University of Maryland Department of Theatre
Frequently Asked Questions about the New Curriculum

WHEN WILL THE NEW CURRICULUM START?

• The new curriculum will be fully implemented in fall 2005. Up until the end of the spring 2005 semester, majors will have the choice to use the current curriculum or switch to the new curriculm.

WHAT ARE THE FEATURES OF THE NEW CURRICULUM?

• The Fundamentals courses provide a broad base of knowledge to build on and explore the intersections between the Areas
• The Fundamentals Project encourages a student to evaluate the area(s) he/she would like to focus on
• Students no longer narrowly align with a specific “Track” and may create their own focus within the Areas
• A greater variety of courses are offered in the Areas encouraging students to explore the breadth and depth of the field
• Students are encouraged to take advanced course work

SHOULD I CONSIDER SWITCHING TO THE NEW CURRICULUM?
Yes, you should definitely consider making the switch! All Theatre Majors need to consider this possibility. The requirements were revised to address many of your concerns –particularly--giving you more choice and the opportunity to create your own focus. There are some students who may feel that they are too far along in their coursework to consider switching to the new requirements. We will continue to offer courses needed to complete their degree using the current requirements – however, courses may be offered under a new course number. Bear in mind that once you have switched, you may not switch back.

WHAT SHOULD I DO FIRST?
Look over the New Theatre Curriculum requirements and compare them to the course work you have already completed. Take a careful look at the exceptions being made for some of the new coursework. If you are unsure how this change will impact you, do not hesitate to set up an appointment with your advisor to discuss the implications.
Take a careful look at the 3 components of the program: Foundation Series, Area Menu and Supporting Courses. The Fundamentals courses in the Foundation Series are designed to provide a full base of knowledge to move on to more advanced coursework in the Areas. The curriculum in these courses will be coordinated to enhance the connections between the different areas of theatre. Take a close look at the options you have in the Area Menu. Note the fact that you do not need to take your supporting courses in the Supporting Menu, but may select courses from any of the Areas.

• Students who have successfully completed THET 110 and THET 220 (THET 120 for design/production emphasis and transfer credit students) will be waived from the requirement to take THET 112 – Fundamentals of Performance.
• Students who have successfully completed THET 110 and THET 111 and will take THET 490 and THET 491(we will still offer these until 2005-2006) will be waived from the requirement to take THET 113 – Fundamentals of Theatre History.
• Students who have taken THET 170 and THET 171 have fulfilled the requirement to take THET 114 – Fundamentals of Craft. Students who have taken neither THET 170 nor THET 171 will be required to take THET 114. Students who have taken one of the two courses will be required to take THET 114 but will be waived from the lab requirement and the shop requirement connected to the course they completed. (i.e. If you have successfully completed THET 170 – you will take THET 114 but will be excused from the scene shop portion of the lab and shop requirement. You will still be required to participate in the costume, light, and sound labs and shop requirements.)
• Students who have taken THET 387 will be given equivalent credit for THET 116 – Fundamentals of Design. Students who have not yet taken THET 387 will be required to take THET 116. Please note that this course will no longer count as an upper level (300/400) requirement. You will need to be careful in scheduling your coursework to be sure that you have the sufficient number of upper level credits required by the Department and the College. Students who need the upper-level credit may be allowed to take THET 116 as an independent study THET399 course - but will be required to complete additional projects.
• Theatre Majors (as of Spring 2004) will not be required to complete THET 288 – the Fundamentals Project . New majors in Fall 2004 will be required to complete THET 288 after they have successfully completed 4 of the 5 Fundamentals courses.
• Students who have taken THET 279 may use that credit towards the 3 required THET 479s.
• Students in the Design/Production emphasis who have already taken a level I Design course (Scenic I, Lighting I, Costume I) will be waived from the THET 116 (Fundamentals of Design) requirement.
• Students who have completed classes in the Group II supporting area will get up to 6 credits for the coursework irregardless of whether the courses are listed in the Supporting Courses of the new curriculum.
• Most THET 499 Independent Study courses (such as THET 499P - Puppetry Workshop) may use them to fulfill the Supporting Courses requirement. In some cases these courses may also fulfill a requirement in the Area Menus. See your Advisor for clarification.
• THET 429 credits are included in the Supporting Courses area - but you may be restricted to the number you are allowed to use. Ask your advisor about this.
• THET 386 may be used to fulfill 3 credits of Supporting Credits.
• Remember - in the new curriculum you must take 27 credits of Upper Level (300-400) courses and your Supporting Courses must also be Upper Level (300-400).
• Either Period Styles course (THET 465 or 475) will satisfy the THET 475 requirement for students in the current curriculum.

WHERE CAN I FIND ANSWERS TO MY QUESTIONS?
Do not hesitate to contact faculty and staff for answers to your questions. We ask that you direct specific questions to the person who can best respond completely.