising, speed with accuracy and clarity; and responsibility in reporting. Lab activities will complement classroom instruction. 

 

JRN 324. Depth Reporting (3 hours)
Pre- or corequisitie: JRN 322
This course focuses on investigative reporting with an emphasis on in-depth news-gathering techniques to prepare students for reporting public affairs in print/broadcast media. Depth reporting encompasses coverage of local, state, national government, courts and criminal justice, campaigns and elections, business and economics, education, science and health, religion, and sports. 

 

JRN 330. Editing and Design (3 hours)
Pre- or corequisitie: JRN 322
This course will teach students to prepare copy and related material for publication, with emphasis on professional writing, editing accuracy, clarity and presentation using desktop publishing techniques. Lab activities complement classroom instruction. 

 

JRN 331. Advanced Editing (3 hours)
Prerequisite: JRN 330
This course is designed to give students the opportunity to heighten their knowledge of reporting, writing and editing techniques used in the presentation of information. Major topics covered in the course are copy editing, publication design, information graphics, photo editing, and publishing on the World Wide Web. Lab activities complement classroom instruction. 

 

JRN 370. Public Relations: Theory and Methods (3 hours)
This course will address the scope and modern role of public relations with an emphasis on case studies, lectures, and experimentation with major public relations tools and practices. 

 

JRN 380. Practicum in Journalism (1 hour)
Prerequisites: Student must have had, or be taking concurrently, at least one of the following: JRN 220, 232, 322, 324.
Consent of the instructor is required. Practical experience in working on the student newspaper. May be repeated for up to 3 credit hours. Graded on an S-U basis. 

 

JRN 381. Online Journalism (3 hours)
Prerequisite: JRN 331 or consent of the instructor.
This course will bring students into close collaboration with industry professionals to provide hands-on perspectives and working examples of interactive journalism. Students will explore online journalism's ongoing evolution, apply tools of the trade, and interact with experts in the field. Lab activities will complement classroom instruction. 

 

JRN 390. Special Topics in Journalism (3 hours)
Prerequisite: junior or senior standing or consent of the instructor.
A study of some significant topic in journalism or mass communication which is not available through regular course offerings. May be taken twice, with different topics, for a maximum of six hours credit. 

 

JRN 400. Communication Ethics (3 hours)
(Same as CTA 400) Prerequisite: junior or senior status or consent of the instructor.
An examination of ethics in communication with consideration given to conflicting modes of communication in contemporary society. 

 

JRN 401. Media Law (3 hours) (Same as CTA 401)
Prerequisite: consent of the instructor.
This course is designed to give students an understanding of the legal environment that affects mass communication professionals, including journalists, public relations practitioners and advertising professionals. The course examines the historical development of the notion of free expression, explores the legal limitations on expression, and seeks to develop a framework for evaluating the fluid legal landscape that communicators face. 

 

JRN 498. Journalism Internship (1-3 hours)
Prerequisites: nine hours of journalism courses, junior standing, and consent of the instructor.
An internship of at least 10 weeks with an approved news medium, public relations or publicity agency, or other suitable publication or agency. The student will serve as an apprentice under professional supervision with regular consultation with his/her journalism professor at Mercer. May be repeated for a total maximum of 6 hours.