Courses

THEA 119. Theatre Practicum 0.25 course credit
Staff-supervised participation in acting or technical theatre. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. May repeat 8 times.

THEA 171. Intro to Theatre Studies 1.0 course credit
An introductory-level study of all major areas of theatre practice: acting, directing, design & technology, playwriting and dramaturgy, criticism, history, management, global theatre, musical theatre, stage-to-screen adaptation, and more! Offered annually. No prerequisite. Artistic Inquiry.

THEA 173. Stagecraft 1.0 course credit
Study of the basic elements of technical theatre is combined with hands-on laboratory experience. Primary areas of exploration are scenic construction, lighting, and sound. Offered each semester. No prerequisite. Artistic Inquiry. QRP.

THEA 175. Acting for Non-Majors 1.0 course credit
An introduction to the art and craft of stage acting. Practical exercises in ensemble, improvisation, and scene work lead students to develop highly transferable skills such as creative thinking, responsiveness, confidence, collaboration, and analytical thinking. Offered annually. No prerequisite. Artistic Inquiry.

THEA 176. Acting I 1.0 course credit
An introduction to the Stanislavski System of acting for the serious Theatre or Theatre Education student. Through exercises in ensemble, improvisation, vocal and physical work, monologues, and scene work, students will learn the fundamental skills required of acting for the stage. Students also learn elementary script and character analysis techniques, as well as develop skills in material selection and preparation. Offered annually. Prerequisite: Theatre major, Theatre Education major, Theatre minor, or consent of the instructor. Artistic Inquiry.

THEA 250. Design Theory & History 1.0 course credit
A course that surveys the historical developments in theatre design and technology, as well as prominent design theories. Through lectures, demonstrations, studio work, and critiques, students develop an understanding of the history of scenic, costume, and lighting design. Students also gain competency in working with major design elements (color, line, and form). Offered biannually. Prerequisite: THEA-171 and THEA-173 or THEA-174, or consent of the instructor.

THEA 275. Script Analysis & Dramaturgy 1.0 course credit
A study of the major theories and techniques of both play analysis and dramaturgy. Through critical reading, close analysis, and historical research, students develop competency in discerning a play’s textual, creative, and contextual elements. Studies in dramaturgy facilitate investigation into the relationship between dramatic texts and theatrical practice/production. Offered biannually. Prerequisite: THEA-171, or consent of the instructor.

THEA 276. Acting II 1.0 course credit
A continuation of the skills and techniques introduced in Acting I. Through exercises in ensemble, improvisation, voice and physicality, students learn advanced skills required of acting for the stage. Actor training beyond the Stanislavski System is emphasized, as is advanced technique in script and character analysis. The course centers on monologue and scene work from demanding modern and contemporary texts. Offered biannually. Prerequisite: THEA-175 or THEA-176. Recommended but not required: THEA-275.

THEA 281. Drafting for Design 0.5 course credit
A course centered on the fundamental elements of 2-D and 3-D drafting. Through lecture, demonstration, studio work, and critique, students gain competency in the technique of both hand-drafting and electronic drafting (using the industry-standard Vectorworks). The design of scenery and lighting is prioritized. Offered as needed. Prerequisite: THEA-171 and THEA-173 or THEA-174, or consent of the instructor. QRP.

THEA 282. Design Process & Procedures 0.5 course credit
A continuation of the study of theatrical design processes and procedures introduced in THEA-171. Through lectures, demonstrations, studio work, and critiques, students gain intermediate-level competency in the design of scenery, costume, lighting, and sound design. Offered as needed. Prerequisites: THEA-171 and THEA-281.

THEA 285. Theatre & Society 1.0 course credit
An introductory-level study of theatre and performance practices in the Americas that are committed to fostering positive transformation in individual lives and communities (at the local, national, and global levels). Primary focus is given to Theatre of the Oppressed, Community Theatre, and Community-Based Performance. The study of techniques and processes is combined with practical experience in theatre practice. Offered biannually. No prerequisites: Artistic Inquiry. Community Engagement.

THEA 290. Academic Travel Course 0.25 – 0.50 course credit
An academic travel course in which theatre-related topics are explored in site-specific contexts to illuminate deeper historical, dramaturgical, performative, and other meanings.

THEA 297. Special Topics: Theatre 0.5 to 1.0 course credit
A course that focuses on areas of theatre practice that are not covered in the traditional Theatre/Theatre Education curricula. May be repeated for credit only with a different topic. No prerequisites.

THEA 300. Stage Management 0.50 course credit
A continuation of the study of stage management introduced in THEA-171. Readings and practical exercises focus on the art and craft of stage management. Lectures, assignments, and hands-on experiences guide students through the full theatrical production process, from pre-production preparation through the final performance. Offered biannually. Prerequisites: THEA-171, THEA-173 or THEA-174, and THEA-175 or THEA-176, or consent of the instructor.

THEA 325.Theatre History & Literature 1.0 course credit
A survey of major aesthetic periods in the history of world theatre, ranging from the ancient world to Modernism. Students will study representative works of dramatic literature and gain insight to the social, political, and cultural contexts from which theatrical traditions emerge and to which they respond. Offered biannually. Prerequisites: THEA-175. Recommended but not required: THEA-275. Artistic Inquiry. Global Learning.

THEA 350. Design Studio I 1.0 course credit
The culmination of design study at the undergraduate level, students create fully realized theatrical designs in one area of theatre practice: scenery, costumes, lighting, sound, or properties. Includes lecture and laboratory. Offered as needed. Prerequisites: THEA- 250, THEA-281, and THEA-282, or consent of instructor.

THEA 370. Voice & Movement 1.0 course credit
A study of the voice and body to include techniques needed for the actor’s healthy and effective vocal production, general strength and conditioning, and introduction to foundational dance styles (ballet, jazz, and tap). Includes readings on voice and movement theory, laboratory exercise, and the creation of movement-based and vocal performances. Offered biannually. Prerequisite: THEA- 175 or THEA-176, or consent of the instructor.

THEA 371. Acting III 1.0 course credit
A study of western acting techniques ranging from ancient Greek to 18th-century Restoration. Includes readings on performance history and theory, laboratory exercise, improvisation, scene study, character development, critical reflection, and the attendance of productions. Monologue and scene work are central to the coursework. Offered biannually. Prerequisite: THEA-175 or THEA- 176, or consent of the instructor. Artistic Inquiry. Global Learning.

THEA 375. Principles of Playwriting 1.0 course credit
Playwriting leverages the strengths of poetry, non-fiction, and fiction, and reshapes each genre’s skill set within the context of theatre’s unique physical and temporal qualities. Central to the course is the study and practice of playwriting fundamentals: given circumstances, plot, character, and language. Lecture, writing workshops, and critiques develop students’ skills in writing monologues, dialogue exchanges, a 10-minute play, and a 30-minute play. Offered as needed. Prerequisites: THEA-171, THEA- 275, or consent of the instructor.

THEA 377. Directing: History & Principles 1.0 course credit
A study of the practical and theoretical elements of stage directing for the serious Theatre or Theatre Education student. Readings in theory and production organization are combined with practical exercises in analysis, pictorial composition, movement. Exercises, studio work, and critiques culminate in students co-directing a fully realized mainstage production. Offered biannually. Prerequisites: THEA-275, or consent of the instructor.

THEA 406 Career Preparation 0.50 course credit
The course is delivered in hybrid form, blending seminar and independent study pedagogies. Students will prepare for a professional career in theatre through the preparation of application letters and audition/portfolio materials, and the creation of a website that houses evidence of their education and experience as an artist and scholar. Each student will also fulfill the requirements of a capstone project in their area of Concentration. Prerequisite: Theatre major at junior or senior standing.

THEA 425 Theatre Capstone 0.5 course credit

A capstone experience for upper-level Theatre majors. 

THEA 490. Independent Study 0.5 course credit
A faculty-directed program of individual study consisting of reading, research, or creative performance. May be repeated for credit.

THEA 497. Internship in Theatre Arts 0.5 course credit
An experience designed to allow the student to use in the field concepts and ideas developed during major study and to help prepare the student for employment. Prerequisites: Junior standing and prior approval of the department. May be repeated for credit.

Teacher Education courses

MCTE 200. Principles and Strategies of Secondary Teaching 1.0 course credit

An investigation of K-12 curriculum including writing objectives, standards alignment, lesson planning, methods of instruction, resources and materials, evaluation and assessment, classroom management, and professional growth. Microteachings are required in the classroom. Providing a foundation for successful practicum and clinical experiences is a primary course objective. Co-requisite: MCTE 333.

MCTE 299. Individual/Group Study 0.5 to 1.0 course credits

Individual or small-group study of special topics in teacher education under the guidance of an instructor. Prerequisite: Approval of the department chair.

MCTE 300. Content Area Literacy for Secondary Students 1.0 course credit

A study of the ways adolescents and young adults use literacies to explore concepts, generate knowledge, and demonstrate understanding. This advanced course models a student-centered, process approach to curriculum and instruction as it engages students in workshop activities and asks them to consider research-based practice that support adolescents’ achievement of content area goals. Prerequisite: MCTE 200. Co-requisite: MCTE 333.

MCTE 302. Educational Technology—Secondary/K-12 0.5 course credit

This course is an introduction to the underlying principles of, and methods for, effective integration of educational technologies in secondary/K-12 classroom practice. This course will develop pre-service teachers’ knowledge of specific technologies designed for instructional practice (such as SMART boards and educational software) as well as communication technologies with educational uses (such as iPads, Google docs, and blogs). Students will connect this new technological knowledge to their prerequisite work in theories of learning and in content-area methods in order to practice integrating appropriate educational technologies for specific learning goals.

MCTE 305. Teaching English Language Learners in K-12 Classrooms 0.5
course credit

Academic success in mainstream classes is the ultimate goal for English Language Learners (ELLs). The intent of this course is to guide the course participants through a process of exploring, shaping, and theorizing about the classroom practice of teaching ELLs in their K-12 classrooms. Participants will study the foundations of basic language development and acquisition which enables educators to develop appropriate instructional strategies to assess students’ knowledge, identify objectives, and develop differentiated practices that address various levels of language proficiency; learn about and practice research-based pedagogical practices which inform a variety of approaches and activities that promote comprehension in the content areas; examine and understand the various dimensions of cultural identity, including one’s own, and apply this knowledge to their thinking and behavior as teachers of linguistically diverse students. The participants will discuss articles of current best practices, observe students and teachers in the classroom setting, tutor ELLs and begin to develop their own ESL teaching practices, reflection, and integration of theory and classroom practice with a focus on using technology to meet these goals. Licensure requirement for Secondary/K-12 candidates only. Co-requisite: MCTE 333.

MCTE 310. Measurement and Assessment in Education 1.0 course credit

An authentic approach to the study of educational measurement and assessment with emphasis on essential psychometric concepts related to assessment development, selection, administration, scoring, and interpretation relevant to K-12 public classrooms. Prerequisite: Junior standing.

MCTE 311. Exceptional Learners Methodologies—Elementary 0.5 course credit

This course for elementary candidates focuses on acquiring and applying specific research based instructional methodologies needed to accommodate exceptional children in educational settings. Candidates are required to complete a directed observation as a participant observer in a self-contained special education. Prerequisite: EDST 210.

MCTE 312. Exceptional Learners Methodologies—Secondary/K-120.5 course credit

This course for secondary/K-12 candidates focuses on acquiring and applying specific research based instructional methodologies needed to accommodate exceptional children in educational settings. Candidates are required to complete a directed observation as a participant observer of students with exceptional needs in content area classrooms. Prerequisite: EDST 333. Co-requisite: MCTE 333.

MCTE 315. Elementary Science Methods 0.5 course credit

This course presents various approaches to plan and implement effective science instruction in elementary grades. An inquiry-based program is employed as a means of providing appropriate science learning experiences in diverse classrooms. Content from life, physical and earth/space science will be experienced through a wide range of hands-on, process-oriented activities selected from exemplary resource programs for elementary science instruction. Prerequisite: Junior standing.

MCTE 316. Earth Science and Environmental Education 0.5 course credit

This course will provide students with foundational knowledge in the field of earth science through the lens of environmental education. The importance of environmental education, as well as the best practices for incorporating environmental education into the elementary curriculum, will also be discussed. Students in this course will complete hands-on projects which explore Monmouth’s local environment and require them to apply their new understandings of earth science and environmental education. Prerequisite: Junior standing.

MCTE 320. Elementary Social Studies Methods 0.5 course credit

This course presents various approaches to plan and implement effective social studies instruction in elementary grades. An inquiry-based program is employed as a means of providing appropriate social science learning experiences in the classroom with emphasis on curriculum, varied and grade-appropriate materials. Prerequisite: Junior standing.

MCTE 321. Geography & Community 0.5 course credit

This course will provide students with foundational knowledge in the field of geography. Through participation in and exploration of the local geography and community, students in this course will complete hands-on projects requiring them apply their new understandings. Students will also be introduced to the concept of community mapping and how geography and community are intertwined. Prerequisite: Junior standing.

MCTE 325. Children’s Texts and Grammar 1.0 course credit

This course will provide students with foundational knowledge related to language, grammar, and texts that is needed to teach elementary language arts. High-quality children’s literature will be explored both in terms of its content and themes as well as its unique use of story grammar. A strong emphasis will be placed on determining and understanding text complexity and readability. Prerequisite: EDST 205, junior standing.

MCTE 333. Practicum: 9-12/K-12

The purpose of this practicum is to place candidates in classrooms where they will be involved directly In the teaching-learning process. In addition to assisting teachers in related educational instructional activities including tutoring Individual students and/or small groups of students, candidates will plan and present a series of lessons Intended for the whole class. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing. Co-requisite: MCTE 200, 300, 305, 312, 350 &/or content area methods course(s).

MCTE 350. Principles and Strategies of Middle Level Teaching 1.0 course credit

A study of the history of the middle school movement, research associated with middle grades instruction and institutional settings, and research into the needs and attributes of middle grades students. Candidates will recognize how various instructional, interpersonal, and institutional elements can work together to inform the complicated, yet exciting, dynamics of the middle grades classroom. Candidates will collaboratively develop cross-curricular instructional plans, integrate technology for teaching and learning, and explore instructional techniques which emphasize student-centered, active learning. Prerequisite: MCTE 200. Co-requisite: MCTE 333.

MCTE 351. Adolescent Psychology 1.0 course credit

A study of the developmental characteristics typical of young adolescents. Theories exploring the biological, cognitive and social needs of these young students are studied to aid classroom teachers in understanding classroom dynamics. Prerequisite: MCTE 200 and junior standing. MCTE 370. Secondary Drama Theatre Curriculum and Instruction 1.0 course credit A study of the curriculum, teaching methods, and instructional materials pertinent to secondary school drama/theatre programs. Applying theory and research from theatre arts education to the planning and implementing of instruction is stressed. Prerequisite: MCTE 200. Co-requisite: MCTE 333.

MCTE 371. Secondary English Curriculum and Instruction 1.0 course credit

A study of the curriculum, teaching methods, and instructional materials pertinent to secondary school English programs. Applying theory and research from English education to the planning and implementing of instruction is stressed. Prerequisite: MCTE 200. Co-requisite: MCTE 333.

MCTE 372. Secondary Mathematics Curriculum and Instruction 1.0 course credit

A study of the curriculum, teaching methods, and instructional materials pertinent to secondary school mathematics programs. Applying theory and research from mathematics education to the planning and implementing of instruction is stressed. Prerequisite: MCTE 200. Co-requisite: MCTE 333.

MCTE 374. Secondary Social Science Curriculum and Instruction 1.0 course credit

A study of the curriculum, teaching methods, and instructional materials pertinent to secondary school social science programs. Applying theory and research from social science education to the planning and implementing of instruction is stressed. Prerequisite: MCTE 200. Co-requisite: MCTE 333.

MCTE 375. Foreign Language Curriculum and Instruction 1.0 course credit

A study of the curriculum, teaching methods, and instructional materials pertinent to secondary school foreign language programs. Applying theory and research from foreign language education to the planning and implementing of instruction is stressed. Prerequisite: MCTE 200. Co-requisite: MCTE 333.

MCTE 376. Elementary Music Curriculum and Instruction 0.5 course credit

This course presents various approaches to plan and implement effective music instruction in grades K-8. An inquiry-based program is employed as a means of providing appropriate musical learning experience in the classroom with emphasis on singing and functional piano technique. Prerequisite: MCTE 200. Co-requisite: MCTE 333.

MCTE 377. Elementary Physical Ed Curriculum and Instruction 1.0 course credit

This course presents various approaches to plan and implement effective physical education instruction in grades K-8. An inquiry-based program is employed as a means of providing appropriate physical education learning experiences in the classroom with emphasis on motor development principles as they relate to specific program content. Prerequisite: MCTE 200. Co-requisite: MCTE 333.

MCTE 386. Secondary Vocal Music Curriculum and Instruction 0.5 course credit

A study of the curriculum, teaching methods, and instructional materials pertinent to secondary school vocal music programs. Applying theory and research form vocal music education to the planning and implementing of instruction is stressed. Prerequisite: MCTE 200. Co-requisite: MCTE 333.

MCTE 387. Secondary Physical Ed Curriculum and Instruction 1.0 course credit

A study of the curriculum, teaching methods, and instructional materials pertinent to secondary school physical education programs. Applying theory and research from physical education to the planning and implementing of instruction is stressed. Prerequisite: MCTE 200. Co-requisite: MCTE 333.

MCTE 396. Secondary Instrumental Music Curriculum and Instruction 0.5 course credit

A study of the curriculum, teaching methods, and instructional materials pertinent to secondary school instrumental music programs. Applying theory and research form instrumental music education to the planning and implementing of instruction is stressed. Prerequisite: MCTE 200. Co-requisite: MCTE 333.

MCTE 399. Individual/Group Study 0.5 to 1.0 course credit

Individual or small-group study of special topics in teacher education under the guidance of an instructor. Prerequisite: Approval of the department chair.

MCTE 402. Educational Technology—Elementary 0.5 course credit

This course is an introduction to the underlying principles of, and methods for, effective integration of educational technologies in elementary classroom practice. This course will develop pre-service teachers’ knowledge of specific technologies designed for instructional practice (such as SMART boards and educational software) as well as communication technologies with educational uses (such as iPads, Google docs, and blogs). Students will connect this new technological knowledge to their prerequisite work in theories of learning and in content-area methods in order to practice integrating appropriate educational technologies for specific learning goals.

MCTE 405. Advanced Elementary Reading and Writing 1.0 course credit

In-depth exploration into developmentally appropriate methods and practices for teaching literacy in elementary classrooms, adapting these methods to meet the individual needs of diverse groups of children, and diagnosing and correcting the reading and writing difficulties of elementary children in a classroom setting. Prerequisite: EDST 205, EDST 220, and junior standing. Co-requisite: MCTE 406.

MCTE 406. Practicum for Advanced Elementary Reading and Writing

The purpose of this practicum is to place teacher education candidates in classrooms where they will be directly involved in elementary literacy instruction. Candidates will observe relevant teaching strategies and techniques as well as students’ learning styles. They will also assist teachers in relevant literacy instruction activities including tutoring individual students and/or small groups of students. Co-requisite: MCTE 405.

MCTE 410. Elementary Math Methods 1.0 course credit

This course presents various approaches to plan and implement effective mathematics instruction in elementary grades. A conceptually-based program is employed as a means of providing appropriate mathematical learning experiences in the classroom. Prerequisite: EDST 110, MATH 210, MATH 211, and junior standing. Co-requisite: MCTE 411.

MCTE 411. Practicum for Elementary Math Methods

The purpose of this practicum is to place teacher education candidates in classrooms where they will be directly involved in elementary mathematics instruction. Candidates will observe relevant teaching strategies and techniques as well as students’ learning styles. They will also assist teachers in relevant mathematics instruction activities including tutoring individual students and/or small groups of students. Co-requisite: MCTE 410.

MCTE 455. Elementary P. E. & Health Methods 0.25 course credit

This course will provide elementary teacher candidates with foundational knowledge in the field of physical education, health education, and fine arts. Included will be an overview of the methods and materials used in elementary settings. Emphasis will also be placed on interdisciplinary curricular integration.

MCTE 460. Primary-Level Whole-Class Practicum 0.25 course credit

The purpose of this practicum is to place teacher education candidates in primary-level elementary classrooms where they will be involved directly in the teaching-learning process. In addition to activities such as observing and learning about research-based whole-class instruction, students will plan and present a series of lessons intended for the whole class. Prerequisite: EDST 220, MCTE 405, MCTE 410, and junior standing. Co-requisite: MCTE 465.

MCTE 465. Intermediate-Level Whole-Class Practicum 0.25 course credit

The purpose of this practicum is to place teacher education candidates in intermediate-level elementary classrooms where they will be involved directly in the teaching- learning process. In addition to activities such as observing and learning about research-based whole-class instruction, students will plan and present a series of lessons intended for the whole class. Prerequisite: EDST 220, MCTE 405, MCTE 410, and junior standing. Co-requisite: MCTE 460.