Fine Arts – Theatre Option
The Associate in Fine Arts (A.F.A.) offers the first two years of concentrated study in studio courses for students planning to transfer to a visual arts, theatre, or music baccalaureate program. As a fine arts major, the student may choose to concentrate in either theater, art or music.
SEMESTER I
Short Title : Introduction to Theatre
Course Code : THE-105
Department Description : Visual, Performing and Media Arts
Course Description : An investigation of the on-stage and backstage elements of contemporary theatre, film and television. Emphasis on the collaboration of performers, writers, directors, designers and technicians and the role of the audience. Attendance at professional and college productions is required.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Short Title : English Composition I
Course Code : ENG-121
Department Description : English
Course Description :
Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing documented essays. Extensive reading materials serve as structural models and as the bases for discussion and for the writing of essays involving response, analysis, and synthesis.
Prerequisites :
A passing score on the College Placement Test; or a grade of "C" or better in ENG-010 and RDG-011 (RDG-011 can be a co-requisite; or a grade of "C" or better in ESL-097 and ESL-098.
Co requisites :
RDG-011 may be taken as a co-requisite if not previously completed with a grade of "C" or better.
- Credit : 3
Short Title : Contemporary Theatre
Course Code : THE-124
Department Description : Visual, Performing and Media Arts
Course Description : A study of the development of twentieth century theatre art from Realism to New Theatre eclectic styles. The background and evolution of Realism, Expressionism, Theatre of the Absurd and current theatre movements are explored. Required of theatre majors, open to all students. Attendance at performances required.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Short Title : Fundamentals of Public Speaking
Course Code : SPE-121
Department Description : Visual, Performing and Media Arts
Course Description : Introduction to the theory and practice of public address; the study of representative public addresses and the preparation and delivery of short speeches.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
OR
Short Title : Discussion and Debate
Course Code : SPE-123
Department Description : Visual, Performing and Media Arts
Course Description : The development of clear, logical and effective speech communication is the goal of this basic discussion and debate course. The focus will be on reasoned decision making with the context of a free society. Topics will draw upon social values, personal responsibility and/or ethical behavior. Speech presentations will include large group discussions, panel discussions and debates that emphasize the ability to work in a team environment.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Short Title : History Elective
Course Code : HIS-EL2
Department Description : History and Social Science
- Credit : 3
Select one of the following History sequences:
HIS-121 and HIS-122 OR HIS-131 and HIS-132 OR HIS-221 and HIS-222
Recommended Sequence - HIS-131 and HIS-132
SEMESTER 2
Short Title : Acting I
Course Code : THE-131
Department Description : Visual, Performing and Media Arts
Course Description : Basic techniques of theatrical communication. Pantomime and improvisational exercises for perception and self-awareness. Use of the voice and body to interpret emotion and project characterization. Practical application through learning to approach the performing of scenes. Attendance at performances required.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Short Title : English Composition II
Course Code : ENG-122
Department Description : English
Course Description :
Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing argument synthesis essays. Students engage in formal written argumentation based on extensive reading and analysis of complex texts. Through the research process, students will locate, analyze, and synthesize scholarly sources to advance their own informed positions on relevant issues in the composition of a formal research paper.
Prerequisites :
A grade of “C” or better in ENG-121
- Credit : 3
Short Title : History Elective
Course Code : HIS-EL2
Department Description : History and Social Science
- Credit : 3
Select one of the following History sequences:
HIS-121 and HIS-122 OR HIS-131 and HIS-132 OR HIS-221 and HIS-222
Recommended Sequence - HIS-131 and HIS-132
Short Title : GE Mathematics or Science Elective
Course Code : GE MathSci
Department Description : General Education
- Credit : 3
Choose one 3-credit Mathematics or Science course designated in the course descriptions as General Education MST (GE MST).
Short Title : Elective
Course Code : EEE
Department Description : Elective
Course Description :
Elective
- Credit : 3
SEMESTER 3
Short Title : Acting II
Course Code : THE-132
Department Description : Visual, Performing and Media Arts
Course Description : Further development of the basic techniques of theatrical communication. Learning to externalize through stage movement. Scene study to utilize clues in the script to fulfill the author's or director's intent. Study of the director-actor-audience relationship. Practical application through rehearsal and performance of one-act plays. Attendance at performances required.
Prerequisites :
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Short Title : Stagecraft
Course Code : THE-145
Department Description : Visual, Performing and Media Arts
Course Description : A theatre course in the basic physical elements of theatre stagecraft with particular emphasis on set construction. Practical application of theoretical knowledge in the theatre shop and college productions. Required of Theatre majors. Attendance at professional and college productions is required.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Short Title : GE Humanities Elective
Course Code : HUM-EL2
Department Description : Humanities
- Credit : 3
Choose courses designated in the course descriptions as General Education Humanities (GE HUM).
Recommended - ENG-234 - Introduction to Shakespeare
Short Title : GE Humanities Elective
Course Code : HUM-EL2
Department Description : Humanities
- Credit : 3
Choose two modern language courses in sequence from either: CHN, FRE, GER, HIN, ITA or SPA. For students who completed at least two years of high school study in one modern language, their level of language will be determined by a placement test (excluding SPA-242).
Short Title : Computer Applications and Systems
Course Code : CSC-105
Department Description : Business and Computer Science
Course Description :
This course defines computers and computer applications and their use in business, industry and government. Students completing this course will be computer fluent. Students will understand the capabilities and limitations of computers and know how to use them. In addition, students will understand computers and their ethical, legal and societal implications. Topics include the history of computers, hardware devices, software programs, terminology, privacy of information, ethical behavior and the influence of computers on people and society. Hands-on experience includes: using a Windows operating system, a word processor, designing and implementing spreadsheets and producing presentations. This course is recommended for anyone who will be involved with computers and the use of computer application software.
- Credit : 3
SEMESTER 4
Short Title : GE - Language Elective
Course Code : LAN-EL1
Department Description : ESL/Languages and Culture
- Credit : 3
Choose two modern language courses in sequence from either: CHN, FRE, GER, HIN, ITA or SPA. For students who completed at least two years of high school study in one modern language, their level of language will be determined by a placement test (excluding SPA-242)..
Short Title : Theatre History
Course Code : THE-123
Department Description : Visual, Performing and Media Arts
Course Description : A study of theatre as an art form with an emphasis on production practices in the Golden Ages of theatre: Greek, Roman, Medieval, Renaissance and Restoration. Representative plays, theatres, acting, staging and design styles are explored. Required of theatre majors, open to all students. Attendance at performances required.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Short Title : GE Social Science Elective
Course Code : GE SS
Department Description : GE Social Science Elective
- Credit : 3
Choose courses designated in the course descriptions as General Education Social Science (GE SS).
Short Title : GE Diversity Elective
Course Code : DVR-EL1
Department Description : History and Social Science
- Credit : 3
Choose courses designated in the course descriptions as General Education Diversity (GE DIV).
Short Title : Play Production
Course Code : THE-146
Department Description : Visual, Performing and Media Arts
Course Description : A theatre course in the elements of play production including design concepts, two dimensional working drawings and scale model building and lighting techniques. Practical application of theoretical knowledge in the theatre shop and college productions. Required of Theatre majors. Attendance at professional and college productions is required.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 2
- Lab Hours : 2
Program Outcomes
Graduates of the Program will be able to:
- Distinguish roles of actor, director, playwright, and technical designers.
- Demonstrate technical proficiency and artistic synthesis in vocal, physical, and emotional development in performance.
- Identify dramatic and theatrical genres and be able to discuss major works in a cultural and historical context.
- Analyze stylistic elements of theatre pieces such as language, structure, and aesthetics.
- Prepare for transfer to a four-year school BFA Theatre program or professional school of dramatic arts and investigate careers in theatre arts.
Contact Information
Contact Name: Annie Hogan, department chair
Contact Phone: 732.906.2589
Contact Email: ahogan@middlesexcc.edu
Department Web:https://www.middlesexcc.edu/vpma/
Frequently Asked Questions
What will students learn if they study Fine Arts?
Fine arts will provide a strong foundation in the creative field of choice as well as a well-rounded education with a generous range of liberal arts courses required by baccalaureate fine arts programs. Students create a body of work or enhance skills in a chosen field in ways that will assist them in being accepted into a competitive fine arts program at a four-year institution.
Are there any requirements that must be satisfied before taking courses in the major?
Algebra I is a prerequisite for all majors. Algebra I competency may be verified with a passing score on the College’s placement test or completion of the appropriate course.
How long will it take to complete this degree?
Once students complete developmental coursework (if needed), the degree can be completed in two years of full-time study. They can shorten the amount of time by taking courses in the summer and winter sessions.
Transfer Information
Our students transfer to 4-year colleges and universities around the globe. We’ve had students transfer to every state, including Alaska and Hawaii.
The Statewide Transfer Agreement for New Jersey ensures that students who earn an A.A. or A.S. degree at a community college will have those credits fully transferable to a New Jersey public four-year institution, will have completed half of the credits required for a basic four-year degree and will have completed all lower division general education requirements. In addition, articulation agreements are being worked out with institutions granting baccalaureate degrees in Public Health to facilitate the transfer process. Students should discuss the transfer process with an advisor.
Are you interested in transferring to a school in New Jersey? You can use the tools at NJTransfer.org to see which of your MCC courses will transfer to a specific college.
