Theatre Arts Minor
Description. The Theatre Arts minor is structured to give students an overview of drama and theatre, in terms of history, performance and criticism. The curriculum involves the student in both the practical and theoretical aspects of the theatre process. The minor offers ample opportunities for students to apply their skills on stage and/or backstage.
In addition, the Theatre Arts minor affords opportunities to enhance creativity, time management and communication skills that are useful in virtually any professional area. John Jay College’s proximity to Lincoln Center and New York City’s theatrical district provides students with access to performing arts libraries, organizations, theatres, and internships.
The Theatre Arts minor concludes with a 3–credit 300–level theatre course or capstone project chosen by the student, under the guidance of a member of the theatre faculty. This project will provide the student with the opportunity to demonstrate acquired proficiency in an area of performance, production, criticism, and/or scholarship.
A successful Theatre Arts minor will:
- Know what is meant by Theatre, in particular what distinguishes it from drama and film.
- Develop a general understanding and appreciation of major periods of theatre history and major pieces of dramatic literature with perspectives in western and nonwestern traditions and gender and ethnic identities.
- Identify the characteristics of the major theatre genres, and know how each of these genres and styles has engendered distinctive forms of playwriting, acting, directing, and theatrical design.
- Enhance critical thinking and writing skills through literary analysis of important dramatic works of classical and contemporary drama.
- Acquire the ability to analyze scripts and critically assess those elements that contribute the theatre process.
- Apply drama–based skills in non–theatrical environments, for example business, law, criminal justice settings, healthcare, and education.
- Acquire cultural capital through exposure to professional theatre in the New York City area
Credits. 18
Minor coordinator. Professor Martin Wallenstein, Department of Communication and Theatre Arts (mwallenstein@jjay.cuny.edu 212.237.8364)
Part One. Foundations
Required
Total Credit Hours: 3
Part Two. Theory and Practice
Select two
Total Credit Hours: 6
Part Three. Theatre Literature, History and Criticism
Select two
| DRA 205 | Contemporary Theatre | 3 |
| DRA 212 | History of Theater from Ancient Greece to Restoration (was History of the Drama I) | 3 |
| DRA 217 | Theater of Americas since 1960 (was Latino/a Theater in US) | 3 |
| DRA 222 | History of the Drama II | 3 |
| DRA 225 | Criminal Justice in Theatre | 3 |
| DRA 230/AFR 230 | African-American Theatre | 3 |
| DRA 245 | Women in Theatre | 3 |
| DRA 247 | Gender on Stage and Screen | 3 |
Total Credit Hours: 6
Part Four. Upper–Level Requirement
Select one
Total Credit Hours: 3
Total Credit Hours: 18