Curriculum

Degree Requirements/Course Listings

Drama Therapy (28-35 units), View Course Descriptions

We are currently in the process of digitizing our theses. View a list with available abstracts, a sample thesis from a previous student, or request a full thesis.

Counseling and Psychology (15-18 units)

Educational Theatre (5 units are recommended for those who do not have sufficient undergraduate experience in theatre or may be taken as general electives) may be chosen from the following:

Elective Courses (by advisement) chosen from such courses as:

Course Descriptions

MPADT-GE 2114 Introduction to Drama Therapy

An introduction to the theory and practice of drama therapy as a means of treating individuals with emotional, physical, social, and developmental disabilities.

MPADT-GE 2109 Drama Therapy for Clinical Populations

Principles, objectives, and techniques of drama therapy are examined in relationship to the needs of clinical populations. Practical applications are discussed and demonstrated in class. Supervised fieldwork is arranged.

MPADT-GE 2115 Psychodrama and Sociometry

The practices of psychodrama and sociometry are examined as treatment modalities for use in drama therapy. Classroom experiences include participation in the psychodramatic process, group leadership training, and the further development of the aims and principles of drama therapy.

MPADT-GE 2121 Adv. Practices in Drama Therapy: Playback, Therapeutic Theatre and Developmental Transformations

A practical application of the aims and principles of Therapeutic Theatre and leadership of groups. Focus is on selected methods and theoretical frameworks.

MPADT-GE 2117 Projective Techniques

The practice of selected projective techniques used frequently in drama therapy, such as puppetry, mask, makeup, and video. Projective techniques are demonstrated in class and examined theoretically. Applications to special and normal populations.

MPADT-GE 2119 Adv. Theory & Research in Drama Therapy

An examination of advanced drama therapy theory and research; new approaches that speak to the aesthetic and psychological dimensions of drama therapy. Intended for students planning research for the M.A. thesis.

MPADT-GE 2100 Intro to Arts Based Research

An introduction to arts-based research methodologies and procedures designed for first-year graduate students in the creative arts therapies, inter-disciplinary arts majors, educational theatre and applied psychology. Topics include the process of arts-based research, the fundamentals of art-based research design, and the use of new media technologies in research design. Course helps prepare students for the subsequent writing of their theses.

MPADT-GE 2125 Advanced Psychodrama & Sociometry

This course will provide students with hands-on experience facilitating action interventions in psychodrama, such as creating contracts, scene setting, training auxiliaries, the walk & talk, directing the psychodrama vignette & psychodrama with individuals. Upon completion of Psychodrama & Sociometry & Advanced Psychodrama & Sociometry, the student will have accrued sufficient hours of training to begin psychodrama practicum.

MPADT-GE 2110 Theatre Aesthetics: DvT

Introduction to and practical application of the aims and principles of Developmental Transformations as a modality.

MPADT-GE 2134 Advanced Role Theory/Role Method

The course is designed to introduce students to the theory and practice of role theory and role method in drama therapy. The theoretical part of the course will provide an overview of sociological and theatrical theory as source material for drama therapy role theory. The theoretical model known as the Taxonomy of Roles will be studied and analyzed. The applied part of the course will introduce students to the clinical applications of role method in working with a range of challenging conditions based in mental status, cognition, socioeconomic conditions and life stressors. In addition, students will be exposed to the extant research literature on role theory and method in the field of drama therapy.

MPADT-GE 2105 Cross-Cultural Awareness for Creative Arts Therapy & Arts Education

This course develops cultural awareness and responsiveness of creative arts therapists and community educators. Using embodied practice and theory, the course explores intersections of race, class, sexuality, gender, age, ability, religion, immigration, and other cultural identity markers (visible and invisible). Students examine the impact of intersections and ostracisms as practitioners on their own personal and professional lives, as well as those of clients and group participants. Competencies are taught through action methods, Theatre of the Oppressed, lecture/discussion.