Drama
Fall/Spring 2012-2013
Syllabus
Ms. Cochrane
Room C11
Phone: 264-3262
Email: Joan-Cochrane@sac-city.k12.ca.us
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Supplies that you need to provide:
1. College ruled, lined paper, 8 1/2 x 11.
2. Pencils, Pens.
3. Flash-drive
4. Markers/glue sticks (optional)
Grading: 91-100%……A
80-91%….…..B
70-79%….…..C
60-69% …….D
Evaluation/Assessment:
This will be conducted by means of quizzes, tests, speeches, presentations, and writing activities. Point totals will be decided upon at the time the
assignment is given.
Statement of Learning Outcomes and School Expectations:
All students will achieve the following PRIDE skills:
Powerfully Prepared for College and Career (by)
Demonstrating proficiency in speaking and performing skills by presenting dramatic presentations
Demonstrating proficiency in individual problem solving by writing goals and the steps to accomplish them
Demonstrating proficiency in using proper diction and emphasis when performing
Researching a famous play, actor and theatrical style and presenting it to the class
Responsible Citizen (by):
Turning in all assignments in a timely manner
Maintaining organization of Drama papers and assignments
Coming prepared to class to positively participate in class discussions and exercises
Offering support and help in performing and preparing for performances
Independent Critical Thinker (by)
Writing scenes for performance in our school community and for the public
Evaluating and critiquing performances in order to understand the purpose and meaning of drama in our world
Reading a variety of texts and plays while synthesizing and evaluating the main points and making connections across content areas
and to other disciplines
Determined Lifelong Learner (by)
Selecting and reading additional plays and attending plays in the community
Being intrinsically motivated to improve their understanding of the purpose and meaning of Drama
Excellent Communicator (by)
Creating a written analysis of a production describing all facets of the performance and style
Acting and speaking professionally during the final dramatic presentations
Demonstrating knowledge of dramatic conventions when performing and analyzing plays
Using various media and computer programs to enhance performances
Check out the board!
 At the beginning of each week, your weekly schedule will be written on the board regarding assignments and test due dates.
 Please copy this information in the front of your notebook. This assures your awareness of what will be taking place in class. There
will be little tolerance for excuses regarding lack of knowledge about an assignment due date.
 At the beginning of each day, Common Core Standard will be posted on the board. Please copy this information in your notebook.
Absences/Late Work:
If you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to get all necessary make-up work; this should be done upon your return to class. You will
be allotted the same number of days you were out to make up your work; this will assure that you get full credit for your work. All work that
was assigned prior to your absence is due the day you return.
If there is an objection regarding the content of any novel/movie we are using, a statement regarding the problem will need to be given to your
teacher. This statement should be in the form of a letter signed by your parent(s) or legal guardian(s). At that time, another equivalent (level of
difficulty) selection will be issued.
Texts and Resources for the Class:
The Stage and the School GLENCOE
Romeo and Juliet
Varied plays and adapted materials
Every Quarter we will do:

Weekly writing prompt activities.

Weekly performances in class and for the school.

Participate in class productions both in class and in the school community
The following is a list of major requirements that must be completed in order to pass this class. *Note- This is not an inclusive list of
assignments and the instructor reserves the right to make any changes necessary to comply with state and district standards.
First Quarter

Read and demonstrate an understanding of analysis of selected plays.

Explore and explain dramatic components (ie; opening, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution).

Demonstrate understanding of group roles and dynamics in performance of a play.

Work with a group and synthesize information about plays and their productions

Read plays and readings summarizing the information presented.

Acquire words and definitions from the Stage and School text and texts about drama

Understand basic stage movement.

Understand theatre etiquette and appropriate stage behavior
Second Quarter

Read and critique excerpts from multiple plays

Write a literary essay explaining motivations for a character’s behavior.

Research an assigned topic for the stagecraft unit. This includes staging, make up, movement and props

Properly document all reference materials used for your play critique utilizing MLA format.

Read a play and complete a written play report.

Participate in Improvisation Night
Third Quarter

Read, write, and analyze poetry and literature for dramatic performance.

Identify and define specific dramatic terms.

Read Romeo and Juliet and compare the text with the movie production and alternate settings

Write and perform your own play.

Identify and define key specific dramatic and poetic terms.

Prepare for performance of Spring play using techniques and information learned.
Fourth Quarter

Read various excerpts about the history of drama

Write a short play based on a fairy or folk tale

Create a personal collection of personal performances with critiques

Performance of Spring Play

Read and analyze a multicultural play for cultural connections and to other classes

Describe how skills acquired in theatre may be applied to other content areas and the health careers
Student’s Last Name: _______________________________________
Teacher/Student/Parent Contract
By signing below I acknowledge that this is a demanding class that
requires regular attendance, participation in class work, regular
outside reading, and homework, including participation in plays.
Grades are available to parents and students on a regular basis
through the Zangle System.
Parent/guardian’s name (please print):
______________________________________________________
Parent/guardian’s signature:
______________________________________________________
Phone: _________________Best time to call:________________
Parent E-Mail address: _________________________________
Student’s name (please print):
______________________________________________________
Student’s signature:
______________________________________________________
Student’s E-Mail address:
*The best way to communicate with us is via e-mail; although phone
calls and in-class appointments are encouraged.*