THEA 100 – Fall 2012
South Dakota State University
Introduction to Theatre, 3 Credits
Instructor: Dr. Jo Nesmith
Email: please use D2L course mail function
In case of emergency: maryjo.nesmith@sdstate.edu
Course Description:
This is an introductory course designed to enhance the student’s enjoyment and understanding of the theatrical
experience. Course content and internet exploration as well as play reading and attendance are designed to acquaint
the students with history and techniques of the theatrical art. THEA 100 is intended for introductory students of all
majors who are interested in studying theatre history, performance, and significance. This is a 100-level course
which is reflected in the assignments and pace of the course. Students both on and off campus may enroll.
Course Prerequisites:
It is assumed that students enrolled in this course possess 4 criteria:
1. collegiate-level writing skills
2. self-motivation
3. time-management skills
4. the technical requirements include: an ability to navigate online, to compose documents with word processing
software; preferably Microsoft Word, and to utilize D2L.
Technical and D2L Support:
If you are new to Desire2Learn, you need to complete the D2L Student Tutorial. You can access this by going to
your D2L homepage, opening your Sandbox, and selecting Student D2L 101. This will introduce you to how to use
the platform. For all other D2L or Technical Support questions, contact the Helpdesk at SDSU
www.supportdesk@sdstate.edu. Or 605-688-6776. You may also find assistance through:
http://www3.sdstate.edu/TechnologySupport/InformationTechnologyServices/
In addition, to view most of the files for the course, you will need an Adobe reader. You can download one free by
locating the “Getting Started” box on the course homepage. Click on Technical Requirements. Select to download
Adobe Acrobat Reader, if you do not have one on your computer presently.
Course Requirements:
1. Text (Primary): Wilson, E. & Goldfarb, A. (2012). Theatre: The lively art (8th ed.). McGraw-Hill:
Boston.
This text is available at the SDSU Bookstore in the University Student Union or at
http://www.sdstatebookstore.com
It is the student’s responsibility to obtain the course textbook immediately (by September 7). As texts are
available in the Bookstore, texts are readily available to on campus students. For students off-campus, texts
should be ordered immediately in order to make the deadline for the first assignments.
2. Text (Secondary): Script (Play Critique) of play observed OR Audio Recording (Musical Critique) of
musical observed
For the Critique assignment you will need to track down a particular script of the play attended (if you see
a play for the assignment) or an audio recording of the score (if you see a musical for the assignment). In
other words, if you choose to attend My Fair Lady for the Critique you’ll need to listen to the audio
recording of the music, and if you chose, instead, to attend Death of Salesman for the Critique, you’ll need
to read the script. If you are unable to find a copy at your local or college library, you’ll need to purchase
a copy at a used bookstore or online. For Brookings area students: links for scripts of the plays performed
at SDSU will be listed under the “For Brookings Area Students” box on the course homepage.
3. Play Attendance: 2 full-length, live theatrical performances
You will be required to attend 2 full-length performances. You may select 2 plays, 2 musicals, or 1 play
and 1 musical. One of these performances is for the TGE (Theatre Going Experience) assignment and the
other is for the Critique. It is your responsibility to acquire and pay for tickets if there is an admission
cost. If you cannot afford or do not think you will enjoy attending performances, you should drop the
course.
Course Design
Learning Outcomes:
The primary goal of this course is for students to understand the diversity and complexity of the human
experience through study of the arts and humanities. In particular, students will:
1. Demonstrate knowledge of the diversity of values, beliefs, and ideas embodied in the human experience.
2. Identify and explain basic concepts of the selected disciplines within the arts and humanities.
3. Identify and explain the contributions of other cultures from the perspective of selected disciplines within
the arts and humanities.
4. Explain and interpret formal and stylistic elements of the literary or fine arts.
Upon completion of this course, students should be able to integrate personal experience, textbook content, internet
exploration, and practical observation in order to articulate an informed perspective on theatre today as well as the
human experience explored in theatre. Simply put, the desired learning outcomes of this course are for students to:
1. Demonstrate comprehension of appropriate terminology when describing the theatrical performance and
experience (Knowledge, Comprehension, and Application)
2. Articulate personal attitudes about theatre. (Comprehension)
3. Display an understanding of theatre history and performance as well as the social significance of each
(Knowledge, Comprehension, and Application)
4. Critically evaluate a theatrical performance. (Evaluation)
5. Demonstrate an appreciation for the theatrical artform (Synthesis)
Learning Activities:
Concentrated Personal Study through the reading of text and course notes as well as relevant research
Content Application through written activities
Collaboration through small group discussions
Practical Exploration through theatre-going experiences.
Assessment of Course Objectives:
Achievement of the Course Objectives will be determined through the following means:
Course Objective #1: Discussions, TGE, Assessments, and Critique
Course Objective #2: Discussions, TGE, and Critique
Course Objective #3: Discussions, Quizzes, and Exams
Course Objective #4: Critique
Course Objective #5: Discussions, TGE, and Critique
Grading:
Quizzes – in addition to a course scavenger hunt quiz, there is a quiz over most chapters – 160 total points
Theatre Going Experience– this assignment allows you to explore the theatrical experience. (20 points)
Online Discussions – there will be five opportunities for you to share your understand of content with your peers and to
comment on their posts (30 points)
Midterm Exam – this activity allows you to demonstrate your mastery of the course content of the first unit of the
course. (100 points)
Final Exam – this activity allows you to demonstrate your mastery of the entire course content. (100 points).
Critique – you are required to read, to research, to attend, to critically evaluate and finally to compose a thorough
Critique of one live theatrical production. Details of the required content are given in the assignments section of the
course and Course Format. – 100 total points
Assignment
Scavenger Hunt Quiz
Introductory Email and Discussion
Chapter Quizzes (16 @ 10 points each)
Discussions (5 @ 6 points each)
Theatre Going Experience (TGE)
Exams (2 @ 100 points each)
Critique
TOTAL
Points Possible
15 points
5
160
30
20
200
100
530
Final Course Grades will be determined by the percentage of points you earn out of the possible 530.
A: 477-530
B: 424-476
C: 371-423
D: 318-370
F: 0-317
Some notes on late assignments:
1. Failure to get approval for your selected plays to attend for the TGE and Critique will result in up to a 50%
loss of possible points.
2. Play verification sent with insufficient postage will be returned and docked 10-25 points for delay when it
does arrive.
3. Play verification and assignments must be received by the assigned dates.
4. Assignments submitted late will result in a 10-point loss for each day it is late.
Help in composing papers:
Style. Required format is APA 5th edition for documentation of sources in both the body of the paper and the
bibliography. Guides for the format are available on the course homepage. Be sure to utilize the checklists available
under Content and be sure to review the Composition Guidelines link on the homepage.
Writing Center. If you struggle with collegiate compositions, you should plan ahead for the paper assigned in this
course and seek assistance from the SDSU Writing Center in the basement of Scobey Hall 032 or contact the office
via email at SDSU.writing.center@sdstate.edu.
Library. For the paper you compose in this course, you will need to support your claims with reasoning and
evidence. This means you will need to conduct research to find sources which are current, credible, and
comprehensive in their exploration of Theatre. Sources which meet these criteria are difficult to locate on the world
wide web. However, you are fortunate as a student to have access to a wealth of these current, credible, and
comprehensive sources available at the SDSU library. You can link to the library at:
http://www3.sdstate.edu/Academics/Library/index.cfm Information and tutorials to help in using these electronic
resources are available at: http://lib.sdstate.edu/lib11/instruction/tutorial.html.
How to Succeed in This Course
This course does not have regular meeting times. It does, however, have specific deadlines. You
should plan on logging into the course 3-5 times per week to check course news (on the
homepage), course mail, assignment reminders, and to monitor your grades. My recommendation is
that you set aside a time four times per week to work on this course as it moves very quickly.
During these four days, you should be studying the text and course notes. Consider this your “in class
content time.” In addition, you will need to spend time researching, writing, attending plays, taking
quizzes and other activities.
If you are not a person who can self-motivate and study content without a group of other students and
an instructor in person, the online course is not the best format for you to succeed in the course.
Students who create a regular schedule and spend time reading, re-reading, and studying course
materials are more likely to succeed in this course. Students who read a chapter and then immediately
open a quiz to take it will not succeed in this course. If you are student whose attitude is “just tell me
what I have to do” or “I’ll get it all done this a few hours before it’s due” you will not succeed in this
course.
Carefully consider which type of student you are. If you are not organized, self-motivated, and
prepared for this challenge, you should not take this course online. You should take it where you can
best succeed. In this online course, working on a set weekly schedule is the key to passing. Also, if
you have questions, you are more likely to get questions answered in a timely manner. Finally, if you
have a written assignment due, this allows you time to proof your writing.
Study the Course Schedule very closely. You should plan accordingly with the rest of your life
schedule. Poor planning on your part will not result in any extensions for assignments.
You should also examine the graded assignments very closely. Note how many points the Critique is
worth in proportion to the other assignments. I have had more than one student lower their final
grade or fail the course for submitting a poor Critique or not submitting the Critique Verification.
This Virtual Classroom Environment
Classroom Expectations: In order to meet desired learning outcomes, students are responsible for their own work.
Throughout the course individuals should display:
1. An appreciation for the limitations and unlimited opportunities of an online course.
2. Writing, study, and time-management skills a student should be able to display in at the collegiate level.
3. Basic Netiquette: visit http://www.studygs.net/netiquette.htm
4. Attentiveness to the material and the course- Approach all course activities in a prepared and enthusiastic
manner.
5. An openness to new ideas from others and criticism of writing style from the instructor
6. An informed concern about contemporary social issues
What you can expect from the instructor:
I strive to clearly articulate my expectations of each assignment. I have high standards for students enrolled in an
online course. It is assumed that by enrolling in this course you are willing to take on the challenges of the online
learning environment and that you meet all of the expectations. I have little patience for students who use work or
last minute technical problems as an excuse for uncompleted assignments. I will attempt to provide you with timely
feedback on assignments. In addition, I will respond to your questions in a reasonable time frame. I will grade all
written assignments based on their content and composition. You will not receive comments on your quizzes. In
grading your assignments I will do everything in my power to grade your work fairly.
Americans with Disabilities Act:
Any student who feels s/he may need an accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact the
Coordinator of Disability Services privately to discuss your specific needs. Please contact the Office of Disability
Services at (605-688-4504 or fax 605-688-4987) to privately discuss your specific needs. The Office of Disability
Services is located in room 125 Wintrode Student Success Center.
Freedom in learning.
Students are responsible for learning the content of any course of study in which they are enrolled. Under Board of
Regents and University policy, student academic performance shall be evaluated solely on an academic basis and
students should be free to take reasoned exception to the data or views offered in any course of study. Students who
believe that an academic evaluation is unrelated to academic standards but is related instead to judgment of their
personal opinion or conduct should first contact the instructor of the course. If the student remains unsatisfied, the
student may contact the department head and/or dean of the college which offers the class to initiate a review of the
evaluation.
Academic Honesty
Any breach of academic honesty by cheating or plagiarism on the part of the student will result in failure in this
course.
Attendance Policy.
It is expected that students will follow the Course Schedule to complete assessments by their due dates. This will
require students to log-in to the course throughout each week. It is further expected, that students will log-in
regularly to the course to check course news. “Regularly” accounts for approximately 3-5 times per week. Log-in
and assignment completion is expected during the first 2 days of the course. If a student encounters extenuating
circumstances beyond one’s control (accident, illness, death in the family), he or she should contact the instructor as
soon as possible via Course Mail to inquire about alternative arrangements if documentationcan be provided.
Alternative arrangements will not be made for personal forgetfulness in completing assignments prior to their
articulated due dates. Alternative arrangements may be made for students encountering major technical difficulties
with required course technology, if the problem encountered was beyond the realm of student control.
Extended Absence from the Course
If a student encounters circumstances which may require absence from class that exceeds one week (i.e.
prolonged illness, death in the family, etc.), then that student may wish to contact the Dean of Student
Affairs located in AD 318, or by calling 688-4493.
Make-up Policy
Assignments submitted after the designated due date are considered “late.” These assignments will lose 10
points per each day they are late. Quizzes and Tests cannot be “made-up.” Exceptions will be made for
students who encounter circumstances beyond their control (family emergency, health problems, computer
problems, etc.). Poor time management or personal forgetfulness is not considered a circumstance
beyond the student’s control.