Communication Studies and Theatre (CST, DANC, SPCM, THEA)

Laurie Haleta, Head
Department of Communication Studies and Theatre
Pugsley Center 115
605-688-6131
e-mail: laurie.haleta@sdstate.edu

Faculty

Professor Haleta, Head; Distinguished Professor Emeriti JJohnson; Professors Ackman, Shelsta; Professors Emeriti Ferguson, Hefling, Hoogestraat, Peterson, Schliessmann, Widvey; Associate Professor Tolman; Assistant Professors Anderson, Hunter, Klemp, Kuehl, Westwick, Wilburn, Wood; Instructors Carlile, Hauschild Mork, Kleinjan

Programs

The mission of the Department of Communication Studies and Theatre is to provide education in the fields in which communication skills are a primary component and to provide training in universally necessary communication skills.  The department offers majors in Theatre or Speech Communication with an optional emphasis in Speech Education and offers minors in the areas of Theatre or Dance.  Additionally students may select courses for self- improvement, take courses to meet humanities requirements, or participate in speech or theatre activities. 

Speech Communication

The department offers a diverse curriculum in Speech Communication including a major in Speech Communication (SPCM) , specialization in Speech Education (SPED) , and minor in Communication Studies and Theatre (CST) . As part of these programs, students have the opportunity to learn about the central role that communication has in our lives. The department offers courses in Organizational Communication, Interpersonal Communication, Small Group Communication, Public Speaking and many others. The program facilitates internships where students apply their communication education in hands-on environments such as hospitals, businesses, corporations and political organizations.

Theatre

As a part of the Theatre Major  and Theatre Minor , students receive a broad-based education through coursework that includes: Directing, Acting, Stagecraft, Lighting, Scenic Design, Costume Design, Makeup and Theatre Arts Management. This experiential education will involve all aspects of the program through participation in State University Theatre and Prairie Repertory Theatre.

Dance

The Dance (DANC) Minor  at SDSU was created as a holistic and inclusive minor.  Holistic in the nature that the minor embraces many genres of dance to include: social, multi-cultural, creative movement, dance for the musical theatre and jazz, tap, ballet and modern dance techniques. The minor has a strong theory, compositional and improvisational base. The minor is inclusive from the perspective that all students no matter their history or training will find opportunities for growth and transformation in the program. 

Advanced Placement in Speech
All students are required to take Speech (SPCM) 101 for graduation; however, those with previous training and experience in speech may apply to the Department to take an advanced course in Speech and earn credit for 101 concurrently. The disposition of the application for advanced placement rests with the departmental administrator. Application must be made by the end of the third semester or prior to the fourth semester of residence.

Co-curricular Activities

Theatre
Professor Ackman, Director of Theatre
There are several major, experimental and student productions each year. You may be cast in or assist with a production. University credit may be earned. Summer theatre also offers undergraduate credit through Prairie Repertory Theatre.

Forensics
Instructor Carlile, Director of Forensics
Opportunities are provided for participation in SDSU’s nationally recognized intercollegiate Forensics program. Local, regional, and national participation is sponsored. Activities include debate, public speaking, and oral interpretation in contests, workshops, and public performances. Any regularly enrolled undergraduate student is eligible to participate. University credit may be earned regardless of major.