GREAT BASIN COLLEGE
Spring - 2014
Course:
Introduction to Theatre
Course #:
THTR 100 101
Call#:
Battle Mtn-1005 (30526), Elko-1006 (28333), Ely-1003 (30324), Pahrump-1002
(28309), Tonopah -1002 (30659) Winnemucca-1004 (28324)
Instructor:
Mary E. Wilson
Days:
Tues/Thurs
Phone:
775-727-7556
Time:
4:00 PM – 5:15 PM
Email:
mary.wilson@gbcnv.edu
Credit Hours: 3
Catalogue Description:
A survey of the basic principles, facts, and theories providing an understanding of the art of
theatre. Course also includes a special focus on the practical technical aspects of the theatre
and on live theatre experiences.
Course Objective and Goals:
To introduce students to the Art of Theatre. Through discussions, criticisms, research and
viewing plays, the student will have the opportunity to communicate clearly and effectively in
written and oral English, to value and support individual expression and to recognize
psychological and cultural differences in the classroom and the community. At the conclusion of
the course, students will be able to define and distinguish differences and similarities between
the major elements of theatre, to trace the evolution of theatre through multiple historical epochs
and to utilize practical knowledge of the physical theatre as it pertains to other non-theatrical
performances and presentations.
Required Text:
Cohen, Robert 2010. Theater: Brief Version (Tenth Edition) McGraw-Hill,
ISBN: 978-0-07-749426-1
Sophocles 2009. Oedipus Rex D'Arts Publishing, ISBN: 978-0-981673-0-1
Shakespeare, William 1998. Twelfth Night: or What You Will Signet Classics,
ISBN: 978-0451526762
Course Requirements:
Attendance and participation are crucial to the success of this course. Each student’s active
participation and preparation are required at each class session. This means completion of
reading and out-of-class assignments in a timely fashion.
1.
Attendance: Being on time and being present in class is very important! This class:
1) is lecture based on the texts
2) involves extensive discussion
3) views examples of theatre in class.
THIS MEANS YOU MUST BE HERE IN THE CLASSROOM. In accordance with the
requirements outlined in the GBC student handbook, it is recommended that any student
who misses more than 2 classes withdraw from the course. At the first absence it is your
responsibility to speak to your instructor about your absences and any extenuating
circumstances. Your grade will be lowered by 1 full grade at the 2nd absence and you will
automatically be dropped at the 3rd absence. Although we cannot reschedule any missed DVDs
per se, if something occurs which will prevent you from attending class, please inform me via
phone or email in advance. It will be your responsibility to get the missed play / DVD and view it
on your time.
2.
Tardiness: This is a discussion/lecture/interactive class in which students will be
viewing DVDs of plays and participating in discussions. Do not be late! The fourth and fifth
tardies will be counted as absences.
3.
Completion of reading assignments: Timely absorption of text material is vital to a full
understanding and ability to contribute to the discussion portion of class. The essays, midterm
and final are likewise based primarily on this core database of information. We will process the
information of the text in class. Be prepared!
4.
Written Papers: There will be two Essays, a Midterm and a Final.
5.
Attendance/Participation (again): Must be on time and stay until the end. Must be
prepared, polite, participatory and proactive.
NOTE: All written assignments are to be emailed to the instructor by noon of the due
date. Late papers will have points deducted.
Great Basin College General Education Goals/Objectives
Students completing this course will satisfy GBC’s General Education Objectives in the following
ways:
1. Communication Skills:
Students will learn, practice and develop the skills to clearly and effectively communicate
orally and in writing. They will engage in oral discussion, reading, listening, and accessing
and organizing information and creating coherent essays. While the main focus of the
course is to understand theatre as an art form, the student will learn, practice and develop
the skills necessary to analyze and discuss various aspect of theatrical productions.
2. Critical Thinking:
Students will support the theories expressed in their work with solid, documented data. In
order to accomplish this, students will learn to integrate creativity and logic into their
assignments. They will need to present this information in bibliographies in written
assignments. When information or opinions are presented from sources other than the
student, these sources must be cited.
3. Personal and Cultural Awareness:
Students will learn to understand the roles of individuals in society and the development of
the human experience. Therefore, at some point the student will present an essay that will
recognize and respect the rights of individuals that reflect an appreciation of the variety of
diverse attitudes, values and beliefs in society, or that reflects an understanding of a cultural
or historical heritage.
4. Personal Wellness:
This class will give students the skills to organize information in such a manner that a
confident presentation will result. The confidence that students gain from discussion of their
ideas and opinions will contribute to personal well-being and overall confidence in their life
activities.
5. Technological Understanding:
Through the use of visual aids and computers, students will learn how to take advantage of
technological developments in accomplishing their goals.
Learner Outcomes
Measurement
Identify theatre as an art form
Class Discussion
Identify elements of drama and theatrical
Class Discussion; Written Assignments
performance
Investigate the roots of dramatic performance
Written Assignments; Class Discussion
and literature
Analyze a work of dramatic literature
Written Assignment; Class Discussion
Compare the elements of the Elizabethan
Class Discussion; Written Assignment on
Theatre as presented in a printed text with those TWELFTH NIGHT
presented in a filmed version of the play
Discuss the importance of audience and
Written Assignment; Class Discussion
space/venue to a dramatic performance
Critique the design concepts and the acting
Production Review; Class Discussion
technique of performers in a stage play
Research and present material concerning a
Research Paper
singular aspect of theatre
Understand the staging of OEDIPUS REX as set Class Discussion
in the traditional Greek theatre
Study and interpret the various overall changes Written Assignment; Class Discussion;
in theatre from Ancient Greece to the present
Investigate and analyze elements of the
Shakespeare debate and choose a candidate
Research; Class Discussion; Written Assignment
Method of Instruction: There will be assigned readings from the textbook and both plays,
which will be the topic of a course lecture. Lectures will cover the central points in each section,
accompanied by video clips appropriate to that chapter's content. There will also be DVD
showings of representative theatre, throughout the semester.
Grading Criteria: Grading is based on Class participation, consisting of attendance, taking part
in class discussion, as well as online discussions on Web Campus.
Participation - 20%
Breakdown:
Participation
Essay #1
Essay #2
Midterm
Final
Written Work - 80%
200
150
150
250
250
Grading Scale:
97 - 100 A+
87 - 89 B+
77 - 79 C+
67 - 69 D+
Below 60 - Failing
93 - 96 83 - 86 73 - 76 63 - 66 -
A
B
C
D
90 - 92 80 - 82 70 - 72 60 - 69 -
ABCD-
Assignments: The two Essays will cover various chapters and in-class discussions, as well as
individual research, so keep up with the reading and attendance! There is quite a bit of reading,
but it will be useful for your Essays and Discussions. Points per Essay are 150 each.
In-class Discussions are extremely important. Your 200 participation points are determined by
your level of participation in the Discussions.
The Midterm and Final are each worth 250 points and are based on text and in-class
discussions.
All papers are due by NOON via email on the assigned date. Late papers will have points
deducted.
***Services for Students with Disabilities
Great Basin College is committed to providing equal educational opportunities to qualified
students with disabilities in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations, including
the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. A
qualified student must furnish current verification of disability. The Students with Disabilities
Office, located in Berg Hall, will assist qualified students with disabilities in securing the
appropriate and reasonable accommodations, auxiliary aids, and services. For more information
or further assistance, please call 775.753.2271.
Course Outline:
***Tentative Schedule - subject to change at the discretion of the instructor
Date
Topic / Activities
01/21
Introduction to Course, Syllabus Overview
What Is the Theatre?, Ch. 1
01/23
What Is a Play?, Ch. 2
01/28
The Playwright, Ch. 3
01/30
The Actor, Ch. 4
02/04
The Director, Ch. 5
02/06
Designers and Technicians, Ch. 6
02/11
Theatre traditions: East and West, Ch. 7
Clips from various performances
Essay #1 Due
02/13
Clips from various performances
The Shakespeare Debate
02/18
Shakespeare - Twelfth Night - 1st Half
02/20
Twelfth Night - 2nd Half
02/25
The Modern Theatre, Ch. 8
02/27
Clips from various performances
03/04
The Musical Theatre, Ch. 9
Essay #2 Due
03/06
The Musical Theatre, Ch 9 (continued)
Clips from various performances
03/11
The Pirates of Penzance - 1879 (stage version 2007) (Act I)
03/13
The Pirates of Penzance - 1879 (stage version 2007) (Act II)
03/18
The Phantom of the Opera - (Film version 2004) (Part 1)
03/20
The Phantom of the Opera - (Film version 2004) (Part 2)
03/25
Spring Break
03/27
Spring Break
04/01
Theatre Today, Ch. 10
Essay #3 Due
04/03
Clips from various performances
04/08
The Critic and the Dramaturg, Ch. 11
04/10
Oklahoma – (Stage version 1999)
04/15
Oklahoma - (Stage version 1999)
04/17
Oklahoma - (Stage version 1999)
04/22
The Producers - 2006 (Part 1)
Final Due
04/24
The Producers - 2006 (Part 2)
04/39
Cirque du Soleil - Varekai - 2003 - (Stage - Part 1)
05/01
Cirque du Soleil - Varekai - 2003 - (Stage - Part 2)
05/06
Rent - (Film version - 2006) (Part 1)
05/08
Rent - (Film version - 2006) (Part 2)
05/13
Review TBA
05/15
Final TBA
Assignments:
The assigned Essays will cover various chapters and in-class discussions, so keep up with the
reading and attendance! There is quite a bit of reading, I know, but it will be useful for your
Essays and Discussions. Points per Essay are 150 each.
****
In-class Discussions are extremely important. Your 200 participation points are
determined by your level of participation in the Discussions.
The Midterm and Final are each worth 250 points.
All papers are due by 11:59 PM via WebCampus on the assigned date. Late papers will
have points deducted.
PLEASE NOTE: THE SCHEDULE AND OTHER ELEMENTS OF THE SYLLABUS ARE
SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT THE DISCRETION OF THE INSTRUCTOR.