THEA 1400 -- Script Analysis
Syllabus Fall 2008
Instructor: Jeffrey Peltz peltz@ucmo.edu
Meeting: 10:00-10:50 MWF
Text: The Bedford Introduction to Drama Editor: Lee A. Jacobus
Course Purpose: The purpose of script analysis is to examine various methods of analyzing play
scripts for performance. Specific emphasis will be placed on the working environment of the
actor, director and designer in examining how a script is produced for a public performance. The
course is designed to help the student develop tools for use in their profession, not to survey the
history of dramatic literature.
This course is an elective in the B.S.E. Speech Communication and Theatre Program. Therefore
it is designed to meet the Missouri Standards for Teacher Education Program (MoSTEP) Quality
indicators 1.2.1.1, 1.2.5.2, and 1.2.7.1.
Conceptual Framework:
Belief Statement
The Central educator is a competent, caring, reflective practitioner committed to the premise that
all can learn.
Mission
As a cornerstone of the institution for over 130 years, the University of Central Missouri's
Teacher Education Program shapes teachers and other school professionals who are well
grounded in theory, display competence in content knowledge and instructional strategies, and
possess the dispositions to ensure success for all learners. The Teacher Education Program
prepares individuals as professional educators for an ever-changing, culturally diverse
population. Faculty and candidates provide support and service to schools in meeting their
present and future challenges by developing communities that learn through research and
scholarly activities. Educator preparation is a campus-wide responsibility, a commitment that
reflects the honor and worth of serving a vital profession.
Vision
Through a dedication to teaching, scholarship, collaboration, and outreach, the University of
Central Missouri's Professional Education Faculty prepare school professionals who have high
expectations for P-12 student learning, are informed decision makers, and value diversity. The
UCM Teacher Education Program provides each graduate with a foundation for a life of
continued learning and professional engagement.
Course Objectives:
1. To examine the various theories of tragedy and comedy and endeavor to apply them to
major examples of dramatic literature drawn from various periods. (1.2.1.1)
2. To examine script analysis for the purpose of production. We will examine plays to
understand not only “what” they “mean” but also “how” they “mean”. (1.2.1.1)
3. To explore problems in producing plays as well as possible production and performance
styles. (1.2.1.1)
4. To discover and develop an effective methodology useful in script analysis. (1.2.1.1)
5. To examine the working environment of the actor, director, and designer in analyzing
scripts. (1.2.1.1)
Intended Student Outcomes:
This course meets the following Theatre Department Student Outcomes:
#1
The student should be able to communicate and collaborate effectively in the interactive
and creative process of theatre. (1.2.1.1, 1.2.7.1)
-Identify the common elements and vocabulary of theatre and of the interaction of these
elements.
-Think, speak, and write clearly in order to communicate one’s views effectively and
rationally with members of the production team.
#2
In preparation for careers within a global society, students should demonstrate a working
knowledge of the historical, cultural and stylistic dimensions of drama and
theatre.(1.2.1.1)
-Identify and describe the major theatrical developments in various theatrical periods.
-Recognize the structure, style, substance, language and historical importance of plays
that are representative of the development of theatre and drama in world cultures.
-Utilize the skills and techniques needed to conduct research into the culture, history, and
style of a particular period or genre for the purpose of production.
#3
Students should be able to utilize critical thinking skills in order to analyze and interpret a
script for the purpose of developing a concept and systematic plan for the production of
a play.(1.2.1.1)
-Analyze scripts to develop visual and aural perceptions related to theatre performances.
-State a theme and explain how that theme ties together the major events and actions of
the play.
-Analyze each character and the character’s relationship to all of the other characters and
to the plot and theme.
-Analyze the language characteristics of the script as they relate to character, rhythm, and
style.
-Analyze the structure, action, motivational units, and beats within the script.
#4
Students should be able to form, communicate, and defend value judgments about
quality and aesthetics in works of theatre.(1.2.1.1, 1.2.7.1)
-Apply performance or production analysis to assess theatrical works of art.
-Evaluate current critical thinking about theatre and other arts.
-Communicate clearly in written or oral form; a response to an observed theatrical
production.
-Apply developing aesthetic values by attending academic and professional theatre and
arts events.
Course Methodology:
The course will have a lecture/discussion format with heavy emphasis upon discussion. You will
be called upon during almost every class to contribute, so be absolutely certain you keep up with
the reading.
Attendance:
Attendance is required. Each absence over three will result in a 5 point grade reduction. Failure
to hand in an assignment on the assigned day will result in a zero on that assignment.
You will be required to attend one Studio production and two Mainstage productions (Joseph
and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Some Assembly Required.
Course Requirements:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
The student will be responsible for reading 9 play scripts throughout the semester. It is
essential that the student is well prepared in their reading and ready to discuss the plays
on the assigned days. You should bring your scripts to class for each session.
The student will be responsible for writing a micro theme for each play discussed. A
micro theme should be two pages long, typed, and double spaced. These papers will
serve to discuss the tools of analysis we are focusing on.
The student will be required to attend one Studio Theatre production, Joseph and the
Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Some Assembly Required. The student will
participate in classroom oral discussions on assigned topics.
Examinations: There will be a mid-term examination and a final examination. The
student will be tested on their ability to apply theories to plays, to identify dramatic
concepts and to recognize characters and details from the plays they have read.
Daily Assignments:
There will be periodic daily assignments throughout the semester.
Evaluation:
Playwright assignment:
10pts.
Micro Themes (9@20pts. ea.)180pts.
Class Discussion
75pts.
Mid-Term Exam
Final Exam
TOTAL POINTS
415-373=A
289-249=D
372-332=B
331-290=C
50pts.
100pts.
415pts.
248-0=F
CALENDAR
Wed. Aug. 25
Fri. Aug. 27
Introduction and challenges to the course
Locating Scripts (Tour of the James Kirkpatrick Library)
Mon. Aug. 30
Wed. Sept. 1
Fri. Sept. 3
Mon. Sept. 6
Wed. Sept. 8
Fri. Sept. 10
Mon. Sept. 13
Wed. Sept. 15
Fri. Sept. 17
Mon. Sept. 20
Wed. Sept. 22
Fri. Sept. 24
Mon. Sept. 27
Wed. Sept. 29
Fri. Oct. 1
Mon. Oct. 4
Wed. Oct. 6
Fri. Oct. 8
Mon. Oct. 11
Wed. Oct. 13
Fri. Oct. 15
Mon. Oct. 18
Wed. Oct. 20
Fri. Oct. 22
Mon. Oct. 25
Wed. Oct. 27
Fri. Oct. 29
Mon. Nov. 1
Wed. Nov. 3
Fri. Nov. 5
Mon. Nov. 8
Wed. Nov. 10
Fri. Nov. 12
Mon. Nov. 15
Wed. Nov. 17
Fri. Nov. 19
Mon. Nov. 22
Wed. Nov. 24
Fri. Nov. 26
Mon. Nov. 29
Wed. Dec. 1
Fri. Dec. 3
Mon. Dec. 6
Wed. Dec. 8
Fri. Dec. 10
Beginnings of Analysis (Assignment Due)
A Raisin in the Sun
A Raisin in the Sun
NO CLASS -- LABOR DAY
A Raisin in the Sun
Micro Theme #1 Due
Death of a Salesman
Death of a Salesman
Death of a Salesman
Micro Theme #2 Due/Discussion of Studio Theatre
Aristotle’s Poetics
NO CLASS -- STAM CONVENTION
Medea
Medea
Medea
Micro Theme #3 Due
Shakespeare
Shakespeare and Hamlet
Discussion of Joseph. . .Dreamcoat. Continue with Hamlet
Hamlet
DISTRICT TEACHER’S MEETING--NO CLASS
Hamlet/Review for Midterm Examination
MID-TERM EXAMINATION
Comedy and The Way of the World--Micro Theme #4 Due
The Way of the World
The Way of the World
The Way of the World
Micro Theme #5 Due
Realism and Hedda Gabler
Hedda Gabler
Hedda Gabler/Discuss Children’s Show
Hedda Gabler
Micro Theme #6 Due
Bertolt Brecht and Mother Courage
Mother Courage
Mother Courage
MASTER HAROLD. . .and the boys Micro Theme #7 Due
NO CLASS -- Thanksgiving Vacation
NO CLASS -- Thanksgiving Vacation
MASTER HAROLD. . .and the boys
MASTER HAROLD. . .and the boys Micro Theme #8 Due
Oleanna
Oleanna
Oleanna
Final Exam Review/Micro Theme #9 Due/Discussion Some Assembly. . .
Wed. Dec. 15
FINAL EXAM: 8:00-10:00am.