1
Master Course Outline
THEA 161
Introduction to Acting
Course Description: An introduction to drama as a performing art with emphasis upon physical
movement and the use of voice in the development of characterization. A functional approach to
the basic techniques of acting with an in-class performance final. 4 lecture hours. Satisfies
humanities distribution area B requirement or specified elective for the AA degree.
Credits: 4
Prerequisites: None
Learning Outcomes:
Understanding and developing strategies for solving problems/making decisions
including using prior knowledge, considering alternative courses of action, assessing
potential consequences, developing criteria for evaluating outcomes, refining strategies,
and evaluating results.
Demonstrating behavior that shows attentiveness to others and understanding the
impact of attending skills.
Accurately observing details and drawing inferences and conclusions based on
observations.
Listening for details, main ideas, facts/opinions, information/persuasion, and meaning
while suspending judgment.
Paraphrasing others’ ideas and checking for understanding.
Working cooperatively by conversing and encouraging communication.
Speaking and presenting ideas while attending to audience and purpose and considering
cultural differences.
Using delivery elements effectively, such as pitch, rate, volume, projection, posture, eye
contact, facial expressions, and body language.
Using oral English language effectively to engage the audience and adapt to the topic
and audience.
Communicating responsibly using accurate, truthful, and equitable language and ideas;
understanding the consequences of irresponsible communication.
Establishing criteria for effective and high quality presentations and using them to evaluate
own and others' presentations; using feedback to revise own work.
Developing ideas into written drafts.
Revising writing for ideas, language, audience, and conventions.
Editing own writing for word choice, conventions, and sentence structure.
9/9/2013
2
Using writing conventions (grammar, punctuation, and capitalization) effectively.
Using reading strategies to build understanding.
Using reading skills to develop vocabulary.
Textbooks:
A Challenge for the Actor, By Uta Hagen
Contemporary Scenes for Student Actors edited by Michael Schulman and Eva Mekler
Techniques of Instruction: The best way for students to apprehend, relish, and excel in introduction
to acting is, first, gain a sound background in the terms and concepts; secondly, become familiar
with the verbal, physical, and analytical techniques involved in effective public presentation; and
third, develop an active method of selecting and responding to scripted material. These objectives
will be accomplished in this course through the following specific methods of instruction:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Reading and discussion of printed material.
Practice involving performance of selected scene material.
Constructive criticism of in-class performances.
Viewing and discussion of sample performances [live and video].
Active peer and self-evaluations.
Prepared performance material.
Academic Integrity: All forms of cheating, falsification, and plagiarism are against the rules of
this course and of Grays Harbor College. Students who are unsure what constitutes academic
dishonesty are responsible for asking the instructor for clarification. Instances of intentional
academic dishonesty will be dealt with severely.
Disabilities: Students who have documented disabilities that require accommodations in
compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact the Disability Support
Services coordinator as well as the instructor of the course in order to ensure that together we
create an optimal environment for educational achievement.
W Day, the final day to officially withdraw from a course, is the Thursday of the seventh week
(Thursday of the fourth week for summer quarter). Students who do not withdraw by that date
will receive the grades they have earned, regardless of whether they are attending the course or
completing the work. Students who are considering withdrawal are strongly advised to consult
with the instructor, advisor and financial aid prior to withdrawing. The only withdrawals allowed
after W Day are complete withdrawals from all courses.
9/9/2013