On-line practice / self-guided work: A CD-ROM for “The Theater Experience” will be distributed for student reference. This CD-ROM is a supplement to the text.
Description of on-line: n/a
Course Description/Overview: Drama is a course of study comprised of two aspects: Performance focuses on the actor’s craft and essential characteristics of theatre; Theatre Art focuses on history of theatre, aesthetics and appreciation of drama, and spiritual and cultural values in theatre. This course is designed to develop the students’ acting skills and appreciation for theatre. Students will examine, develop, and demonstrate the skills and techniques of the actor. Students will acquire a playing knowledge of practical stagecraft and theatrical production. In addition, students will explore the political, social, economic, and ethical dimensions of the theatre. Please note that outside performance is a requirement of the course under the terms of its accreditation by the UC/CSU system. This requirement is fulfilled through participation as an actor in one theatre production at Delta Charter High School AND one oral interpretation (solo or duo acting) competition in the community.
Course Goals [general]:
- Artistic Perception: Students process, analyze and respond to sensory information through the language and skills unique to the theatre arts.
- Creative Expression: Students apply a knowledge of the skills and techniques of the theatre arts in representing human values, aspirations, and emotions.
- Historical and Cultural Context: Students explore the role of theatre in human history and culture through an investigation of universal themes and concepts presented in the theatre of different cultures and time periods.
- Aesthetic Valuing: Students make critical judgments about and determine the quality of theatrical works in accord with learned elements and principles.
- Connectives, Relations, Applications: Students apply what they learn in the arts to learning across disciplines. They develop competencies in problem solving, communication skills, and management of time and resources.
Course Objectives/Student Outcomes [specific]:
- Students will discover that theatre extends the range of human experience, providing an opportunity for enjoyment, reflection, and appreciation of a multicultural society.
- Students will grow in understanding and appreciation of theatre and the dramatic arts through participation both as actors and as audience.
- Students will recognize that theatre can not only reflect but also transform the values, culture and ethics of both societies and individuals.
- Students will learn how to critique a play in a reasoned, reflective and informed manner.
- Students will apply their knowledge of theatre to the world around them and to their own lives.
Requirements/Major assignments (with due dates):
- Weekly Journal: Each week, students will write reflectively on questions presented by the instructor. These reflections will be submitted and graded on a weekly basis, and kept in a notebook.
- Theatre Criticism: Students must complete one essay each semester which presents a critical analysis of a play or movie; the essay must use objective criteria developed by/adapted by the student.
- Theatrical Production: Students must participate in one class production each semester as directed by the instructor.
Required Texts: The Theater Experience (Edwin Wilson; McGraw-Hill, 2004)
Expectations:
- Student Responsibilities:
- Participate actively and enthusiastically in classroom discussion and theatre exercises – you need to listen carefully, respond when called upon, offer your opinions, and join in the fun! This means you must be on-time and present for each class. Missing a “participation activity” cannot be made up because you are part of the group – and you are needed!
- Prepare and present group and individual performances – which means learn your lines, rehearse, assist others, and follow direction.
- Maintain a “theatre journal” – you have to think critically, reflect honestly, and dream deeply.
- Attentively study the assigned text, lectures, and videotaped material – this includes asking questions and listening for answers!
- Respect others – not only your classmates, but the cultures, the playwrights, and the characters we will encounter.
- Teacher Responsibilities:
- Organize lessons, discussions, and exercises which help students achieve the goals of the course.
- Prepare and direct performances in a patient and supportive way.
- Lead students in reflection on the value of theatre.
- Use the text, assignments, projects and videotaped material constructively and creatively.
- Respect others – not only the students, but the cultures, the playwrights, and the characters we will encounter.
Grading: based on the following, 25% each:
- Participation in group discussion and classroom exercises (attendance required).
- Individual and group performance.
- Writing assignments.
- Objective tests of textual readings, classroom discussions and lectures, and videotaped material.
Academic Integrity:
Students must claim their own work. Plagiarism will not be accepted. Plagiarism defined is “a piece of writing that has been copied from someone else and is presented as being your own work; 2, the act of plagiarizing; taking someone’s words or ideas as if they were your own.” (www.dictionary.com) As a result, poorly cited material will constitute plagiarism. Your analysis is more important than someone else’s facts.
Course Calendar/Schedule/Outline: (suggested)
Week of: |
Subject/Topic |
Journal Reflection Topics |
Production |
9/3/07 |
Purpose of Theatre |
Can fiction be truth? |
|
9/10/07 |
History of Western Theatre; types of theatre |
“Theatre mirrors and reflects the attitudes, philosophy, and basic assumptions of its time.” |
|
9/17/07 |
Theatre and Society; philosophies of theatre |
“Theatre mirrors and reflects the attitudes, philosophy, and basic assumptions of its time.” |
|
9/24-10/05 |
No On-Site: Continue with On-Line Assignments |
10/08/07 |
Stage Design |
If you were to stage a major event in your life, what type of basic stage would you use and why? |
Children’s Theatre |
10/15/07 |
Costumes and special effects |
“…at times, visual aspects (are) emphasized to the exclusion of everything else, including the script and the acting.” |
Children’s Theatre |
10/22/07 |
The actor’s craft: Stanislavski |
“All human beings engage in … acting.” |
Children’s Theatre |
10/29/07 |
Purpose of Theatre |
“The actor must first of all believe in everything that takes place onstage, and most of all, he must believe what he himself is doing. And one can only believe in the truth.” |
Children’s Theatre |
11/5-11/23 |
No On-Site: Continue with On-Line Assignments |
11/26/07 |
Rehearsals |
|
|
12/03/07 |
Rehearsals |
|
|
12/10/07 |
Performance Week |
|
|
12/17/07 |
Review, evaluate, critique of Performance Week |
|
