Course Descriptions

Performing Arts - PA

General Information

Unless stated otherwise, all courses are non-repeatable except under certain conditions.

Open Enrollment

It is the policy of West Hills College Lemoore, unless specifically exempted by statute, that every course section or class, the average daily attendance of which is to be reported for state aid, wherever offered and maintained by the District, shall be fully open to enrollment and participation by any person who has been admitted to the College and who meets such prerequisites as may be established pursuant to Chapter 11, Division 2, Part VI, Title 5 of the California Administrative Code, commencing with Section 41820.

Unit or Credit Value

Each course carries a certain credit or unit value. The amount is indicated in parentheses at the right of the title. A lecture class requires the equivalent of one academic hour, (50 minutes) per week for each semester unit conferred. Laboratory classes require three academic hours, (150 minutes) per week for each semester unit conferred.

Prerequisite

Prerequisites are prescribed courses covering skills and/or knowledge that are normally expected to be acquired prior to enrolling in another course. The intent of prerequisites is to ensure that any student enrolling in a course in which specific information is required will have the necessary background so that every opportunity exists to experience success. Therefore, any course with a prerequisite presumes that subject matter will be acquired in a sequential way.

Students enrolling in courses without the appropriate prerequisite may find that they are ill-prepared to continue their studies in that course. Prerequisites are designed to enhance success. Please refer to the West Hills College Lemoore prerequisite policy in the Academic Regulations portion of this catalog for additional information.

Corequisite

Corequisites are courses that a student is required to take simultaneously in order to enroll in another course. (Successful completion is defined as a grade C or better for the minimum prerequisite/corequisite requirement.)

Class Hours

The total number of class lecture and laboratory hours for each course is indicated in its course description. The schedule of classes, which is available at the time of class registration, will indicate which dates, days and times a given class is scheduled to meet.

Course Subject

Courses are classified by subjects as they exist at West Hills College Lemoore. All courses within an area usually count towards a major in that area. Other institutions may classify their courses differently. Transfer students should consult the catalog of the four-year college to which they intend to transfer for its classification of identical or comparable courses.

Course Numbering

Courses numbered 001-049 are baccalaureate level (transfer) courses. These courses are transferable to four-year institutions. However, the institution that the student transfers to determines the specific transferability of courses.

Courses numbered 050-99 are associate degree level courses. These courses are primarily for the student who does not plan to continue his/her education beyond the community college level; however, occupational education courses may transfer according to articulation agreements. Complete information on articulation is available through the Counseling Center.

Courses numbered 100-199 are non-transfer and are non-degree applicable; they are skill building or remedial courses.

Courses in some subject areas that are traditionally taught as combination lecture- laboratory courses at four-year colleges are split into two separate courses:  one a lecture course for transfer students and one a laboratory course for both transfer and non-transfer students. Students wishing to transfer must take both the lecture and laboratory courses.

  • NOTE:  In case of transfer and non-transfer courses taught concurrently, a student may receive credit only for the course in which he/she is enrolled, not both. A student cannot change from one course to the other except according to regular drop/add procedures. He/She should be guided by the course description and may need to consult a counselor or advisor for aid.
Abbreviations for Degree, Non-Degree and Transfer Courses

The following abbreviations designate degree applicable, transfer and non-degree applicable courses:

(AA/AS) Associate Degree Applicable

(CSU) Transferable to California State University System

(UC) Transferable to University of California System

(NDA) Non-Degree Applicable

  • PA-001
  • Introduction to Theater
  • Credit(s) 3

Introduction to Theater
Performing Arts 001 is a survey of major dramatic covered include the purpose of theatre, major historical literary periods and their relation- ships to the socio-economic and political issues of their times, a behind-the-scenes look at play production, multi-cultural contributions to Western theatre, and contemporary trends. Lectures will be combined with play reading and viewing of video taped scenes.(AA/AS, CSU,UC)

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Advisory(s):
ENG 051A
Transfers to:
Transfers to both UC/CSU
C-ID:
THTR 111
  • PA-003
  • Film Appreciation
  • Credit(s) 3

Film Appreciation
PA 003 looks at the cinema as a 20th century art form. Students will view historically and artistically significant films in class and learn how to analyze and critique them. Students will develop an understanding of the artistic and technical aspects of film, as well as the business and politics of the film industry. (AA/AS, CSU, UC)

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Advisory(s); ENG 051A:
Transfers to:
Transfers to both UC/CSU
  • PA-004
  • Beginning Dance
  • Credit(s) 1

Beginning Dance
PA 004 is a course in which students will learn the elements of dance: space, time, and energy. They will be introduced to basic techniques of classical ballet, modern dance, jazz, and Latin dance. Emphasis is placed on the creative process of dance. Students will work toward a performance for school or community audiences.

Class Hours:
9.00 Lecture | 27.00 Laboratory
Transfers to:
Transfers to both UC/CSU
  • PA-008
  • Intermediate Dance
  • Credit(s) 1

Intermediate Dance
PA 008 is a reinforcement of the fundamentals of dance techniques with emphasis on placement and alignment of the body and other preparatory work necessary for the establishment of a sound technical foundation. This course provides further development of knowledge, skills, abilities and appreciation through daily practice, vocabulary, and history of dance. Students at this level must be competent at the beginning level and ready to perform longer and more complex movement sequences. Students will work toward a performance for school or community audiences.

Class Hours:
9.00 Lecture | 27.00 Laboratory
Take PA-4:
Transfers to:
Transfers to both UC/CSU
  • PA-014
  • Fundamentals of Acting
  • Credit(s) 3

Fundamentals of Acting
PA 014 is designed to introduce the novice actor to the theater. With emphasis on personal and artistic growth in a supportive environment, the student will learn proper methods of warming up and basic vocal, physical, emotional, and psychological characterizations. The student will develop confidence on stage by performing in short scenes and by learning techniques of auditioning, including monologues, prepared scripts and cold readings. This course will also include theater games and a backstage tour of the West Hills College theater facility. (AA/AS, CSU)

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Transfers to:
Transfers to both UC/CSU
  • PA-042A
  • Film and Video Production
  • Credit(s) 3

Film and Video Production
Performing Arts 042A is an introduction to camera operation for Film and Video Production. It will combine classroom lecture with electronic News Gathering (ENG), and Electronic Field Production (EFP). This course requires each student to complete several short video projects and related assignments designed to help develop the skills needed to produce high quality video productions. The emphasis of the course is on field production and camera techniques. (AA/AS, CSU)

Class Hours:
54 Lecture
Advisory(s):
ENG 051A
Transfers to:
Transfers to CSU only