DEPARTMENTAL OBJECTIVES
Speech Communication: The Department of Theatre and Speech Communication believes that effective oral communication is essential in our contemporary society. Therefore, the Department is committed to training students in the concepts and skills of speech communication.
Theatre: The Department has two basic inter-related goals in the theatre arts area of study. It strives to provide (a) classroom and (b) production experience to the students as a means of contributing to the development of their intellect and aesthetic sensitivity.
The academic goal of the Department is to provide every student at Bemidji State University with the basic opportunity to study the history of world theatre and the major genres and period of dramatic literature. Introductory courses in stage performance, technical theatre, and production design are also offered. Advanced courses in dramatic theory, production principles and design, and senior projects requiring knowledge of beginning research methodologies are open to qualified students. The academic curriculum of the Department, through its major revision in 1 989 and its further revision in 1 996 for conversion to semesters, reflects a significant reappraisal of performing arts within the humanities and a broader interdisciplinary intersect with the University. We believe strongly and implicit in the need to foster positive and productive understanding of the relationships among culturally diverse populations. The course in Asian theatre, in particulor, is intended to cause students to think more globally about the role culture plays in the way people think, feel and act.
The academic curriculum is designed to provide the broad general base of theatre knowledge within the context of the cultural background described above. Based on recent history, we also are committed to preparing theatre majors for graduate study, and thus incorporate numerous research and writing assignments in various courses. We also encourage students to take courses from other departments to enrich the r preparation: visual arts, vocal training, movement and dance, computer-assisted design, model building, electronics, history, literature, foreign languages, etc.