Course description

DRAM 1310  Introduction to theater (3-3-0)

A general survey of theater including exploration of dramatic literature, theory and criticism; production arts, skills and crafts; and theater history from 500 BC to the present. Course requires good reading and writing skills. Attendance at plays required.

Course Prerequisites : None

Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

COURSE OBJECTIVES

1.   To acquire knowledge of dramatic literature, theory, and criticism.

2.   To recognize techniques used for the production of plays and theatrical events.

3.   To understand the history and development of the theatre.

4.   To understand and recognize the theatre as an art form.

 

NOTE:  This is a survey course.  The course content is encyclopedic in nature, and the material is covered at a rapid pace.  The course includes units on all of the above elements of the theatre–dramatic literature and criticism, the various aspects of producing plays for public performance, and an overview of theatre history from the ancient Greeks to present-day America and Europe.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of the course, students will be:

·  Able to demonstrate knowledge of dramatic literature, theory and criticism.

·  Able to demonstrate more understanding of the history and development of drama

·  Be able to differentiate plays according to origin of countries and era of history.

·  Able to analyze techniques used for the productions of plays and theatrical events. 

GENERAL EDUCATION LEARNING OUTCOMES

 

Upon completion of the general education component of an associate’s degree, students will demonstrate competence in:
Civic Awareness	Analyzing and critiquing competing perspectives in a democratic society.
Critical Thinking	Gathering, analyzing, synthesizing, evaluating and applying information.
Cultural Awareness	Comparing, contrasting, and interpreting differences and commonalities among peoples, ideas, aesthetic traditions, and cultural practices.
Ethical Reasoning	Identifying and applying ethical principles and practices.
Interpersonal Skills	Interacting collaboratively to achieve common goals.
Life / Personal Skills	Demonstrating effective learning, creative thinking, and personal responsibility.
Quantitative & Empirical Reasoning	Applying mathematical, logical and scientific principles and methods.
Technology Skills	Using appropriate technology to retrieve, manage, analyze, and present information.
Written, Oral & Visual Communication	Communicating effectively, adapting to purpose, structure, audience, and medium.

Readings

Textbook:  The Essential Theatre, by Oscar Brockett, 10th edition

      Tickets to see play; blue books for tests 

Course Subjects

UNITS OF STUDY

1.  Dramatic Literature, Theory, and Criticism              Chapters 1,2,3

             a.   introduction           

             b.   contemporary American Theatre

             c.   theory and criticism  

 

2.  Production of Arts                                                    Chapters 11,12,13,14,15,16,17

             a.   producing and directing

             b.   acting

             c.   scenic design

             d.   lighting and sound

             e.   costume and makeup

 

3.  History of the Theatre                                                  Chapters 4,5,6,7,8,9,10

            a.   Greek and Roman Theatre

            b.   Medieval and Renaissance Theatre

            c.   the 17th and 18th centuries

            d.   the 19th and 20th centuries 

Course Requirements

 

  

• There are three written examinations covering the assigned textbook readings, class notes, and handouts.
• The exams are essay style primarily, with some objective questions included.
• Each student will see one play and write a review of 750-1,000 words on the performance.  The required play will be announced by the instructor.
• Each student will complete a term project on a subject of the student's choice relating to theatre history, the various production elements, or an important playwright, designer, or stage actor.  The project consists of two parts:  a 5-10 minute oral report present to the class and a written  report, submitted to the instructor, describing the project of 750-1,000 words.  A bibliography of  at least four sources is required. Notes or an outline may be used for the oral presentation. 
• Each student must view and read two plays as assigned.
• Each student must prepare an oral report for one assigned play and a written analysis for the other assigned play.

             Play Analysis 1

• Students will view, read, and study one historical play.
• Students will prepare and present in class an oral report on the play.
• Students will choose one of the following plays from Sophocles Trilogy:  A.  Oedipus Rex   B.  Oedipus at Colonus   C.  Antigone

            Play Analysis 2

• Students will submit a complete written analysis for the second assigned play.
• Students will choose one of the following from William Shakespeare's plays:  A.  Twelfth Night   B.  Romeo and Juliet   

            Grading Scale used for the Play Analysis

• 18 - 20        A
• 16 - 17        B
• 14-  15        C
• 12 - 13        D
• Below 12    F

            Play Analysis Outline for Drama 1310

• Describe the plot or narrative of the play
• State the critical perspective you chose and its revelance.  Include supporting material for these choices.
• Describe and discuss the themes of the play.  Include supporting material for the themes.
• Descibe the actors and their performances.
• Include a short autobiography of the playwriter, an analysis of  the play, the technical areas: the set design, lighting, costumes, props, makeup, and the special effects: music, and sound.

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Lectures, class discussions, attendance to theater productions,class film presentations, reading notes by students, play reviews by students, completion of examinations that cover the assigned readings, class notes and handouts.

Students will use the library for outside research and preparation for certain assignments.

grading system

The course grade will be determined as follows:

 

Class participation and good behavior              15%

Three Examinations                                               40%

* One review                                                            10%

**  Term project                                                       10%                

*** Term paper                                                        10%

Attendance                                                               15%    

                                                              _____________

                                                                                    100%

 

*Reviews:             Attend one play and write a review of 750 – 1,000 words.

    A list of current productions will be provided.

**Term project:  Discuss with the Instructor.

***Term paper:  Discuss with the Instructor.

# Alternate credit: discuss with the Instructor.

 

The scale for exams is as follows:

           

            90 – 100      A

            80 – 89            B

            70 – 79            C

            60 – 69            D

            Below 60        F

 

Note:   Exams must be taken and papers must be submitted on the assigned date.

Exams are administered in the classroom, not in the Testing Center, only on the above dates. There are no makeup exams and late papers are not accepted.

course policies

 

 PARTICIPATION

• Participate in classroom activities, assignments, and discussions.
• Read the textbook as assigned.  It is necessary to spend six-eight hours weekly, outside of class time, reading and studying in order to keep up with course assignments.
• Complete examinations that cover the assigned readings, class notes, and handouts.
• Read, see, and review a play.
• Use the library for outside research and preparation for certain assignments.

ATTENDANCE/WITHDRAWAL

 Students are expected to attend all class meetings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Students who accumulate two (2) unexcused absences may be withdrawn by the instructor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Students who wish to withdraw themselves from the course must do so in writing at the Admissions and Records Office, Room 1136.  Students who stop attending class and do not officially withdraw will receive a grade F for the course.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Be on time.  The instructor will make every effort to begin and end class at the scheduled time .(Three (3) tardies equal one unexcused absence.

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the roll should he or she decides to withdraw from the class.  The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary.  If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is submitted before the Final Withdrawal Date.  The student is also strongly encouraged to retain their copy of the withdrawal form for their records.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Students who enroll for the third or subsequent time in a course taken since Fall, 2002, may be charged a higher tuition rate, for that course.

State law permits students to withdraw from no more than six courses during their entire undergraduate career at Texas public colleges or universities.  With certain exceptions, all course withdrawals automatically count towards this limit.  Details regarding this policy can be found in the ACC college catalog.

MISSED/LATE WORK

      Exams must be taken and papers must be submitted on assigned dates. There are no makeup exams and late papers are not accepted.

INCOMPLETE

        An instructor may award a grade of “I” (Incomplete) if a student was unable to complete all of the objectives for the passing grade in a course.  An incomplete grade cannot be carried beyond the established date in the following semester. The completion date is determined by the instructor but may not be later than the final deadline for withdrawal in the subsequent semester.

SCHOLASTIC DISHONESTY

A student attending ACC assumes responsibility for conduct compatible with the mission of the college as an educational institution.  Students have the responsibility to submit coursework that is the result of their own thought, research, or self-expression.  Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations.  Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, and falsifying documents.    Penalties for scholastic dishonesty will depend upon the nature of the violation and may range from lowering a grade on one assignment to an “F” in the course and/or expulsion from the college.  See the Student Standards of Conduct and Disciplinary Process and other policies at http://www.austincc.edu/current/needtoknow

STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Students at the college have the rights accorded by the U.S. Constitution to freedom of 
speech, peaceful assembly, petition, and association. These rights carry with them the 
responsibility to accord the same rights to others in the college community and not to 
interfere with or disrupt the educational process. Opportunity for students to examine 
and question pertinent data and assumptions of a given discipline, guided by the evidence 
of scholarly research, is appropriate in a learning environment. This concept is 
accompanied by an equally demanding concept of responsibility on the part of the student. 
As willing partners in learning, students must comply with college rules and procedures.

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented disabilities.  
Students with disabilities who need classroom, academic or other accommodations must 
request them through the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD).   Students are 
encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three 
weeks before the start of the semester, otherwise the provision of accommodations may be 
delayed.  

Students who have received approval for accommodations from OSD for this course must provide the instructor with the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from OSD before accommodations will be provided.   Arrangements for academic accommodations can only be made after the instructor receives the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ from the student.  

Students with approved accommodations are encouraged to submit the ‘Notice of Approved Accommodations’ to the instructor at the beginning of the semester because a reasonable amount of time may be needed to prepare and arrange for the accommodations.   

Additional information about the Office for Students with Disabilities is available athttp://www.austincc.edu/support/osd/

SAFETY

Austin Community College is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for study and work. You are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies. Additional information on these can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/ehs. Because some health and safety circumstances are beyond our control, we ask that you become familiar with the Emergency Procedures poster and Campus Safety Plan map in each classroom. Additional information about emergency procedures and how to sign up for ACC Emergency Alerts to be notified in the event of a serious emergency can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/emergency/.

Please note, you are expected to conduct yourself professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual will be dismissed from the day’s activity, may be withdrawn from the class, and/or barred from attending future activities.

You are expected to conduct yourself professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual will be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity, may be withdrawn from the class, and/or barred from attending future activities.

 

USE OF ACC EMAIL

All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify you of any college related emergencies using this account.  Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account.  Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff.  Instructions for activating an ACCmail account can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/accmail/index.php. 

COURSE OUTLINE AND CALENDAR

ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE

 

         

         Thursday, February 2^nd             Test 1 - Chapters 1,2,3 

         Thursday  ,  March 1^st                Term Projects due-Group 1

         Thursday ,  March 8^th                 Term Projects due-Group 2

          Thursday,  March 15^th               Term Projects due-Group 3

          Thursday, March 22^nd               Term Projects due-Group 4

         Thursday, April 12^th                    1st Reviews Due 

         Thursday  , April 19^th                    Test 2 Chapters 11,12,13,14,15,16,17

         Thursday, May 3^rd                        Test 3 - Chapters 4,5,6,7,8,9,10        

NOTE:  Exams must be taken and papers must be submitted on the assigned date.  Exams are administered in the classroom, not in the Testing Center, only on the above dates.  There are no makeup exams and late papers are not accepted. 

 

NO EATING, DRINKING, OR SMOKING IS ALLOWED IN ACC CLASSROOMS. 

 

September 5^th                                                 Labor Day (College Closed)

September 18^th                                              Yom Kippur

October 31^st                                                    Halloween

November 11^th                                               Veterans Day

November 24^th - November 26^th                    Thankgiving Holiday(College Closed)

December 7^th                                                 Pearl Harbor Day