speech and drama

Course Descriptions

Creative Communication Arts

Grade: 9-10 Credit: 0.5 Fine Art Length: Semester

Prerequisite: none

Course Description: In this course students will learn interpersonal, intrapersonal, and public speaking communication skills linked with creative thinking through small group activities, presentations and observing speeches. Students will be able to demonstrate beginning organizational skills for a speech using supportive materials, a comprehensive outline, and visual aids. Students will also learn how to listen and speak effectively in a variety of personal and professional situations.

Public Speaking 101

Grade: 11-12 Credit: 0.5 Fine Art Length: Semester

Prerequisite: none

Course Description: This course meets the expectations of Saint Louis University’s 1818 program and aligns with the Saint Louis University course CMM 1200: Public Speaking. Students are introduced to principles of effective verbal and non-verbal communication in public contexts and provided opportunities to create and deliver appropriate speeches and presentations to authentic audiences. In addition, standards of evaluation for public communication are established for the use in evaluating their own and other's public speaking performances.

Dramatic Arts

Grade: 9-12 Credit: 0.5 Fine Art Length: Semester

Prerequisite: none

Course Description: This is an introductory course in a variety of theatrical elements. Students will develop skills in concentration, movement, voice, characterization, improvisation, and the basic principles of dramatic structure. Students will experiment with pantomime, duet acting, and monologue and scene performances.

Drama 2

Grade: 9-12 Credit: 0.5 Fine Art Length: Semester

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Dramatic Arts

Course Description: Using the skills learned in Dramatic Arts, students further develop their skills in movement, characterization, stylization, acting, and playwriting through project-based units of theatre history, directing, and lighting, set, and costume design.

Creative Film, Video, Media Arts

Grade: 9-12 Credit: 0.5 Fine Art Length: Semester

Prerequisite: none

Course Description: This project-based course studies the foundations of film production,discovering how storytelling is enhanced through lighting, camera angles and shots, and music and sound effects. Students will practice self-management and social skills through the implementation of the production process. Students will also analyze films and give and apply constructive criticism to refine work.

Honors Advanced Creative Film, Video, Media Arts

Grade: 10-12 Credit: 0.5 Fine Art Length: Semester

Prerequisite: A "B" or better in Creative Film, Video, Media Arts

Course Description: This is an honors course which builds on the knowledge and skills of film production learned in Creative Film, Video, and Media Arts. Students continue their mastery of the pre-production and production processes and learn post-production skills. Students extend their skills with a variety of technological tools including digital editing software. Students demonstrate their knowledge of film styles and film theory, writing professional screenplays, and plan and create professional-quality film products.

Television Production 1

Grade: 10-12 Credit: 1.0 Fine Art Length: Year

Prerequisite: An "B" or better in Creative Film, Video, Media Arts or Advanced Creative Film

Course Description: This is a hands-on, student led, student produced course that will produce the weekly television program Cougar News. All projects are created, filmed, and edited by students. In this class, students will learn the basics of television production. Students will experiment with various areas of television production.

Television Production 2

Grade: 11-12 Credit: 1.0 Fine Art Length: Year

Prerequisite: An "B" or better in Creative Film, Advanced Creative Film and TV Production 1

Course Description: This is an advanced hands-on, student led, student produced course for television production in which the student will assume the student producer management position of Cougar News. Students will do advanced pre production, production, and post production work for the station. Students will earn practical hands-on experience in various advanced areas of television production.

Theatre Arts

Grade: 11-12 Credit: 0.5 or 1.0 Fine Art Length: Semester/Year

Prerequisite: none

Course Description: This course is designed to involve students in the creative process and offer opportunity for play production. Students enrolled will be the company working on all phases of the theatre program. Participation in a theatrical production in a position of major responsibility will be required. Classroom and practical laboratory experience in areas of production will be taught. The course will also include the selection of a play, tryouts, rehearsal schedules, directing, and technical production: makeup, costumes, publicity, props, student directing, choreography, and other areas as interest is shown. As rehearsals proceed, students will work with the phase they are dealing with directly. They will work in two technical areas in the fall and spring. Students may enroll in two semesters of theatre arts. A student may enroll in the fall semester and work on the fall production which the student directs and produces, followed by a second project which is the choice of the class. A student may enroll in the spring semester which produces the spring musical.

Special Requirements:

1. All students admitted to class with the recommendation of the teacher

2. Attendance two nights a week, Tuesday and Thursday, 6:30-8:30. For additional time spent on this course students can receive extra credit for Thespian points.

3. A genuine interest in the dramatic arts

Honors Advanced Theatre Arts

Grade: 12 Credit: 0.5 or 1.0 Fine Art Length: Semester/Year

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Theatre Arts and teacher approval

Course Description: This course is designed for students who wish to pursue their interest in the technical aspects of the theatre at a more sophisticated level. The class will meet concurrently with Theatre Arts, but the student will be engaged in more complex activities, such as directing, designing, and producing with full responsibility for that job. Students will be expected to teach skills directly to their crews and develop a plan and objectives. Advanced Theatre Arts is considered an Honors course both semesters of a student's senior year for those students who have taken Theatre Arts for four semesters. Students may enroll in the SLU 1818 program and receive additional college credit for Honors Advanced Theatre Arts.