Syllabus

DRAM 1310 55790 Syllabus

 

HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE – CENTRAL CAMPUS

FINE ARTS DEPARTMENT / CENTER

Course Syllabus: Introduction to Theatre

HCC Academic Discipline: Drama

Course Title: Introduction to Theatre

Course Rubric and number: DRAM 1310

Course CRN: 55790

Semester Term: Fall 2011

Room Location with Days and Times: Room #207 – M & W – 12 - 2

Course Semester Credit Hours (SCH): 3 credits

Course contact hours per semester: 48

Course length: Second start, 12 weeks Type of Instruction: lecture

Instructor: Nara Lesser, MFA

Contact Information: Phone 713-718-6600

Email: [email protected]

Learning web address: Nara Lesser

Instructor Scheduled Office Hours: Individually scheduled with students

Course Description

1. Survey of all phases of theatre including its history, dramatic works, stage techniques, production procedures, and relation to the fine arts. Participation in major productions may be required. As defined in the Academic Course Guide Manual (AGCM) produced by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, 2009 (THECB)

 

2. Basic principles of theatre, including the various styles of theatrical production and present practices in the theatre. Required of majors. Open to non-majors. Core Curriculum Course (As listed in the 2009-2011 HCC Catalog.)

Course Prerequisites:

Must be placed into GUST 0342 (or higher) in reading and ENGL 0310/0349 (or higher) in writing

Course Goal: Students shall study and investigate “the theatre” as a living art form.  Students will study all facets of theatre as well as the relationships of playwright, actor, directors, designer, etc.  Criteria for evaluation of live performance will be established.  Participation in “performance field trips” to three live theatre productions is required.

Course Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Identify and define the function of sets, lights, costumes, props and sound in theatrical production. (Level 1)

2. Understand the role of society in the viewing and interpretation of theatrical productions. (Level 1)

3. Comprehend the role of the theater as literature and theater as performance by reading/viewing written plays. (Level 2)

4. Appraise the role of sets, lights, costumes, props and sound in the viewing of a live theatrical production. (Level 6)

 

Course Student Learning Objectives:

 

Attend all classes and attend theatre events (review/critique three plays)

Read and/or view five plays with a scholarly focus

Complete all readings assignments; complete all written assignments

Be an active participant during in-class discussions and activities

Complete a “mid-term” and “final” written exam activity

Research and present two in-class Theatre Topic Reports

Plan, develop, and present one in-class Production Concept Report

Core Curriculum:

This course fulfills the following core intellectual competencies: reading, writing, speaking, listening, critical thinking and computer literacy. A variety of academic experiences are used to develop these competencies.

Reading: Reading at the college level means having the ability to understand, analyze and interpret a variety of printed materials: books, articles, and documents.

Writing: Writing at the college level means having the ability to produce clear, correct, and coherent prose adapted to a specific purpose, occasion, and audience. In addition to knowing how to use correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation, students should also become adept with the writing process, including how to determine a topic, how to organize and develop it, and how to phrase it effectively for their audience. These abilities are acquired through practice and reflection.

Speaking: Effective speaking is the ability to communicate orally in clear, coherent, and persuasive language appropriate to purpose, occasion, and audience.

Listening: Listening at the college level means having the ability to understand, analyze, and interpret various forms of spoken communication

Critical Thinking: Critical thinking embraces methods for applying both qualitative and quantitative skills analytically and creatively to subject matter in order to evaluate arguments and to construct alternative strategies. Problem solving is one of the applications of critical thinking used to address an identified task.

Computer Literacy: Computer literacy at the college level means having the ability to use computer-based technology in communicating, solving problems, and acquiring information. Core-educated students should have an understanding of the limits, problems, and possibilities associated with the use of technology and should have the tools necessary to evaluate and learn new technologies as they become available.

HCC Calendar:

 

Classes Begin

September 24, 2011

Last day for drop/add

September 27

Holidays and Breaks

Thanksgiving (11/23-11/27)

Last day to file for graduation

October 14

Last day to drop classes with a grade of W

November 3

Instruction ends

December 11

Final examination

December 13

Course Calendar:

Week

Date

Projected

PROJECTED SCHEDULE

Lectures / Topics / Assignments / Projects / Quizzes / Exams

Week 1

9/26, 9/28

Introduction, syllabus, calendar, textbook, theatrical personnel, and plays

Discussion of group projects (make-up, set design, lighting design, costume design, and acting)

Critique and Report explanation

Reading assignment: Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4,5

Global Theatre, Audiences, Critics, Spaces

Watch video of Gospel at Colonus, discuss

 

Week 2

10/3, 10/5

Discussion of Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Read Antigone for Wednesday (Bartleby.com)

Discussion of Antigone

Define topic for Theatre Report

Reports due on Antigone on Wednesday

Sign-up for Group Projects on Wednesday

Reading assignment: Chapters 6, 7, 8 for  Monday

Week 3

10/10,10/12

Discussion of Chapters 6, 7, 8 Monday

Reading Assignment:  Chapters 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 for Monday

Begin reading The Taming of the Shrew for next Wednesday (Bartleby.com)

Watch video of The Taming of the Shrew Wednesday

Week 4

10/17,10/19

Discussion of Chapters 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 for Monday

Discussion of The Taming of the Shrew Wednesday

Report on Live Performance #1 due Wednesday

Week 5

10/24,10/26

Review for midterm exam Monday

Watch video of Shakespeare Retold: The Taming of the Shrew Wednesday

Discuss adaptations/retellings for the modern eye

Reports due on The Taming of the Shrew Wednesday

Possible additional review for midterm

Week 6

10/31,11/2

MIDTERM EXAM October 31

Reading Assignment:  Chapters 14, 15, 16 for Monday

Return graded Midterm Exams

Week 7

11/7,11/9

Discussion of Chapters 14, 15, 16

Begin theatre report presentations

Reading Assignment:  Chapters 17, 18, 19

Report on live performance #2 due Wednesday

Week 8

11/14,11/16

Discussion of Chapters 14, 15, 16

Continue theatre report presentations

Week 9

11/21,11/23

Begin group projects

Week 10

11/28,11/30

Group projects continue

Week 11

12/5,12/7

Group Projects continue if necessary

Report on Live Performance #3 due

Review for Final

 

Week 12

12/13

FINAL EXAM December 13

Instructional Methods:

Methods of instruction may include: teacher lectures, explanations, demonstrations, in-class student presentations, and/or readings (from textbooks, peer-reviewed presentations, books, selected play texts). Class time may include lectures, student presentations, field trips to theatres, and reading and discussion assignments.

Student Assignments:

Assignments/Activities will include: attendance at (three or more) theatrical performances, three or more written critical responses, one major in-class presentation, one major in-class group project, two major exams events, assigned readings from the textbook; discussions based on various topics related to the major areas of study in Drama; writing papers / critiques, essays, analyses, reviews, research, comparing and contrasting artistic or design theories and perspectives; presentations; group and/or individual projects. This course requires a minimum of 2000 words in a combination of writing assignments and/or projects, plus library visits and internet research time.

Student Assessments:

Methods of Assessment/Evaluation may include: in-class scene work, monologue performance, creative projects, tests and quizzes which may include: definitions, matching, multiple choice, true/false, short answer, brief essay, essay, lists; writing assignments,  in-class discussions and/or critiques; written papers including critiques, essays, analyses, reviews, research, comparing and contrasting artistic or design theories

Instructional Materials:

Required text: THE THEATRE EXPERIENCE, by Edwin Wilson (most recent edition)

Play script selected by each group with the approval of the instructor (a notebook, folder, binder)

HCC Policy Statement: Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)

Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the Disability Services Office at the respective college at the beginning of each semester. Faculty is authorized to provide only the accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office.

 

HCC Policy Statement: Academic Honesty

You are expected to be familiar with the College's Policy on Academic Honesty, found in the catalog and student handbook. Students are responsible for conducting themselves with honor and integrity in fulfilling course requirements. Penalties and/or disciplinary proceedings may be initiated by College System officials against a student accused of scholastic dishonesty.

 

“Scholastic dishonesty” includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion.

 

Cheating on a test includes:

  • Copying from another student’s test paper;
  • Using materials during a test that are not authorized by the person giving the test;
  • Collaborating with another student during a test without authority;
  • Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in whole or part the contents of a test that has not bee administered;
  • Bribing another person to obtain a test that is to be administered.

 

Plagiarism means the appropriation of another’s work and the unacknowledged incorporation of that work in one’s own written work offered for credit.

 

Collusion means the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work offered for credit.

 

Violations: Possible punishments for academic dishonesty may include a grade of “0” or “F” on the particular assignment, failure in the course, and/or recommendation for probation or dismissal from the College System. A recommendation for suspension or expulsion will be referred to the College Dean of Student Development for disciplinary disposition.

 

Students who wish to appeal a grade penalty should notify the instructional supervisor within 30 working days of the incident. A standing committee appointed by the College Dean of Instruction (Academic or Workforce) will convene to sustain, reduce, or reverse the grade penalty. The committee will be composed of two students, two faculty members, and one instructional administrator. A majority vote will decide the grade appeal and is final.

Official HCC Attendance Policy:

Students are expected to attend all classes regularly. Students are responsible for material covered during their absences, and it is the student’s responsibility to consult with instructors for makeup assignments. Class attendance is checked daily by instructors.

 

Although it is the responsibility of the student to drop a course for non-attendance, the instructor has the authority to drop a student for excessive absences.

 

A student may be dropped from a course for absenteeism after the student has accumulated absences in excess of 12.5 percent of the hours of instruction (including lecture and laboratory time).  For example: For a three credit-hour lecture class meeting three hours per week (48 hours of instruction), a student may be dropped after six hours of absences.

 

Administrative drops are at the discretion of the instructor. If you are doing poorly in the class, but you have not contacted your professor to ask for help, and you have not withdrawn by the official withdrawal date, it will result in you receiving a grade of “F” in the course

NOTE:  LAST DAY FOR STUDENT/ADMINISTRATIVE DROP: November 3, 2011

Course Withdrawals-First Time Freshmen Students-Fall 2007 and Later:

Effective 2007, section 51.907 of the Texas Education Code applies to first-time in college freshman students who enroll in a Texas public institution of higher education in the fall semester of 2007 or thereafter. High school students currently enrolled in HCC Dual Credit and Early College are waived from this requirement until they graduate from high school.

Based on this law, HCC or any other Texas Public institution of higher education may not permit students to drop after the official day of record more than six college level credit courses for unacceptable reasons during their entire undergraduate career.

 

Course Withdrawals:

Be sure you understand HCC policies about dropping a course. It is the student’s responsibility to withdraw officially from a course and prevent an “F” from appearing on the transcript. If you feel that you cannot complete this course, you will need to withdraw from the course prior to the final date of withdrawal.   Before, you withdraw from your course; please take the time to meet with the instructor to discuss why you feel it is necessary to do so. The instructor may be able to provide you with suggestions that would enable you to complete the course.  Your success is very important

 

If you plan on withdrawing from your class, you MUST contact a HCC counselor or your professor prior to withdrawing (dropping) the class for approval and this must be done PRIOR to the withdrawal deadline to receive a “W” on your transcript.  **Final withdrawal deadlines vary each semester and/or depending on class length, please visit the online registration calendars, HCC schedule of classes and catalog, any HCC Registration Office, or any HCC counselor to determine class withdrawal deadlines.  Remember to allow a 24-hour response time when communicating via email and/or telephone with a professor and/or counselor.  Do not submit a request to discuss withdrawal options less than a day before the deadline. If you do not withdraw before the deadline, you will receive the grade that you are making in the class as your final grade.

 

 

 

 

Early Alert Program:

To help students avoid having to drop/withdraw from any class, HCC has instituted an Early Alert process by which your professor may “alert” you and HCC counselors that you might fail a class because of excessive absences and/or poor academic performance.  It is your responsibility to visit with your professor or a counselor to learn about what, if any, HCC interventions might be available to assist you – online tutoring, child care, financial aid, job placement, etc. – to stay in class and improve your academic performance.

Repeat Course Fee:

The State of Texas encourages students to complete college without having to repeat failed classes.  To increase student success, students who repeat the same course more than twice, are required to pay extra tuition.  The purpose of this extra tuition fee is to encourage students to pass their courses and to graduate. Effective fall 2006, HCC will charge a higher tuition rate to students registering the third or subsequent time for a course. If you are considering course withdrawal because you are not earning passing grades, confer with your instructor/counselor as early as possible about your study habits, reading and writing homework, test taking skills, attendance, course participation, and opportunities for tutoring or other assistance that might be available.

HCC Grading Information:

Grading percentile: the official HCC grading rubric is as follows:

 

90–100 percent

A

Exceptionally fine work; superior in presentation, visual observation, comprehension and participation

80–89 percent

B

Above average work; superior in one or two areas

70–79 percent

C

Average work; good, unexceptional participation

60–69 percent

D

Below average work; noticeably weak with minimal participation

Below 60 percent

F

Clearly deficient in presentation, style and content with a lack of participation

 

The grade of "I" (Incomplete) is conditional. It will only be assigned if at least 80% of the course work is complete .Students receiving an "I," must make an arrangement with the instructor in writing to complete the course work within six months. After the deadline, the "I" becomes an "F." All "I" designations must be changed to grades prior to graduation. Changed grades will appear on student record as "I"/Grade (example: "I/A").

 

The grade of "W" (Withdrawal) appears on grade reports when students withdraw from a class by the drop deadline. Instructors have the option of dropping students up to the deadline. After the deadline, instructors do not have that option — not even when entering final grades.

Instructor Grading Criteria

 

Homework, assignments and projects will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

  • Adherence to all specific assignment guidelines/content requirements.
  • Adherence to deadlines.
  • Level of technical difficulty attempted and achieved. More sophisticated work may receive higher scores.
  • Creativity and Originality: Solving the assignments in an imaginative and unique way may lead to a higher score.
  • Honesty: Submit your own work.

 

 

Instructor’s Final Grading Legend:

 

Antigone Report                                    50 points

Shrew Report                                                50 points

 

Play critique/review 1                                      75 points

Play critique/review 2                                      75 points
Play critique/review 3                                      75 points

 

Theatre report                                                50 points

 

Mid-term exam                                    100 points

Final exam                                                100 points

 

Group Project                                                150 points

 

Participation / Attendance                          75 points

(25 points deducted for each absence)

 

TOTAL            800

A = 800-720

B = 719-640

C =639-560

D = 559-480

F = 479-0

 

EGLS3 -- Evaluation for Greater Learning Student Survey System

At Houston Community College, professors believe that thoughtful student feedback is necessary to improve teaching and learning. During a designated time, you will be asked to answer a short online survey of research-based questions related to instruction. The anonymous results of the survey will be made available to your professors and division chairs for continual improvement of instruction. Look for the survey as part of the Houston Community College Student System online near the end of the term.