Courses

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Performing Arts Courses

PFA101 Appreciation of Performing Arts

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course is an introduction to the Performing Arts in its three main strands, Theatre, Dance and Music. Students will be exposed to selective artists that have shaped the world of performance from the beginning (birth of performance) of ritual performance until modern Multimedia performances.

PFA210 Fundamentals of Music

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course introduces the basics of music theory, with an emphasis on reading, writing, and practical musicianship. The written aspects of the course include pitch and rhythm notation, scales, keys, and the circles of fifths, intervals, chords, chord progressions, and simple harmonic analysis.

PFA211 Survey of Western Music

[3–0, 3 cr.]

Designed for non-Music majors, this course provides a wide variety of musical styles and stylistic periods. The emphasis is on perceptive listening along with expository readings. The basic concepts of music such as melody, harmony, rhythm, counterpoint, and form are studied through investigation of the historical and contemporary masterpieces of the Western classical tradition, of various non-Western music, and of various “popular” traditions. The different styles and types of music are considered not only in light of the cultural values they embody, but also in relation to present-day cultural and musical values.

PFA212 Survey of Middle Eastern Music

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course is a survey of the historical sources, and the development of the underlying principles, forms, modes, and rhythms, of Middle Eastern music. Readings as well as recordings of music and live vocal or instrumental performances will be used to illustrate important styles, modes, and instrumentation. Music is studied in the context of the general Middle Eastern culture.

PFA214 Arabic Music Appreciation

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course introduces Classical Arabic Music of the Middle East through listening and analysing selected audio recordings and videos from prominent singers, composers and instrumentalists from old classical vocal repertoire.

PFA221 Theories of Body in Performance

[3–0, 3 cr.]

An introduction to Laban Movement Analysis and Bartenieff Fundamentals and their applications to movement description, observation, and execution. Through the cultivation of a vital, conscious relationship with one’s body, dancers, actors and musicians will become aware of personal movement patterns that help and/or hinder expressive potential.

PFA222 Art of Dance

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course surveys dance forms from around the world, and the numerous ways in which dance functions as an expression of culture. Specific dance makers/choreographers and performers will be examined, with an emphasis on their cultural context. The course will acquaint students with the formal properties of various dance forms and their development.

PFA238 Drama Workshop

[1–2, 1 cr.]

This course covers the various aspects of theatrical activities, including building scenery, properties, costumes, design, construction.

PFA241 Introduction to Acting

[1–2, 3 cr.]

An Introduction to the actor’s technique and performer’s skills,

exploring the elements necessary to begin training as an actor.

Focus on physical and vocal exercises, improvisations, scene study.

PFA242 Introduction to Art of Theatre

[3–0, 3 cr.]

Introduction to the theatre from its ancient origins to the present: history, dramatic literature, production, design, acting, direction, etc…

Prerequisite(s): ENG101 Academic English I (Can be taken concurrently)

PFA244 Stage Production & Design

[1.5–2, 3 cr.]

This course is an introduction to the development of the theatre house, from its ancient origins to the present. Topics cover technical theatre production processes including theatre design principles, scenery construction, fundamentals of stage lighting, sound and multi–media together with house management procedures.

Prerequisite(s): None

PFA247 Theatre in Performance

[1–2, 3 cr.]

This course is about experiencing theatre making processes leading to a major theatre production. Student participation will include taking major roles as researchers, actors or team members in key positions as managers, designers or operators under the direction of a faculty member.

Prerequisite(s): ENG102 Academic English II.

PFA249 Theatre in Lebanon and the Arab World

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course covers the world of Lebanese Theatre in particular and Arab Theatre in general from its earliest founders until its modern festivals and avant-garde productions.

PFA252 Lebanese Musical Theater & Song

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course provides an overview of prominent musical works and the art of theater in the Lebanese heritage from Maroun Al-Naqqash to the Rahbani brothers. It explores the intimate relationship between song and colloquial poetry (‘Ammiyya’). It also introduces prominent lebanese song writers such as Omar Al Zeeny, Zaki Nassif, Wadih Es Safi and others. Furhtermore, it surveys the origins and evolution of the Lebanese song and the diverse factors that contribute to forming its unique identity.

Prerequisite(s): Knowledge of Arabic reading and writing.

PFA311 Ear Training, Sight Singing and Music Theory

[1–2, 3 cr.]

On this course, the basic rhythmic, harmonic, melodic, and formal practices of music will be covered. Topics will include diatonic harmony, simple counterpoint in two parts, and tones of figuration. The coursework will combine composition, listening, analysis, and work in sight-singing and keyboard musicianship.

PFA312 Introduction to Middle Eastern Music Composition

[1–2, 3 cr.]

This course develops specific compositional techniques and structural procedures modelling a wide range of music genres within the Middle Eastern idiom. Sources will be selected from a variety of historical periods.

PFA313 Introduction to Western Music Composition

[1–2, 3 cr.]

Through a progressive series of composition projects, students investigate the sonic organization of musical works and performances, focusing on fundamental questions of unity and variety. Weekly listening, reading, and composition assignments draw on a broad range of musical styles and intellectual traditions, from various cultures and historical periods. This course develops specific compositional techniques and structural procedures modelling a wide range of music genres within the Western Music/Commercial/Jazz idiom. Compositions for modelling will be chosen from a wide variety of composers.

PFA314 World Music History

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course will introduce students to the many musical characteristics, techniques, styles, terms, and methods found in a world music tradition. In addition to music, we will examine critical issues related to the social and cultural history of the geographical area and how its history influenced the creation and development of the music. Ultimately, the course will attempt to align social and historical issues with the corresponding musical developments within the genre. May be repeated.

PFA315 Music/Vocal Ensemble Western Music

[1–2, 3 cr.]

Open to all instrumentalists, vocalists, electronic music composers and DJs. This course is designed to help the student develop his/her own creative voice. This performance class works toward combining Western instruments and musical structures.

PFA316 Music/Vocal Ensemble Middle Eastern Music

[1–2, 3 cr.]

PFA317 Recording and Sound Reinforcement Techniques

[1–2, 3 cr.]

This course will be divided into three sections starting with an introduction to multi-track recording and production techniques using Cubase. Next, students will create and edit soundtracks and audio for digital video, music and film. Finally the course will cover basic concepts of live sound engineering for front of house mix and stage monitors. All exercises will be related to actual productions such as student films/ plays/ live events, etc.

PFA318 Writing Music for Visual Media

[1–2, 3 cr.]

This course is an introduction to sound design, sound effects, and music composition for film and visual media. It offers a comprehensive overview defining and encapsulating concepts, issues and applications regarding the use of sound effects and the process of composing music for cinematic arts, theater, dance and new media. Course work includes basic exercises in electroacoustic orchestration, electronic compositions, notation software sequencing and film scoring software and final project.

PFA321 Dance Improvisation

[1–2, 3 cr.]

This course explores spontaneous body movement with the purpose of increasing body and spatial awareness, movement invention, performance applications and movement creativity.

Prerequisite(s): PFA 221 Theories of Body in Performance

PFA322 Dance History and Criticism

[3–0, 3 cr.]

The study of world dance forms in terms of the numerous ways dance functions as an expression of culture. This course explores the impulse for dance in any culture by looking at the practices which gave rise to specific dance forms. It also studies the formal properties of various dance forms, how they developed, and how they have changed to keep up with the times. Course outcomes include understanding and appreciating dance as an art form. Emphasis will be placed on examining the culture and identity of specific dance makers/choreographers and performers.

Prerequisite(s): PFA 222 Art of Dance

PFA323 Music Rhythmic Training for Dance

[3–0, 3 cr.]

The study of music theory including meter, rhythm, phrasing, melody, harmony and its relationship to dance.

PFA342 Play Production I

[1–2, 3 cr.]

This is a 3-credit production course that extends over two consecutive semesters. The class meets on Mondays and Wednesdays throughout the first semester and only on Fridays in the second semester. During the first semester students are expected to learn the theories of staging and to participate in as many stage productions on campus as possible. Whilst during the second semester students direct a one-act play and produce a prompt book, which documents the work process in detail.

Prerequisite(s): PFA 242 Introduction to Art of Theatre

PFA343 Advanced Acting

[1–2, 3 cr.]

Advance acting techniques covers acting theory and practice. On this course students learn and experience concepts and techniques as applied for Radio, Screen and Stage acting.

Prerequisite(s): PFA 241 Introduction to Acting

PFA347 Principles of Creative Dramatics

[3–0, 3 cr.]

A study of the principles and methods of developing original dramatizations with children. Play and values of creative playing will be examined. Students will be guided on a journey in imagining, storytelling, improvising, and reflecting on human experiences through dramatic exercises

Prerequisite(s): ENG102 Academic English II

PFA418 Music Workshop

[1–2, 1 cr.]

This course covers various aspects of musical activities including recordings, sound reinforcement and music productions.

PFA421 Dance Composition

[1–2, 3 cr.]

Principles of dance theory and composition with application of spatial, temporal, dynamic, and dramatic elements in choreography. Emphasis on individual assignments.

Prerequisite(s): Senior Standing

PFA428 World Dance Workshop

[1–2, 3 cr.]

This course will introduce students to dance techniques and styles, terms in the world. In addition to the dance movements, the course allows students to analyse issues of social and cultural history of the geographical regions from where the dances originate. Students are strongly advised to take this course with the World Music course. This course may be repeated.

Prerequisite(s): PFA x2x Music Rhythmic Training for Dance. Concurrent with PFA x1x World Music History

PFA442 Play Production II

[1–2, 3 cr.]

This course is a study of the major theatrical movements. It covers the analysis of the structure of the three-act play, and involves the production of a full length play.

Prerequisite(s): PFA342 Play Production I

PFA487 Seminar in Performing Arts

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course covers selected seminars in performing arts, which may be repeated for credit.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

PFA488 Topics in Performing Arts

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course covers selected topics in performing arts, which may be repeated for credit.

Prerequisite(s): Consent of instructor.

PFA498 Internship

[1–0, 1 cr.]

The internship course covers professional performing arts /communication work, in an off-campus setting appropriate to the student’s emphasis program, providing experience not available in the curriculum.

Prerequisite(s): Senior standing

PFA499 Performing Arts Capstone Project

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course aims to create a new experimental art project through the contribution of all participants. The final project will be a show/concert/installation/ or a series of shows open to the public. Students are encouraged to participate in a multidisciplinary project with filmmakers, animators, managers, businessman, entrepreneurs, choreographers, directors, actors, set and lighting designers, visual artists, musicians, computer programmers, fashion designers, dancers, architects and writers among others across LAU campuses.

Prerequisite(s): Senior standing