Drama Studies

Students at Mount Allison with an interest in drama have several options open to them. In all cases, the programs are designed to provide an education in drama rather than professional training for the theatre.

Interdisciplinary B.A. Programs

MINOR in Drama is 24 credits earned as follows:

3	from DRAM/ENGL 1701
6	from DRAM 2151, 2161, 3161
15	from CLAS 3201, 3211; DRAM 2151, 2161 or 3161 (if not counted above), 2669, 3669, 4669, 3001, 3151, 3171, 3201, 3301, 4011, 4951, 1991-4991; DRAM/ENGL 3841; ENGL 2211, 3211, 3311, 3431, 3551, 3561, 3611, 3621; MUSC 3201, 3271; SPAN 3321

MAJOR in Drama is 60 credits earned as follows:

Drama Core is 33 credits as follows:

3	from DRAM/ENGL 1701
15	from DRAM 2151, 2161, 3001, 3151, 3161
3	from DRAM 4011
9	from DRAM 3171, 1991-4991, 3201, 3301; COMM 3271
3	from DRAM 2669, 3669, 4669

Dramatic Literature

15 to 21

from CLAS 3201, 3211; DRAM 3301 (if not counted in the core courses), DRAM 4950*, 4951*; DRAM/ ENGL 3841; ENGL 2211, 3211, 3311, 3431, 3551, 3561, 3611 or 3621; SPAN 3321 and from the following when the topic is dramatic literature: English 4000 series; GERM 1991-4991; SPAN 3060, 4950/51

6 to 12

to be chosen in consultation with the Drama Program Advisor. The following are particularly recommended: ANTH 2231, 4421; COMM 3271 (if not counted in the core courses), 4301; DRAM 3201 (if not counted in the core courses), DRAM 3301 (if not counted in the core courses, or toward Dramatic Literature), 4011*, 1991-4991; English credits at the 1000 level, ENGL 3621, 3850, 3871, 3881, 3921; FINA 1901, 1911, 1921, 1931, FINH 2101, 2111; FREN 2601, 2801, 3801; GERM 2601, 2701; MUSC 1991-4991, 1001, 1011, 1101, 1111, 2011, 2679, 3201, 3271, 3301, 3679, 4679; SOCI 3451; and from the following courses when their subject is appropriate: ANTH 4901, 1991-4991; CANA 1991-4991, 4601, 4951; ENGL 1991-4991; FREN 4951; GERM 1991-4991, 4950/4951; SPAN 1991-4991, 4950/51

Note: Students may take DRAM 4011 and 4950-51 more than once provided the topic differs.

MINOR in Screen Studies and Popular Culture is 24 credits earned as follows:

9	from DRAM 1001, 2001, 4001
15	from CANA 2211, DRAM 3201, 3301, ENGL 3621, FINH 4091*, FREN 2801, GERM 2701, RELG 1661, 3971, DRAM 1991, 2991, 3991, 4991, SOCI 3451, 3811, including 3 from the 3/4000 level

Note: *Acceptable only in years when the Program Director approves that the content is relevant to the Minor.

Note: Students are responsible for ensuring that they have prerequisites for 2/3/4000 level courses.

Note: Students considering this minor should consult as early as possible with the Program Director regarding course planning for the prescribed program.

DRAMA COURSES

With the exceptions below, all descriptions of Drama courses available are given in the appropriate course description section. The only interdisciplinary drama courses offered are described below.

Note: The listing of a course in the Calendar is not a guarantee that the course is offered every year.

Note: Students must obtain a grade of at least C- in all courses used to fulfill prerequisite requirements. Otherwise, written permission of the appropriate Department Head or Program Co-ordinator must be obtained.

DRAM 1001 (3.00)

Introduction to Screen Studies

This course introduces the study of film and television from critical and technical perspectives. It explores how film and television are made, and industrial, cultural, political, and social factors that influence television and filmmaking, as well as various styles and genres. This course familiarizes students with the vocabulary of screen studies by examining topics such as directing, editing, mise-en-scene, costume, lighting, framing, composition, genre, and various modes of representation. By understanding how film and television work, students can interpret the ways that films, shows, series, and documentaries can inform, entertain, manipulate, or captivate the viewer. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours)

DRAM 1701 (3.00)

Introduction to Drama Studies

This course introduces conventions, forms, and devices of drama as they emerge under, and respond to, specific theatrical and cultural conditions. [Note 1: This course is cross-listed as ENGL 1701 and may be taken as three credits in either discipline.] (Format: Lecture 3 Hours) (Exclusion: DRAM/ENGL 2021)

DRAM 1991 (3.00)

Special Topic in Drama

This course either focuses on topics not covered by the current course offerings in a department or program or offers the opportunity to pilot a course that is being considered for inclusion in the regular program. [Note 1: Prerequisite set by Department/Program when the topic and level are announced. Note 2: When a Department or Program intends to offer a course under this designation, it must submit course information, normally at least three months in advance, to the Dean. Note 3: Students may register for DRAM 1991 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.] (Format: Variable)

DRAM 2001 (3.00)

Adaptation Studies: Page to Screen

Prereq: DRAM 1001; 3 credits from ENGL 1201, 1801; or permission of the Department
This course is an introduction to adaptation studies: the study of how narrative is reinterpreted from one medium (often text-based) to another (often visual-based). It introduces the specific aesthetics of film and television as compared to other media, including text and stage. Students will identify and develop discourse around key features of adaptation such as interpretation, evaluation, point of view, and characterization. This course also broadens students' understanding of the historical, political, cultural, and social contexts that impact interpretation, and determine how narratives are re-evaluated, manipulated, and redeployed to reflect dominant cultural values across different moments in history. This course introduces aspects of interpretation that are generally overlooked in mainstream film studies by using a range of different media, including novel excerpts, graphic novels, stage plays, video games, film, and TV. (Format: Lecture 3 hours)

DRAM 2151 (3.00)

Introduction to Acting

Prereq: DRAM/ENGL 1701; or permission of the Program Director
This course introduces the theory and practice of acting, and develops competence in script analysis and performance with a view to creating a dramatic role on stage. Dramatic improvisations and character and scene studies complement the exploration of the themes, structures, rhythms and subtext embedded in dramatic texts in order to prepare students for performance. (Format: Lecture/Workshop 3 Hours)

DRAM 2161 (3.00)

Theatre Production

Prereq: DRAM/ENGL 1701; or permission of the Program Director
This course allows students to develop competence in basic stagecraft, chiefly set construction, light and sound; in stage management, production management, technical direction, lighting and sound design; and in basic drafting and technical drawing.(Format: Lecture/Workshop 3 Hours) (Exclusion: Any version of DRAM 2161 previously offered with a different title)

DRAM 2991 (3.00)

Special Topic in Drama

This course either focuses on topics not covered by the current course offerings in a department or program or offers the opportunity to pilot a course that is being considered for inclusion in the regular program. [Note 1: Prerequisite set by Department/Program when the topic and level are announced. Note 2: When a Department or Program intends to offer a course under this designation, it must submit course information, normally at least three months in advance, to the Dean. Note 3: Students may register for DRAM 2991 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.] (Format: Variable)

DRAM 3001 (3.00)

Drama and Theatre Theory

Prereq: DRAM/ENGL 1701; or permission of the Program Director
This course introduces seminal theories of theatre practice and aesthetics, as well as the nature of theatrical presentation and representation, theatre semiotics and communication, performer training, and questions of impersonation and embodiment, spectatorship and reception. The course aims to enrich students' awareness of how performance participates in the transmission of culture and explores the intersection of theory and praxis. (Format: Lecture/Workshop 3 Hours) (Exclusion: Any version of DRAM 3001 previously offered with a different title)

DRAM 3151 (3.00)

Principles of Directing

Prereq: DRAM 2151; or permission of the Program Director
This course introduces students to the theory and practice of directing, diverse models of the director's role in the theatrical process, script analysis for directorial purposes, study of staging techniques, and techniques for working with actors. (Format: Lecture/Workshop 3 Hours) (Exclusion: DRAM 3051)

DRAM 3161 (3.00)

Theatre Design

Prereq: DRAM/ENGL 1701; or permission of the Program Director
This course explores theatre architecture, set design, costume design, scenic painting, properties, mask-making, and historical research in support of theatrical design. (Format: Lecture/Workshop 3 Hours) (Exclusion: DRAM 3061; any version of DRAM 3161 previously offered with a different title)

DRAM 3171 (3.00)

Acting Styles

Prereq: DRAM 2151; or permission of the Program Director
This course focuses on approaches to character creation and acting styles across diverse theatrical forms. It explores advanced acting techniques and principles as a way to approach non-realist dramatic literature and types of performance with a special emphasis on developing the students' knowledge and understanding of style in performance. The course addresses the particular demands made on the performer by styles such as Greek tragedy, choral performance, Shakespearean (tragedy and comedy), comedy of character, comedy of manners, Commedia dell'arte, farce, melodrama, Theatre of the Absurd, and physical theatre. (Format: Integrated Lecture and Workshop 3 Hours)

DRAM 3201 (3.00)

Trends in Contemporary Theatre

Prereq: DRAM/ENGL 1701; or third-year standing in the Interdisciplinary Drama Program; or permission of the Program Director
This course introduces students to late twentieth and early twenty-first century theatre practice. It complements the investigation of contemporary postdramatic theatre and its methods with study of historical and cultural influences as well as seminal theories of performance that inform the work of selected theatre makers, performance artists, directors, scenographers, and actors. (Format: Lecture/ Workshop 3 hours) (Exclusion: DRAM 3991 Trends in Stage Performance; any version of DRAM 3201 previously offered with a different title) (Format: Lecture/ Workshop 3 Hours)

DRAM 3301 (3.00)

Intercultural Theatre and Drama

Prereq: DRAM 1701; third-year standing in the Interdisciplinary Drama Program, or permission of the Program Director
This course investigates contrasting historical perspectives on interculturalism and examines dramatic literature, theatrical productions, and types of performance research as representative of different approaches to the bridging of cultures. It explores the contributions drama and theatre make to the evolution of individual and community identities, and engages topics such as cultural exchange, cultural imperialism, colonialism, cultural appropriation, cultural nationalism, ethno-centrism, cosmopolitanism, universalism, post-colonialism, diaspora, transnationalism, and cultural syncretism. (Format: Lecture 3 Hours) (Exclusion: DRAM 2991, 3991- Intercultural Theatre and Drama -15/WI, 16/FA)

DRAM 3841 (3.00)

Modern Canadian Drama

Prereq: DRAM 1701; 3 credits from ENGL at the 2000 level or third-year standing in the Interdisciplinary Drama Program; or permission of the Program Director
This course explores developments in Canadian theatre from the mid-1960s by looking at representative playwrights, plays, theatres, and movements. (Format: Lecture 3 hours) (Exclusion: ENGL 3991 Modern Canadian Drama)

DRAM 3991 (3.00)

Special Topic in Drama

Prereq: DRAM 1701; third-year standing in the Interdisciplinary Drama Program; or permission of the Program Director
This course either focuses on topics not covered by the current course offerings in a department or program or offers the opportunity to pilot a course that is being considered for inclusion in the regular program. [Note 1: Prerequisite set by Department/Program when the topic and level are announced. Note 2: When a Department or Program intends to offer a course under this designation, it must submit course information, normally at least three months in advance, to the Dean. Note 3: Students may register for DRAM 3991 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.] (Format: Variable)

DRAM 4001 (3.00)

Selected Topics in the History, Social, Or Cultural Areas of Screen Studies

Prereq: Third-year standing; DRAM 1001; DRAM 2001; or permission of the Department
This course examines closely one or more texts and themes from the historical, social, or cultural aspect of Screen Studies. Specificity will vary from term to term as will topics, depending on the discretion of the instructor. Note 1: Permission of the Program is required. Note 2: Students may register for DRAM 4001 more than once, provided the subject matter changes. (Format: Seminar 3 hours)

DRAM 4011 (3.00)

Advanced Theatrical Interpretation

Prereq: Third-year standing in a Drama program; or permission of the Program Director
This course involves projects in areas such as acting, directing, writing, and design as assigned within the Motyer-Fancy Theatre season by the Director of Drama. Written and/or visual materials support artistic outcomes as appropriate. [Note 1: Students may register for DRAM 4011 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.] (Format: Independent Study)

DRAM 4950 (6.00)

Independent Study in Drama

This course permits senior students, under the direction of faculty members, to pursue their interest in areas not covered, or not covered in depth, by other courses through a program of independent study. [Note 1: Permission of the Department/Program Advisor. Students must obtain consent of an instructor who is willing to be a supervisor and must register for the course prior to the last day for change of registration in the term during which the course is being taken. Note 2: A program on Independent Study cannot duplicate subject matter covered through regular course offerings. Note 3: Students may register for DRAM 4950/51 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.] (Format: Independent Study)

DRAM 4951 (3.00)

Independent Study in Drama

DRAM 4991 (3.00)

Special Topic in Drama

This course either focuses on topics not covered by the current course offerings in a department or program or offers the opportunity to pilot a course that is being considered for inclusion in the regular program. [Note 1: Prerequisite set by Department/Program when the topic and level are announced. Note 2: When a Department or Program intends to offer a course under this designation, it must submit course information, normally at least three months in advance, to the Dean. Note 3: Students may register for DRAM 4991 more than once, provided the subject matter differs.] (Format: Variable)

ONE CREDIT Production Practicum:

Prereq: DRAM 1701; 3 credits from DRAM 2161, 3161 (may be taken as a co-requisite).

This course allows students to focus on developing skills and practical experience in areas of theatre production such as costume or set design and construction, lighting, stage-management, or front-of-house. [Note 1: Students registered for DRAM 3011 or 4011 projects related to a Motyer-Fancy Theatre production, as well as students engaged as paid theatre assistants, cannot also receive Production Practicum credit for that same production work.] (Format: Experiential)

DRAM 2669

DRAM 3669

DRAM 4669