Degree Requirements and Courses
Learn more about certificate and degree requirements, course content, recommended sequence, and schedule.
Theatre Arts AA-T Degree
Provides students with a common core of lower division courses required to transfer and pursue a bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts in the CSU system.
Associate in Arts for Transfer | SC Program: AA-T.1004
Theater majors build confidence and public speaking skills, learn how to work together as a team, hone study skills, and develop critical thinking abilities. These are degree benefits that can help you in all areas of your life.
The Theatre Arts program is academically grounded in the liberal arts tradition of literature, performance, cultural studies, history, philosophy, and technical skills. It also provides a hands-on, learn-by-doing environment that gives students experiences and skills to complement many career paths. Employers find theatre trained applicants become valuable employees because they have developed excellent communication and problem-solving skills, confidence, and the ability to work cooperatively with a diverse team of people.
Choose your path
Map your education by viewing the program map for the degree or certificate you’re interested in earning below. Meet with a counselor to create your official comprehensive education plan.
A program map shows all the required and recommended courses you need to graduate and a suggested order in which you should take them. The suggested sequence of courses is based on enrollment and includes all major and general education courses required for the degree.
Fall Semester, First Year
16 Units TotalENGL 1A
GE
4
Reading & Composition
ENGL 1A
This course is the transferable course in composition currently offered to qualified freshmen at practically all American colleges and universities. It presupposes that the students already have a substantial grasp of grammar, syntax, and organization, and that their writing is reasonably free from errors. The course concentrates on developing effective writing and reading. A library research paper is required for successful completion of the course.
This composition class is also taught by Distance Learning. In these sections of ENGL 1A, students will be required to attend class lecture/discussion in a virtual on-line classroom instead of physically attending in a classroom. This will require participation through a text-only Internet connection utilizing a WebCT classroom. Minimum requirement: ability to access World Wide Web addresses. Students may access WebCT through any Internet ramp, including Personal Computer or Web T.V. connection or any Internet connection accessible through the local library, work, school, etc.
Apply Now
HUM 2
GE
3
Exploring the Humanities
HUM 2
This course is designed to explore the humanities by examining expression of human values, ideas, concerns, and experience through the arts, literature, media and the social sciences. The reading of important works in the humanities, written analysis, and attendance at selected performances are major requirements of this course. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
Apply Now
THTR 1
GE
3
Introduction to Theatre Arts
THTR 1
This course is a survey of Theatre Arts including dramatic structure, performance style, plays, terminology, history, criticism, and stagecraft. Students will develop an appreciation for the theatre arts through lectures, viewing, critiquing, and participating in college productions. Students will participate in 12 hours of production activity per semester. This course fulfills the Arts requirement for General Ed transfer and is required for the Theatre Certificate.
Apply Now
THTR 12
M
3
Acting 1
THTR 12
This course teaches the fundamentals of what it is to be an actor. Topics covered include the use of senses, the voice, the body, emotions and building a character. Students participate in individual and group exercises, theatre games and acting projects. Students learn the vocabulary of acting and view/critique on-campus productions. This course is required for theatre majors; non-majors are welcome.
Apply Now
THTR 23
M
3
Mainstage Production I-Drama
THTR 23
In this course students rehearse, prepare and perform a mainstage play. The course is required for theatre majors, non-majors are welcome. Note: Since subject matter varies each time the course is taught, it may be repeated three times for a maximum of four enrollments.
Apply Now
Spring Semester, First Year
13 Units TotalSOC 3
3
Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
SOC 3
This course is an introduction to the basic statistical methods and analyses commonly used in the behavioral sciences. Topics include descriptive and inferential statistics; levels and types of measurement; measures of central tendency and dispersion; normal, t, and chi-square distributions; probability and hypothesis testing; and correlation and regression. Applications of statistical software to the behavioral sciences and/or other social science data is required. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
Apply Now
ENGL 1B
Pre.
GE
3
Literature & Composition
ENGL 1B
Course is an introduction to the study of literature, some of its major themes and types, including poetry, short story, novel and drama. Critical and analytical thinking, reading, and writing skills are stressed, with emphasis on close textual analysis and use of textual evidence to support ideas about literary works. Students will learn to argue and refute interpretations of literature and to recognize a wide variety of strategies employed to achieve literary effects. Students taking the Internet format of this course must have access to the Internet.
Apply Now
CMST 54
GE
3
Small Group Communication
CMST 54
Advisory: A grade of C or higher in ENGL 190 or English Placement Level 6 or higher.
This course is an introduction to the process of human communication with an emphasis on small groups. Subjects covered are preparation for discussion, group participation, leadership, decision-making, interpersonal relations, managing diversity, critical thinking/problem-solving, managing conflict, and evaluation of group interaction. Students will be involved in group interactions and emphasis will be on practical experience. College level writing skills will be expected on all papers, outlines and short essays. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
Apply Now
This course is an introduction to the process of human communication with an emphasis on small groups. Subjects covered are preparation for discussion, group participation, leadership, decision-making, interpersonal relations, managing diversity, critical thinking/problem-solving, managing conflict, and evaluation of group interaction. Students will be involved in group interactions and emphasis will be on practical experience. College level writing skills will be expected on all papers, outlines and short essays. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
THTR 13
M
3
Acting II:Phys Theatre/Voice for Stage
THTR 13
A course that provides more in-depth information about, and facility with, the physical instrument the actor must use. Students will receive basics of stage voice training, enunciation, articulation, expression and emotional content in relation to dramatic text, as well as exercises and training in physical articulation, mask and mime work, familiarity with Alexander and Feldenkrais techniques, and the importance of the voice and body as the interpretive and creative vehicle. Designed for the Theatre Arts Core Program, acting and directing concentration; may not challenged, must be taken for a grade, and is transferable.
Apply Now
THTR 26
M
1
Mainstage Production II-Drama
THTR 26
A course which focuses on the rehearsal and dramatic performance of a large cast dramatic work or musical. Note: Since subject matter varies each time the course is taught, it may be repeated three times for a maximum of four enrollments.
Apply Now
Fall Semester, Second Year
15 Units TotalETHS 1
GE
3
Introduction to Ethnic Studies
ETHS 1
Advisory: ENGL 196 with a grade of C or higher
This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of race and ethnicity in the United States. It examines social justice movements in relation to ethnic and racial groups in the United States to provide a basis for a better understanding of the socioeconomic, cultural, and political conditions among key social groups including, but not limited to, Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latina/o Americans. This course examines the systemic nature of racial/ethnic oppression through an examination of key concepts including racialization and ethnocentrism, with a specific focus on the persistence of white supremacy. Using an anti-racist framework, the course will examine historical and contemporary social movements dedicated to the decolonization of social institutions, resistance, and social justice. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
Apply Now
This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of race and ethnicity in the United States. It examines social justice movements in relation to ethnic and racial groups in the United States to provide a basis for a better understanding of the socioeconomic, cultural, and political conditions among key social groups including, but not limited to, Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latina/o Americans. This course examines the systemic nature of racial/ethnic oppression through an examination of key concepts including racialization and ethnocentrism, with a specific focus on the persistence of white supremacy. Using an anti-racist framework, the course will examine historical and contemporary social movements dedicated to the decolonization of social institutions, resistance, and social justice. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
ESCI 6
GE
4
Ancient Life
ESCI 6
Note: Required day field trips.
This course is a survey of past life presented through geologic and biologic investigation. This course is interdisciplinary in nature and provides geologic background and evidence for the origination and evolution of life. Associated methodologies and concepts presented include geologic time and its measure, chemical and organic evolution, controls on evolution, cladistic analysis, ancient ecologic reconstruction, mass extinction and adaptive radiation, fossilization, and ancient geographic distributions of flora and fauna. Anatomical innovations that define major classes of organisms are traced through ancestor-descendant relationships. Laboratory exercises include processes of fossilization, fossil recognition, cladistic analysis, genetics, stratigraphy, reconstruction of ancient biologic communities, ancient geographic reconstruction through fossil information, functional morphology, mass extinction and adaptive radiation in the fossil record. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
Apply Now
This course is a survey of past life presented through geologic and biologic investigation. This course is interdisciplinary in nature and provides geologic background and evidence for the origination and evolution of life. Associated methodologies and concepts presented include geologic time and its measure, chemical and organic evolution, controls on evolution, cladistic analysis, ancient ecologic reconstruction, mass extinction and adaptive radiation, fossilization, and ancient geographic distributions of flora and fauna. Anatomical innovations that define major classes of organisms are traced through ancestor-descendant relationships. Laboratory exercises include processes of fossilization, fossil recognition, cladistic analysis, genetics, stratigraphy, reconstruction of ancient biologic communities, ancient geographic reconstruction through fossil information, functional morphology, mass extinction and adaptive radiation in the fossil record. The lecture portion of this course may be offered in a distance education format.
POLS 2
GE
3
Introduction to American Government
POLS 2
Advisory: A grade of C or higher in ENGL 190 or ESL 138, or English Placement Level 6 or higher.
An introduction to United States and California government and politics, including their constitutions, political institutions and processes, and political actors. Examination of political behavior, political issues, and public policy. This course satisfies the CSU requirement in U.S. Constitution and California State and local government (US-2 and US-3). This course may be offered in a distance education format.
Apply Now
An introduction to United States and California government and politics, including their constitutions, political institutions and processes, and political actors. Examination of political behavior, political issues, and public policy. This course satisfies the CSU requirement in U.S. Constitution and California State and local government (US-2 and US-3). This course may be offered in a distance education format.
THTR 34
M
2
Makeup
THTR 34
This course is designed to introduce the student to the principles and practical application of stage makeup. Emphasis will be given to facial structure, character analysis, makeup selection and application, facial modeling, three-dimensional techniques, false hair and corrective makeup. The student will demonstrate his/her understanding through actual application in the classroom and as a member of a makeup crew for a specific play production, special exercise or project. Note: This course may be repeated once for a total of two enrollments since skill development is enhanced with a successive enrollment.
Apply Now
THTR 41
Lab
3
Theatre Laboratory
THTR 41
A laboratory course in which the student will gain work experience and training in theatrical productions. Students may work progressively in one or more of the following areas: scenery construction, fabrication and rigging; console operations; stage management; lighting; sound; costumes; wardrobe; properties; make-up; publicity; house management; concessions, and running crews. Upon approval of the instructor, students may direct and participate in the preparation, rehearsal, and performance of student directed productions. Note: Since subject matter varies each time the course is taught, it may be repeated three times for a maximum of four enrollments.
Apply Now
Spring Semester, Second Year
16 Units TotalHIST 17A
GE
3
United States History
HIST 17A
Advisory: ENGL 190 with a grade of C or higher, or English Placement Level 6 or higher.
This course is a survey of the history of the United States from Pre-Columbian Peoples to the end of Reconstruction. Topics include contact and settlement of America, the movement toward independence, the formation of a new nation and Constitution, westward expansion and manifest destiny, the causes and consequences of the Civil War, and Reconstruction. This course satisfies the CSU requirement for US History (US-1). This course may be offered in a distance education format.
Apply Now
This course is a survey of the history of the United States from Pre-Columbian Peoples to the end of Reconstruction. Topics include contact and settlement of America, the movement toward independence, the formation of a new nation and Constitution, westward expansion and manifest destiny, the causes and consequences of the Civil War, and Reconstruction. This course satisfies the CSU requirement for US History (US-1). This course may be offered in a distance education format.
BIOL 10
GE
4
General Biology
BIOL 10
This course is an introduction to the major concepts of modern biology. Topics covered include cell biology, heredity and nature of genes, evolution, diversity of life, and principles of ecology. Emphasis will be placed on those aspects of biology that are rapidly reshaping our culture. This is an approved general education course for non-life science majors who desire an introductory biology course with laboratory.
Apply Now
MUS 14
GE
3
World Music
MUS 14
World Music is an exploration of the musical traditions of selected and representative world musical cultures. Students will learn the basic elements of music, and the different ways to organize music that are connected with various cultural traditions. Students will learn about the intersection of World Music and Cultural Anthropology. This course may be offered in a distance education format. World Music satisfies the Music Core program, and both the GE Humanities and the Multicultural electives.
Apply Now
PSYC 1A
GE
3
General Psychology
PSYC 1A
Advisory: A grade of C or higher in ENGL 190 or English Placement Level 6 or higher.
PSYC 1A is the basic introductory course for the study of psychology as a science and as a profession. It provides both a general survey and intensive introduction to these concepts and elementary principles which are unique to psychology. Topics include perception, learning, development, motivation, personality, abnormal behavior, and biological and social bases of behavior. This course is also offered as Distance Education but is the same in content as that offered on campus.
Apply Now
THTR 38
Lab
1
Makeup Lab
THTR 38
This lab course is designed to develop the student's skills introduced in Theatre 34, Makeup. Emphasis will be given to corrective character analysis, makeup selection and application techniques. The student will demonstrate his/her understanding through actual application in the classroom and as a member of a makeup crew for a specific play production, special exercise, or project. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
Apply Now
THTR 81
M
2
Introduction to Playwriting
THTR 81
An examination of the elements of the dramatic script. The course consists of four main areas of investigation: critiquing the script; playwrights; plotting and theatre conventions; creating motivated characters--heroes, heroines, villains and foils. This course will guide the student toward creating scripts and analyzing their problems and help them distinguish drama from the performed theatre, i.e., scenarios for action.
Apply Now
Please see a counselor to discuss options for meeting general education requirements for transfer to California State Universities (CSU) and/or University of California (UC) campuses, as well as any specific additional courses that may be required by your chosen institution of transfer.
*Alternative Courses: Please see a Shasta College counselor for alternative course options. You can also view the following to find other courses to meet degree/certificate requirements:
- California State Universities – General Education
- IGETC – Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum
Need a print out? Feel free to download and/or print out a copy of the sample program map(s).
Contact Us for More Information
Counseling & Student Services
Contact Info
Phone
(530) 242-7724
Fax
(530) 225-4652
Academic/Instructional Division Office
Art Department
Contact Info
Phone
(530) 242-7571
Start Your Future at Shasta College
We are dedicated to helping you reach your educational and career goals. To begin your journey, apply for admissions today!