Examines the Biblical and cultural basis for storytelling as an effective gospel communication method. The student will analyze Old and New Testament examples, will explore differences in oral cultures, and will develop a theological basis for storytelling a contextualized missional strategy.

A critical analysis of the plot, subplot and parallel points of linear and non-linear story structures through the examination of various narrative techniques used by authors in constructing narratives. Students will evaluate the story structres of various narrative forms including novels, plays and movies identifying actions, backstories, conflicts, crises, climaxes, expositions, falling actions, and resolutions.

Aids students in developing the skills necessary for analyzing scripts in preparation for production. Focuses on dramatic theory, structure and techniques that enable the actor, director, designer, or playwright to uncover the problems of translating theory into practice. Develops advanced dramaturgy skills and hermeneutical approaches to reading scripts.

This course will provide students with advanced knowledge of dramatic structure and experience in dramatic writing. It will involve the creation of a one act play. Students will spend all the course time involved in the creative process, including working with principles of dramatic structure to construct new and original works for stage or screen.

Students will be introduced to the practice of dramatizing ethnographic data. Three types of reality theatre are examined: monologue, dialogue, and ethnodramatic extension. Students will construct an outline for an ethnodrama based on ethnographic research data and begin the process of dramatizing scenes.

This course explores how live performance can be used to interpret and present arts-based scholarship. Students will watch ethnodramatic productions (live or on film). They will also engage in adapting the play outline and scenes created in Theories & Methods of Ethnodrama for the stage.