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Lasell University
Lasell University

2020 - 2021 Academic Catalog

Performing Arts Minor

The 19-credit Performing Arts minor calls for a required introductory performance course; two required foundational courses; elective coursework in theatre, music, and/or dance; and a one-credit performance practicum.

Course Code Course Title Credits
Core Courses
PERF111 Performing Arts Practices (KP) 3
PERF399 Performing Arts Practicum 1
Choose 2 from the following:
MUS202 Fundamentals of Music 3
PERF107 Introduction to Theater Arts (KP) 3
PERF203 Dance Explorations (KP) 3
Choose 3 from the following:
ENG211 Modern Drama 3
MUS102 Music of America(KP) 3
MUS104 World Music (KP) 3
MUS109 American Protest Music (KP) 3
MUS203 Popular Music (KP) 3
MUS209X History of Musical Theatre 3
PERF101 Chorus 1
PERF103 Piano Instruction 1
PERF105 Basic Acting 3
PERF106 Vocal Techniques & Voice Training 1
PERF108 Dance Techniques 1
PERF110 Preparing for Musical Theatre 1
PERF202 World Percussion: Theory & Practice (KP) 3

*Completion of MUS101, MUS102, ENG211, and/or PERF203 may earn elective credit if not used to earn foundational course credit.

PERF 101, 106, and 108 may be taken more than once for up to 3 credits.

Credit Requirements for minor: 19 credits

PERF111 - Performing Arts Practices (KP)

This course focuses on theory and practice in staged performances. Readings include critical studies of performance and performances, creative texts, and subjective accounts of the performance experience. The following questions are considered: What are the expectations of performance? How is a performance framed and organized? What are the sequences and contexts of performance? How is a performance evaluated by the audience and by the performers themselves? How does the performer understand and experience his or her role and personal status, on- and offstage? How does the audience imagine the offstage performer? Writing assignments will be based on both creative works and theoretical studies and will involve critical reflection, exegesis, and analysis; students will also complete a course project in which findings from multiple sources are synthesized and presented in oral and/or written form. Course goals include the deepening of student appreciation of each performance art form through connections across forms, as well as a capacity to contextualize studied forms to artistic and performance traditions. This course is a required course in the Performing Arts minor.

PERF399 - Performing Arts Practicum

In this one-credit practicum course, the student completes the minor in Performing Arts by participating in a college performance experience. Under the supervision of a faculty mentor, the student participates in a college drama or musical production, sings with the college chorus, performs in a college vocal or instrumental recital, or participates in a college dance performance. In weekly conference with the faculty mentor, the student establishes performance goals and assesses/addresses progress toward those goals; in addition, the student writes an essay of reflection on the relation between theory and practice in the arts. This course is a required course in the Performing Arts minor. Prerequisite: 100-level or 200-level MUS or PERF course in the practicum performance field.

MUS202 - Fundamentals of Music

This course is designed for students who are interested in mastering basic music literacy and its application in basic piano skills. The course is appropriate for those who already read some music and would like to develop their written music skills; it is also appropriate for those who have little or no experience reading sheet music. Topics include musical notation, rhythm, and basic piano skills including but not limited to scale building, intervals, and chords.

PERF107 - Introduction to Theater Arts (KP)

This is an introduction to the principles and practice of the related arts that are involved in the production of a play in the theatre. Study includes analysis of the dramatic script in terms of the actor; the director; the scenic, costume, and lighting designers; and the technicians. Lab theatre productions integrate the content of the course.

PERF203 - Dance Explorations (KP)

This course is designed for the undergraduate students of Lasell College, in partnership with the Boston Ballet School. Through lectures, readings, and practical applications, students will explore history and theory, gaining knowledge and understanding of the importance of the development of technique in relation to the artistry of ballet and modern dance. Students will also participate weekly in a ballet/modern technique class focusing on ballet technique, with an emphasis on contemporary movement. The dance portion of the class will be held at the Boston Ballet School Newton Studio and will be taught by a faculty member at the Boston Ballet School. Course is usually held at the Boston Ballet School

ENG211 - Modern Drama

This survey course introduces students to great modern works of drama, considering the late nineteenth century through the present. Plays are considered in terms of performance as well as in literary terms, with a focus on the ways in which the philosophies and sensibilities of modernism and postmodernism are reflected both on the page and on the stage. Readings include modern classics by such writers as Ibsen, O'Neill, Brecht, and Beckett, as well as more recent works.

MUS102 - Music of America(KP)

The history of music in the United States has been short in terms of years but exponentially rapid in terms of developments. Starting at the first settlers and ending at modern music, this course is designed to give a thoughtful and thorough look into the music that has been born in the US and has influenced the world over. This is the music that continues to shape and define the soundtracks of our lives everyday.

MUS104 - World Music (KP)

This course introduces students to the world of music through analysis and examination of music and culture from different ethnic groups. The musical characteristics of India, the Middle East, Indonesia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, Native American Indians, Ethnic North America, and the musical culture of Europe are addressed. Students listen to a selected repertoire and analyze the music and readings about music in class.

MUS109 - American Protest Music (KP)

Protest songs and the music of dissent are an integral part of American history and American life. This course will examine the relationship between folk music and political activism. We will use readings, audio and video recordings, class discussions and presentations, and songwriting, to examine the power of “roots” music in American life and politics, both past and present.

MUS203 - Popular Music (KP)

The years after World War II found American society and culture evolving in ways that both led to and mirrored the birth of rhythm 'n' blues, rock 'n' roll, and soul music, creating a new popular music that has indeed taken over the world. Yet it is impossible to understand fully modern popular music without exploring its roots in blues, jazz, hillbilly, ragtime, Afro-Caribbean, and other styles. In this course, we survey the history of American pop from its birth in the early nineteenth century up to 1970; by this crucial year, most of the styles reflected in today's music had been established. We pay special attention to the ways in which American music synthesizes African and European elements in a myriad of new forms.

MUS209X - History of Musical Theatre

This course offers an introduction to the history of American musical theatre. We will explore the influences on and developments in the genre: the meaningful integration of production elements, the evolution of the portrayal of societal subgroups, the ways in which this art form reflects its social and historical context. We will establish a solid foundation in past works and their creators and will then progress toward modern-day shows, observing how later shows reflect earlier developments.

PERF101 - Chorus

This course focuses on developing basic steps for voice technique and group singing. The class meets for two hours, as most of the work for the course is done during class time. Students are presented the basic principles of singing and apply those to vocal ensemble singing. The repertoire is based on the vocal ensemble formed, yet the song literature includes works from different styles and periods. Students perform as members of Lasell University chorus. This course may be repeated for credit.

PERF103 - Piano Instruction

Have you ever wanted to learn to play the piano? In this one-credit course designed for both beginning and experienced keyboard players, students will learn to read and play their favorite songs! Basic concepts in musical notation and music theory will be introduced at the beginning of each class; students will then receive individualized instruction on the classical, pop, rock, or jazz pieces they would like to learn. This course can be repeated.

PERF105 - Basic Acting

This course provides the beginning student interested in acting with basic skills involved in the art. Explorations include: physical awareness and the use of the body as an expressive tool; intellectual and emotional approaches to creating a role; and the uses for imagination and creativity that actors apply. Students work both individually and interactively on acting exercises and master basic text analysis for actors as an aid to building a character.

PERF106 - Vocal Techniques & Voice Training

This one-credit course is designed for beginning voice students and introduces the basic skills needed for successful vocal performance, with a focus on vocal technique and artistic presentation. Training also covers areas such as good practice technique and repertoire choices. This course can be repeated.

PERF108 - Dance Techniques

This course prepares beginner to advanced beginner classical ballet students with the foundation necessary for progression to the intermediate and advanced levels. Every student’s ability is assessed, and training follows a curriculum under which each student progresses to his or her maximum potential. The course includes classical ballet vocabulary, technique, self-discipline, motivation, creativity, critical thinking, and confidence building. This course can be repeated. Course is usually held at the Boston Ballet School

PERF110 - Preparing for Musical Theatre

This one-credit course is designed for students interested in auditioning for and performing in musicals, operettas, and/or operas. Students will gain the tools they need to prepare for an audition and/or a role in local or regional theatre. Students will work on scenes, monologues, audition cuts, and dance/movement skills; they will also learn acting and performance basics. New students are welcomed, as are students who have completed PERF106. This course can be repeated.

PERF202 - World Percussion: Theory & Practice (KP)

This multicultural survey course will focus on the theory and practice in the use of percussion as ritual, communication, and recreation around the world. Students will learn through lecture and critical readings of descriptive accounts of the uses of percussion, as well as through the subjective experience of learning percussive rhythms using a variety of musical instruments: congas, djembes, atumpani, berimbau, shakere, clavier, ago-go bells, and – of course – cowbells. This course fulfills the Area of Inquiry – Aesthetic [AI(A)] and the Area of Inquiry – Multicultural [AI(MC)].