Course description
Double Major: Secondary Education and Drama
Program requirements for students pursuing a double major in Secondary Education and Drama may be found under “School of Education” in the Academic Calendar. All questions concerning courses and requirements should be referred to the Chair of the School of Education.
B.A. Major in Drama
A total of 48 credits are required for the Major in drama. In their first two years, all drama Majors must adhere to the following required courses in their program:
1st Year (12 credits)
Fall: (Drama 101) Introduction to Technical Theatre, (Drama 102) Introduction to Theatre, (Drama 131) Acting I
Winter: (Drama 110) Introduction to Theatre Part II
2nd Year (9 credits)
Fall: (Drama 210) Theatre History, (Drama 222) Introduction to Shakespeare
Winter: (Drama 201) Contemporary Canadian Theatre
After the second year the following seminar and production courses are required for all drama Majors (9 credits):
Seminar Courses: Two of (Drama 300) Contemporary Theatre Practice, (Drama 301) Contemporary Dramatic Theory, (Drama 302) Classical European Drama, (Drama 315) Medieval Drama, (Drama 322) Topics in Shakespeare
Production Courses: One of (Drama 331) Production I, (Drama 332) Production II
The remaining eighteen credits required for the Major in Drama may be taken at anytime during the student’s tenure at Bishop’s provided that he or she has fulfilled the stated prerequisites for the individual course.
Required Courses (6 credits)
One of (Drama 202) Contemporary American Drama, (Drama 203) Contemporary European Drama
One of (Drama 170) Introduction to Film, (Drama 270) Shakespeare’s Contemporaries, (Drama 271)Modern Drama, (Drama 273)Women Dramatists [or a cognate course]
Drama Electives (12 credits)
Four of all other drama courses (except independent studies)
Students must also complete any Divisional Requirements of the Division of Humanities.
B.A. Honours in Drama
Without Thesis (60 credits*)
Courses as required for a Drama major: 48 credits
Further courses in Drama (excluding independent studies): 12 credits
With Thesis (66 credits*)
Students must obtain a 75% average, as calculated from the last 60 credits in the Honour discipline (including cognates), in order to graduate with an Honours degree in Drama.
Students wishing to enroll in Drama 450 (Honours Thesis) must have 75% cumulative average when registering in FALL semester, and 75% average on required courses in thesis area of interest.
Courses as required for Drama Major: 48 credits
Further courses in Drama (excluding independent studies): 12 credits
Drama 450 Honours Thesis: 6 credits
*All Honours students must complete both Drama 331 and Drama 332.
Students must also complete any Divisional Requirements of the Division of Humanities.
Minor in Drama
A total of 24 credits are required for the minor in Drama:
Required courses:
Drama 101 Introduction to Technical Theatre
Drama 102 Introduction to Theatre
Drama 131 Acting I
Drama 201 Contemporary Canadian Drama
Drama 222 Introduction to Shakespeare
15 credits
Drama electives: Three courses 9 credits
DRAMATIC LITERATURE AND THEATRE HISTORY
These courses are primarily concerned with the study of drama as literature or with the study of theatre history. Some of these courses may be used to satisfy the degree requirements of the Department of English.
All courses are open to non-Drama students.
Drama 102ab Introduction to Theatre: Theatre and Dramatic Literature Before 1800 3-3-0
This course provides students with an introduction to theatre history and to some of the important plays of various historical epochs. One of the focuses of the course is the socially created meaning of theatre, including interaction between audience and stage, the role of the theatre professional in society and the connections between theatre and political and religious institutions. The course will also introduce various theatrical styles. The dramas themselves are interpreted as blueprints for performance, not just as examples of literature.
Drama 110b Introduction to Theatre Part II: Theatre and Dramatic Literature After 1800 3-3-0
This course provides students with an introduction to the theatre history of the modern age and to some of the important plays of this era. The course will also introduce various theatrical styles, such as epic theatre, theatre of the absurd and naturalist theatre. The dramas themselves will be interpreted as blueprints for performance, not just as examples of literature. Among the playwrights included in the course are Henrik Ibsen, Anton Chekhov, Luigi Pirandello, Samuel Beckett, Caryl Churchill and Heiner Müller.
Drama 201ab Contemporary Canadian Drama 3-3-0
Canadian drama from 1967 on, including the plays of Tremblay, French, Walker, Thompson and others.
Drama 202ab Contemporary American Drama 3-3-0
American playwrights and theatrical movements of the post-Viet Nam war period. Playwrights include Shepherd, Mamet, Rabe, Wasserstein.
Drama 203ab Contemporary European Drama 3-3-0
European drama since 1960 through examination of works of influential playwrights and dramatic theorists.
Drama 210a Theatre History 3-3-0
This course will deal with the theatre history of pre-1850 Europe and North America. The focus of the course will be production and performance history. Developments in theatrical design and production methods, acting styles, and theatre architecture will be emphasized through the use of audio-visual materials.
Drama 222a Introduction to Shakespeare 3-3-0
Close study of four to six plays from the following: Richard III, Macbeth, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Henry IV pt. 1, Hamlet, Twelfth Night, Othello, The Tempest.
WOM/DRA 230 Women in Performance 3-3-0
An analysis of the role women have played in the performing arts as practitioners, creators, producers and spectators with emphasis on the modern era and western cultures. The course takes a cultural studies approach to the subject and includes readings by feminist theorists, sociologists and cultural historians.
Drama 270ab Shakespeare’s Contemporaries 3-3-0
The development of 16th and early 17th century drama in England with special reference to Marlowe, Jonson, and Webster.
Drama 271ab Modern Drama 3-3-0
The major European drama and movements of the period from 1875-1910, including the works of Ibsen, Strindberg, Chekhov, among others.
Drama 273ab Women Dramatists 3-3-0
Discussion and analysis of a number of plays written by women. The plays will be studied in their cultural context and from the perspective of contemporary feminist theory.
Seminar Courses
The following are seminar and research courses restricted to third or fourth year students. Students will be expected to do primary and secondary research work and present such work through class seminars and research papers.
Drama 300ab Contemporary Theatre Practice 3-3-0
Critical discussion, analysis, and research of contemporary theatre practice.
Drama 301ab Contemporary Dramatic Theory 3-3-0
Critical discussion, analysis, and research of the major critical theorists and writings of the past twenty five years.
Drama 302ab Classical European Drama 3-3-0
This course covers the important drama and critical works from France, Italy, Germany, and Spain during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.
Drama 315ab Medieval Drama 3-3-0
This course covers the reemergence and development of drama in Europe from the early to late Middle Ages. The religious drama of England and the Continent will be studied, as well as early examples of secular drama.
Drama 319 Film Criticism & Theory 3-3-0
This course would provide the student with an opportunity to look at the critical analysis of film in greater depth. The topics of the course would include film language, the ontology of film, narratology and reception theory. Christian Metz, Laura Mulvey, Tania Modleski, Tom Gunning and Manthia Diawara would be some of the featured film theorists. The course would also link the study of film theory with the analysis of a selection of films. The course would emphasize the development of various film theories as linked with the practice of film. Students would be evaluated on their ability to comprehend and apply various film theories and on their ability to communicate ideas through both oral presentation and written work.
Prerequisites: DRA170
Drama 322ab Topics in Shakespeare 3-3-0
Advanced analysis and research on specific plays, as well as on specific critical texts and productions.
Interest Courses and Cognate Courses
Drama 170ab Introduction to Film 3-3-0
This class will consider a number of what are widely regarded as the world’s greatest films and the literary works upon which they are based. Major critical stances and acting styles will also be discussed. The films will range in period over the last seventy five years and in source from many different countries.
Français 283ab Théâtre québécois 3-3-0
Évolution de la production dramatique au Québec depuis Marcel Dubé. Le théâtre de revendication sociale et politique, les happenings et le théâtre expérimental, le théâtre d’improvisation, le genre comique et la recherche contemporaine de nouvelles formes théâtrales. Dramaturges étudiés: Dubé, Tremblay, Meunier, Lepage, Gilles Maheux et Carbone 14, etc.
PERFORMANCE AND PRODUCTION
These courses emphasize the performance and production aspects of theatre. Drama 101 and 131 are required courses for Drama students. Most courses are open to non-Drama students but enrollment may be limited.
Acting
Drama 131ab Acting I 3-3-0
Acting One establishes a physical and vocal warm-up routine, develops public speaking skills, and explores the fundamentals of acting for the stage. Project work is based on individual presentations.
Drama 132b Acting II 3-3-0
Acting Two continues the focus on voice and movement. Students will begin character work, research, and scene study. Projects are partner based.
Prerequisite: Drama 131
Drama 233a Acting III 3-3-0
Approaches to text and character. The work is on a project and performance basis, some of which will be for presentation.
Prerequisite: Drama 132 and permission of the Department
Drama 234b Acting IV 3-3-5
Scene study and collective creation: analysis, rehearsal techniques and final presentation in Studio Theatre.
Prerequisite: Drama 233
Drama 237ab Theatre Lab 3-3-3
The course will focus intensively on the preparation and training of the physical means of acting. Workshops will concentrate on both voice and body movement exercises.
Prerequisite: Drama 234 and permission of the Department
Drama 334ab Text and Language 3-3-0
Students will explore the relationship between the written text and the spoken text. Source material will include prose and poetry as well as dramatic dialogue. There is no production attached to this course, but in-class presentations, open to the public, will be given on an informal basis
Prerequisite: Drama 234
Drama 439 Scene Study 3-3-0
Students will explore scenes from the great works of the theatre. Texts will generally be chosen from those studied in the dramatic literature courses. Three in house presentations will be given during the term.
Prerequisite: Dra 234 and permission of the instructor
DIRECTING
We offer six credits in directing. The opportunity to direct a short play is provided by our New Plays and TheatreActiv festivals.
Drama 246a Introduction to Directing 3-3-0
The basic elements of directing a play, including interpretation, analysis, visual presentation, use of space, and rehearsal techniques.
Prerequisite: Drama 101, 102, 131 or permission of the Department
Drama 247b Directing Theory and Practice 3-3-0
Study in depth of major directorial problems. Each student directs short scenes.
Prerequisite: Drama 246 and permission of the instructor
PLAYWRITING
Six credits of playwriting are offered. Student written plays are produced in New Plays Festival, and Theatre Activ. Enrollment is limited but a few places are open to non- Drama students.
Drama 281a Playwriting I 3-3-0
A course in play appreciation and play structure as well as a practical workshop in the writing of one-act plays. Assignments include text analysis, scene writing, and the creation of a complete short play.
Not open to 1st year students.
Drama 282b Playwriting II 3-3-0
Classes take the form of standard playwriting workshop sessions. Each student will write an extended monologue, a series of dramatic sketches, and a one-act play. All work will be read and critiqued by other members of the group.
Prerequisite: Drama 281a or permission of the Department
TECHNICAL THEATRE
Drama 101 is open to all students interested in theatre production. Enrollment in subsequent technical courses is limited.
Drama 101a Introduction to Technical Theatre 3-3-3
An introduction to the elements, processes, and systems of the stage environment through lectures and group tutorials.
Drama 250b Intermediate Technical Theatre Stagecraft 3-3-5
This course will examine in more detail several areas of study encountered in Introduction to Technical Theatre. In order to prepare students for more advanced courses, we will concentrate on the use of sound, lighting and scene shop equipment. We will also focus on basic drafting, set construction, scene painting and rigging.
Prerequisite: Drama 101
Drama 251ab Lighting Design 3-3-5
This course covers both the aesthetics and the techniques of stage lighting. In addition to exploring the theory and process, the students will design the lighting for Drama Department student productions.
Prerequisite: Drama 101 and permission of the Department
Drama 253ab Technical Direction 3-3-5
This course examines the organization of the theatre’s technical resources, including the management of time, space, money, equipment and personnel. In addition to construction schedules, shop organization, purchasing, maintenance and staffing, the course will focus on drafting for the theatre.
Prerequisite: Drama 101 and permission of the Department
Drama 254ab Stage and Production Management 3-3-5
This course examines the organization of the production process. We will concentrate on supervision or monitoring of the schedule, the budget, the artists, department heads and the physical stage. Among the topics covered will be the creation of the prompt book, recording the blocking, running rehearsals and calling the show. Students will work on Drama Department productions as production, stage or assistant stage managers.
Prerequisite: Drama 101, Drama 102
DESIGN
Nine credits are offered in set and costume design. Enrollment is limited. These courses are cognate courses for Fine Arts students.
Drama 160a Design for Theatre I 3-3-0
Principles and practice of design for the theatre with special reference to set design.
Drama 161b Costume Design I 3-3-0
An introduction to costume design. Changing silhouettes of clothing history are examined. Rendering techniques in black and white, pencil, pen and ink, and wash drawings will be studied.
PRODUCTION
These courses involve a major role or function in faculty directed productions in Studio or Centennial Theatres. Enrollment is by audition only.
Drama 331 Production I 3-3-5
The course will consist of major involvement in and responsibility for Department production(s) in the following discipline areas: stage management, design, directing, technical direction, production (set, costumes, lighting, sound, props, publicity/promotion) and acting. Productions will take place in the Studio Theatre.
Prerequisites: Dra131, Dra132, Dra233, Dra234
Drama 332 Production II 3-3-5
The course will consist of major involvement in and responsibility for Department production(s) in the following discipline areas: stage management, design, directing, technical direction, production (set, costumes, lighting, sound, props, publicity/promotion) and acting. Production will take place in Centennial theatre; students will be required to work during March Break.
Prerequisite: Drama 234 and DRA 331
THESIS
Honours students will undertake a thesis project under the supervision of one or more members of the Department.
Drama 450f Honours Thesis 6-1-0 or 6-0-5
Thesis proposals must be submitted before classes begin for the academic year in which the thesis is to be completed.
Students undertaking a thesis in the area of Dramatic Literature and Theatre History will write a thesis-length research paper on a subject approved by the department. Students undertaking a thesis in the area of Production (acting and directing) will write a research paper related to their project and submit all materials related to that project.
Before planning a production thesis, students should thoroughly familiarize themselves with the document “Criteria for Acceptance of an Honours Thesis.” (available from the chair of the department.)
INDEPENDENT STUDY
The Department offers a variety of independent study options for either departmentally approved special projects or advanced work in theatre production or drama study. Students may register for a maximum of twelve independent study credits.
Drama 310ab Independent Study: Theatre Research and History 3-1-0
Advanced study of dramatic literature or theatre history.
Prerequisite: Drama 101, 102, 131, 222 and permission of Department
Drama 337a Independent Study: Performance I 3-0-5
Advanced work in major role in faculty directed show.
Prerequisite: Drama 234, 237, 331
Drama 339b Independent Study: Performance II 3-0-5
Advanced work in major role in faculty directed show.
Prerequisite: Drama 234, 237, 331
Drama 350a Independent Study: Theatre Production I 3-0-5
Advanced work in theatre production; major responsibility for production function in Studio Theatre show.
Prerequisite: Drama 331 and permission of the Department
Drama 351b Independent Study: Theatre Production II 3-0-5
Advanced work in theatre production; major responsibility for production function in Studio or Centennial Theatre show.
Prerequisite: Drama 332 and permission of the Department
Drama 352ab Independent Study: Stage Management 3-0-5
Advanced work in stage management; responsibility for stage managing a faculty directed show.
Prerequisite: Drama 250, 254, 331 or 332 and permission of the Department
Drama 363ab Independent Study: Design 3-0-5
Advanced work in set, lighting, or sound design; major responsibility for design of faculty directed show.
Prerequisite: Drama 251 or 262, 331 or 332 and permission of the Department
Drama 365ab Independent Study: Costume Design 3-0-5
Advanced work in costume design; major responsibility for design of faculty directed show.
Prerequisite: Drama 160 and 331 or 332 and permission of the Department
Drama 370ab Independent Study: Special Project 3-0-5
Advanced work on a Departmentally approved special project.
Prerequisite: Drama 331 or 332 and permission of the Department
Drama 380ab Independent Study: Playwriting 3-0-5
Advanced work in playwriting. Interested students must submit a completed first draft two weeks prior to registration.
Prerequisite: Drama 282
