Liberal Arts – Theatre A.A. Degree
This program provides students with a foundation for lifelong intellectual development and a fulfilling life. It also provides critical thinking skills and a base of knowledge they will use over the course of their careers.
SEMESTER I
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 : 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 : GE Math Elective
Course Code : MAT-EL1
Department Description : Mathematics
- Credit : 3
Choose one 3-credit Mathematics course designated in the course descriptions as General Education MST (GE MST).
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
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
SEMESTER 2
Short Title : Technical Elective
Course Code : TEC-EL1
Department Description : Engineering Technologies
- Credit : 3
Select a THE or DAN Technical Elective from the following courses:
THE-123 - Theatre History (3 Credits ) (Spring Only)
THE-131 - Acting I (3 Credits)
THE-132 - Acting II (3 Credits) (Spring Only)
DAN-131 - Elements of Dance (3 Credits) (Spring Only)
DAN-201 - Methods and Modern Techniques of Dance (3 Credits) (Spring Only)
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
Short Title : GE Laboratory Science Elective
Course Code : Laboratory Science
Department Description : Laboratory Science
- Credit : 4
Choose one 3-credit GE Lab Science course designated in the course descriptions as General Education MST (GE MST). Students may elect to take a 4-credit GE Lab Elective in consultation with an academic advisor.
Short Title : GE Technology Elective
Course Code : GE-MST
Department Description : General Education
- Credit : 3
SEMESTER 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 - 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 : 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 : 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 : GE Mathematics or Science Elective
Course Code : GE MathSci
Department Description : General Education
- Credit : 3
Choose one 3-credit GE Mathematics or Science course designated in the course descriptions as General Education MST (GE MST). Students may elect to take a 4-credit GE Mathematics or Science Elective in consultation with an academic advisor.
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 : Technical Elective
Course Code : TEC-EL1
Department Description : Engineering Technologies
- Credit : 3
Select a THE or DAN Technical Elective from the following courses:
THE-123 - Theatre History (3 Credits ) (Spring Only)
THE-131 - Acting I (3 Credits)
THE-132 - Acting II (3 Credits) (Spring Only)
DAN-131 - Elements of Dance (3 Credits) (Spring Only)
DAN-201 - Methods and Modern Techniques of Dance (3 Credits) (Spring Only)
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 : 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
Short Title : GE Diversity Elective
Course Code : DVR-EL1
Department Description : History and Social Science
- Credit : 3
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Diversity (GE DIV).
COM-115 is recommended.
Program Outcomes
Graduates of the Program will be able to:
- Distinguish roles of actor, director, playwright, and technical designers.
- Demonstrate basic technical proficiency and artistic synthesis in vocal, physical, and emotional development in performance.
- Identify dramatic and theatrical genres and discuss and analyze major works in a cultural and historical context.
- Explore theatrical arts within a strong liberal arts framework.
- Investigate careers in theatre arts to prepare for transfer to a four-year program.
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
Why study the Liberal Arts?
A Liberal Arts education is a broad-based program of study that exposes students to the Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Technology. The study of the Liberal Arts empowers students for success in transfer and a career in the diverse, ever-changing 21st century workplace. A Liberal Arts education equips students with invaluable employability skills including the ability to analyze and construct arguments, think critically, communicate effectively, and appreciate diverse cultures and perspectives. The cross-cultural knowledge, problem solving, and research and information literacy skills prepare students for civic engagement, life-long learning, and professional success.
Are there any requirements that must be satisfied before taking courses in the major?
Algebra I is a prerequisite for all majors. Competency in Algebra I may be verified with a passing score on the College’s placement test or by completion of the appropriate course. Students must also have a grade of “C” or better in one year of high school laboratory science.
How long will it take to complete this degree?
Once students complete required developmental coursework (if any), the degree can be completed in two years of full-time study. Students may shorten the amount of degree completion 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 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.