KU Theatre - Graduate

Graduate Programs

Ph.D. in Theatre Studies

The Ph.D. in Theatre and Film is an academic degree, but students must demonstrate competence in at least one production area. To be admitted, a student will ordinarily be expected to have a Graduate Record Examination score of at least 600 (verbal), 500 (quantitative), and 4.5 (analytical writing). Students who took the GRE before the implementation of the analytical writing section (i.e. before October 2002) will be expected to have an analytical score of 600 or above. Applicants must also have a grade-point average of at least 3.2 for undergraduate and at least 3.5 for graduate work; and a master's degree acceptable to the graduate faculty. Deficiencies in a student's background may require make-up work.

The master's and doctoral programs combine rigorous study of theory, criticism and history with production work in a collegial atmosphere. Students can expect to develop expertise in methodologies including classic theatre or film theory, historiography, semiotics, poststructuralism and cultural studies. The department is an institutional member of the Association for Theatre in Higher Education. Our research ranks us in the top ten among a selection of major institutions in the 2005 Faculty Productivity Index by Academic Analytics. The department is home to the prestigious Journal of Dramatic Theory and Criticism.

Data on Recently-Granted Degrees: From 2004 to 2006, the Department granted nine Ph.D.s. The median time to degree for these students was 7.7 years. For full-time students only, the median time to degree was 6.7 years. To download complete time to degree data for the University of Kansas Ph.D. programs, please click here.

The M.F.A. program prepares scenography students to teach and design professionally. Theatre faculty, students, and guest artists contribute to a full season of main stage and black-box productions in the Crafton-Preyer Theatre and the William Inge Memorial Theatre, and three intimate studio spaces.

The Film program offices are housed in Oldfather Studios, which maintain a full schedule of production work in film and video and have one of the largest sound stages in the central plains. Successful applicants usually have a bachelor's degree in theatre or film, but students with other majors may be admitted on the condition that they make up the necessary course work.

Admission Criteria

M.A. Degree

To be admitted, a student will ordinarily be expected to have a Graduate Record Examination score of at least 600 (verbal), 500 (quantitative), and 4.5 (analytical writing). Students who took the GRE before the implementation of the analytical writing section (i.e. before October 2002) will be expected to have an analytical score of 600 or above.

Ph.D. Degree

To be admitted, a student will ordinarily be expected to have a Graduate Record Examination score of at least 600 (verbal), 500 (quantitative), and 4.5 (analytical writing). Students who took the GRE before the implementation of the analytical writing section (i.e. before October 2002) will be expected to have an analytical score of 600 or above. Applicants should also have a grade-point average of at least 3.2 for undergraduate and at least 3.5 for graduate work; and a master's degree acceptable to the graduate faculty. Deficiencies in a student's background may require make-up work.

Ph.D. Degree in Theatre

Applicants must hold the M.A. in theatre studies or a related field acceptable to the department. Depending on background, students may have to make up some work from the M.A. including courses in the methodology sequence noted under the MA requirements. Normally, such make-up work does not count toward the Ph.D.

Core Requirements (12 hours). In consultation with an adviser, students choose from among departmental courses in theatre history, dramatic literature, theory, and criticism.

Elective Requirements (9 hours). Elective courses focus on the academic study of theatre/performance history, theory, and related methodologies. Courses are selected with a graduate adviser to reflect the student's special interest. Some courses may be taken outside the theatre area, for example in Film, English, American Studies, African-American Studies, History, etc.

Secondary Field Requirements (9 hours). Students choose 9 hours at the graduate level from outside the department to assist them in writing the dissertation. Courses are related to the student's proposed specialization. (See examples above under Elective Requirements.)

Production Courses (6 hours). In order to become competent artists as well as developing research scholars, students choose a sequence of graduate courses in either scenography or directing.

Foreign Language or Other Research Skills Requirement. The student must demonstrate (1) proficiency in one foreign language or (2) competence in two foreign languages. For one of the languages under the second option, the student may substitute a specific skill pertinent to the specialty (e.g., computer language, American Sign Language).

Comprehensive Examination (6 hours). The examination includes onsite written responses to questions in history, theory, production, literature/criticism, and the student's specialization, followed by an oral examination. While preparing for the examination, students enroll twice in TH 998 Investigation and Conference (for Doctoral Students).

Dissertation (18 hours). The finished dissertation must constitute a palpable contribution to knowledge in the candidate's chosen field. Following its completion, an oral defense must be held no less than four weeks before the deadline for graduation. The committee consists of one chair, three departmental members, and an outside member.

Normally, the Ph.D. will require 60 hours after the M.A., not including language proficiency and research tool requirement.

All courses must be chosen in consultation with an advisor.

M.A. in Theatre Studies

Candidates for the master's degree in Theatre and Film elect an emphasis in Theatre Studies or Film/Media. The candidate's program begins with the core requirements listed below and culminates in a thesis. To be admitted, a student will ordinarily be expected to have a Graduate Record Examination score of at least 600 (verbal), 500 (quantitative), and 4.5 (analytical writing). Students who took the GRE before the implementation of the analytical writing section (i.e. before October 2002) will be expected to have an analytical score of 600 or above. To complete the M.A., the student must sustain a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher through 33 graduate credit hours.

M.A. in Theatre Studies (33 hours)

Department Core.
To be taken the first semester in residence:
TH 800 Introduction to Graduate Study in Theatre and Film ..........................................................................3

Theatre Studies Core.
Methodology.
TH 702 Graduate Seminar in: (Historiography) ...........3 TH 702 Graduate Seminar in: (Theory and Criticism) ..3

Production.
Choose two courses in either directing or scenography: ..6
A. Directing
TH 609 Play Directing (3)
TH 715 Problems and Techniques of Direction (3)
TH 815 Advanced Play Production (3-6)
B. Scenography
TH 516 Scenic Painting Techniques (3)
TH 517 Computer-aided Design for Theatre, Film, and Video (3)
TH 518 Scenography I (3)
TH 519 Scenography II (3)
TH 618 Scenography III (3)
TH 619 Scenography IV (3)

General Theatre Studies Concentration.
Fifteen hours of courses from graduate offerings in theatre history, dramatic literature, history and criticism: .........15
Of these 15 hours, up to 6 may be graduate courses from other areas such as film studies, child psychology, American studies, African and African-American studies, women's studies, developmental psychology, English, and pertinent offerings from language and culture programs.

Completion of the Degree.
An oral examination structured around a thesis based on scholarly and/or creative research:
TH 899 Master's Thesis ..........................................3

All courses must be selected in consultation with the adviser.

M.F.A. in Scenography

What Is Scenography?

The Scenography Program at the University of Kansas has two philosophical principles at its core.

Second, the program is based on the premise that metaphor is the true language of the theatre and of theatrical design. Through a series of carefully structured projects, both in the classroom and on the stage, the program provides students the opportunity to develop the critical and artistic skills that will allow them to create design ideas that go beyond the literal surface of the play into spatial and visual arrangements that are dynamic, resonant, and poetic.

Why Scenography?

"The business of workers in the theatre is, as I see it, to express a timeless theme by means of the tools of one's own time." When Robert Edmond Jones penned that line he was thinking of the new perceptions of his time that were changing the way people viewed the world. And the history of the theatre is the history of the evolution of new ways of seeing and representing the human condition. The invention of perspective drawing in the Renaissance ushered in a new style of stage design that reflected the "reality" of that age, and the painted perspective vistas of the Bibienna's were "real" to the Renaissance eye. "Reality" is, however, a shifting construct, and every age defines it anew. In the 21st Century the Scenography program constantly analyzes the evolving visual vocabulary of the present age, and attempts to find metaphoric ways to apply new ways of visual thinking to the design of the contemporary stage space.

The Master of Fine Arts in Scenography at the University of Kansas

The Scenography program is a three-year integrated course of study leading to a Master of Fine Arts degree, the terminal degree for persons specializing in theatrical design at the University of Kansas. Scenography classes are at the core of the curriculum and students will develop a portfolio in a wide variety of theatrical and performance genres.

While in the program each student will design at least four realized productions in the University Theatre; she/he will do at least one lighting, one costume and one scenic design, and preferably a combination of two or all design areas for one production. Design assignments, made by the Scenography Faculty, will be based on the students' experience and interests (i.e., a student with little experience in lighting design will be given a less challenging project in the smaller theatre). Students work with the University Theatre's professional staff in the realization of their designs.

Students will design in both the large Crafton-Preyer proscenium stage and the Inge black box theatre. Students have opportunities to design musicals, operas, K.U. Theatre for Young People, as well as student film projects. Opportunities exist to work with new technologies in theatre design, including Virtual Realities.

Successful scenography students at the University of Kansas have come from a variety of backgrounds, including theatre, art and design, illustration and architecture. Students with deficiencies in theatre production, theatre and/or art history, and painting and drawing may be required to take undergraduate courses in these areas, which could result in a longer program.

The M.F.A. in Scenography is a joint program of the Department of Design and the Department of Theatre and Film at the University of Kansas.

To be admitted, a prospective M.F.A. candidate must have a cumulative undergraduate grade-point average of not lower than 3.0 and submit a design portfolio with a resume and three letters of recommendation."

For more information about the M.F.A. in Scenography contact:
Delores Ringer, Head of Theatre Design
317 Murphy Hall
University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, 66045
(785) 864-2688
Email: ding@ku.edu

Course and Credit Distribution Requirements

General Requirements
Colloquium in Theatre and Film (1 credit hour)
Directed Reading in Design (2)

Major Studies Requirements
Scenography I-V (15)
Script Analysis (3)
MFA Production Seminar (15)

Thesis (8)

Electives - Design/Studio/Art History/Theatre History (16)

TOTAL 60 credit hours

Scenography Faculty

Dr. Dennis Christilles, Associate Professor, Ph.D., University of Kansas; M.A. and B.F.A. Southwest Texas State University; American Academy of Dramatic Arts.

Dennis is the program director for the K.U. Summer Theatre in Greece study abroad program and the Theatre and Art in Prague study abroad program. Among his design credits at K.U. are the sets and lights for Jesus Christ Superstar, West Side Story, Othello, Abide With Me, The Singular Life of Albert Nobbs, The Trojan Women, A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Women of Trachis, Iphigenia in Taurus, The Birds, and As You Like It. Among his directing credits are Tango, Jumpers, The Glass Menagerie, Imaginary Invalid, The Cherry Orchard, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Junglebook (for which he also designed the set, costumes, puppets, and masks. His area of interest is in both Classical and Contemporary Greek Theatre. Email: dchrist@ku.edu.

Delores Ringer, Head of Theatre Design and Associate Professor, M.F.A. Pennsylvania State University: B.A. Hanover College.

Delores has designed costumes and/or scenery at the Nebraska Shakespeare Festival, the American Heartland Theatre, the Utah Shakespeare Festival and theatres and dance companies in Chicago and Portland, Oregon. She taught at Barat College, Lewis and Clark College, and Boise State University before coming to K.U. A longtime advocate for plays by and about women, she has directed Our Country's Good, Fen, The Gut Girls, Between Pancho Villa and a Naked Woman, and The Heidi Chronicles, among other plays. Email: ding@ku.edu.

Mark Reaney, Professor, M.F.A., University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Mark is a pioneer in the use of computer graphics in theatre design, and is currently Director of the Institute for the Exploration of Virtual Realities (i.e.VR), a research group actively exploring the links between real-time computer simulations and theatrical performance. (More information about i.e.VR is available at http://www.ku.edu/~ievr.) Mark's original VR technology and designs for KU's 1995 production of The Adding Machine won international acclaim and the attention of both theatre and computing professionals all over the world. Since then i.e.VR has developed VR tools for scenic designers, studied the possible uses of 3-D video for transmitting and recording live performance events and created working VR scenic models for the WWW. In 1996 members of i.e.VR staged a production of Arthur Kopit's Wings for KU's University Theatre. This production broke new ground by outfitting an entire audience with virtual reality head-mounted displays. In 1998 Reaney and i.e.VR staged a production of a new script, Tesla Electric, which introduced the use of panoramic, photo-realistic computer generated images. The 1999 production of Machinal combined virtual reality and live video images. A collaboration with the University of Kent, Canterbury, England, resulted in the 2000 VR production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. The 2001 children's theatre play Dinosaurus introduced the use of real-time virtual characters in the form of giant dinosaurs! Email: mreaney@ku.edu.

Delbert Unruh, Professor, M.A., Northwestern.

Del maintains an active professional design practice in Kansas City and his work has been seen on the stages of The Kansas City Repertory Theatre, The American Heartland Theatre, and Dinner Playhouse Inc. He has received the Kansas City Best of Theatre Award for best set design twice, in 1989 for How the Other Half Loves and in 1990 for Blithe Spirit. His design work has also been featured in many regional, national, and international design exhibitions, most notably: Macbeth, in the 1980 First Biennial USITT Scenography Exposition; Antigone, in the Czechoslovak Section of the 1987 Prague Quadriennale; Come Back to the Five & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean, in the 1990 International Exposition of Scenography in Novi Sad, Yugoslavia; and The Tempest in the 1997 International Exposition of Film and Theatre Design, Tokyo, Japan. Del is an authority on American and Czech stage design theory and a Contributing Editor to Theatre Design & Technology, the journal of USITT, for which he has written many articles on the history, relationships, and contemporary application of American and European design theory. He has received the Herbert Greggs Award for excellence in writing for TD&T twice: in 1986 for his article "Scenography, Ethics, and the American Tradition of Scene Design," and in 1992 for his five article series, "Post Modern Issues in Action Design." In 1992 he published Towards a New Theatre, The Lectures of Robert Edmund Jones. Email: dunruh@ku.edu.

In addition, our M.F.A. students work with closely with K.U. faculty and guest directors, Ph.D. students, and our professional staff of costume cutters and drapers, scene shop manager, technical director, and stage manager. These individuals add an even wider range of expertise to the program, and provide our students many informal educational opportunities.

Course Listing

(Click on the course name for most recent syllabus if available. For descriptions of courses numbered 500-699, please see the Undergraduate Course Listings.)

TH 501 Colloquium on American Theatre/Film (1).

TH 506 Psychology and the Actor (3).

TH 508 Fundamentals of Directing (3).

TH 509 Script Analysis See TH 308 in the Undergraduate Course Listings.

TH 512 A Vocal Approach to the Classics (3).

TH 516 Scenic Painting Techniques (3).

TH 517 Computer-aided Design for Theatre, Film, and Video (3).

TH 518 Scenography and the Classic Script (3).

TH 519 Scenography and the Modern Script (3).

TH 520 History of Period Style I (3).

TH 521 History of Period Style II (3).

TH 525 Theatre in Western Civilization to 1642 (3).

TH 526 Theatre in Western Civilization from 1642 (3).

TH 527 Asian Theatre and Film (3).

TH 528 History of American Theatre and Drama (3).

TH 529 Race and the American Theatre (3).

TH 530 African Film and Video (3).

TH 576 Animation (3).

TH 583 Film Theory (3).

TH 584 Film Theory and Criticism, 1960-Present (3).

TH 585 Latin American Film (3).

TH 586 Asian Film (3).

TH 593 Experimental Film and Video (3).

TH 599 Special Topics in Scenography (1-6).

TH 603 Theatre for Young Audiences (3).

TH 604 Drama With Young People (1-3).

TH 609 Play Directing (3).

TH 617 Computer-aided Design for Theatre, and Video II (3).

TH 618 Scenography and the Musical Theatre (3).

TH 619 Scenography and the Contemporary Script (3).

TH 620 Scenography and the Experimental Production (3).

TH 626 Myth and the Dramatist (3).

TH 675 Advanced Video Production (3).

TH 676 Advanced Film Production (3).

TH 677 Advanced Audio Production (3).

TH 684 Documentary Film and Video (3).

TH 686 American Film Criticism (3).

TH 702 Graduate Seminar in: ______ (3). Course organized any given semester to study particular subject matter or to take advantage of special competency by an individual faculty member. Topics change as needs and resources develop. Class discussion, readings, and individual projects.

TH 703 Readings in Dramatic Literature (1-3). Survey of selected dramatic literature and commentaries. May be repeated up to total of six credits on petition.

TH 704 Study Abroad Topics in: _____ (1-6). This course is designed for the study of special topics in Theatre and Film. Credit for coursework must be arranged through the Office of KU Study Abroad. May be repeated for credit if content varies.

TH 707 Theatre Internship (3-12). Study with an approved theatre or film company. Emphasis may be in one or all of the following areas: acting, directing, stage management, technical theatre, promotion management. No more than six hours may be applied to an M.A. degree. Course will be graded satisfactory/unsatisfactory. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

TH 708 Dramatic Script Writing (3). Study and practice in the fundamental techniques of dramatic writing and the application of such techniques most specifically to theatre but also to film, television, and radio. Open upon consent of instructor to students who have completed one course in advanced composition and one course in the theory of history of drama or film.

TH 709 Advanced Dramatic Script Writing (3). The purpose of this course is to permit selected students, by consent of instructor, to develop or continue dramatic writing projects in theatre, film, television, and radio under the individual supervision of the instructor.

TH 711 Styles of Acting: Shakespearean (3). An approach to acting styles of the period, based on a study of the art, customs, spirit, and the theatre of the times applied to scene studies taken from the works of Shakespeare. Prerequisite: TH 106 and TH 206 or consent of instructor.

TH 713 Styles of Acting: Restoration and 18th-century English (3). An approach to acting styles of the period, based on a study of the art, customs, spirit, and the theatre of the times applied to scene studies taken from the works of English Restoration dramatists and those 18th century English playwrights writing in the Restoration mode. Prerequisite: TH 106 and TH 206 or consent of instructor.

TH 715 Problems and Techniques of Direction (3). Practical experience in directing. Prerequisite: TH 609.

TH 719 M.F.A. Production Seminar (3). To be taken by M.F.A. candidates during those semesters in which they are assigned to design one or more elements in a production to be mounted on one of our stages. Weekly critique and discussion of solutions to practical design problems from conception through execution. May be repeated for a total of no more than six hours credit. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

TH 725 Russian Theatre and Drama from Stanislavski and Chekhov to the Present (3). A study of the development of Russian theatre and dramatic literature from 1898 to the present. Lectures and readings in English. (Same as SLAV 562.)

TH 773 Problems in Basic Screenwriting (3). The principles of screenwriting are developed through scene writing and analysis culminating in the writing and structure of a full-length, three-act screenplay. In addition to the class sessions taught with TH 373 Basic Screenwriting, separate consultations and specific research assignments for graduate students in TH 773 are also required.

TH 775 Problems in Basic Video Production (3). Theory and practice of single-camera video production with emphasis on preproduction planning, scripting, directing, lighting, camera operation and audio. In addition to the class sessions taught with TH 375 Basic Video Production, separate consultations and specific research assignments for graduate students in TH 775 are also required. Lecture-laboratory.

TH 776 Problems in Basic Film Production (3). An introduction to 16mm film techniques and structures, requiring construction of brief, individually produced fictive-narrative films employing classical continuity. In addition to the class sessions taught with TH 376 Basic Film Production, separate consultations and specific research assignments for graduate students in TH 776 are also required. Lecture-laboratory.

TH 785 Contemporary Japanese Film (3). Seminar on the major developments in the contemporary (1980-present) Japanese film industry examining how filmmaking practices and film criticism have been influenced by such issues as transnationalism, postcolonialism, critical race theory, postmodernism, and new media. We will survey recent industrial and stylistic trends as well as key critical debates. Class discussion, reports, and individual research papers.

TH 800 Introduction to Graduate Study in Theatre and Film (3). Major emphasis is placed upon the principles of research, bibliographical data, and research methods useful in theatre, film, and television. The course should be taken at the beginning of the graduate student's program.

TH 801 Professional Development Seminar (1). A series of weekly lecture/discussions led by invited guests both from the university and outside on various topics central to the graduate study of theatre and film.

TH 802 Master's Projects (3-6). Advanced creative projects which may be elected by master's degree candidates in lieu of thesis.

TH 803 Summer Theatre: Graduate (1-3). Provides graduate level experience in a wide range of theatre activity related to the summer theatre production or productions. Work may include activity in the following areas: acting, directing, design, technical theatre, voice and/or movement. Specialized skills are developed through individual classes, production preparation, and performance. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

TH 815 Advanced Play Production (1-3). Individually supervised directing of theatre pieces for public presentation. In special cases credit may be given for musical direction, choreography, or stage management. Prerequisite: TH 715.

TH 817 Theory of Acting and Directing (3). Readings, lectures, discussions and papers on acting and directing theory; is concerned with the divergence between presentational and representational acting methods and the emergence of directing art. Prerequisite: TH 609 or TH 715.

TH 819 Advanced M.F.A. Production Seminar (3). Continuation of TH 719. May be repeated for maximum of six hours credit. Prerequisite: Six hours of TH 719 and consent of instructor.

TH 826 Seminar in African Theatre (3). A study of developments in African theatre in the 20th Century focusing on themes, concepts, styles, and critical perspectives. The course will investigate the idea of an "African theatre" and identify different periods and movements within national and international contexts. The analysis of representative works and authors will be grounded within appropriate theoretical frameworks.

TH 828 Seminar in American Theatre and Drama to 1895 (3). Intensive investigation of selected topics. Individual study emphasized.

TH 829 Seminar in American Theatre and Drama from 1895 (3). Intensive investigation of selected topics. Individual study emphasized.

TH 862 Survey of Film and Media History (3). This seminar will be primarily international in scope and will concentrate on the following: technological and production issues relating to the transition in 1927-1931 of silent to sound film; the constructions of national identity, including those of recently emerging cultures; a comparison and contrast of the censorial agencies in America and abroad; and current revisionist perspectives on received film and media history.

TH 863 Survey of Documentary and Experimental Film and Media (3). Surveys the important historical and theoretical issues pertinent to both the documentary and experimental approaches as expressed in film, video and new technologies. Includes major documentary and experimental genres, directors, national schools, artistic movements, and landmark works. Screenings reflect a chronology from origins to present-day.

TH 864 Classical Film and Media Theory (3). This seminar is a comprehensive survey of the major classical film and media theories and theorists, such as Munsterberg, Eisenstein, Arnheim, Bazin, and Adorno. Organized around specific questions, e.g.: What qualities differentiate film and media from other art and communications forms? What qualities do film and media share with other art and communication forms? What qualities differentiate film from other forms of media such as television? Readings from primary sources stressed. Class discussion, individual research papers.

TH 865 Contemporary Film and Media Theory (3). This seminar is a study of the theories applied to the study of film and media since the 1970s moving through structuralism, and into the posts: -structuralism, -modernism, -colonialism, and beyond. Within these broad paradigms some of the theories examined in depth are cinesemiotics, Marxism, cinematic apparatus, feminist film theory, reception theory, new media and virtual reality.

TH 873 Problems in Intermediate Screenwriting (3). The principles of screenwriting are developed through scene writing and analysis culminating in the writing and structure of a full-length, three act screenplay. In addition to the class sessions taught with TH 473 Intermediate Screenwriting, separate consultations and specific research assignments for graduate students in TH 873 are also required. separate consultations and specific research assignments for graduate students in TH 775 are also required. Lecture-laboratory.

TH 875 Problems in Intermediate Video Production (3). Theory and practice of multiple-camera video production with emphasis on preproduction planning, scripting, directing, lighting, camera operation, and audio. In addition to the class sessions taught with TH 475 Intermediate Video Production, separate consultations and specific research assignments for graduate students in TH 875 are also required. Lecture-laboratory.

TH 876 Problems in Intermediate Film Production (3). Further explorations of 16mm film techniques and structures, requiring construction of fictive-narrative films while working in groups. In addition to the class sessions taught with TH 476 Intermediate Film Production, separate consultations and specific research assignments for graduate students in TH 876 are also required. Lecture-laboratory.

TH 880 Development of American Popular Culture of the: _____ (3). Intensive interdisciplinary examination of popular culture forms and their relationships with the social, political, and economic dynamics of America in a specific decade, with emphasis on film, broadcasting, theatre, music literature (including magazines and newspapers), and the graphic arts. Decade to be studied changes as resources and needs develop.

TH 881 Development of the Silent Film (3). Intensive study of the artistic, economic, and sociological development of the silent narrative film with emphasis on the evolution of the American studio system, German Expressionism, and Soviet Expressive Realism.

TH 882 Development of the American Sound Film (3). Intensive study of the artistic, economic, and sociological development of the American sound film with emphasis on the studio system, major directors, genres, and the impact of television.

TH 883 Development of the International Sound Film (3). Intensive study of the artistic, economic, and sociological development of the international sound film with emphasis on the cinemas of England, France, Italy, Germany, Sweden, and Eastern Europe.

TH 884 Development of African-American Images in Film (3). A history and critical assessment of the development of diverse images of African-Americans in American cinema and the impact of those images of American society. Screenings of feature and independent films, including those by African-Americans. In addition to the lecture/screening sessions taught in tandem with TH 384, a separate discussion section and specific research assignments for graduate students enrolled in TH 884 are also required.

TH 885 Latin American Film (3). The course explores the national cinemas and film industries of various nations in Latin America, as well as films made by indigenous and Chicano/a filmmakers. Films are analyzed both as artistic works (formal qualities, cinematic styles, and influences) and as documents that provide windows to the socio-historical context of the nation. The course focuses on the political-economic factors surrounding the production of Latin American national cinema (the role of the state, co-productions, film markets.)

TH 886 Asian Film (3). Seminar on various national film cultures of East and Southeast Asia. Representative films are studied from formal, stylistic, and socio-historic perspectives. Addresses the impact of key cultural, economic, and political issues on each film industry. Class discussion, reports, and individual research papers.

TH 887 Film and the Public (3). A study of the actual and implied responsibilities of film and video to the public, as seen in regulations, self-regulatory codes, and the critical literature of the field. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

TH 888 Special Problems in Film History and Criticism (1-4).

TH 894 Seminar for Film Interns (1-3). To be taken concurrently with graduate internship or employment with an approved film or video production company. Discussion and critical evaluation of work experience with faculty adviser and job supervisor. Prerequisite: Consent of Theatre and Film graduate faculty.

TH 895 Intensive Film Project Seminar (1-4). The student plans and executes an intensive special project which requires the professional skills of investigation and performance appropriate to radio, television and/or film. May be repeated for credit up to a maximum of six credit hours. (This seminar is to the special project program what "thesis" is to the traditional program.)

TH 897 Practicum in Film (1-3). Various approaches to the illustration of principles of production in film and/or video through the supervision of laboratory exercises and subsequent evaluation by the Theatre and Film graduate faculty.

TH 898 Investigation and Conference (for Master's Students) (1-8). Directed research and experimentation in theatre and/or film/video. Limited to eight hours credit toward the Master's degree.

TH 899 Master's Thesis (1-6).

TH 901 Theatre Seminar in: _____ (3). A graduate seminar devoted to selected historical, theoretical, or critical issues in theatre. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

TH 902 Film Seminar in: _____ (3). A graduate seminar devoted to selected historical, theoretical, or critical issues. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

TH 915 Modern Theatre and Drama (3). A study of the movements in playwriting and theatrical production in Europe and America from the mid-19th century to World War II. Prerequisite: TH 525 and TH 526 or comparable courses.

TH 916 Postmodern Theatre and Drama (3). A study of developments in Europe and American playwriting, directing, acting, and design from World War II to the present. Prerequisite: TH 525 and TH 526, or comparable courses, and preferably TH 915.

TH 917 Dramatic Theory I (3). A survey of dramatic theory from Plato to Lessing.

TH 918 Dramatic Theory II (3). A survey of dramatic theory from Lessing to Langer.

TH 919 Dramatic Theory Seminar (3). Study in depth of selected theorists. Offered as determined by faculty availability and student interest.

TH 920 Practicum in Criticism (3). Contemporary approaches to theatre and drama criticism, including applications to film. Emphasis on actual practice, using a variety of critical methods.

TH 922 Theatre Historiography (3). This course focuses on the advanced study of research methods, subjects, interpretative paradigms, theoretical frameworks, and philosophies of history employed in contemporary approaches to writing and teaching theater history. Prerequisite: TH 525 and TH 526 or equivalent.

TH 998 Investigation and Conference (for Doctoral Students) (1-8). Directed research and experimentation in theatre and/or film. Limited to eight hours credit towards the doctoral degree.

TH 999 Doctoral Dissertation (1-12).

The following course is cross-referenced as available to or recommended for students in Theatre:

W S 513 Modern American Women in Film and Literature

How to Apply (Graduate Level)

INFORMATION FOR PROSPECTIVE GRADUATE STUDENTs

To apply for admission in Fall 2010, please submit all application materials for admission no later than:

Application Deadlines:

• January 1 to be considered for admission with financial support
• February 15 for admission consideration without financial support

The Department does not admit new students in the Spring or Summer terms.

Contact Information:

Graduate Secretary
University of Kansas
Department of Theatre
356 Murphy Hall
1530 Naismith Drive
Lawrence, KS 66045-3140
Phone: 785-864-3511
Email: kuthr@ku.edu

M.A. and Ph.D. Applicants:

To be considered for admission in a given fall semester, prospective graduate students are expected to meet the following minimum standards:

• an overall undergraduate GPA of no less than 3.2.
• an overall GPA of no less than 3.5 in the major and in previous graduate studies.

International Students:

• International students must provide TOEFL scores (at the time of application) and the international I-20 Request Form (to be submitted later if the student is admitted to the program).
• International students must have a Test of Spoken English (TSE) Score of 50 or above for Graduate Teaching Assistantship consideration.

Online Submission of Application and Fee

Your Application Form and Application Fee should be submitted online at: http://www.graduate.ku.edu (then click on "Apply")

Required Application Materials for M.A. and Ph.D.:

• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores should be sent directly from the Educational Testing Service. For routing, our institution code is 6871; our department code is 2403. Check with your GRE Examination Center (www.gre.org ) to be certain your scores will arrive at KU by the application deadline.
• An official transcript, sent directly to KU, from your baccalaureate granting institution, and transcripts from all institutions attended post-baccalaureate.
• Three (3) recent letters of recommendation, two of which should be from your current or former teachers. Completed letters with accompanying forms may be sent directly to the Department by your recommenders or submitted online.
• A current resume of academic and artistic experiences. (May be submitted online with your application or mailed to Graduate Secretary.)
• A statement of personal goals that explains why you want to pursue graduate study in theatre. (May be submitted online with your application or mailed to Graduate Secretary.)
• A writing sample (no more than 15 pages) that demonstrates your ability to theorize, analyze, and synthesize scholarly information. (Please do not send theses, CDs, DVDs, or video tapes.) (May be submitted online with your application or mailed to Graduate Secretary.)

Required Application Materials for M.F.A. in Scenography:

• An official transcript, sent directly to KU, from your baccalaureate granting institution, and transcripts from all institutions attended post-baccalaureate.
• Three (3) recent letters of recommendation, two of which should be from your current or former teachers and/or those able to recommend you on the basis of professional design experience. Completed letters with accompanying forms may be sent directly to the Department by your recommenders or submitted online.
• A current resume of academic and artistic experiences.
• A comprehensive statement of your theatre design philosophy and the objective you hope to achieve through graduate study.
• Applicants are encouraged to bring their portfolios to campus for an interview and tour of the theatre facilities. Please contact Delores Ringer, Head of Theatre Design, at 785-864-2688 or ding@ku.edu to schedule an interview.
• Portfolio — CD-ROMs, CDs, DVDs and/or a comprehensive 35mm slide portfolio (including a slide information sheet with name, number of each corresponding slide, title, and date) of your undergraduate and/or professional work must be submitted if you do not visit the program. The portfolio may consist of realized designs, class work or paper projects, drafting and other technical preparation, art or illustration work, or photographs of models. Evidence of CAD is desirable.
• A self-addressed return mailer, including return postage, must be submitted or the materials will not be returned.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships

Qualified students may receive graduate teaching assistantships (GTA) for up to five academic years. A typical GTA appointment involves teaching discussion sections of large lecture classes under the supervision of a faculty member; appointments may also include service as primary instructor for undergraduate courses or other duties assigned by the graduate faculty. Regular assistantships provide a full tuition waiver, health insurance, and an annual stipend of around $12,000 for master's and doctoral students. Base salaries and merit increases for GTAs are set via collective bargaining between the University and the Graduate Teaching Assistants Coalition (GTAC), the campus representative of the Kansas Association of Public Employees (KAPE).