University of Utah

Department of Theatre

Program Head: Sydney Cheek O'Donnell, Ph.D.

(801) 585-1080

email: cheek.odonnell@utah.edu

The Theatre Studies B.A. is a versatile degree that emphasizes the potential of theatre as one of the Liberal Arts.  Originally intended as a basic course of study for potential theatre scholars and administrators, Theatre Studies has sent its recent graduates into every field of the profession, including playwriting and acting.  Others hold advanced degrees in languages and literature, or have forged successful careers in professions ranging from Social Work to the Law.  Theatre Studies is often chosen by more mature students who have transferred from other institutions and programs, and who wish to utilize experiences and skills which receive no academic credit in pre-professional programs.

Theatre Studies is a self-designed discipline.  A student with an adventurous mind or a strong sense of the abilities s/he has to exploit or the weaknesses s/he wishes to conquer, can design a personal major while retaining the guidance of teachers and professionals in the field.  Theatre Studies provides an educational core in all areas of the discipline, without forcing the student into a lockstep program not always suited to individual talents and needs.  Theatre Studies students are eligible to participate in all aspects of the production program without compromising academic integrity.

REQUIREMENTS

The Theatre Studies B.A. shares the Liberal Education requirements with all University of Utah students, and the core theatre course requirements with all theatre majors.  As Bachelors of Arts, however, Theatre Studies students receive the cultural insight resulting from a fourth semester proficiency in a second language.  Theatre Studies students are required to take allied hours in dramatic literature, and a minimum of 10 elective hours in Theatre.  It is in this last area where the shaping of the major often takes place.  For example, a Theatre Studies student taking French as a foreign language could meet dramatic literature requirements with upper division courses in 19th and 20th century French theatre, while using elective hours for the study of French film, and the production of the annual French play.  A Theatre Studies major can be as focused or as broad as the interests of the student.

Department of Theatre Core Requirements

All course requirements for the major must be completed with a grade of "C" or better.

*CW = meets U of U Bachelor's Degree Requirements for Upper-division Communication/Writing

Theatre Studies BA Requirements

15 Theatre Elective hours, chosen from the following list of theatre courses

[FA=Fine Arts Exploration; HU=Humanities Exploration; DIV=Diversity] 

9 allied hours in dramatic literature (must be approved by area head.) The following courses qualify as dramatic literature courses:

The language requirement for the BA degree must also be fulfilled.

*NOTE: University of Utah Requirements: Of the total of 122 semester credit hours, students must take 40 “upper-division” credit hours.  Any class numbered 3000 or above is designated as “upper-division.”  University requires QA and QB math.  Refer to the University of Utah Undergraduate Bulletin for Graduation Requirements at www.ugs.utah.edu/student/gened/index.htm.