CATA 171G. Introduction to Theater and Cinema Appreciation
A course designed to give the beginning student a critical platform on which to base his or her own evaluation of plays and films. Selected reading of play scripts, film scenarios, and general criticism is supplemented by planned viewing experiences in both art forms. Offered each semester. (Three credits.)

CATA 173G. Introduction to Technical Theater
A study of the basic elements of technical theater, including stagecraft, lighting, properties, and makeup. Includes laboratory. Offered each semester. (Three credits.)

CATA 175G. Beginning Acting
An introduction to the art and history of stage acting combined with practical exercises and performances of short scenes. Offered each year. (Three credits.)

CATA 213. Communication: Advanced Workshop
A continuation of CATA 113 with advanced work and/or a position of responsibility in communication. Primarily for upperclass majors. Prerequisite: CATA 113, Sophomore standing and consent of the instructor. May be repeated for credit. (Two credits.)

CATA 230. Introduction to Communication Studies
An introduction to the breadth of the field of communication studies (including media and theatre arts) through the examination of historical and contemporary communication theories. Acquaints students with general, thematic, and contextual theories of human communication to provide a more thorough understanding of communication processes in multiple contexts (interpersonal, small group, organizational, public performance, mass, and cultural). Gives attention to application of theory in practical settings and criteria for evaluating theories. Offered each year. Prerequisite: CATA 101 and CATA major or consent of the instructor. (Three credits.)

CATA 231. Interpersonal Communication
An examination of the verbal and nonverbal features of face-to-face communication in everyday life, social interaction, professional activity, and in our culture as a whole. Attention is given to language as a cultural system and as a meaning system, communication as behavior, relationship development, and communication systems and effects. Emphasis is placed on understanding theory, systematically observing communicative behavior, analysis of communication situations, and skill improvement. Offered each year. Prerequisite: CATA 101. (Three credits.)

CATA 233. Advanced Public Speaking
A theory and performance-oriented course focusing upon the preparation and presentation of public messages. Includes classical and contemporary rhetorical theory, argumentation, models of successful speakers, various forms of presentation (informative, persuasive, and entertaining), and directions for practice. Offered each year. Prerequisite: CATA 101 or consent of the instructor. (Three credits.)

CATA 235. Small Group Communication
A study of task-oriented, small-group communication emphasizing effective organization, participation, and leadership. Methods of correcting specific problems that may hinder small groups are explored. Includes opportunities to participate in and analyze small-group interaction. Offered each year. Prerequisite: CATA 101. (Three credits.)

CATA 261. Mass Media and Modern Society
An inquiry into the mass media of our time (print, film, radio, television, etc.), including study of the forces that created them and the effects they have on society. Special attention is given to theories of mass communication and the medium of television. Offered each semester. (Three credits.)

CATA 263. Radio and Television Production
A survey of the historical development of and operational and management trends within broadcasting combined with practical training (e.g. announcing techniques, handling of cameras and switching equipment, editing, program planning.) Prerequisite: CATA 261 or consent of the instructor. Offered each year. (Three credits.)

CATA 273G. The Classical Theater
A survey of Western theater from ancient Greece to 1800. Emphasizes the evolution of dramatic literature, production elements, theater architecture, and audience composition. Offered in alternate years. (Three credits.)

CATA 275G. The Modern Theater
A survey of Western theater from 1800 to the present. Emphasizes the evolution of dramatic literature, production elements, theater architecture, and audience composition. Offered in alternate years. (Three credits.)

CATA 277. Children’s Theatre and Creative Dramatics
A hybrid course that introduces the theory and practice of using theater and drama as a teaching tool, as well as creating theater for and with youth. Readings in history, theory and production are combined with practical exercises in Creative Dramatics and Children’s Theater performance techniques. Includes opportunities to create and utilize techniques in both performance and the learning environment. Offered each year. (Three credits.)

CATA 294. Special Topics. Communications. (Three credits.)

CATA 295. Special Topics. Print Media. (Three credits.)

CATA 296. Special Topics. Electronic Media. (Three credits.)

CATA 297. Special Topics. Theater. (Three credits.)

CATA 321. Junior Colloquium
An examination of the interrelationships of communication, media and theater as well as the goals and outcomes of study in Communication and Theater Arts. Includes opportunities to prepare and present projects and develop a student web-based electronic portfolio. Individual and group study will occur. Topics include an overview of emerging issues facing CATA graduates, web and portfolio design, as well as career analysis and planning. Offered each fall. Prerequisite: CATA Major and Junior standing or permission of the instructor. (One credit.)

CATA 333. Organizational Communication
An analysis of organizational communication theories and methods and the study of organizational culture, motivation, conflict, decision-making, and power, and patterns for successful leadership and careers. Includes practice in forms of communication used in business with an extensive laboratory simulation in communication training and development. Offered each year. Prerequisite: CATA 101 and Junior standing or permission of the instructor. (Four credits.)

CATA 335. Argumentation
An introduction to how logical arguments are structured and analyzed. Includes development of abilities in composing logically valid messages and avoiding fallacies. Emphasis is placed on what makes arguments strong and effective. Portions of the course will be devoted to how arguments are used in various fields (e.g., law, journalism, science, history, or politics). Frequent in-class, written and oral practice will occur including formal debating. Prerequisite: CATA 101, 233 or POLS 101, 103 or 200 or by permission of instructor. (Three credits.)

CATA 337. Communication Criticism
A study of various critical perspectives and methods as applied to a variety of different communication texts, including public speeches, plays, films, and television news broadcasts. Emphasis is placed on enhancing critical thinking skills as well as on writing and articulating persuasive arguments. Prerequisite: CATA 101 and 230. (Three credits.)

CATA 339. Persuasion
A study of the classic concepts of persuasion in relation to modern theories of how people effect changes in others’ beliefs, attitudes, and behavior. Includes opportunities to prepare and present persuasive efforts culminating in the development of a persuasive campaign plan. Offered each year. Prerequisite: CATA 101 and 230 or 363. (Three credits.)

CATA 363. Media and Public Relations Writing
A broadcast media and public relations writing course providing practical experience in the creation of commercial and noncommercial materials for radio, television, print and news media. Offered each semester. Prerequisite: CATA 261 or PUBR 341. (Three credits.)

CATA 365. Media Production
A study of contemporary electronic communication technology. Applications include web site design and maintenance, the creation and implementation of multimedia projects (audio, video, graphics). Combines application of communication theory with practice in developing successful projects. Offered each year. Prerequisite: CATA 101. (Four credits.)

CATA 370. Voice, Movement and Modern Styles
A study of performance techniques and modern movement based acting styles. Includes readings on performance theory, laboratory exercise, improvisation, scene study, character development, personal reflection and the attendance of productions. Techniques will be applied to modern acting styles, and the course will lead to the creation and performance of scenes and monologues. Prerequisite: CATA 175 or consent of the instructor. Offered once every third year. (Three credits.)

CATA 375. Scenery and Lighting Design
A study of the basic elements of scenery and lighting design. Combines readings in design theory with practice in drafting, plotting, rendering, and model building. Offered in alternate years. Prerequisite: CATA 173 or by permission of instructor. (Three credits.)

CATA 377. Principles of Stage Directing
A study of the practical and theoretical elements of directing for the serious student of performance. Readings in theory and production organization are combined with practical exercises in analysis, pictorial composition, movement, and lead to the actual production of a short play. Offered each year. Prerequisites: Junior standing, some theater experience and CATA 171, 173 or 375, and 175. (Three credits.)

CATA 394. Seminar: Communication
A seminar centered on a problem or topic as announced before each offering. Designed for Juniors and Seniors. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. May be repeated for credit. (Three credits.)

CATA 395. Seminar: Print Media
A seminar centered on a problem or topic as announced before each offering. Designed for Juniors and Seniors. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. May be repeated for credit. (Three credits.)

CATA 396. Seminar: Electronic Media
A seminar centered on a problem or topic as announced before each offering. Designed for Juniors and Seniors. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. May be repeated for credit. (Three credits.)

CATA 397. Seminar: Theater
A seminar centered on a problem or topic as announced before each offering. Designed for Juniors and Seniors. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. May be repeated for credit. (Three credits.)

CATA 421. Senior Colloquium
An examination of the interrelationships of communication, media and theater as well as the goals and outcomes of study in Communication and Theater Arts. Includes opportunities to prepare and present projects and complete a student web-based electronic portfolio. Individual and group study will occur. Topics include an overview of emerging issues facing CATA graduates, web and portfolio design, as well as career and life planning. Seniors serve as mentors to Sophomore and Junior majors. Offered each fall. Prerequisite: CATA Major and Junior standing or permission of the instructor. (One credit.)

CATA 490. Independent Study
A faculty-directed program of individual study consisting of reading, research, or creative performance. Prerequisite: prior approval of the department. May be repeated for credit. (One to six credits.)

CATA 491. Freedom of Expression and Communication Ethics
A study of the foundations of freedom of expression and communication ethics in our society. Major historical documents pertaining to the freedom of communication and the moral and ethical base of communication will be reviewed. The continuing tension between artistic freedom and censorship will also be examined. Historical materials will be applied to current points of contention in the arts, business, media, and politics. Culminating experience required of all majors. Offered each year. Prerequisite: Senior CATA major or minor or Senior Public Relations major, or consent of the instructor. (Three credits.)

CATA 494. Internship in Communication
An experience designed to allow the student to use in the field concepts and ideas developed during major study and to help prepare the student for employment. Prerequisites: Junior standing and prior approval of the department. May be repeated for credit. (Three to nine credits.)

CATA 495. Internship in Print Media
An experience designed to allow the student to use in the field concepts and ideas developed during major study and to help prepare the student for employment. Prerequisites: Junior standing and prior approval of the department. May be repeated for credit. (Three to nine credits.)

CATA 496. Internship in Electronic Media
An experience designed to allow the student to use in the field concepts and ideas developed during major study and to help prepare the student for employment. Prerequisites: Junior standing and prior approval of the department. May be repeated for credit. (Three to nine credits.)