Intensive practice in writing and discussing philosophy and in applying philosophical methods to key problems raised in essays written by members of the philosophy department. The spring semester course must be taken by the end of the student's sophomore year unless the department grants a deferral or the student declares the major itself during the spring of her sophomore year. Minors are encouraged but not required to take the class. Prerequisite: Two college courses in philosophy, one of which may be taken concurrently, or permission of the instructor.

Topics Course: This course explores—through reading, viewing and making,—theatre created using documentary sources, including interviews, found texts, historical documents, and other sources. We will explore the dramatic, social, and political implications of this work, while considering notions of authenticity and authority derived from direct testimony, documentary sources, and community involvement. We will also explore the tension between maintaining truth and creating dramatic shape, theatricality, and audience engagement.

Topics Course: Lab section.

Topics Course: Using choreopoem acting and ensemble techniques, students in this course (actors, writers, designers, musicians) will develop a site-specific music-theatre piece at the Ada and Archibald MacLeish Field Station. Over the course of the semester, students will work on performance techniques and do research at the Center for Environment, Ecological Design and Sustainability (CEEDS) to develop the text and music framework.

Intermediate and advanced script projects. Prerequisite: 361. Limited enrollment, by permission of the instructer

The means and methods of the writer for television and the cinema. Analysis of the structure and dialogue of a few selected films. Prerequisite: 261 or 262 or permission of the instructor. Enrollment limited to 12. Writing sample required.

The integration of the design elements of line, texture, color, gesture and movement into unified production styles. Further study of the history of clothing, movement in costume, construction techniques and rendering. Production work may be required outside of the class meeting time. Prerequisites: 254 and P.

This course further explores light as a tool to illuminate, sculpt and articulate ideas and their execution on and off stage. We examine various contemporary approaches to designing for a diverse range of performing arts such as drama, dance, concert and opera. We also probe light as an expressive medium in creative realms beyond theatrical venues, and investigate its role in cinematography, digital animation, architecture, interior design, industrial design, etc.

Advanced aspects of directing for the stage. Structural analysis of dramatic texts, with emphasis on articulating a unique vision for a text. Work on problems of visual composition, rehearsal techniques and development, in collaboration with actors and designers, of the inner score of action and its physical expression the stage. Prerequisites: Directing I. In addition, Acting II (THE 242) and a 200-level design class are strongly recommended. Permission of the instructor required.

This course focuses upon interpretative approaches to performance pieces (texts, scores, improvisations, etc.) and how they may be realized and animated through characterization, composition, movement, rhythm and style. Prerequisites: Acting I or FLS 280. Permission of instructor required. Enrollment limited to 12.