Harper College

Theatre Arts Sample Transfer Plan

Be a part of Harper's vibrant performing arts scene

Transfer majorsArt icon


  • Acting
  • Drama
  • Theatre arts
  • Performing arts

Earn your Associate in Arts degree and transfer to a four-year institution after completing this theatre arts program. You’ll take core classes along with theatre-specific courses in areas such as speech communication, acting and stagecraft.

Harper College is an ideal place to study theatre. You’ll get hands-on experience working in three different performance spaces, including the 400-seat Performing Arts Center, the 300-seat J Theatre and the intimate black-box style Drama Lab Theatre.

Multiple theatrical and dance productions are staged each year. Get experience performing onstage or working behind the scenes as a stage manager, set/lighting designer, box office agent and more. Take advantage of many theatre-focused student organizations including the Theatre Club and the Harper Dance Company.

This program is a convenient and affordable way to begin your college education. Academic advisors will help you choose courses that meet the specific requirements of the four-year college or university you plan to attend.

Sample transfer plan

This sample transfer planning guide meets the requirements of the Associate in Arts degree and follows the Illinois Articulation Initiative theatre arts baccalaureate major recommendations. Students choosing to follow this sample plan need to choose the major of Associate in Arts if needing financial aid. Transfer institution requirements may vary - students should check individual college/university requirements before completing the sample plan as outlined. Baccalaureate admission may be competitive. Completion of these courses alone does not guarantee admission.

FIRST SEMESTER:

Number Course Title Credits
ENG 101 3

Description:  Emphasizes the writing of expository prose. Introduction to the critical reading of nonfiction prose. IAI C1 900

Prerequisite: ENG 096 with a grade of C or better. Other placement options: english-placement-grid.php ESL students need one of the following options: ESL 073 and ESL 074 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 and ESL 086 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 and ESL 099 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 with required writing placement test score; or ESL 074 with required reading placement test score.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

FYS 101 3

Description:  Focuses on developing critical thinking and information literacy skills to make better-informed decisions regarding college and career planning. Special emphasis is given to the questions, methods, and career and college options relating to an area of academic or thematic interest. Additional information about material to be covered will be available with pre-registration materials each time that the course is offered.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

Mathematics1 3
SPE 101 3

Description:  Theory and practice of oral communications. Development of poise, confidence and skill in speech organization and delivery. Emphasis on frequent speaking, development of standards of criticism and selection and organization of material. IAI C2 900

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

THE 111 3

Description:  Introduces theatre as a fine and performing art. Includes study and analysis of historical, social, aesthetic and technical aspects of traditional and contemporary theatrical/dramatic expression. IAI F1 907

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

SECOND SEMESTER:

Number Course Title Credits
ENG 102 3

Description:  Continues ENG 101. Reading literature and writing of various types of prose. Introduces methods used in writing investigative papers. IAI C1 901R

Prerequisite: ENG 101 with a grade of C or better, or consent of instructor or department chair.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

Humanities and Fine Arts2 3
Physical and Life Science3 4
Social and Behavioral Science4 3
THE 212 3

Description:  Methods used in the art of acting; stress on practical acting situations. IAI TA 914

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

THIRD SEMESTER:

Number Course Title Credits
Major Discipline and Transfer Electives1 6
Physical and Life Science3 3
Social and Behavioral Science4 3
Humanities and Fine Arts2 3

FOURTH SEMESTER:

Number Course Title Credits
THE 213 3

Description:  Continue the development of acting skills introduced in SPE 212. Helps the student develop a believable character through play analysis and scene study. Introduces the student to acting styles.

Prerequisite: THE 212 with a grade of C or better and consent of instructor.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

Major Discipline and Transfer Electives1 9
Social and Behavioral Science4 3

1 - Refer to the Associate in Arts degree for approved courses in this category.

2 - Select one course from Humanities and one course from Fine Arts. Interdisciplinary courses may count in either category. One course from Humanities and Fine Arts or Social and Behavioral Sciences must meet the World Cultures and Diversity graduation requirement. Refer to the Associate in Arts degree for approved courses in this category.

3 - Select at least one Physical and one Life Science. One course must include a lab. Refer to the Associate in Arts degree for the approved courses in this category.

4 - One course from Humanities and Fine Arts or Social and Behavioral Sciences must meet the World Cultures and Diversity graduation requirement. Refer to the Associate in Arts degree for approved courses in this category.

Next steps

For more information about studying theatre arts at Harper, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online.

Last Updated: 3/15/24