Courses
Performing Arts Courses
PFA201 Performing Arts Appreciation
[3–0, 3 cr.]
Performing Arts Appreciation will introduce students to the Performing Arts in its three main strands: Theatre, Music, and Dance; as well as the variety of techniques used to create productions in these strands. This course will teach the students the main characteristics of all three strands while building context for understanding their place socially, culturally and politically; it will also prepare students to be more culturally engaged critical thinkers.
Prerequisite: ENG009
PFA211 Survey of Western Music
[3–0, 3 cr.]
Designed for non-Music/Performing Arts 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 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.]
Designed for non-Music/Performing Arts majors, 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.
PFA217 Fundamentals of Music Technology
[3–0, 3 cr.]
This course is designed to provide students with instruction in the use of a computer for composing original music. Topics include MIDI sequencing, digital audio processing, and sound synthesis. Students use music hardware and software to complete a variety of projects.
Prerequisite: PFA201 Performing Arts Appreciation
PFA221 Theories of Body in Performance
[3–0, 3 cr.]
An introduction to body movement theories such as 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.
Prerequisite: PFA201 Performing Arts Appreciation
PFA222 Art of Dance
[3–0, 3 cr.]
A survey of dance forms from around the world, and the numerous ways in which dance serves 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.
Prerequisite: ENG101 Academic English I (can be taken concurrently)
PFA223 Kinesiology
[3–0, 3 cr.]
This course will help the students establish good practices for technical work in dance, movement analysis with safe teaching methods, and injury care. It will introduce theories regarding body structure, alignment, flexibility, muscular strength, and conditioning practices. It will also give an understanding of basic human anatomy in relation to movement with the goal of increased efficiency and enhanced performance.
Prerequisite: PFA 201 Performing Arts Appreciation
PFA225 Dance Fundamentals I
[3–0, 3 cr.]
This course introduces the students to the fundamental basic technique of different dance genres and the correct execution of it. It also helps in understanding the theoretical principles behind the studies, vocabulary in dance, recurring movement patterns, and an appreciation for consistent intentional practice with an emphasis on the barre work that strengthens movement, knowledge, and flexibility.
Prerequisite: PFA201
PFA235 Technical Stage Craft
[1–0, 1 cr.]
This course introduces students to the technical aspects of theatrical production, which include scenic design, stage machinery, lighting, and sound. Students learn the skills needed to complete a theatrical production by relating to the practical implementation of a designer’s artistic vision. Areas of study include scenery construction, hanging and focusing of lighting, recording and mixing of sound.
PFA240 Fundamentals of Acting
[3–0, 3 cr.]
This course is designed to introduce the student to the actor’s technique and performer’s skills, exploring the elements necessary to begin training as an actor for the stage, the screen and other venues. Focus will be on physical and vocal techniques and exercises, Characterization, improvisations, monologues and scene study.
Prerequisite: ENG009
PFA242 Art of Theater
[3–0, 3 cr.]
An introduction to the theater 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 Fundamentals of Theatrical Design
[3–0, 3 cr.]
This course is an introduction to the elements of theatrical design; focusing on set design principles, fundamentals of stage lighting, and fundamentals of costume design.
Prerequisite: PFA201 Performing Arts Appreciation
PFA249 Theater in Lebanon and the Arab World
[3–0, 3 cr.]
This course covers the world of Lebanese and Arab Theater from its earliest founders until its modern festivals and avant-garde productions.
PFA257 Musical Theatre
[3–0, 3 cr.]
This course provides the opportunity to encounter and examine the repertoire of the major musical theatre from the MENA region as well as other regions in the world. The course also enables students to analyze different music styles, composing techniques as well as adapting foreign music into a play production.
Prerequisite: PFA201 Performing Arts Appreciation
PFA303 Stage Management
[3–0, 3 cr.]
This course revolves around the production part of putting on a performance. The course covers production management, stage management and house management; and includes all the production, organizational and technical skills of production as well as communication, problem-solving and discipline of production.
Prerequisite: PFA201
PFA305 Performance Repertoire
[3–0, 3 cr.]
This course is about experiencing theatrical production-making processes that leads to a theatrical production (music, drama, dance, or a combination) where students take on major roles as actors/dancers/musicians/singers/designers/managers, and/or crew heads and members.
May be repeated for credit.
PFA308 Rehearsal Techniques
[1–0, 1 cr.]
This course is designed to address the many skills and techniques needed in rehearsals. Elements such as time management, creative experimentation, physical and vocal warmups and discipline will be addressed.
Prerequisite: PFA240
PFA310 Playwriting
[1–2, 3 cr.]
This course explores writing for the theatre through practice, readings and discussions. It teaches students how to develop character, dialogue, plot, conflict, theme, subtext; and how to think in theatrical terms. Students will have a full understanding of how to write scenes that are dramatic, engaging, and entertaining.
Prerequisite: PFA401, ENG102
*(equivalent courses: TVF316 and ENG335)
PFA314 World Music History
[3–0, 3 cr.]
This course covers the many musical characteristics, techniques, styles, terms, and methods found in a world music tradition. It examines 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. The course attempts to align social and historical issues with the corresponding musical developments within the genre.
PFA318 Writing Music for Visual Media
[1–2, 3 cr.]
This course starts with an introduction to multi-track recording and production techniques. Then, students create and edit soundtracks and audio for digital video, music and/or film. Finally, the course covers basic concepts of live sound engineering for front of house mix and stage monitors. Exercises will be related to actual productions such as student films, plays, live events, etc.
Prerequisite: PFA328
PFA319 Directing for the Stage
[3–0, 3 cr.]
This course covers all the fundamental elements of the directing process, in addition to exploring the director’s tasks and shaping his/her skills. The course covers: script analysis, directorial vision, production meetings, directing actors, communication skills with designers and managers, as well as leading and orchestrating all the elements of production and the production teams.
Prerequisite: PFA240
PFA320 Choral Conducting
[1–0, 1 cr.]
This course is designed to allow the student to develop skills in the fundamentals of choral conducting: topics addressed will include baton and gesture technique, voice technique and vocalization, diction, literature, repertoire, methods, and rehearsal procedures.
Prerequisite: PFA328
PFA321 Movement Improvisation
[1–2, 1 cr.]
This course explores spontaneous body movement with the purpose of increasing body and spatial awareness, movement invention, performance applications and movement creativity.
Prerequisite: PFA221, PFA223
PFA325 Dance Fundamentals II
[1–0, 1 cr.]
A continuation of Dance Fundamentals I. The course aims to improve and further master the abilities and knowledge gained in DF I. It provides the students the ability to understand correct body placement and alignment with an emphasis on the center work that strengthens and coordinates the movement with an introductory to musical layouts.
Prerequisite: PFA225
PFA326 Dance for the Camera
[3–0, 3 cr.]
This course is designed for any dancer, artist or student interested in film/video production with dance or movement as a medium. Participants will create dance and movement concepts through site-specific collaborative video projects. Through storyboarding, shooting, editing, and choreographing/directing, students will learn basic video production techniques and advanced camera work in this hands-on course. Development of movement ideas as well as non-linear editing skills will be explored.
Prerequisite: PFA321
PFA328 Music Theory and Practice
[3–0, 3 cr.]
This course builds on the basic music elements learned in PFA 201 and adds, basic functional harmony to include the complete diatonic vocabulary, triads, sevenths, non-chord tones, sight reading, ear training and dictation.
Prerequisite: PFA201 Performing Arts Appreciation
PFA330 Voice for the Actor
[1–0, 1 cr.]
This course is designed for actors and performers wishing to gain technical training in the foundations of voice work. Students will learn key exercises to improve their vocal confidence in public or performance environments. Students engage in practical exercises, to develop their voice work independently and achieve support, core vocal strength, range, and resonance.
Prerequisite: PFA240
PFA342 Principles of Performing Arts Productions
[1–2, 3 cr.]
This course covers principles and techniques of creating a performing arts production; including researching, directing, producing, designing, crewing, stage & house management, collaboration, teamwork, promotion, audience analysis and interaction, theater semiotics, site-specific performance, coherence construction, and visual paradigm
Prerequisite: PFA240
Corequisites: PFA303, PFA319
PFA343 Advanced Acting
[1–2, 3 cr.]
This course covers advanced acting theory and practice. Focus will be on Stanislavsky’s Method and techniques, complex characterization, improvisations, monologues, dialogues and scene work. Students learn and experience concepts and techniques as applied to the screen, the stage and other venues.
Prerequisite: PFA240
PFA401 Dramatic Literature
[3–0, 3 cr.]
This course provides a study of world dramatic literature with a focus on the major movements and trends in global theatre history. Students will examine the evolution of dramatic forms and styles across cultures and time-periods, exploring the intersection of theatre with politics, social issues, and cultural identity.
Prerequisite: PFA201, ENG102
PFA418 Performing Arts Productions
[0–3, 3 cr.]
Students implement the skills learned in the Principles of Performing Arts Productions course (PFA 342) by producing a small-scale performance. They will be responsible for all aspects of the performance from idea to performance and may select from one of three strands (theatre, dance, music) or combine two or all of them. Coursework may be considered a prelude to the capstone project.
Prerequisite: PFA342
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: PFA321
PFA442 Play Production
[1–2, 3 cr.]
This course covers the analysis of the structure of a complex play and its full production on stage.
Prerequisite: PFA418
PFA445 Performing Arts Teaching Methods
[0–3, 3 cr.]
This course covers the major theories and methods of teaching in the performing arts at the pre-university level, including course design, lesson planning, learning assessment methods, and teaching/learning methods that emphasize student engagement, critical thinking, and experiential learning.
Prerequisites: PFA201, ENG102
PFA488 Topics in Performing Arts
[3–0, 3 cr.]
This course covers broad conceptual and theoretical topics in performing arts that are not covered by any other performing arts course. May be repeated for credit.
Prerequisite: Junior Standing
PFA498 Internship
[1–0, 1 cr.]
The course covers professional performing arts work in an off-campus setting appropriate to the student’s emphasis, providing experience not available in the curriculum and must be implemented in the summer of the Junior year. Students are required to complete at least two months of full-time work at a recognized institution.
Prerequisite: Junior standing
PFA499P Capstone Project
[3 cr.]
This course aims to create/direct/produce a new performance piece applying all the learned material in this major. The final project will be a play/performance/show/concert open to the public. Students are encouraged to participate in a multidisciplinary project with filmmakers, animators, managers, businessman, entrepreneurs, choreographers, directors, actors, designers, visual artists, musicians, computer programmers, dancers, architects and writers among others across LAU campuses.
Prerequisite: Senior Standing