Department of Speech Communication and Theatre
Dr. Mark G. Henderson
Interim Chair
mark.g.henderson@jsums.edu
Phone: 601.979.2872
Location: Rose E.McCoy Auditorium
Faculty:
Theatre
Yolanda Williams
Speech
Mark Henderson
Randrika Henderson
Margaret Anderson
Adjuncts
Clyde Okojie
Monica Flippin-Wynn
Tiffany Williams
Nadia Bodie-Smith
Introduction/Mission
The Department of Speech Communication and Theatre evidence effective communication as
the key to our encounters and interactions. With this philosophy, the department is dedicated to
preparing its students to become significant contributors to mankind. Our goals are achieved
through student organizations, co-curricular activities, and state-of-the-art facilities and
equipment that enhance each student’s experience in the department and university.
The mission of the Theatre Program at Jackson State University is to train students to assume
careers as professional artists, managers, designers, and/or technicians in theatre and related
disciplines by stressing character, teamwork, leadership, and service.
Practical application in at least one departmental production activity. Required of freshman and sophomore majors. Open to non-majors. Repeatable to a maximum of six
Practical application in at least one departmental production activity. Required of freshman and sophomore majors. Open to non-majors. Repeatable to a maximum of six
Practical application in at least one departmental production activity. Required of freshman and sophomore majors. Open to non-majors. Repeatable to a maximum of six
Practical application in at least one departmental production activity. Required of freshman and sophomore majors. Open to non-majors. Repeatable to a maximum of six
Practical application in at least one departmental production activity. Required of freshman and sophomore majors. Open to non-majors. Repeatable to a maximum of six
Practical application in at least one departmental production activity. Required of freshman and sophomore majors. Open to non-majors. Repeatable to a maximum of six
A survey of drama and theater history examining historical practices used in the modern theater. Attendance at theater performances and the reading of the representative plays are required open to all students.
Basic training in voice, movement, and improvisation to enhance the beginning actor¿s understanding and artistic growth. Open to all students.
. An overview of the theory and practices in implementation of set construction and related aspects of technical theatrical production.
Study and practice of the art and craft of acting. Selected readings, discussion, laboratory exercises.
This course acquaints the student with artistic elements and practical techniques of scene design. Laboratory work consists of several scene designs in different styles. Each design includes ground plans, perspective drawings and frontal evaluations.
The history of the physical theater, drama, and the participants from Egyptian origin of theater ritual through the Greek classical theater to Elizabethan England.
The history of the physical theater, drama, and the participants from Elizabethan England to the development of the modern theater.
A study of Black drama and theater in America, treating the contributions and involvement of Black artists in the drama and theater in this country from 1553 to the present.
A lecture-laboratory course in the fundamentals of playwriting. Laboratory work consists of exercise in exposition, traditional scenes, builds, crisis, resolution, etc. Lectures include script analysis, discussion of certain avant-garde plays and the works of the individual playwright. A scenario will be written.
A course designed for the oral study of dramatic literature through analysis and group performance.
The director¿s initial approach to the play, research, research, textual study, and formal analysis. Demonstrations and directorial skills in composition, movement, and business.
Work in lighting design plots for different modes of staging. The study of lighting control principles, color theory, and design theory in practical application.
A course designed to give the student further experience in concepts and techniques of playwriting. Each student is required to write a one-act play or scenario.
Discussion of basic elements of design for costumes and make-up. Overview of historical dress and accessories. Practical experience in make-up application. Open to all students.
An in-depth study of the principles of dramatic criticism from Aristotle to modern period. Particular reference is given to the influence of the theory of the church, state and press in evaluating drama.
Emphasis is on improvisational acting. Some attention is devoted to production techniques.
Study the principles and techniques of acting, and staging for children¿s theatre. Practical application through laboratory, assignments, and participation in production projects.
Full directing responsibility for the production of a one-act play or approved activity.
Directed research or project work for the superior student of drama.
A discussion, demonstration, and performance based course designed for the non-speech major. It aims to develop the student¿s ability to speak fluently with confidence and poise with another individual, in the group setting, and before an audience. A University core course.
A course designed to analyze communication from one to several persons. It offers opportunities to engage in face-to-face interactions through interviews, conversations, etc.
A course designed to improve vocal conditions for speech purposes in general, and for the classroom teaching situation in particular. It deals primarily with the basic elements of voice and diction, articulation, pronunciation and development of vocal skills.
An intensified study of and training in speech composition and techniques of delivery. Basic and special types of speeches are considered.
A course designed to help students analyze, experience, and orally communicate various types of literature.
The course aims to explain causes and nature of poor listening; to foster self insight into personal listening habits and to initiate a method of training to improve listening behavior.
A course designed to study the key variables influencing the communication behavior of people in organizations and those variables most affected by that behavior. The organization as a living open-system connected by the flow of information between and among people who occupy various roles and positions will be examined.
An application of logical principles to discourse in order to develop cogency and standards for criticism. Attention is given to analysis, evidence, straight thinking, methods of attack and defense, organization of ideas, preparation of briefs, and the techniques of delivery in debating.
A course designed to give both theoretical knowledge and practical skill in recognizing and applying the various techniques of influence.
A detailed analysis of the process of communication. Methods and models of communication will be studied in-depth to understand theories that guide criticism, interpretation and validation of the process and effects of communication, oral and written, in all sectors of life.
The course will explore the functions of communication in such areas as posture, gesture, facial expressions, voice, touching, clothing, proxemics and environment as they impact on the process of communication.
A course designed to analyze the nature of intercultural communication and its importance to the survival of humanity and society.
A course designed to teach the student skills for effective communication in group settings such as panel, symposium, and forum. Deals specifically with group cohesion in topic understanding and problem solution.
Students will identify and analyze
The student will design a research project as an outgrowth of knowledge learned or skills acquired. The nature of the project will vary depending upon student interest but may include attitudinal studies, program effectiveness studies, and student-teacher departmental relationships.
The student will spend a semester in an actual job setting utilizing knowledge learned or skills acquired. The nature of the work may vary depending upon the particular placement, but may include speech writing, public relations, and research.
This course will provide the student in speech with intensive reading in and critical discussion of literature on advanced topics, with particular attention to interaction processes characterizing speech communication. The student will design, perform and report original research on speech communication variables.