Theatre Appreciation
Ms. Katherine Burke
Tuesday/Thursday, 9 – 10:15 a.m.
Matthews 210
Fall 2006
PLEASE READ AND KEEP THIS SYLLABUS.
A copy of this syllabus is available on WebCT.
Office
PAO Hall, 2nd Floor, Room 2186
Office Hours
Tuesday/Thursday 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. or by appointment.
Email
kburke@purdue.edu
Office Phone
49-43086
Cell Phone
765-414-2050
AOL Instant
Messenger
Kmarie1351
Teaching Assistants
Phone: 49-68257
Office: PAO 2192
Andrew Carlson
aicarlso@purdue.edu
Office Hours: Monday/Wednesday, 10 – 11 a.m.
Lisa Darden
ldarden@purdue.edu
Office Hours: Monday, 10:20 – 11:20
Joe Quadres
jquadres@purdue.edu
Office Hours: Friday, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Objectives

To introduce the student to the art, craft, nature, practice, and
history of theatre

To give the student an appreciation and understanding of the
artists, craftspeople, and businesspeople who work in theatre

To give insight into the relationship between theatre and
society, past and present
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At the end of this course the successful student will be able to
Required Reading

Astutely discuss the differences and similarities between theatre
and other types of performance, entertainment, and art

Identify the structural components of a script and the
characters within

Confidently and observantly critique a performance of a play

Identify major characteristics within western theatre history, and
be able to link theatrical movements with artistic genres,
sociopolitical movements, and historic events
The Enjoyment of Theatre, 6th Edition, Cameron & Gillespie
A Doll’s House, Henrik Ibsen, translated by Frank McGuiness
Richard III, William Shakespeare
Seven Guitars, August Wilson
The Importance of Being Earnest, Oscar Wilde
Wit, Margaret Edson
Living Out, Lisa Loomer
WebCT & Digital
Streaming
To access the syllabus, assignments, announcements, study guides and
help, and grades online, visit www.itap.purdue.edu/tlt/ecourses/. You
can also get to WebCT by visiting http://www.purdue.edu and clicking
on “WebCT” in the upper right corner of the screen. For help call 4944000 or email itap@purdue.edu.
Boilercast (access to digitally recorded lectures) is available for this
class, but you must access it on a computer that logs into your Purdue
account. THTR 210 lectures will be available at
http://boilercast.itap.purdue.edu:1013/Boilercast/
See the WebCT THTR 201 homepage for more information.
Attendance
Attendance at THTR 201 lectures is not mandatory; attendance will not
be taken. However, at most classes there will be live performances and
video presentations; if you choose not to attend class you will put
yourself at a distinct disadvantage.
At each class in which there is no quiz, exam, or assignment due, each
student will be asked to fill out a “question card,” on which you can
write a statement, comment, or question about the day’s class. If you
attend all but two of those classes, you will receive ten extra credit
points at the end of the semester.
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Course Content
Required Production Viewings
Students are expected to attend three required performances
produced by the Purdue University Theatre Division.
Seven Guitars by August Wilson
September 21-October 1, 2006
Carole and Gordon Mallett Theatre
The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
September 22 - October 6, 2006
Nancy T. Hansen Theatre
Richard III by William Shakespeare
November 17 - December 3, 2006
Carole and Gordon Mallett Theatre
Please purchase tickets several weeks in advance, as performances
may sell out. It is up to the student to acquire tickets early enough to
insure admission. There is no way to make up for missing a production.
Box Offices
49-43933
Loeb Box Office
Stewart Center
Open weekdays 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Yue-Kong Pao Hall Box Office
Open weekdays 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
SEEING SHOWS FOR FREE – It is possible to usher or put up posters in
exchange for seeing a show for free. An announcement will be made
in class to let you know when usher sign-up sheets and posters are
available. Or call the theatre office at 49-43074.
Exams
Three exams are given. Makeup exams are given only in case of
emergency or previous arrangement with the instructor. No makeup
exams will be given for oversleeping (this includes the final
examination)

Bring two #2 pencils on exam days

Makeup exams will be given only with permission from Ms.
Burke. Bring written documentation which justifies your absence
from the exam. Makeup exams consist of multiple choice, short
answer, and essay questions.

The final exam is comprehensive.
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Quizzes
Six quizzes or group assignments are given in class. The lowest grade of
these quizzes/assignments will be dropped. No makeup quizzes are
given.
Students are expected to write a three-page response to a play.
Students are responsible for all lectures, reading assignments, and play
attendance. Please identify a “note partner” in case of emergencies.
However, please understand that because of the experiential nature
of this class, which includes live performances and video presentations,
relying on someone else’s notes will put you at a disadvantage.
Extra Credit
There are a variety ways to receive extra credit points in this course. No
more than 15 total extra credit points will be given.
Attendance – There are several classes scheduled at which there are
no quizzes, exams, or assignments due. If you attend all but two of these
classes, you will receive an additional ten extra credit points. These
classes are indicated on your course schedule with a white
background.
Performance – You may elect to do a scene or monologue in class at
the end of the semester. You must sign a contract to do the scene or
monologue by the due date. Details are in the contract posted on
WebCT. Ten extra credit points are possible. If you are cast in a
directing class scene or play this semester (at Purdue or elsewhere) you
may receive up to ten extra credit points, so long as you are not
receiving course credit for your performance. Participating in
Company 201 will also give extra credit points.
Behind-the-scenes work – Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette is often
seeking volunteers to work backstage. Purdue Theatre may need
people as well. These assignments require a big time commitment. Call
the Civic Theatre (423-PLAY) or Rich Dionne at Purdue
(rdionne@purdue.edu) if you are interested. You will be required to
provide written documentation of your work. Ten extra credit points are
possible; one extra credit point will be given per hour of work.
In-class participation – Volunteering to participate in a lecture or
demonstration may result in extra credit points. Be sure to give your
name and student ID number to a TA on the day you volunteer.
You may not write a paper or do an additional assignment for extra
credit.
Grades
Exam 1…………………..
100 (98)
360 – 400 = A
Exam 2 ………………….
100 (94)
320 – 359 = B
Exam 3 (final) ………….
120 (80 for
A)
Play Response Paper
30 (28)
Quizzes/Assignments
50 (50)
Total
400 (10ex)
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280 – 320 = C
240 – 279 = D
< 240 = F
Honors students please add 20 points to the above scale for your
honors assignment. Grades are given on a percentage basis (90% = A,
80% = B, etc.)
Please keep all graded material from class until the end of the
semester in order to contest grade discrepancies. This course may be
taken Pass/Fail only if it is an elective and not fulfilling a core
requirement.
Please note that at the end of the semester some people’s grades
may fall close to a border. Because there is ample opportunity for extra
credit, there will be no increasing of point totals in order to “bump” a
student into the next highest grade category.
Academic
Dishonesty
Academic dishonesty is not tolerated. Examples of academic
dishonesty include but are not limited to copying from someone else’s
exam or quiz, aiding a fellow student during a quiz or exam, using notes
or other forbidden materials during a quiz or exam, and plagiarism.
Students engaging in academically dishonest behavior will be
reported to the Office of the Dean of Students.

If caught cheating on a quiz or in-class assignment, the student
will be given no points for the assignment and the student’s
overall grade will be lowered one letter.

If caught cheating on a written paper, the student will be given
no points for the assignment and the student’s overall grade will
be lowered two letters.

If caught cheating on an exam, the student will be given an “F”
for the semester.
ADA
If you have a disability that requires specialized accommodations
please notify Ms. Burke as soon as possible, and register with Adaptive
Programs, 1096 Student Services Annex I, 49-41247. Accommodations
for exams need to be made at least one week in advance.
Honors
If you are registered for the Honors section of THTR 201, you are
required to complete an honors project.
Honors Project

Honors students will complete a rehearsal observation journal,
due no later than the last day of class (not the final exam date).

Honors projects are worth 20 points

Please see Ms. Burke for details on the project. You must
contact her within the first two weeks of class.
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Classroom
Behavior
Students at Purdue University are at all times expected to be in
compliance with the Campus Code of Conduct. Failure to abide with
this code will not be tolerated in this course. Examples of inappropriate
behavior include behaviors that disrupt instruction and/or learning;
and behaviors that threaten, harass, or discriminate against others.
Students who engage in inappropriate classroom behavior will be
asked to leave the classroom, will receive no credit for in-class
activities for the day, and must meet with the instructor prior to
returning to the next class. Severe cases of inappropriate behavior will
be referred to the Office of the Dean of Students for appropriate
disciplinary action.
Late arrival and early departure are disrespectful and disruptive, and
should be avoided at all times.
Any material presented by guest speakers is of equal importance to
that presented by Ms. Burke.
Please do not converse with your neighbor during lectures, videos, or
presentations.
If you are discovered using your laptop computer in class for anything
other than taking notes (e.g. surfing the internet, emailing, instant
messaging, etc.) you will be asked to leave the classroom, and you will
not receive the extra credit point for the day. You will be asked not to
use your laptop computer in class again.
Play Selections
“We all know that Art is not truth. Art is a like that makes us
realize the truth, at least the truth that is given to us to
understand.” – Pablo Picasso
Shakespeare wrote that the purpose of theatre “is to hold, as ’twere,
the mirror up to nature, to show virtue her own feature, scorn her own
image, and the very age and body of the time his form and pressure.”
Through the theatre we can come to a deeper understanding of
humanity.
The plays we are reading and seeing may contain material you find
disturbing or challenging. These plays are not chosen as examples of
ideal human behavior, but as a way to make us “realize the truth” of
people and the world in which they live. If you find any of the material
in this course offensive, please see Ms. Burke for possible alternate
assignments.
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Succeeding in
THTR 201

Always attend lecture and actively participate in class. Engage
your mind in answering questions posed. Raise your hand and
answer questions in class. Even if you choose not to answer
verbally, write some answers down in your notes.

Pay attention and take good notes. Don’t attend class if you
plan to read the Exponent, surf the internet, or sleep… you will
be asked to leave. Instead, take notes on lectures, videos, and
live performances. Identify a note partner who can share notes
with you in case you miss class. Consult WebCT… there is a lot
of help there. Neither TAs nor the instructor will give you notes
from classes you missed.

Keep up with the reading. The reading for THTR 201 is very
manageable, and often quite entertaining. Don’t fall behind
and try to catch up on the day before an exam. By keeping up
with the reading you will be more able to engage in class
discussions.

At the required performances, think about what you are seeing.
Read the director’s and designers’ notes in the program. Keep
your program as a reminder of the names of the characters
and artistic personnel. You might even like to jot down a few
notes on scenic and/or costume design.

Apply what you learn. Use the study guides on WebCT to
engage your mind in learning. Gather in small study groups to
work together. TAs will not provide personal review sessions,
though you may ask them specific questions.

See your TA or instructor early if you have questions or problems.

Enjoy yourself. Theatre is fun. There’s a reason they call it a play.
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Course Schedule
All readings should be done before class. This schedule is subject to change. You are
responsible for any announcements in class regarding schedule changes. Readings are
from The Enjoyment of Theatre unless otherwise indicated.
Week 1
Tues., Aug. 22
Introduction to the Course
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Week 9
Thurs., Aug 24
What is Theatre?
Reading Due: Ch. 1 + pp. 18-27
Tues., Aug. 29
Reading and Seeing Plays
Reading Due: Chs. 3 & 4
Thurs., Aug. 31
Genre + A Doll's House
Reading Due: A Doll's House (Quiz)
Tues., Sept. 5
The Business of Theatre
Reading Due: Ch. 5 + pp. 28-33, 90-103
Thurs., Sept. 7
The Playwright
Reading Due: Ch. 7
Tues., Sept. 12
The Director
Reading Due: Ch. 9
Thurs., Sept. 14
The Designers
Reading Due: Ch. 10 + pp. 87-90
Tues., Sept. 19
Theatre Spaces
Class meets by groups in Purdue theatres.
Group times & places to be announced in
class and on WebCT.
Thurs., Sept. 21
Acting & Auditioning
Ch. 8
Reading Due: The Importance of Being
Earnest (Quiz)
EXAM #1
Tues., Sept. 26
Thurs., Sept. 28
Origins & Greek theatre
Reading Due: pp. 205-09 + Ch. 11
Tues., Oct. 3
European Renaissance: England & Italy
Ch. 15 + pp. 273-85
Reading Due: Seven Guitars company visit
Thurs., Oct. 5
European Renaissance continued
Reading Due: Richard III by William
Shakespeare (WebCT Quiz due today. Log
on to WebCT between 9:00 a.m. Mon., Oct.
2 and 9:00 a.m. Thur., Oct. 5 to take the
quiz)
Tues., Oct. 10
October Break
Thurs., Oct. 12
Play Response Due – The Importance of
Being Earnest.
Turn in your paper on WebCT by 9:00 a.m.
Bring your ticket stub to class!
Importance of Being Earnest company visit
Tues., Oct. 17
Realism & Naturalism
Reading Due: pp. 337 - 46
Thurs., Oct. 19
Antirealism
Reading Due: pp. 347 - 60
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Week 10
Week 11
Week 12
Week 13
Week 14
Week 15
Week 16
Week 17
Tues., Oct. 24
Thurs., Oct. 26
Musical Theatre
Exam #2
Tues., Oct 31
African-American Theatre
Thurs., Nov. 2
Reading Due: Seven Guitars by August
Wilson (Quiz)
Tues., Nov. 7
Latino Theatre
Thurs., Nov. 9
Reading Due: Living Out by Lisa Loomer
(Quiz)
Tues., Nov. 14
Women in Theatre
Thurs., Nov 16
Reading Due: Wit by Margaret Edson
(Quiz)
Tues., Nov. 21
Rock Musicals
Thurs., Nov 23
Thanksgiving Break
Tues., Nov. 28
The New Millennium
Reading Due: Chapter 19
Thurs., Nov 30
Richard III company visit
Tues., Dec. 5
Extra Credit Performances
Thurs., Dec. 7
Semester Review
Exam #3
Date and time determined by Purdue
University, available on 9/14/06. Part of the
final exam is comprehensive, and the rest
covers material presented after Exam #2.
FINALS WEEK –
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