Increasing the amount of specific required courses, and forcing its students to experience a wider spectrum within the world of drama the drama major has been revamped for the fall semester. Although the course load has not increased significantly, jumping from 10 to 11, the requirements themselves have been significantly reworded. Additionally, the requirement of working on the run and preparation crews for faculty directed major productions (non-credit) has also increased.
According to Department Chair, Barbara Grossman, the reasoning behind these changes was to increase flexibility within the major, after all, "a 20th century course in modern dance is rather important!" she said.
The reshuffling of courses includes changing one of the electives in literature, history, or theory of drama to a requirement for Drama 4 -- which is "Twentieth-Century Drama."
What was previously a requirement for one credit in design or technical theater is now two specific courses. Also, the requirement for a studio dance or acting class has been increased to two.
In the same manner, the three electives in the student's specific area of interest have been reduced to two.
Current Drama majors have the option of completing their studies using the old concentration requirements, but Grossman believes that most students do not have any problems with the change.
Junior Daniel Balkin, a drama major, welcomed the change, agreeing with the increased technical and design classes. "I feel like it gives students an extra...it gives you another side of theater, which I think every actor should have."
Balkin emphasized the utility of these courses for students who have focused more on the acting side of the dramatic arts. "There are so many different angles that have to be worked in, I think it's a good idea to have everybody have a taste of all the other aspects," he said.
According to Grossman the Drama major emphasizes a broad range of styles and techniques both in class, rehearsal and performance, and the major offers a challenging theater arts program that encourages creativity and gives a wide exposure to the various aspects of the dramatic arts.
Along with altering their basic requirements, the Drama faculty will be re-examining their core history classes, DR 1, "Comedy and Tragedy", DR 4, DR 137 "Prehistory through the Renaissance", and DR 138, "The Early Modern Period", since there is concern about overlap.
Grossman said the Department wants to find a different way to construct the curriculum and hopes to bring their concerns to committee by the end of the year.
In the interim, she encourages students to experience all aspects of the theater world, and to understand their quest for knowledge as an evolving intellectual and creative process that will contribute to the cultural enrichment of Tufts and the community at large.
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