THEA 1100
Columbus State Community College
Communication Department
SEMESTERS
COURSE AND NUMBER:
Theatre 1100 - Introduction to Theatre
CREDITS: 3
CLASS HOURS PER WEEK: 3
PREREQUISITES:
English 1100 (College Composition I)
INSTRUCTOR:
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LAB HOURS: 0
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COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course is designed to help students bring critical thinking skills into
their experience as theatregoers. Students will survey the history of Western
theatre, focusing on the art as reflection of society’s changing social and cultural values.
Students will be introduced to the theatre arts -- acting, directing, and design. Plays
representing several genres and historical periods will be read and discussed. Writing
assignments include critical reviews of plays attended.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Students will:
LO-1 Acquire knowledge of the essential elements of theatre.
LO-2 Recognize Western and non-Western theatre as a reflection of society’s changing
social and cultural values.
LO-3 Distinguish among the four major dramatic genres.
LO-4 Acquire knowledge of dramatic play structure and the playwright’s task.
LO-5 Recognize and evaluate the individual contributions of the actors, director,
designers, and producer.
LO-6 Acquire knowledge of how technology affects theatre design today.
LO-7 Acquire knowledge of various methods of actor training.
LO-8 Establish a criteria for judging the quality of a live theatre production.
LO-9 Develop an appreciation of live theatre performances.
GENERAL EDUCATION OUTCOMES
Columbus State Community College has defined the general learning outcomes that all students
are expected to acquire before they graduate. THEA 1100 (Introduction to Theater) addresses the
General Education Outcomes as described below:
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THEA 1100
CRITICAL THINKING
• write theatre reviews that reflect an understanding of the elements of drama
• relate course concepts to theatre production
• apply literary and technical theatre concepts to interpret a written script
• assess the impact of modern technology on theatre today
• discuss the relationship between theatre and society during various times in theatre history
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
• read and discuss the textbook and assigned plays
• attend and discuss live theatre productions
• watch and discuss video-taped plays and excerpts
• write theatre reviews
• complete essay sections of midterm and final exams
• read aloud from plays in class
COMMUNITY AND CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY
• identify challenges, both administrative and financial, associated with theatre production today
• attend a variety of theatre in Central Ohio
• participate in group work and class discussions
• participate in group theatre project
SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL EFFECTIVENESS
• demonstrate awareness through written reviews the use of various lighting instruments, sound
reproduction and reinforcement, and staging devices used in a theatre production
• demonstrate an understanding of the highly technical nature of theater production
• view videos showing state-of-the-art technologies used in Broadway play production today
TEXTBOOKS, MANUALS AND REFERENCES:
Wilson, Edwin, and Alvin Goldfarb. Anthology of Living Theater.
3rd ed. New York: McGraw, 2006.
Wilson, Edwin, and Alvin Goldfarb. Theater: The Lively Art.
7th ed. New York: McGraw, 2006.
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS:
Lectures, reading assignments, class and group discussion, exploratory writing, reading aloud
from plays, theatre research project, attendance at theatre productions, videos, guest lecturers.
STATEMENT FOR ACADEMIC ASSESSMENT:
Columbus State Community College is committed to assessment (measurement) of student
achievement of academic outcomes. This process addresses the issues of what you need to learn
in your program of study and if you are learning what you need to learn. The assessment
program at Columbus State has four specific and interrelated purposes:
1. to improve student academic achievement:
2. to improve teaching strategies;
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THEA 1100
3. to document successes and identify opportunities for program
improvement;
4. to provide evidence for institutional effectiveness.
In class you are assessed and graded on your achievement of the outcomes for this course. You
may also be required to participate in broader assessment activities.
STANDARDS AND METHODS FOR EVALUATION:
60% Examinations
10% Theatre Review #1 (2-3 pp typed)
10% Theatre Review #2 (2-3 pp typed)
10% Class Preparation and Participation
10% Theatre Research Project
GRADING SCALE:
The student’s performance on each of the above requirements will be evaluated and assigned a
grade. At the end of the quarter, the five marks will be weighted as indicated above and then
averaged. A grade for the course will be assigned according to the following scale:
4.00 - 3.55 = A
3.54 - 2.55 = B
2.54 - 1.55 = C
1.54 - 1.00 = D
0.99 - 0.00 = E
90% - 100% = A
80% - 89% = B
70% - 79% = C
65% - 69% = D
Below 65% = E
UNITS OF INSTRUCTION:
See “Proposed Semester Calendar” Appended to Syllabus
I.
II.
III
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.
IX.
X.
XI.
Essential Elements of Theatre I: The Audience and Critics
Greek and Roman Theatre
Essential Elements of Theatre II: The Designers
Medieval Theatre
Renaissance Theatre
Essential Elements of Theatre III: The Actor, Director, and Producer
Restoration through Romanticism
Modern Theatre
Contemporary Trends
Non-Western Theatre
Theatre Research Project
SPECIAL COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
Refer to instructor’s addendum
CLASS PARTICIPATION AND ATTENDANCE:
Class attendance, oral reports, prompt and satisfactory completion of assignments, participation
in class activities and discussions, and a positive contribution to the classroom atmosphere are
considered in the instructor’s evaluation of your class participation.
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If you are tardy, you can expect a reduction of participation points for that day, at your
instructor's discretion. Because if you are not present for a class, you are not contributing to the
class through participation. There is no distinction between excused and unexcused absences for
purposes of evaluating class participation.
Class participation activities include group work and discussions, and homework assignments.
The instructor determines the worth of your contribution to the class, so keep up with the
assignments and participate. Participation points cannot be made up regardless of the reason for
missing a class or coming unprepared. We value your input.
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT:
As an enrolled student at Columbus State Community College, you have agreed to abide by the
Student Code of Conduct as outlined in the Student Handbook. You should familiarize yourself
with the student code. The faculty at Columbus State expect you to exhibit high standards of
academic integrity. Any confirmed incidence of Academic Misconduct, including plagiarism
and other forms of cheating, will be treated seriously and in accordance with College Policy and
Procedures.
ADA POLICY:
It is Columbus State policy to provide reasonable accommodations to students with documented
disabilities. If you would like to request such accommodations because of a physical, mental or
learning disability, please contact the Department of Disability Services, 101 Eibling Hall, 2872570 (V/TTY).
WEATHER CONTINGENCIES:
New policies have been prepared to define what constitutes a legitimate excuse because of bad
weather. These policies are explained in the quarterly tabloid and on the college Web page
(www.cscc.edu). In the event of severe weather or other emergencies which could force the
college to close or to cancel classes, such information will be broadcast on radio stations and
television stations. Students who reside in areas which fall under a level III emergency should
not attempt to drive to the college even if the college remains open.
Assignments due on a day the college is closed will be due the next scheduled class period. If an
examination is scheduled for a day the campus is closed, the examination will be given on the
next scheduled class. It is the student’s responsibility to keep up with reading and other
assignments when a scheduled class does not meet, whatever the reason.
FINANCIAL AID ATTENDANCE REPORTING:
Columbus State is required by federal law to verify the enrollment of students who participate in
Federal Title IV student aid programs and/or who receive educational benefits through the
Department of Veteran’s Affairs. It is the responsibility of the College to identify students who
do not commence attendance or who stop attendance in any course for which they are registered
and paid. Non-attendance is reported quarterly by each instructor and results in a student being
administratively withdrawn from the class section. Please contact the Financial Aid Office (2872648) for information regarding the impact of course withdrawals on financial aid eligibility.
PLAGIARISM:
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Students who have plagiarized will be reported to the Dean and penalized. Because the penalty
is severe, a zero will be given for the assignment, and possibly failure for the entire course. All
students should 1) document all borrowed work, 2) present as their own only their original
material, 3) avoid the slightest hint that they have used borrowed material without giving credit.
LATE OR MISSED ASSIGNMENTS:
Refer to instructor’s addendum
ACADEMIC EXPECTATIONS:
It is Columbus State policy that students at schools receiving funds from the State of Ohio should
be expected to do 30 hours of work for each credit earned. That means students should expect to
spend about two hours on work outside of class for each hour spent in class (Policy Number 550).
GENERAL CLASSROOM CONDUCT:
No eating, drinking, or smoking or cell phone use permitted in the classroom. All students are
expected to contribute to an environment that enhances learning. Students assume responsibility
for remembering to turn off pagers and/or cell phones before entering the classroom.
COURSE WITHDRAWAL:
If you decide to drop the course, please note that neglecting to officially withdraw will result in
a failing grade on your transcript. Scheduling Adjustment forms are available from the
Counseling/Advising Office.
VISITORS OR CHILDREN IN THE CLASSROOM:
Visitors may attend this class only with the permission of the instructor. For liability reasons,
children are not permitted in the classroom AT ANY TIME. Please arrange appropriate childcare.
PROPOSED THEA 1100 SEMESTER CALENDAR
WEEK 1
Unit of Instruction:
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THEA 1100
Essential Elements of Theatre I: Audience and Critics: Course introduction, syllabus, calendar of
assignments, theatre review assignment, policies, expectations. Elements of theatre. Audience and
critics. How to read a play. The playwright. Lecture.
Student Learning Outcomes:
LO-1, LO-4, LO-9
Assigned Reading:
Readings from the textbooks about the playwright and how to read a play. Analysis of a play based on
dramatic structure and the playwright’s task. Suggested short play for analysis: Trifles (Glaspell) or play
selection from the Anthology
Assessment Methods:
Reading quiz. Informal class discussion evaluation. Midterm/Final.
WEEK 2
Unit of Instruction:
Greek Theatre and the principles of Aristotelian methodology. Evolution from religious rites to theatre
festivals and formal theatre productions. Greek theatres. Lecture, video, discussion.
Student Learning Outcomes:
LO-2, LO-3, LO-4, LO-8
Assigned Reading: Read textbook on birth of Western theatre, Aristotle’s method of analyzing tragedy.
Suggested plays: Oedipus the King or Antigone (Sophocles), Medea (Euripides), or the representative
Greek tragedy in the current anthology of plays.
Assessment Methods:
Play reading quiz. Informal class discussion evaluation. Midterm/Final.
WEEK 3
Unit of Instruction:
Roman theatre production. Historical analysis, cultural perspective, Roman comedies, Horace as critic,
influence of the Greeks. Roman theatres. Lecture, video, discussion.
Student Learning Outcomes:
LO-2, LO-3, LO-4, LO-9
Assigned Reading:
Read textbook about early theatre: Roman and Medieval. Suggested plays: The Menaechmus Brothers
(Plautus). Suggested film: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.
Assessment Methods: Play reading quiz. Informal class discussion evaluation. Midterm/Final.
WEEK 4
Unit of Instruction:
Essential Elements of Theatre II: The Designers – Lighting and Sound. Lighting in theatre history,
objectives of lighting design, elements of stage lighting, the lighting designer’s resources, the lighting
designer’s collaborators; the sound designer, sound reproduction, sound reinforcement, sound
technology.
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Student Learning Outcomes:
LO-5, LO-6
Assigned Reading:
Read textbook about the lighting and sound designers. Suggested video: Setting the Stage (Starlight
Express); Chicago.
Assessment Methods:
Midterm, final examinations. Theatre review: application of principles evaluation.
WEEK 5
Unit of Instruction:
Essential Elements of Theatre II: The Designers – Scenery and Costumes. The scene designer’s
objectives, elements of scene design, the process of scene design, the scene designer’s collaborators and
the production process. The costume designer’s objectives; elements of costume design; the costume
designer’s collaborators.
Student Learning Outcomes:
LO-5, LO-6
Assigned Reading:
Read textbook about scenery and costumes. Suggested video: Setting a Scene with Julie Taymore
creating the set for The Tempest; The Lion King (costuming by Julie Taymore).
Assessment Methods:
Midterm, final examinations. Theatre review: application of principles evaluation.
WEEK 6
Unit of Instruction:
Medieval Theatre: Theatre and culture in the Middle Ages. Medieval drama – liturgical, mystery and
morality plays. Medieval theatre production, pageant wagons and theatre space.
Student Learning Outcomes:
LO-2
Assigned Reading:
Read textbook about medieval theatre. Suggested play: Abraham and Isaac (Adaptation from medieval
English)
Assessment Methods:
Midterm, final examinations.
WEEKS 7 & 8
Unit of Instruction:
Renaissance Theatre. The Renaissance Era – Italian Theatre - Commedia dell-Arte;
Drama in Elizabethan England; Spanish Drama in the Spanish Golden Age; French Drama – The
Neoclassical Era. Include deadline for attending first live theatre production and writing a theatre review
on the production elements.
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Student Learning Outcomes:
LO-2, LO-3, LO-8, LO-9
Assigned Reading:
Read textbook about Renaissance Theatre. Suggested plays: Hamlet: The Prince of Denmark (or any
play by Shakespeare); Tartuffe (or other representative play by Moliere). Suggested films: the ending of
Shakespeare in Love, depicting a Shakespeare production in the Globe Theatre. A compilation of
Hamlet’s “To be or not to be” speech by various Shakespearean actors.
Assessment Methods:
Midterm, final examinations. Reading quizzes. Theatre review evaluation using departmental rubric.
WEEK 9
Unit of Instruction:
Essential Elements of Theatre III: The Actor, Director, Producer. Historical perspective – Stanislavsky ,
demands of classical acting, challenges of acting. Evolution of the director, the auteur director, the work
of the director. The director’s collaborators. The producer or manager in commercial and
noncommercial theatres.
Student Learning Outcomes:
LO-1, LO-5, LO-7, LO-8, LO-9
Assigned Reading:
Read textbook about methods of acting, directors and producers of theatre. Suggested videos: The Fight
Director.
Assessment Methods:
Informal class discussion evaluation. Midterm/Final. Theatre review evaluation using departmental
rubric.
WEEKS 10
Unit of Instruction:
Restoration through Romanticism. English Restoration, Restoration drama: Comedies of Manners; 18thCentury Drama: New dramatic forms. Theatre Production in the eighteenth Century; Social Change and
Theatre in Nineteenth-Century Life; Nineteenth-Century Dramatic Forms; Theatre Production in the
Nineteenth Century.
Student Learning Outcomes:
LO-1, LO-2, LO-3, LO-7, LO-9
Assigned Reading:
Read textbook about the restoration through the romantic period. Suggested plays: The Way of the World
(Congreve); The Busy Body (Centlivre) . Suggest film: ‘Tis Pity She’s a Whore.
Assessment Methods:
Reading quiz. Informal class discussion evaluation. Midterm/Final.
WEEK 11 & 12
Unit of Instruction:
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Early Modern Theatre – 1875 – 1945. Birth of Realism. Realistic Playwrights. Naturalism. Producers of
Realism: Independent Theatres. Departures from Realism: Antirealist Playwrights – Ibsen, Strindberg,
and Wedekind, Symbolism, Antirealist Designers: Appia and Craig; Russian Theatricalism: Meyerhold;
Early Eclectics; Departures from Realism.
Student Learning Outcomes:
LO-1, LO-2, LO-3, LO-5, LO-7, LO-9
Assigned Reading:
Read textbook about early modern theatre. Suggested plays: A Doll’s House (Ibsen); The Cherry
Orchard (Chekov); A Dream Play (Strindberg); The Good Woman of Setzuan (Brecht). Suggested films:
Henrick Ibsen: The Master Playwright; The Federal Theatre Project, Project 891, and the Mercury
Theatre.
Assessment Methods:
Reading quiz. Informal class discussion evaluation. Midterm/Final.
WEEK 13
Unit of Instruction:
Non-Western Theatre. Japanese theatre – Noh, Bunraku, Kabuki; Chinese theatre – Peking (Beijing)
Opera; Latin American Theatre, Middle Eastern Theatre.
Student Learning Outcomes:
LO-1, LO-2, LO-3, LO-5, LO-7, LO-9
Assigned Reading:
Read textbook about non-western theatre. Suggested play: Sotoba Komachi (Kan’ami Kiyotsugu).
Suggested videos: The Tradition of Performing Arts in Japan; The Art of Kabuki.
Assessment Methods:
Reading quiz. Informal class discussion evaluation. Midterm/Final.
WEEKS 14 & 15
Unit of Instruction:
Contemporary and Post War Theatre. Theatre of the Absurd; Postwar Directors; Alternatives to
Commercial Theatre; African American Theatre; Feminist Theatre; Gay and Lesbian Theatre; Musical
Theatre; Performance Art. Researched Theatre Project Due. Second Theatre Review Due.
Student Learning Outcomes:
LO-1, LO-2, LO-3, LO-4, LO-5, LO-8, LO-9
Assigned Reading:
Read textbook about contemporary and post war theatre. Suggested plays: Krapp’s Last Tape Beckett),
Waiting for Godot (Beckett), Joe Turner’s Come and Gone (Wilson); Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Williams);
The Glass Menagerie (Williams); A Streetcar Named Desire(Williams); The Boys in the Band(Crowley),
Far Away (Churchill). Suggested Videos: Waiting for Beckett; A Streetcar Named Desire.
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THEA 1100
Assessment Methods:
Reading quiz. Informal class discussion evaluation. Midterm/Final. Theatre review evaluation using
departmental rubric. Theatre research project evaluation using departmental rubric.
WEEK 16
Final Examination.
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