DRAM1310-61697-Knight-6102
COURSE SYLLABUS
HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE – CENTRAL
DRAM1310 - INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE CRN 61697
Course Semester Credit Hours (SCH): 3 credits
Course contact hours per semester: 48
Course length: Second Start, 12 weeks
Type of Instruction: lecture
12:00 –2:00 – MONDAY & WEDNESDAY
FALL 2010
Location: FAC 115
Instructor: Kathleen Knight
Phone: (713) 718-6614
Main Office Phone: (713) 718-6600
E-mail: kathleen.knight@hccs.edu
Learning web address: Kathleen Knight
Office Hours: Tuesdays 11-12
COURSE DESCRIPTION: DRAM 1310 – INTRODUCTION TO THEATRE (3 CREDITS)
A survey of all phases of theatre including its history, dramatic works, stage techniques,
production procedures, and relation to the fine arts. Participation in major productions may
be required. As defined in the Academic Course Guide Manual (AGCM) produced by the
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, 2009 (THECB).
Basic principles of theatre, including the various styles of theatrical production and present
practices in the theatre. Required of majors. Open to non-majors. Core Curriculum Course
(As listed in the 2009-2011 HCC Catalog.)
COURSE PREREQUISITES:
Must be placed into GUST 0342 (or higher) in reading and ENGL 0310/0349 (or higher) in
writing.
REQUIRED TEXT: “THE THEATER EXPERIENCE” by Edwin Wilson (11th Edition)
STUDENT/LEARNING OUTCOMES
1. Identify and define the function of sets, lights, costumes, props and sound in
theatrical production. (Level 1)
2. Understand the role of society in the viewing and interpretation of theatrical
productions. (Level 1)
3. Comprehend the role of the theater as literature and theater as performance by reading
written plays. (Level 2)
4. Appraise the role of sets, lights, costumes, props and sound in the viewing of a live
theatrical production. (Level 6)
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COURSE STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES
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Read and/or view at least 3 plays with a scholarly focus
Identify and analyze (by reading, viewing, researching plays and then reporting on
plays) the elements of a play (plot, characters, theme, language, music, spectacle) and
note the steps in the order of a performance event (gathering, exposition, conflict,
aftermath, etc.)
Identify and discuss the different theatrical forms (traditional tragedy, dark comedy,
etc.)
Define and discriminate between various theatrical styles (naturalism, symbolism,
cartoon realism, expressionism, etc.)
List and sequence significant characteristics and major events in the history of theatre
Summarize the collaborative and problem solving nature of the performance art we
call theatre and assess how each collaborative artist (playwright, producer, director,
designer, actor, etc.) contributes special skills to the creation of theatrical art
Write (reviews/critiques), speak (in-class reports), and evaluate performance values
from an educated audience perspective
Attend all classes and attend several theatre events (review 3 plays)
Complete all reading assignments; complete all written assignments
Be an active participant during in-class discussions and activities
Complete a “mid-term” and a “final” written exam activity
Research and present two in-class Theatre Topic Reports
View and critique at least three live theatre performance events
Read and complete textbook activities and notebook assignment
Plan, develop, and present an in-class Production Concept Report
A CORE CURRICULUM COURSE: The basic intellectual competencies for core
courses include reading, writing, speaking, listening, critical thinking, and computer
literacy. A variety of academic experiences are used to develop these competencies.
Reading: Reading at the college level means having to ability to understand, analyze
and interpret a variety of printed materials: books, articles, and documents.
Writing: Writing at the college level means having the ability to produce clear,
correct, and coherent prose adapted to a specific purpose, occasion, and audience. In
addition to knowing how to use correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation, students
should also become adept with the writing process, including how to determine a
topic, how to organize and develop it, and how to phrase it effectively for their
audience. These abilities are acquired through practice and reflection.
Speaking: Effective speaking is the ability to communicate orally in clear, coherent,
and persuasive language appropriate to purpose, occasion, and audience.
Listening: Listening at the college level means having the ability to understand,
analyze, and interpret various forms of spoken communication.
Critical Thinking: Critical thinking embraces methods for applying both qualitative
and quantitative skills analytically and creatively to subject matter in order to evaluate
arguments and to construct alternative strategies. Problem solving is one of the
applications of critical thinking used to address an identified task.
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Computer Literacy: Computer literacy at the college level means having the ability
to use computer-based technology in communicating, solving problems, and
acquiring information. Core-educated students should have an understanding of the
limits, problems, and possibilities associated with the use of technology and should
have the tools necessary to evaluate and learn new technologies as they become
available.
HCC Calendar:
Classes begin………………………………………September 25
Holidays and breaks……………………………… November 25-28, Thanksgiving
December 20-31 Holiday break
Last day to add/swap classes……………………. September 28
Official date of record……………………………. October 5
Last day to drop classes with a grade of W………November 23-4:30
Instruction ends……………………………………December 19
Final Examination ……………………………….December 13
GRADING
1. Two tardies count as one absence! Leaving class will count as a tardy or an absence.
If you are tardy, at the end of that day’s class it is your job to make certain I have
your attendance recorded. If you do not, it will be counted as an absence. (Excused
absences are allowed with written documentation based on each individual case.)25%
2. Participation - Participation does not have to mean your inclusion in discussion every
day. However, it does mean that you will participate by paying attention in class and
being respectful when others are talking or performing. Reading other work, doing
homework for other classes, texting, or sleeping in class will be reflected in your
participation grade. For example, doing homework for another class during this class
will cost 50 points for the day in participation. Small quizzes will be given to
ensure attendance and completion of assignments (The tests will be based on
assignments and lectures which will be reflected in the assignments grade). 25%
3. Assignments – Satisfactory completion of assignments including written reports - The
number of grades on assignments will vary depending on the rate of the class
progress. The average of those grades will constitute the grade for assignments. 25%
4. Final Exam
25%
Grading Scale
A = 90 – 100
B = 80 – 89
C = 70 – 79
D = 60 – 69
F = 0 - 59
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WITHDRAWAL POLICY
Be sure you understand HCC policies about dropping a course. It is the student’s
responsibility to withdraw officially from a course and prevent an “F” from appearing on the
transcript. If you feel that you cannot complete this course, you will need to withdraw from
the course prior to the final date of withdrawal. (Nov. 18) Before you withdraw from your
course; please take the time to meet with the instructor to discuss why you feel it is necessary
to do so. The instructor may be able to provide you with suggestions that would enable you
to complete the course. Your success is very important. If you plan on withdrawing from
your class, you MUST contact an HCC counselor or your professor prior to withdrawing
(dropping) the class for approval, and this must be done PRIOR to the withdrawal deadline to
receive a “W” on your transcript. **Final withdrawal deadlines vary each semester and/or
depending on class length, please visit the online registration calendars, HCC schedule of
classes and catalog, any HCC Registration Office, or any HCC counselor to determine class
withdrawal deadlines. Remember to allow a 24-hour response time when communicating
via email and/or telephone with a professor and/or counselor. Do not submit a request to
discuss withdrawal options less than a day before the deadline. If you do not withdraw
before the deadline, you will receive the grade that you are making in the class as your final
grade.
EARLY ALERT PROGRAM:
To help students avoid having to drop/withdraw from any class, HCC has instituted an Early
alert process by which your professor may “alert you and HCC counselors that you might fail
a class because of excessive absences and/or poor academic performance. It is your
responsibility to visit with your professor or a counselor to learn about what, if any, HCC
interventions might be available to assist you – online tutoring, child care, financial aid, job
placement, etc. – to stay in class and improve your academic performance.
REPEAT COURSE FEE:
The State of Texas encourages students to complete college without having to repeat failed
classes. To increase student success, students who repeat the same course more than twice,
are required to pay extra tuition. The purpose of this extra tuition fee is to encourage students
to pass their courses and to graduate. Effective fall 2006, HCC will charge a higher tuition
rate to students registering the third or subsequent time for a course. If you are considering
course withdrawal because you are not earning passing grades, confer with your
instructor/counselor as early as possible about your study habits, reading and writing
homework, test taking skills, attendance, course participation, and opportunities for tutoring
or other assistance that might be available.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
If the class is canceled, you will either be contracted by the Fine Arts Department or an
announcement on local radio or a notice will be posted on the classroom door.
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LIBRARY ASSIGNMENTS
Drama 1310 requires that the student research materials necessary for preparing and
delivering presentations; therefore, the student is required to perform library research for
specific assignments. The student should be prepared to spend several hours (per assignment)
out of class doing library research and internet search work on each in-class presentation or
production.
SUPPORT SERVICES (ACCOMMODATIONS)
Students who require reasonable accommodations for disabilities are encouraged to report to
Room 206 LH, or call 713-718-6330 to make necessary arrangements. Faculty are only
authorized to provide accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office.
SCHOLASTIC DISHONESTY
HCCS defines: “scholastic dishonesty” as: cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion.
Penalties for academic dishonesty at HCCS include, but are not limited to, a “0” on that test
or assignment, a “W” in the course, or an “F” in that course.
MEDICAL INSURANCE
The Fine Arts Department at Central College strongly recommends that all HCCS students
carry some form of medical insurance to cover illness and injury, both on and off campus.
Information regarding low cost health insurance for students is available in the Fine Arts
office. Under Texas state statute, HCCS is immune to liability in the event of accident or
injury.
ACADEMIC ADVISEMENT
Academic advisement (faculty counseling) concerning specific Fine Arts programs and
degree plans for Drama/Theatre, Dance, Art, Music, and Speech is available to Central
College students. Interested students may schedule an appointment, by sign up registration
in the Fine Arts office (FAC 101), to confer with a full time instructor in your area of
interest.
All students are encouraged to sign up for the Fine Arts Newsletter: www.centralfinearts.info
PROJECTED SCHEDULE:
WEEK 1:
Introduction, Outcomes, Objectives, textbook, theatrical personnel, and plays
Discussion of group projects (make-up, set design, lighting design, costume
design, and acting)
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Critique and Report explanation
Reading assignment: Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4,5
Global Theatre, Audiences, Critics, Spaces
Watch video of Oedipus Rex
WEEK 2:
Discussion of Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Read Oedipus Rex (Oedipus King) for Thurs. (Bartleby.com – discussed in
class)
Discussion of Oedipus Rex
Reports due on Oedipus Rex on Wednesday
Sign-up for Group Projects on Wednesday
Reading assignment: Chapters 6, 7, 8 for next Tuesday March 2nd
WEEK 3:
Discussion of Chapters 6, 7, 8 Monday
Reading Assignment: Chapters 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 for Monday
Read Tartuffe for Thurs. (Bartleby.com – discussed in
class)
Watch video of Tartuffe Wednesday
WEEK 4:
Discussion of Chapters 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 for Monday
Discussion of Tartuffe Wednesday
Reports due on Tartuffe Wednesday
Report on Live Performance #1 due Wednesday
WEEK 5:
Review for midterm exam Monday
Watch video of A Midsummer Night’s Dream Wednesday
Possible additional review for midterm
WEEK 6:
MIDTERM EXAM November 1
Reading Assignment: Chapters 14, 15, 16 for Tuesday
Return graded Midterm Exams
WEEK 7:
Discussion of Chapters 14, 15, 16
Discussion of A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Reports due on A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Reading Assignment: Chapters 17, 18, 19
WEEK 8:
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Discussion of Chapters 14, 15, 16
Group Projects begin
WEEK 9:
Group Projects continue
WEEK 10:
Group Projects continue
WEEK 11:
Group Projects continue if necessary
Report on Live Performance #3 due
Review of Final
WEEK 12:
FINAL EXAM December 13
Have a great semester!
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