Southern Utah University

Course Syllabus

Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Spring Semester 2026

Voice and Diction I (Face-to-Face)

THEA 1113-03

Course: THEA 1113-03
Credits: 3
Term: Spring Semester 2026
Department: TA
CRN: 11408

Course Description

An intensive studio approach to fundamental relaxation and breathing techniques for the speaking voice. Students will learn the following: the purpose of vocal production knowledge, the anatomy and physiology of the speech and hearing mechanism, the characteristics of good speech, the identification, evaluation, and correction of improper speech techniques are all topics of concern. Exercises and activities to identify and correct specific vocal problems/regionalisms will consist of work distilled from the methods of masters in the field of study. The International Phonetic Alphabe­­­­t (IPA) will be studied to enable precise and improved sounds and articulation, towards a clear understanding of Standard American Speech. There will be classroom transcription activities using IPA, combined with the phonetic analysis of each sound, and the study of pronunciation standards, and more. (Spring) [Graded (Standard Letter)] Registration Restriction(s): Intensive English Program majors may not enroll

Required Texts

Students will be provided with handouts comprising ideas, exercises, and techniques by such scholars in the field as Phil Thompson, Catherine Fitzmaurice, Dudley Knight, Paul Meier, and others.

Learning Outcomes

Successful students will complete this course demonstrating basic to mid level mastery in the following learning outcomes:

1. Demonstrate a basic understanding of the theory and mechanics of voice production.
2. Demonstrate basic to mid level articulation skills, enhanced breathing skill, vocal quality, and expressiveness.
3. Demonstrate the ability to identify and produce “professional” sounds through proficiency in reading and understanding the International Phonetic Alphabet.

These outcomes will be reinforced through instruction, at home practice, and formative assessment. Students’ efforts will be summatively assessed via a number of interrelated classroom activities, assignments, and research projects, as indicated below:

1. IPA transcription, Quizzes (written & aural), and mid-term exam, lectures, discussion, listening to recordings, readings and research.
2. Mentoring, discussions and review, feedback and correction, in-class voice work, speech exercises, sonnet presentations, and final project.
3. Speech performances, faculty/peer feedback/evaluations and written assessments.

Additionally, Students successfully completing this course shall also be able to define and understand the following words/terms defined either through practice or lecture: Accent, alveolar ridge, articulation, bellows, circumflex, cognate pairs, dentals, dialect, diaphragm, diphthongs, esophagus, glides, glottal attack, International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), iambic pentameter, iambic foot, inflection, labials, larynx, monotone, musicality, nasal plosives, I.P.A. notation, operative words, pace, palate, pharynx, pitch, plosives, projection, quality, range, resonation, respiration, rib breathing, scansion, scoring, sternum, trachea, tremors, triphthongs, unvoiced, uvula, velum, vocal folds, voiced, and MORE!

Course Requirements

  1. Turn off your cell phone when entering the studio or classroom!
  2. Binder/Notebook for class handouts and lecture notes.  Pen and pencils.
  3. Students must wear Movement Clothes when vocal work is scheduled.  Fitting must not be too loose; sweats, dance attire or comfortable clothing that will show breathing and will not restrict freedom of movement and stretching on the floor is appropriate.  
  4. Respect for all persons at all times is necessary. (Opinions, Cultural Backgrounds, Sexual Preferences, Religion, etc.). Constructive criticism of classmate’s work is necessary.
  5. Classroom etiquette (Attention during lectures, exercises, etc. Disruptive behavior may result in lowering of grade)
  6. Warm-ups are mandatory. You should begin warming up before entering the class and ready to begin class work.
  7. Food, including chewing gum, and beverages are not permitted in the studio, except bottled water.
  8. Instructor reserves the right to alter or adjust syllabus at any time during the semester.

IMPORTANT
It may sometimes be necessary for the instructor to make physical contact with you to determine breathing, muscle tension, spine alignment, etc. On days where this may occur, or when we engage in exercises and/or scenes that may require physical contact, we will employ a brief intimacy check-in as a group. This means creating a safe and open clearing for everyone to communicate with honesty, respecting one another's personal boundaries, and understanding how we shall effectively deal with "buttons" (trigger points where we may feel the need to take a moment to mentally and/or physically collect ourselves). It is always our goal that this check-in occurs without self-consciousness and/or judgement. IT'S OKAY TO SAY "NO." Remember, we are here for one another.

If our classwork ever feels threatening or unsafe, please let the instructor know immediately. However, this is not to be confused with "discomfort." Discomfort is expected. The goal of acting is to safely go to those uncomfortable places, use our mental focus to embrace it, and move beyond it. This is how we learn to be great at the craft.

The acting/vocal/physical process also requires many physical exercises and activities. You must be the judge of what your physical limitations are and only attempt what is within your range. Your strength and flexibility will improve at an individual rate. Please make your professor aware of any conditions that might affect your physical participation in class. (see ADA Statement below)

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Departmental Policy requires all Acting Majors to audition for every main stage and 2nd Studio production. ALL BFA Musical Theatre candidates MUST audition for ALL main stage and 2nd Studio musical productions. ALL BFA Acting candidates MUST audition for ALL main stage and 2nd Studio non-musical plays. ALL BFA Tech/Design candidates MUST apply for ALL tech and design positions for all main stage and 2nd Studio musical and non-musical productions.

Course Outline

COURSE SCHEDULE
1. Wednesday, Jan 7
Course Intro/Review Syllabus/Individual Recordings

2. Friday, Jan 9
Dissect Individual Recordings for Challengers

3. Monday, Jan 12
Dissect Individual Recordings for Challengers

4. Wednesday, Jan 14
Voice Workshop: Voice Chamber, Respiratory System & 8 Articulators, Dynamics

5. Friday, Jan 16
Voice Workshop: Tremors, Vitruvian Man/Linklater Work, Dynamics

Monday, Jan 19
MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY – NO CLASSES


6. Wednesday,  Jan 21
Voice Workshop: Diaphragmatic Breathing/Fitzmaurice, Dynamics

7. Friday,  Jan 23
Voice Workshop: Complete Vocal Exercises

8. Monday,  Jan 26
Vowel Sounds (IPA: Front-Mid-Back)

9. Wednesday, Jan 28
QUIZ #1: Vowel Sounds (IPA: Front-Mid-Back)/Discussion
Vowel Sounds: (IPA: Diphthongs, Diphthongs & Triphthongs of "r")

10. Friday, Jan 30
QUIZ #2: Vowel Sounds/(IPA: Diphthongs, Diphthongs & Triphthongs of "r")/Discussion

11. Monday, Feb 2
QUIZ #3: Vowel Sounds & Consonant Sounds: (IPA: 10 Cognate Pairs and 6 extra voiced)/Discussion & Transcription Work

12, Wednesday, Feb 4
QUIZ #4: Diphthongs, Diphthongs & Triphthongs of "r" & Consonant Sounds. Review IPA/10 Points of Good Speech

13. Friday, Feb 6
QUIZ #5: Vowel Sounds, Diphthongs, Diphthongs & Triphthongs of "r" & Consonant Sounds. Review "Grip Top Sock"

14. Monday, Feb 9
"O For A Muse of Fire"/Shakespeare Beginning/Assign Shakespeare Texts

15. Wednesday, Feb 11
Shakespeare Scoring/Scansion Work

16. Friday, Feb 13
Complete Shakespeare S/S – Work Shakespeare Text Pieces

Monday, Feb 16
PRESIDENT'S DAY – NO CLASSES

17. Wednesday, Feb 18
Read/Work Shakespeare Sonnet  Pieces

18. Friday, Feb 20
Work Shakespeare Sonnet  Pieces

19. Monday, Feb 23
Work Shakespeare Sonnet  Pieces

20. Wednesday, Feb 25
Work Shakespeare Sonnet Pieces

21. Friday, Feb 27
SHAKESPEARE SONNET PRESENTATIONS
MID-TERM EXAM (Feb 27-Feb 29 at 11:59pm)

22. Monday, March 2
Intro to Dialects

23. Wednesday, March 4
Intro to Dialects

24. Friday, March 6
Intro to Dialects

Monday, March 9 thru Friday, March 13
SPRING BREAK – NO CLASSES


25. Monday, March 16
Work Team Dialect Pieces

26. Wednesday, March 18
Work Team Dialect Pieces

27. Friday, March 20
Work Team Dialect Pieces

28. Monday, March 23
DIALECT TEXT PRESENTATIONS

29. Wednesday, March 25
Read-Begin Final Speeches

30. Friday, March 27
Rehearse Final Speeches (5)

31. Monday, March 30
Rehearse Final Speeches (5)

32. Wednesday, April 1
Rehearse Final Speeches (5)

33. Friday, April 3
Rehearse Final Speeches (5)

34. Monday, April 6
Run-through Final Speeches (10) MUST BE MEMORIZED!

35. Wednesday, April 8
Run-through Final Speeches (10) MUST BE MEMORIZED!

36. Friday, April 10
Run-through Final Speeches MUST BE MEMORIZED!

37. Monday, April 13
FINAL SPEECH PRESENTATIONS

38. Wednesday, April 15
FULL REVIEW FOR FINAL EXAM

39. Friday, April 17
Completion Day

Monday, April 20 thru Thursday, April 23
FINAL EXAM WEEK
*IMPORTANT: ABOVE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

GRADING CRITERIA
Your grade will be based on the quality of your performance in the following areas:
  • The quality of your participation;
  • The level at which you master the material presented;
  • The manner of your attitude and commitment to the work; 
  • The quality of your work in relation to your peers;
  • The significance of your growth throughout the course of the semester;
  • The quality with which you complete specific assignments both performance and written;

YOU WILL BE GRADED BY PERCENTAGE POINTS ON CANVAS DURING THE SEMESTER COVERING THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES:
Preparation (How ready you are to do the work)
Effort: Participation/Attentiveness & Attitude in class
Participation Workshop exercises
Performance in Monologues, Final Scenes and/or Final Group Project
All Written and Exam work 

GRADING POLICY
As you can see, grading will be as precise and by the book, with as little subjectivity as possible.  However, we are human beings, and your attendance, initiative, enthusiasm, and willingness to explore unfamiliar ground will go a long way in the determination of your final grade. At the end of the semester, grades will be averaged and weighted as indicated above, and students’ final grades will be determined based on SUU Canvas grading percentages rubric.

Attendance Policy

TDAA ATTENDANCE POLICY
Attendance is required for all classes unless excused by the instructor or for official university travel. A student is allotted THREE (3) unexcused absences (for classes meeting TWO DAYS per week) or FOUR (4) unexcused absences (for classes meeting THREE DAYS per week). Following the allotted unexcused absences for a specific course, each additional unexcused absence will incur a half-letter grade deduction from a student’s cumulative grade as outlined below:
0 additional unexcused absences: A 
1 additional unexcused absence:   A- 
2 additional unexcused absences: B 
3 additional unexcused absences: C+ 
4 additional unexcused absences: C- 
5 additional unexcused absences: D
6 additional unexcused absences: F

In addition to attendance, grades are contingent upon the completion and quality of all other course requirements as outlined by the professor. For purposes of grading, no distinction between excused and unexcused absences (excluding recognized religious holidays and approved university functions) as absenteeism affects the progress of the entire class.
If you know you will be absent in advance, please notify your professor.

Tardiness: If a student arrives to class more than 5 minutes late, they will be considered “tardy.” Three instances of tardiness to a class will be counted as one unexcused absence and applied to the attendance grading policy. Students who are habitually late to courses will be subject to final grade lowering at the discretion of the instructor.

Please Note: Missing class and neglecting to inquire about information for the missed lesson, reflects poorly on your participation and effort. It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY when you are absent to make up the missed lesson. Make an appointment to see the instructor during office hours, or ask a fellow classmate to fill you in on what you've missed – do whatever is necessary to MAKE THE EFFORT TO SHOW YOU ARE INTERESTED IN YOUR EDUCATION AND THE COURSE.

If you are absent on a day that you have a solo performance or presentation we will try to make it up at a later date. However, time is precious, so THIS CANNOT BE PROMISED and may need to be recorded or result in a lower grade.

Course Fees

No course fees for this course.

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.