Course Descriptions

Film Appreciation
PA 003 looks at the cinema as a 20th century art form. Students will view historically and artistically significant films in class and learn how to critique them. Students will also develop an understanding of both the artistic and technical aspects of film as well as the business and politics of the film industry.

Class Hours:

54 Lecture

Transfers to:

UC/CSU

Voice & Diction
PA 005 is a basic approach in the theory and practice of the principles of voice and speech with the objective of freeing the natural voice. Skills that will be covered include the following: centering sound, increasing clarity, resonance, vocal range, and expressiveness. Voice improvement is achieved through vocal and physical exercises in posture, relaxation, articulation, enunciation, characterization, breathing and free vocal release. Standard American English is taught through the use of the International Phonetic Alphabet. Though this course aims at the stage performer, it is equally as valuable for those whose seek to improve vocal quality and achieve effective oral communication.

Class Hours:

54 Lecture

P/NP

Transfers to:

UC/CSU

Fundamentals of Acting
PA 014 is designed to introduce the novice actor to the theatre. With emphasis on personal and artistic growth in a supportive environment, the students will learn proper methods of warming up and basic vocal, physical, emotional and psychological characterizations. The student will develop confidence on stage by performing in short scenes and by learning techniques of auditioning, including monologues, prepared scripts and cold reading. The course will also include theatre games and a backstage tour of the West Hills College Theatre facility.

Class Hours:

54 Lecture

Transfers to:

UC/CSU

Play Production
PA 021 is the rehearsal and presentation of a serious dramatic play before a public audience. Students will specialize in either acting or technical theatre, working with the director and designers to create production/performance team.

Class Hours:

162 Laboratory

Transfers to:

UC/CSU

Theater Workshop
PA 022 is the presentation of a full length production before a public audience. Students will learn work readiness skills integrated as a part of the intense disciplined rehearsal process of a dramatic production. Students will specialize in either acting, technical theatre, design, costumes or public relations while working with the director and designers to create a production/performance team. This course is only offered during the summer.

Class Hours:

36 Lecture | 108 Laboratory

Transfers to:

UC/CSU

Chicano Theater
PA 023 is a form of theatre which expresses the culture and identity of the Chicano through development of self expression. This course will give the student a basic introduction to the working ideology and methodology of El Teatro Campesino. PA 23 will introduce the student to some acting techniques and Chicano/Latino dramatic works. The course will also illustrate the present reality of the Chicano way of life throughout the stage production.

Class Hours:

36 Lecture | 54 Laboratory

Transfers to:

UC/CSU

Theater Dance
PA 025 provides instruction in basic modern, jazz and folkloric dance techniques for the performing arts.

Class Hours:

9 Lecture | 27 Laboratory

Transfers to:

UC/CSU

Stage Lighting and Sound
PA 032 combines the theory, techniques and procedures necessary to develop and integrate sound and lighting to prepare play and stage productions for major public performance.

Class Hours:

36 Lecture | 54 Laboratory

Advisory(s):

ENG 051A

Transfers to:

UC/CSU

Theater Crafts
PA 035 introduces students to scene construction, materials and hardware. Students will learn painting techniques, stage lighting techniques and will gain experience in preparing plays for performance.

Class Hours:

36 Lecture | 54 Laboratory

Advisory(s):

ENG 051A

Transfers to:

UC/CSU

Television Production Camera Operation
PA 042A this course is an introduction to camera operation for Film and Video Production. It will combine classroom lecture with Electronic News Gathering (ENG, and Electronic Field Production (EFP). The course requires each student to complete several short video projects and related assignments designed to help develop the skills needed to produce high quality video productions. The emphasis of the course is on field production and camera techniques.

Class Hours:

54 Lecture | 54 Laboratory

Advisory(s):

ENG 051A

Transfers to:

CSU

Television Production Editing
PA 042B is an introduction to television production editing. It will combine lecture, studio experience at locations such as TV production sites, distance learning sites and independent work.

Class Hours:

54 Lecture | 54 Laboratory

Prerequisite(s):

PA 042A

P/NP

Transfers to:

CSU

Television Production Project
PA 042C combines lecture, studio experience at locations such as TV production sites, distance learning sites, and independent work. Students will be required to work on a specific video project for use as a portfolio video tape that reflects their efforts on a creative class project program.

Class Hours:

54 Lecture | 54 Laboratory

Prerequisite(s):

PA 042B

P/NP

Transfers to:

CSU

Television Workshop
PA 044 is designed to provide meaningful work experience for students producing and promoting a television series. The course is designed to provide "hands on" experience in all aspects of television production. Participants will be trained in and involved with writing, directing, producing, acting, singing, dancing audio/lighting technology, videography, music scoring, advertising, art, production business, and public relations techniques. Students will rotate responsibilities to gain a variety of experiences related to the production process. The finished product will be a television series designed to air on broadcast television.

Class Hours:

36 Lecture | 108 Laboratory

Transfers to:

UC/CSU