At least 50% of the total institutional degree is offered by distance learning methods. Some courses are presented in traditional evening sessions. Other courses are a combination of a few class meetings (4-6) per semester plus on line communication. Some courses are completely on line, and others are through independent study with the faculty member.
Classes are offered in Redbud Theater on the TWU Denton campus and on-line. The target market is the North Texas region; it is not designed for out of state residents.
The TWU Master of Arts degree plan requires 42 hours for successful completion. The typical time frame is 2 years and the course rotation is set up to demonstrate that. The courses indicated by * below are mandated; all others are electives.
Course Schedule
Fall 2009
DRAM 5483 Theatre History I *
DRAM 5521 Theatre in Performance *
DRAM 5533 Adv. Theatrical Design I (Scenery)
DRAM 5543 Speech for the Stage
DRAM 5901 Sound for the Theatre
DRAM 5903 Selected Topics: Characterization
DRAM 5903 Prob. In Production: Periods & Styles
DRAM 5973 Professional Paper
Spring 2010
DRAM 5403 Prob. In Production: Make-up
DRAM 5493 Theatre History II *
DRAM 5513 Theatre Management
DRAM 5521 Theatre in Performance *
DRAM 5533 Adv. Theatrical Design II (Costume)
DRAM 5903 Selected Topics: Directing Methods
DRAM 5973 Professional Paper
Fall 2010
DRAM 5403 Prob. In Production: Make-up
DRAM 5433 Contemporary Theatre History *
DRAM 5503 Styles of Acting
DRAM 5521 Theatre in Performance *
DRAM 5533 Adv. Theatrical Design I (Scenery)
DRAM 5901 Selected Topics: Stage Management
DRAM 5903 Selected Topics: Advanced Directing
DRAM 5903 Selected Topics: History of Musical Theatre
DRAM 5903 Selected Topics: Advanced Playwriting
DRAM 5973 Professional Paper
Spring 2011
DRAM 5403 Prob. In Production:
DRAM 5473 Dramatic Theory & Analysis *
DRAM 5521 Theatre in Performance *
DRAM 5533 Adv.Theatrical Design II (Costume)
DRAM 5973 Professional Paper *
Teaching Format
A combination of teaching methodology is employed including lecture, group discussions, reading, research, video viewing and practical application of knowledge to theater practice. Student-to-student interaction is facilitated through online discussion activities and electronic communication tools. Student-to-instructor interaction is supported through electronic communication tools and regular communications in the online environment. Faculty are available through these communication mechanisms according to the information provided in each course syllabi.
An example of instructional method is described below. Face to face contact is required in hands on areas of acting and directing. Limited face to face contact in design courses enable students to be in a professional or educational theatre setting. Subjects like Theory and Criticism and Women in Theatre which require no face to face student-faculty contact are offered electronically.
DRAM 5483 – Theatre History I is taught in the evenings with a combination of lecture, discussions, research, video and oral presentations.
DRAM 5903 - Playwriting is taught solely on-line through lecture, group discussions, writing exercises and critical analysis of an original play.
DRAM 5903- Costume and Scenic Design Projects are by contract in independent study with the instructor to include literary and library research and critical analysis of a play and its application of the elements of design in theater.
Faculty
Ms. Sharon Benge, Tenured Professor, Program Director for Drama
Dr. Patrick Bynane, Tenure track, Assistant Professor
Ms. Rhonda Gorman, Assistant Professor
Mr. Steven Young, Assistant Professor
Mr. Michael Stephens, staff, technical theater support
Facilities, Equipment, and Library Resources
TWU facilities and library resources support this initiative. Face-to-Face classes are offered in the new Redbud Theater Complex on the TWU Denton campus. TWU’s library has a great amount of online resources that are available to students throughout the program. Existing infrastructure and distance delivery mechanisms currently in place are used to support the program. In January 2007, TWU inaugurated a new theater complex with the state of the art costume and scenic shop, classroom and theater facilities with new equipment and technology. The TWU library has 94,000 volumes in electronic texts many of which are suitable for drama. It also has 100 online data bases most with full text journal articles. Also useful is the International Bibliography of Theater and Dance as well as The Academic Search Premiere program for newspaper full texts on line.
page last updated 1/15/2012 5:00 PM