Performing Arts (PAR) Courses | Chaminade University

Course Descriptions

PERFORMING ARTS (PAR)

PAR 100 Introduction to Performing Arts (3)

The student will explore the content, history, and meaning of the performing arts, styles, genres in western and world music, dance, and theatre. Students will be introduced to critical reviews to help them formulate a more informed opinion of music and theatre. Students will be introduced to a variety of performances and the importance of the arts in society and the quality of life one leads. Recommended for non-minors.

PAR 101 Introduction to Music of the Great Composers (3)

A survey of musical history from the Baroque to the 20th century. Lectures, listening, and video presentations. No prior musical experience is necessary. This course satisfies the Fine Arts/Performing Arts general education required. Offered annually.

PAR 102 Introduction to World Music (3)

A survey of world ethnic music emphasizing listening skills and musical criticism within a cultural context. Polynesian, Asian, African, European, and North and South American music will be studied. No prior musical experience is necessary. This course satisfies the Fine Arts/Performing Arts general education requirement. Offered alternate years.

PAR 201 Introduction to Motion Pictures (3)

A study of the aesthetic and technical aspects of motion pictures, with emphasis on the film making elements. Includes viewing, scriptwriting, and critiquing. This course satisfies the Knowledge of Beauty and Creation general education requirement. Offered every semester.

PAR 205 Introduction to Theatre Performance (3)

Beginning work on individual skills through acting exercises, improvisation, and scene study. Concentration on voice, relaxation, and freedom from self-consciousness is developed through solo and group work. No previous acting experience is required.

PAR 208 Fundamentals of Music (3)

An introduction to the basic aspects of music theory and fundamentals of western staff notation. This course is geared toward building a foundation of knowledge in music and prepares the student for further musical pursuits, teaching music, while developing an appreciation of music and building compositional skills. Topics include rhythm, meter, melody, harmony, musical terms, clefs and staff notion.

PAR 210 Fundamentals of Theatre and Performance (3)

The course aims to develop an appreciation of theatre and performance, its rich traditions and history. With an emphasis on the visual and performance areas as well as the literary genres of theater, the course will offer balanced measures of appreciation of theatrical arts, history of performance, and the collaborative theatrical crafts. Students will study the role of playwrights, directors, actors, dancers, designers, and performance artists.

PAR 230 Introduction to Entertainment and Event Technology (3)

The primary goal of this course is to supply students with a thorough hands-on introductory understanding of the materials, methods, tools, techniques and procedures used in the various shops as we work on realized theatrical productions. Working with student designers as well as faculty, professional shop staff and student staff, students work on a variety of productions, in a range of capacities.

MUSIC (MU)

MU 150 University Chorus I (1)

Rehearsal and performance of a wide variety of choral music, including classical, sacred, folk, contemporary, and popular. This course may be repeated. Grading is by credit/no credit only. Prior choral experience is helpful, but not required.

MU 162 O’ahu Civic Orchestra I (1)

Rehearsal and performance with the O’ahu Civic Orchestra.This course may be repeated. Grading is by credit/no credit only. Acceptance and evaluation by concert master or designee is required.

MU 185 Private Instruction I (1)

Private lessons in beginning piano, guitar, ‘ukulele, strings, brass, woodwinds, and voice. Students may participate in the end of semester group performance depending on their level of achievement. This course may be repeated. This is a credit/no credit course.
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

MU 250 University Chorus II (1)

MU 262 O’ahu Civic Orchestra II (1)

Rehearsal and performance with the O’ahu Civic Orchestra. This course may be repeated. Grading is by credit/no credit only. Acceptance and evaluation by concert master or designee is required.
Prerequisite: MU 162 or permission of instructor

MU 285 Private Instruction II (1)

Private lessons in intermediate piano, guitar, ‘ukulele, strings, brass, woodwinds, and voice. Students are required to participate in the end of semester group performance. This course may be repeated. This is a credit/no credit course.
Prerequisite: MU 185 or permission of instructor

MU 325 Musical Theatre Production I (1 to 3)

Credit for this course is earned through a work experience in musical theatre and a presentation of a journal and/or analytical paper to the director of the production or designee.
Prerequisites: EN 102, COM 101, EN 102, COM 101, PAR 208 or PAR 210 or PAR 230, or permission of instructor

MU 350 University Chorus III (1)

Rehearsal and performance of a wide variety of choral music, including classical, sacred, folk, contemporary, and popular.
Prerequisites: EN 102, COM 101, PAR 208 and successful credit in a 200-lelve applied music course, or permission of instructor

MU 351 Hawaii Vocal Arts Ensemble I (2)

Rehearsal and performance with the Hawaii Vocal Arts Ensemble.
Prerequisites: EN 102, COM 101, PAR 208 , MU 250, Permission of H.V.A.E. director

MU 362 O’ahu Civic Orchestra III (2)

Rehearsal and performance with the O’ahu Civic Orchestra.
Prerequisites: EN 102, COM 101, PAR 208, MU 262 or permission of the concert master or designee

MU 385 Private Instruction III (1)

Private lessons in advanced piano, guitar, ‘ukulele, strings, brass, woodwinds, and voice. Students are required to participate in the end of semester group performance.
Prerequisites: EN 102, COM 101, PAR 208, MU 285, permission of instructor

MU 425 Musical Theatre Production II (1 to 3)

Credit for this course is earned through a work experience in musical theatre and a presentation of a journal and/or analytical paper to the director of the production or designee. This course may be repeated. Offered every semester by arrangement with director of the musical.
Prerequisites: EN 102, COM 101, MU 325 or permission of instructor

MU 450 University Chorus IV (1)

Rehearsal and performance of a wide variety of choral music, including classical, sacred, folk, contemporary, and popular. This course may be repeated.
Prerequisites: EN 102, COM 101, MU 350 or permission of instructor

MU 451 Hawaii Vocal Arts Ensemble II (2)

Rehearsal and performance with the Hawaii Vocal Arts Ensemble. This course may be repeated.
Prerequisites: EN 102, COM 101, MU 351 or permission of H.V.A.E. director

MU 462 O’ahu Civic Orchestra IV (2)

Rehearsal and performance with the O’ahu Civic Orchestra. This course may be repeated. Acceptance and evaluation by concert master or designee is required.
Prerequisites: EN 102, COM 101, MU 362 or permission

MU 485 Private Instruction IV (1)

Private lessons in advanced piano, guitar, ‘ukulele, strings, brass, woodwinds, and voice. Students are required to participate in the end of semester group performance. This course may be repeated.
Prerequisites: EN 102, COM 101, MU 385 or permission of the instructor

MU 490 Senior Music Capstone (2)

This course is the capstone requirement for the music concentration in the performing arts. Typically, students will prepare a 30 minute recital under the direction of music coordinator or designee or a 25 to 30 page paper on a topic related to musical performance; an in-depth life and works study; or an analysis of a major musical work. with permission of the Music Coordinator.

THEATRE (THR)

THR 120 Theatre Production I (1 to 3)

Credits are earned by students participating in a CUH production of a full-length play. Students may participate as performers, designers, and or technicians for the production. The director of the production (or designee) approves the credits upon successful completion of the project and submission of a final journal and/or analytical paper.
Prerequisite: permission of instructor

THR 220 Theatre Production II (1 to 3)

THR 305 Artistic Leadership in Performing Arts: Directing for the Stage (3)

Various theories, principles, and practices of performing on stage and in film are presented and experienced. Improvisation, exercises, monologues, and scenes are cultivated. This course acquaints the student with the basic principles of directing. The principles of script analysis, composition, movement and picturization are discussed and applied by directing short scenes during the class.
Prerequisites: EN 102, COM 101

THR 320 Theatre Production III (1 to 3)

THR 325 Musical Theatre Production I (1 to 3)

Credits are earned by students participating in a CUH musical theatre production. Students may participate as performers, designers, and or technicians for the production. The director of the production (or designee) approves the credits upon successful completion of the project and submission of a final journal and/or analytical paper.
Prerequisites: EN 102, COM 101, PAR208 or PAR 210, or permission of instructor.

THR 330 Entertainment Design: Creating An Environment for the Performer (3)

This course is designed to develop technical knowledge and creative skills in theatrical disciplines including scenic design and construction, rigging, special effects, audio reinforcement, video, lighting, electrical, stage and production management. Utilization of digital tools such as VectorWorks, Lightwright, Photoshop, and Sketchup assist students in theorizing as well as realizing design ideas.
Prerequisites: EN 102, COM 101

THR 380 Introduction to Playwriting (3)

This is a craft-based writing class designed to enhance a student’s creative voice through the medium of script writing for theatrical productions. Students will receive an overview on the history of theatre, read and view established plays, then critique various genres, including dramas, comedies, tragedies and musicals. Students are required to attend at least one theatrical performance in the community, and must be present at all film viewings.
Prerequisites: EN 102, COM 101

THR 405 Acting III (3)

Advanced work on various theories, principles, and practices of acting on stage are presented and experienced. This course may be repeated for credit.
Prerequisites: EN 102, COM 101

THR 420 Theatre Production IV (1 to 3)

THR 425 Musical Theatre Production II (1 to 3)

Credits are earned by students participating in a CUH musical theatre production. Students may participate as performers, designers, and or technicians for the production. The director of the production (or designee) approves the credits upon successful completion of the project and submission of a final journal and/or analytical paper. This course is repeatable. Prerequisites: EN 102, COM 101, MU/THR325, and/or permission of instructor

THR 490 Senior Student Performance (1 to 3)

This course is a capstone course and offered only to Performing Arts Minors. Students will prepare, plan, and perform an original work, conduct research of historical and cultural significance, and or design a performing arts project of their choosing.
Prerequisites: EN 102, COM 101, permission from Theatre Director