Undergraduate
Bachelor's Degree Programs
Applied Theatre, Film, and Television
Major in Applied Theatre, Film, and Television
The degree in Applied Theatre, Film, and Television (ATFT), combines studies in history, theory, and critical analysis with practical experiences in production techniques and creativity. This degree offers a scholarly and creative context for the general liberal arts student as well as those students seeking intensive preparation for advanced study in these fields. The ATFT degree offers students three possible plans of study based on their interests and goals.
The Applied Theatre concentration explores diverse theatrical practices to community, educational or therapeutic contexts within the realm of teaching artistry and facilitation to inspire dialogue, and critical thinking towards efforts of diversity, inclusion and advocating social change
The Film and Television Studies concentration takes a deep dive into the critical understanding of film and television as art and artifact, as well as a vehicle for writing, analysis, and interpretation.
The Integrated Film and Television Studies/Production concentration affords students the opportunity to specialize in production of television or digital film and video, within the contexts of historical, theoretical, cultural, and aesthetic studies of these arts.
All three concentrations are fundamentally collaborative and multidisciplinary. As a trifecta, they are equally grounded in their examination of media and the power of storytelling. They thrive in a liberal arts context that promotes breadth and the integration of learning, that is juxtaposed and enhanced by a diverse urban landscape.
The Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Applied Theatre, Film, and Television requires satisfactory completion of the following:
- A minimum of 120 credit hours is required for a B.A. degree from the IU School of Liberal Arts.
- A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (C) is required for graduation.
- A minimum of 30 credit hours must be completed after formal admission to IU Indianapolis.
- Completion of the major requirements as outlined in one of the three concentrations: Applied Theatre; Film and Television Studies; or Integrated Film and Television Studies/Production
- Completion of a total of 33-37 credit hours as indicated in each concentration, with a minimum grade of C in each course
- At least 15 credit hours must be at the 300 level or above; 18 credits for the Integrated Film and Television Studies/Production Concentration
- A minimum of 21 credit hours of major coursework must be completed in residence in the IU School of Liberal Arts at IU Indianapolis. Course work completed on an IU-administered or IU co-sponsored Overseas Study program counts as residential credit.
- No more than 9 credits of combined independent study and internship count toward graduation
IU Indianapolis General Education Core
A list of accepted courses in the IU Indianapolis General Education Core can be found here.
Core Communication (6 credits)
- ENG-W 131: Reading, Writing, and Inquiry I (3 credits) or ENG-W 140: Reading, Writing, and Inquiry: Honors (3 credits) completed with a grade of C (2.0) or higher
English for Academic Purposes (EAP) sections of ENG-G 131 have been designated for students whose first language is not English.
- COMM-R 110: Fundamentals of Speech Communication (3 credits)
Analytical Reasoning (6 credits)
- College math from List A (3 credits)
- List A or List B (3 credits)
Cultural Understanding (3 credits)
- A world language course is recommended
Life and Physical Sciences (6 credits)
- A laboratory science component is required
Arts/Humanities and Social Sciences (9 credits)
- Arts & Humanities (3 credits)
- Social Science (3 credits)
- Additional Arts & Humanities or Social Science (3 credits)
Transfer students entering IU Indianapolis from another public university in Indiana who have completed the transferable general education core at their home campus will not need to complete the IU Indianapolis General Education Core.
Liberal Arts Baccalaureate Competencies
First-Year Experience (1-3 credits)
- SLA-S 100: First Year Success Seminar
- Other: First Year Seminar from another school at IU Indianapolis
Transfer students with 18 or more credit hours are not required to take this course.
Writing Proficiency (3 credits), completed with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, chosen from the following:
- ENG-W 230: Writing in the Sciences
- ENG-W 231: Professional Writing Skills
- ENG-W 270: Argumentative Writing
Transfer students may satisfy the writing proficiency by completing course work equivalent to ENG-W 231, ENG-W 230, ENG-W 270, or GEWR-UN 200 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher at another campus or institution.
Transfer students with 80 or more transfer credits may petition for exemption from the Writing Proficiency requirement. Petition available in the Miriam Z. Langsam Office of Student Affairs, Cavanaugh Hall room 401.
Analytical Proficiency (3 credits), chosen from the following:
- ECON-E 270: Introduction to Statistical Theory in Economics and Business
- PHIL-P 208: Causality and Evidence
- PHIL-P 262: Practical Logic
- PHIL-P 265: Introduction to Symbolic Logic
- POLS-Y 205: Analyzing Politics
- SOC-R 359: Introduction to Sociological Stats
Analytical Proficiency is in addition to the Analytical Reasoning area in the IU Indianapolis General Education Core. Analytical Proficiency courses may be shared with major requirements if applicable.
Life and Physical Sciences Laboratory
One laboratory science course is required, but may be part of the coursework taken in the IU Indianapolis General Education Core.
Arts and Humanities (3 credits) - Courses in one’s first major field of study cannot be used to fulfill this requirement
100 or 200 level course chosen from the following disciplines
- Africana Studies (AFRO)
- American Studies (AMST)
- American Sign Language (ASL) excluding World Languages courses
- Classics (CLAS) excluding World Languages courses
- East Asian Languages and Cultures (EALC) excluding World Language courses
- Folklore (FOLK) excluding FOLK-F 101
- German (GER) excluding World Language courses
- History (HIST) excluding HIST-H 105, HIST-H 106, HIST-H 108, HIST-H 109, HIST-H 113, HIST-H 114
- Latino Studies (LATS)
- Medical Humanities and Health Studies (MHHS)
- Museum Studies (MSTD)
- Native American and Indigenous Studies (NAIS)
- Philosophy (PHIL)
- Religious Studies (REL)
- Spanish (SPAN) excluding World Language courses
- Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) excluding WGSS-W 105
- World Languages and Cultures (WLAC)
Social Sciences (3 credits) - Courses in one’s first major field of study cannot be used to fulfill this requirement
100 or 200 level course chosen from the following disciplines
- Africana Studies (AFRO)
- Anthropology (ANTH)
- Economics (ECON)
- English-Linguistics (ENG-Z)
- Folklore (FOLK)
- Geography (GEOG)
- Global and International Studies (INTL)
- History (HIST) only HIST-H 105, HIST-H 106, HIST-H 108, HIST-H 109, HIST-H 113, HIST-H 114
- Latino Studies (LATS)
- Medical Humanities and Health Studies (MHHS) excluding MHHS-M 201
- Native American and Indigenous Studies (NAIS)
- Political Science (POLS)
- Psychology (PSY)
- Sociology (SOC)
- Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS)
World Language and Perspectives (0-14 credits) - This requirement may be satisfied in one of the following ways:
- Completion of second-year proficiency in a single world language.
- Second-year proficiency is demonstrated by:
- passing the full second-year sequence of courses in a single language or
- completing a third or fourth-year course1
- Second-year proficiency is demonstrated by:
- Completion of third-semester proficiency in a single world language and one course in History selected from HIST-H 108, HIST-H 109, HIST-H 113, or HIST-H 114.
- Completion of first-year proficiency in a single world language; one history course selected from HIST-H 108, HIST-H 109, HIST-H 113, or HIST-H 114; and one course selected from the Global History and Perspectives list:
- ANTH-A 104: Intro to Cultural Anthropology
- CLAS-C 213: Sport and Competition in the Ancient World
- EALC-E 232: China Past and Present: Culture in Continuing Evolution
- ENG-L 245: (The Empire Writes Back) Intro to Caribbean Literature
- GEOG-G 130: World Geography
- HIST-H 108: Perspectives on the World to 1800
- HIST-H 109: Perspectives on the World since 1800
- HIST-H 113: History of Western Civilization I
- HIST-H 114: History of Western Civilization II
- INTL-I 100: Intro to International Studies
- LATS-L 228: An Interdisciplinary Look at U.S. Latino/a Identities
- POLS-Y 217: Introduction to Comparative Politics
- POLS-Y 219: Introduction to International Relations
- REL-R 212: Comparative Religions
- Non-English native speaker with approved waiver.
Courses in World Language and Perspectives may also satisfy General Education Core Cultural Understanding.
1 Students interested in receiving credit for lower-division language courses, see the section ‘‘Special Credit for Foreign Language Study.’’
Advanced Courses
Students are required to have 42 credit hours in 300-400 level coursework including courses in their major. Of the 42 advanced credits, 9 credit hours must be 300-400 level coursework outside the first Liberal Arts major field of study and from the School of Liberal Arts. Students seeking dual degrees are exempt from completing 9 credits hours in 300-400 level coursework outside their major and from the School of Liberal Arts.
Applied Theatre Concentration (34 Credits)
The Applied Theatre concentration focuses on acting, directing, theatre history, playwriting, dramatic literature, and theatre design and technology. Students have the opportunity to participate in all aspects of theatre performance using theatre as a voice for social change.
Major Requirements, 34 credits- COMM-M 150: Mass Media and Contemporary Society (3 cr.)
- COMM-T 275: Bridge Experiences in Applied Theatre (1 cr.)
- COMM-T 130: Introduction to Theatre (3 cr.)
- COMM-T 265: Fundamentals of Applied Theatre (3 cr.)
- COMM-T 437: Creative Dramatics (3 cr.)
- COMM-G 499: Research Seminar Senior Thesis (3 cr.) or COMM-G 300: Independent Study with permission
Select 6 credits in Production
- COMM-T 100: Rehearsal and Performance (3-6 cr.)
- COMM-T 339: Play Directing (3 cr.)
- COMM-T 431: Playwriting (3 cr.)
Select 6 credits in Performance
- COMM-T 104: Voice for the Stage (3 cr.)
- COMM-T 133: Introduction to Acting (3 cr.)
- COMM-T 205: Introduction to Oral Interpretation (3 cr.)
- COMM-T 3XX: Theatre for Social Change (3 cr.)
- COMM-T 333: Acting II (3 cr.)
Select 6 credits in Theory-History-Criticism
- CLAS-C 310: Classical Drama (3 cr.)
- COMM-T 337: History of Theatre I (3 cr.)
- COMM-T 338: History of Theatre II (3 cr.)
- COMM-R 478 Persuasion and Media in Social Movements (3 cr.)
- ENG-L 315: Major Plays of Shakespeare (3 cr.)
- ENG-L 365 Modern Drama: Continental (3 cr.)
- ENG-L 366 Modern Drama: English, Irish, and American (3 cr.)
- ENG-L 370 Recent Black American Writing (3 cr.)
- ENG-L 379 Ethnic and Minority Literature of the United States (3 cr.)
- ENG-L 406 Topics in African-American Literature (with consent) (3 cr.)
- ENG- L 433 Conversations with Shakespeare (3 cr.)
- MSTD-A 460 Museum Theatre (3 cr.)
- WGSS-W 300 Topics in Women’s Studies (with consent)
Film and Television Studies Concentration (33 credits)
Film and Television Studies focuses on the history, theory, criticism, cultural uses, and production practices of television, film, and media arts. Students are required to take one media production course in order to gain a concrete understanding of the possibilities of these media. Emphasis is on critical analysis, creative expression, and an understanding of how media functions in our society.
Major Requirements, 33 credits- COMM-M 150: Mass Media and Contemporary Society (3 cr.)
Select 3 credits in Film and Television Studies Core Group 1
- FILM-C 292: Introduction to Film (3 cr.)
- COMM-M 215: Media Literacy (3 cr.)
Select 3 credits in Film and Television Studies Core Group 2
- FILM-C 391: The Film: Theory and Aesthetics (3 cr.)
- COMM-M 462: Television Aesthetics and Criticism (3 cr.)
Select 3 credits in Production
- COMM-M 221: Introduction to Television Studio Production (3 cr.)
- NEWM-N 253: Introduction to Digital Video (3 cr.)
Select 9 credits in Theory-History-Criticism. At least 6 credits must be at the 300 level or higher.
- COMM-M 370: History of Television (3 cr.)
- COMM-M 373: Film and Video Documentary (3 cr.)
- COMM-M 462: Television Aesthetics and Criticism (3 cr.)
- COMM-R 478: Persuasion and Media in Social Movements (3 cr.)
- FILM-C 350: Film Noir (3 cr.)
- FILM-C 351: Musicals (3 cr.)
- FILM-C 352: Biopics (3 cr.)
- FILM-C 361: Hollywood Studio Era 1930-1949 (3 cr.)
- FILM-C 362: Hollywood in the 1950s (3 cr.)
- FILM-C 380: French Cinema (3 cr.)
- FILM-C 390: The Film and Society: Topics (3 cr.)
- FILM-C 391: The Film: Theory and Aesthetics (3 cr.)
- FILM-C 392: Genre Study in Film (3 cr.)
- FILM-C 393: History of European and American Films I (3 cr.)
- FILM-C 394: History of European and American Films II (3 cr.)
- FILM-C 491: Authorship and Cinema (3 cr.)
- FILM-C 493: Film Adaptations of Literature (3 cr.)
- JOUR-J 475: Race, Gender and the Media (3 cr.)
- MUS-Z 315: Music for Film (3 cr.)
- PHIL-P 355: Philosophy of Film (3 cr.)
Select 6 credits in Cultural Approaches
- AFRO-A 326: Race, Beauty, and Popular Culture (3 cr.)
- AMST-A 363: American Cyber Identity (3 cr.)
- COMM-C 299: Communicating Queer Identity (3 cr.)
- COMM-C 482: Intercultural Communication (3 cr.)
- COMM-R 350: Women Speak: American Feminist Rhetoric (3 cr.)
- EALC-E 334: Contemporary Chinese Cinema (3 cr.)
- FREN-F 391: Studies in French Cinema (Taught in French) (3 cr.)
- FREN-F 460: French Fiction in Film (Taught in French) (3 cr.)
- GER-G 370: German Cinema (3 cr.)
- MHHS-M 410: Addiction Narratives (3 cr.)
- MHHS-M 420: The Culture of Mental Illness (3 cr.)
- WOST-A 316: Women of the Diaspora: Race, Culture and Education (3 cr.)
Select 3 credits in Creative Expression
- COMM-T 133: Acting I (3 cr.)
- COMM-M 210: Media Message Design (3 cr.)
- COMM-M 464: Podcasting, Radio and Sound Production (3 cr.)
- ENG-W 260: Writing of Film Criticism (3 cr.)
- ENG-W 302: Screenwriting (3 cr.) Prerequisite: ENG-W 206
- ENG-W 315: Writing for the Web (3 cr.)
- ENG-W 318: Finding your E-voice (3 cr.)
- JOUR-J 219: Introduction to Public Relations (3 )
COMM-G 499: Research Seminar Senior Thesis (3 cr.) capstone
The Integrated Film and Television Studies/Production (37 credits)
The Integrated Film and Television Studies/Production concentration emphasizes an understanding and appreciation of the art of film and television, within a firm working knowledge of the processes of production. The emphasis in this concentration is on the application of theoretical concepts, critical analysis, and historical understanding to a production context. Students will apply their knowledge of film and television studies to the construction of media projects.
Major Requirements, 37 credits
COMM-M 150: Mass Media and Contemporary Society (3 cr.)
Select 3 credits in Film and Television Studies Core Group 1
- FILM-C 292: Introduction to Film (3 cr.)
- COMM-M 215: Media Literacy (3 cr.)
- FILM-C 391: The Film: Theory and Aesthetics (3 cr.)
- COMM-M 462: Television Aesthetics and Criticism (3 cr.)
- COMM-M 370: History of Television (3 cr.)
- COMM-M 373: Film and Video Documentary (3 cr.)
- COMM-G 391: Variable Title Seminar (media-related topic only) (3 cr.)
- FILM-C 351: Musicals (3 cr.)
- FILM-C 352: Biopics (3 cr.)
- FILM-C 361: Hollywood Studio Era 1930-1949 (3 cr.)
- FILM-C 362: Hollywood in the 1950s (3 cr.)
- FILM-C 380: French Cinema (3 cr.)
- FILM-C 390: Topics in Film (Variable Title) (3 cr.)
- FILM-C 392: Genres in Film (Variable Title) (3 cr.)
- FILM-C 393: History of European and American Films I (3 cr.)
- FILM-C 394: History of European and American Films II (3 cr.)
- FILM-C 491: Authorship in Cinema (Variable Title) (3 cr.)
- FILM-C 493: Film Adaptations of Literature (3 cr.)
- MUS-Z 315: Music for Film (3 cr.)
Select 3 credits in Scriptwriting
- COMM-M 210: Media Message Design (3 cr.)
- ENG-W 250: Writing in Context (with appropriate topic) (3 cr.)
- ENG-W 302: Screenwriting (3 cr.) (Prerequisite: ENG-W 206)
Select 3 credits in Production Planning
- HER-A 307: Concepts in Action: Concept Art and Illustration (3 cr.)
- NEWM-N 420: Multimedia Project Development (3 cr.)
- COMM-M221: Introduction to Television Studio Production (3 cr.)
Select 3 credits in Production Process Group 2
- COMM-M 465 Advanced Video Technique (3 cr.) OR NEWM-N 253 (prerequisite: COMM-M 221)
- NEWM-N 353*Intermediate Digital Video (3 cr.) (prerequisite: NEWM-N 253 or COMM-M 221, or instructor consent)
- * Course content in NEWM-N 253 and NEWM-N 353 alternates (fall/spring semesters) between narrative and documentary video
Select 7 credits in Production Electives
- COMM-M 461: Production Problems in Communication Media (variable topic) (3 cr.)
- COMM-M 463: Advanced Graphic Technique (3 cr.)
- COMM-M 464: Advanced Audio Technique (3 cr.)
- COMM-M 465: Advanced Video Technique (3 cr.)
- COMM-M 466: Television Direction (3 cr.)
- COMM-M 220: Electronic Graphic Production (3 cr.)
- COMM-M 290: Video Production Workshop (1 cr.)
- COMM-G 300: Independent Study (1-3 cr.)
- COMM-G 491: Internship (1-6 cr.) OR HER-K 430: Photography and Intermedia Seminar (when appropriate topic) (3 cr.)
- HER-K 300: Time-Based Art (Advanced Digital Imaging) (3 cr.) Prerequisite: HER-K 301 or HER-K 303
- HER-A 307: Illustration for Animators (3 cr.)
- INFO-I 459: Media and Technology Entrepreneurship (3 cr.)
- MUS-A 132: Music Technology Lab I (3 cr.)
- MUS-A 142: Music Technology Lab II (3 cr.) (Prerequisite: MUS-A 132)
- NEWM-N 255: Introduction to Digital Sound (3 cr.)
- NEWM-N 340 Motion Graphics (3 cr.)
- NEWM-N 354: Directorial Analysis, Production, and RAW Workflow (3 cr.) Prerequisite: NEWM-N 253
- NEWM-N 365: Lighting and Field Production (3 cr.) Prerequisites: NEWM-N 253 and NEWM-N 353
- NEWM-N357 Digital Effects (3 cr.)
- NEWM-N 453: Advanced Digital Video (3 cr.)
- NEWM-N 456: Digital Cinema (3 cr.) Prerequisite: NEWM-N253, NEWM-N353 and NEWM-N354
COMM-G 499: Research Seminar Senior Thesis (3 cr.) capstone
Dual Degree Advantage
The Liberal Arts baccalaureate competencies are waived for IU Indianapolis undergraduate students whose first major is outside the School of Liberal Arts and whose second major is a Bachelor of Arts degree from the IU School of Liberal Arts at IU Indianapolis. Students are only required to complete the courses in their major of choice in Liberal Arts. The IU Indianapolis General Education Core or the Indiana transferable general education core must be successfully completed. Students must complete the degree outside Liberal Arts in order to have the Liberal Arts baccalaureate competencies waived for degree completion. The Liberal Arts baccalaureate competencies are only waived for students who actively pursue and complete another degree program outside of Liberal Arts. Both degrees must be completed at the same time.
