This course will focus on the writings of Black political thinkers in the Americas, Africa and Europe. Through critical examination of the conditions against, and contexts within, which the discourses of these thinkers are situated, this course hopes to arrive at some understanding of the principles, goals and strategies developed to contest and redefine the notions of citizenship (vis-à-vis the imperatives of race/racism and the global colonial formation), humanity, development, democracy, and freedom.

An introduction to the art and work of the set designer in the performing arts. Students will learn how a designer approaches a script, how this work impacts a production, and what means are used in the execution of the process. They will learn how to develop their own visual imaginations and how to create visual concepts through discussions, renderings, models and some hand drafting. No previous experience in theatre, performance, or the visual arts is required.

A study of some of Shakespeare's plays emphasizing the poetic and dramatic aspects of his art, with attention to the historical context and close, careful reading of the language. Eight or nine plays.

A historical survey of dramatic texts and world performance traditions from the seventeenth to the twentieth centuries, with attention given to: the influence of print culture on early modern theatrical movements; the rise of nationalism and the creation of dramatic genres; and the effects of industry and technology on experimental modernist forms. Understanding performance as both artistic practice and social institution, this course emphasizes the role performance has played in changing audiences and as a cultural and political force.

This course introduces students to a range of vocal and physical techniques for creative expression in performance. Through a series of classroom exercises and performances, students develop a process for reducing habitual tensions, enabling them to find maximum effect with minimum effort, connect their movement and voice to imagery and text and increase the strength, flexibility and dynamic qualities of their voices and bodies. Techniques are drawn from a wide variety of voice and movement pedagogies including Linklater, Suzuki, Feldenkrais, Oida and Pisk.

This course will examine the materials and techniques used in building and operating theatrical scenery. It will include prop building, rigging, and welding for the theatre. Students will learn the skills to work in the scene shop interpreting scenic designs for department productions.

An introduction to the art and work of the costume designer in the performing arts. Students will learn how a designer approaches a script, how the designer's work impacts a production, and what methods are used in the execution of the design process. Students will learn how to develop their own visual imaginations and how to create visual concepts through discussions and renderings.

An introduction to performance through a variety of improvisational exercises designed for developing basic techniques. After exploring visual, aural, tactical, and literary performance sources, the students will rehearse and present two performance projects.

How do the theories of race and racism correlate with the lived experiences of people of color? In what ways are whites affected by a system that privileges whiteness? This course will explore the mind, behavior, and impact of racism on targeted and privileged racial groups and the subsequent movements of liberation from historical, conceptual, intrapersonal, and interpersonal levels.

Performance study - individual instruction.