The following have been received in the Senate Office, have been logged, and will be reviewed by the Curriculum Committee.

New Programs:

Minor in Ceramics

Minor in Metals/Jewelry

Program Revisions:

Minor in Digital Music Production

Minor in Theater and Dance

Stage and Screen Arts, B.A. (formerly Theater, B.A.)

Change in Status: Program Deactivation

Minor in Sociology

Deactivation effective Spring 2026; Buffalo State will not accept students in to the program as of December 31, 2025.

New Course:

CIS 131 Introduction to Programming Algorithms 

Offered Every Semester

An investigation into computer programming including variables, control structures, lists, arithmetic and recursive functions, and composition of functions, in preparation for developing algorithms and writing computer programs. Arithmetic, geometric, searching, and sorting algorithms will be explored and programmed using a low-syntax programming language.

Course Revisions:

THA 106 Introduction to Theater Arts

Offered Every Semester

Introduction to the fundamental principles and practices of theater arts. Explores history, theory, and collaborative nature of theater, emphasizing the roles of directing, acting, design, and script analysis. Students will engage in hands-on activities, critical viewing, and discussion to develop an appreciation for live performance and its cultural impact.

THA 216 Prologue – First Semester Theater Major Seminar (formerly Theater Fundamentals)

Offered Every Fall

Course for incoming theater students. Introduces the university community and resources, the theater major, and effective collaboration. Discussion, creative exercises, and team-based projects build connections, explore opportunities, and develop strategies for academic and personal success.

THA 226 Acting Fundamentals for Stage and Screen (formerly Acting I)

Offered Every Semester

Explores basic acting techniques through exercises, improvisation, and scene work for the stage and for camera. Focuses on physical and vocal expression, character development, and ensemble collaboration. Emphasizes self-reflection and creative risk-taking.

THA 227 Scene Acting for Stage and Screen (formerly Acting II: Scene Study)

Offered Every Fall

Building on basic acting techniques to develop scene work for stage and camera, as well as the "call-back" audition. From the foundation of the script and personal research into given circumstances, students focus on character development, moment-to-moment work, active listening, subtext, relationship and rehearsal techniques.

THA 230 Introduction to Production (formerly Practicum I: Introduction to Theater Technology)

Offered Every Fall

Introduction to the technical elements of theater and film; Costume, Scenery, Lighting, and Sound. Focus on developing industry vocabulary and concepts.  Emphasis on Safety and teamwork. Theater majors only.

THA 231 Applied Production I (formerly Theater Practicum II)

Offered Every Semester

First laboratory experience in run crew or front of house positions. Specific assignments vary, examples include deck crew, wardrobe crew, board operator, usher, or house manager. Evening and weekend hours are required for this class for a period of 3 weeks.

THA 234 Design for Stage and Screen (formerly Introduction to Theater Design)

Offered Alternate Years

Introduction to the fundamental principles and practices of theater and film design, with emphasis on set, lighting, costume, and sound elements. Topics include design concepts, script analysis, historical and contemporary design styles, drafting and model-making, and the collaborative process between designers and directors. No prior design experience required.

THA 330 Applied Stagecraft (formerly Theater Practicum III)

Pre-requisite: THA 231

Offered Alternate Years

Introduction course to the elements of stagecraft for theater and film. Focuses on the behind-the-scenes vocations of theatrical and film production (set construction and painting, lighting, sound, props, costumes, and stage management). Emphasizes the principles of safety, tool use, scenic artistry, and the collaborative nature of production work.

THA 331 Applied Production II (formerly Theater Practicum IV)

Pre-requisite: THA 231

Offered Every Semester

Second-level laboratory experience in run crew or front-of-house positions. Specific assignments vary but may include: deck crew, wardrobe crew, board operator, usher, or house manager. Evening and weekend hours are required for this class for a period of 3 weeks.

THA 350 Directing for Stage and Screen (formerly Directing I)

Pre-requisites: TFA 301 or THA 106 and THA 226

Offered Every Semester

Explores principles and practices of directing for live theatre and film. Emphasizes script analysis, visual storytelling, collaboration, rehearsal techniques, and the director’s role in both mediums. Includes practical projects, critiques, and integration of digital tools.

THA 400 Advanced Voice Topics for the Actor (formerly Voice and Movement III)

Pre-requisite: THA 226

Offered Every Other Spring

A course in advanced voice study for the actor, with topics such as accents/dialects, voiceover, singing, vocal extremes. 

THA 416 The Working Artist Seminar (formerly Seminar in Theater Arts)

Pre-requisite: Junior/Senior Status

Offered Every Spring

Designed for students nearing completion of the theater major, the course explores how skills developed in acting, production, design, and storytelling transfer to diverse fields such as live theater, television and film, digital and streaming media, voice over, arts management, and related creative industries.

THA 426 Advanced Acting on Camera (formerly Acting IV: On Camera)

Pre-requisite: THA 226

Offered Alternate Years

A camera acting course. Students will apply more advanced camera acting techniques to various types of media such as commercials, television, and film. Students will develop skills directly related to auditioning for on-camera work, self-tape creation, self-marketing with an acting reel.

THA 470 Story Building- Exploring Community, Conflict and Identity Through Story (formerly Ensemble Theater)

Pre-requisite: Instructor Permission

Offered Every Semester

Creation of a devised theater piece centered on themes of community building, identity, and conflict management. Students develop collaboration through ensemble methods, performance through presentation to local school audiences, and analysis through leading workshops. Repeatable. Fall semester is creating the piece, Spring semester is touring schools.