Course Syllabus

THEA 1113 Voice and Diction

Course Description

This course is a multi-faceted approach to healthy vocal production, diction, and accent. It provides students with both the theory and practice of excellent speech function and expressive communication. Theory and practice in developing command of oral techniques for stage include breath support, resonation, free vocal release, and articulation. This course focuses on vocal production for the actor, which differs from that of a singer.

Justification

This course is offered by most theatre departments throughout the state as a lower-division credit. It serves as an elective credit for graduation.

General Education Outcomes

1. A student who completes the GE curriculum has a fundamental knowledge of human cultures and the natural world. Effective speech is one of the clearest goals of this course. Students will also be expected to look beyond the technical aspects of elocution to a connection of intention and intuition with the way they express themselves. Additionally, students will work in groups giving each other constructive critique and feedback, a process that must always retain respect and consideration at its crux. This will be assessed through group evaluations, presentations, and oral assignments.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will understand the functions, anatomy, and possibility of expressions of the human vocal tract (its actuator, vibrator, resonators, and articulators) theoretically and then practically.
2. Students will explore methods of communication and articulation possible with their vocal tract.
3. Students will gain a command of their own instrument's flexibility, expressivity, and uniqueness.
4. Student will grow more comfortable and sure with their voice and its use.

Course Content

Students will learn basics of vocal anatomy with particular attention to the structures of breath, resonance, and articulation. Habits of posture, breath, and vocal production will be assessed and areas for improvement identified. Students will gain introductory knowledge of the international phonetic alphabet and will explore the need for clarity through articulation. Students will practice and perform the written word with attention to the variables of expression. This will be assessed through in class exercises, group assessment, and assignments both verbal and written.Methods and techniques which might be used include: Linklater, Fitzmaurice, Rodenburg, and Knight-ThompsonThis course will approach vocal habits and speech production from a descriptivist perspective, rather than that of prescription or problematic 'correct' ways of speaking. Fundamental to the content of the course is a focus on accessing a healthy and flexible natural voice, shedding the one's habitual vocal constraints. Similarly, this course approaches speech with the standards of clarity and expression allowing this course to explore options rather than rules.