Survey of Dramatic Literature and Criticism Valerie R. Smith, PhD THEA 240 Professor of Theatre Summer 2014 Phone 7386 PO Box 3007 June 9 to August 1 vsmith@messiah.edu Course Catalog Description This course considers the development of dramatic literature, theory, and criticism from antiquity to postmodernism. Students interact with the ideas of seminal theorists and apply them through a variety of play scripts and productions. Introduction to the Course Survey of Dramatic Literature aims to impart an aesthetic appreciation of dramatic literature as a humanizing art form. We consider dramatic literature from its conjectured origins in ancient Greece to our own contemporary Zeitgeist. Although this survey course is not designed to be comprehensive, our investigation will be cognizant of the politics of canonization, how the very selection of the plays to be read is a political process. Through close readings, live performance viewing, online discussions, and a final research paper, you will participate in an exciting exploration of dramatic literature. We will discover the various ways in which playwrights constructed their narratives and how other artists approach these texts for both performance and dramatic criticism. Our journey from page to stage will focus broadly on appreciation of the literature and more narrowly on specific approaches to play analysis that serve the actor, director, designer, technician and critic. Course Objectives • To introduce the student to the dramatic script as a primary source for theatrical production and performance; • To discover systems of analysis for a variety of dramatic genres; • To isolate and integrate the analysis of structure, genre, theme, style, character, language, dramatic event, and point of view; • To discern the aesthetic strengths and performative possibilities in the dramatic text; • To develop inventory strategies that help illuminate the technical requirements and challenges inherent in the text; • To demonstrate a foundational understanding of dramaturgical methods for interpretation and concept creation; • To contemplate and ethically incorporate the best sources for interpretive and critical analysis (hypermedia and print); • To practice cogent communication skills (verbal and written) in the analysis of dramatic literature; Materials The required textbook is J. Ellen Gainor, Stanton B. Garner Jr., and Martin Puchner, The Norton Anthology of Drama, Shorter Edition (New York: Norton, 2010). This syllabus is essentially the class contract. It describes what we plan to accomplish, how we will accomplish it, what I expect of you, and how I will evaluate your work and participation. I will not change it without telling you first. If you do not understand something, please don’t hesitate to ask. Requirements 1. Read each play carefully and critically. 2. Quizzes: These short quizzes will test your comprehension of the reading material for each play. The quizzes will test your comprehension of the reading. Quizzes must be taken on Canvas on the day assigned. 3. Discussions: We will have discussions on Canvas each week during the course. Students are expected to make at least two contributions to each discussion question. You are expected to have read the plays prior to our discussion date. 4. Exams: The mid-­‐term and final exam will allow you to read a play of your choice from the Norton textbook. Read the play and then create a Powerpoint presentation similar to the ones presented in this online course. Provide historical context on the play and playwright, describe the structure of the play, provide information on the first performance of the play, and describe a successful revival. You must use two primary and two secondary sources. At least three visual images are required. The Powerpoint should not exceed 20 slides. 5. Research Paper: Consult the “Writing About Drama Tutorial eBook” for assistance on how to approach academic writing. Select a play from among those we will read this semester. Determine what type of paper this will be by consulting the options in the eBook. Follow “On Written Work” guidelines in the syllabus and submit the paper to the Research Paper Module. Discuss your ideas with me via email or Skype. Grading The above elements are weighted thus: Online Discussions 25% Reading Quizzes 15% Mid-­‐term Exam 20% Final Exam 20% Research Paper 20% Please note that a grade of C signifies satisfactory completion of course requirements; a grade of B signifies completion of these requirements with a far greater degree of proficiency; a grade of A signifies completion of the requirements with exceptional skill and insight. Modules This course is organized by Modules. Consult the Module first for all course requirements. Each Module has 1. a reading assignment; 2. a power point presentation; 3. an online discussion; 4. a quiz. It is important that you complete the module in this order. Discussions Online We will have an online discussion for every play you read. Discussion participation must take place within the discussion assignment time frame because the purpose of the discussion is interaction with classmates and the instructor. Late responses to the discussion will be of no benefit to the overall conversation. Confidentiality Students in online courses will be asked to post written work and to engage in written dialogue with other class members. The student should be aware that although confidentiality within the course environment is encouraged, it is possible that users in and outside the course may have access to course content. Course Policies All discussions, quizzes, exams, and the concept paper must be turned in by 11:55 p.m. of the due date for full credit unless there are extenuating circumstances that have been discussed with me by phone or email and the student has been allowed to turn in assignments at a later date. Time extensions will be granted if there are significant extenuating circumstances beyond the student’s control. It is always better to contact the instructor than to not submit an assignment. Faculty Availability I can be reached at my email address (vsmith@messiah.edu), which I check regularly throughout each day. Expectations This course follows the specific academic policies and procedures outlined in the Student Handbook. In particular, I expect you to be familiar with the College’s academic integrity policy and statement on inclusive language. Both policies can be found in the student handbook. Please ask me if you have questions about these matters. I expect you to complete your readings and assignments on time and participate in our discussion forums. While forum participation is an important part of your grade, graciousness consideration of others is as important as your participation itself. Diversity in experience and perspective provides an outstanding opportunity for learning. Disrespectful language or behavior is never appropriate. Any student whose disability falls within the Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines should inform me at the beginning of the semester of any special accommodations or equipment needs necessary to complete the requirements for this course. Students must register documentation with the Office of Disability Services (Hoffman 101, x5358). Students should anticipate at least 14-­‐16 hours per week on readings, assignments, and forum participation. Consider the amount of time spent on a normal Fall/Spring semester course. Preparation for each of the two exams should require approximately 5-­‐6 hours. Minimum System Requirements The following list represents configurations that provide the best performance with our learning management system and synchronous software. These are the configurations the College is ready and able to support. Although students may find that other configurations may work as well, those configurations may not be supported by Academic Technology Services. • Internet connection Required: High speed or broadband cable required • Browser: Mozilla Firefox 3.0 or higher • Operating System Version:Memory (RAM): Minimum 2 GB of RAM ◦ Windows® (XP, Vista, Windows 7) ◦ MAC (10.4 or higher) ◦ Processor : 2.0-­‐4 GHz • Hard Disk Space: Minimum 40 GB of free space • Bandwidth: 500kbps (Upload/download speed for video transmission) • CD-­‐ROM/CD-­‐RW drive: DVD or combo drive helpful • Office Suite: Microsoft Office 2007 or newer, OpenOffice 3.1, or Google Docs Minimum Computer Skills Requirements Students must possess basic computer skills and have regular access to a computer with the Minimum System Requirements in order to participate fully. Specifically, students who enroll in an online course must have basic computer skills including: • A working knowledge of word processing • Navigate the internet using different search engines • Email (Compose, Attach, Send, Read) • Utilize Microsoft Office programs (Word & PowerPoint) • Copy and Paste Technical Support for Students For your convenience, a telephone hotline is available seven days a week in order to provide assistance for technological problems. This hotline is staffed by the College’s Information and Technology Services staff and provides “real person” assistance during the following times: • By phone at (717) 796-­‐1800 ext. 3333 • 7am-­‐11pm EST -­‐ Monday thru Friday • 8am-­‐11pm EST -­‐ Weekends & Holidays • Via email: helpdesk@messiah.edu In the event you need to leave a message, please provide your name, number, and a brief description of the issue you are experiencing. You will receive a call back as soon as possible. You also have access to technical support (i.e. tutorials, help functions, etc.) through the College’s portal, MCSquare, and also through the College’s Learning Management System, SAKAI – Help (for Students) tab. Copyright The materials in this Messiah College course are only for the use of students enrolled in this course for purposes associated with this course and may not be further disseminated. Confidentiality Students may be asked to post written work and to engage in written dialog with other class members within an LMS. The student should be aware that although confidentiality within the course environment is encouraged, it is possible that users in and outside the course may have access to course content. Course Schedule Module 1: Read: Drama and Theater, 1-­‐3; Reading Drama, Imagining Theater, 81-­‐85 Module 2: Read: Oedipus, 89-­‐135 Powerpoint and Online Discussion Oedipus Quiz Module 3: Read: The Martyrdom of the Holy Virgins, 215-­‐225 Powerpoint and Online Discussion Martyrdom Quiz Module 4: Read: Everyman, 265-­‐290 Powerpoint and Online Discussion Everyman Quiz Module 5 Read: Twelfth Night, 447-­‐508 Powerpoint and Online Discussion Twelfth Night Quiz Module 6 Read: Tartuffe, 509-­‐566 Powerpoint and Online Discussion Tartuffe Quiz Module 7 Read: Loa for The Divine Narcissus, 651-­‐665 Powerpoint and Online Discussion Loa Quiz Module 8 Writing About Drama Tutorial E-­‐Book, 1-­‐37 Writing About Drama Tutorial E-­‐Book, 38-­‐84 Mid-­‐Term Exam Module 9 Read: Hedda Gabler, 711-­‐771 Powerpoint and Online Discussion Hedda Gabler Quiz Module 10 Read: The Cherry Orchard, 823-­‐867 Powerpoint and Online Discussion The Cherry Orchard Quiz Module 11 Read: Streetcar Named Desire, 1063-­‐1133 Powerpoint and Online Discussion Streetcar Quiz Module 12 Read: Waiting for Godot, 1225-­‐1287 Powerpoint and Online Discussion Waiting for Godot Quiz Module 13 Read: Fences, 1387-­‐1440 Powerpoint and Online Discussion Fences Quiz Module 14 Read: Angels in America, 1493-­‐1561 Powerpoint and Online Discussion Angels Quiz Module 15 Read: A Number, 1597-­‐1620 Powerpoint and Online Discussion A Number Quiz Module 16 Research Paper Module 17 Final Exam On Written Work I fear we are not getting rid of God because we still believe in grammar. ~Nietzsche Whether or not you consider yourself a writer, writing is a critical element of your education. It is your best opportunity to demonstrate how you think and how you communicate. When you write you can take time to develop or bolster arguments or responses in ways impossible in the classroom. You can show creativity or style you may not be comfortable revealing in other ways. When you write you have the instructor’s full attention. It is in your best interest to write well. It is also in your best interest to present your work in a professional manner. Sloppy work casts an unfavorable light on you and your efforts. The guidelines that follow are requirements for my classes. They are also good suggestions for any written work. Text • Use Times, Times New Roman or Roman font in 12 point. • Use one-­‐inch margins on all four sides of your paper. • Double-­‐space your text. • Indent the first line of each paragraph one-­‐half in. Do not insert an extra return between paragraphs. • Left-­‐justify the text (the left side will be smooth and the right will be jagged). • Use page numbers, either in the upper right corner or centered at the bottom. • In the upper right corner of the first page, list your name, the assignment, the class number and the date (all single-­‐spaced). • If your work has a title, center it above the first paragraph (do not use a title page). Material • If you are handing in a hardcopy of your work, use white, plain stock paper. Staple your pages together and do not use a cover or binder. • If you are submitting your work online, please do so in .doc or .docx (or other word-­‐compatible) format. While a .pdf file is likely to appear as you want, it is much more difficult for me to interact with a .pdf document. Style Please use Chicago (Turabian) style for your written work.