THEA 1030
NTRODUCTION TO THEATRE
3 Credit Hours
 

Course Information

Course Description:

This course is an introduction and overview of theatre as an art form; emphasis on understanding the nature of drama and its place in culture, the history and theory of theatre and the production process.

Course Objectives:

            1.  To aid you in becoming more informed, critical and frequent audience member and possible future

                 theatre practitioner

            2.  To develop an understanding of theatre as a collaborative art form

            3.  To encourage you to think creatively when solving problems.

            4.  To provide a critical framework with which you evaluate the artistic quality of a

                  script of performance

            5.  To analyze significant primary text and works of art, ancient, pre-modern, and modern, as form

                 Of cultural and creative expression.

6.       Explore global/cultural diversity.

.          7.  Explain the ways in which humanistic and /or artistic expression throughout the ages expresses the culture and values of its time

                and place.

           8.  Frame a comparative context through which they can critically assess the ideas, forces, and values that have created the modern

                world. 

           9. Recognize the ways in which both change and continuity have affected human history. 

 

Prerequisites and Co requisites: DSPW 0800 and DSPR 0800 or acceptable placement scores.

 

A list of all course prerequisites with a statement of why the prerequisites are deemed necessary.

Course Topics:

Audience and Critic, Playwrights, Greek and roman, Medieval, Renaissance theatre Realism, Modern Theatre, Musical theatre, Eastern theatre Contemporary Trends, Actor/Director/Producer

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Specific Course Requirements:

A description of any special course requirements, such as knowledge of specific software, and why it is necessary for successful completion of the course.

Textbooks, Supplementary Materials, Hardware and Software Requirements

Required Textbooks:

Please visit the Virtual Bookstore to obtain textbook information for this course:
http://rodp.bkstr.com

Supplementary Materials:

A list of other published material the student is required to purchase for the course including lab manuals, lab kits, etc.

Hardware Requirements

The following specifications are minimum requirements: Pentium 75 MHz processors with CD drive 32 gigabytes RAM, · · 56k modem, cable modem, DSL modem, or other suitable communication device to access the Web, Mouse. Faster Internet connections (56bps, DLS or cable) are preferred but the course may be accessed on a slower modem. Since there is an audio component to the slide presentations, you will need speakers & a sound card to utilize the sound. The content will be included as text notes for those who do not have sound capabilities.

Software Requirements:

The minimum requirements can be found at http://www.rodp.org/students/hardware_software.htm. Specific hardware requirements for this course include...(A list of software the student is required to purchase or download for the course, Real Player, Media Player, Acrobat Reader, Microsoft Office, etc).

Instructor Information

Please see the separate page inside the course to find instructor contact information as well as a statement of virtual office hours and other communication information.

Assessment and Grading

Testing Procedures:

15% of your grade will be from your midterm exam, and another 15% from the final. The midterm, given after lesson 6, will cover the information given in the first half of the semester. The final, given after lesson 10, will cover the 2nd ˝ of the semester. Both test will be given on-line and will have essay, short answer and multiple-choice questions.  A study sheet will be posted prior to the tests.

Grading Procedure:

Your grade for the course will be a total of 40% tests and 60% projects. You are to participate in the on-line group discussion every week. Failure to do so will result in the loss of one point of your final grade for any week that you do not take part.

Grading Scale:

A=92 to 100
B= 82 to 91
C= 70 to 81
D= 62 to 69
F= below 62
(a minus = the first two grades in the category and a plus the last two, i.e. B- = 82or 83 and B+ = 90 or 91. While your final grade will not be a + or - grade, you may receive them on your projects.

Assignments and Participation

Assignments and Projects:

Introductory essay: 5% of final grade           

What makes theatre an art?

 

The text of this essay is to be at least 300 words
Consider what you think of as "art" and then try to explain what makes theatre an art. If you do not know what you think or have never considered this before, a good starting place is to consider why you think movies or an art. Think about what qualities you look for in viewing a movie and apply those qualities to theatre where applicable. What do you respond to when seeing a live play?  This essay on theatre is an introductory survey for me. There is no right or wrong answers, but please think about the question seriously. I would like an idea of what you think at the beginning of the course, prior to any instruction, you will not get these papers back. But everyone who responds seriously will receive the full 5 points

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Review of a live play: 15% of final grade

Attend a live play at college, communi­ty theatre, or professional production. Write a 500-word essay/review in which you comment on the quality of the production. In the re­view, identify the play by title, name the author and director. Also identify the major actors by name and the name of the char­acters they portray. Offer criticism on the acting, directing, set design, and special effects. What elements in the play moved you or discussed and why. You will, of course, talk about the action of the play, but DO NOT PRESENT A SUMMARY OF THE PLAY. You must send me a copy of the ticket and the program, if the ticket does not have the date on it include the date in your review. I must receive the review no later than five days after you have seen the play.

 

Critique of the play “Tartuffe”  by Moliere  5% of final grade           

Critique of “The Strong Breed” by Wole Soyinka 5% of final grade           

Use the following as guidelines when writing your critique: title and author:  year written and year set in: locale and time set in: genre (type): presentational or representational  and why?: settings and stage directions: important props and why?: main plot structure and conflict:  recurring themes:  playwright’s message:  author’s life and how relates to play: Avant-garde or Mainstream for its time?: what is valued in this work?: who influence the playwright: final thoughts on the play.

 

A Group Research Project
10% of final grade

 This project requires that you work together with your discussion group to research a topic and prepare a presentation to teach the class what you have learned. Your group will be assigned one of the broad topics listed below. Look in your text; find out some possible divisions to break up your research among group members. Each of you research, in books, magazines and on the web and collect as much information as possible. Compile your information with your group. Decide what area you want to focus in on and investigate that further Plan a short presentation of the material you have found.

In this course, 15 percent of final grade is based on participation in discussions Questions.

A-Level Participation (15 points)

  • The participant consistently posted insightful comments and questions that prompted on-topic discussion.
  • The participant consistently helped clarify or synthesize other group members' ideas.
  • If disagreeing with other group members' ideas, the participant stated his or her disagreement or objections clearly, yet politely.


B-Level Participation (13points)
Same as A-level participation, except that:

  • The participant was notably lacking in one or two of the items listed for A-level participation.
  • The participant consistently had to be prompted or coaxed to participate.
  • The participant usually, but not always, expressed herself or himself clearly.


C-Level Participation (11 points)
Same as B-level participation, except that:

  • The participant was consistently lacking in two or more of the items listed for A-level participation.
  • The participant was extremely reluctant to participate, even when prompted.
  • The participant rarely expressed himself or herself clearly.

D-Level Participation (9 points)
Any of the following can cause a participant to receive a D-level class participation grade, even if the participant's participation otherwise conforms to a higher level on the rubric:

  • The participant frequently attempted (success is irrelevant) to draw the discussion off-topic.


F-Level Participation ( 6 points)
Any of the following can cause a participant to receive an F-level class participation grade, even if the participant's participation otherwise conforms to a higher level on the rubric:

  • The participant was rude or abusive to other course participants.
  • The participant consistently failed or refused to participate at all, even when specifically prompted or questioned.

 

Final Project Guidelines: 15% of final grade

 

All projects can be written or video taped 5 to ten minutes (video tapes or DVD recordings will be not be return). The quality of your video or DVD will affect your grade.

 

You are required to tell me which option you have chosen by October 14.  Should you fail to choose by this date, you will not be allowed to do a final project. 

 

Choose one of the following options:

 

1.  Write a short (10 page) play (It must have a beginning middle and end), with a 2-3 page description of how you developed your idea for a short script.  Refer to Chapter 7.  I will be looking for those elements in your play, as well as if it could actually be staged.  Video a 3 min. cutting from it with actors of your choice.  Memorization is not required

 

2.  Act with a partner in a prepared scene from a contemporary play (must be video).  Scene must be memorized, and you must use appropriate costumes and props.  You must turn in a copy of the scene with your notes and an explanation of why you chose that scene, how you worked on it, and a character analysis of the character you play (what is her/his background [you may have to fabricate it], why does the character behave the way that s/he does), 2-4 pages.

 

3.  Design a set or costumes for a contemporary play.  Write 4-6 pages of a description of your concept of the play and how you worked your ideas out for a design. Include costumes designs as an attachment.

 

4.  Plan a publicity campaign for a contemporary play.  Write ad copy, a press release for radio and the newspaper, and draft a poster.  Write a short analysis or your campaign including:  your theme, what audience you are targeting and why, what is the most important information that you need to present, 4-6 pages.  Make sure your releases, etc. are in proper form (I have taught Public Relations, so I will know)

 

5.  Write a critical analysis of a play not previously assigned in class.  (10-15 pages).  Paper must address questions including:  plot analysis, character analysis, settings, relevance to today’s society and culture.

 

6.  An independent project will be considered by the instructor.

 

 

All papers must be in the 4th edition MLA style. 

 

Class Participation:

You are expected to keep up with the work and to participate in the weekly group discussions.

Punctuality:

Although this class is never expected to be on line it important to keep up with the class schedule. Each lesson has several parts to it and takes time to do. A class calendar with due dates of all projects will be posted on the class bulletin board. All assignments should be done in a timely way and sent to me as an email attachment if possible.

Course Ground Rules

Learn how to navigate in WebCT. Keep abreast of course announcement. Use the assigned college or university e-mail address as opposed a personal e-mail address. Address technical problems immediately, Observe course etiquette at all times. You are expected to keep up with the work and to participate in the weekly group discussions. All assignments should be done in a timely way and sent to me as an email attachment if possible.
Plagiarism will not be tolerated. (Plagiarism = presenting someone else's thoughts, ideas or words as your own.)

Guidelines for Communications

Email:
  • Always include a subject line.
  • Remember without facial expressions some comments may be taken the wrong way. Be careful in wording your emails. Use of emoticons might be helpful in some cases.
  • Use standard fonts.
  • Do not send large attachments without permission.
  • Special formatting such as centering, audio messages, tables, html, etc. should be avoided unless necessary to complete an assignment or other communication.
  • Respect the privacy of other class members

Discussion Groups:
  • Review the discussion threads thoroughly before entering the discussion. Be a lurker then a discussant.
  • Try to maintain threads by using the "Reply" button rather starting a new topic.
  • Do not make insulting or inflammatory statements to other members of the discussion group. Be respectful of other’s ideas.
  • Be patient and read the comments of other group members thoroughly before entering your remarks.
  • Be cooperative with group leaders in completing assigned tasks.
  • Be positive and constructive in group discussions.
  • Respond in a thoughtful and timely manner.

Chat:
  • Introduce yourself to the other learners in the chat session.
  • Be polite. Choose your words carefully. Do not use derogatory statements.
  • Be concise in responding to others in the chat session.
  • Be prepared to open the chat session at the scheduled time.
  • Be constructive in your comments and suggestion

Web Resources:

Library

The Tennessee Virtual Library is available to all students enrolled in the Regents Degree Program. Links to library materials (such as electronic journals, databases, interlibrary loans, digital reserves, dictionaries, encyclopedias, maps, and librarian support) and Internet resources needed by learners to complete online assignments and as background reading must be included in all courses.

Students With Disabilities

Qualified students with disabilities will be provided reasonable and necessary academic accommodations if determined eligible by the appropriate disability services staff at their home institution. Prior to granting disability accommodations in this course, the instructor must receive written verification of a student's eligibility for specific accommodations from the disability services staff at the home institution. It is the student's responsibility to initiate contact with their home institution's disability services staff and to follow the established procedures for having the accommodation notice sent to the instructor.

Syllabus Changes

The instructor reserves the left to make changes as necessary to this syllabus. If changes are necessitated during the term of the course, the instructor will immediately notify students of such changes both by individual email communication and posting both notification and nature of change(s) on the course bulletin board.

Technical Support

 

 If you are having technical difficulties accessing your course (logging in, timing out, using your course tools) please call the Eduprise Help Desk at: Toll free 1-877-725-4357 or go to their website at: http://eduprise.custhelp.com. (NOTE: You must be a registered RODP student.) 

If you need general information about the RODP please call toll free: 1-888-223-0023