Communication Theatre Teaching Major
Study Communication-Theatre teaching at UNI – Iowa’s leader in teacher preparation
The communication-theatre teaching major at UNI is the only program of its kind in the state, preparing students to teach communication and theatre (including speech communication, debate and theatre) in grades 5-12.
Administered jointly by the Department of Communication and Media and the Department of Theatre, a major in communication-theatre teaching provides you with rich content area learning in both communication and theatre courses.
Students will have multiple field placement opportunities, giving them over 700 hours of real classroom experience before graduation.
Our graduates go on to teach at the middle and high school level, providing their own students with the opportunity to expand their creative capacities, argue with evidence and conviction, and develop leadership and team-building skills.
Field Experiences
As a communication-theatre teaching major, you’ll have three field experiences in which you will explore, define and sharpen your skills as a future classroom teacher – capped off with student teaching which can be done in Iowa, throughout the U.S. or overseas.
Award-Winning Faculty
Our award-winning faculty are known for their engaging work in the classroom, as well as for having written, published and produced many respected publications and creative projects in the field of communication and beyond.
High Placement Rates
The communication-theatre teaching program at UNI has a five-year, 100% job placement rate.
Find out More about Communication Theatre Teaching
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Contact us directly at:
Department of Theatre
University of Northern Iowa
257 W 27th St
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0423
Phone: 319-273-6386
Email: William.Hickman@uni.edu
Careers
A communication-theatre teaching major enables students to gain a wide-variety of experience through courses in both communication and drama/theatre, combined with classes taken in renowned our College of Education. Common career areas for graduates of this major include:
- Communications teacher
- Drama teacher/coach
- Speech and debate teacher/coach
- Journalism teacher
Courses
Dynamics of Human Development
Examine the social contexts of human development (0-18 years of age) and the theoretical and historical perspectives that inform our understanding of development. Examination of diverse viewpoints, theories and methods of inquiry provide an avenue for students to develop skills in critical thinking and analysis and communicate their findings both orally and in writing.
Performing Texts
Introduction to the performance, analysis, and criticism of literary and aesthetic texts.
Argumentation and Debate
Training in the basics of academic debate and policy analysis.
Real-World Experience
In our department, there are countless ways to get involved beyond the classroom. Our students travel across the country to participate in speech and debate competitions, or to represent the university at conferences and programs where research and artistic works are presented. Students will find opportunities to work with us in programs such as the UNI Interpreters Theatre, writing, designing, directing and acting in productions for many diverse audiences and purposes both on campus and off.