I. ASCRC General Education Form (revised 1/27/11)
Use to propose new general education courses (except writing courses), to change existing
gen ed courses and to remove designations for existing gen ed courses.
Note: One-time-only general education designation may be requested for experimental courses
(X91-previously X95), granted only for the semester taught. A NEW request must be
submitted for the course to receive subsequent general education status.
Group
III. Language
VII: Social Sciences
(submit
III Exception: Symbolic Systems * VIII: Ethics & Human Values
separate forms X IV: Expressive Arts
IX: American & European
if requesting
V: Literary & Artistic Studies
X: Indigenous & Global
more than one
VI: Historical & Cultural Studies
XI: Natural Sciences
general
w/ lab  w/out lab 
education
group
*Courses proposed for this designation must be standing requirements of
designation)
majors that qualify for exceptions to the modern and classical language
requirement
Dept/Program School of Theatre & Dance
Course #
U THTR 121A
Course Title
Prerequisite
Introduction to Acting II
THTR 120A
Credits
II. Endorsement/Approvals
Complete the form and obtain signatures before submitting to Faculty Senate Office
Please type / print name Signature
Instructor
Contact
Phone / Email
3
Date
Jere Hodgin
x2877
jere.hodgin@umontana.edu
Program Chair Mark Dean
Director
x2879
Dean
Dr. Stephen Kalm
III. Type of request
New
One-time Only
Renew
Change
Remove
X
Reason for Gen Ed inclusion, change or deletion
Description of change
IV. Description and purpose of new general education course: General Education courses
must be introductory and foundational within the offering department or within the General
Education Group. They must emphasize breadth, context, and connectedness; and relate course
content to students’ future lives: See Preamble:
http://umt.edu/facultysenate/archives/minutes/gened/GE_preamble.aspx
The purpose of this course is to help the student broaden communication, presentation and personal
skills. The course will also help students to further develop a more articulate, responsive, and expressive
identity. These goals are achieved by studying the craft of acting. At the end of the semester students
complete the course with an increased understanding of themselves, their peers, and their world.
Building upon the fundamental skills gained in THTR 120A: Introduction to Acting I, this introductory
course continues to develop the fundamentals of the art of acting.
V. Criteria: Briefly explain how this course meets the criteria for the group. See:
http://umt.edu/facultysenate/documents/forms/GE_Criteria5-1-08.aspx
In a group, studio setting each student will
achieve a demonstrated confidence in the
presentation of him/herself--socially and
professionally. The student will gain a stronger
ability to express themselves through the study of
and exploration of improvisation and of characters
and roles performed. Building upon the
foundational instruction in THTR 120A, students
will undertake more in-depth exercise work in
various aspects of acting, monologues
preparation and presentation, and participate in
more advanced scene work.
Through direct experience (for example,
Through attendance and discussion of live
attendance and involvement with live
productions students will achieve basic
performance, exhibitions, workshops, and
understanding of the nature of theatre and the
readings), they will engage in critical
craft of acting. Writing assignments and class
assessment of their own work and the work of
discussions will address their own presentations
others.
and the presentations of others. Students will
further develop an understanding and respect for
all aspects of live performance including audience
etiquette and a critical understanding of the
importance and contribution theatre makes to our
world.
VI. Student Learning Goals: Briefly explain how this course will meet the applicable learning
goals. See: http://umt.edu/facultysenate/documents/forms/GE_Criteria5-1-08.aspx
Express themselves in the making of an original The course is designed to allow students a broad
work or creative performance.
exposure to a variety of ways to approach
presentation of both self and character, and
translating this knowledge into creative
performance.
Courses guide students, whether in individual
or group settings, to acquire foundational skills
to engage in the creative process and/or in
interpretive performance.
Students perform on a weekly basis and are
graded for class work and performances in the
areas of process and product—not only on the
finished performance, but also the creative
process of rehearsal. Students will have the
opportunity to discover and explore their
expression and creativity through exercises,
tested theatre games and improvisations,
monologue study, and the rehearsal process. A
student’s grade in this course is not based on the
natural talent brought to the class, rather
represents a reflection of skills developed within
the course and the progress made over the
course of the semester. This assessment
includes written assignments, solo, and group
presentations on the material discussed in class
as well as a final performance project.
Understand the genres and/or forms that have
shaped the medium.
Critique the quality of their own work and that
of others.
The student will attend three plays representing
diverse genres of dramatic literature and work
with monologues and scenes representing a
broad spectrum of theatre. Discussions inviting a
comparison and contrast of styles of performance
between these genres will enable the student to
develop a greater understanding of theatre as an
art form.
There are multiple writing assignments each
semester. Although these assignments are
generally creative in nature, they must be
representative of university-level writing
standards. Students are assessed based on
imagination, creativity, and the quality of the
written assignments. Student papers must be
typed and proofread, and must meet the
demands of the assignment. They are sometimes
simple response papers, and sometimes critical
analyses, depending upon the nature of the
assignment. Constructive critiques of
performances given by peers are another
important aspect taught in this course.
VII. Justification: Normally, general education courses will not carry pre-requisites, will carry
at least 3 credits, and will be numbered at the 100-200 level. If the course has more than one
pre-requisite, carries fewer than three credits, or is upper division (numbered above the 200
level), provide rationale for exception(s).
VIII. Syllabus: Paste syllabus below or attach and send digital copy with form.  The syllabus
should clearly describe how the above criteria are satisfied. For assistance on syllabus
preparation see: http://teaching.berkeley.edu/bgd/syllabus.html
Introduction to Acting II - THTR 121A.01 3 Credits, FALL 2011
Instructor:
Email:
Office:
Office Hours:
Phone:
DR. BERNADETTE SWEENEY
Bernadette.sweeney@mso.umt.edu
McGill 212c
Thursday 2-4, Friday 3-4
243-2998
Aim
The purpose of this course is to help broaden your communication, presentation and personal skills.
The course will also help you develop a more articulate, responsive, and expressive identity. These
goals are achieved by studying the craft of acting. At the end of the semester, I hope you leave with an
extended understanding of your self, your peers, and your world.
Outcomes
In this setting you will achieve:
 A demonstrated confidence in the presentation of your self—socially and professionally
 An ability to further articulate both your personal character and the character of those you take



on in performance
A basic understanding of the nature of theatre and the craft of acting
An understanding of, and respect for, performance, including audience etiquette
An understanding of the importance and contribution theatre makes to our world.
Attendance and Promptness
Acting is participatory: there is no way to learn without doing, no adequate substitute for a missing
partner, and no way to “make up” a missed experience. School policies will be strictly enforced. Only
documented absences will be excused. No student may miss more than one week of class. For every
subsequent absence, the grade will be lowered a full letter grade.
Furthermore, besides adversely affecting your own learning, arriving late for class disrupts the learning
process of your fellow students. Therefore, tardiness in excess of 10 minutes will be considered a
complete absence, and every three instances of tardiness—of whatever duration—will equate to one
absence. Every acting teacher reserves the right to declare a “no lateness” policy, should the need arise.
Briefly put, this means that if the door to the class is shut and you are not inside by the time class
begins, you are absent. No exceptions.
If an illness should cause you to miss excessive class time to the point of failing, it is your responsibility
to pursue a medical withdrawal so that the course may be attempted again once you have recovered.
Cell Phones
Please turn off your cell phone in class. My phone will be set to vibrate in case an emergency text
message should be sent by the University. (If your phone rings during class, please silence it as
QUICKLY AS HUMANLY POSSIBLE. Don’t be embarrassed … just turn it off and all will be
forgiven. Having said that, anyone caught texting in class will be immediately dismissed from
class, resulting in a complete absence for the day. I’M NOT KIDDING.)
Evaluation
Production Attendance
45%
15% for each production. No credit given for attendance if the student has not submitted the
assigned written response.
Class Work
55%
25% for class attendance, participation, effort, attitude, and respect
30% acting exercises, performances, quizzes, homework etc.
Production Attendance
You are required to attend three of the School of Theatre & Dance’s theatrical performances produced
this semester (titles and dates of shows will be provided). Missing one production will drop your grade
one full letter. Missing two productions will drop your grade two full letters. If you do not attend any
of the productions, you will earn a failing grade in the class. Production attendance is a part of this
class—there are no exceptions and there will be quizzes on the productions.
The materials fee you paid when you registered for this course allows you to obtain one ticket for these
shows at no additional expense. You must pick up your ticket at the Theatre & Dance Box Office,
located in the lobby of the PARTV Center, in person between 11:30 AM and 5:30 PM Monday - Friday.
You may pick up only one ticket—your own; you cannot pick up a ticket for a classmate. A fee of
$2.00 will be charged for any ticket changes, regardless of the reason.
You must present your Griz Card to pick up your ticket and you must identify which class you are
taking. Therefore you must know your section number and instructor’s name. Do not try to be identified
by giving the class days and times.
You are in section: 01
Your instructor’s name is: BERNADETTE SWEENEY
Seating in the Masquer Theatre is general admission. Seating in the Montana Theatre is reserved. The
fee that you have paid does not guarantee you a ticket on a particular night, nor does it guarantee that
you will be able to get a ticket if the show sells out. Do not wait until the evening of the performance
you plan to attend to pick up a ticket.
THE ELEPHANT MAN
MONTANA THEATRE
October 4-8, 11-15
GRACE, OR THE ART OF CLIMBING
MASQUER THEATRE
November 1-5, 8-12
YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU
By MOSS HART and GEORGE S. KAUFMAN
Montana Theatre | November 29-December 3, December 6-10, 2011
Participation in Class Projects and Performances
You will be performing on a weekly basis and will be given grades for your class work and
performances in the areas of process and product. In other words, you will be graded on the finished
performance and on all of the rehearsals. Your grade in this area is not based on the natural talent you
bring to the class; rather, it will be a reflection of your developed talent and the progress that you make
over the course of the semester.
Effort/Respect/Attitude
Effort and respect are two very important requirements. You are expected to respond to all assignments
and performances with effort and enthusiasm. You are expected to show respect for yourself, your
classmates, your instructor, and your classroom environment. An excellent performance hinges upon
taking risks, which is impossible to do if the environment is uncomfortable or uninviting. It is expected
that when you participate in classroom activities, your peers will encourage you to commit to your
actions and characters without embarrassment, remorse, or caution. Passing this class requires openness
and a willingness to take risks.
Writing Assignments
There are several writing assignments this semester. Although these assignments are generally creative
in nature, they must be representative of university-level writing. You will be graded for your
imagination and creativity as well as for the quality of your writing. These papers must be typed and
proofread and must meet the demands of the assignment. (All written work must follow MLA
format, typed, and STAPLED. I will not accept it otherwise. No email submissions will be
accepted. Print the assignment the night before. These requirements are at the discretion of the
instructor.)
Procedure/Policy
You are expected to abide by the following School of Theatre & Dance regulations. Eating, drinking, or
gum chewing during the class are not permitted. Please let me know in writing if you have a medical
exception to this policy. Water in a capped container is acceptable. Absolutely no weapons, real or fake,
are allowed in the classroom. Late work is not accepted; this includes late or unprepared performances.
Students are encouraged to wear appropriate movement attire to class. There is inherent risk involved in
many Theatre & Dance classes, as they are very physical in nature. Please proceed through class, shop
time, or rehearsal with caution. Always be mindful of your personal safety and the safety of others.
Students participating in class/shop/rehearsal/performance do so at their own risk.
School Handbook
All Theatre & Dance students must have an in-depth knowledge of the practices and procedures outlined
in the School of Theatre & Dance Handbook.
The Handbook is available online at
http://www.umt.edu/theatredance/about/handbook.
Academic Misconduct and the Student Conduct Code
All students must practice academic honesty. Academic misconduct is subject to an academic penalty
by the course instructor and/or disciplinary sanction by the University. All students need to be familiar
with the Student Conduct Code.
The Code is available for review online at
http://life.umt.edu/VPSA/student_conduct.php.
The University of Montana assures equal access to instruction through collaboration between students
with disabilities, instructors, and Disability Services for Students (DSS). If you think you may have a
disability adversely affecting your academic performance, and you have not already registered with
DSS, please contact DSS in Lommasson 154. I will work with you and DSS to provide an appropriate
accommodation.
Movement Clothes
Please wear clothing to class that does not restrict movement: tight-fitting and restrictive clothing and
anything too revealing (showing skin) will not be acceptable. No hats will be permitted in class.
Hooded sweatshirts, hats, and hair that cover the face are detrimental to proper evaluation by the
instructor, so remove them before work commences. Please be sure to clean your shoes appropriately
before you enter the building to keep our floors as clean as possible.
Personal Comfort
The study of acting often requires the instructor or peers to touch each other or be in close proximity.
We all have bad days when we do not want such contact. Feel free to bow out of a particular exercise if
you are having a “Wounded Warrior” day. However, frequent sitting out is a sign that you might not be
ready to advance in your training. If deemed necessary by the instructor, any student with such issues
will be asked to meet with the head of the Acting/Directing Division and the instructor to discuss how
we might better facilitate you through the course.
Tentative Schedule
This course is divided into sequential units.
Unit 1:
What is Theatre? What is Acting?
 The history and theory of theatre and acting, vocabulary, audience etiquette, and devising new
performances.
Unit 2:
Ensemble
 Building trust and skill through group exercises, including warm-ups and theatre games.
Unit 3:
Exploration, Play, and Spontaneity
 Improvisation and working with music and movement to learn to trust impulses and instincts.
Unit 4:
Scene Work with a Partner
 Rehearsing and performing short scenes with a partner, creating new and original characters,
writing scenes, and script analysis.
Unit 5:
Solo Performance
 Monologues, personal performances, and solo character studies.
Closing Unit/Final:
Applying Theatre in Your Life
 Forum Theatre, theatre in education, social-commentary theatre, and community performances.
(Final examination times are posted on the Registrar’s website at the following link:
http://www.umt.edu/registrar/students/finalsweek2/default.aspx. Final exams MUST be held at
this time)
Please note: Approved general education changes will take effect next fall.
General education instructors will be expected to provide sample assessment items and
corresponding responses to the Assessment Advisory Committee.