COMMUNITY COLLEGE OF RHODE ISLAND – Theatre Department
SPCH 1180-201 – Oral Interpretation
Thursday 4:00 p.m. – 6:25 p.m. at Knight Campus, Warwick - Room ???
FALL 2005
Linda Murphy Sutherland
Guest Teaching Artist/Director
Tel. - 401-467-7121 E-mail: murphlin@msn.com
Learning Outcomes:
Interpretation is an artistic process of studying literature through performance and sharing
that study with an audience. This course is designed to provide students with an opportunity to
sample the major genres of literature for oral presentation, to expand self-knowledge, to develop
poise, self-confidence, improve diction; and to sharpen critical thinking skills.
Students will: expand their knowledge of the art of oral interpretation
identify the major genres of literature
examine the selection, analysis, and preparation of literature for oral
presentation
practice critical analysis of literature for the purpose of effective oral
communication: meaning, theme, style, mood, point of view,
tonality
practice vocal techniques of interpretation: projection, articulation,
expressiveness, variety, emphasis, pacing
practice physical techniques of interpretation: posture, eye contact
movement, gesture, body and facial expression
develop effective listening, critical analysis and response to class peers
investigate the artistic possibilities of creating oral performance pieces
perform a variety of oral performance pieces : prose, narrative
prose fiction, drama, lyric poetry, chamber theatre, reader’s theatre
and personal narrative
Student Obligations:
Each class is intended to be “minds-on”, participatory and very interactive.
Bring your best energy to EVERY class.
Keep EXCELLENT notes on all class presentations and assigned work.
Attendance and punctuality is mandatory. Absences/tardiness will negatively reflect on your grade.
20% of your grade will depend on your ability to actively participate and collaborate in class.
Work Load/Grades: Descriptive Prose Interpretation (5 minute presentation) - 10%
Narrative Prose Fiction Interpretation (5 minute presentation) - 10%
Drama Interpretation – (5 minute presentation) - 10%
Lyric Poetry Interpretation - (5 minute presentation) – 10%
Written Exam - 10%
Collaborative Group Reader’s Theatre Presentation - 15%
Individually Created Performance Project - 15%
Attendance, Class Participation/Discussion - 20%
Required Textbooks: Yordon, Judy, Roles in Interpretation, 3rd ed. (required)
Reading Assignments & Oral Projects
Week 1- 9/8
Introduction & Class Overview w/Bert Silverberg
DUE Next Week - Read Chapter 1 and bring your Favorite
Fairytale to share with class (5 minutes)
Week 2 - 9/15
Chapter 1 – Your Role in Interpretation
Due - Present Favorite Fairytale (5 minutes)
Week 3- 9/22
Chapter 4 – Your Role in Rehearsal & Performance
Week 4 - 9/29
Chapter 6 – Your Role with Prose Fiction
Due – Present Descriptive Prose piece (5 minutes)
Week 5 - 10/6
Chapter 2 – Your Role with Literature: Appreciation
Week 6 - 10/13
Chapter 3 – Your Role with Literature – Analysis
Due – Present Narrative Prose Fiction piece (5 minutes)
Week 7 – 10/20
CLASS ATTENDS STUDENT DIRECTED ONE-ACTS
****Extra class credit given for two page review
Week 8 - 10/27
Chapter 5 – Your Role as Audience and Evaluator
Due - One Page Review of One-Acts
Week 9 – 11/3
Chapter 7 – Your Role with Drama
Due – Present Drama piece (5 minutes)
Week 10 -11/10
Chapter 8 – Your Role with Poetry
Due – Present Lyric Poetry piece (5 minutes)
Week 11 - 11/17
Written Exam & Chapter 9 – Assorted Roles
Week 12 -12/1
Chapter 10 - Your Role as Group Performer
Class Time to work on Final Group Reader’s Theatre Piece
Week 13 - 12/8
Present Final Group Reader’s Theatre Piece
Week 14 - 12/15
Final Individual Project – Create Program Performance Piece