Course Form (revised 7-2008)
I. Summary of Proposed Changes
Dept / Program
School of Theatre & Dance
Course Title
Graduate Design Seminar III
Course #
G THTR 645
Short Title (max. 26 characters incl. spaces)
Grad Design Seminar III
Summarize the change(s) proposed
New course
II. Endorsement/Approvals
Complete the form and obtain signatures before submitting to Faculty Senate Office
Please type / print name Signature
Requestor:
Mike Monsos
Phone/ email :
x5138
Program Chair/Director:
Other affected
programs:
Dean:
Date
michael.monsos@umontana.edu
Mark Dean
x2879
Dr. Stephen Kalm
x4970
III: To Add a New Course Syllabus and assessment information is required (paste syllabus into
section V or attach). Course should have internal coherence and clear focus.
Exact entry to appear in the next catalog (Specify course abbreviation, level, number, title, credits,
repeatability (if applicable), frequency of offering, prerequisites, and a brief description.) 
G 645 Graduate Design Seminar III 2 cr. Offered autumn. This course is designed to continue the design
process skills developed in Seminar II of effective research, collaboration and script analysis methodologies
and exploration practices.
Justification: How does the course fit with the existing curriculum? Why is it needed?
The Master of Fine Arts curriculum for Design/Technology was recently changed and improved based on
educational needs of our students and suggestions from the recent National Association of Schools of Theatre
(NAST) accreditation report. This course continues a sequence of classes that is designed to develop
collaboration and inter-disciplinary relationships among designers, along with individual design skills and how
to design within severe professional limitations (unions, budgets, venue, etc.).
Are there curricular adjustments to accommodate teaching this course?
Yes.
Complete for UG courses. (UG courses should be assigned a 400 number).
Describe graduate increment (Reference guidelines: http://www.umt.edu/facultysenate/Grad/UG.htm)
Fees may be requested only for courses meeting specific conditions determined by the
Board of Regents. Please indicate whether this course will be considered for a fee.
If YES, what is the proposed amount of the fee?
Justification:
IV. To Delete or Change an Existing Course – check X all that apply
Deletion
Title
Course Number
From:
Level U, UG, G
Change
To:
Description Change
Change in Credits
Prerequisites
From:
To:
YES
From:
To:
Repeatability
Cross Listing
(primary program
initiates form)
Is there a fee associated with the course?
NO
X
1. Current course information at it appears in catalog
(http://www.umt.edu/catalog) 
3. If cross-listed course: secondary program & course
number
4. Graduate increment if level of course is changed to UG.
Reference guidelines at:
http://www.umt.edu/facultysenate/Grad/UG.htm
(syllabus required in section V)
2. Full and exact entry (as proposed) 
Have you reviewed the graduate increment
guidelines? Please check (X) space provided.
5. Other programs affected by the change
6. Justification for proposed change
V. Syllabus/Assessment Information
Required for new courses and course change from U to UG. Paste syllabus in field below or attach and send
digital copy with form.
Graduate Design Seminar III
Course #:
Time:
Room:
Instructor:
THTR 645
F 12:40-2:00
McGill 215
Mike Monsos
PARTV Building Room 192
243-5138
michael.monsos@umontana.edu
Text:
None
Materials Needed:
Drawing, rendering and modeling tools
Course Description
This course is a continuation to Graduate Design Seminar I and II, which enhanced skills in
primary and secondary areas and to learn how to effectively communicate with theatre technicians in
all areas. Students will learn to deal with advanced professional experiences and limitations in their
design process and how to work within additional limitations. Students will further define and
enhance their collaborative/design processes with effective research. Graduate students will explore
the world of theatrical design through design projects that include complex design presentations.
Course Objectives








The ability to understand and appreciate the disciplines of costume, scenery and lighting
design for theatrical productions.
The ability to further refine each students critical, evaluative and self-evaluation skills.
The ability to effectively communicate with all members of the design team.
The ability to effectively communicate their design ideas and processes to the scene shop,
light shop and costume shop technicians.
The ability to understand the purpose of a budget and the skills needed to work within a
budget.
The ability to effectively and properly function as a designer in a technical shop.
The ability to further refine each students design practices/aesthetic through exploration of
other design areas.
The ability to use the afore-mentioned objectives in order to create an artistic
event/environment.
Academic Misconduct and the Student Conduct Code:
All students must practice academic honesty. Academic misconduct is subject to an academic penalty
by the course instructor and/or disciplinary sanction by the University. All students need to be
familiar with the Student Conduct Code. The Code is available for review online at
www.umt.edu/SA/VPSA/Index.cfm/page/1321.
All Theatre & Dance students must have an in-depth knowledge of the practices and procedures outlined in
the School of Theatre & Dance Handbook. The Handbook is available online at
http://www.sfa.umt.edu/drama/index.html
Class Policies
This is a laboratory class. You are in charge of your time and are responsible for attending class.
Grading Policies
You must demonstrate:

An ability to meet all deadlines and requirements for the course.

Preparation for assignment as evidenced by knowledge gained from previous assignments,
organization of work; and timely execution of research projects.

An ability to work collaboratively on projects.

An ability to effectively work in cross-disciplinary areas.

Student's demonstrated growth in developing and/or refining his/her personal design
aesthetic.

Student’s flexibility in relationship to ongoing work and criticism of work.

An ability to approach work with increased independence, efficiency, flexibility, and creative
thinking.

Quality of skills developed in collaborative areas; i.e. interpersonal communication,
distillation of all presented material into a unified design idea, time management.
Tentative Class Projects
Project #1-Period Show-Drama
Week #1-Text analysis-script, time of day, character, etc.
Week #2- research
Week #3- sketches
Week #4-revised
Week #5-renderings/models
Project #2-Comedy
Week #1-Text analysis-script, time of day, character, etc.
Week #2- research
Week #3- sketches
Week #4-revised
Week #5-renderings/models
Project #3-Musical or Opera
Week #1-Text analysis-script, time of day, character, etc.
Week #2- research
Week #3- sketches
Week #4-revised
Week #5-renderings/models
VI Department Summary (Required if several forms are submitted) In a separate document list course
number, title, and proposed change for all proposals.
VII Copies and Electronic Submission. After approval, submit original, one copy, summary of
proposals and electronic file to the Faculty Senate Office, UH 221, camie.foos@mso.umt.edu.