Kaskaskia College
DRMA 111 Theatre Appreciation
IAI F1 907
3 Hours Credit
Tuesday and Thursday 11:00-12:15
Room L 218
Instructor: David Quinn
Office: HB 206
Phone: 545-3379
Email: dquinn@kaskaskia.edu
Office Hours: TBA
1. TEXTBOOK
Theatre:
A Way of Seeing (5th edition), Milly S. Barranger.
2. COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES
An introductory survey of theatre/drama as a performing art form.
Includes study and analysis of historical, social, aesthetic, and
technical
aspects
of
traditional
and
contemporary
theatrical/dramatic expression.
This course is designed to enhance your enjoyment and knowledge
of Theatre. We focus on: the audience’s experience of theatre,
the people who make theatre happen, the elements of theatre,
significant concepts of theatre, a brief survey of theatre
history, and a close look at theatre today.
There are four primary objectives for this course:
1. To increase your understanding of the various elements
and artists involved in the creation of Theatre.
2. To increase your enjoyment and appreciation of Theatre.
3. To explore Theatre as:
a. one of the Humanities.
b. one of the Fine Arts.
c. a creative process.
4. To address aspects of the following General Education
Skill Areas:
a. think critically
b. communicate effectively
c. interact productively with others
d. develop criteria and abilities to make aesthetic
judgements
3. INSTRUCTOR POLICIES
All formal assignments are due on the assigned date and must be
typed.
In class assignments, discussions, and possible pop
quizzes that are missed cannot be made up and no credit can be
earned,
unless
arrangements
prior
to
the
absence
are
communicated to the instructor.
Please make sure that you are aware of the due dates for the
assignments and tests.
If you are absent, it is your
responsibility to discover what you missed from one of your
classmates.
Do not use cell phones in class. Do not text in class. Do not
open lap tops in class.
Do not work on homework for other
classes in this class.
Do not put your head down to sleep in
this class.
Do not talk to other students in class during
speeches and lectures.
You will be dropped from this class if
you do not follow these guidelines.
ATTENDANCE at all class meetings is expected of all students.
Any make-up assignments or tests will have at least a letter
grade penalty.
An essential part of any course offering is the classroom
experience.
Therefore, excessive student absences will have a
detrimental effect on learning and grades.
Excessive absences
are defined as more than twice the number of weekly meetings.
Students with excessive absences will fail the course.
Students who arrive late are a disruption to the instructor and
other students. To discourage these disturbances, students who
are late more than 3 times will begin to be counted as absent
each class session (beyond the first 3) that they are late in
arriving. These absences will not be removed upon the student’s
eventual arrival to class and may ultimately have a detrimental
effect on the student’s final grade.
4.
STUDENT REQUIREMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS
a. You are required to see the Mainstage production this
semester at Kaskaskia College. You are required to see
one outside stage production.
We will also watch one
play on videotape in class.
Following each of the
productions, students will present a brief ORAL review
of the play in class, and submit a WRITTEN review of the
play.
Specific topics, guidelines, and criteria for
these reviews will be provided later in the semester.
See the Calendar section for due dates for these
assignments. Oral Critiques cannot be made up so do not
miss class on the date those are due. Written Critiques
must be typed and lose ten points each day they are late
(10 pts per calendar day).
b. I will be creating some small group discussions and
activities during the semester.
There will be a
variable number of these in-class activities and they
will be worth a total of 100 points. I encourage, enjoy
and appreciate active and positive oral participation in
this class.
c. There will be four exams during the semester. Each exam
will cover: reading assignments from the textbook,
information presented in class discussions, films, etc.
You must take all four exams. See the Calendar section
for exam dates.
Testing methods include: multiple
choice, true/false, short answer questions, and essay.
Each test is worth 100 points.
There is no comprehensive Final Exam in this class. The
study
of
Theatre
is,
by
nature,
cumulative,
comprehensive, and interrelated.
Each unit test will
build
interrelationships
among
topics,
concepts,
principles, theories, vocabularies, and artists.
d. Reading assignments from the textbook are listed in the
Calendar section.
You are responsible for keeping up
with
all
reading
assignments.
Complete
reading
assignments before they are discussed in class.
5. GRADING SYSTEM
Grades will be assessed on a point system.
enumerated below.
Exam #1
chapters 1, 2, 3, 14
Exam #2
chapters 8, 9
Exam #3
chapters 10, 11
Exam #4
chapters 4, 5, 6, 7
Written Review of outside production
Written Review of KC Mainstage production
In-Class Activities/Oral Critiques/Participation
This
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
pts
pts
pts
pts
pts
pts
pts
Total Possible Points
700 pts
Final Grades:
A
630-700
B
560-629
C
490-559
D
420-489
is
F
0-419 or excessive absences
6. SPECIAL NOTE ON POLICIES AND REGULATIONS
In this syllabus you are presented with a number of rules
and regulations.
Most students have a negative first reaction
to lists of rules, but keep in mind that there are several
important reasons for including policies and rules within a
college course.
First of all, rules provide for greater
FAIRNESS in the course.
All students are subject to the same
procedures.
Secondly, rules provide greater CLARITY.
Each
student has a clearer understanding of what is and is not
acceptable within the framework of the course.
And lastly,
demonstrating the ability to adapt to rules is an EDUCATIONAL
GOAL. More and more employers view a college degree as evidence
that the student has acquired specific skills that will be
applicable to his/her job.
Being able to follow rules and
accepting the consequences of not following those rules are both
very high on any employer’s list of skills.
7. COURSE OUTLINE AND CALENDAR
Below is the tentative calendar and sequence of information that
will be covered in class.
Changes in this schedule may occur
and will be announced in class.
Week 1
Intro to Theatre; assignment: read chpts. 1, 2, 3, 14
Introductions and expectations
Theatre, film, television
Week 2
Discovering Theatre
The Seeing Place
Tour of Theatre Space
Week 3
Alternative Spaces
The Critic
Writing the Theatre Review
Week 4
Play performance on videotape
Week 5
Written reviews due
Oral discussion of production
Review for Exam 1
UNIT 1 Exam
Week 6
The Design Team:
read chapters 10 and 11
Set and Costume Design
Week 7
Light and Sound Design
Week 8
Review for Exam 2
Unit 2 Exam
Week 9
The Director: read chapters 8 and 9
Auditions and Rehearsals
Week 10
The Actor
Stanislavski
External Techniques and Internal Belief
Week 11
The Actor’s Studio
Acting observed
Week 12
Review for Exam 3
Unit 3 Exam
Week 13
The Playwright: read chapters 4, 5, 6, 7
Tragedy, tragicomedy, melodrama
Outside written critique due Tuesday, April 12th
Week 14
Comedy and farce, Epic Theatre, Theatre of the Absurd
See The Case of the Tangled Tea Party at KC
Week 15
Drama’s Elements
The Case of the Tangled Tea Party Written Critique-due
–Thursday, April 28th
Week 16
Drama’s Conventions
Review for Exam 4
Week 17
Finals Week – Unit 4 Exam
The Case of the Tangled Tea Party in the Jane Knight Auditorium
Wednesday, April 20th at 9:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.
Thursday, April 21st at 9:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.
Friday, April 22nd at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 23rd at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 24th at 2:00 p.m.
All performances are free!
8. LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon Completion of the course, students should be able to:
1. Understand the collaborative nature of the theatrical experience.
2. Understand the role of a director in a theatrical production.
3. Understand the roles of the design team for a theatrical production.
4. Understand and explain Aristotle’s elements of theatre.
5. Understand and explain conventions used by the playwright.
6. Understand the process in bringing a script to the stage.
7. Understand and explain the various methods of auditioning.
8. Understand the importance of casting a play.
9. Understand the influence of Stanislavski on modern acting.
10. Bring a solid critical perspective to the viewing of a theatrical production.
11. Describe the main types of performance spaces.
12. Identify and describe the major periods of theatre history.
13. Identify and explain the rehearsal process.
14. Identify and describe the types of plays (comedy, tragedy, melodrama, etc.).
15. Describe the trends in modern theatre.
16. Understand the role of the critic in theatre history.
17. Understand the importance of the audience in theatre.
18. Discuss all aspects of a theatrical production.
19. Write a critique of a theatrical production considering all elements – sets, lights, etc.
COLLEGE POLICIES AND INFORMATION
CLASS DROP/WITHDRAWAL
The student is responsible for officially dropping or withdrawing from a class according
to procedures described in the college catalog and student handbook.
Dropping a class: Students may drop a class without the class becoming part of their
permanent academic record if they do so during the “drop” period and will receive a full
refund of tuition and fees. The length of the drop period will vary based on the length
of the course. Students may drop online through CampusNet or by completing a form in
the Admissions and Registration Office or at any Education Center. Refer to the
Registration Calendar posted in CampusNet for dates or contact the Admissions and
Registration Office at 618-545-3040.
Withdrawing from a class: Students may withdraw from a class after the drop period
and receive a “W” grade on their academic record that will not affect their grade point
average at KC. You will not be eligible for a refund. Students may withdraw online
through CampusNet or by completing a form in the Admissions and Registration Office
or at any Education Center. Failure to officially withdrawal from a class may result in an
“F” grade. All withdrawal requests must be filed no later than two weeks prior to the
end of any regular length semester (one week for the summer semester and 8-week
courses) or the proportionate time thereof for other length courses. For specific dates,
contact the Admissions and Registration Office at 618-545-3040.
Please keep in mind that dropping or withdrawing from a class can affect your financial
aid for the active and future semesters. Please contact the Financial Aid office at 618545-3080 to find out how dropping a class may impact you.
INCOMPLETE GRADE
The grade of Incomplete or “I” is given at the instructor’s discretion. It is normally given
when a student has been actively engaged in the class, but missed work or a test due to
illness or excused absences. A maximum of one semester or less, at the option of the
instructor, is the time allotted to make up the incomplete work. If, after this time, the
coursework is not completed satisfactorily the “I” is recorded as an “F.” In most cases,
students should have successfully completed 75% of the course requirements to be
eligible for an “I.” This process is initiated by the student and at the instructor’s
discretion. Students should not except to be issued an “I” without facilitating the
appropriate paperwork with the faculty member.
CLASS CANCELLATIONS
Class cancellations due to inclement weather will be posted on the College Website:
www.kaskaskia.edu, KC’s Facebook page, and CampusNet; announced on local area
televisions stations and radio stations, recorded on the KC main campus voicemail
greeting, and sent to the student’s KC email account and via text message if the student
has opted into the KCAlert system.
KC ALERTS
The intent of this service is to notify students, staff, and faculty by email or text message
on their cell phone, of campus closures for weather and/or other emergencies and class
cancellations. This is an opt-in service provided by Kaskaskia College. While there is no
direct cost for signing up for this service, you may be charged a text message fee by your
cell phone provider. Please check your cell phone plan to understand the costs you may
incur using this service. All users who sign up for this service will receive announcements
regarding campus closures for weather and other emergencies, test messages to
validate the service is working and notification when your account is about to expire. All
accounts will expire after August 1st. To opt into this service follow the link
http://www.kaskaskia.edu/Admissions/KCALERT.aspx.
ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
Acts of Academic Dishonesty include: plagiarism, preparing work for another that is to
be used as that person’s own work, cheating by any method or means, knowingly and
willfully falsifying or manufacturing scientific or educational data and representing the
same to be the result of scientific or scholarly research, knowingly furnishing false
information to a college official relative to academic matters, and solicitation, aiding,
abetting, concealing or attempting conduct in violation of this code. Sanctions for
academic dishonesty are at the discretion of the instructor and subject to appeal as
provided in the Student Code of Conduct. A complete explanation of this policy and
procedures as well as information about student’s rights and responsibilities are located
in the Policy and Procedures and Student Conduct sections of the current Student
Handbook.
COPYRIGHT
The College requires that students know and follow the rules and laws associated with
copyright. You are individually and solely responsible for violations of copyright and fair
use laws. Violations of copyright laws could subject you to federal and state civil
penalties and criminal liability as well as disciplinary action under college policies. To
help you familiarize yourself with copyright and fair use policies, the college encourages
you to visit the linked web pages for more information on copyright:
http://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ01.pdf and
http://www.copyright.com/content/cc3/en/toolbar/education/resources/copyright_bas
ics1.html
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS FOR DEGREE/CERTIFICATE STUDENT
Each student will be certified for graduation in degree and/or certificate programs
according to the requirements specified in the Kaskaskia College catalog at the time of
the student’s initial enrollment if graduation requirements are met within a five-year
period. Refer to the college catalog for specific requirements for graduation. It is
recommended that students file the application for graduation prior to their last term of
enrollment.
Graduation application deadlines are as follows:
SPRING April 1
SUMMER July 1
FALL December 1
DISABILITY SERVICES
Kaskaskia College provides support services and accommodations for students with
documented disabilities. A disability can include physical, mental, psychological or
learning limitations. The College is committed to compliance with the Americans with
Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. For further information,
please contact the Disability Services Coordinator at 618- 545- 3184.
STUDENT SUCCESS CENTER/COMMUNITY RESOURCES
The Student Success Center offers services to enhance student success. Professional and
peer tutors are available for some courses by appointment; however, walk-ins are
welcome. The Student Success Center also offers proctored testing (as allowed by your
instructor) for make-up exams and proctored online exams. In addition, the staff of the
Student Success Center works closely with the Disability Services Coordinator to assist
students who receive ADA accommodations. If you need assistance with personal issues
outside of campus services, a copy of the Community Resources document is available
in the Success Center.
Call 618-545-3160 to schedule a tutoring or testing appointment. Fall and Spring
Semester Hours: Monday – Thursday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm; Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES/SAFETY
The central Safety and Security desk is located at the main entrance of the HB Building.
Each classroom and main entrance contains a campus map outlining procedures that
include fire escape routes, first aid kits, AED (Automated External Defibrillator)
locations, tornado shelter areas, and evacuation meeting areas. In the event of an
emergency a detailed announcement will be made over the campus-wide PA system.
Other methods of disseminating information include the College website, KCTV, and KC
Alerts.
COLLEGE ACTIVITIES/RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCES
Students faced with planned absences that include: college sponsored athletic events,
college sponsored club events, or schedule conflicts with religious observances should
make prior arrangements with the instructor a minimum of seven school days in
advance of the absence.
STUDENT EMAIL
Kaskaskia College assigns an email account to all students consisting of an official college
email address with a domain name of @students.kaskaskia.edu. All official
communications will be emailed to these addresses. Email services are included in the
Use of Computing and Network Facilities Policy; therefore students are advised that
electronic data (and communications using the college network for transmission or
storage) are the property of the college and may be reviewed and/or accessed by
authorized college officials for purposes related to college business. Kaskaskia College
has the right to expect all students to check their official email account on a frequent
basis and read their emails in a timely fashion in order to remain informed of official
college communications which may contain time sensitive information or affect day-today activities. Student email accounts are web accessible. Students who are not in
possession of a home computer, or do not have access to a computer at work, can use
computers available in the computer labs at the main campus and all education centers.
DRMA 111 – THEATRE APPRECIATION
SYLLABUS AGREEMENT
IMPORTANT:
After you read and understand the above guidelines, read the following statement. Print THIS
PAGE ONLY and bring in the printed copy our next class meeting.
I have read, understood, and agree to abide by the above mentioned guidelines for DRMA 111 –
THEATRE APPRECIATION with Professor Quinn. I understand the academic integrity policy
and the consequences for violating the policy. I also understand that it is my responsibility to
withdraw or drop this course if I choose not to complete it. Failure to do so will result in my
being charged for the course.
Student: ________________________________________ Date: ________________________