Jun 25, 2024  
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions


Course Numbers

West Texas A&M University follows a four-digit numbering system, known as the Texas Common Course Numbering System (TCCNS). The four-digit numbers are identified below:

  • First digit identifies the level (1 = freshman, 2 = sophomore, 3 = junior, 4 = senior, 5 = stacked undergraduate/masters, 6 or 7 = graduate, 8 = doctoral);
  • Second digit identifies the credit-hour value; and
  • Third and fourth digits establish the course sequence or type of course (92 = special topics, 93 = honors, 94 = individual/directed studies, 95 = problems, 96 = readings, 97 = research, 98 = internship, 99 = practicum).

0001–0999—developmental courses, do not count toward degree.

1000–2999—primarily freshman and sophomore courses.

3000–4999—open to students who have completed at least 30 hours and any prerequisite.

5000–5999—graduate level stacked with undergraduate.

6000–7999—graduate level (master’s/doctoral).

8000–8999—doctoral students only.

NOTE: Students who have taken and received credit for an undergraduate “stacked” course at WTAMU cannot take and receive credit for the corresponding graduate course.

Course Prefix

The course prefix indicates the assigned WTAMU course abbreviation and course number; e.g., ACCT 2301.

Course Abbreviation and Number in Brackets

A course abbreviation (prefix) and number in brackets indicates the corresponding common course number, established by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, if the common course number and/or prefix is different from the WTAMU number; e.g., [GOVT 1310].

Field-of-Study Curriculum (FOSC)

Field-of-study curriculum is a set of courses that satisfy lower-division requirements for a bachelor’s degree in a specific academic area. All public four-year institutions of higher education are required to accept Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board-approved field-of-study courses. Field-of-study curriculum is indicated with the abbreviation “FOSC” within the brackets indicating the common course number of a course; e.g., [MUSI 1181, 1182; FOSC].

Numbers

The numbers indicate semester credit hours, lecture clock hours per week and lab clock hours per week; e.g., 3 3 0 indicates three semester credit hours, three clock hours of lecture per week and zero clock hours of lab per week.

(HAZ)

Courses marked with (HAZ) may require the use of hazardous chemicals and/or equipment. To participate in these classes, an online “Student Laboratory Safety Training” is required and assigned through WTClass upon registration for the class. By registering for the class, the student agrees to 

  • Complete the assigned training by no later than 12th class day for fall/spring terms or 5th class day for summer terms; and
  • Acknowledge non-participation in activities if not completed by 18th class day for fall/spring terms; 10th class day for summer terms.

 

 

Sports and Exercise Sciences

  
  • SES 4324 - American Sport History


    3 3 0
    Examines sport and leisure in American history (colonial era to present), including social, economic, political, and cultural contexts, in order to understand how such activities have contributed to American Society.
  
  • SES 4325 - Sport Psychology


    3 3 0
    Application of research findings as they apply to psychological performance factors in sport, physical education and exercise settings, such as motivation/adherence, stress management, personality and psychological skills training.
  
  • SES 4326 - Sport Sociology


    3 3 0
    Analysis of sport as a social institution and interrelations between sport and societal subsystems. Analysis of contemporary problems associated with sport: race relations, the traditional and emergent role of women, leisure behavior, aggression and violence, and political and economic concerns.
  
  • SES 4327 - Exercise Psychology


    3 3 0
    Exploration of theory and research findings regarding psychological aspects of exercise adoption, healthy lifestyle and behavior change. Implications of the importance of physical activity for health and fitness professionals and its potential impact on exercising and sedentary populations.
  
  • SES 4328 - Psychology of Injury


    3 3 0
    Prerequisite(s): at least junior status. In-depth examination of commonly used interventions designed to maximize performance of individual athletes and teams with an exploration of psychosocial antecedents to athletic injury and factors related to the psychological experience and treatment of the injured athlete.
  
  • SES 4330 - Professional Issues in Sport and Exercise Sciences


    3 3 0
    Prerequisite(s): Senior standing or department head approval. Comprehensive overview of careers within the field of Sport and Exercise Sciences. Lectures related to the practical elements of the major. Lecture content includes legal and ethical issues, leadership and management principles and fiscal responsibility. Practicum experiences include portfolio and resume creation, interviewing skills, networking opportunities and community service.
  
  • Student Laboratory Safety Training

    SES 4340 - Clinical Exercise Physiology (HAZ)


    3 2 2
    Prerequisite(s): SES 3341 . Provides students with baseline knowledge and skills to practice as clinical exercise physiologists. Course is structured according to the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) published in the current edition of “ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription” and prepares students to sit for credentialing of the Exercise Physiologist examination offered by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).
  
  • SES 4341 - Sport Biomechanics


    3 2 2
    Prerequisite(s): SES 3302 . Principles of mechanics to the study of human motion. Emphasis on theory and quantitative analysis.
  
  • SES 4343 - Research Methodology


    3 2 1
    Prerequisite(s):     Academic research skills, with special focus on scientific writing and statistical analysis within the Health Sciences.
  
  • SES 4394 - Individual Problems in Sports and Exercise Sciences


    3 0 0
    Prerequisite(s): approval of department head. Independent study, under direction of a faculty member, within the fields of exercise and sport. May be repeated once for a maximum of six credit hours.
  
  • SES 4442 - Advanced Exercise Physiology


    4 3 2
    Prerequisite(s):   , or consent of instructor. Physiological adaptations to acute and chronic exercise stress. Classroom focus: exercise metabolism, exercise endocrinology, exercise hemodynamics, and exercise in extreme environments. Laboratory focus: indirect calorimetry, stress testing, anthropometry, hematology, and other advanced exercise testing. Capstone course for students pursuing a degree in Exercise Science.

Theatre

(Offered through the Department of Art, Theatre and Dance.)

  
  • THRE FRSH - Freshman Audition or Portfolio


    0 0 0
    During the first and second semester of enrollment, freshmen theatre, theatre education and musical theatre majors must demonstrate basic comprehension of dramatic literature, stagecraft, design, performance, and production. Proficiency reviewed through the end of semester jury process. Program requirement. No credit. Repeatable.
  
  • THRE JUNR - Junior Audition or Portfolio


    0 0 0
    During the sixth semester of enrollment, junior theatre, theatre education and musical theatre majors must demonstrate creative application and advanced comprehension of dramatic literature, stagecraft, design, performance, and production. Proficiency reviewed through the end of semester jury process. Program requirement. No credit. Repeatable by assignment.
  
  • THRE PROD - Theatre Production


    0 0 0
    Required each semester of all theatre, theatre education and musical theatre majors. Satisfactory completion, per semester, by being 1) cast in a production, or 2) assigned to a production team, or 3) assigned to a running or front of house crew, or 4) completion of 18 additional and documented hours (beyond practicum) in a production shop. No cost. No credit. Repeatable.
  
  • THRE SENR - Senior Audition or Portfolio


    0 0 0
    During the eighth/final semester of enrollment, senior theatre, theatre education, and musical theatre majors must demonstrate advanced application and in-depth comprehension of dramatic literature, stagecraft, design, performance, and production. Proficiency reviewed through the end of semester jury process. Program requirement. No credit. Repeatable by assignment.
  
  • THRE SOPH - Sophomore Audition or Portfolio


    0 0 0
    During the fourth semester of enrollment, sophomore theatre, theatre education and musical theatre majors must demonstrate effective comprehension and application of dramatic literature, stagecraft, design, performance, and production. Proficiency reviewed through the end of semester jury process. Program requirement. No credit. Repeatable by assignment.
  
  • THRE 1120 - Drama Workshop Practicum

    [DRAM 1120]
    1 0 2
    Practical experience and instruction in the theatrical production process. May be repeated for a maximum of three credit hours.
  
  • THRE 1310 - Introduction to Theatre Arts

    [DRAM 1310]
    3 3 0
    Not for credit to theatre majors. Various aspects of theatre arts: acting, theatre architecture, dramatic theory, theatre history and various areas of production.
  
  • Student Laboratory Safety Training

    THRE 1330 - Stagecraft (HAZ)

    [DRAM 1330]
    3 3 0
    Planning and techniques of constructing stage settings and special scenic units for all types of productions.
  
  • THRE 1341 - Make-Up

    [DRAM 1341]
    3 3 0
    Relationship between stage characterization and stage make-up. Each student gains practical experience in applying make-up.
  
  • THRE 1342 - Costume Technology


    3 2 2
    Planning and techniques for constructing costumes and special accessories for all types of productions.
  
  • THRE 1351 - Acting I: Basic Techniques

    [DRAM 1351]
    3 3 0
    Development of basic acting skills and introduction to foundational theories. Emphasis on physical expression.
  
  • THRE 1352 - Acting II: Character Development

    [DRAM 1352]
    3 3 0
    Prerequisite(s): THRE 1351 . Further development of basic acting skills with emphasis on character development. Discovery, discussion and exercise of inner-action. Connection of physical and emotional expression.
  
  • THRE 1361 - Musical Theatre I


    3 3 0
    Foundational analysis and performance of musical theatre.
  
  • THRE 1371 - Script Analysis


    3 3 0
    Introduction to the analysis of dramatic texts for the purposes of acting, directing, and/or designing for the theatre.
  
  • THRE 1373 - Fundamentals of Design


    3 3 0
    Principles and practices of theatre design including the elements of design and the fundamental principles of art and its application to the areas of set, light and costume design.
  
  • THRE 1374 - Actor’s Voice and Movement I


    3 3 0
    Use and training of the voice and body for the stage. Vocal process, regional dialect control, physical centeredness, expression and versatility.
  
  • THRE 2074 - Individual Problems


    1-3 0 0
    Individual study designed to meet needs and interests of the student. May be repeated for a maximum of nine credit hours.
  
  • THRE 2331 - Drafting for the Theatre


    3 3 0
    Prerequisite(s): THRE 1330 . Principles and practice of mechanical drafting for the theatre. Introduction to hand drafting followed by an overview of computer-aided drafting. Application of standard graphic language in scenic design and technical production.
  
  • THRE 2335 - Lighting and Sound Technology


    3 3 0
    The study of the practical application and technology of stage lighting and sound including history, electricity, instrumentations, consoles and control systems.
  
  • THRE 2342 - Styles and Décor


    3 3 0
    Prerequisite(s): THRE 1371  and THRE 1373 . This course studies the evolution of style and décor in clothing, interiors and architecture with an emphasis on Western History.
  
  • THRE 2351 - Improvisation


    3 3 0
    Prerequisite(s): THRE 1352  and THRE 2374 . A basic overview of modern improvisation for the solo and ensemble actor. Development of impulse, confidence and creativity.
  
  • THRE 2352 - Audition Technique


    3 3 0
    Prerequisite(s): THRE 1352  and THRE 2374 . Basic audition technique for the actor. Emphasis on the selection, preparation and presentation of material. Secondary focus on callbacks and alternative audition techniques: cold-readings, improvisations, and movement.
  
  • THRE 2374 - Actor’s Voice and Movement II


    3 3 0
    Prerequisite(s): THRE 1374 . Continued use and training of the voice and body for the stage. Greater focus on voice and diction process, expression and movement, and application of language.
  
  • Student Laboratory Safety Training

    THRE 2385 - Rendering for the Theatre (HAZ)


    3 2 2
    Prerequisite(s): THRE 1330  or THRE 1373 . Investigation of presentational drawing and painting methods and materials used by theatrical designers. Introductory application of computer rendering using applicable software.
  
  • THRE 3094 - Individual Problems


    1-3 0 0
    Individual study designed to meet needs and interests of the student. May be repeated for a maximum of nine credit hours.
  
  • Student Laboratory Safety Training

    THRE 3199 - Advanced Drama Workshop Practicum (HAZ)


    1 0 2
    Prerequisite(s): THRE 1120  (three hours). Advanced experience and instruction in the theatrical production process. May be repeated for a maximum of three credit hours.
  
  • THRE 3302 - Art of Fashion

    Crosslisted with ARTS 3302 .
    3 3 0
    The history of fashion from the ancient world to today. An interdisciplinary investigation and demonstration of how fashion plays a crucial role in the production of cultural forms, including theatre, art, and film.
  
  • THRE 3312 - Play Direction I


    3 3 0
    Prerequisite(s): THRE 1371  and THRE 1352 . Directing theory, directing history and play analysis. Emphasis on intrinsic and extrinsic interpretation as well as composition, ensemble and director-actor communication. Research and preparation for theatrical production.
  
  • THRE 3313 - Musical Theatre Direction and Choreography


    3 3 0
    Prerequisite(s): THRE 3361  and six hours of DANC. Specialized instruction regarding direction and choreography of musical productions. Emphasis on formal analysis of musical theatre literature.
  
  • THRE 3331 - Properties and Crafts


    3 3 0
    Prerequisite(s): THRE 1120  and THRE 1330 . Introduction to and practical experience in research, design, production and techniques of properties and crafts for the stage.
  
  • THRE 3335 - Concepts in Light Design


    3 2 2
    Prerequisite(s): THRE 1373  and THRE 2331 . Theory and practice in light design and equipment. Application of lighting to stage production through play analysis, color theory and development of a light plot.
  
  • THRE 3342 - Concepts in Costume Design


    3 2 2
    Prerequisite(s): THRE 1342 , THRE 1373 . Theory and practice in costume design creating costume designs through script, color and historical analysis. Practical application through rendering and working drawings.
  
  • THRE 3351 - Acting III: Shakespeare


    3 3 0
    Prerequisite(s): THRE 1352 . Development of Shakespearean acting technique, language and characters. Exploration of Elizabethan period mannerisms, physicality, etiquette, social environment and behavior.
  
  • THRE 3352 - Advanced Acting: Contemporary Styles


    3 3 0
    Prerequisite(s): THRE 1352  and THRE 2374 . Current acting styles, techniques and practices for contemporary or popular playwrights. Exploration, analysis, development and advanced performance.
  
  • THRE 3361 - Musical Theatre II


    3 3 0
    Prerequisite(s): THRE 1361 . Advanced analysis and performance of musical theatre. May be repeated twice for a maximum of nine credit hours.
  
  • THRE 3363 - Musical Theatre History


    3 3 0
    Development of American Musical Theatre from its beginnings to present. Chronological study of Musical Theatre literature and its impact.
  
  • THRE 3373 - Theatre Teaching Methods


    3 3 0
    Principles and methods for teaching theatre in elementary and secondary schools. Integration of technology, the arts, and cross-curricular components into the theatre curriculum.
  
  • THRE 3374 - Advanced Stage Movement


    3 3 0
    Prerequisite(s): THRE 1374  and THRE 2374 . Advanced study in stage movement, biomechanics, expression, and body awareness. Techniques may include Alexander, Commedia Dell’Arte, Feldenkrais, Laban, Lessac, Lugering, Somatics, Viewpoints, and/or Yoga.
  
  • THRE 3375 - Stage Combat


    3 3 0
    Introduction to basic theatrical stage combat including safety, terminology, weaponry, and acting technique involving violence.
  
  • THRE 3385 - Scene Painting


    3 2 2
    Prerequisite(s):   . Introduction to and practical application of processes, materials, and techniques used in painting theatrical scenery. Students study color theory, trompe l’oiel, additive and subtractive mixing, and the manipulation of two-dimensional space through the use of form and color.
  
  • THRE 3392 - Special Topics in Theatre


    3 3 0
    Specialized study in theatre as necessary due to advances in technology, research or performance. May be repeated once.
  
  • THRE 4120 - Advanced Theatre Education Internship


    1 0 6
    Prerequisite(s): THRE 4320  and THRE 3373 . Assisting a certified, professional educator in an extra- or co-curricular production outside the regular school day. Minimum of 60 production hours logged over a fourteen week production period.
  
  • THRE 4161 - Musical Theatre Repertoire


    1 1 0
    Prerequisite(s): THRE 3361 . Advanced study of standard musical theatre repertoire, audition techniques and the business of musical theatre. May be repeated for a maximum of four credit hours.
  
  • THRE 4311 - Career Management


    3 3 0
    Prerequisite(s): 60 hours. Study of professional career development and management. Media, markets, auditions, interviews, contracts, unions, agencies, graduate schools, and other subjects applicable to the theatre profession. Course will also introduce concepts of theatre producing, budgeting and fundraising.
  
  • THRE 4312 - Play Direction II


    3 3 0
    Prerequisite(s): THRE 3312 . Application of research and analysis through auditioning, casting, rehearsing and producing a studio one-act play. Application of directing theory, policy and procedure.
  
  • THRE 4313 - Musical Theatre III


    3 3 0
    Prerequisite(s): THRE 3361 . Advanced exploration of solo and ensemble musical theatre performance.
  
  • THRE 4320 - Educational Theatre & Program Management


    3 3 0
    Prerequisite(s): THRE 3199 , THRE 4312  and THRE 4345 . Principles of structure, organization, and management of classroom, curricular, co-curricular, and extra-curricular theatre programs in schools.
  
  • THRE 4331 - Portfolio and Career Management


    3 3 0
    Prerequisite(s): 60 credit hours. Study of portfolio development and career management for designers, stage managers and technicians. Hard and soft portfolios, websites, markets, interviews, contracts, unions, and graduate school opportunities.
  
  • THRE 4335 - Concepts in Scenic Design


    3 3 0
    Prerequisite(s): THRE 1373 , THRE 2331 , THRE 3335 . Theory and practice in scenic design creating stage settings through script, color and architectural analysis. Practical application through rendering and/or modeling and technical drawings.
  
  • THRE 4345 - Stage Management


    3 3 0
    Prerequisite(s): THRE 1371 , THRE 1373 . Designed as an introduction to the art and practice of managing a live production for theatre. Styles of management and techniques used in professional and educational theatre are explored. Emphasis on organization and communication.
  
  • THRE 4351 - Advanced Acting: Camera Technique


    3 3 0
    Prerequisite(s): THRE 3351 . Advanced study of acting with emphasis on camera technique and professional preparation.
  
  • THRE 4352 - Advanced Acting: Scene Study


    3 3 0
    Prerequisite(s): THRE 1371  and THRE 3351 . Advanced analysis and performance of dramatic text. Rehearsal and development of the two-character scene. Focus on language, action and relationships.
  
  • THRE 4361 - Theatre History I


    3 3 0
    Development of theatre from its beginnings through the 1500s. Chronological study of theatre as a worldwide institution.
  
  • THRE 4362 - Theatre History II


    3 3 0
    Development of theatre from 1600 through the present. Chronological study of theatre as a worldwide institution. Spring of odd years.
  
  • THRE 4374 - Advanced Voice and Speech


    3 3 0
    Prerequisite(s): THRE 1374  and THRE 2374 . Advanced study in vocal process, awareness, articulation, speech and language. Techniques may include Berry, Knight-Thompson, Fitzmaurice, Lessac, and/or Linklater.
  
  • THRE 4375 - Dialects


    3 3 0
    Prerequisite(s): THRE 1374  and THRE 2374 . Study of dialects and accents for stage and on-camera acting. Topics include speech anatomy, signature sound substitutions, the International Phonetic Alphabet, and application to character.
  
  • THRE 4393 - Honors


    3 0 0
    Prerequisite(s): senior standing and approval of theatre faculty. Completion of a senior thesis or research project by a student who is a candidate for graduation with honors in the department.
  
  • THRE 4394 - BFA Senior Project


    3 0 0
    Prerequisite(s): Completion of 90 hours. Satisfactory completion of THRE FRSH , THRE SOPH , THRE JUNR , and THRE SENR . Capstone experience for all BFA theatre and musical theatre majors. Advanced individual and exploratory work in the student’s major area as guided by a theatre faculty advisor and approved by the Director of Theatre.

Public Safety Management

(RELLIS campus only)

  
  • PSM 3301 - Political and Legal Foundations for Public Safety (RELLIS)


    3 3 0
    This course examines federal, state, and local laws that influence public safety, planning, code enforcement and legislative and political processes. RELLIS campus only.
  
  • PSM 3302 - Personnel Management for Public Safety (RELLIS)


    3 3 0
    This course examines the relationships and issues in personnel administration and human resource development within the context of public safety, including personnel management, organizational development, productivity, recruitment and selection, performance management systems, discipline, and collective bargaining. RELLIS campus only.
  
  • PSM 3307 - Community Risk Reduction for Public Safety (RELLIS)


    3 3 0
    This course provides a theoretical framework for the understanding of the ethical, sociological, organizational, political, and legal components of community risk reduction, and includes the development of a comprehensive community risk reduction plan. RELLIS campus only.
  
  • PSM 3310 - Data Analysis for Public Safety (RELLIS)


    3 3 0
    This course is designed for students beginning their major program of study and will examine data use in their respective professions. Emphasis will be placed upon an understanding of basic principles and techniques involved with analysis, synthesis, and utilization of data. RELLIS campus only.
  
  • PSM 4301 - Public Safety Ethics (RELLIS)


    3 3 0
    This course examines the basic principles of ethics related to public safety operations and management, with special attention given to current issues in the public safety sector. RELLIS campus only.
  
  • PSM 4302 - Public Safety Leadership (RELLIS)


    3 3 0
    This course empowers students with knowledge, methods, and concepts for effective leadership of comprehensive public safety programs. RELLIS campus only.
  
  • PSM 4304 - Disaster Planning and Control (RELLIS)


    3 3 0
    Developing response strategies for both natural and man-made disasters. Principles of emergency management include vulnerability analysis, hazard mitigation, disaster recovery and response. RELLIS campus only.
  
  • PSM 4308 - Finance and Public Safety (RELLIS)


    3 3 0
    The course will evaluate economic models applied to public safety management and examines federal, state, and local regulations affecting revenue sources, resource allocation, and the budgeting process. RELLIS campus only.
 

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