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College of Human Development, Culture, and Media

Outcomes for B.A., Major in Theatre

Outcomes and Assessment Seton Hall University embraces the principle that effective and meaningful assessment is an integral part of the educational process. This principle is at the heart of our commitment to meet our responsibilities to our students, professions, and the communities that we serve. University Assessment Site »

Theatre Major Mission Statement

Our program strives to illuminate the human condition through the exploration of the theatrical tradition.  Based in a liberal arts foundation, students are challenged to think conceptually and critically about text and form by studying the historical and cultural impact of theatre.  The program is committed to fostering an artistic environment that nurtures educated actors, scholars, technicians, and audience members.  Reinforced through practical production experience, the program promotes the development of the student as a responsible judge of the aesthetic.  An emphasis on the communication process in theatre prepares students for leadership roles in diverse professional fields.
Core Values – In our teaching, research, and service we affirm and strive for

  • Excellence
  • Purposeful Ambition
  • Civic-Mindedness
  • Cultural awareness/sensitivity
  • Creativity
  • Ethical discourse
  • Intellectual rigor
  • Intellectual and creative engagement
  • Innovation

Theatre Major Outcomes Assessment

Our curriculum prepares the Theatre student to graduate with:

Knowledge

  1. Awareness of the complex nature of the human condition acquired through aesthetic and intellectual perceptions as evidenced in various modes of theatrical production.
  2. Knowledge of the various means (acting, directing, designing, constructing, playwriting, etc.) through which a theatrical concept is realized.
  3. Knowledge of plays that are representative of the development of theatre and drama.
  4. Knowledge of theatre history, including its cultural context and its modes of production.
  5. Knowledge of various critical theories, research sources and methodologies.

Skills

  1. The ability to analyze and interpret plays and other theatrical events with special attention to the skills involved in acting and performance, directing, designing, and playwriting.
  2. The ability to reach an audience effectively through at least one of the components of theatrical art (acting, directing, designing, play writing, etc.).
  3. The ability to function safely and effectively using contemporary theatre technology.
  4. The ability to use the skills and techniques needed in research.
  5. The ability to express in performance, in writing, in speaking, and through other modes of communication the results of research, critical judgment, and other findings and discoveries.
  6. The ability to relate theory to theatrical literature and performance.
  7. The ability to respond as a critically informed member of the theatre audience.

Attitudes

  1. Development of a creative imagination.
  2. Development of an inquiring mind.
  3. Development of a sense of social responsibility.
  4. Development of professional discipline.
  5. Development of a collaborative attitude.
  6. Development of artistic standards and judgment.
  7. Development of respect for the art form.

Assessment Sources and Instruments
Information for assessments can come from such sources and instruments as:

  • Course examinations, papers, and grades
  • Special projects, essays, and theses
  • Journals and production books
  • Internships and mentoring
  • Periodic juried auditions
  • Value-added and standardized exams
  • Comparative audio and/or videotaping
  • Post-production critiques
  • Internal Surveys (student, faculty, etc.)
  • Exit interviews
  • External surveys (alumni, graduate schools, employers, etc.)

*From:  Association for theatre in higher education (ATHE) outcomes assessment guidelines for theatre programs in higher education.