I. ASCRC General Education Form (revised 3/19/14)
Use to propose new general education courses (except writing courses), to change or
renew existing gen ed courses and to remove designations for existing gen ed courses.
Note: One-time-only general education designation may be requested for experimental courses
(X91-previously X95), granted only for the semester taught. A NEW request must be
submitted for the course to receive subsequent general education status.
Group
II. Mathematics
VII: Social Sciences
(submit separate
III. Language
VIII: Ethics & Human Values
forms if
X III Exception: Symbolic Systems * IX: American & European
requesting more
IV: Expressive Arts
X: Indigenous & Global
than one
V: Literary & Artistic Studies
XI: Natural Sciences
general
w/ lab  w/out lab 
education group
VI: Historical & Cultural Studies
designation)
* Require a Symbolic Systems Request Form.
Dept/Program
Course #
School of Theatre & Dance: BFA in
U THTR 255
Theatre, Design/Technology Specialization
Course Title
Drafting for the Theatre I
Prerequisite
Credits
3
II. Endorsement/Approvals
Complete the form and obtain signatures before submitting to Faculty Senate Office
Please type / print name Signature
Date
Michael Monsos
x5138
michael.monsos@umontana.edu
Program Chair Michael Monsos
x5138
Dean
Dr. Stephen Kalm
x4970
III. Type of request
New
One-time Only
Renew
Change
Remove
X
Reason for Gen Ed inclusion, change or deletion
Description of change
IV. Description and purpose of the general education course: General Education courses
must be introductory and foundational within the offering department or within the General
Education Group. They must emphasize breadth, context, and connectedness; and relate course
content to students’ future lives: See Preamble:
http://umt.edu/facultysenate/archives/minutes/gened/GE_preamble.aspx
The BFA degree with a Design/Technology emphasis in the School of Theatre & Dance has an extended
curriculum (73 credits) as mandated by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST) which
requires fluency in hand drafting and either computer drafting or flat-pattern drafting. As drafting is the
recognized means of communication within the theatre design/technology industry, it is imperative that
our students not only understand, but are highly skilled in this means of dialogue. The hand-drafting
course, which serves as a pre-requisite for the flat-pattern design and CAD classes, is an academically
challenging class that teaches students the language of lines and the drafting standards as articulated by
the United States Institute of Theatre Technology (USITT).
Instructor
Phone / Email
V. Criteria: Briefly explain how this course meets the criteria for the group. See:
http://umt.edu/facultysenate/documents/forms/GE_Criteria5-1-08.aspx
Rigorously presents a mapping between a real- Design concepts for theatre can be quite abstract
world system and a human abstraction of the
and are often new forms that have never before
system.
existed. Our students are learning how to
translate these wildly creative and unique designs
into clear, understandable, and accurate patterns
that can be calculated, measured, and
constructed. It is important to note that there are
not set rules, guidelines or designs for a theatre
production. Each show exists within its own
concept and almost always generates a new
perspective and physical characteristics that may
never have been used before. Students are
constantly challenged to turn abstract
expressions into concrete objects—something
that is impossible without the ability to draft well
and to communicate through draftings.
Applies analysis, reasoning and creative
Students must be able to use analysis, reasoning,
thinking in the understanding and manipulation and creative thought in order to create measured
of symbolic codes.
drawings which convey all the necessary
information from an unrealized three-dimensional,
sculptural object that exists only in conceptual
form to two-dimensional drawings. If students do
not learn to create accurate, comprehensive,
understandable drawings that adhere to universal
standards, it will be impossible for them to
succeed in this field.
Utilizes alternative methods of communication, Hand drafting is a means of communication that
perception, and expression in order to
requires absolute precision and understanding in
encourage rigorous thinking.
order for it to function. Students must be able to
transpose the spoken and written word, along
with three-dimensional objects, into clear,
concise, multi-view two-dimensional measured
draftings.
VI. Student Learning Goals: Briefly explain how this course will meet the applicable learning
goals. See: http://umt.edu/facultysenate/documents/forms/GE_Criteria5-1-08.aspx
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the symbols Students will understand all the symbols,
and the transformations of the system.
graphics, line-types, views, dimensioning,
notation, line-weights, etc., for use in handdrafting development for theatre, film, and
television.
2. Relay and interpret information in terms of
Students will learn the meaning and significance
the given symbolic system.
of all symbols and graphics so that they are
successful both in the creation and the reading of
measurable drawings.
3. Apply creative thinking using the symbolic
system in order to solve problems and
communicate ideas.
Students will learn how to translate design ideas
from the conceptual stage to realized, accurate,
measurable drawings.
VII. Assessment: How are the learning goals above measured? Please list at least one
assignment, activity or test question for each goal.
1. Students must study and apply the architectural graphic standards of drafting symbols for theatre
design and drafting as codified by the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT). These
symbols and drafting techniques are what render our communication understandable and standardized.
2. Designers and artists who draft must create a visual language that is accurate and precise. Ideas and
designs that exist within an artist’s imagination must find their way onto a two-dimensional surface in a
manner so that the project can be built safely, quickly, accurately, and economically. The drafting
language is designed so that any individual or construction team can interpret the design ideas and
understand the visual language. An assignment that relays and interprets information is a project where
students have two views of an object, and using their drafting tools and learned techniques, they must
create a third view accurately and completely.
3. While there are standards for drafting, each design project is unique. A designer or draftsperson must
be able to create a drawing that is universally understood. New and innovative ideas will be necessary in
situations where there is not currently an accepted method or practice. The final assignment for this
course requires students to create their own designs, based on parameters from the instructor. The
students can no longer rely on an existing structure or object but must now draft their own design using
correct techniques and graphic standards.
VIII. Justification: Normally, general education courses will not carry pre-requisites, will
carry at least 3 credits, and will be numbered at the 100-200 level. If the course has more than
one pre-requisite, carries fewer than three credits, or is upper division (numbered above the 200
level), provide rationale for exception(s).
See Symbolic Systems Exemption Application.
IX. Syllabus: Paste syllabus below or attach and send digital copy with form.  The syllabus
should clearly describe learning outcomes related to the above criteria and learning goals.
See below.
Please note: Approved general education changes will take effect next fall.
General education instructors will be expected to provide sample assessment items and
corresponding responses to the Assessment Advisory Committee.
Drafting for the Theatre
Course #:
Time:
Room:
Instructor:
THTR 255
MW 11:10-1:00
McGill 215
Mike Monsos
PARTV Building Room 192
243-5138
michael.monsos@umontana.edu
Text:
“Drafting for the Theatre I” by Mike Monsos
Materials Needed:
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30-60 Triangle
45 Triangle
2-3 lead holders, lead (there are 18 different grades of lead, I
recommend “2B”, “H”, and “2H” as a starting point)
lead pointer
eraser shield
pink eraser
kneaded eraser
12” architect’s square
drafting dots or tape
compass
cleaning pad and dusting brush
a variety of paper and vellum.
(Drafting table and parallel rules are available for student use in
McGill 215; please treat with care and consideration.)
Course Description:
This course is designed to help students develop their drafting skills for
theatre and the entertainment industry. Students will learn the language of
the line, the drafting standards for theatre as codified by the United States
Institute of Theatre Technology (USITT), and the means with which to
create accurate measured drawings. Drafting is the tool with which
designers, directors, technicians and all members of a production team
communicate the information necessary to mount all the technical aspects
of a given production, and one that needs to be recognized and consistent
across the industry in order to be effective. Drafting is essentially a
method of communication, one that is accurate and clear.
Course Objectives:
Through daily exercises and assignments, this course will teach students
how to read, understand and generate measured drawings for the stage,
screen, television and all other theatrical applications. Students will learn
the codified standards of lines, line weights, line types and symbols in
drafting. Students will achieve mathematically precise drawings through
use of geometry and consistent practice with drafting tools and equipment.
Students will learn the proper method of laying out and establishing
drafting views including but not limited to: section, plan, orthographic,
and exploded views. Students will learn the technique and method for
creating drawings in perspective and how to solve for true size and shape
in drafting. Students will learn the techniques for dimensioning and
notation in drafting along with how to accurately create measured
drawings of an existing space.
Grading:
This course will consist of 16 assignments including the final project.
Do not fall behind! This course is rigorous and you will find it very
difficult to succeed if you do not stay up to date in your work!
Assignments:
Final
Attendance+
Total
20 points each
100 points
100 points
450-500 points
400-449 points
350-399 points
300-349 points
299 and below
A
B
C
D
F
300 points
100 points
100 points
500 points
Attendance policy:
Attendance is extremely important; it is assumed students will attend all
classes. Only two unexcused absences are allowed, each absence after
two will result in the loss of ten points from the student’s total points. An
unexcused absence is defined by failing to notify the instructor PRIOR to
missing a class. Assignments are due either on or prior to due date. Late
assignments will be accepted at the discretion of the instructor, and will be
marked down a minimum of 10%.
SCHEDULE
Jan 27
Introduction to the course. Tools. Chapter 1
Assignment #1, go shopping.
Jan 29
Getting started-Setting up the drawing, title blocks, borders.
USITT standard alphabet of lines, dimensioning and standard symbols.
Chapter 2
Assignment #2 given.
Feb 3
Lettering. Chapter 3
Assignment #3 given.
Assignment #2 due.
Feb 5
Tool use, scale rule. Chapter 4
Assignment #4 given.
Assignment #3 due
Feb 10
Geometry. Chapter 5
Assignment #5 given.
Assignment #4 due
Feb 12
Geometry continued. Chapter 5
Assignment #5 part 2 given.
Feb 17
No class- Holiday
Feb 19
Drafting views. Chapter 6
Assignment #6 given
Assignment #5 due
Feb 24
Section views. Chapter 7
Assignment #7 given
Assignment #6 due
Feb 26
True size and shape. Chapter 8
Assignment #8 given
Assignment #7 due
Mar 3
Dimensioning. Chapter 9
Assignment #9 given
Assignment #8 due
Mar 5
Notation. Chapter 10
Assignment #10 given
Assignment #9 due
Mar 10
Creating measured drawings. Chapter 11
Assignment #11 given
Assignment #10 due
Mar 12
Library visit-historic draftings
Mar 17
Perspective drawing
Window drawing done in class
Mar 19
No class-NAST conference
Mar 24
No class-USITT
Mar 26
No class-USITT
Mar 31
Spring Break
Apr 2
Spring Break
Apr 7
Perspective drawings
Assignment #11 due
Apr 9
Drop point perspective
Drop point perspective assigned
Apr 14
Work on drop point perspective
Apr 16
Work on drop point
Apr 21
Final project assigned
Drop point perspective due
Apr 23
Research presented
Apr 28
Sketch presented
Apr 30
Work on final projects
May 5
Work on final projects
May 7
Work on final projects
Monday May 12th 10:10-12:10
Final. Project due.
University and School Policies
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
http://life.umt.edu/vpsa/student_conduct.php.
From the School of Theatre & Dance
All Theatre & Dance students must have an in-depth knowledge of the
practices and procedures outlined in the School of Theatre & Dance
Student Handbook. The Handbook is available online at
http://www.umt.edu/theatredance/about/handbook.
There is inherent risk involved in many Theatre & Dance classes as they
are very physical in nature. Please proceed through class, shop time, or
rehearsal with caution. Always be mindful of your personal safety and the
safety of others. Students participating in
class/shop/rehearsal/performance do so at their own risk.
Due to safety considerations, at no point during a student’s time spent in
class or serving on a production (in any capacity) should non-enrolled
persons be guests of that student without my consent. Presence of such
unauthorized persons in a class, shop, or any backstage/off-stage area will
negatively affect a student’s grade.
From the EO/AA Office:
Students with disabilities may request reasonable modifications by
contacting me. The University of Montana assures equal access to
instruction through collaboration between students with disabilities,
instructors, and Disability Services for Students (DSS). “Reasonable”
means the University permits no fundamental alterations of academic
standards or retroactive modifications. For more information, please
consult http://life.umt.edu/dss/.