Courses at the 400-level
Dancers apply the fundamentals of choreography to create examples of preclassical and modern dance. These dances are presented in a demonstration workshop at the end of the semester.
3 credit hours
- DANC 304
Students select a topic and undertake concentrated research under the supervision of a faculty advisor.
1-3 credit hours
- Demonstration of superior ability and initiative in previous dance courses; and consent of instructor, department chair, and dean.
The student, working with a faculty advisor, selects a specific form or style in dance to which the work is restricted. Evidence of performance is presented during the student choreography showcase.
3 credit hours
- Demonstration of superior ability and initiative in previous dance courses; and consent of instructor, department chair, and dean.
A continuation of MUS 308, this course further develops the student's technical skill in choral and instrumental conducting.
3 credit hours
- or consent of department chair
The theoretical and compositional techniques of twentieth-century composers is studied.
3 credit hours
- or consent of instructor
Students conduct independent research and write a final paper under the supervision of a faculty member. This course may be repeated once for credit with a change in topic.
3 credit hours
- Junior or senior standing and consent of department chair and dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences
Students conduct an independent study project and write a final paper under the supervision of a faculty member. This course may be repeated once for credit with a change in topic.
3 credit hours
- Junior or senior standing and consent of department chair and dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences
This is a half-hour solo recital of representative literature. Students must be enrolled in Applied Music in the semester in which the recital is performed.
0 credit hours
- 12 credit hours (six semesters) of Applied Music in the appropriate instrument
This is a one-hour solo recital of representative literature. Students must be enrolled in Applied Music in the semester in which the recital is performed.
0 credit hours
- 21 credit hours (seven semesters) of Applied Music in the appropriate instrument.
- MUS 391
Principles and practices of teaching music at elementary and secondary levels are presented. This practicum includes learning theory and teaching methods, teaching students with special needs, and observation and participation in teaching.
4 credit hours
- For undergraduate students: MUS 105, MUSE 212, successful completion of sight singing and keyboard proficiency, or consent of department chair.
- For graduate students: admission to a music education teacher preparation program and successful completion of sight singing and keyboard proficiency.
Principles and practices of teaching choral music at elementary and secondary levels are presented. This practicum includes learning theory and teaching methods, teaching students with special needs, and observation and participation in teaching.
4 credit hours
- Prerequisite for undergraduate students: MUSE 412, with minimum grade of B-, and admission to music education teacher preparation program.
- Prerequisite for graduate students: MUSE 412, with minimum grade of B.
Principles and practices of teaching instrumental music at elementary and secondary levels are presented. This practicum includes learning theory and teaching methods, classroom observation, and participation in teaching.
4 credit hours
- Prerequisite for undergraduate students: MUSE 413, with minimum grade of B-, and admission to music education teacher preparation program.
- Prerequisite for graduate students: MUSE 413, with minimum grade of B.
Student teaching is offered at the elementary and secondary levels.
9 credit hours
- Satisfactory completion of MUSE 413 and all major and professional courses required prior to student teaching
- Concurrent enrollment in MUSE 460
- Cumulative GPA of 2.5 a full semester prior to student teaching
- Completion of technology competency requirement
- Completion of community service requirement
- Negative result from the required tuberculin test
Students develop teacher behaviors appropriate to effective music education instruction, including classroom and time management, effective communication, knowledge of different learning styles, and teaching strategies.
1 credit hours
- Concurrent enrollment in MUSE 424
Focus is on alternative modes of readers theatre, including selection, adaptation, and presentation of material. Included are casting, rehearsing, performing, and directing techniques.
3 credit hours
- 60 credit hours of undergraduate courses
- or consent of department chair
The skills needed by a technical director in both commercial and noncommercial theatre are introduced and developed.
3 credit hours
- 60 credit hours of undergraduate courses, including THTR 232, or consent of department chair
The design process as it relates to the production as a whole is explored. Designer's concepts are translated into practical, theatrical, visual terms through sketching, mechanical drawings, and model building.
3 credit hours
- 60 credit hours of undergraduate courses, including THTR 330, or consent of department chair.
The art and technology of theatrical sound are explored. Topics include recording, editing, and reinforcement techniques and equipment. May be repeated once for credit.
3 credit hours
- 60 credit hours of undergraduate courses, including THTR 232 and 330, or consent of department chair
Theoretical and practical design concepts, civil dress history, and characterizations are studied through theatre application and projects.
3 credit hours
- 60 credit hours of undergraduate courses, including THTR 330, or consent of department chair
- or consent of the department chair
Lighting for the stage is explored.
3 credit hours
- 60 credit hours of undergraduate courses, including THTR 330, or consent of department chair
Techniques of makeup, chart construction, and research are studied. Twenty hours of laboratory experience on a major Rhode Island College Theatre production are required.
3 credit hours
- THTR 110 or consent of department chair
Focus is on the responsibilities of a stage manager for both commercial and noncommercial theatre and dance companies.
3 credit hours
- 60 credit hours of under-graduate courses, including THTR 105, 110, and 217, or consent of department chair.
The basic principles and techniques of scenic painting are examined. May be repeated once for credit.
3 credit hours
- 60 credit hours of undergraduate courses, including THTR 330, or consent of department chair.
The problems of organizing and publicizing the performing arts, and the coordination and administration of staff, budgets, and facilities are explored. This course may be counted as a management elective with consent of the advisor.
3 credit hours
- one 300-level course in art, dance, music, or theatre; or consent of department chair
The actor is trained in the performance of Greek tragedy, commedia dell'arte, and the plays of Moliére.
3 credit hours
- THTR 221
- THTR 222
- THTR 320
- THTR 321
- or consent of department chair
The actor is trained in the performance of Elizabethan and Jacobean tragedy and comedy, Restoration comedy, and nineteenth-century melodrama and farce.
3 credit hours
- THTR 221
- THTR 222
- THTR 320
- THTR 321
- or consent of department chair
Through the selection, preparation, presentation, evaluation, and coaching of audition materials, students improve their auditioning skills.
3 credit hours
- 60 credit hours of undergraduate courses, including THTR 105, 220, 221, 222, 320, and 321
- or consent of department chair
Basic play interpretation, casting, rehearsal procedures, and other directorial duties are covered. Student-directed scenes involve problems in composition, movement, tempo, and rhythm. (Formerly THTR 325.)
3 credit hours
- THTR 105
- THTR 110
- THTR 320
- THTR 321
- or consent of department chair
Improvised drama is explored as a process in fostering creative expression in children and youth in a variety of educational and community settings. (Formerly THTR 330.)
3 credit hours
- theatre majors: 60 credit hours of undergraduate course work or consent of department chair. Elementary education students
- ELED 300 or consent of department chair.
The theoretical aspects involved in the selection and preparation of scripts, casting, rehearsing, and production of theatre for and with children and youth are explored. (Formerly THTR 335.)
3 credit hours
- THTR 430
- or consent of department chair
Students examine the development of the physical theatre and of dramatic art from their origins to 1800. THTR 440 and 441 do not have to be taken in sequential order. (Formerly History of Theatre I: Origins to 1625.)
4 credit hours
- Two 200-level theatre courses
- or consent of department chair
Students examine the development of the physical theatre and of dramatic art from 1800 to the present. THTR 440 and 441 do not have to be taken in sequential order. (Formerly History of Theatre: 1625 to 1875.)
4 credit hours
- two 200-level theatre courses or consent of department chair
The development of the physical theatre and of dramatic art from 1875 to the present is studied. Attendance at theatre productions is required. THTR 440, 441, and 442 do not have to be taken in sequential order. (Formerly Modern Theatre.)
3 credit hours
- 60 credit hours of undergraduate courses or consent of department chair
A selected area of theatre is explored in depth, culminating in a major research paper and oral presentation.
3 credit hours
- THTR 221, 222, 320, 321; 30 credit hours of theatre courses; or consent of department chair
Students gain a comprehensive understanding of theatre arts through on-the-job training. Full-time work with an approved theatre company is required. Grading is H, S, or U.
9 credit hours
- THTR 105 and 110; open only to theatre majors (1) who are juniors or seniors, and (2) who have GPA of 3.00 in the major and minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00. Application must be made one semester prior to the period of internship
The student actor and student technician are trained in the touring process. Focus is on vivid material and concept, movement, and dialogue, rather than on technical production. (Formerly THTR 377.)
3 credit hours
- For student actors: THTR 105, 110, 220, 221, 222, 320, 321, and consent of department chair.
- For student technicians: THTR 105, 110, 411, and one course from THTR 412, 414, 415, 417 and consent of department chair.
Students work on RIC theatre productions under faculty supervision (in performance, technical theatre, costumes/ makeup, or stage/theatre management). This course must be taken twice. Grading is S or U. (Formerly Theatre Production.)
1 credit hours
- THTR 378
- or consent of department chair
Scholarly research culminating in a thesis paper is required. This course may be repeated once for credit with a change in content.
3 credit hours
- unior or senior standing and consent of department chair and dean
A project and a written report of the procedures followed in accomplishing the project are required. This course may be repeated once for credit with a change in content.
3 credit hours
- junior or senior standing and consent of department chair and dean
A design project and a written report of the procedures followed in accomplishing the project are required. This course may be repeated once for credit with a change in content
3 credit hours
- junior or senior standing and consent of department chair and dean
A directing project and a written report of the procedures followed in accomplishing the project are required. This course may be repeated once for credit with a change in content.
3 credit hours
- Junior or senior standing and consent of department chair and dean


