THR 500: Introduction to Graduate Study in Dramaturgy

This course surveys the field of theatre scholarship, introducing students to research tools, research methods, critical writing, and scholarly values. Discussions include reference to basic texts in dramatic literature and representative research problems.

Prerequisite: Admission to graduate program

Fall, 3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

THR 505: Dramaturgy I: Production Dramaturgy

An introduction to production dramaturgy in which students explore the types of research and concept development necessary to prepare already produced scripts for performance. Research tools and methods, investigations of cultural and social history, critical writing, and issues in adaptation and translation are discussed. Means of facilitating communication within a production team and between actors, designers, and directors are examined. Other topics include season planning, promotion and publicity, educational outreach materials, preparation of protocols, post-play discussion, and other audience development techniques.

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

Fall, 3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

THR 506: Dramaturgy II: Literary Management

Examining the roles of the literary manager in the contemporary theatre, this course explores the process of new play development and the preparation of a new play for production. The ability to read and write sensitively about new plays, reading new plays and preparing sophisticated play reports, how to talk to playwrights about their plays, and how to facilitate discussions with directors and actors as they encounter a play for the first time are issues examined in this course. New plays from a variety of venues, including professional theatres in New York City, are read and discussed, and the process of developing new plays from staged readings through public performances are studied.

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

Spring, 3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

THR 507: Dramaturgy of Process: New Play Development Workshop

This course for advanced students of Dramaturgy allows them to apply practical theatre skills to the development of new work. Students will assist in the workshop production of a new play. This will explore NPD prcess as it exists in the American Regional Theatre, and learn the practical skills of running a play-reading series, commissioning new plays, communicating with playwrights, casting and marketing.

3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

THR 510: Western Theatre History

Theatre forms in the Western tradition, from ancient to modern. This course is centered on a particular critical or theoretic problem or theme. It may be repeated as an independent study with the permission of the instructor.

3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

May be repeated for credit.

THR 511: Far Eastern Theatre and Drama

Course surveys the traditional theatre of three Far Eastern (China, Korea, and Japan) as related to: its history, dramatic literature (Yuan drama and Beijing Opera of China; Pongsan Korean Masked Dance-Drama; a Noh play cycle, Kabuki, and Joruri Puppet Theatre of Japan), point of departure will be: the Eastern world view (namely Shemanism, Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism) and theatre; the concept of the actor's body and mind as a microcosmic presentation of a macrocosmic universe; his performance as an act of becoming one with the macrocosm; and the total nature of all performing arts elements harmoniously operating together in creating beauty on stage.

Spring, 3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

May be repeated 2 times FOR credit.

THR 520: Western Dramatic Literature

Course surveys forms of Western drama, with particular reference to theatrical performance. Focus is placed on key periods and themes such as gender issues, political violence, death and dying, love, etc. May be repeated once.

Spring, odd years, 3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

May be repeated 2 times FOR credit.

THR 521: South and Southeast Asian Theatre and Drama

Surveying the traditional and modern theatre of South and Southeastern Asian (India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia, Tibet, Nepal, and Bhutan) as related to: it's mythic origins, history, dramatic literature, aesthetic theory, ritual functions, conventions of productions and actor training. The point of departure will be cosmology, especially that of Hinduism, and world view of the people.

Fall, 3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

May be repeated 2 times FOR credit.

THR 523: Theatre in New York

A workshop seminar on contemporary, alternative performance forms and mainstream theatre. Emphasis on the development of critical perspectives and the writing skills needed to articulate them through seminar discussions and writing workshops relevant to performances seen on trips to theatres in New York and the region.

Spring, 3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

THR 525: Topics in Theatre and Drama

Intensive studies of selected forms of theatre and drama from various countries and periods, designed to supplement rather than repeat areas of study already undertaken in the curriculum. May be repeated.

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

Fall or Spring, alternate years, 1-3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

May be repeated for credit.

THR 530: Directed Reading in Theatre and Drama

Students read and evaluate the literature on a topic of special academic interest under the supervision of a faculty member. May be repeated.

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

Fall and Spring, 1-3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

May be repeated for credit.

THR 535: Theories of Theatre

Theories of the theatre, from the ancient to the contemporary, are read critically to develop a complex and varied conception of the philosophical basis underlying approaches to the theatre. Theorists read might include Aristotle, Plato, Diderot, Rousseau, Nietzsche, Artaud, Brecht, Stanislavski, Grotowski, Barba, Mnouchkine, Suzuki, and Zeami.

Fall, alternate years, 3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

THR 540: Design Theory and Practice

Course surveys principal design areas, providing information about aesthetic theory and methods of stage design. Students address design problems and analyze a topic in design theory in conjunction with readings and instruction.

Fall, 3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

THR 550: Teaching Seminar

Supervised student teaching of undergraduate courses accompanied by a seminar in methods and strategies of teaching theatre arts at the University level. An independent teaching project, in which the student works with a particular faculty member, may be substituted.

Fall or Spring, 3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

THR 560: Acting Theory and Practice

Course surveys the field of acting-its history, formal principles, primary techniques, and contemporary practice. Students develop course papers and, or projects in conjunction with advanced readings and instruction.

Spring, alternate years, 3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

THR 570: Directing Theory and Practice

Course surveys the art and craft of the Director, with focus on contemporary practices of directing and approaches to pedagogy. Students will write papers and develop projects in conjunction with advanced reading and instruction.

3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

THR 575: Adaptation Workshop

This course is an intense examination of a playwright or group of plays with the object of preparing a new adaptation or stage version. The course will study a text or group of texts, important criticism, notable or significant translation and/or adaptations, stage productions and/or film versions. Students will submit an outline or rough draft of their new version at the end of the course.

Offered in Spring, 3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

May be repeated for credit.

THR 589: M.F.A. Thesis

Independent study and research for M.F.A. Dramaturgy students, on practical or theoretical topics related to the field of dramturgy. Development of materials for this research paper may be related to the students M.F.A. Project or other dramaturgical pursuits. 3 credits, S/U grading

3 credits, S/U grading

May be repeated for credit.

THR 590: M.A. Thesis

Independent study and research for M.A. students, on special topics, theoretical or cultural issues, or problems. Development of material for research paper.

1-3 credits, S/U grading

May be repeated for credit.

THR 591: Independent Project

Special project allowing advanced individual work in an area of theatre study or practice. Must be scheduled by arrangement with instructor. Should result in an advanced paper or project report. May be repeated.

1-3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

May be repeated for credit.

THR 625: Theory and Criticism

Study of major issues in dramatic theory and criticism and in performance theory. May be repeated for up to six credits with instructor's permission.

Spring, alternate years, 3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

May be repeated 2 times FOR credit.

THR 630: Dramaturgy Colloquium

Through interaction with theatre professionals, students develop independent projects around topics of common concern to the profession, and develop strategies for implementing alternate plans for improving and developing theatre. May be repeated.

Fall or Spring, alternate years, 3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

May be repeated for credit.

THR 635: Theories of Performance

This course examines different theories of performance as they relate to theatre and everyday life. Students explore ways of thinking about the performing body and different modes of cultural expression. There is a performing component to the course in addition to a final paper.

3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

May be repeated 2 times FOR credit.

THR 636: Topics in Performance Studies

The history and theories of performance are explored. Seminars may focus on the performing body, performance and political change, avant-garde performance, performing and cognitive science, virtual performance, performance and identity. Depending on the topic, there may be a performance component and/or computer based projects.

Fall or Spring, alternate years, 3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

May be repeated for credit.

THR 638: Directing I - Principles of Directing

This course will focus on the analytical, organizational and creative processes necessary to be a director. Topics include: the role of the director and the collaborative process; the history of directing; script analysis and interpretation/ concept; stage, space and composition; visual interpretation and working with designers; casting and working with actors; working with dramaturges; and rehearsal and technical process.

Offered

Fall, 3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

THR 639: Directing II - Advanced Directing

This course will build upon the work covered in Directing I and will focus on advanced problems in Directing, including advanced scene work, period styles, alternative forms, and the challenges of contemporary drama and or alternative performance. Prerequisite: THR638 Offered

Spring, 3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

THR 640: Theatre Design Workshop

Advanced assignments in theatre design. May include design work on departmental productions. May be repeated once.

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

Fall, 3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

May be repeated 2 times FOR credit.

THR 650: Playwrighting Workshop

Students write and discuss original plays, evaluate their work, study techniques of composition and formal organization, and develop strategies for audience communication. Advanced students may study techniques for revision and the development of material for performance. Some plays may be selected for department production.

Fall, 3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

THR 651: Playwriting Workshop II

With the instructor of record, the student will develop a plan for addressing problems or the boundaries of approaches to creative work specific to his or her needs for continued development as a playwright. As deemed appropriate by the instructor, the student will work on a full length or one-act play or scenes.

Offered in Fall, 3 credits, S/U grading

May be repeated for credit.

THR 660: Acting Workshop

Intensive advanced study in a particular acting technique, such as Kutiyattam, Suzuki, musical theatre, Brecht, etc. Offered in conjunction with departmental productions. May be repeated.

Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

Fall or Spring, alternate years, 3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

May be repeated for credit.

THR 670: Directing Workshop

Advanced training in directing, which may involve concentrated scene work, formal experiments in performance, work on period styles and problems, or preparation of performances for public showing. May be repeated once.

Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor

Fall or Spring, alternate years, 3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

May be repeated 2 times FOR credit.

THR 680: Dramaturgy Workshop

Students serve as dramaturgs for the production of a play, providing research support, studying editorial and interpretive techniques, attending rehearsals, and developing program materials for the audience.

Fall or Spring, 3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

May be repeated for credit.

THR 690: Professional Internship

A full-term internship at a professional theatre. Students should submit an internship description in the first month of work, then a journal or evaluation of their work experience.

Prerequisite: Permission of graduate studies director

Spring, 3 credits, S/U grading

THR 691: M.F.A. Project

The project is to be undertaken at a professional theatre or as part of the mainstage production season at Stony Brook University. Students submit a proposal for a project in which they have a major responsibility as an assistant dramaturg on a production or an equivalent position. All proposals for projects outside of the university must be submitted in writing to the faculty supervisor and graduate program director for approval.

Fall, Spring, 3 credits, Letter graded (A, A-, B+, etc.)

THR 692: M.F.A. Thesis

Independent study and research for M.F.A. students, on special topics, theoretical or cultural issues, or problems. Development of material for research paper.

1-3 credits, S/U grading

May be repeated for credit.

THR 800: Summer Research

Independent study and research on special topics or problems related to work on the M.A. or M.F.A. degree. May be repeated.

S/U grading

May be repeated 2 times FOR credit.

THR 850: Summer Teaching

Supervised student teaching of undergraduate courses accompanied by a tutorial in methods and strategies of teaching theatre arts at the University level.

S/U grading