Theatre Appreciation, THEA 151 – WEB
WKU Glasgow
Summer 2014
Instructor: Robert Brock robert.brock@wku.edu
(270) 590-4803
TEXT:
 Theatre – The Lively Art, 8th Edition. Edwin Wilson and Alvin Goldfarb. McGraw-Hill.
 (This book can be purchased or rented from Amazon with a Kindle App for certain PC’s and Mac.)
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
A study of methods of play-making from page to stage, with emphasis on the director, actor,
designer and playwright. The history of selected periods of drama is explored to develop a
critical appreciation for live performance.
REQUIREMENT OF OUTSIDE PLAY ATTENDANCE:
Students will be required to see a play during the semester and write a 1-2 page review. The review is not
to be a synopsis of the play but a personal response to the play and a discussion of production elements;
lighting, set, costumes, sound, as well as acting and directing. I advise finding the schedule of a theatre
near you and make plans early in the semester. I will post some schedules for the south central region.
Tests:
Along with the 15 chapter quizzes, there will be two (2) comprehensive exams - a mid-term
and a final - given during the term.
Discussion Board
You will be required to post 5 times on the Discussion Board. Each post is worth 5 points.
OPEN RESPONSE ESSAY
You will also write a 2-3 page open response essay during the semester. After a few weeks I will
post 2 or 3 prompts. You will need to choose one. The essay needs to be a well thought out and
carefully constructed essay. This will be due before the semester is over.
Grades:
Chapter Tests (10 pts each)
Open Response Essay
Play Review
Discussion Board
Comprehensive Exams (2)
150 points
50 points
50 points
50 points
200 points
========
500 points possible
Your grade will be calculated using the following scale:
Grade
Percent
Points
A
90-100%
450-500
B
80-89%
400-449
C
70-79%
350-399
D
60-69%
300-349
E
0-59%
0-299
C OURSE O UTLINE /D AILY S CHEDULE :
DATE
COURSE AGENDA
W. May 21
Theatregoer’s Guide Quiz Due
S.
Complete Chapters 1-8 and the Chapter Quizzes by
Sunday, June 1, 2014 at 11:59 pm CT.
MAKE PLANS EARLY TO SEE A PLAY DURING THE
SESSION
Chapter 1 Theatre as Art Form
Chapter 2 The Audience, Spectators and Participants
Chapter 3 Creating the Dramatic Script
Chapter 4 Theatrical Genres
Choose 1 of 2 Open Response Prompts for Essay
Chapter 5 Acting for the Stage
Chapter 6 The Director and Producer
Week 1
Week 1
Week 1
Week 1
Week 2
Week 2
Week 2
Week 2
Chapter 7 Theatre Spaces
Chapter 8 The Designers, Scenery and Costumes
Complete the Midterm (in Blackboard) before
Wednesday June 4, 2014 at 11:59pm CT.
Week 3
Chapter 9 The Designers: Lighting and Sound
Week 3
Week 3
Chapter 10 Early Theatres: Greek, Roman, Medieval
Chapter 11 Early Theatre: Asian
Week 3
Week 4
Chapter 12 Renaissance Theatres
Chapter 13 Theatres: Restoration through
Romanticism
Chapter 14 The Modern Theatre Emerges
Week 4
HOMEWORK
Complete so you are not dropped
from the course.
I recommend 3-4 chapters a week.
Multiple Choice Quiz
Multiple Choice Quiz
Multiple Choice Quiz
Multiple Choice Quiz
Discussion Board
Multiple Choice Quiz
Multiple Choice Quiz
Discussion Board
Multiple Choice Quiz
Multiple Choice Quiz
Multiple Choice Quiz
Discussion Board
Multiple Choice Quiz
Multiple Choice Quiz
Discussion Board
Multiple Choice Quiz
Multiple Choice Quiz
Discussion Board
Multiple Choice Quiz
Week46
F. June 13
Chapter 15 Today’s Diverse Global Theatre
Play Review due.
Complete Chapters 9-15 and the Chapter Quizzes by
Fri. June 13 at 11:59 pm CT.
Open Response Essay due.
Discussion board activity must be completed by this
date.
Complete Final Exam (in Blackboard).
Multiple Choice Quiz
Email me a scan of your ticket stub
or program.
I recommend 3-4 chapters a week
2 hour time limit. Exam will be
available from 12:01am, June 9 till
June 13 11:59pm May 9.
GOALS:
As a result of taking a Theatre Appreciation Course at WKU,
1) Students will use appropriate vocabulary for the description and critical analysis of dramatic
and theatrical works. They will also be able to identify the major elements, approaches and
terminology used in contemporary theatrical practice.
2) Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze dramatic literature on the page and/or in
performance for theme, genre, and dramatic structure, as well as to evaluate the appropriateness
and artistic validity of production choices made by theatre artists in various cultural, political,
aesthetic and social contexts.
3) Students will analyze how social, cultural and historical contexts have influenced theatrical
literature, practices and performance in various cultures and time periods.
4) Students will explore how theatre and theatre artists have challenged, supported or shaped
social values, political systems and aesthetic practices in various cultures and time periods.
5) Students will identify common themes, ideas and artistic approaches in theatre from a range of
periods and cultures, and will examine how these issues as well as newer concerns are currently
being addressed by attending and analyzing live theatrical performances.